Ask an Alum: Advice for the Class of 2026
Moravian alumni urge Class of 2026 to pursue purpose, adapt to change, and give back, reminding graduates that learning never stops.
As graduates of Moravian University step into their next chapter, alumni across generations offer a shared message rooted in purpose, adaptability, and generosity. Their advice encourages young professionals to say yes to opportunities that foster growth while defining success on their own terms. Above all, they remind new grads that learning never stops.
1. Say yes, but know when to say no. Early in your career, opportunities can feel like they all matter equally. They don’t. Say yes to things that align with your values and growth, but protect your time and energy too.
2. Define success for yourself—not by job title, salary, or what others expect. What kind of life do you want? Let that guide your decisions.
3. Don’t forget where you came from. Moravian University gave you opportunities, community, and growth, but now you get to carry that forward. Be the person who opens doors for others, just like someone did for you.
—SOPHIA Z. RIVERA ’24, G’26
Start saving for retirement with your first paycheck, even if it’s only a little bit. You won’t miss the money if it never goes into your pocket, and you’ll appreciate all the compound interest you’ll accrue over the years.
—SAMANTHA DORNEY HLAVINKA ’04
Moravian University provides a firm foundation for future fulfillment. Build well and you’ll do well.
—ROBERT GILBERT ’61
Say yes to opportunities, not careers. You never know where you’ll end up!
—KYLE STACKHOUSE ’13
While your time at Moravian is coming to an end, you will need to keep learning new skills and growing your educational résumé for the rest of your life. Take advantage of any and all educational opportunities that you can from your employer; they will increase your value with both your current and future employers. My last employer’s motto was “The only constant is change.”
People who stayed with them needed to be flexible and willing to upgrade their skill sets. Even in retirement, I have developed new skills that I use in my volunteer work.
—WALTER LATIMER ’75
Don’t fake it till you make it, fake it till you become it. If you have a goal you want to achieve or a version of yourself that you want to become, put energy and intentionality into that.
—SARAH WRIGHT DURHAM ’16
Next Up
When you arrived at Moravian, what was one thing you couldn’t leave home without?
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