A Bethlehem independent living community will now call Moravian College its second home.

Traditions of Hanover, located in Hanover Township, Bethlehem, is an independent senior living community that has become one of the college's newest community partners.

"Generational partnerships are really close to my heart," said Moravian President Bryon Grigsby at a reception held in the PPHAC Atrium Sept. 19.

Fifteen residents and seven staff members from Traditions came to campus, joined by Amos and Mo, to visit the MC Farm Fresh Market, tour the Haupert Union Building and Reeves Library.

Before the official launch of the partnership, members of Moravian's Omicron Gamma Omega attended Family Day at Traditions to help with the activities for the residents.

"We loved connecting with the Traditions community, and we are looking forward to helping out again," says chapter President Nick Roberts.

The project began in the summer with USG President Tim Semonich and Carole Reese, director of Institutional Research and Special Projects, working in conjunction with Cathy Heimsoth, executive director of Traditions of Hanover.

"We are creating a platform for you [the residents] and for the students of Moravian to be able to share past experience or to talk about future experiences," Heimsoth said.

This effort connects an initiative last spring with the Bethlehem Area School District and the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley to partner with William Penn ES.

"We want Moravian to be the place that people look for education all throughout life," Reese said

As the ceremony came to a close Grigsby and Heimsoth cut a ceremonial cake officially kicking off the partnership.

"It makes me proud to be a part of something that honors our past while building our future," Heimsoth said.