Profile

How do you spend your free time?

Richard: Traveling, playing, and listening to music, enjoying friends, food, and wine.
Sharon: I enjoy reading, running, going to concerts, and traveling with Rick.

Please describe your connection to Moravian.

Richard: I am a proud 1990 graduate of Moravian and married to another 1990 Moravian graduate.
Sharon: I graduated in 1990 with a dual degree in history and political science. I met my husband at Moravian in 1986. We dated starting in 1988, and we were married in the Old Chapel on South Campus in 1993. Rick and I have served candles at Vespers together every Christmas since 1988 (except 2020 due to COVID and 1993 due to our honeymoon). I am in the Athletics Hall of Fame, class of 2010.

Who at Moravian most influenced you and how?

Richard: My wife, Sharon Duffy Graham, class of 1990.
Sharon: Dr. Robert Stinson, my history professor, who encouraged me to take on an Honors Project and guided me through the research and developing conclusions. All of his history classes were so engaging; he made history come alive! Dr. Gary Olson was the professor who opened my eyes to the world around me and the injustices that exist. I came to Moravian as an apolitical child of conservative Christian parents, and Dr. Olson showed that we had a responsibility to the world with our actions.

Share your favorite memory from Moravian.

Richard: I always enjoyed the Christmas season at Moravian. Attending Vespers at Central Moravian Church has been a part of my life since I was a freshman.
Sharon: Just one? I have great memories of running cross country and track with amazing teammates; in 1988 I was the first female from Moravian to qualify for Division III nationals. I was the editor of The Comenian in 1988–1989, with a great news editor, David Zinczenko ’91, and have great memories of our small team building the paper every Tuesday night at The Globe Times. And I remember meeting and falling in love with my husband, Rick Graham; we have the Moravian University compass points of that location tattooed over our hearts.

There are many ways to support Moravian philanthropically. Through which giving method do you support Moravian and why? 

Richard: I have been part of the monthly giving program for years. It's an easy way to stay connected to the University.
Sharon: We support Moravian through a monthly recurring gift that is spread out over several of our favorite causes. It's an easy way to give to the University, which has been such an important part of our lives. “Just set it and forget it!”

Why is it important for you to give/volunteer?

Richard: The most important things in my life have roots at Moravian, my education, my beliefs, and my marriage.
Sharon: I believe that it's always important to give of your time, treasure, and talents in the way that makes the most sense for you. Thanks to a great education launched at Moravian, both Rick and I are blessed to be able to give back our treasure to support the next generations. We also both served on the Leadership Council, giving back time (and a little talent). 

I am passionate about supporting Moravian because…

Richard: Moravian opened my eyes to a broader world. My January-term trip to the Soviet Union renewed my love of learning and helped me see the world in a new light. It was a life-changing event, and I feel I need to give back to Moravian to ensure others have the same opportunities.
Sharon: It's so very important to support the next generation of students. I especially love Moravian's dedication to first-generation students who will also grow exponentially with the benefit of a Moravian education.