Patricia Nemesh ’70 & Robert J., Jr. Schoenen
Co-Chairs, Trustees Subcommittee
About You
What is your personal motto?
Pat: My motto is “Come as a tourist, leave as an ambassador.”
Bob: “Say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to everyone, every time.”
How do you spend your free time?
Pat: I like to play golf, do needlepoint, and crochet.
Bob: During the warm weather, golfing. In the winter, studying companies—both their finances and how they operate.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Pat: I like to do all kinds of crossword puzzles, and I have done this since I was a teenager.
Bob: I write poetry.
Who is your favorite musician/band/performer and why?
Pat: My favorite group is Il Divo. I love their music and have seen them in concert three times.
Bob: The Beach Boys—their California songs of the ’60s and ’70s always made me feel good and imagine the easygoing style that would be fun to live (short term).
About Your Experience
Who at most influenced you and how?
Pat: I really liked Marlyn A. Rader. He was the chair of the math department, and I was a math major. He was a very accessible person. I also have very fond memories of Jerline Collier. She and I got along very well and had many common interests.
Bob: Herman Collier got me active with the college and really introduced me to its caring, inclusive nature. He exemplified the “culture” and really showed me how to best help other people.
What advice would you give to a current student?
Pat: Make the most of your college career. There are so many opportunities available to you, so take full advantage. I also encourage you to stay involved and don’t forget to give back.
Bob: Live the complete experience. Remember all the good things that you are experiencing. Never forget that if you don’t give back, future students may not be able to enjoy the same opportunities.
About Lighting the Way
Why is it important for you to serve/volunteer?
Pat: I have been a volunteer since my college days and continue to be a community volunteer for three different organizations. I really take a lot of pride in this and like to feel that I make a difference.
Bob: My volunteering may help deserving students experience the best possible education and learn a way of life that will make them caring citizens in the future. They will not only live well themselves but try to enable everyone in their society to have a better life.
How do you believe Lighting the Way will help our students, their future, and the next generation?
Pat: Lighting the Way provides our students with opportunities, support, and caring. It teaches them to give back and help future generations. It also allows different generations to interact with each other. I am so impressed with the students of today and all that they accomplish. President Bryon Grigsby leads by example, and what a difference he has made!
Bob: Lighting the Way will help fund a better lifestyle and education for deserving students. still serves mostly students who might be the first in their families to attend college.
To learn about all our community members leading us in the Lighting the Way campaign, visit moravian.edu/lightingtheway/leadership.
