Fling Into Fun: Alvernia’s 2025 Spring Fling
Lindsay Kerchner
Contributing Writer
“Spring Fling is an annual tradition we offer at Alvernia.” Felicia Nelson, associate director of student activities, said. “This is a three-day event held on the last weekend in April to celebrate an amazing school year.”
Alvernia University’s 2025 Spring Fling will return to the Hill campus Quad during the weekend of April 25. This annual event has become a highly anticipated semester-end tradition that brings together students and the local community for a weekend full of music, food, and exciting activities. The weekend features several main events that have become fan favorites, including Wolfpack Jams, the Block Party, and Mega Prize Bingo.
Wolfpack Jams, which takes place on the Quad, offers students the chance to enjoy live music, hang out with friends, and go to food trucks. This is an annual bash hosted by CAB (Campus Activities Board)
Grace Wanner
Contributing Editor
Everyone has things they do that make life just a little easier. Alvernia students are no different. When asked what their secret tips and tricks around campus are, here’s how students responded.
The most popular answer was the free hot chocolate, coffee, and tea in the library. Most students are aware of this, but if you’re not an avid library goer, the university recently put a new hot drink bar in the library, and students are loving it. However, because of the
and RHA (Residence Hall Association). They will have two music groups that will be performing as well as offering free food from Uncle Paul’s Stuffed Pretzels, tie dye t-shirts, caricature artist and lawn games. The music acts for this year are The Honey Badgers and Stephanie Grace.
The Block Party is a highlight of the weekend, with games, activities, and booths set up to create a lively atmosphere where students can connect with each other. Join Student Government Association (SGA) for a fun afternoon on the quad with activities such as zip-lining, axe-throwing, gladiator jousting, and a rock and roller mechanical ride. Savor delicious offerings from food trucks including Kona Ice, Little Cotton Cart (cotton candy), Stacey’s Orangeade and the Dog House Grill. Capture memories on the Giant Chair and express yourself with an airbrush tattoo.
Mega Prize Bingo is another favorite event, where students compete for exciting prizes, adding a bit of friendly
competition to the weekend. Get ready to shout “Bingo” at the most epic bingo game of the year. Alvernia’s fanfavorite event is rolling out over $17,000 in prizes and goodies over ten thrilling rounds. Possible prizes include gift cards, video games, designer bags, TV’s, Apple products and more.
“There’s no better way to spend a weekend than with your friends, great music, and fun activities,” Noah Waldron, sophomore, said. “Spring Fling is something I look forward to every year.”
The Spring Fling weekend has grown significantly in recent years. What started as a small gathering has now become a major event that attracts not only students
Alvernia Life Hacks
popularity of the machine, it is empty sometimes. When this happens, head on over to the student center! The student center also has free hot chocolate and drinks 24/7! Another popular response was the new Freshens delivery option! Students who live downtown have limited access to food options, so Freshens now delivers to the Post Center. According to the weekly AU Newsletter, “Students taking classes at CollegeTowne can order from Freshens and have it delivered! Utilize a meal exchange through the
Order+Eat App| Monday through Friday.” Orders need to be placed by 10 a.m. for 11:30 a.m. delivery and 11 a.m. for 12:30 p.m. delivery.
Some students talked about quiet places they go to study on campus, so if you choose to utilize these spaces, please be respectful and keep them quiet.
The second floor of the campus commons is a nice, quiet place to study. A lot of students think the second floor is mainly offices, but there are computers up there for students to use. Additionally, the TV in the lounge of the campus commons can be used for gaming with friends or watching movies on a large screen. You can hook up your own device as long as no one else has the room reserved.
Another quiet study spot is in Francis Hall. After class hours, there are couches in the theater room that are great for curling up with a good book or lounging in on while doing work. Francis
but also members of the local community. According to event organizers, this growth is proof of the strong sense of community at Alvernia and the desire for students to come together and celebrate college life. “I love how Spring Fling brings everyone together,” Hannah Tyler, sophomore said. “It’s one of the few times during the year when students, faculty, and even local people can just have fun and celebrate together. The energy on campus is so high!”
As the weekend continues to grow, it’s clear that the event is more than just a good time but is genuinely a reflection of the strong student engagement and culture at Alvernia.
Hall also has an honors lounge on the fourth floor open to all students enrolled in the honors program. If you have friends who commute and have an abundance of meal swipes, you can let your friends use your swipes! Some students even use their meal swipes to get ice cream and then use the fountain machines to make their own root beer float!
If you have any ideas or suggestions for the university, you can always email ideas@ alvernia.edu. “It will go directly to the right people who can hopefully help to make it happen,” President Fitzgerald said. Also, if you’re waiting for a shuttle and it’s taking longer than it should, call public safety and they’ll come give you a ride.
These are just a few little things around campus that can make the tough days a little easier.
Students hang out on the Quad during Wolfpack Jams at the 2024 event. (Photo by Felicia Nelson)
The new coffee bar setup located on the bottom floor of the Franco Library. Picture by Grace Wanner.
Movie Review
April/May 2025
the alvernian
What You Need to Read Before Superman Legacy
Cole Windsor Contributing Editor
Managing Editor/Layout
Grace Wanner
Section Editors
Cole Windsor
Alyssa Fiorelli
Jamie Pierce
Elizabeth Jones
Garrett Hunter
Aldriany Payano
Guilherme Tavares
Contributing Writers
Kayleigh Kehler
Lindsay Kerchner
Elayna Palm
Matthew Marchese
Amelia Fortunato
Joshua Dipini
Braden Livingston
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Ryan Lange
The Alvernian is the official student newspaper of Alvernia University.
Articles submitted for consideration into The Alvernian should be written in some semblance of AP style. Letters to the editor, requests for advertisements, and general comments and questions may be submitted to ryan.lange@alvernia.edu.
The editors reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, accuracy, and length.
The views expressed in The Alvernian are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the student body, faculty, staff, administration, or sponsors.
Since his creation in 1938, Superman has been a staple in pop culture and the superhero genre. In July of this year, Superman will return to theaters with “Superman Legacy,” directed by James Gunn. Following filmmaker Zack Snyder’s grittier interpretation of the character, Gunn takes Superman back to his hopeful
a symbol of hope, and Lex to the opposite. Every aspect of the Superman mythos is established in this book. The relationship between Clark and Lex, as well as the relationship between Clark, Lois Lane, and the other people working at the Daily Planet. No other story encapsulates the beginning of Superman the same way “Superman: Birthright” does.
Similar to “Superman:
roots.
Before the film, here are a few comics that may be helpful in preparation for the more positive and hopeful tone of this all-new Superman.
“Superman: Birthright,” written by Mark Waid with art by Leinil Francis Yu, is the quintessential origin story of Superman. It shows all the early aspects of the character, and how he became the Man of Steel. The book opens with the destruction of Krypton, the birth planet of Superman. It shows how his parents sent him off to Earth before their planet was destroyed. It then jumps a few years to the future, when Clark Kent is in his twenties, in Africa, doing freelance journalism. He later becomes a journalist in Metropolis for the Daily Planet and begins to be the iconic Superman.
The story serves as not only an origin story for Clark Kent/Superman but also for Lex Luthor. It sets Clark and Lex as friends from Smallville, showing how their two paths diverged, turning Clark into
his father, and no matter how wild his powers are as Superman, he’ll always be Pa’s son. Lois cares about Superman because it’s her job and she’s passionate about it. However, she also has an underlying care for both Superman and Clark without realizing they are the same person. Lex cares about Superman in a very different way. He hates him and tries to do everything to destroy him. Lana Lang is Clark’s high school love, who must deal with the fact that Clark’s love for people and desire to help is what keeps them apart.
“Superman for All Seasons” is not only a character study for Clark Kent, but also for the characters around him. Last but certainly not least is “All-Star Superman.”
Written by Grant Morrison with art by Frank Quitely, this creative duo made one of the most impactful comic books of all time. When announcing the release of “Superman: Legacy” James Gunn said “All-Star Superman” was an inspiration for the tone of the film.
than a year left to live due to contracting a super disease.
Superman spends his last few months on Earth preparing for his inevitable death. In traditional Superman fashion, he spends his last moments helping others and preparing the world for any possible threats, after he’s gone.
“All-Star Superman” is the perfect representation of Superman and shows his generosity and personality. Superman is a symbol of hope, and no other Superman story has told it better.
“Whether it’s the emotionally charged Superman narrative, the expansive DC Comics Knowledge and reverence Morrison demonstrates, or the awe-inspiring art by Quietly, ‘All-Star Superman” pulls no punches, offering a truly unique, innovative, and compelling tale,” Yuhoo Comic Review said.
Birthright,” “Superman for All Seasons,” written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale, does a great job showing the character of Superman. “Superman for All Seasons” takes a different approach though. The story is broken up into four issues, each representing a different season. Each season is narrated by a different character, spring being narrated by Pa Kent, summer by Lois Lane, fall by Lex Luthor, and winter by Lana Lang. Each narrator gives a different perspective on Superman/Clark Kent. Both Pa Kent and Lana Lang know Clark is Superman, while Lex Luthor and Lois Lane do not.
“‘Superman for All Seasons’ is a nice overview of Superman. If you want to learn or review the Superman narrative, it’s perfect,” Berks County resident, Mike Windsor said.
“Superman for All Seasons” is an ideal depiction of Superman to demonstrate how he has become so loved by fans. It discusses how Pa loves Clark because he’s
“Superman’s specter in the cultural consciousness is defined by joy, hope, and optimism, with no book being more emblematic of this than ‘All-Star Superman’ by Grand Morrison and Frank Quitely” content creator Yuhoo Comic Review said. The story follows Superman as he finds out he has less
Picture of All-Star Superman Compact Edition interior, taken by Cole Windsor
Picture of Superman: Birthright Deluxe Edition interior, taken by Cole Windsor
April/May 2025
Novocaine is a Fun, Action-Packed Movie
Amelia Fortunato
Contributing Writer
Nathan Caine doesn’t feel pain. When the bank he works at is robbed and his girlfriend is kidnapped, Caine decides to use his lack of physical feeling to his benefit.
Novocaine, which opened on March 14, 2025, stars Jack Quaid as Nathan Caine and Amber Midthunder as Caine’s girlfriend, Sherry Margrave. Overall, Novocaine is a fun, campy action comedy with some flaws. It’ll leave you entertained, but not fully satisfied.
The characters in Novocaine are fun, if not fully fleshed out. Nathan Caine is the stereotypical socially awkward character.
According to Don McKenzie, a senior majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology and Literature, this type of character works well for actor Jack Quaid.
“He plays into the nerd stereotype so well that it doesn’t feel forced. That’s
when it works best, when you’re just playing yourself,” McKenzie said.
Caine has a genetic disorder that doesn’t make him feel pain, which would’ve been interesting to further develop. One of the only things the audience really gets to see related to disability is Caine listening to a podcast in the first few minutes of the movie about not letting your disability
define yourself. The audience also learns that Caine was bullied as a child for his disability, with bullies dubbing him “Novocaine.”
Despite this information, most of the film seems to use Caine’s disability as a plot device, rather than using it to further his characterization or giving us more information about it. The film is extremely gory and is not for the faint of heart. The gore sometimes
feels unnecessary, but this could be a personal preference. The comedy aspect is fun and will make audience members laugh.
The pacing is decent. It’s a fast-paced movie that will keep viewers on the edge of their seat. An important plot twist is revealed pretty early in the movie, which is slightly disappointing. The movie goes on just a hair too long, clocking in at a beefy 1 hour and 50 minutes.
At times the film feels unbelievable and almost too easy.
The acting was good, with the actors doing a good job at making their characters believable. Jack Quaid does an acceptable job at depicting Nathan Caine’s struggles as he is thrown into this world of crime. Amber Midhunter shows Sherry in a complex way, depicting a gradual change in heart as she begins to turn against a life of crime.
The plot is relatively simple, making it easy to
Me “23” A Grief Project
follow. However, there are moments where the plot could’ve gone deeper, and relationships the film could have explored more.
One such relationship that it would’ve been awesome to see further development for is Sherry and her brother. Their dynamic is interesting, but the shift in her working with him to working against him felt too sudden. It would’ve been interesting to explore their relationship further to give the audience a better understanding of their dynamic.
At its core, Novocaine is fun. It’s a movie that’s supposed to be watched purely for entertainment, but that doesn’t make it less enjoyable to watch. It’s a silly, campy film that will make you laugh out loud and keep you on the edge of your seat. “It’s a good movie in the sense that it’s fun,” Mckenzie said.
Novocaine is now in theaters.
Joshua Dipini
Contributing Writer
The “23”: The Aftermath of Gun Violence” event on Friday the 28th in Alvernia University’s Francis Hall is a powerful event dedicated to healing, awareness, and advocacy through art, discussion, and action. The initiative, led by RIZE Youth Arts Organization,
and inspire meaningful change.
The event features a Miller Gallery Exhibition, with pieces that capture the individual and community impact of gun violence and mental illness. Audience members are invited to provide reflections on their own experiences.
The exhibit runs through
Shaykayarira Delrio-Gonzalez Delrio-Gonzalez, and JCWK Dance Lab, amplifies the voices of survivors and ignites change in the fight against gun violence. Gun violence leaves a devastating impact on families and communities, creating an urgent need for support.
“23” provides a platform for survivors, artists, and advocates to come together
the end of March at Alvernia University’s Miller Gallery. Leading into The Grief Project: A 50-minute a dance performance inspired by the lived experience of Shaykayarira Delrio-Gonzalez and others who have suffered profound loss. Utilizing first-person accounts and research from physical, and social sciences on grief, this performance
serves as a complement to “23” by combining dance, original music, visual art, and storytelling.
The Grief Project is not only artistic expression but also a healing experience aimed at indulging in resilience, and grievance. Support for original music is provided by Reading Musical Foundation.
Lastly the event ends with a panel discussion: Open conversations after the performance on the impact of gun violence in Reading and beyond.
Shaykaya stated that the project’s foundation/goal was to spread awareness uniting induvials to showcase
their children, friends, family, creating a safe space for grief and to spread awareness.
Jessica explained the birth of the project and how it arose and came to mind. She had a one and one experience with Shaykaya with the support of her team, vulnerably breaking down the aspects of what they wanted to uncover and bring awareness too for this project through dance art, and music as a form of healing.
The “23” Grief project is a tribute to Shaykaya and her story capturing the aftermath of those left behind, with rebuilding hope in oneself and community, coming together and healing. Jessica
and her team dove into this project embodying grief as a whole and individually through themselves, by indulging in the science behind grief and layers of storytelling.
The “23” event, a combination of art and advocacy, addressing the aftermath of gun violence through an exhibition, powerful performance, created a safe space for healing and awareness.
Shaykayarira DelrioGonzalez’s personal story, combined with JCWK Dance Lab’s expression, touched many going through grief, fostering empathy and understanding.
Bright yellow Novocaine poster can be found at the R/C Reading Theaters.
Photo Courtesy of Amelia Fortunato
Picture of dancers under white cloak about the emerge into the rest of choreography, with a visual screening in background. Picture by Joshua Dipini.
Photos of Jessica and another dancer front stage performing a powerful scene of the choreography. Picture by Joshua Dipini.
UniqUe TReaTs
April/May 2025
Jamie Pierce
Contributing Editor
With warm weather approaching and finals just around the corner, students are on the hunt for a fun and delicious way to unwind with a sweet treat. Sweet Ride Ice Cream Parlor, a local favorite among Alvernia students, is the perfect spot to satisfy those cravings.
Located at 542 Penn Avenue in West Reading, this beloved ice cream shop offers a wide array of flavors that are sure to please every palate. While classic choices are always a hit, Sweet Ride also offers some truly unique and unexpected flavors that are perfect for those looking to step outside their ice cream comfort zone.
One of Sweet Ride’s special offers is an “ice cream flight” where a customer can pick four flavors and try each one.
We put together a “weird flavors” flight, though arguably we couldn’t find anything to truly push the envelope. First up was
A Weird, Sweet Ride
Birthday Cake ice cream. This ice cream was a delicious cake batter flavor with sprinkles and chunks of real birthday cake. Birthday Cake is well known and a favorite flavor across all ice cream shops around, so some may be skeptical of it counting as a “weirdest flavor.”
“I get a birthday cake almost every time I go for ice cream,” Jenna Boucher, senior nursing student, said. “It’s
cool there are actually cake pieces in the ice cream, but I wouldn’t really consider this weird.”
The flavors did start to get stranger down the line. The next weird flavor on the list was Chocolate Raspberry Chip. This is a creamy chocolate ice cream with hints of raspberry and chocolate chips for a crunch. Kayla Moriarty, junior engineering major, felt that
“any lovers of TruFru frozen fruit would devour this ice cream … it tastes just like it.”
The next flavor is where it started to get a little festive! Sweet Ride’s Leprechaun Tracks is a vanilla ice cream with marshmallow fluff dyed green with Lucky Charm marshmallows mixed in. This is one of their seasonal flavors that comes around each year. Leprechaun Tracks is for anyone who isn’t a chocolate fan and wants their tongue to turn a shade of green!
While this flavor is more hated than weird, the last flavor in the lineup was Rum Raisin. The rich and creamy ice cream with the taste of rum, and raisins mixed in was the least favored flavor out of the four. However, Boucher found it to be one of her favorites. “I was so excited to hear this was one of our options,” Boucher said, “I love old lady flavors.”
The last item off Sweet Rides’ menu we reviewed was
their Ice Cream taco. Every Tuesday, customers rush to get their “Taco Tuesday Deal,” where each taco costs $6. It includes three scoops of ice cream and two to three toppings of their choice, all nestled into a waffle cone taco shell. Moriarty believes she is “never going to be the same after this taco.”
If you’re looking for a delicious, sweet treat with a twist, head to the Sweet Ride Ice Cream Parlor.
Crazy Coffee Concoctions Around Town
Kayleigh Kehler
Contributing Writer
Students flock to the nearest spot for caffeine when the impending doom of finals week appears. Caffeine becomes the backbone of studying marathons for all students, so why not make that caffeine the best it can be ...or as weird as possible.
Alvernia University lies in the middle of a coffee hot zone. From the traditional chains of Dunkin’ and Starbucks to small local
businesses, there is always a source of black gold close by.
7Brew is a reinvented drive-through coffee chain with over 350 stands currently. With only two residing in Pennsylvania, the Alvernia community has the good fortune to be within a few miles of one. Their menu ranges from hot coffee, iced coffee, lattes, smoothies, and refreshers. Everyone’s palette is met by over 20,000 flavor combinations from dozens of syrup options.
When we asked 7Brew to create their weirdest flavor, the barista created a cookie butter blondie. A cookie butter blondie features white chocolate, hazelnut, and toasted marshmallow, mixed with the house espresso and milk, poured over ice.
Can this delicious sounding caffeine concoction be considered a “weird” flavor? The verdict is mixed, so you’ll have to try it out and decide for yourself!
“It just tastes like milk, but I am enjoying the music they have on today,” Jamie Pierce, an avid coffee lover, said.
7Brew invites its patrons in with upbeat, fun music and enthusiastic workers.
“Their music and vibes are the best, and I can always count on getting my drink fast,” caffeine addict junior Kayla Moriarty said.
Another popular destination for coffee is Twin Valley coffee. Originating in 2010, the stand has had many years to perfect their blend.
“ It is a longer drive [to get there], but the scenery and coffee makes it worth the hike,” Moriarty said. Although located 30 minutes away in East Earl, Twin Valley coffee has shown to be a popular choice for many on campus.
The Twin Valley window can be found attached to Shady maple Market.
“Twin Valley has the best cold brew in the state of Pennsylvania,” Moriarty said.
Twin Valley Coffee offers 10 different syrups, which reduces the number of combinations compared to 7Brew. The lack of flavor selection is made up by the home roasted beans used for all coffees.
When we asked Twin Valley Coffee to prepare the weirdest (sweet) coffee, the barista fixed a “weird” cold brew that used lavender syrup with a caramel drizzle. The coffee was quite floral, which might not be for everyone, but it was weird.
Alvernia’s Post Center Starbucks is by far the choice of convenience for many students on campus. Located at the Post Center in downtown Reading, Starbucks sees almost every student and faculty member that head to the Post Center.. With being a chain, many students are aware of the flavor combinations and their drink of choice.
When asked for the weirdest drink combination, the barista questioned whether it should be good
or bad. We decided to err on the side of “good,” and received a cold brew with mocha and peppermint syrup with a matcha cold foam topped with cinnamon. The peppermint and mocha combined created a thin mint concept. Matcha may seem like a scary addition, but the taste profile was not overpowering. Overall, if you appreciate a good Girl Scout cookie, then this is the drink for you.
If you are looking for a delicious and different caffeine flavor, make sure you check out 7Brew, Twin Valley Coffee and Starbucks at the John R. Post Center.
Ice Cream flight containing the flavors, (1) Birthday Cake, (2) Chocolate Raspberry Chip, (3) Leprechaun Tracks, and (4) Rum Raisin. Photo taken by Jamie Pierce.
Junior Engineering student Kayla Moriarty enjoying her ice cream taco. Photo taken by Jamie Pierce.
A “weird” cold brew from Twin Valley Coffee created with lavender syrup with caramel sauce. Photo by Kayleigh Kehler.
April/May 2025
HealTH
Thriving on Caffeine and Chaos: Academic Burnout Plagues Students
Alyssa Fiorelli
Contributing Editor
It’s no surprise to fulltime college students that the late-night study sessions, hour-long back-to-back classes, coursework, projects, presentations, work studies, and maintaining a social life eventually catch up to you.
Sludging through the dayto-day craving the chance to bed rot is something most students can relate to, and this exhausted state of living is known as academic burnout. How does this drained and depleted demeanor ultimately affect us?
Dr. Tricia Kreider, licensed psychologist and supervisor of college counseling for Penn Medicine-Alvernia Medical and Counseling Center, has been with Alvernia University for 24 years. Dr. Kreider has become familiar with the causes and symptoms of burnout. She identified some common symptoms for reference and understanding.
Symptoms or signs of burnout include, but are not limited to:
· Feeling emotionally and/or physically drained
· Difficulty concentrating or focusing
· Irritability
· Changes in mood
· Tiredness/fatigue
· Reduced academic performance
· Loss of interest in selfcare or in things you used to enjoy
Additionally, Dr. Kreider identified common causes of burnout. “Contributors to burnout may include an academically challenging semester, unrealistic academic performance expectations, poor time management skills, financial or social stress, or an underlying mental health or physical concern that interferes with academic functioning,” she said.
What does this mean for students? “Burnout” can lead to a student isolating themself from friendships, family, or other support,” Dr. Kreider said. “It can also lead to students missing class or not completing assignments, resulting in negative academic consequences.”
Burnout can also affect a person’s physical wellbeing, such as hygiene, weight, mood, and physical appearance.
“I think it is important for a student to know that
if you are experiencing any symptoms of burnout, you are not alone,” she said.
“If you choose to schedule an appointment with Counseling Services, a counselor can help you identify what is contributing to burnout and strategies that will be effective in helping you to manage the burnout that you are experiencing.”
There are many ways to help counteract the effects of burnout, including stress management, relaxation strategies, self-care practices, time management, and social support. Some resources students have available include The Penn MedicineAlvernia Medical and Counseling Center, Report It, and free anonymous mental health screening. More information on these resources can be found at the end of the article.
Denise Skipper, a social work major with dual minors in psychology and literature, is no stranger to the burnout burden,
“As a fourth-year social work student, I find an average week to be chaotic,” she said.
Skipper’s weekly schedule consists of Zoom lectures, in-person class, lengthy study sessions, Development Assistant work at the McGlinn Conference Center on Fridays, and 18 hours of internship work with Mary’s Shelter.
Skipper is aware of her burnout, as she has learned about the term, symptoms, and signs through her psychology and social work coursework.
“I have experienced all (of the listed burnout symptoms) at some point in my undergraduate,” she said.
“I go to therapy, but I have not used any of the Alvernia resources due to personal preferences.”
Though her schedule is jam-packed, Skipper prioritizes Saturdays as “do nothing” days to recollect herself after a week of nonstop hustling.
“The advice I have for students experiencing burnout is to speak out and advocate for yourself,” Skipper said.
Danye Bundick, senior nursing major and biology minor, is also very familiar with academic burnout since her weekly life is typically very busy.
Bundick gets up for work at 4:30 a.m. (unless she has
clinical), then class, club meetings, or her work-study assignment. Bundick is also a Service Corps member, Secretary of BSU, and APeX mento for the office of JEI, and an Alternative Break Service Leader.
Beyond her co-curricular and extracurricular activities, Bundick works at the Saint Joeseph Villa as a nurse aid, where she works from 5 to 7 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (as well as some weekends and breaks); She is also a receptionist work-study at the main desk of the Motherhouse on campus Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays from 2 to 5:30 p.m., and some Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On average, Bundick spends ten hours studying a week, but typically more if she has a test of project deadline.Bundick typically sleeps 5-6 hours a night. In any given week, she has about five to 10 hours of personal free time, including her total available time to sleep. In other words, the more free time she gives herself, the less sleep she receives. During her non-structured time, Bundick tries to do chores and spend time with her roommate.
Bundick has experienced the above-mentioned symptoms regularly throughout her weekly life.
“I try to take each day one at a time so that I don’t get too overwhelmed and stressed,” she said. “And I
think a big thing for me is trying to find the moments when I can do the things I enjoy like reading or watching tv which help me to destress a little.”
Another thing that helps Bundick is the Alvernia counseling resources. “I think it has been very helpful, especially when trying to manage such a busy schedule and have a social life,” she said.
“For a fellow student I would say put yourself first sometimes,” Bundick said.
“As students we have so much pressure and we have such busy schedules, but we have to remember to put ourselves first because it’s hard (to do our best for others) if we ourselves are not at our best.”
“Sometimes that means being unavailable after 5 p.m. one to two days a week so that you can get in bed and binge watch that show you’ve been wanting to start or going to get the sweet treat you deserve. It’s also important to know when you need help and when you need your support (from) people who you can lean on when you need it the most.”
Your education is important, but so is your mental health. Time management is crucial for balancing personal, educational, and professional responsibilities. Remember to take some time for yourself. It’s okay to do nothing now and again, and it’s also okay
to ask for help! If you or someone you know is having a challenging time navigating through their university life, Alvernia has resources available for all students: Penn Medicine – Alvernia Health and Wellness Counseling Center. Health and Wellness counseling is available to “All students (undergraduate, graduate, and adult). All services are scheduled by appointment. Students should call 610-5681467 or stop in to schedule an appointment. Telehealth appointments are available by request and if appropriate for students residing in Pennsylvania.” More information can be found at https://www.alvernia.edu/ current-students/medicaland-counseling-center Alvernia University Report It. The Alvernia University Report It is an online reporting platform that promotes communication between students and staff. Dr. Kreider describes Report It as: “A place to share any concerns or important information with the appropriate Alvernia University staff to help to connect you, or a person you are concerned about, to helpful resources. You can choose to submit a report anonymously.”
More information can be found at https://www. alvernia.edu/learn-moreabout-report-it-alverniasonline-reporting-platform.
A screenshot of the pre-screening steps for the Alvernia anonymous emotional health screening.
spoRTs
April/May 2025
NFL Draft 2025: Winners, Losers, and Teams on the Rise
Garrett Hunter
Contributing Editor
The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events in professional football, set to take place from April 24 through April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. As teams begin to rebuild their rosters with fresh talent, fans and analysts are eager to see which college football standouts will make the transition to the professional level.
This year’s draft class features an exciting group of players, including standout quarterbacks, defensive powerhouses, and versatile playmakers across multiple positions.
One star that stands out is Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Hunter, the NCAA Heisman Trophy winner, has been tabbed as one of the best prospects in college football in the last 10 years. His ability to play on both sides of the ball has him slated as a top 3 pick in this coming draft.
After an impressive college career that saw him become
Matt Marchese
Contributing Writer
The year is 1969. The Jets, led by star quarterback Joe Namath, have made the Super Bowl where they will meet the Colts.
The AFL is in danger as many of the higher-ups believe they can’t compete with the NFL. New York would go on a run that would see them win the Super Bowl, beating the Colts 16-7 in a game that Joe Namath guaranteed they would win.
one of the highest paid athletes at the amateur level due to the now legal NIL laws, Hunter is set to walk across the stage as an NFL ready cornerback or receiver.
It is to be noted that this draft is one for the quarterback. Several NFL teams are in situations that now require them to find their answer in the QB room and this year’s draft may be the solution. The New York Giants and Tennessee Titans are two teams that are searching for their answer and franchise signal caller.
Tennessee is slated with the number one overall pick, while the Giants sit at number 3. After two disastrous choices for these franchises, they look to move on from their recent mistakes at the quarterback position. The Giants look to recover from a sad Daniel Jones era, and the Titans look to finally find their franchise guy after Will Levis led them into the ground.
Both these franchises’ prayers may be answered
with several QB prospects available in multiple rounds. Mel Kiper, ESPN Analyst, is one of the most trusted sources for the NFL.
Kiper’s mock drafts have been the ones to pay the most attention to if you’re a football fan following the draft. This year Kiper has University of Miami’s Cam Ward slated to be picked number one overall.
Kiper Jr said recently in an ESPN article that “Over the course of two rounds, there are a few risers and fallers, too, based on what I’ve heard in my discussions with NFL execs and coaches. And I have five quarterbacks getting picked, including two in the top 10.”
Based on this year’s mock draft and NFL draft news, Evan Thomas, a senior baseball player and avid New York Giants fan, gave his input on this upcoming draft and his expectations for the G-Men.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what the Giants will end up doing,” Thomas said.
“There is talk of them trading the pick and waiting to draft a QB next year or pulling the trigger early on with Colorado’s Shadeur Sanders. Either way it is time for a restructuring in New York. After a major failure with the loss of Saquon Barkley and rough Daniel Jones tenure, I’m optimistic the Giants will make an impactful decision to best set up the franchise and the fan base for some great years ahead.”
Fans all over the league and from all different fan bases have the same hopes and expectations as Evan.
The Failure of the New York Jets
The Jets victory is credited with encouraging the NFLAFL merger, turning the NFL into what it is today.
However, Namath’s victory would be the last time the Jets would see the Super Bowl in the 20th century. The Jets have only made the playoffs 11 more times in the last 56 years.
New York holds the longest playoff drought in all of sports right now at 14 years. Even the Cleveland Browns
have been in the playoffs twice in the last five years (2020, 2023).
While other teams have been able to rebuild and become competitive again, the Jets continue to struggle.
“It’s torture,” Stephen Marchese said. “You wake up every Sunday morning hoping something will change yet it does not. I will always be hopeful that things will turn around soon.”
What is plaguing the New York Jets?
A major challenge is that the Jets have not had a good quarterback since Joe Namath.
The Jets seem to be allergic to drafting good QBs. Since 2017, the Jets have had 10 different starting quarterbacks, which makes it difficult for the team to gel around one leader.
Fans also blame Jets owner Woody Johnson.
Johnson reportedly meddles in team affairs and micromanages operations. Johnson has been ranked in the bottom three owners since he bought the team in 2000.
There are unsubstantiated rumors from Diana Russini that he was forcing his coach
Fans want to see their teams win, and the off season is where it starts. Every detail is accounted for by these players when being scouted at their pro days and the NFL Combine. Organizations want to produce the best team they can field, and this draft can open opportunities for fanbases to find their cornerstone of the franchise.
With trades, surprises, and franchise-altering decisions on the horizon, all eyes will be on Green Bay in late April as the next generation of NFL stars finds their new homes.
and general manager to pick up players if they had good Madden ratings. Some people believe it, others think it is ridiculous.
This past season, Johnson was ranked last out of 32 owners per The Athletic, finishing with an abysmal Fgrade.
“I feel bad for Jets fans, I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,” Alvernia student Phil Natosi, said.
The Jets also have a bad case of bad luck. Injuries, bad trades and drafts, and what are sometimes difficult schedules keep the Jets out of playoff contention.
Fans have speculated for years that Joe Namath sold his soul to the devil to win Super Bowl 3, and sometimes the Jets’ bad luck seems like divine retribution.
The Jets are entering a new era with a new coach, Aaron Glenn, former cornerback of the Jets.
Glenn is one of a few players who saw success while playing on the Jets as he was coached by Bill Parcells.
Glenn will look to bring the Jets back into playoff contention, provided anything breaks his way. Fans will have to wait and see.
Football on football field ahead of the NFL draft. Photo from unsplashed by Dave Adamson.
Birds-eye view of football fielde. Image from unsplashed by Tahir Osman
Image of Jets stadium and fans. Photo from Unsplash by Myron Mott
spoRTs
April/May 2025
Alvernia Women’s Soccer Offseason
Elizabeth Jones
Contributing Editor
For collegiate soccer, springtime is a time for hard work in the offseason. Alvernia women’s soccer started their spring offseason on January 27, which had them hard at work Monday through Friday.
What goes on during the soccer offseason? Ideally, teams use this time to improve during the regular schedule.
Offseason Schedule
The soccer offseason is from January 27 to April 13. For the women’s soccer team, they will be working out Monday through Friday. On Mondays, they train from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., while on Tuesdays they lift with the new strength and conditioning coach, Nate Chabak, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
On Wednesdays, they have speed and agility from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Nate, while Thursday is lift again from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays feature training from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
These are packed weeks, but every minute of work put in makes the team better in the fall. During the spring season, teams are granted 24 days of practice by the NCAA. Following NCAA Compliance can be stressful making sure to plan practices and games without exceeding the amount, but Head Coach Amanda Bezner doesn’t let it get to her.
“Compliance with NCAA guidelines does not stress me,” Coach Bezner said. “I gather the ladies’ class schedule and once lacrosse determines their season schedule, I will request practice times. As long as the turf is available, approval will be secured.”
Play Day
Every year during the
offseason, women’s soccer gets themselves into a quad or tri play day so they can play multiple teams. Alvernia is traveling to Elizabethtown to play three games against Elizabethtown, Lebanon Valley, and Ursinus. The games are modified to equal about a game or a game and a half, not three full (90 minute) games. These play days are a good thing because most teams have their alumni games during spring but playing against “real” teams is more beneficial to team growth.
Team Events
As the spring offseason gives teams a little more down time, it’s perfect timing for fundraising and recruiting events. Alvernia women’s soccer is hosting a new fundraising event this season, Purse Bingo, created by Hailey Strain, an upcoming senior captain.
The team will also still be hosting their annual golf tournament fundraiser in May, which brings in a lot of fundraising money for the team. Having team fundraisers helps to raise money for equipment, events, and traveling to Europe for international play. In the 2024 season, women’s soccer went to Italy and Greece.
“Playing internationally was a once in a lifetime experience that I am so grateful to have been a part of. Not only was it great team bonding but it helped us grow as a team. We played against teams with different styles of play which helped develop our tactical ability.” senior captain Olivia Swartz said.
There aren’t any hosted recruiting events as of now, but the coaches will be attending various tournaments throughout the spring for recruiting purposes. Upcoming
tournaments with Alvernia coaches in attendance are Jeff Cup Showcase, USYS NL Regional Showcase, and FC Delco Players Cup.
New Additions
This fall season the women’s soccer team added Graham Small as their fourth coach on staff. Small, helped coach all of the fall season, but this will be his first spring season with Alvernia. Graham came to Alvernia as a highly decorated coach from Elizabethtown.
During the spring season, Head Coach Amanda Bezner appoints the captains for the upcoming fall season, and next year’s captains will be Olivia Swartz, Hailey Strain, Macy McDonough, and Maria Mazzoni. The four are threeyear vets of the program and will be excellent leaders’ next season.
“I’m looking forward to
being able to lead my team on and off the field. The group of captains this year are strong leaders, and we will be able to lead this team to do something special.” Macy McDonough, senior captain, said.
Expectations
During the offseason, each practice gives an opportunity to prepare and explore new strategies. “This allows me to work closely with each player, helping them to progress and mature over the spring season, ensuring they are prepared for the fall,” Bezner said. Coaches often criticize every detail in the spring, as the busy fall schedule keeps coaches focused on the big picture rather than each player’s growth. Spring allows coaches to concentrate more on individual development, supporting each player’s improvement in areas where
they required assistance in the fall.
“We also get to focus extensively on our fitness, with the expert guidance of Nate, our new personal trainer,” Coach Bezner said. Outcomes
The spring offseason gives college teams a chance to concentrate on the small things that lead to big improvements.
“I am pleased that the girls have the chance to collaborate with Nate, our personal trainer from St. Luke’s,” Coach Bezner said. He helps make the team better, stronger, and quicker. Nate pushes them to the breaking point, pushes them to be the best they can be, which will benefit them in the fall.
Alvernia Women’s Team getting ready to leave for their international trip on March 2, 2024, to Italy and Greece. Photo credits: Amanda Bezner.
Photo 1: Alvernia Women’s Team during their Spring Play Day at Rutgers Newark on April 20, 2024. Photo Credits: Amanda Bezner
Photo 3: Pictured here are senior Macy McDonough, senior Hailey Strain, junior Maria Mazzoni, and senior Olivia Swartz, as they practice in the spring to get ready for the fall season and lead the team to a successful season. Picture Credits: Liz Jones
April/May 2025
spoRTs
A New Era in The Bay: Jimmy Butler’s Trade to the Golden State Warriors
Guilherme Tavares
Contributing Editor
The Golden State Warriors made a bold move this season by trading for Jimmy Butler, a six-time All-Star and one of the league’s most intense competitors. This trade is seen as a high-risk, but potentially high reward move for the Warriors, who are trying to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
The deal was a complex four-team trade that sent Butler to Golden State, while Miami received Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, and a first-round pick. Detroit and Utah were also involved, but their role in the trade was mostly about moving contracts rather than acquiring star talent.
The Warriors had been struggling this season and needed a major move to improve their roster. Butler brings elite defense,
playmaking, and toughness, which could make the Warriors a stronger playoff contender. However, trading away Andrew Wiggins—one of their key defenders—along with a future first-round pick shows how much they were willing to gamble on this deal.
James Mueller, a junior student at Alvernia, believes the Warriors came out on top in the trade.
“After losing Klay, they needed a real second player alongside Curry, and getting Butler without giving up too much was a great move for them,” Mueller said. “When you compare the players side by side, Butler is just a step above. The other guys involved in the trade are good, but Butler is a great player, and that makes all the difference.” Golden State had originally pursued Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns before finalizing the Butler trade. The Warriors’
front office explored a deal centered around Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga, which caught Phoenix’s attention. However, when Durant learned about the rumors, he quickly shut them down, making it clear he wanted to stay with the Suns. This forced Golden State to look for other options, leading them to make the move for Butler.
The trade not only reshaped the Warriors’ roster but also had an immediate
impact on the Western Conference. Brandin Thomas, a senior Alvernia student, shared his thoughts on the move, saying, “I definitely wasn’t expecting Butler to go to Golden State, and he fit in with the team faster than I thought. He’s given them new energy and changed the entire Western Conference.”
The Miami Heat had been considering trading Butler for a while due to concerns about his long-term contract and injury history. Initially,
they explored a deal with the Phoenix Suns, hoping to pair Butler with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. However, this option collapsed because Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause and refused to be included in any deal. With their options limited, the Heat decided to move Butler to the Warriors, getting back a mix of young talent and a valuable draft pick in return. Since acquiring Butler, the Warriors have been on an impressive run, winning 14
of his first 15 games and solidifying their position in the highly competitive Western Conference. They currently hold a 16-3 record since the trade, proving that Butler’s presence has had an immediate impact. His ability to adapt to the Warriors’ system has been seamless, and Stephen Curry himself has praised how quickly Butler found his rhythm in the team’s style of play. With the playoffs approaching, the Warriors
are looking more dangerous than ever, and with “Playoff Jimmy” mode right around the corner, no team will want to face them when the stakes are at their highest.
View outside from Chase Center - Golden State Warriors arena and new Butler’s home - Photo by Luke Zhang on Unsplash.
Stephen Curry State Warriors jersey. Photo from Unsplashed by Tyler Martoia.
Graphic made by Guilherme Tavares
CoMMUniTy
April/May 2025
Treasure Hunting: The Best Thrift Shops Around Alvernia
Elayna Palm
Contributing Writer
Thrifting has become more popular in the last few years, paving the way to making shopping more sustainable and cooler than going to the mall. If you are from the area, you might have been to the local Goodwill, but you might be missing out on a local gem right here in Berks County!
“Nothing’s New,” a womenowned consignment shop, is run by Stephanie Hill, with the help of her sister, Amy Yeager. The 49-year-old shop sells quality home goods, as well as women’s and children’s clothing.
Located at 11 Funston Avenue, the shop has two separate buildings, one having two levels. The store only accepts check and cash payments, but if you find something you love, the girls will hold any item for you to run to the ATM and return. teph and Amy’s mother, Elaine Stewart, originally started the store, but it was passed down to her three
daughters to keep the shop alive. The sisters remain dedicated to maintaining the family business.
The shop’s legacy is deeply rooted in family, with each generation contributing to its success. Stephanie Hill, the shop’s current owner, reflected on its early days, saying “Everyone told [my mother] she was crazy,” for starting a business alone as a woman in 1976.
The shop originally occupied a single floor, which today houses the women’s section. Elaine later expanded
into the lower level, initially a garage, and eventually extended the business to a former beer distributor building across the street.
“It’s been “49 years of people shopping here since 1976,” Amy Yeager said, “and they’re still returning to shop for their grandchildren.”
Prices here are affordable, making it a great spot for budget-conscious shoppers, especially college students looking for quality finds without breaking the bank. The importance of sustainable shopping goes
beyond our closets and wallets. Not only is it suitable for your budget, but it’s good for the earth.
Lindsey Sparkman from EarthDay.org highlights the environmental impact of fast fashion, explaining that “the industry produces around 100 billion garments each year, most of which are made from fossil fuel-heavy synthetic materials that contribute to pollution from production to disposal.”
There would be longlasting impacts if everyone consciously shopped
sustainably from secondhand stores rather than resorting to one-time wear clothes from fast fashion industries. Most of the donated fast fashion labels, like Shein or Fashion Nova, don’t even make it to the thrift store racks. Most fast fashion ends up in landfills because of the large quantities of clothing donated to mass thrift stores, like Goodwill.
“Goodwill only puts around half their donations out for sale,” Sparkman writes, while 10% to 30% goes to wholesale buyers who reuse the better-quality pieces.
Harmful gases and toxic substances are put into our environment during the production of new clothing, making the mass production damage both the Earth and our bank accounts.
In the long run, shopping sustainably is better for our earth and wallet, making for a brighter and better future.
The Value of Eating Healthy in College
Aldriany Payano Contributing Editor
We all know that college is a time of busy schedules and late study sessions. Often, the last thing a student pays attention to is their diet. Having access to junk food and little time to cook encourages students to have bad diets. However, there are many benefits to a healthy diet, including improved energy levels, academic performance, and general health.
A healthy diet improves students’ memory, helps them stay focused, and gives them energy to get through the day. UPMC HealthBeat said that students who eat a healthy diet that contains necessary vitamins and healthy fats have better concentration and memory. By contrast, junk food can cause students trouble focusing and exhaustion from too much processed sugar and processed oils. These sugars and oils can cause inflammation in the brain and
body, which can lead to focus problems.
Having a healthy diet doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Simple changes can have a huge impact on health. Choosing water over soda or getting a rice bowl over a cheeseburger can make a difference. The meal plan that the university offers can be used for vegetables and lean protein, or it can be used for pizza and burgers. Students have the responsibility to make good choices.
Food markets across the
area offer healthy food at an affordable price. Buying staples in, buying in bulk and doing weekly meal prep can help you save money and time. Simple easy meals prepared at home are typically less expensive than fast food and are almost always better for you. Frozen fruits and vegetables are also beneficial since they remain longer and are as nutritious.
“Food prepping with fewer ingredients and drinking water can make eating healthy easier and more affordable,” Sariah Symington,
an Occupational Therapy student, said.
Eating healthy and nutritious food has a big impact on mental health.
College students frequently experience high levels of anxiety, tension, and trouble sleeping. Meals that are full of nutrients including leafy greens, almonds, and lean meats can help balance emotions and promote rest.
Poor eating habits can lead to long-term health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular issues, creating a foundation in college can lead the person to have a healthier life in the future.
“Eating a nutritious breakfast sets the tone for my day,” Symington said. “It’s surprising how a good lunch can improve the way I feel and keep me motivated.”
“On days when I eat unhealthy meals or energy drinks, I frequently have an energy crash later, leaving me feeling tired and annoyed making it difficult to stay focused.”
The inviting storefront of Nothing’s New, captured by Elayna Palm
A vibrant display of fresh vegetables, including vivid orange carrots and deep red beets, emphasizes the beauty of full, nutritious foods. Photo by Aldriany Payano
A colorful variety of fresh produce that demonstrates the benefits of whole foods for a healthy diet.” Photo by Aldriany Payano
sHUTTles
How Long do the Shuttles Actually Take: An Investigation
Braden Livingston Contributing Writer
Are the shuttles between the Post Center and the Hill campus really as slow as students think?
Per the posted guidelines at shuttle stops, the shuttles claim to only take 20 minutes to get from the Hill campus to the Post Center. Anecdotally, individual drivers need between 13 and 15 minutes to get from Hill to Post, depending on traffic.
For two weeks, I set out to find out the actual time the shuttle takes and to find proof that there is an issue with the shuttles, which could help push a change to the shuttles because now there is data to back up everyone’s complaints.
During my normal class day, I recorded the time it took for the shuttle to arrive (if it was not already there) until the shuttle stopped at its destination. I also recorded how full the shuttle was when I got on and where the shut-tle was heading.
My findings surprised me. The shuttle to CollegeTowne was consistently quick. The longest the shuttle took was 22 minutes, which is within a fair margin of error for a 20 minute aver-age. What is more surprising is that the fastest time to CollegeTowne was only 12 minutes long, which is beyond great. The average time for the shuttle to CollegeTowne is 17 minutes, which is slightly better than the stated 20 minute time.
Load data for shuttles offered more clues. The biggest issue with the shuttle to Hill is the wait at the Post Center. The Hill campus always has multiple shuttles serving it, whereas the
longer-haul trip to the Post uses fewer vehicles. Even with fewer shuttles at the Post Center, the average time was still 22 minutes, a little slower than claimed but not radically so. The shortest time was only 13 minutes, which is very quick.
The average trip time went up because on two occasions the shuttle waited longer than expected at one end, which made those trip take around 30 minutes.
A few conclusions can be made from the data on the shuttles. The number of students who are already on the shuttle when starting the timer is the biggest variable in wait times.
The reason the shuttle takes too much time is because they are always waiting to fill up the shuttle, which can lead to sitting idle on the shuttle for an extra 15+ minutes longer than needed.
Full shuttles get moving right away, which lowers trip times. Changing the policy to let shut-tles leave without full loads may help speed things up during off-peak times.
The results may also be influenced by my data collection taking place during construction near the Post Center. Many would assume this would make the times worse than normal, but the opposite happened. Since the shuttles were unable to sit idle for as long as they could before, they were circulating the shuttle route more often than before, which short-ened student round-trip times.
Even after the construction has been finished, the shuttles are still circulating faster than before, though the times are gradually worsening as the shuttles
return to their more efficient routines.
Shuttle performance seems to vary by driver. Certain shuttle drivers would make more trips rather than waiting to reach max capacity, while other drivers would more consistently wait to reach near max capacity before leaving. A more reliable procedure enforced across all drivers could make student experience more consistent.
When students ride the shuttle also matters. Early and late in the school day see the shut-tles leave more quickly from their stops during this data collection. Mid-day seems to be reliably
slower. In both cases, a longer data collection would be needed to find consistent patterns.
Allowing shuttles to leave before they reach full capacity, and adding capacity to the Post-Hill connection, may help with shuttle wait times. More ride data may allow us to find an ideal rotation for the fleet to make sure the shuttle consistently keeps its 20 minute target from destination to destination.
Getting older is fine. There is nothing you can do to stop it, so you might as well stay on the
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The tables in the image show the times the shuttle took and the capacity of the shuttle when the timer was started. Graphic by Braden Livingston.
The bar graph highlights the average time the shuttle takes to reach its destination. Graphic by Braden Livingston.
bus.
John Byrne