President Gerson Moreno-Riaño Named One of Michigan’s 25 Most Influential Latinos
Cornerstone University is excited to announce that President Gerson Moreno-Riaño has been named one of the 25 Most Influential Latinos in Michigan 2025 by VIVE Michigan, the state’s leading bilingual magazine. The recognition highlights Dr. Moreno-Riaño’s visionary leadership and his commitment to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening Latino communities across the region.
A Colombian immigrant, Dr. Moreno-Riaño came to the United States with his family at age 9 as Green Card holders. Arriving without financial means and not speaking English, he experienced firsthand the challenges many immigrant families face. His journey fuels his passion for Christian higher education as a transformative force that changes lives and communities.
“Congratulations to Dr. Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University, for being included among other extraordinary Latino leaders in Michigan,” said Mary Ann Gomez Orta, president and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute. “Dr. Moreno-Riaño’s positive impact and influence on education goes beyond Michigan to inspire educators, Latino leaders, and elected officials across the country.”
Since becoming president in 2021, Dr. Moreno-Riaño has led Cornerstone through a season of growth and innovation, with a focus on expanding access for underrepresented students and advancing the common good through a liberal arts foundation rooted in a Christian worldview. His leadership has resulted in several key initiatives:
Expanding Access Through SOAR™: Cornerstone launched SOAR™, the nation’s first fully mobile business management degree, created for working adults and offered at radically affordable tuition. Designed to serve students traditionally excluded from higher education — especially first-generation Latinos and underserved learners — the program now includes a partnership with the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, offering scholarships to member companies and families. As a result, Hispanic enrollment in the SOAR™ degree program is 15% of the total population.
Affordable Tuition & Scholarships: Cornerstone has made its traditional undergraduate tuition one of the most affordable in the region, supported by generous scholarships and financial aid. These efforts have opened new pathways for Latino students and families who once viewed private, faith-based education as out of reach.
Engaging the Local Church: Dr. Moreno-Riaño has invited Hispanic pastors from across West Michigan to speak at chapel services — often translating their messages live so students can experience Scripture in both Spanish and English. This initiative has built meaningful bridges between the university and the region’s Hispanic church community.
National Leadership Engagement: Cornerstone has welcomed prominent Hispanic leaders to campus. Reverend Samuel Rodriguez, a national evangelical leader, served as a panelist at Wisdom Conversations and as the 2023 Commencement speaker. Dr. Moreno-Riaño also partnered with Mary Ann Gomez Orta, president of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, on efforts to strengthen Latino leadership in key sectors. She was a featured panelist at Cornerstone’s inaugural Wisdom Conversations in 2022.
Support for Urban Church Leaders: For over six years, Cornerstone has provided free office space to the Urban Church Leadership Center, supporting Latino and minority pastors during a key season of transition in Grand Rapids.
With more than two decades in Christian higher education, Dr. Moreno-Riaño has served in faculty and senior leadership roles at institutions including Cedarville University and Regent University, where he led initiatives to expand access for underserved students. His long-standing commitment to Christ-centered learning continues to shape Cornerstone’s mission to prepare students for lives of godly influence.
VIVE Michigan’s special Hispanic Heritage Month edition will feature Dr. Moreno-Riaño’s story in its September/October issue. A gala celebration this fall will honor all 25 award recipients.
About VIVE Michigan
Vive Michigan Bilingual Magazine is a free monthly publication that reaches Kent County’s residents in West Michigan, dedicated to family themes in a variety of topics. Every month and during the year, Vive Michigan publishes stories that promote local education, wellness, sports, healthy eating, finances, home ownership, fitness, local events and more.
If you are interested in Cornerstone University’s 65-plus degree programs offered on campus, online and through SOAR™ mobile, please contact admissions@cornerstone.edu.
