Alvernia Magazine, Winter 2024

Building a Future |

Teaming up to take education higher

Teaming Up to Take Education Higher FEATURES

Sisters Plant Seeds for Lay Leaders

Experience Learning

Creative License

PROFILES

Opportunity Knocks

Degree of Difficulty

Animal Instincts

World Class

Holleran Center news

O’Pake Institute news

Alumni

WINTER 2024

PRESIDENT

Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.

MANAGING EDITOR

Kristopher Nolt

EDITOR

Jon Fassnacht

ART DIRECTOR

Lynn N. Gano

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Claire Curry

Jon Fassnacht

Lini S. Kadaba

Sarah Matarella

Nikki M. Murry

Susan Shelly

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Susan Angstadt

Dan Z. Johnson

Stephen Johnson

Sarah Matarella

Heidi Reuter

Hailey Rohrer

ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Officers of the Board

Chair

Gregory J. Shemanski Owner/president Customs Processing Services, Inc. Vice Chair

Michael Duff Senior Vice President Penske Truck Leasing President

Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. Alvernia University President Secretary

John McCloskey Jr. ‘94 M’01, DBA Alvernia University Senior VP and Chief Operating Officer University Counsel Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn Members of the Board

John M. Arnold, Jr. Chairman, CEO & Owner PPC Lubricants, Inc.

Paula Barrett, CPA Partner - Retired Reinsel Kuntz Lesher

Michael J. Caron, GTS Retired, Welco

Kevin P. DeAcosta, ‘00 President & CEO The Highlands of Wyomissing

Richard Allen Ehst Retired President and CEO Customers Bank

Alvernia Magazine is published by Alvernia University to share news and information about the institution with alumni, friends and the community. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the university. Please share your feedback, as we work to continuously enhance the publication: news@alvernia.edu.

Alvernia Magazine is a publication of Alvernia University. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

Michael Fromm President & CEO Fromm Electric Supply Corp.

John H. Gallen, Jr. Owner & President Ethosource and Wyatt Seating

Patricia C. Giles Foundation President Wyomissing Foundation, Inc.

Sr. Madonna Marie Harvath, OSF Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

Ellen Huyett, Esq. Attorney (Retired) Community Volunteer

Ginger Kunkel President

Tompkins Community Bank

Steven M. Koons, CPA

PMP ‘05

Partner Cotton & Company, LLP

Daniel Langdon

Retired CEO East Penn Manufacturing

Sr. Sandra Lyons ‘69

Assistant Congregational Minister

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

Rachel Ann Maher, DMD ’94 Pediatric Dentist

Dentistry for Children

Stephen Najarian Partner SN Companies

Sr. David Ann Niski, OSF ’66 Executive Director Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation

David W. Patti Director of Communications & Marketing. Customers Bank

Sr. John Ann Proach ‘74 Congregational Minister Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

Jeffrey R. Rush

Senior Executive Vice President & Director of Sales Fulton Bank

Peter Rye President Brentwood Industries, Inc.

Jeanne L. Savage ’88 Community Volunteer

Barry L. Schlouch Owner, President Schlouch Incorporated

Lucine E. Sihelnik ‘13 President & CEO Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

Sister Mary Sninsky Director of the Bernardine Franciscan Associates Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

Douglas Tieman

Retired - President and CEO Caron Treatment Centers

Sister Mary Joseph Tirpak Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

Michael Tobash

Owner Tobash Insurance Agency & Financial Services

Former Member of the PA House of Representatives

Paul F. Trunk

President & Vice PresidentRetired Berk-Tek & Nexans LAN Division North America

David Turner

Regional Manager, External Affairs Met-Ed FirstEnergy Co.

John P. Weidenhammer President Weidenhammer Systems Corp

A memorable start, a bright future

My first semester as Alvernia University’s president was a whirlwind. And I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

From welcoming one of the largest classes in the university’s history on move-in day to calling bingo numbers at the traditional late-night breakfast during finals week, and everything in between, the fall semester featured an abundance of opportunities for campus collaboration. I loved engaging with students, faculty, staff, trustees and the community wherever and whenever I could. I believe it is vital to be with you because that is how we progress.

This issue of Alvernia Magazine will focus on progress. We have made considerable strides since I joined the AU community in 2019 as senior vice president and provost. And there is plenty more to come.

At our annual President’s Dinner in October, we launched the public phase of Partners in Progress, a campaign to build stronger communities. Our goal of raising $70 million is in view with the campaign already having brought in over $55 million. Those gifts include significant contributions from the Posts (the largest in university history), Headers (the largest alumni gift) and Arnolds (largest trustee gift), elevating our business, engineering and nursing schools, and funding a scholarship program to support student success. Learn more about the campaign on page 4 and be sure to read

the inspiring profile of Greg Header ’97 on page 20.

In July I became the first female lay president in Alvernia’s 65-year history. It is an honor at an institution founded by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, and I’m thrilled that three of the university’s other top positions are also held by women: new Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D.; Associate Provost Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM; and Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs MaryAlice Ozechoski, M.A. Read more about our team and our founders on page 10.

You’ll also find in these pages a profile on a recent graduate who is attending one of the top-ranked veterinary schools in the world, an adult student’s comeback story of perseverance, and a look at the journey that led Sibel Ahi, Ph.D., to become our director of international recruitment.

Happy 2024. Here’s to another year of progress.

Sincerely,

Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. President

Scan this QR code to visit the Partners in Progress page.

Teaming up to take education higher

Teaming up to take education higher

By Claire Curry

Partners in Progress, the public phase of Alvernia’s comprehensive campaign, kicked off in October, but the $50 million-plus raised during its quiet phase is already making a difference in the region.

The public phase of Alvernia University’s comprehensive campaign officially kicked off in October, though the wheels of progress have been in motion since 2020. To date, the university has raised over $55 million of the campaign’s $70 million goal, and the support is already raising the bar for academic excellence, increasing access to higher education, engaging students in new ways and fueling growth throughout the business community.

• Hundreds of nursing students are learning the latest advancements in healthcare in Alvernia’s 55,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing facility, which opened in the fall at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne.

• The first students to enroll in the university’s engineering program in 2020, its inaugural year, are continuing to gain hands-on experience interning with top industry leaders — partnerships that are paving the way for job opportunities and creating a direct pipeline of qualified job candidates.

• Students at Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship are helping local businesses grow and flourish while expanding their own skillsets.

• Originally established in response to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hope Fund has helped over 1,000 students navigate uncertain times and secure their college education through emergency aid.

These are only a few of the ways that the funds raised in the quiet phase of the Partners in Progress Campaign have made a difference among Alvernia’s students and throughout the Reading and Pottsville communities. The public phase of the campaign will continue to focus squarely on partnerships as the drivers of growth and change.

Alvernia’s state-of-the-art John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing opened in the fall at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne.

Above: Students in the John R. Post School of Engineering are gaining hands-on experience interning with top industry leaders. Left: Berks Community Health Center President and CEO Mary Kargbo and Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., hold a rendering for the new community-based health center planned for the former American House in downtown Reading.

“What we’ve done is partner with local businesses to look at their employment needs and how we can help fulfill them.”

— Tom Minick ‘98 M ‘10

“It’s going to create opportunities for Pottsville-area students that didn’t exist before. This is really an exciting time.”

— Stephen Najarian

“This campaign is helping us rethink higher education,” said Tom Minick ‘98 M ‘10, vice president of institutional advancement at Alvernia. “And the central component of this movement at Alvernia is partnerships: partnerships in philanthropy; partnerships with potential employers, in internships, in projects and experiential learning opportunities for our students; and partnerships with the community. What we’ve done is partner with local businesses to look at their employment needs and how we can help fulfill them.”

Ultimately, the mission is to create learning and employment opportunities for Alvernia students, fuel economic development, and address the needs of the local business sector and community residents — all through the campaign’s four pillars: access and opportunity to higher education, academic engagement, community engagement, and student success. The campaign has already made significant strides in each of these areas, thanks to partnerships with public entities and private benefactors who share Alvernia’s vision. Among them are John R. Post, who made the largest gift in university history in support of the John R. Post School of Engineering; Greg

Header, ’97, and his wife, Stacey, who invested the school’s largest alumni gift to provide scholarships for students in the Header School of Business; and John and Karen Arnold, who made the largest trustee gift to create the John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing and the Interprofessional Healthcare Simulation Center at the Post Center.

“We’re so grateful for the visionary leadership gifts that these families have provided to the university,” says Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “It allows us to meet very defined goals: expanding nursing, developing engineers, supporting our business students. Collectively, those gifts elevate the entire university and allow us to think more expansively about what we can do to continue to expand Alvernia values in new and different ways.”

The outcomes of the campaign’s success are tangible and transformational. The John R. Post Center, a 250,000-squarefoot living and learning facility that helped spark 2 million square feet in redevelopment along Penn Street in downtown Reading, opened in 2021. According to Minick, more than 2,000 Alvernia students pass through the center in any given

week, boosting foot traffic and revenue for local businesses. What’s more, 40 students live in housing there now — a number that is expected to nearly quadruple by the time the project is fully completed.

Since it was established three years ago, Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship has already assisted 300 local businesses in a wide range of ways, including strategic planning, marketing and financial consulting.

Pottsville CollegeTowne, which opened in early 2023, is also breathing new life into the surrounding community, strengthening Alvernia’s relationship with the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing, and providing graduate and continuing education students with high-tech facilities and opportunities to learn by doing.

“There’s an anatomy science lab to support the university’s healthcare programs, and they are expanding the teacher education and certification programs and adding new bachelor’s degrees,” said Stephen Najarian, Partners in Progress campaign co-chair, real estate developer and partner

at Southern Berks Land Company. “It’s going to create opportunities for Pottsville-area students that didn’t exist before. This is really an exciting time.”

Growing needs for the future

Alvernia’s forward thinking is already altering the education students receive and the faces of the surrounding communities, and there is much more on the horizon. For example, a recent partnership between the university and Berks Community Health Center will broaden access to healthcare for downtown Reading residents. The former American House property at 354 Penn Street will expand the Reading CollegeTowne footprint and opportunities for nursing and physician associate students to get clinical experience just steps away from their classrooms.

“[Alvernia’s] nursing program is currently rated as one of the top 500 programs nationwide by U.S. News and World Report,” Najarian said. “The demand for nurses has never been higher, so to meet that demand, you need state-of-the-art facilities to attract nursing student candidates.”

In March, the first cohort of Header Scholars will be awarded

Teaming up to take education higher

Teaming up to take education higher

Pottsville CollegeTowne provides students in the surrounding community with high-tech facilities and opportunities to learn by doing.

John R. Post, for whom Alvernia’s downtown Reading facility is named, made the largest gift in university history in 2022.

Big Impacts Through Giving

By Jon Fassnacht

WhenErin Sheehan graduated from Alvernia in 2015, her bachelor’s degree came with a degree of debt. But the university’s Trustees Scholarship and its Ambassador Award, a yearly scholarship given to Golden Guide student ambassadors, helped lessen the healthcare science major’s burden.

scholarships to study business at Alvernia, and the endowment established by Greg and Stacey Header will grow the scholarship program to benefit even more recipients over time. Likewise, the university plans to allocate campaign proceeds to expand the Hope Fund to increase access to education for those with financial need and other barriers.

“[The Partners in Progress Campaign] may have changed the trajectory for the school forever,” said Jeffrey Rush, campaign co-chair and senior executive vice president and director of sales at Fulton Bank. “And it gives us the chance to change the course for Reading.

“You can boost the endowment which boosts enrollment and provides an even better experience for the students. Those businesses that move because they need to find talent now have qualified candidates graduating right in their backyard. Businesses that are headquartered here are staying because the community has become more vibrant and more diverse.”

The early results from the campaign are cause for celebration. But significant needs remain, making the success of Partners in Progress that much more important to ensure the momentum continues.

“We are appreciative of the generosity of so many during the quiet phase of the campaign, but more work remains,” Minick said. “Your involvement and support, at any level, are integral to our success. Together, we can create a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.”

After receiving her diploma, Sheehan committed to paying that assistance forward. She eliminated a monthly subscription for beauty samples, redirecting those funds toward her alma mater.

“As a new grad, $100 a year felt like a lot, but I am so glad I started that back then,” said Sheehan, who parlayed her love of her involvement at Alvernia to a career in higher education technology. “Working in the field of higher education, I know the importance of donors, especially alumni.”

In the ensuing years, Sheehan has donated to Alvernia at least once a year when possible.

Annual gifts are the unsung heroes of universities like Alvernia. When combined with similar gifts from other alumni, major differences can be made to the fortunes of current students.

“Every dollar donated to the Hope Fund impacts our students and the Alvernia community,” said Maureen Plover ‘10, Alvernia’s director of annual giving. “A $25 gift once a year or a $10 monthly gift combined with other $10 or $25 donations grows to thousands of dollars to help a student afford a winter class he needs to take for graduation, or to purchase a book for a class, a tie for an interview or medication for an underlying illness.”

Chris Ray ’13 remembers being active on and off the baseball diamond while at Alvernia, making memories with his teammates and spending countless hours working on business projects with classmates and professors.

His productive days as a business management major and versatile infielder led to a productive career as an operations supervisor-trade settlement at SEI Investments Company. It also led to Ray’s decision to give back to the institution that gave so much to him.

“I usually give yearly,” he said. “I try to give a little more if it’s a good year.”

Ray said he appreciates receiving handwritten letters from students thanking him for his gifts. That personal touch reinforces his decision.

“Everything I have now is because of the people I met and the things that I learned at Alvernia,” said the Pottstown resident, who tries to make it back to campus a few times a year. “I just wanted to make sure I was paying that forward and helping out in any way that I could.”

Sheehan’s post-graduation living arrangements have made return trips more difficult. A stint in Virginia was followed by over a year of full-time travel for her remote job. She has filled some of that campus involvement void with Alvernia’s Young Alumni Committee, volunteering for events virtually and in person.

After recently settling down in Charlotte, N.C., she hopes to make more visits to the transformed campus where she served as Student Government Association president, Golden Guide and head orientation leader.

“I watched the institution grow: new programs added, several new buildings built, and much in between,” she said. “When I was a tour guide, I would joke that it was never a good sign to be on a campus free of construction. It might not always be the prettiest, but it shows that the university is investing in itself and its students. I still fully believe in that statement today.”

And continued donations from alumni like Sheehan and Ray, along with all other types of contributions, are indispensable to Partners in Progress, the recently launched public phase of Alvernia’s Comprehensive Campaign. The success of that campaign will shape the university’s future.

“The campaign is all about setting students up for success, inside and outside the classroom,” Plover said. “The gifts we receive over the next few years will have a tremendous impact on the experiences, resources and career paths available to Alvernia students for years to come.”

Big impacts through giving

Since graduating in 2015, Erin Sheehan, center, has donated to Alvernia at least once a year when possible.

Chris Ray ‘13 tries to donate yearly to pay forward the benefits he received at Alvernia.

The goal for Alvernia’s Comprehensive Campaign is in sight, but significant needs remain to ensure the momentum continues.

Sisters Plant Seeds for Lay Leaders

By Sarah Matarella

In 1926, the seeds for Alvernia University were planted by women. Nearly 100 years later, the Franciscan Catholic roots of those original seeds run deep as four women hold top positions, including the first female lay president in Alvernia’s history, Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.

“Our Bernardine Franciscan Sisters fearlessly changed the education landscape in our region,” Fitzgerald said. “It is their spirit that enables us together, sharing that same commitment, to change higher education for a new generation.

The sisters pioneered and cultivated Alvernia’s Franciscan

“All of the charisms and core values that the sisters instituted provide us a North Star.”

— Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D. mission, which has transcended its evolution from a singular building, now Francis Hall, to a comprehensive, nationally recognized doctoral university with multiple locations. Sister John Ann Proach, congregational minister of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and a 1974 Alvernia alum, now refers to it as a “mighty oak.”

Left: Sister Mary Zygmunta, OSF, first president of Alvernia, and attorney John V. Bland, counsel for the institution, examine the official documents that conferred charter incorporation on what was then known as Alvernia College in August 1960. The first class of four graduated in 1961.

Sisters plant seeds for lay leaders

“Our foundresses ... were confident, persevering and adaptable women with a strategic vision to create and communicate a vision for the future of the university rooted in the Franciscan tradition.

— Sister Mary Sninsky, OSF ‘62

“All of the charisms and core values that the sisters instituted provide us a North Star,” said Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D., who started at Alvernia in August 2023. “The reason that our senior leadership team, both men and women, are here is because of the mission. A wellarticulated mission that is part of the institutional fabric makes it easier to lead. If we are in disagreement, we return to those foundational ideas, and it helps re-center and focus us. You don’t have that at an institution that is not mission-driven. That speaks to our success and our continued growth.”

The Sisters remain deeply engrained in initiatives and activities with students, faculty, staff, alumni, leadership, trustees and partners alike. Students begin their college journey meeting with the Sisters in their orientation camps and first-year seminar classes, and employees begin their professional journey learning about the Franciscan traditions of the institution. Internships are offered at the Villa and the Motherhouse along with annual lunches to students staying on campus over breaks, dinners at Christmas and even an annual Francis Fest Celebration on the Quad to celebrate Alvernia’s Franciscan identity. In addition, there are employee and alumni pilgrimages and alternative breaks for students offered for those wanting an even deeper connection to the Franciscan roots.

As the university has propagated in Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters remain at the forefront alongside the leadership team. Alvernia Trustee Sister Mary Joseph Tirpak, OSF, who was part of its first graduating class, expressed her deep admiration for the foundresses of Alvernia, especially for their strategy and creativity.

“They had the foresight to believe that it would not end with

sister educating but be co-ed, and it’s been marvelous to see the continued expansion beyond that,” she said. “I’m really proud that women are involved in this.”

Foresight became a common thread in the university’s expansion. The Sisters had social justice and moral courage in mind when they started the first criminal justice program in Pennsylvania. Their actions were taken in response to the needs of the students and the extended Alvernia community. That source of motivation remains today with the development of the Reading CollegeTowne initiative and the Centers of Excellence, the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement, which are rooted deeply in Alvernia’s foundation and central to the Catholic Franciscan tradition.

“Our foundresses, including Sister Zygmunta and Sister

Accursia, were confident, persevering and adaptable women with a strategic vision to create and communicate a vision for the future of the university rooted in the Franciscan tradition,” said Alvernia Trustee Sister Mary Sninsky, OSF ‘62. “I believe that they would be very proud to see the development of their initiative to a valued Franciscan institution for higher learning.”

Each of the women leaders ensures that they are carrying

Alvernia’s Franciscan mission and vision forward with the sisters and attribute that as what has propelled Alvernia to where it is today. They also emphasize that it is not only women who are responsible for its success but the power of planting the appropriate leaders in each role at the opportune time.

“It has always been that way in all the hiring I’ve seen in Alvernia; we are not counting the number of men compared to the number of women,” said Associate Provost Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM, who started her role in August 2023. “There are men in senior leadership and dean positions. I am happy, however, that there are women leaders because I think it provides a role model for other women and men to understand how to respect, treat and acknowledge that women are as capable as men in all areas.”

As described by each other, all the women leaders of Alvernia believe that each is the right fit for her role. They describe each other as strategic, relational, nurturing, intelligent, kind, hardworking, empathetic, collaborative, dedicated, compassionate, empowering, empowered, risk takers and role models. While they are equipped for their roles and work well with each other and the rest of the senior leadership team, Kahanov stressed that it is important to acknowledge that

From left, Alvernia Trustee Sister Mary Joseph Tirpak, OSF; Sister John Ann Proach, OSF; and Sister Mary Sninsky, OSF.

The first graduating class of 1961 includes Alvernia Trustee Sister Mary Joseph Tirpak, OSF, top row, third from the left.

The sisters take selfies with students during the annual Francis Fest Celebration held on the Quad.

Sisters plant seeds for lay leaders Sisters plant seeds for lay leaders

“The women leaders are here helping Alvernia evolve by being very clear and understanding the challenges ahead and looking for solutions that have the longevity that will serve the institution well.”

— Mary-Alice Ozechoski, M.A.

leading as a woman is different than leading as a man. “It has different subtleties and a different landscape that you have to navigate with some complexities that the three women I work with have learned how to navigate well so that they are welcome as leaders and participate as strong voices,” said Kahanov. “I think women who don’t understand that they’re navigating leadership differently than men have a struggle.”

• President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., has over 25 years of higher education experience as president, senior vice president, provost and professor. She earned a Ph.D. in organizational/interpersonal communication and a master’s degree in organizational communication from SUNY Buffalo, and a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She completed the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents in June.

• Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D., has over 25 years of higher education experience as a provost, dean and professor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and athletic training from Indiana University; a Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences from the University of Arizona; and a Doctorate in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Francisco. She also completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at Harvard University.

Albeit different, the traits of Alvernia’s leaders and the Franciscan mission and core values are what continue to serve Alvernia in responding to the changes in the higher education landscape. This includes becoming educated on and meeting the ever-evolving needs of today’s students.

“The women leaders are here helping Alvernia evolve by being very clear and understanding the challenges ahead and

• Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs Mary-Alice Ozechoski, M.A., has more than 30 years of higher education experience as a senior vice president, professor and staff member. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and student personnel services from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

• Associate Provost Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM, has over 34 years of higher education experience, all at Alvernia, as a professor and associate provost following her career as a seasoned tax attorney. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UMass Amherst, and Juris Doctor and Master of Laws, both from Boston University School of Law.

“I could not be happier to be the president of Alvernia University and to have such a good, strong relationship with the leadership team of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. That relationship inspires and guides me as we all work together to shape the university’s future.”

— Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.

looking for solutions that have the longevity that will serve the institution well,” said Ozechoski. “I truly wish that someone would have cared about me in the way that we’re talking about caring about students in college because there were lots of times that I wondered if I was actually going to make it, if I was financially going to be able to do it, if I had enough food in my apartment, did I have the right clothes to interview for internship and all those things. We strive to help students in life, not just in the classroom.”

The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters couldn’t have imagined what the humble orphanage they founded in 1926 would become. But thanks to a century’s worth of strong leadership by women, Alvernia can continue to imagine a better future.

“I could not be happier to be the president of Alvernia University and to have such a good, strong relationship with the leadership team of the Bernadine Franciscan Sisters. That relationship inspires and guides me as we all work together to shape the university’s future,” said Fitzgerald. “The more I can work with them to position the university and ensure that their mission and vision are continued long into the future is truly a blessing and a joy for me. I am humbled and blessed to walk in their footsteps.”

Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., left, and Alvernia Sister John Ann Proach, OSF, hang Christmas ornaments in the Francis Hall lobby.

Sisters plant seeds for lay leaders

Sisters plant seeds for lay leaders

Experience Learning

By Nikki M. Murry

Experiential Learning enhancements at Alvernia produce

workplace-ready graduates.

When it comes to giving students real-world experiences outside of the classroom to help them get ahead, Alvernia is at the head of the class.

The university’s experiential learning offerings — through which students develop knowledge, skills and values outside traditional academic settings — include internships, field experiences, co-ops, clinical assignments, research projects, community service and study/service abroad programs.

Alvernia’s continued growth as a comprehensive regional university and the partnerships that come with the growth have provided new experiences that help produce workplace-ready

doesn’t come from a living organism — in the Sucasari region of the Peruvian Amazon.

“Faculty at Alvernia are very excited to team up with students to help accomplish their scholarship goals,” said Becker. “We couldn’t be happier getting to interact with students and help facilitate those opportunities. Watching students blossom … is an incredibly rewarding experience as a professor.”

Kabrich and Becker took samples from soil and water, looking at traces from organisms that had fed, swum or relieved themselves at those locations.

“We can use essentially a fingerprint, if you will, that they left

“This is helping me attain my goals because I’m getting experience in the field that I want to work in, which is fieldwork, way before I actually even get a job.”

— Alexander Kabrich ‘24

graduates. This is especially important at a time when employers are expecting hires to be up to speed on day one. While many of these experiences take place in Eastern Pennsylvania, others are taking place as far as the Amazon rainforest, where Alexander Kabrich ‘24, a long-bow enthusiast and self-proclaimed tactile learner, had the opportunity last summer to get hands-on with his studies.

During the summer of 2023, Kabrich and Alvernia Assistant Professor of Biology Jamie Becker, Ph.D., partnered with the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research Foundation and the Delaware Teachers Institute at the University of Delaware to pilot methods for capturing and sequencing environmental DNA, or eDNA — DNA that

behind through the sequencing of that DNA coming to the Peruvian,” Becker said. “What we’re planning on doing is using this environmental DNA to tell where certain animals have been.”

Kabrich also was among five students on a two-week excursion examining biodiversity and tropical ecology in Costa Rica during the summer of 2023. Being in the right place at the right time led him to that discovery. At a Farm Service Day, Kabrich overheard a professor talking to another student in his major about the opportunity to travel to Peru. That student passed on the experience, but Kabrich was eager to pack his bags.

“This is helping me attain my goals because I’m getting experience in the field that I want to work in, which is

fieldwork, way before I actually even get a job,” Kabrich remarked while chronicling the excursion. “So I know what to expect when I get into that profession or field or wherever I would be going.”

Once vice president of the Outdoor Adventure Klub, Kabrich is also involved with EcoHouse, an experimental learning hub for students who are actively engaged in Alvernia’s Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement’s Bog Turtle Creek Farm project. When it comes to his environmental science curriculum, Alexander enjoys the

flexibility of the coursework as it allows him to study a wide array of topics.

“I kind of liken myself to being a jack of all trades, master of none,” he asserts. “I like studying the [many] different pathways of biology.”

To future Alvernia students, he recommends getting as involved as possible, and early.

“You never know where or when an amazing opportunity will appear,” he said.

Experiences fuel career readiness

AU Business Students Compete in Global Trading Challenge

During the summer of 2023, Assistant Professor of Biology Jamie Becker and environmental science major Alexander Kabrich spent weeks in the Peruvian Amazon piloting methods for capturing and sequencing environmental DNA. Scan the QR code to watch a video about the adventure.

In October and November 2023, undergraduate students enrolled in the Financial Decision-Making course led by Professor of Business Scott Ballantyne, Ph. D., competed in the Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge, an international business competition with over 10,000 students competing. Using virtual currency, teams from around the world competed to see which group could generate the highest profit and loss return. Alvernia’s groups had strong placements, with one team placing in the top 5%, another in the top 20%, and a third in the top 25%. The Bloomberg Terminal, available for students to use in business labs at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne and Pottsville CollegeTowne, provides realtime and historical data, market-moving news and analytics. Alvernia offers training and certification from Bloomberg Market Concepts, a library of e-learning courses that provides an introduction to the financial markets.

Cultural Immersion Through Sport

In the fall, communication major and O’Pake Fellow Dane Sabarese was selected for a prestigious opportunity to explore Thailand’s expansive sports culture. On Thanksgiving Day in 2023, Sabarese left to participate in Living Sport’s international sports business program, experiencing cultural immersion and professional development in the sports industry. He interned with the Oceanman World Finals, an international open-water swimming competition for elite and amateur swimmers. Sabarese went to work every day via the tuk-tuk, Thailand’s No. 1 form of transportation. In addition to

capturing and editing content with his team, he visited iconic sports venues, including the Rajamangala National Stadium, home of Thailand’s national soccer team, and Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, a historic venue for Thailand’s traditional Muay Thai martial arts sport.

Assignment for Advocacy

Over the summer of 2023, a cohort of Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty and staff visited Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., to advocate for legislation surrounding the profession. The group participated in listening sessions with the American Physical Therapy Association House of Delegates learning about various bills passed by the organization. Two Alvernia professors — Doctor of Physical Therapy Director of Clinical Education, Pamela Unger, PT, DPT, CWS; and Claire McCann, PT, DPT — are in the House of Delegates. The group also discussed various bills with local senators and U.S. Congress and Senate representatives, educating them on their work with the pro bono clinics that serve the Reading and Berks County communities. Out-of-state students even had the opportunity to spend the day with delegates from their home state and visit their respective senators and representatives in Utah, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Delaware and Washington state.

Up Next: Alvernia Apprenticeship to Degree Program

Reinforcing its commitments to molding students through experiences beyond the classroom and boosting local businesses and partners, Alvernia’s upcoming Apprenticeship to Degree Program will allow students to earn, learn and intern, forging careers while contributing to the development of the local workforce. Through paid externships and internships, students embark on a journey of professional growth and development.

The initiative, which launches in the summer of 2024, will allow employers to introduce students to their organizational culture, potentially leading to long-term hires. Students will gain valuable employment opportunities and enjoy the benefits of on-campus housing, earn credits toward graduation and learn about the diverse career options throughout the region. The program will encourage students to engage with the same organization/employer for multiple years, enhancing exposure, understanding and appreciation for the employer’s industry.

Professor of Business Scott Ballantyne, Ph.D., mentored a team of students competing in the Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge.

License Creative

Expanded partnership with GoggleWorks Center for the Arts spurs creation of Bachelor of Arts in Creativity program.

By Susan Shelly

To combat headwinds facing their industry, institutions of higher learning are getting creative. In one of its newest ventures, Alvernia is taking that strategy literally.

An expanded partnership with the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts has led to the creation of the Bachelor of Arts in Creativity program. With the GoggleWorks and Alvernia’s John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne located a few blocks from each other in downtown Reading, Alvernia believes the collaboration will provide significant benefits to the community.

The new major, which will launch in the fall, gives students access to GoggleWorks artists and studios, enabling them to work with materials such as wood, clay and hot glass as they gain practical skills to prepare them for jobs and careers. The program will be offered with concentrations in fine art, game arts, and digital music and sound.

“Research has shown that humans are becoming less and less creative,” said Nathan Thomas, professor and director of Alvernia’s theater program. “But this program encourages increasing creativity in our students and gives them all kinds of opportunities to reach out and gain experience in arts and other endeavors.”

The creativity program, which is largely built on current courses, can easily be combined with other programs to create double majors. A creativity student in the fine arts specialization, for instance, could create a double major by adding digital media marketing.

The program, which will offer electives, was designed to be flexible in hopes of making it appealing to a wider population than traditional day students.

Levi Landis, GoggleWorks’ president and executive director, hopes the creativity major will bring about a new wave of artists

who will remain in Berks County, contributing to the local economy while creating a more vibrant, thriving arts culture.

“At GoggleWorks, we often see people rise as artists, only to leave the area and go work and create somewhere else,” Landis said. “What we’re trying do is to build an arts economy here, and we need our artists to be present to make that happen.”

According to the National Endowment for the Arts, arts and culture is an area of the national economy that is on the rise, having added nearly $888 billion to the U.S. economy in 2017.

“The arts and cultural sector is growing much faster than the rate of the total economy,” Thomas said. “There are a lot of opportunities for students in this major.”

The expanded partnership between Alvernia and GoggleWorks also advances the work of the university’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship’s cultural coalition, a group organized in 2022 that is working toward improvements in the areas of arts and culture, community and neighborhood revitalization, and education and workforce development.

“This new program will certainly benefit our downtown revitalization as it results in enhanced opportunities for arts and culture,” Landis said. “The entire community will benefit from this.”

Thomas credited Alvernia’s administration for expanding arts opportunities when many institutions are minimizing their programs for economic reasons.

“I think Alvernia is doing everything it can to be extremely successful, and I think administrators realize that the arts play a big part in that,” Thomas said.

Creative license

The creativity program was announced in April 2023 at a signing ceremony announcing the expanded partnership between the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and Alvernia.

By Claire Curry

Greg Header ’97 got an early start in the business world, knocking on doors selling leather to help his family. That work ethic led him to become a wildly successful entrepreneur who recently made the largest alumni gift in Alvernia’s history.

The New York City skyline at night — illuminated with rooftop greenhouses, glass-enclosed restaurants, and private sunrooms and conservatories — provides a glimpse of the breadth of Solar Innovations’ extensive product portfolio. Under the leadership of Greg Header ’97, the firm has produced more than 30,000 glass structures worldwide, many in New York alone, during his 24-year tenure as president and CEO of the architectural glazing company.

Header took over the struggling business when he was finishing up his bachelor’s degree in management at Alvernia University, reorganizing and expanding it into a wildly profitable enterprise, with revenues exceeding $30 million. In 2022, Fortune Brands, a Fortune 500 company, acquired the firm in a deal that topped $60 million.

This wasn’t the entrepreneur’s first dive into the business world. An earlier venture originated in the quiet backcountry of rural Pennsylvania.

Growing up in the Bernville-Robesonia area of Berks County, Header was an avid hunter and fisherman. The eldest of five, he developed a solid work ethic early on as he held numerous jobs to help his family make ends meet. He even launched a leather business — all while going to school part time and working full time.

“I just started knocking on doors,” Header said. “I needed to pay the bills and I saw an opportunity and took it. And that’s really what entrepreneurship is. It’s recognizing your opportunities — the open doors — and then building them, using the resources around you … knowledge, space, and your own hard work and ability.”

By the time he was 23, he grew Header Trading Company into a multimillion-dollar international operation.

Throughout his career, Header founded and led four companies to success, all with sustainability at the forefront to protect the planet for future generations. He has more than 50 patents, which include high-end fishing reels, roof clamps and snow guards. Header discovered inspiration in many places, including, simply, need.

“There’s no greater motivator than having to pay the bills, right? A lot of what I’ve done is because I wanted a better life for my family,” he said.

He credits his education at Alvernia as being instrumental to his success.

“The ethical and the religious training and business classes all blend together to give you that holistic experience and a business approach to do things the right way, for the right reasons,” said Header, who received Alvernia’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022.

It also encouraged Header and his wife, Stacey, to give back. Through the Header Family Foundation, the couple has supported numerous local charities and the thing about which they feel most passionately: education.

“Education is a big equalizer,” Header said. “It doesn’t matter how much money you have. Once you have it, it never goes away and you can keep building upon it.”

Earlier this year, the couple made the largest alumni gift in Alvernia’s history to fund an endowed scholarship in support of educating business leaders for generations to come. The Header School of Business will carry forward its namesake’s ideals and prepare students to embrace business as a mechanism to do much more than turn a profit.

Travis Berger, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership, said that Header’s impact on Alvernia extends far beyond financial support.

“He is a source of inspiration and motivation for our students who can look to Greg and see what is possible with dedication and hard work,” he explained. “The Greg Header story exemplifies the American Dream and embodies true grit. Through sheer determination, perseverance, teamwork, principled leadership and an unshakable work ethic, he built successful businesses that serve as a testament to getting the right results, the right way. I am so proud that he serves as the namesake of our business school.”

Header is preparing to start his next chapter, winding down his time at Solar Innovations, where he now serves as vice president of R&D and innovation. He looks forward to traveling, spending more time with his wife and two daughters, and overseeing a new venture, Escapes LLC. This involves managing land around the country to tap natural resources such as timber, wind power and crops — a natural segue for this serial entrepreneur and passionate environmentalist.

The Header School of Business was unveiled during a naming ceremony at the university’s John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne in April 2023.

Degree

Difficulty

Addictions caused Shannon Qualters ’23 to lose everything. Perseverance helped her recover. Now an Alvernia graduate with a bachelor’s degree in addictions and mental health treatment, she wants to help others like her.

By Lini S. Kadaba

“All my life, Alvernia is the only thing I started and finished. They believed in me when no one else did.” of

When Shannon Qualters ’23 hit bottom, the survivor of child sexual abuse was hooked on heroin and crack cocaine, living on the streets of the Kensington section of Philadelphia and eating out of garbage cans, by her own account. To support her habit, she said she was forced to sell her body and spent many years in and out of the prison system.

“I lost everything,” the 38-year-old mother of four said. “Death looked more appealing than living at that point.”

The universe, though, can work in mysterious ways. In 2016, Qualters was once again released from prison, this time to a recovery program where she finally found the will to kick her habit and, crucially, her way to Alvernia University’s location in Philadelphia. In May, she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment and took a job as the after-care coordinator for Malvern Treatment Centers in Philadelphia.

“Alvernia just boosted my self-esteem to the highest power,” said Qualters, who lives with her wife, Kris, and children in a Gloucester Township, N.J., house she purchased last year. “It gave me a sense of hope.”

Alvernia’s 45-year-old Addictions and Mental Health Treatment program, considered the oldest continuous one of its kind in the country, is designed with adult learners in mind, according to director David Reyher. That means evening classes for working students and flexibility with assignments when life gets messy, he said. The program, like the university, is imbued with Franciscan values, including a deep understanding of how others feel.

“It’s much more than imparting information from a textbook to a person,” Reyher said. “It’s a way of being. It’s all about empathy.

“We have to practice what we teach. When people like Shannon show up and give their heart and soul, it’s incumbent on us to reciprocate. What she experienced was that empathy and support.”

Qualters began taking classes toward a master’s degree at

another college. But, she said, she soon missed the support Alvernia afforded adult students. In January, Qualters transferred back to Alvernia to complete her master’s degree with the goal of opening a recovery house for women coming out of prison.

“Alvernia has become my new family,” she said. “I’ve always looked for validation in the streets, struggled so long. I wanted to be loved, valued, feel a part of. Alvernia made me feel a part of.”

It also gave her the knowledge to use her own experiences to help others.

“I know what it’s like to sit in these chairs,” she said she tells clients. “I know what it’s like to feel hopeless. I know what it feels like to think you’re all alone.”

Given her past struggles, few would have expected the eighthgrade dropout to thrive at college.

But Qualters said her determination — along with the support of her children, wife, best friend Paula, family, and Alvernia professors and staff — got her through.

During her last semester, she struggled to find the funds for tuition. The university stepped up and offered Qualters the Newcombe Scholarship, which supports mature women students who need financial aid to complete their education.

“All my life,” she said, “Alvernia is the only thing I started and finished. They believed in me when no one else did.”

Shannon Qualters ‘23 graduated magna cum laude in May.

Animal

Instincts

After taking advantage of Alvernia’s Pre-Veterinary program, Kaylie Rowe ’23 is furthering her education in London at one of the top-ranked veterinary schools in the world.

By Nikki M. Murry

You might say Kaylie Rowe’s spark for animal care ignited when the town’s “crazy cat lady” walked into her mother’s workplace when Rowe was a child. “I have kittens that need homes!” she declared.

One of those kittens, a black domestic shorthair named Panther Lynn, spent much of the next 15 years curled up with Rowe at home in Florida. Though her pet still resides in the United States with her family, Rowe is temporarily living on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, continuing her dream to tend to other pets for a career.

Enrolled in the doctorate program for Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College in London, one of the topranked veterinary schools in the world, Rowe is slated to obtain her doctorate degree in 2027.

While an undergraduate student majoring in biology, Rowe took advantage of Alvernia’s Pre-Veterinary program, one of six pre-professional programs offered by the university. Advisors provide oversight and guidance for students interested in continuing their education in such fields as law, optometry and healthcare.

“My academic advisor, Jamie Becker, was a great help to me,” Rowe said. “He was always there to talk and was always ready to listen. I was able to gain invaluable academic and professional advice and was even able to receive strong letters of recommendation for my graduate school applications. I felt great support from the entire STEAM (College of Science,

Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) department, and I attribute a lot of my success to Dr. Becker’s help.”

When Rowe decided to enroll at Alvernia to pursue a veterinary career, it was the university’s small class size and easyto-navigate campus that drew her in, but it was the connections she made, and the experiences afforded to her, that she grew to value most.

Much of Rowe’s service came in working with Reading’s Humane PA, helping at vaccine clinics for low-income individuals.

“Being a part of those clinics gave me invaluable experience about raw exposure to direct interaction with the local community,” she said.

She completed her prerequisites at Alvernia and put in more than 500 hours of community service, earning her Holleran Center Engagement and Sister Alodia awards.

A strong believer that animals unify people, Rowe says what she valued most was how the outreach service brought the community together.

“Veterinary medicine is about more than the animals,” she said. “It’s about the people, too, and how (the animals) make us feel.”

Kaylie Rowe ‘23 is enrolled in the doctorate program for veterinary medicine at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

Putting in over 500 hours of community service earned Rowe the Holleran Center Engagement and Sister Alodia awards, presented by Darryl C. Mace, Ph.D., vice president for mission, diversity and inclusion.

Animal instincts

World

Class

By Lini S. Kadaba

“I see myself every time students arrive. I was the one who moved from family 6,000 miles away with 26 kilo of luggage and built my future in another country. I share their feelings.”

— Sibel Ahi, Ph.D. ’15

Sibel Ahi’s first experiences in America were not positive. Now Alvernia’s director of international recruitment, Ahi has made it her mission to ensure no student from another country ever feels the way she did.

Sibel Ahi, Ph.D. ’15 came to America 25 years ago from her native Turkey as a 17-year-old au pair for a Florida family. Looking back today, she likened herself to a little bird that didn’t know how to fly and looked around for help to survive.

“It was a bad experience,” Alvernia University’s director of international recruitment said, not dwelling on the past. Lacking support, she returned to her hometown of Ankara and pursued her bachelor’s in tourism management.

In 2005, Ahi returned to the United States for a hospitality internship but said she realized her true interest was building long-term relationships with international students. While completing her MBA at Dowling College, Oakdale, N.Y., she began recruiting international students for an NYC ESL school and community college. After earning her educational leadership doctorate from Alvernia, she made a career in international student recruitment, first at Washington College in Chestertown, Md., and, since 2019, at Alvernia. From the start, Ahi made it her mission to ensure no one on her watch ever felt lost and alone in a foreign country, as she once did.

“I see myself every time students arrive,” she said. “I was the one who moved from family 6,000 miles away with 26 kilo of luggage and built my future in another country. I share their feelings.”

At Alvernia, Ahi created a resource-rich program whose staff has grown from just her to four people. The result is a boom in international students. During the 2023-24 academic year, Alvernia welcomed more than 100 international students compared to just a handful five years ago. The current crop hails from 19 different countries, including Saudi Arabia, India, Brazil and Ghana.

“We build the best experience academically, socially,” she said. “You see those little birds get strength and learn to live in a different country without family.”

Ahi believes she’s not only helping out international students with her push for a strong multi-country presence on campus.

Domestic-born students, faculty and staff, along with the community, also see a benefit.

“I’m bringing diversity to campus,” Ahi said. “Diversity enriches the educational experience of our domestic students and people in Berks County.”

Mary-Alice Ozechoski, M.A., Alvernia’s senior vice president for enrollment management and student affairs, credits Ahi for Alvernia’s recruitment successes.

“She’s been a phenomenal resource,” she said. “She has a lot more compassion and empathy than almost anyone I’ve worked with in this space.”

Even the pandemic didn’t slow Ahi. While many colleges saw a drop in international students, the bulk of whom come from China, Alvernia expanded its population thanks to a relationship with the Saudi Arabian government and, no doubt, Ahi’s exuberance. Her love for Alvernia shows in her sales pitch, Ozechoski said, even when she’s working a virtual event focused on Vietnam or China from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.

“There is no institution that you can find our size,” said Ahi, shifting into recruitment mode, “that will have seven people dedicated to one international student.”

Each has access to John Carl Hepler, director of the Office for Multilingual Success; Kevin Davy, director of international student engagement; a junior or senior peer mentor; a navigator who provides motivational support for academic success; an academic adviser; an internship adviser at the Career Development Center; and, of course, Ahi herself.

In the next decade, the goal — displayed on a whiteboard in Ahi’s office — is to grow international students to 300, or 10 percent of Alvernia’s overall student population.

“Because Sibel has lived the international student experience she brings a level of empathy and compassion to her work,” Ozechoski said. “Our students and our community benefit from her lived experience.”

Scan the QR code to watch a video about our international students

Holleran Center News

Holleran Corps leverages passion for service into positive change

The Division of Mission, Diversity, and Inclusion (MDI) launched the Holleran Corps in the fall. The Holleran Corps is split into four branches: Education, Justice, Mission and Service. Students from each corps use their collective passions to create a positive change in the community through their specialization.

The Service Corps consists of student leaders who show a passion for service and are committed to learning more about how to best serve our community. These students plan, facilitate and lead at least one university-wide service event per year with the assistance of the senior director of the Holleran Center. Students are empowered to share their passions with others while making a difference in the community and garnering leadership skills necessary to become public problem solvers.

The Education Corps consists of Alvernia students across all majors with a passion for mentoring local youth within the Reading School District.

The Mission Corps provides spiritual/religious support in their residence areas. Students work directly with the Division of Mission & Ministry and Residence Life staff, creating programs that support inclusive faith environments.

The Justice Corps helps to design and prepare programming and opportunities that raise awareness and advocacy within justice, equity and inclusion work. The Justice Corps also works to create inclusive and safe gathering spaces for students from underrepresented groups.

Across the Holleran Corps branches, the center hopes to instill a lifelong commitment to service in each member and fellow students. Students of each division will receive leadership training that will allow them to develop skills and explore topics such as passion and identity as well as justice and equity. Students will use the skills they develop to help lead and mentor the other students within their corps and to generate dialogue about issues and shape discussion topics.

Reading Youth Initiative creating relationships with city students

The Reading Youth Initiative (RYI) continues to make an impact on Reading School District students, allowing participants to connect and create relationships with Alvernia students through enriching and engaging activities.

RYI delivers programming in four Reading schools — Millmont Elementary School, Tyson Schoener Elementary School, Southern Middle School and Southwest Middle School — each semester. During the spring, RYI welcomed over 100 fourth-grade students from Millmont Elementary to campus, where they learned about majors and campus life from faculty and students. During the summer, RYI welcomed over 500 students from Olivet’s Boys and Girls Club. With the help of the Holleran Center and student volunteers, attendees experienced life on a college campus through STEM activities, a scavenger hunt, a tour and other enrichment activities.

Employees continue to show their presence in various onand off-campus events such as Alvernia’s Transition Camp, the Wilson Career Fair, Reading Halloween on Penn Night and potato picking.

Reading Collegiate Scholars Program continues to give back

Historically rooted in community engagement, the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program (RCSP) has instilled the importance of giving back to the community throughout the students’ academic journey at Alvernia and beyond. Almost all Reading Collegiate Scholars are first-generation college students from Reading who value the role and impact that volunteers have in the community. Current RCSP students completed over 450 service hours in the 2023 fall semester alone and 1,700 service hours total. Students have had the opportunity to reflect on community service, sharing the value of the experiences and immersion in their own community while applying classroom concepts through service-learning courses.

O’Pake Institute News

U.S. National Science Foundation invests in O’Pake with new grant

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) will invest $400,000 over three years in Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. The investment will come through the first Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) Grant, which provides $19.6 million to nearly 50 teams at U.S. institutions of higher education. The grant is part of the collaborative proposal LIGHT UP: Leveraging Innovation to Grow High Tech and University Partnerships. According to the NSF, the LIGHT UP Collaborative has three goals: to expand and improve each institution’s structural support systems for economic development initiatives, to build a platform to drive more industry and government partnerships, and to increase innovation enterprise development.

The EPIIC grant will allow the O’Pake Institute to expand applied research activities in partnership with local industry and faculty “scholar-preneurs,” increase O’Pake’s full-time staffing and student capacity by 25% year over year to enhance student experiential learning, maximize partnership engagement, and ultimately increase Alvernia’s impact on regional economic and cultural development.

Senior leader awarded with international entrepreneur award

Dr. Rodney S. Ridley Sr. — Alvernia’s vice president of research, economic development and innovation; chief operating officer of the O’Pake Institute — was awarded third place in the Male Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year in the Americas category at the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities Triple E Awards Ceremony in June 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. This category recognizes outstanding male leaders who have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial acumen, leadership and a profound impact on the Americas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem. Similar awards were given to leaders from Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

Under Ridley’s leadership:

• The O’Pake Institute served over 300 small and established businesses in and beyond Berks County since the inception of the Spark Business Incubator in 2020.

• 75 students have been trained and completed hands-on experiential learning through the O’Pake Fellows Program, which serves business incubator clients.

• The Cultural Coalition — a volunteer-based, Berksfocused strategic planning and execution group that identifies and attends to the City of Reading’s social and economic issues — launched in April 2022.

• The Financial Lending and Innovation Collaborative (FLIC), also established in June 2022, provided over $60,000 in microgrant funding to 20 local businesses.

• The Technology Transfer Office serviced 16 clients since its formal launch in June 2022.

• O’Pake secured its first patent in November 2022.

Graduate assistant pivotal in Pottsville’s new services

MBA candidate Jack Cossa joined the O’Pake Institute as a fellow of finance and marketing. He serviced six clients in investment due diligence, feasibility reports, training presentations and scholarly research during his time there, also completing training in intellectual property and CITI human subjects. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, he started his MBA in August.

Cossa’s promotion to graduate assistant and project manager allowed SPARK Business Incubator to extend services to local businesses in Pottsville beginning in October. At Pottsville CollegeTowne, Cossa manages the incubator and partnership relationships with Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) and the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce’s IGNITE Schuylkill. He has represented the O’Pake Institute at events such as the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Member Appreciation Mixer.

ALVERNIA PARTNERS WITH MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Alvernia joined the Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) University Center partnership of higher education institutions to expand advanced-degree opportunities for students, employees and community members. The agreement was signed and announced at MCCC’s Blue Bell campus in July.

“The addition of MCCC as a partner through their University Center expands our commitment to affordable and accessible education in the Philadelphia region,” said Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. The partnership with Alvernia provides affordable tuition, an accelerated format, convenient scheduling and a supportive environment for all students, especially working adults from the Montgomery County community. The programs are available for full-time and part-time students. MCCC alumni and employees are eligible for a 20% tuition discount if they meet all admissions requirements.

ALVERNIA EARNS TOP ONLINE COLLEGE HONORS

Alvernia earned recognition as a 2023

Top 100 Best Online College for Adults by Abound, an organization that helps adult learners find the best higher education opportunities. The university also received recognition in three other categories: Best Online Colleges North, Best Online Colleges Pennsylvania, and Best Online Colleges for Military and Veterans.

According to Abound, universities must uphold the practices that create and reflect robust, innovative and flexible online programs, including but not limited to night and weekend access, strong part-time student retention and graduation rates, and affordable tuition to receive recognition in these areas. Universities must also allow adults to achieve their educational goals while balancing work, family and other responsibilities.

Alvernia welcomes third-largest incoming class to campus

Alvernia welcomed its third-largest incoming class of nearly 500 first-year and transfer students to campus with a celebratory procession through Francis Hall, which was once the only building at Alvernia.

“I stand here at the doors of the building that was once an orphanage and a home for our Sisters as they began their mission,” said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.

“Later, this was the sole building of the college that has become our vibrant Regional Comprehensive University. Today begins a new tradition with the Class of 2027. By passing through Francis Hall, you will officially begin your time as students. Four or five years from now, depending on your program, you will come back here to have your photo taken on these stairs as you gather for commencement. We are so proud to be with you every step of the way.”

The students proceeded to the Physical Education Center where Alvernia University staff, faculty, leadership and New Student Orientation leaders held the Opening Convocation in the gymnasium. Students’ families and supporters cheered them on and envisioned what lies ahead. Following the convocation, students shared their

farewells at the Student Center Dining Hall with those who helped them check in and settle into their residence halls earlier in the day.

The class includes the first cohorts of nursing, physician associate and occupational therapy students to utilize the recently renovated second and third floors of the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne. The new healthcare education space features state-of-the-art simulation labs and classrooms.

The academically strong and dedicated class boasts an average GPA of 3.5, with 54 students joining the honors program and 30% being first-generation college students. Over 70% of the class has elected to live on campus and 29% are commuting. Ten students have family who attend or have attended Alvernia.

“In these challenging times in higher education, Alvernia continues to attract high-achieving students drawn to our programs and our Mission,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Mary-Alice Ozechoski, M.A. “Enrollment records are happening because our faculty, staff and student leaders work collaboratively to recruit each class.”

Wendy Yuengling tapped to be 2023-24 Executive-in-Residence

Alvernia named Wendy Yuengling, D.G. Yuengling & Son’s chief administrative officer and sixth-generation family member, as the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership’s Executive-in-Residence (EIR) for the 2023-24 academic year.

“The College of Business, Communication, and Leadership continues to provide a vibrant academic community, and our EIR program is instrumental in this regard,” said Dr. Travis Berger, dean of the CBCL. “We are honored and extremely fortunate that Wendy Yuengling is serving as this year’s executive-in-residence. Her insights, experiences and perspectives will be a tremendous advantage to our learners, faculty and the Alvernia community.”

Now in its eighth year, the EIR program allows students to gain valuable insight into real-world experiences directly from regional industry executives. Students also learn about the specific skills that leaders are looking for in college graduates, various leadership styles, and reallife professional scenarios through interactive sessions and classroom lectures with Yuengling and other executives.

“I’m excited to be involved with Alvernia, not only as the Executive-in-Residence, but also getting involved with the new Pottsville CollegeTowne campus,” Yuengling said. “Their efforts and investment in local communities are helping to craft a new generation of leaders. This partnership will serve as a catalyst for both entrepreneurship and economic development, both of which are important to us as a sixth-generation family business rooted in Pottsville.”

After graduating from Lehigh University’s College of Business and Economics with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Wendy worked as a project manager for market research company Information Resources Inc. She then moved to Baltimore, where she began her advertising career with Carton Donofrio Partners and MGH Advertising. In 2004, Wendy joined her family business, the oldest brewery in America. In her current role, she focuses on information systems, finance, and sales and marketing. She chairs the board for The Yuengling Company LLC and serves on the board for the downtown Pottsville Area Development Corporation.

ALVERNIA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK

Alvernia celebrated the 2023 Annual International Education Week in November, using food, sports, dance, meaningful dialogue and much more to celebrate the mosaic of cultures populating the university. Presentations included home-country displays from international students; chats with students from Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Ireland, Turkey, Iran, India, Nepal and Saudi Arabia; and a one-year retrospective on the Ukrainian War. Styles of music and dance highlighted during the week included mariachi, African gospel, traditional Indian, and South and Central American. Students also made history with the Global “AU” Drone Shot. Underneath a drone hovering above the Quad, 196 students formed the letters “AU” holding flags from 196 countries above their heads.

EVENT OFFERS IMMERSIVE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE TO HIGH SCHOOLERS

In July, Alvernia hosted two Transition Weeks for local high school juniors and seniors from Berks and Schuylkill counties who qualify for services through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Following the program, 84% of attendees indicated that they are applying to college after the program, while 15% of attendees were already accepted or enrolled at various colleges.

The immersive college experience was coordinated by Alvernia’s Office of Accessibility Services and the Reading Youth Initiative led by Andrea Swift, Ed.D., director of accessibility services, and Angie Drebushenko, community educational outreach programs manager. The program guided students through the high-schoolto-college transition and set them up for success in higher education regardless of their college choice and life circumstances through a series of seminars and activities. Parents and guardians participated in the closing day of the program.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of the 2023 move-in day.

EDUCATION PROGRAM EARNS TOP RANKING FOR READING EDUCATION

Alvernia’s early childhood education program has been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading, earning an “A” grade in the NCTQ report, Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction.

The program is among just 23% nationwide and three in Pennsylvania to earn an “A” from NCTQ for meeting standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction.

“We are thrilled to receive an ‘A’ grade from NCTQ,” said Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D., dean of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences. “Teacher preparation in all areas, and especially reading, which is the foundation for all student learning, has been a priority of our education program.”

PROGRAMS EARN NATIONAL DISTINCTION

Alvernia’s education programs earned a national endorsement from Colleges of Distinction (COD), an online platform that aids college-bound students in the college decision process, honoring colleges and universities for their excellence.

“The Department of Education at Alvernia University is honored to receive this distinction,” said Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D., dean of the College of Humanities, Education & Social Sciences (CHESS).

“We know that our small class size, high standards for excellence, and commitment to our university’s core values prepare our students to become leaders in their profession.”

To earn this distinction, colleges must hold regional accreditation; offer multiple distinct disciplines; and provide diverse experiential learning opportunities, high-quality academic advising and counseling, highimpact practices and industry connections.

Alvernia, GRCA host inaugural College of Business, Communication, and Leadership Conference

Alvernia and the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) partnered to host the inaugural College of Business, Communication, and Leadership Conference at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne in the spring.

“The overall purpose of the conference is to bring practitioners and academics together to discuss the timely topics of our consequential times,” said Dr. Travis Berger, dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership.

“The conference underscores the power of collaborations between practitioners and academics to help inform our collective thinking. It is our prerogative to embrace our responsibility in fostering constructive dialogue in the pursuit of knowledge, truth and justice.”

Nineteen local and regional panelists discussed environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing; sustainable development issues; the efforts of the Cultural Coalition powered by Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship; the future of work; and artificial intelligence.

“GRCA is proud to support our member, Alvernia University, at its inaugural Business, Communication, and Leadership Conference, to bring together our business community for a day of engagement and learning,” said Keith Stamm, director of workforce development at GRCA.

Upwards of 135 Alvernia students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners attended the conference panels, breakfast, lunch and reception. Discussions that occurred throughout the event covered the fourth industrial revolution, the presence of five generations in the workforce, the rise of amplified individuals, increased consumption in the face of ecosystem degradation, living in a polarized world replete with war and social justice issues, and divisiveness and political polarization in the U.S.

The next College of Business, Communication, and Leadership Conference will be held at the same location on April 18.

CJ Fest celebrates Criminal Justice Department

Alvernia’s Criminal Justice Department held CJ Fest in October, an event that included demonstrations, panel presentations and a career fair.

“We wanted to highlight the Criminal Justice Department and CJ Fest was a way to accomplish this,” said Rosemary McFee, department chair. “Students, faculty and staff were able to experience different aspects of the criminal justice field. We hope to hold another CJ Fest next year as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the program at Alvernia.” The schedule included:

• Crime scene demonstrations by K-9 units from the Reading Police Department and the Berks County Sheriff’s Department at the Center for Simulated Investigations,

a revamped building located next to the Alumni House that acts as a workshop stage for students.

• A panel presentation on law enforcement and mental health. Speaking at the event were Berks County District Attorney John Adams and Brandon Sands, forensic diversion director at Berks Connections/Pretrial Services.

• A panel presentation on the impact of cannabis policy on crime and the criminal justice system. Speaking at the event were Kellie Wallace and Jared Dmello, authors of “The Need for Weed – Marijuana Policy and Public Politics in Criminal Justice.”

• A career fair for criminal justice students.

ALVERNIA CLIMBS IN NATIONAL RANKINGS

For the second consecutive year, Alvernia earned the 2024 Best National University designation by U.S. News & World Report after climbing 21 spots in the rankings to be among the top 300 national universities. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Alvernia is among the colleges and universities in the top tier of its designation and, for the first time in university history, was recognized as a Top 100 university for social mobility. According to U.S. News & World Report, the National Universities offer a range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and doctoral programs, and emphasize faculty research or award professional practice doctorates. In the second year of eligibility, Alvernia ranked at No. 296 in this grouping. Additionally, Alvernia climbed 55 spots, ranking 84 out of 443 in the social mobility indicator, which measures the graduation rate of Pell Grant recipients. Students receiving these grants typically come from households with family incomes below $50,000 annually.

ALVERNIA HONORED FOR QUALITY, AFFORDABILITY

Alvernia earned national endorsements as a College of Distinction (COD) for the fourth consecutive year and was ranked among Money Magazine’s 2023 Best Colleges. COD evaluates institutions based on their commitment to “Four Distinctions”: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.

Money ranked Alvernia among 736 other colleges using its new scoring system, which assesses 26 factors centered around affordability, financial aid packages, outcomes for graduates and overall quality.

Alvernia is the only institution in Berks County to earn the Professional/Doctoral University designation by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education due to the university’s professional graduate program offerings, graduates and commitment to research.

Due to limited column space, edits have been made to periscope submissions. To read the full version online, please scan the QR Code here:

Faculty SPOTLIGHT

Jodi Radosh, Ph.D. Professor and Department Chair of Communication & Digital Media

Ana Ruiz, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology

Jodi Radosh and Ana Ruiz have been named co-Neag Professors of Teaching Excellence and Innovation. During the two-year appointment, Radosh and Ruiz will develop an action plan and vision for Alvernia’s recently established Center for Teaching Excellence at the Alumni House.

Radosh and Ruiz surveyed faculty about the types of workshops in which they would be interested. Those responses have already led to workshops covering such topics as artificial intelligence/ChatGPT, trauma-infused teaching, inclusivity, climate change and technology in the classroom.

“We look forward to continuing to grow the Center for Teaching Excellence,” Radosh said. “We hope to facilitate innovations in teaching and learning that foster collaborative engagement opportunities as well as inspire transformative ideas in traditional and online pedagogy.”

Neag Professorships, established in 2010 through the generous support of Carole and Ray Neag, are awarded to faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in scholarly work and distinction in teaching, whether in undergraduate liberal arts education or graduate and professional education.

“The faculty response to the teaching and learning activities has been very encouraging,” Ruiz said. “Our faculty enjoys spending time together, discussing ways to improve their

teaching and making students enthusiastic about their learning. This has been a very rewarding experience, especially for having the opportunity to share it with Jodi.”

In addition:

• Ruiz and Professor of Psychology Erin Way, Ph.D., received a Faculty Excellence Grant for the summer to work on a chapter titled “Social Justice Activities to Apply Psychology Beyond the Classroom” for the Society for the Teaching of Psychology e-book.

• Ruiz was inducted into the Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship (ACES), which recognizes those “demonstrating notable contributions to the theory and practice of working collaboratively to address societal needs, advance community engagement, and advance the scholarship of community engagement.”

Recent publication

Radosh recently co-authored her second textbook, “The Broadcast News Toolkit: Inside the Digital Newsroom.” The book, written with Kirsten Johnson, was published by Routledge Press. Johnson and Radosh also wrote “Shoot, Edit, Share: Video Production for Mass Media, Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations,” published by Routledge in 2016.

Stober was appointed by the Berks County Community Foundation to serve on an advisory group with the Institute for Conservation Leadership from January to July 2023 to assess the best ways the county can address environmental issues and climate resilience.

Additionally, Stober’s presentations have included:

• “A Franciscan Perspective on the Formation of Nature-Centered Leaders in Higher Education” at the 2023 Association of Franciscan Colleges & Universities Symposium, sponsored by Siena College and Holy Name Province — June 20-22, 2023.

• “Climate Change and the Future of Humanity” at the World Affairs Council of Greater Reading — April 12, 2023.

• “A Franciscan Perspective on Nature-Centered Leadership for Environmental Justice” at the 19th International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic, & Social Sustainability — Feb. 1-3, 2023, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Pamela G. Unger, PT, CWS

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education

Unger was named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This prestigious recognition is the highest membership category bestowed by the APTA and serves as inspiration for all physical therapists to attain professional excellence.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow,” Unger said. “This distinction not only reflects my dedication to the field but also acknowledges the collective efforts of colleagues, students and collaborators who have contributed to the advancement of physical therapy and wound management.”

This designation serves as a testament to Unger’s commitment to professional excellence, spanning nearly five decades of impactful service to the profession. Her multifaceted career includes leadership, advocacy, education, research and clinical practice. Unger’s legislative advocacy and collaborative efforts with professional organizations have significantly influenced policies and standards for the practice of wound care for physical therapists.

Since joining Alvernia in 2019, Unger has developed the clinical education program by increasing the number of clinical sites and improving processes for every aspect of the program. She has contributed to instilling her passion for advocacy within Alvernia DPT students by introducing them to the APTA House of Delegates (HOD) and engaging them in legislative advocacy in Pennsylvania and in Washington, D.C.

Janae Sholtz, Ph.D.

Professor of Philosophy/ Coordinator of Women’s Gender Studies

In September, Sholtz presented a paper entitled “The Many Faces of Affect: Deleuze and Spinoza” as an invited speaker for the North American Deleuze Association, Swarthmore University, Pa. In October, she was an invited speaker for an international webinar celebrating Mahatma Gandhi entitled “Passive Resistance and Gandhian Praxis” for the Department of Philosophy at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India. In November, she presented a paper entitled “The Surrealist Exquisite Corpse and Deleuzian Conceptual Personae” for the International Society for the Study of Surrealism (ISSS), Houston, Texas.

Caroline Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.

Professor of Communication & Digital Media

Fitzpatrick gave a conference presentation, Building Open Educational Practices (OEPs) and Open Educational Resources (OERs) for Social Justice & Equity in Higher Education, at the 2023 National Conference on Creativity, Innovation and Technology (NCCiT) in November. Additionally, she served as a judge for 2023 Outstanding Literary Arts Journal Awards and Convention Roundtables for the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. Fitzpatrick also finished a two-year term on the board of directors for the Reading Film Office & Reading Film Festival in December 2023.

Donna Yarri, Ph.D.

Adjunct professor

Yarri presented a paper entitled “Integrating Franciscan Theology in an ‘Ethical Treatment of Animals’ class,” at the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities Conference at Sienna College in June.

Heather Keperling, Ed.D., MSN, RN Instructor of Nursing

Keperling gave the poster presentation “Nursing Student Perceptions of Perseverance and Passion in Nursing Education” at the National League for Nursing’s 2023 Education Summit at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., which was held Sept. 28-30.

Lois Rajcan, Ph.D., RN, CRNI

Assistant Professor of Nursing

In November, Rajcan represented the Sigma International Nursing Honor Society Alvernia Chapter Upsilon Zeta as vice president during the Sigma 47th Biennial Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

Alvernia’s faculty making a difference

Alvernia’s faculty making a difference

Spencer S. Stober, Ph.D. Professor of Biology

Alvernia’s

Bongrae Seok, Ph.D. Professor of Philosophy

In 2023, Seok published a book on Artificial Intelligence (“Future of Artificial Intelligence and the Buddha Algorithm”) and two book chapters on AI art (The Uncharted World of AI Art: Music and AI [artificial intelligence] in “Venturing into the Uncharted World of Aesthetics”) and on the semantics of shame (“Semantic Categories of Korean Words of Shame: Embarrassment, Humiliation, and Guilt” in “Cultural Perspectives on Shame, Unities and Diversities”). He published two journal articles on Korean philosophy (“Philosophy of Mind and Moral Psychology in Korean Neo-Confucianism” and “Response to Ivanhoe”), in APA Studies on Asian and Asian American Philosophers and Philosophies. He was also appointed as editor of a book series (Palgrave Studies in Korean Thought) by Palgrave and Macmillan.

In addition, he gave multiple academic lectures and conference presentations. They are listed on the website, which can be accessed through the QR code on page 34.

Travis A. Berger, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Business, Communication, and Leadership; Associate Professor of Business and Leadership

Berger delivered his presentation “Leadership for Positive Impact: Let’s Get This Right” to numerous area organizations:

• PA Department of Labor and Industry as part of its Leadership Lab (6/16)

• TE Connectivity as part of its Leadership Development Day (8/3)

• Alvernia University Alumni Council (9/15)

• Pottstown chapter of the Society for Human Resources (9/21)

• Berks County chapter of the Society for Human Resources (11/28)

In the presentation, Berger offers a common, practical leadership language that provides the foundation required to address the most pressing leadership challenges. His appearance at publicly traded TE Connectivity came at the request of Alvernia alumnus Adin Zagorica ’20 MBA ’21.

Berger also delivered a presentation on leadership to the EnerSys legal team as part of the EnerSys Legal Department Summit on March 30.

Kevin Donnelly, Ph.D. Associate Professor of History

In May, Donnelly will release “The Descent of Artificial Intelligence: A Deep History of an Idea 400 Years in the Making.” Published by the University of Pittsburgh Press, the book views the development of artificial intelligence through the lens of social thought, reminding readers that we can control the narratives about ourselves.

Mary Ann Durant, DNP, MSN, RN, M.Ed.

Associate Professor of Nursing

Durant received the Sr. Donatilla Legacy Award at Alvernia’s 2023 Convocation. This award is presented to a full-time faculty member who has given long service to the university in teaching, advising and support, and who is a social and cultural bedrock of the institution. Durant also delivered the commencement address at graduation in June for the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing in Pottsville.

A scholarly publication written by Durant, Cultural Perspectives Content Set: Alaskan Natives Module, was published in October.

Tufan Tiglioglu, Ph.D. Chair, Header School of Business; Coordinator, Adult Education for Business Programs

Tiglioglu released the peer-reviewed publication “Various Convexities and Some Relevant Properties of Consumer Preference Relations,” co-authored with Jeffrey Yi-Lin Forrest and Donald Mong of Slippery Rock University, Yong Liu of Jiangnan University and Marta Cardin of Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, in the journal Studia Universitatis “Vasile Goldis” Arad. Economics Series Vol. 33, Issue 4/2023.

He also chaired the “International Economic Policy and the Family” session and co-presented “An Application of Logit Model to Vietnamese Female Entrepreneurs” at the Pennsylvania Economic Association’s 37th Annual Conference at Washington & Jefferson College, June 1-3, 2023, Washington, Pa.

Attention, Alumni:

• Married?

• New job?

• Addition to the family?

Share your news! Contact us at alumni@alvernia.edu.

1970s

Liz Symons ’79 was part of the first graduating nursing class here at Alvernia and just recently retired after a 51-year nursing career.

1980s

Mark Levandowski ’82 became the new chief financial officer for Gage Personnel

Lynn (Deren) Schofer ’86 retired from work with the Wicomico County Health Department in Maryland. She now works part time as a sport photojournalist and full time with a local school district.

(1.) Jeff Gregro ’88 retired on May 2, 2023, after 27 years as deputy chief of the Berks County Juvenile Probation Office.

1990s

(2.) Lisa (Meredith) Unrath ’92 started a new job at the Pennsylvania Key as PDG B5 grant manager, on behalf of OCDEL (Office of Child Development & Learning).

(3.) Jason Klohr ’94 was promoted to associate head of school at Covenant Day School in North Carolina.

(4.) Kevin Bieber ’99 joined Fleetwood Bank as the vice president, relationship manager.

2000s

Sue (Schwartz) Cassler ’00 and Curtis Cassler were married on October 1, 2022.

Richard Tornielli ’00 was named chief of the West Reading Police Department.

Hank Clarke ’01 attorney, has joined the law firm of Lepley, Engelman, Yaw, & Wilk, LLC.

(5.) Dr. Charles Barbera MBA ’01 was added to Becker’s Hospital Review 2023 list of “Physician Leaders to Know.” He also participated in the Camino De Santiago pilgrimage.

(6.) David Brennan ’03 M.Ed. ’05 was promoted to income maintenance casework supervisor at Montour County Assistance Office.

Lyle Loeb ’03 was named a partner at Herbein FOS Risk Management.

Rafael Nunez ’04 MBA ’05 has claimed the District 5 seat on Reading’s City Council.

Nicole (Edwards) Melendez MA ’04 was named the principal of Barkley Elementary School in Kentucky.

(7.) Laura Witman M.Ed. ’04 returned as the assistant superintendent of East Penn School District.

(8.) Diane (Gassert) Hoover ’06 and Roger Hoover were married on October 7, 2023.

(9.) Betsy (Giering) Gingerich MBA ’06 was appointed to the board of the Tri-County Arts Council.

(10.) Stephanie (Garcia) Walker MA ’07 became the vice president for enrollment management at Cedar Crest College.

(11.) Denise (Kramer) Pouss ’08 and her husband Matthew welcomed their third child, Nathan Gabriel Pouss, on March 30, 2023.

(12.) Rick Turner III MBA ’09 and his wife, Adrean Turner – a former adjunct professor at Alvernia and a recipient of Alvernia University Women’s Council’s Bernardine Legacy Award –opened Legacy Cigar Lounge in West Reading.

1. Jeff Gregro ‘88 2. Lisa (Meredith) Unrath ‘92 3. Jason Klohr ’94 4 Kevin Bieber ‘99 5 Dr. Charles Barbera MBA ’01 6. David Brennan ‘03 M.Ed. ‘05

7. Laura Witman M.Ed. ‘04 8. Diane (Gassert) Hoover ‘06 9. Betsy (Giering) Gingerich MBA ‘06 10. Stephanie (Garcia) Walker MA ‘07 11. Denise (Kramer) Pouss ‘08 12. Rick Turner III MBA ‘09 and Adrean Turner

Class NotesAlumni Class NotesAlumni

2010s

Denine F. McCarthy-Searle ’11 started a new position with Boyer & Ritter as an associate.

(13.) Brian Pawling MBA ’11 was elected to serve as the vice president of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials.

Maritza Loaiza ’11 MBA ’21 became the new city core manager for Reading.

(14.) Heather Shainline ’12 married Derek Sochko on Aug. 11, 2023, at St. Columbkill Church.

Lucine Sihelnik MA ’13 served a one-year term as a Berks County commissioner before being named president and CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.

Matt Peters ’13 was appointed as cybersecurity business development manager at Threat Advice.

Katherine Kouma ’13 published “Children of the Fallen” under the pen name Scarlet Crane.

(15.) Samantha (Wilt) Holmes ’14 and her husband, Dylan Holmes, welcomed Rorie Jean Holmes into the world in July, 2023.

(16.) Amy Resh MBA ’14 became the new executive director for the James V. Brown Library.

(17.) Dave Sloan ’14 MBA ’16 became the new head men’s basketball coach at Bard College.

(18.) Cassandra (Colosimo) Pio ’15 welcomed a baby girl on June 29, 2023.

Dr. Marion McGowan Ph.D. ’15 was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at St. Clair Health.

(19.) Alexandria (Crouthamel) Hamilton ’15 was inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry and named in “2023 Top Lawyers.” She has also been selected as Woman of the Year and will be on the cover of Philadelphia Magazine.

(20.) Capt. Mylen Morales ’15 is a USMC captain, and the first ever female to be appointed to command an entire training company.

Michelle Dallago M.Ed. ’15 had her song “I Can Do Anything” published into a children’s book.

(21.) Dr. Tiffany (George) Yoch MS ’15 and her husband, Christopher, welcomed a baby girl, Mia Isabelle Yoch, on June 6, 2023.

John Ruel ’16 was sworn in as a police officer at Lansdale Police Department.

(22.) Allen (Liszcz II) Adam-Liszcz ’16 and Collin (Adam) Adam-Liszcz were married on April 15, 2023.

Emily (Kelly) Bencie ’16 and Christian Bencie ’16 welcomed baby girl Riley Bencie in September 2023.

Alexandra Goodman MBA ’16 was elected to serve on the Board of the Foundation for Reading Area Community College.

(23.) Bailey Stover ’17 and Zachary Rider ’18 were married on June 24, 2023.

Ginny Thress ’17 MBA ’18 was hired as the human resources manager for the Investment Real Estate Group of Companies (IREGC).

(24.) Ashley Mikulsky MBA ’18 was named CEO of the Animal Rescue League.

(25.) Brittany (Millard) Dunlap ’18 married Buddy Dunlap in September 2023.

(26.) Kiana Vega ’18 MBA ’19 started her unique candle business, La Candela.

Alanna (Blessington) Drobeck MS ’18 and her husband, Nick, welcomed a baby girl.

2020s

Samuel St. Croix ’20 was named an assistant men’s lacrosse coach at Ohio Northern University.

(27.) Dr. Dan Lebo Ph.D. ’20 became the director for the Leadership and Organizational Management degree program at Eastern Mennonite University.

(28.) Ralia Vardaxis MA ’20 became executive director of the Reading Science Center.

(29.) David Delozier Ph.D. ’21 began a new position as chief development officer at Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank. He was also honored at the Berks Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Philanthropy Day event with the 2023 Meggan Kerber Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award.

Brittany (Leffler) Culbert ’22 started a career with Pennsylvania Counseling Service as a prevention specialist less than a month after graduating.

(30.) Sawyer Underwood ’22 was a March 2023 Daisy Award recipient for her work as a nurse at Tower Health.

(31.) Ashley Rogers ’22 was named public information manager for New Jersey Alliance for Action.

(32.) Viola Youssif MBA ’22 was promoted to senior living manager at RKL.

(33.) Tamyra McAlpine-Hine ’23 became a new Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society 2023 member.

Jennifer Deeter ’23 was promoted to store manager at Redner’s Markets a month after graduation.

(34.) Brooke Spezialetti MS ’23 was selected as the MAC Commonwealth’s 2023 NCAA Woman of the Year.

32. 31.

33.

31. Ashley Rogers ’22

32. Viola Youssif MBA ’22

34.

33 Tamyra McApline-Hine ’23

34 Brooke Spezialetti MS ’23

13. Brian Pawling MBA ’11 14. Heather Shainline ’12 15. Samantha (Wilt) Holmes ’14 16. Amy Resh MBA ’14 17. Dave Sloan ’14 MBA ’16 18. Cassandra (Colosimo) Pio ’15 19. Alexandria (Crouthamel) Hamilton ’15 20. Capt. Mylen Morales ’15

13.

15.

14. 16. 17. 18.

20.

19.

21. Dr. Tiffany (George) Yoch MS ’15 22. Allen (Liszcz II) Adam-Liszcz ’16 23. Bailey Stover ’17 and Zachary Rider ’18 24. Ashley Mikulsky MBA ’18 25. Brittany (Millard) Dunlap ’18 26. Kiana Vega ’18 MBA ’19 27. Dr. Dan Lebo Ph.D. ’20 28. Ralia Vardaxis MA ’20 29. Dr. David Delozier Ph.D. ’21 30. Sawyer Underwood ’22

21. 22.

23. 25.

24. 26.

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(Above) Heather (Wanner) Bellott MS ’19 and Dr. Seth Bellott ’17 DPT ’19 welcomed twins, Chase and Brielle Bellott in June 2023.

Class NotesAlumni

In Memoriam

In memory of our deceased alumni who are gone but not forgotten.

1970s

Barbara (Grieco) Pietropaulo ’70

Sr. Anna Mae Milus OSF ’71

Sr. M. Antoinette Keiser OSF ’71

Mary Beth (Holko) McGinley ’72

Christina Warczglowa ’75

Clarence P. Seagreaves ’76

Carl N. Kline ’76

Gwendolyn (Tester) Braun ’79

Sr. M. Angelis Song ASC ’79

Claudia (Crowder) Humes ’79

1980s

John S. Falter ’80

Steven A Hook ’85

Antonina Mollica ’87

Linda (Endy) Epler ’88

1990s

Howard S. Boyer ’91

Leonard J. Rhoads Jr. ’93

Patricia (Poltrone) Patterson ’94

Carol May ’95

Robin Cuzner ’95

Marcia B. Jilk ’95

Peter Fox Sr. ’95

Andrea M. Fisher ’96

Elizabeth (Zeidler) Levan ’98

2000s

Judith (Hollenbach) Drey ’00

Jamie (Lutz) Kruse ’01

Matthew D. Dillman ’03

Carnell Hughes ’03

Dr. Daniel J. Ahearn MBA ’04

Stacey (Puzauskas) Hensley ’04 M.Ed. ’06

Scott Winklemen M.Ed. ’06

Kareema Murphy ’07

2010s

Kim Peckenschneider ’11

Christa (Hart) Barilla ’12 MBA ’15

James Michaud M.Ed. ’14

Justin Hoban MA ’16

2020s

Kathleen Pross ’21

Memorial Prayer Garden and Columbarium

The Alvernia Columbarium provides a limited number of economical and environmentally friendly niches to help family members eternally rest in peace.

Each niche can hold up to two urns. Twelve of the 51 niches have already been reserved.

For more information, please contact Ali Lynn at the Department of Institutional Advancement at 610-796-8259 or Ali.

Lynn@alvernia.edu.

NEWS Alumni

Alums have engaging Homecoming weekend

For Taylor Dorrin, Alvernia’s 2023 homecoming will always have a nice ring to it. Though a persistent rain dampened Saturday’s festivities during the university’s Homecoming and Family Weekend, the morning got off to a life-altering start for Dorrin and fellow 2020 graduate Chase Whaley, her boyfriend of seven years. Whaley proposed in the President’s Suite beside the athletic field where they spent countless hours competing during their time as Golden Wolves. It was also the exact spot where Whaley and Dorrin’s father — who shared a close relationship before his passing three years ago — watched all of her field hockey and lacrosse games.

“I had no idea; I was wearing this,” a laughing Dorrin said, pointing to her comfortable getup.

The couple met at Alvernia during their freshman year while living in Veronica Hall. So, Whaley thought, why not bring it all back home for Homecoming?

“It was something sentimental,” said Whaley ‘19, MBA ‘20, who also played lacrosse. “Where we started. What better place to do it?”

The inclement weather aided the proposal. Dorrin, an occupational therapy major, was slated to play an alumni

game Saturday morning, but rain canceled those plans. That made it easier for the family to coordinate relatives coming into town from Delaware and other parts of Pennsylvania for the special occasion.

They live in Delaware County — Dorrin an occupational therapist and Whaley an employee at a global insurance carrier — but they still feel like Alvernia is home.

“Our whole friend group,” Dorrin said, “we’re all still friends from Alvernia.”

Golden Wolves weather the storm

The soggy Saturday didn’t deter Golden Wolves past, present and future from attending festivities at October’s Homecoming and Family Weekend. Tailgating in the parking lot behind the Bornemann Building included more than a dozen tents keeping revelers dry, with the smells of alumniowned Nonno Alby’s pizza, and grilled bacon, burgers and hash browns wafting through the raindrops.

Inside events early in the day included Coffee with the President, which allowed attendees to snack and chat with University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.; and tours of the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, the university’s downtown location that had just opened its

John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing and state-of-theart, interprofessional Healthcare Simulation Center on the second floor.

A handful of afternoon events that had been slated for the Quad were moved into the Physical Education Center, including demonstrations by the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and Reading Science Center. Saturday’s festivities also featured roller skating at the PEC, trivia at the Student Center Dining Hall and candlelight tours of Francis Hall by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. See photos from the event on the following pages.

Taylor Dorrin ‘20 and Chase Whaley ‘19, MBA ‘20 celebrate their engagement.

Scan the QR code to watch a video recap of Homecoming & Family Weekend 2023.

Alumni of distinction recognized at President’s Dinner

Each year, Alvernia’s Alumni Association recognizes alumni of distinction through several awards handed out at the university’s annual President’s Dinner. Additional information about Alvernia’s alumni awards, including nomination forms and a complete list of recipients, is available at www.alvernia.edu/alumni-awards.

Alvernia Distinguished Alumni Award recipient: David L. Yoch ’82

This award recognizes alumni who have exemplified a dedication to their chosen profession.

Yoch, a lifelong resident of Berks County who received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Alvernia, served the Wyomissing Police Department for more than 28 years. His tenure included working patrol, being named to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Criminal Investigation Unit. He also was a member of the Berks County DA’s Major Crimes and Drug Task Force as well as a negotiator and assistant team leader for the Berks County Emergency Response team.

Serving with a heart of compassion, Yoch earned more than 35 letters of commendation, unit citation awards, exceptional duty awards, meritorious services awards and lifesaving awards.

Since 2014, Yoch has served as the Magisterial District Judge for Cumru Township and the boroughs of Shillington, Mohnton and Kenhorst. He also serves as an instructor for the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commissions and taught for 14 years at the Reading Police Academy.

Ellen Frei Gruber Award recipient: Judith Ann Bohler ’09

This award recognizes Alvernia alumni who reflect the values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality in how they conduct their lives.

In 2002, Bohler participated in her first missionary trip to the Dominican Republic to support the ministry of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. This experience, along with her commitment to social justice and environmental issues, inspired Bohler to dedicate her life to missionary work. Bohler serves as the executive director of the JB Foundation, which provides support to children, youth, women and the elderly living in extreme poverty in the Dominican Republic.

Prior to the JB Foundation, Judy served Alvernia for nearly 21 years as the executive assistant to the president, coordinator of mission initiatives and community engagement coordinator. She has served as a volunteer with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Volunteers in Mission, as a member of the Alumni Council from 2010-2015 and as a member of the Farmland Preservation Trust in Lancaster County.

Bohler has traveled to Kentucky with Volunteers in Mission to repair and renovate homes in Appalachia, to Nicaragua with Witness for Peace for a fact-finding mission on the effect of the DR-Central American Free Trade Agreement on the poor, and to Honduras with the Quixote Center.

Four Under Forty Achievement Award recipients

This award recognizes the accomplishments/achievements of our young alumni as they move forward and develop in their careers.

Andrew J. Angstadt ’08

Angstadt is the director of religious education, music teacher, and middle school religion teacher for Holy Guardian Angels Regional School. The elementary education grad also serves as an organist at Immaculate Conception in Douglassville and throughout the Allentown Diocese. Angstadt previously served as a second-grade teacher at St. Peter’s School in Reading.

For nearly 17 years Angstadt served the parish of St. Benedict through liturgical music as organist, choir director and liturgical planner.

Junior R. Bernard ’14

Born and raised in Haiti, Bernard dreamed of obtaining an education in America from a young age. As one of five children, he grew up witnessing many in his community, including children, die due to starvation and preventable diseases. As a teenager, these tragedies motivated Bernard to take matters into his own hands when he taught himself English from a dictionary he’d found in a trash can. In 2010, Bernard survived the devastating earthquake that took the lives of over 200,000 Haitians. Bernard would later meet an American volunteer, Billy Barr, who offered to bring him to America, after which Alvernia granted him a scholarship to help make his dream of obtaining an education come true. Bernard graduated from Alvernia with a communications degree.

In 2021, Bernard and a childhood friend created the Pranzel Group with one big goal in mind: spreading education across Haiti.

Katie M. Griffith ’05

Griffith is a United States Border Patrol Agent with the Department of Homeland Security. In her 16-year career, Griffith has served as a border community liaison, welfare and recreation association officer, peer support member, certified vessel crewman and personal watercraft operator, and a member of a northern border undercover unit.

In 2022, the criminal justice graduate was selected to represent the San Diego Sector Horse Patrol at the National Mounted Officers Colloquium. A legacy member of the patrol, Griffith has acted as its San Diego Sector resiliency supervisor and program coordinator. Katie also volunteers at Therapy Ranch, where she uses equine-assisted therapy to aid veterans and first responders who are struggling with mental illnesses.

Recently accepting a promotion as an interior recruiter for Customs and Border Protection, she operates an aggressive recruiting program to bring new Border Patrol agents into the government.

Mylen Morales ’15

After graduating from Alvernia with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Mylen served as an elementary school teacher in the Reading School District. She started her military career a year later by serving with the Marine Wing Support Squadron 272. In this squadron, she rose to a senior administrative officer and served as the casualty assistance call officer for two fallen Marines.

In 2018, Morales served as the regimental adjutant and legal officer to the Combat Logistics Regiment 27 and the Marine Logistics Regiment. After two years of service, Morales was promoted to watch officer for Task Force Resolve and assumed the duties of the battalion adjutant. In 2022, Mylen was assigned to the Recruit Training Regiment, where she served as series commander, executive officer, and commanding officer. She also supervised and was directly responsible for the first female integrated training companies within the First and Second Recruit Training Battalion.

In 2021, she earned her California real estate agent license. Currently, she serves as a resident student at Expeditionary Warfare School, a top-level school for Marine Corps Captains.

Receiving the 2023 Four Under Forty Achievement Awards are, from left, Junior R. Bernard ‘14, Mylen Morales ‘15, Katie M. Griffith ‘05 and Andrew J. Angstadt ‘08.

President’s dinner President’s dinner

Ways to get involved

If you’re an Alvernia grad looking for ways to keep the university in your life while helping to improve the alumni experience for others, here are some suggestions:

• Serve on the Alumni Council: The advisory and governing body of Alvernia University’s Alumni Association, the Alumni Council is composed of about two dozen elected graduates of varying class years, occupations and experiences who serve as representative voices for the alumni body. The council provides overarching guidance and direction to the Alumni Association as well as advice when called upon by the university in matters relating to alumni.

YourCreate Comeback

March

• Join one of the Alumni Council committees: You could also join one of the council’s committees: Enrollment & Marketing, Young Alumni Committee, Engagement & Philanthropy or Career Services.

• Volunteer for an upcoming event: MargaritaVern (Saturday, May 4) or Commencement (Saturday, May 11).

If any of this interests you, reach out to Alumni@Alvernia.edu or call the office at 610-568-1530

MARCH

April

April

Spring-Summer 2024 Alumni Events

March 19 Reading Collegiate Scholars Program 10th Anniversary Celebration

APRIL

For more information, contact Director of External Engagement Daniel Hartzman at 610-568-1530 or daniel.hartzman@alvernia.edu.

March 24 Easter Egg Hunt: 1 to 3 p.m., The PLEX

April 15 Psychology Alumni Dinner: 5:30

McGlinn Conference Center

April 4 to 13 President Glynis Fitzgerald Inauguration Week Events

University Spring Concert, honoring the retirement of Jennifer Michalik, Francis Hall Theatre Social: 2 to 3 p.m.

3 to 4:15 p.m.

2024: