e all have heroes. Some are sports stars. Others are business and civic leaders. Some are family members, some spiritual mentors. They’re all individuals who inspire us and often move us to become something more than we were without them. And so when the Values & Vision capital campaign closed in October, the most successful fundraising effort in Alvernia’s history, the real story wasn’t about the money raised. It was about the heroes who made it all possible, and some very good friends. It was five years ago, as Alvernia celebrated its 50th anniversary, that the university announced the public launch of its most aggressive fundraising campaign. The $27 million goal was so much larger than any previous campaign, nearly seven times, that more than a few rolled their eyes. But with a bold vision cast by President Thomas F. Flynn, and a strategic plan in place to drive progress, the need for “fuel” to bring new ideas to life was large. However, it took only a month before the country plunged into the worst financial collapse in almost a century, and the future of the campaign looked bleak. “Our timing was impeccable, wasn’t it?” quipped Flynn discussing the campaign launch. “We were certainly in search of a few heroes at that point because things could have gotten ugly fast.” And then something extraordinary started to happen. Heroes emerged. Friends and board members of the university stepped forward to invest in making Alvernia a truly distinctive Franciscan university. Their names are destined to echo in Alvernia’s hallowed halls for generations: Boscov, Holleran, Neag, Miller, O’Pake. “Carole and Ray Neag’s gift funded our first two endowed professorships. Jerry and Carolyn Holleran were inspired to provide support that made the Holleran Center a reality, and then donated their beautiful home to become the future President’s House at Cedar Hill,” said J. Michael Pressimone, vice president of advancement, who led the historic fundraising campaign. “Marlin and Ginger Miller helped create an art gallery to support
improvements in the fine and performing arts. Shirley, Jim and Cindy Boscov created a scholarship program to attract the ‘best and the brightest’ from Berks County.” Yes, heroes and friends seemed to be everywhere, just when they were needed most. A generous bequest from the late Sen. Michael O’Pake soon made creation of the O’Pake Institute possible. Together with the Holleran Center, the two became signatures of the university’s national reputation for civic engagement. It’s undeniable that Alvernia’s trustees, past and present, stepped up in a huge way, providing more than half of the campaign’s total amount of $31.6 million. “They are the unsung heroes of what has been accomplished in the last five years. Our trustees helped shape the university and campaign priorities, and they provided invaluable guidance and vigilant oversight as Alvernia navigated some turbulent waters,” said Flynn. Faculty and staff rose to the occasion as well, making donations that topped more than $1 million, with alumni providing support, too. Even students and parents played roles, with both providing significant support to help fund the new Campus Commons. Alvernia has come farther and faster than anyone thought possible, due much in part to the success of the Values & Vision campaign. The university is now recognized for strong academic programs, undergraduate and graduate — especially in health care and the human services — as well as for emphases on leadership, ethics and community engagement. A historically commuter school is now home to a large residential community; a predominantly local school now attracts students from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region; a seemingly landlocked school has expanded its campus dramatically. All of this is possible thanks to the energy of a campus, the commitment of a community and the support of people who shared a vision for a once-tiny college to become a thriving university. “It’s been all about heroes,” said Flynn. “Alvernia heroes and some very, very good friends.”
August 2012
October 2013
The Campus Commons opens as a beautiful central gathering place. This project catches the attention of a number of students’ parents, who respond to a generous challenge grant from trustee Tom Martell and his wife, Marcia. Not to be outdone, the Student Government Association also makes a significant contribution.
September 2011
Supported by donations from faculty, staff, students and alumni, Francis Hall is transformed with a new campus side entryway, a renovated theater and recital hall, and expanded space for arts classes. A gift from Ginger and Marlin Miller helps create the Miller Gallery.
Having raised more than $31.6 million Values & Vision closes, exceeding its goal by more than 20 percent and becoming the most successful fundraising program in school history.
September 2012
Investments by Michael and Susan Fromm and Elsayed and Cathy Elmarzouky deepen the university’s commitment to be a leading community resource for interfaith dialogue. The Fromm Interfaith Award is created to aid students who demonstrate passion for interfaith work.
Beyond 2013: Next Up
Creation of the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program, development of an East Campus, and an addition to the Franco Library to include a learning commons and high-tech classrooms are all anticipated.