The Moreno family: An Oxford legacy
The Moreno family’s Oxford legacy spans generations and continents. It began with two sisters and a brother who attended college for a liberal arts education and discovered a lasting community. Along the way, each achieved academic excellence, made lifelong connections, and started down the path to professional success.
Yaritza Moreno Morris 98Ox 00C was the first to choose Oxford, followed by Julio Moreno 02Ox 04C and Nadia Moreno 06Ox 08C. Their fourth sibling, Lucas, chose another path, but is a decorated soccer coach who has had Oxford students on his teams. "He is a big fan of our school," says Yaritza.
The Moreno family emigrated from Venezuela and settled in Atlanta in the early 1990s. “When I applied, I had only been in the U.S. for four years,” says Yaritza. She was a top high school student enrolled in a World Language Magnet Program and initially planned to attend college out of state to achieve her polyglot dreams. But a visit to Oxford convinced her that the school’s “small, personal feel with incredible resources and course offerings” was the place for her.
During her time at Oxford, she studied abroad in Paris, joined Chorale, and met her future husband—David Morris 98Ox 01C 02G 10PhD. “Our first date was on Halloween at Dooley's Tavern,” she recalls. After graduation, Yaritza earned her master’s degree in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture from the University of Salamanca, Spain. “Six years later, David and I were married at the Day Chapel on Oxford’s campus at a ceremony officiated by two of our favorite professors: Clark Lemons (English) and Hoyt Oliver (Religion).”
Now teaching Spanish at a Maryland public high school, Yaritza both draws inspiration from her former professors, whose photos she keeps in her office, and encourages her top students to consider Oxford for college. She recently became secretary of the Oxford Alumni board. She and David are especially proud of their contributions to the Alumni Scholarship, which Yaritza benefited from when she attended. This fall, the family’s Oxford tradition entered a new chapter when they brought their son, David Oliver Morris 27Ox 29C, to campus.
"When he was admitted to both Emory and Oxford and chose Oxford, we were so glad to have the outcome we had dreamt of for years!"
The legacy continued with Julio Moreno, who joined the Oxford community after visiting his older sister several times. “Seeing how much Yaritza enjoyed her experience left a strong impression on me,” he says. “I was also drawn to the unique balance Oxford offers—the close-knit, family-like atmosphere of a smaller campus combined with the proximity to Atlanta and the prestige of the Emory name.”
Julio planned to pursue a pre-med track but soon developed an interest in political science. “The coursework at Oxford was rigorous and challenged me to develop strong study habits while also learning how to balance academics with social and extracurricular activities,” he says.
He remembers the vibrant social scene, including club activities, camping, biking, and climbing near campus. “I had several influential professors who left a lasting impact on me. Their guidance helped shape the way I engage with ideas and people in both my personal and professional life.”
After graduating from Emory, Julio worked as a child advocate in the Juvenile Court of DeKalb County before earning his JD at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Prior to founding The Moreno Law Firm, LLC, he worked at other immigration law firms, focusing primarily on removal defense and family-based petitions.
Julio believes the foundation he received during his first two years of college has been invaluable to his career.
“My time at Oxford broadened my perspective—not only through lessons I learned in the classroom, but also through the insights and worldviews of my peers. That experience instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and aspiration, as well as the confidence to achieve much with the opportunities I was given.”
He stays connected to Oxford by attending alumni outings in the Atlanta area, and he especially appreciates the many family-friendly events that he can attend with his wife and two sons.
Nadia Moreno also chose Oxford because her brother and sister had “such a great experience, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. Being the youngest of four, I also wanted to stay close to home in Atlanta—a city that has been incredibly good to me and my family.”
While studying sociology and political science, Nadia played varsity soccer, where she was challenged both physically and mentally on a “small but mighty team.” She credits being a student-athlete with fostering a sense of belonging and reminding her of the power of sport to unite and inspire.
That power, coupled with an interest in global affairs sparked by an internship at The Carter Center, led to her successful career path. “I’m forever grateful for President Carter’s mentorship and the example he and Rosalynn set,” she says. She went on to earn a master’s degree in international development at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya-UNESCO.
“My passion lies in bringing teams together for greater community engagement, thinking creatively to address complex challenges, and creating a lasting and positive impact in communities across the globe,” she says. Nadia lives in Copenhagen with her husband and two children and currently works for Children International, which delivers developmental opportunities for children and youth around the world.
"The entire Oxford experience—its people, its values, and its emphasis on community—shaped me profoundly. It taught me to lead with empathy, curiosity, and purpose. Whether it’s through my work or personal connections, I carry Oxford with me. It's more than a college—it’s a true team that nurtures growth, belonging, and lifelong relationships.”
“I’m proud to be part of Oxford and grateful for all it has given me,” she adds, a sentiment clearly shared by this legacy family.
