Building a Better Future
For decades, Patricia Nemesh Schoenen ’70 and her husband, Robert J. Schoenen Jr., have been champions of ƽ and the greater Lehigh Valley. Through tireless volunteer work and philanthropic support, they have built a legacy rooted in service, connection, and community impact.
For Patricia Nemesh Schoenen ’70, her journey of service began humbly—with a teapot. As a young alumna, she volunteered to pour tea at a reunion event for Moravian graduates. “As a 21-year-old, my first reaction was ‘Oh my gosh, they graduated 50 years ago,’” Pat recalls. “Well, I’m out 55 years this year, and I’m thinking the students are probably saying the same thing about me!”
That small gesture launched a decades-long commitment to Moravian and to service across the Lehigh Valley. Pat and her husband, Robert J. Schoenen Jr., have since become a beloved constant at Moravian events—cheering on athletic teams, attending giving society gatherings, and even chairing the inauguration of Moravian’s 14th president, Dr. Ervin Rokke. Bob was awarded an honorary degree from Moravian in 1998 and served as vice president for advancement in the early 2000s, deepening the Schoenens’ connection to the university.
At the heart of their contributions is a simple motivation: “I want to make a difference,” says Pat. “I want to make something better.”
Finding Community at Moravian
As a Lehigh Valley native, Pat was already familiar with Moravian when she stepped on campus as a mathematics major in 1966. She was drawn to the university’s close-knit community and personal approach to education. “You get to know all the students; you get to know your professors. It’s a whole different ball game than the larger schools,” she says.
She quickly became involved on campus, tutoring children at Bethlehem’s Donegan Elementary School and serving on Moravian’s birthday committee, delivering cakes and serenading students on their special day.
During the summers, Pat worked at Schoenen’s Supermarket, a Bethlehem landmark owned by Bob’s family. She worked alongside his father in the meat department and his grandfather in produce. “I tell Bob he married the help,” she laughs.
The couple married while Pat was still a senior at Moravian and have been together ever since. “To this day, I feel like Moravian should have been my alma mater,” Bob says.
Their bond with the university deepened through a close friendship with Dr. Herman E. Collier Jr. P’86, Moravian’s first lay president, and his wife, Jerline Collier P’86. Jerry was the one who invited Pat to pour tea for alumni and later recruited her to volunteer for Moravian’s Antiques Show. That year, Pat helped secure volunteers, then continued serving for another 25 years.
She also became treasurer of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors—her first board experience and a natural fit for a math major. “Numbers and doing all kinds of financial things were right up my alley,” Pat reflects.
A Life of Service Beyond Campus
Pat’s passion for helping others soon extended well beyond Moravian’s campus. She began as treasurer for the St. Luke’s University Health Network Charity Ball, starting a record of service that spanned more than four decades and nearly 10,000 volunteer hours. She later joined the hospital’s auxiliary board, first serving as treasurer and vice president before her fellow members encouraged her to serve as president. At first, Pat demurred, saying she felt most comfortable with the account books, but looking back, she’s glad she changed her mind. “Of course I became president, and I don’t think I’ve been treasurer of anything since,” she says with a laugh.
“She’s very good at setting priorities and taking in the big picture of where an organization is, what their goals are, and developing the leadership skills to lead the organization in that direction,” says Bob.
One of her proudest achievements is leading the unification of Northampton and Lehigh Counties’ Meals on Wheels programs. Pat helped the separate programs overcome long-standing financial and structural differences by focusing on shared purpose and potential. “What was key to convincing everyone was that we could expand the area we delivered to,” recalls Pat.
As the founding president of the new Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Pat helped extend the organization’s coverage area to reach more people in need. Bob delivers meals throughout the Bethlehem area and sees the impact of Pat’s leadership reflected in the gratitude of the people he serves. “It’s part of being a member of a community where you give back to those who are in need,” he says. “That’s what Moravian taught me.”
After 21 years of service to Meals on Wheels, including four years as president, Pat stepped away briefly, only to return in 2024 with renewed energy for the organization’s mission. Today, she’s thrilled to serve alongside fellow Moravian alumni, including CEO Erik McGaughey ’91 and three other board members. “There is such a Moravian connection now,” she says. “To see all these people who are Moravian grads doing this nonprofit work impresses me.”
Staying Connected, Giving Back
The Schoenens remain deeply involved with Moravian’s students and campus life. As longtime members of the Blue & Grey Club, the couple are loyal supporters of varsity athletics and dedicated fans of women’s basketball and softball, even joining the teams on the road. Pat also coached the women’s golf team in the 1990s, earning Moravian’s Harvey Gillespie Outstanding Coaches Award in 1999. She has served on the Golf Classic Planning Committee since 2022 and co-chaired the 2025 committee.
The Schoenens’ philanthropy continues to shape Moravian’s future. Pat is a founding member of the Anna Nitschmann Society, which recognizes and uplifts Moravian’s women leaders and philanthropists. She formed a close bond with the society’s inaugural scholarship recipient, Catherine Lovett ’25.
“Since I met Pat, she has been a shining light, helping me through my time at ƽ,” says Catie. “Pat not only listens but goes above and beyond and is always present. She attended my nursing pinning ceremony this past May and celebrated with me when I accepted my job at St. Luke’s. Pat is a proud supporter and takes pride in education, empowerment, and community.”
Pat feels the same sense of admiration. “I love the students today and am just impressed with them, their majors, and their involvement. Students today are better educated and more worldly and can interact with adults much better than we could 50 years ago.”
In 2024, Pat was honored with one of Moravian’s highest accolades: the Medallion of Merit. This prestigious award, presented annually to an alum who exemplifies exceptional service and dedication to the university, recognized Pat’s decades-long commitment to Moravian.
Investing in the Future
President Bryon L. Grigsby ’90, P’22, P’26, P’29 recognizes the profound impact the Schoenens have had on Moravian. “Through their years of volunteering, generous support, and unwavering dedication, Pat and Bob have strengthened not only our university but also the lives of countless students,” he says. “Their commitment reminds us that true leadership means giving back to the communities that shape our future.”
Recently, the Schoenens made a transformational gift to establish The Patricia Nemesh ’70 & Robert J. Schoenen Jr. Conference & Events Management Reception Area in the expanded Haupert Union Building. The new space will host a wide range of student, faculty, and community events, helping foster collaboration and meaningful connections and welcoming the Bethlehem community to campus.
“We feel that we are doing some good by helping Moravian,” says Bob, “but most importantly, Moravian is taking from us and making students into much better individuals to serve whatever community they settle in. Moravian looks to the future.”
Pat agrees. “Over the past 55 years, Moravian has done a good job in helping make the future a better place.”
Together, Pat and Bob Schoenen exemplify the spirit of service. Their legacy is more than their time and resources—it’s the inspiration they give others to make a difference and build community, lighting the way for future generations.
