Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

A Message from the President: Rafael Moreno Valle

A Message from the President: Rafael Moreno Valle

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The Lycoming College community is mourning the death of our distinguished alumnus Rafael Moreno Valle ’91, a Mexican federal senator and former governor of the state of Puebla, Mexico, and his spouse Martha Erika Alonso, who had recently become the new governor of Puebla. The couple perished on December 24 in a tragic helicopter crash near the Puebla airport. 

Moreno Valle graduated magna cum laude from Lycoming College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and political science in 1991, and was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. He also held a Juris Doctor from Boston University and an MBA from the Harvard University Extension School. At the 2016 Commencement Ceremony, Lycoming College awarded Moreno Valle an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree and he delivered the keynote to the graduating class.

Moreno Valle was an extraordinary person. His term as Governor of Puebla from 2011-17 brought about improvements to the state’s healthcare system and infrastructure and its educational system through a focus on literacy and school performance at primary and secondary levels. His career and life exemplified the mission of Lycoming College: preparing its graduates for lives of meaning and careers of significance. 

I have extended my profound sympathies to his family and friends on behalf of the Lycoming College community. Rafael and Martha will be deeply missed by all who knew them and the people of Mexico.

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