In the world of education, we often talk about “chapters” — the changing faces of the campus, the evolution of teaching and learning, the growth of the faculty and student body. Yet, while the scenery and the semesters move forward, every great institution is held together by a set of foundational truths that remain untouched by time. As I was reminded while visiting with esteemed alum The Rt. Reverend David Moshier ’72, the most important themes of the Flint Hill story are the ones that never actually change.
Between his years of leadership in the Reformed Presbyterian Church and his tenure as Superintendent of the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery in Washington, the Rt. Reverend has built a career defined by spiritual guidance and high-level public service. When Director of Alumni Relations Maria Taylor and I visited with him this past fall, we met at a small, local diner, one that belies a person of his stature and impact, but — as I found — is wholly reflective of Rev. Moshier’s humility and personal connection.
Over the course of a couple of hours, David shared his experiences at Flint Hill, spoke of shared connections, Falcon news of life’s significant moments — grandchildren born, friends passing, and the enduring connections that remain among our alumni through the decades. It was also an opportunity for me to share an update on the Flint Hill of today — the ways in which we’ve grown and evolved, while also remaining true to deep connections within our school community, academic excellence, and ongoing student success on campus, in college, and beyond. We laughed about the many ways in which Flint Hill continues to evolve, and yet remains grounded in a student-centric experience.
This seamless blend of past and present brought me back to the powerful words I read from the speech he shared during his 2018 dedication of the Falcon Room in Miller House. Speaking in our only original building from our 1956 founding, David described Flint Hill’s history as a series of ‘eras’ — different chapters that all belong to the same book.
“History teaches us that our experiences can be grouped into eras. Tonight, thanks to efforts undertaken in the Husky era, the Falcon era has a permanent, vital, instructive presence. Then again, do we really need to identify ourselves by era — Falcon or Husky? After all, we are one Flint Hill.”
— from Reverend Moshier’s dedication speech
Today, Reverend Moshier is frequently called back to the D.C. area to preside over the sacred milestones of life, from joyous marriages to solemn funerals. For Flint Hill families navigating the weight of loss, David is often the first call made. His innate warmth and deep-rooted community ties offer comfort and guidance during life’s most challenging seasons. This lifelong commitment to serving the community is a direct reflection of the values he first embraced on campus decades ago. That bond with Flint Hill isn’t just a professional courtesy; it is a personal identity that he carries with him every day.
He told me he’s always delighted to see the school decal still on passing cars. While he remains a Falcon in his heart, he sees the Husky as a symbol of the same enduring legacy. Our time together reinforced that Flint Hill is a place where history and progress live side-by-side. Reverend Moshier is more than an alum; he is a guardian of our story and a champion of everything we have yet to become.