CELEBRATING THE 275TH ANNIVERSARY OF MORAVIAN COLLEGE

HON. CHARLES W. DENT
of Pennsylvania 
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 6, 2017

  Mr. DENT: Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Moravian University on the occasion of its 275th Anniversary.

Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Moravian's roots go all the way back to May 1742, when it began as a girls' school founded by Countess Benigna von Zinzendorf, who was only 16 years-old at the time. Motivated by her religious roots in the Moravian denomination, Countess Benigna accompanied her father, Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf, on a visit to the Moravian settlements in the New World. The intent was to use education as an instrument of salvation for the surrounding community of Bethlehem, which was established one year prior.

Zinzendorf's school became the first girls' boarding school in America. Eventually, it would come to be known as the Bethlehem Female Seminary, and in 1913, it became the Moravian Seminary and College for Women. The school developed such a distinguished reputation that in its early years, George Washington personally petitioned the headmaster for the admission of two of his great-nieces while he served his second term as President.

In 1954, the women's institution joined with the men's institution, Moravian University and Theological Seminary, which was comprised of boys' schools from Bethlehem and Nazareth, to form the singular Moravian College. Moravian Theological Seminary maintained a close, but distinct identity as a graduate school of theology. The merger made Moravian College the first coeducational institution of higher learning in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.

Today, Moravian University remains committed to its mission of preparing individuals for a "reflective life, fulfilling careers, and transforming leadership in a world of change.'' The school offers more than 50 programs of study, and over 2,000 students make up its undergraduate and graduate student population.

It is my pleasure to congratulate the students, alumni, faculty, and staff of Moravian University as they celebrate this very special 275th Anniversary. May they enjoy continued success in edifying and serving the Lehigh Valley and all those who look to carry on its proud tradition.