Isidore "Jerry" Mihalakis, MD ’58

Established the Dr. Isidore Mihalakis ’58 Endowed Scholarship Fund for undergraduate students majoring in mathematics, physics, or biology. 

Please describe your Moravian experience.

I found Moravian a welcoming place where many of my classmates became great friends. Life was pleasant as a student where there was fun to be had (except at exam time)! I appreciated the close relationships you could form with professors. You were always able to drop in and lean on their expertise if you needed help with your coursework.

What do you like (love) most about Moravian, and why is that important to you?

I love the student outcomes. Moravian has excellent brick-and-mortar facilities, but the people supporting the students are what helps them thrive.

What would you like to see improved or changed at Moravian (if anything)?

All I have is love for Moravian. While I am involved, I do not feel I know the inner workings well enough to suggest improvements or changes.

What motivates you to stay involved at Moravian?

At one point and time, I could go back to Moravian and say hello to professors and staff that helped me on my journey. Admittedly, my involvement is more passive these days, but despite the names and faces changing, it is still the friendly, welcoming community I remember fondly. When I go back there, it is like being home.

In your opinion, what is the most important work that Moravian does?

Moravian’s work with the students is the most important aspect of the institution’s work. The stories of faculty and staff going the extra step to support the students remain unchanged. That is how I remember my Moravian experience, and I am glad to see that is still the case today.

Why do you volunteer/donate?

I am simply paying back what was done for me. It was the half-tuition scholarship that afforded me the opportunity to attend Moravian.

Of what contribution or achievement are your most proud of in your work? At Moravian? In your personal life/community?

I thoroughly enjoyed my career as a forensic pathologist, and Moravian provided me with the foundation to become a highly respected member of my field.

What do you hope Moravian will achieve in the near future? Long term?

I hope Moravian receives the recognition it deserves for its student outcomes and the great work of the faculty members. I hope to see more published work from the professors at Moravian in the future.

Does anyone in your life play a role in supporting your involvement at Moravian? Who inspires you to support Moravian?

My journey to Moravian was motivated by the close proximity to my childhood home, the scholarships I was able to receive, and the community that welcomed me on campus. Having emigrated with my parents from Greece at age 9, to have Moravian as a local option was tremendous. I was accepted to Penn University but had to turn them down for financial reasons.