Partners in Progress

Message from the President

As I contemplate the beginning of my experiences as President of Alvernia University, I am filled with a deep sense of pride and humility. I’m proud to walk in the footsteps of our beloved Bernardine Franciscan Sisters leaders of our community and humbled by the Sisters’ acceptance, guidance, and support as I became the first female lay president in Alvernia’s history I am grateful for each leader before me, as they have been responsible for our university's timely growth and change

Building upon the foundation established in the Alvernia Advantage Strategic Plan, I am eager to leverage the successes and competitive advantages cultivated through the CollegeTowne initiatives These achievements, many of which materialized during the quiet phase of the campaign, were made possible through the $52 million in philanthropic and public resources This financial support established a strong foundation for our university's continued growth and excellence

Our work is leading to solid results We have expanded academic programming in engineering and health sciences and added new facilities that enhanced scholarship and experiential learning opportunities; added student living space; enhanced academic support offerings; remodeled our academic operations into a four-college model; seen academic programs reaccredited; and reorganized our mission, diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement models While these accomplishments are significant, there is still work to be done to ensure all Alvernia students can be successful.

The Partners in Progress Campaign offers a historic opportunity to invest in an institution firmly committed to the communities in which it serves. Our alums carry this commitment even further to communities across the country. With the full involvement of the campus community, the Board of Trustees leadership, alums, and friends' support, we aim to lead the charge in rethinking higher education through ambitious investment, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

I ask you to join us in fulfilling our vision of engaged alums, students, faculty, staff, and dedicated partner networks moving the university into the next era With flexibility, innovation, expansion, engagement, and an unwavering student-centric approach, we will be prepared for the challenges facing this country’s regional private and liberal arts universities I am excited and honored to lead Alvernia on this journey With your support of the Partners in Progress Campaign, we will leave a lasting impact on Alvernia University and our entire community

Glynis A Fitzgerald, Ph D

Alvernia Advantage

The Alvernia Advantage exposes students to world-class technology, real-world learning environments, mentors, community leaders, and experiential learning We provide this through The O’Pake Institute for Entrepreneurship, The AU Career Craft apprenticeship program, internships in all majors, clinical experiences, and opportunities for laboratory experiences in local industries. Students also use our Bloomberg Terminal lab, state-of-the-art health care science laboratories, Crime Scene House, Bog Turtle Farm, and engineering learning spaces.

Alvernia recognizes the need to develop the region by graduating students who will live and work there. We believe that access to education must be provided for all students from every socioeconomic class. We have begun building a system of care to meet the needs of our diverse population of students. These services include expanded, year-round health care, emergency aid, an expanded food pantry, resources for educational materials, 24-hour online tutoring, and expanding our relationships with community partners who provide support services.

In an ever-changing, highly technical world, the key to students' success is the ability to think critically and adapt to change. Alvernia’s liberal arts education immerses students in learning critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, ethical decisionmaking, appreciation of the arts, and inquiry into the enduring questions of our shared human experience Our education focuses on developing students who can lead with a strong sense of themselves, compassion for others, and the ability to adapt to a changing global society

By growing and graduating students from the region, Alvernia will continue to build on the economic redevelopment of Reading, Philadelphia, Pottsville, and beyond Graduates of the areas we serve become part of the economic recovery story when they live and work in them post-graduation The university will continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve through new program offerings, meeting the needs of area businesses, community service, and community partnerships The Mission of Alvernia University compels us to serve and teach the next generation of community leaders who will build a better future for our region and beyond

Campaign Pillars

The Partners in Progress Campaign is a visionary initiative designed to propel our university to new heights of excellence

The ambitious target of raising $70 million reflects our dedication to ensuring that Alvernia remains at the forefront of higher education, empowering us to provide unparalleled opportunities for our students and to address the evolving needs of our dynamic community

Anchored by four pillars, this campaign stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering academic distinction, supporting our community, and preparing our students for a future defined by innovation and impact.

Access and Opportunity

We must continue to provide access to higher education for undergraduate and graduate students. Through the campaign, we will seek to secure scholarships for existing programs that have proven outcomes such as the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program, and fund new endowed and annual scholarships.

Academic Engagement

Through the campaign, we will seek to provide support to our talented faculty through funding new academic programs, continuing to refresh existing programs and facilities, and providing program funding for research and other institutional priorities.

As an O’Pake Graduate Assistant pursuing my MBA, I work with entrepreneurs on a daily basis, which allows me to understand their successes, failures, and vision These experiences enable me to take what I learned in the classroom and apply that knowledge in real-world experiences.

-Jack Short, Graduate Assistant of Startup Ventures & O'Pake Investments

Student Success

Gifts to support students expand opportunities for academic achievement by focusing on student well-being. Through the Partner in Progress Campaign, we seek to Create a Community of Care, including expanding the Hope Fund, which provides financial and emergency aid for students and enhance the academic and co-curricular experience for our students.

Community Engagement

We will continue the CollegeTowne Initiative through community engagement such as the partnership with Berks Community Health Center Through the campaign, we will renovate the American House property in Reading CollegeTowne, meeting the health care needs of Berks County residents while providing realworld learning opportunities for our students We will seek to sustain the excellent work of the O’Pake Institute that will fund opportunities for Alvernia students to engage with new start-ups and existing businesses.

Annual Fund (Hope Fund)

Annual gifts in support of the Hope Fund are vitally important to assisting all students (undergraduate, graduate, and adult) and families in financial need and provides the university with the flexibility and resources necessary to address student hardships as they arise. Our goal is to increase the annual fund steadily and dramatically over the life of the campaign

The Hope Fund has allowed me to focus on my academics by alleviating unforeseen financial burdens Without it, I would not have been able to experience all the amazing opportunities Alvernia has offered me

-Ashley, Athletic Training ‘24

Serving Our Future through Deferred Gifts

Alvernia University has benefited from several generous planned gifts over the past several years

Campaign Volunteers

Honorary Chairs

T. Jerome & Carolyn Holleran

Mike & Judy Ehlerman

Campaign Chairs

SteveNajarian, Southern Berks Land Company, L P JeffRush, Fulton Bank

Campaign Steering Committee

MikeDuff, Penske Truck Leasing

MikeFromm, Fromm Electric Supply Corp

PatGiles, The Wyomissing Foundation

EllenHuyett, Retired, Stevens & Lee P C

DanLangdon, Retired, East Penn Manufacturing

PeterRye,Brentwood Industries, Inc

PaulaBarrett, Retired, RKL

DougTieman,Retired,Caron

DavidTurner, FirstEnergy Co

Your involvement and support, at any level, is integral to our success Together, we can create a legacy that will resonate for generations to come

-Steve Najarian, campaign co-chair

The comprehensive campaign may have changed the trajectory for Alvernia forever, and it gives us the chance to change the course for Reading and the communities in which we serve

-Jeff

Rush, campaign co-chair

Ways to support the Partners in Progress Campaign

There are many ways to support the Partners in Progress Campaign Those who do will ensure a bright and strong future for Alvernia and its students. Alumni, friends, and others may choose to make a single gift, spread their contributions over a period of time, or choose a deferred giving option. All gifts are deeply appreciated

Outright Gifts of Cash

Appreciated Securities (including closely held stock and mutual funds)

Life Income Plans (including charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and charitable gift annuities)

Retirement Plans

Mutual Funds

Life Insurance Policies

Bequests

Real Estate

Personal Property

Corporate Matching Gifts

Naming Opportunities

For those who wish to honor a family member, pay tribute to a friend, or commemorate someone who inspired you, there are many permanent naming opportunities for facilities, scholarships, and endowments.

Together, let us embark on this transformative journey, as Partners in Progress, and make a lasting difference in the lives of Alvernia students and the broader community.