Fall Back Into Books
Kendall Miller Contributing Writer
As we transition into fall, why watch someone else’s life through a screen when you can fully immerse yourself in reading? There are plenty genres and subgenres that can produce that warm and cozy vibe people seek out in the cooler months. Genres such as fantasy, mystery, thrillers, and even romance can scratch your itch for something new. If you do not know where to start, the Alvernian asked some book influencers about their favorite fall books and what is up next on their ‘to be read’ list.
Book influencer Camryn Miller is currently reading ‘Pumpkin Spice Café’ by Laurie Gilmore. Though mostly reading romance, she dives deeper into fantasy this time of year. “Most fantasy have this cozy aspect to them. They normally take place in cold dark scenario to begin then once another main character is introduced the scenes turn lighter and add warmth to the story and characters,” Miller said. To find more of her recommendations, you can find her on TikTok and Instagram under the tag @ camsbookstack.
A few collective recommendations for fall romance reads include: If it Makes You Happy by Julia Olivia, if you watch Gilmore Girls, this is the book for you! Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan, a meet-cute followed by an accidental fake engagement, sign me up. Falling like Leaves by Misty Wilson, (young adult romance) city girl comes back to small farm town and rekindles a connection with her childhood friend. All Rhodes Lead here by Mariana Zapata, through shared hobbies, Ora and Tobias evolve from tenant and grumpy landlord to something more. You Again by Kate Goldbeck, a modern -gender swapped- rendition of ‘When Harry Met Sally’. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore, following Hazel around town
on a scavenger is Noah who has had a secret crush on her. As previously mentioned, The Pumpkin Spice Café, also by Laurie Gilmore, after taking over her aunt’s café Jeanie meets local farmer Logan.
Other romance books to read this time of year would have to be football (American) romances such as Enemies, by Tijan, (adult audiences) Feuding since the sixth grade, Dusty and Stones relationship might not be all hatred after all. First Down, by Grace Reilly, a story with all my favorite troupes; forced proximity, fake dating, and golden retriever energy. The Cheat Sheet, by Sarah Adams, a wholesome read of two best friends finally falling for each other. Fair Catch, by Kandi Steiner, college romance where she is also on the football team? And they were roommates! Say You Swear, by Meagan Brandy, which received rave reviews on the Goodreads app: “No words could do this book justice. The only wrong thing with it is that it had the audacity to end.” Larissa Cambusano said in 2022.
Anabeth Harper, also known as @anasannotations, has a rotation of books she rereads every season. “My go to fall book would be Harry Potter. I like something that puts me into the season and is a nostalgic story that I love to come back to for the fall. To me reading is much more relaxing than watching tv. It is better on the eyes, and I feel that it builds more skills than watching tv does.”
Harper said. Yes, you can watch all the movies, but they are based off the books. The books may have differences that are always fun to find what scenes did and did not make the cut.
Fall is also a great season for fantasy reads. Some fan favorite series, the Percy Jackson (7 book) series by Rick Riordan, the Harry Potter series (8 books) by J.K. Rowling, the Throne of Glass series (8 books) by Sarah J. Maas, and the Forth Wing trilogy by Rebecca Yarros and the duology of One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig. Two stand alone books include: Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas, and Ghost Business by Jen DeLuca.
A variety of genres will be presented in October 2025’s new releases. Authors such as Frieda McFadden, known for her thrillers, and Nicholas Sparks, an author that always makes its audience shed a tear, will be publishing new books for their fans to enjoy. The Intruder, by Freida McFadden, a psychological thriller where the girl is more dangerous then the hurricane outside. Mate, by Ali Hazelwood, following the first of her kind. Half were half human, and how she faces threats coming from both kinds. The story is more centered about her relationship with the alpha of the Northwest pack. The Wrath of the Fallen, by Amber V. Nicole. Being the fourth book in the series makes this release even more awaited
as readers want to see the story of these gods continue. Remain, by Nicholas Sparks, after his sister’s death he is drawn to this woman in Cape Cod, and she claims to have the ability to see spirits and changes his beliefs on logic. Though the book will not be released until October 7, the movie adaption has already been announced and scheduled for release October 23, 2026. The Widow, by John Grisham, a murder mystery centered on a lawyer on trial and a widow needing a new will as her husband had left her a sum of money. Good Spirits, by B.K. Borison. Though not a fall related or fantasy, this novel of the ghost of Christmas past will get us through the last days of fall and transition us to the next season of winter wonderlands.
The few new releases I am most excited for include the third book in the ‘Off the Ice’ series, Revolve, by Bal Khabra. After reading the first two books in the series, Collide and Spiral, and absolutely falling in love with the characters and their stories as individuals, I cannot wait to see what Khabra has written in the third book. The Defender, by Ana Huang, is the second book in the series after The Striker. This is the story of Vincent DuBois, who is the brother of the main female character of The Striker, and his Pro European football career, as well as Brooklyn Armstrong who happens to be his coach’s daughter. As someone who primarily reads romance these are the two releases I will be reading the day they are available. Ana Huang is also the author of the Twisted Series, another favorite of mine, not just a fall must read but an all-time must-read series.
Hopefully, some of the books listed above will catch your attention and you will fall in love with reading instead of staring at a screen. For more recommendations and information on the novels listed visit the good reads app, you can also track your reading progress and share with friends.
Fantasy Book Graphic Designed by Kendall Miller
Cole’s ComiCs Corner
October/November 2025
the alvernian
Managing Editor/Layout
Grace Wanner
Section Editors
Cole Windsor
Morgan Brown
Hector Malave
Kyle Rudart
Albert Vargas
Anthony Parsons
Contributing Writers
Kendall Miller
Sean Jordan
Ryann Healey
Quinn Harter
Spencer Hahn
Jennifer De la cruz
Janye Stanley
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Ryan Lange
The Incredible Reinvention of Batman
Cole Windsor Contributing Editor
On October 2, 2024, DC Comics released the All-In Special. This issue was reversible, with one side sparking the new creative direction of the main-line DC Comics Universe, and the other launching the all-new Absolute Universe. The Absolute Universe, spearheaded by legendary writer Scott Snyder, was made to flip the classic DC characters on their heads. It took fans’ favorite characters, like Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, and, of course, Batman, and completely rewrites their back stories in a new “grim dark” version of the DC Comics Universe. The first issue to follow the All-In Special was Absolute Batman.
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Writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta take what we know about Batman and completely reverse it. The tagline for Absolute Batman is “No Mansion No Money Absolute Warrior,” which perfectly sets the tone for this series.
Julian Schaffhouser, an Alvernia student, thought the new direction was innovative.
“I liked the new perspective and look Batman had. He isn’t rich and has had to change his fighting style and equipment accordingly.”
The first arc in issues 1-6 was titled “The Zoo” and released in a collected graphic novel format. It follows Bruce Wayne as he navigates his normal life as a city planner
and his nightlife as Batman. The main antagonist is Black Mask, who leads an anarchist terrorist organization called the Party Animals. The book bounces back and forth between Batman’s conflict with the Party Animals and Bruce’s tragic backstory.
In comparison to regular Batman, Absolute Batman has an edge to him. While he still does not kill, Absolute Batman is much crueler to criminals. Yuhoo Comic Review, a comic reviewer and content creator, is not a fan of the violence in the story.
“It’s violence and shock factor for the sake of violence and shock factor…The way he is cutting people’s hands off and stabbing people in the eye, it just feels gratuitous.”
Dragotta’s art style perfectly fits the edgier tone of this new Batman. His expressive and exaggerated art style leans perfectly into this new series. He utilizes unique perspectives in his action sequences, which help further exaggerate the art, making the action look alive. The simple, non-overlapping, panel layout helps rein in the artwork, making the reading experience flow nicely.
Colorist Frank Martin utilizes warm and pastel colors to do a few interesting things. First, he uses soft and light pastel colors to
represent flashbacks, helping the reader immediately understand when the scene takes place. Second, he utilizes vibrant background colors on panels that focus on Batman. This highlights Batman as a dark silhouette or focus point on the page. Dragotta and Martin utilize extreme darks in contrast with rich colors to draw the viewer’s eye to the subject of the scene.
Absolute Batman, “The Zoo,” is written with a parallel plot structure except for issue 4. Snyder tells both the present story of Batman dealing with the Party Animals and a flashback of young Bruce’s loss of his father during a shooting at the Gotham Zoo. The scenes alternate, showing presentday Batman’s actions, and using flashbacks to explain why he feels or acts the way he does.
Issue 4 is a little different, being entirely backstory. Issue 4, with guest artist Gabriel Hernández Walta, follows Bruce’s first year as Batman. It goes on his struggles trying to begin his mission as Batman. The issue does a great job breaking up the plot structure that the previous and following issues have.
The second arc, “Abomination,” comes to an end with issue 14 in November. Snyder released the cover art for issue 15, which features what the Joker will look like in the Absolute Universe. It shows a grotesque monstrosity that only vaguely looks like the Joker. The response of readers has been mixed, with a range of responses from being excited, scared, or worried about this new creative direction.
Absolute Batman has been a significant success for DC Comics, bringing many new readers to the medium. The series has continued to be released monthly and has no plan to stop.
A panel of Batman attacking Party Animals. Drawn by Nick Dragotta with colorist Frank Martin
Cover of Absolute Batman #1
Drawn by Nick Dragotta with colorist Frank Martin
Campus updates
October/November 2025
Reading Film Festival: A Celebration of Film
Spencer Hahn
Contributing Writer
The 11th annual Reading Film Festival is back this fall, celebrating films and filmmakers from Reading and around the world. The festival takes place from October 9 to October 12, using both the Goggle Works and the Reading Movies & IMAX Theater as presentation venues.
“This is my first time ever coming to the Reading Film Fest, so I am excited to see everything they have here. I’m really looking forward to getting to interact with some of these film makers.” Jordan Ellis said.
Founded in 2015, Reading Film Fest was made by filmmakers for filmmakers. The festival’s goal is to create opportunities for filmmakers from across the globe. These filmmakers can promote their films, meet their audience, and connect with other professionals in the field.
This year’s festival will
Morgan Brown Contributing Editor
Having a pet can bring a wide range of physical, social, and emotional benefits. Pets have been human companions for thousands of years, offering more than just companionship. In recent times, the value of pet ownership has been recognized for its positive impact on both physical and mental health.
“My pets are everything to me!” Alvernia student Camille Griesser said. “They are just another member of my family.”
One of the most significant benefits of being a pet owner is emotional support. Pets can help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and relieve symptoms of depression by providing unconditional love and companionship.
A 2019 study by Washington State University found that even just petting a dog or cat can lower the stress hormone, cortisol, while simultaneously raising the feel-good hormone oxytocin. Their study showed that just ten minutes of petting can have a major impact on the human body. For individuals going through emotional challenges or
feature various film genres, including international films, documentaries, dramas, and horror films. Along with film screenings, Q&A sessions, workshops, and other events. These sessions will give opportunities to connect with directors, actors, producers, and other professionals, to ask questions and learn about the creative process behind filmmaking. Workshops can also inspire up-and-coming filmmakers by providing a hands-on experience of this process.
The “Made in Reading” block is of special interest to
the festival. This part of the fest highlights filmmakers and films made in Reading. It provides local filmmakers with an opportunity to showcase their work and potentially connect with professionals in the community. Last year, saw films like Love Is A Foot by Dave Speace, which was a behind-the-scenes look at a musical that premiered in Reading during 2023, and Breakfast of Champions by Andrew Shemin, which was a short film about ethics and social duty. These two films did a great job at highlighting
the talent within Reading filmmakers.
“The Made in Reading block is for sure my favorite one here. It’s always nice to see what creative minds we have in the local community,” Taylor Monroe said.
A new feature to the festival this year is the inclusion of fully AI-generated films. These films have been controversially added to the animation block, which has certainly raised some questions from the community and attendees in general.
“AI in films is a joke, and
Benefits of Owning a Pet
who are currently living alone, pets can serve as a reliable source of security and comfort. They can help make a home feel livelier and provide a sense of purpose to owners.
“I have my dog registered as an emotional support animal, so they stay with me on campus,” Alvernia student Mehtab Kaur said. “This has really helped me throughout college.”
In addition to emotional benefits, pets also encourage physical activity. Dogs require daily walks, which can help motivate their owners to exercise. Increased
activity as a part of pet care can help contribute to improved weight control, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness.
A study by the American Heart Association found that dogs owners tend to be more physically active than non-pet owners. Even cleaning a pet’s enclosure or playing with a cat can add an element of physical routine movement that supports a healthier lifestyle.
“My two dogs have kept me very active throughout the last decade,” Wendy Ritchie said. “I take them on a walk around the neighborhood at
if Reading Film Fest were to gain national traction, then they could be in some serious trouble for showing these ai-generated films.” Logan Goldenberg said.
“I think AI in films could be a look into the future for filmmaking. It’s interesting to see how it can be utilized as it gets more advanced,” Chloe Ramirez said.
Passes and single tickets are available through the Reading Film Festival’s official website for those who want to attend the fest, which can be located through this link. Students should be aware that all the venues of the festival are within walking distance of the John R. Post Center.
The Reading Film Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience films and engage with those who create them. Whether you’re a casual movie enjoyer or a filmmaker, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
least twice a day.”
Beyond physical health, pets can provide important social benefits. Taking a pet out to a pet-friendly park or on a routine walk often leads to interactions with other people. Meeting other pet owners can help people feel less isolated and more connected. Pet ownership often acts as a social bridge, opening the door to conversation, friendship, and social groups that might not have happened otherwise.
Pets can also teach important empathy, responsibilities, and nurturing skills to children. Grooming, feeding, and cleaning up after a pet can help foster a sense of accountability and emotional growth that can be valuable in other areas of life.
“My pets are always a go-to conversation starter for me,” Brianna Burkholder, Alvernia alum, said. “I have met some of my best friends by sharing my love for dogs.”
There are also a variety of therapeutic advantages of pets as more animals are being used in medical and therapeutic settings. These pets are being used to help support individuals with medical and mental health
conditions, disabilities, and even trauma.
Therapy animals have been prescribed to help reduce symptoms in patients with anxiety, PTSD, depression, autism, seizure disorders, diabetes, and more. Being the owner of a calm and friendly animal can have a profound effect on emotional stability and recovery.
Jenny Shawver owns Barkley, a service dog. Barkley has special training to help her as a diabetic. “My service dog was prescribed to help monitor my diabetes,” she said. “Barkley can detect when my blood sugar is getting too high or low and alerts me. He is also trained to grab my insulin pump and snack bag.”
However, it is important to remember that pet ownership is a huge commitment and should be taken seriously. Animals require lots of time, attention, and money. Choosing the right pet for your lifestyle is vital to a successful relationship. It is important to do your own research and understand the individual needs of a pet to ensure a positive experience for all involved.
Film Director Brynn McKeown receiving her award for her film Runner Up, which won Best Five-Minute Film at the Reading Film Fest. Picture by Spencer Hahn.
Pictured: Gus (Brianna’s Dog) Picture via Brianna Burkholder
sports
October/November 2025
Alvernia Men’s Basketball Preseason: Building Toward a Big Season
Janye Stanley Contributing Writer
The season is underway, and the first game will start on November 8. The team has started preseason practice and is looking for a big upcoming season. They fell short in the championship last year, but they look to win it all this year. It won’t be easy, but they have the team to do it.
Practices have been very competitive, with only being able to do two a week before the first official practice, which is October 16. They have a lot of young talent this season and a lot of key players coming back. From the practices so far, I think they have a really good chance to win it all this year, but it won’t be easy. I think they have to get the chemistry right first, but it is definitely getting better, and I think they will put everything together come conference play. This season is going to be very exciting to watch.
The first practice was a little sloppy, which is expected, but it consisted of a lot of shooting drills and 1v1 and 2v2. There weren’t a lot of live-action drills. The team just kept it simple for
the first day and focused on the fundamentals. Still, head coach Mike Miller made it very clear he wasn’t satisfied with the effort and expects sharper execution moving forward.
The second practice was much better, and the energy picked up right away. The team started to come together and find its rhythm. There were a lot more liveaction drills like 3v3 and 4v4. There were shooting drills as well, coming off screens, which is very good for the offense.
The coach is very intense and takes everything seriously. Every drill mattered, and every mistake was a chance to improve and get better.
Practice three was highly competitive from start to finish. The players went over offensive sets and continued refining their shooting. The improvement was noticeable, and the team seemed to grow more confident and comfortable with each possession.
The fourth practice focused heavily on conditioning and live play. The team ran a lot to build stamina, preparing for Alvernia’s trademark
fast-paced style. With their up-tempo offense, endurance will play a huge role throughout the season.
The fifth practice was better yet. Everyone seems to be getting more comfortable with playing and running plays, and the team’s progress was clear. There were a lot of shooting drills and running as well. Based on this practice, the team is getting a lot better and should be a top contender in the league.
On Thursday, the team’s practice consisted of defensive drills, such as help defense and rotating. This drill helped the team with their communication and their overall chemistry.
One takeaway is that every practice is very competitive, and they go at each other every day. Practices are very intense, and the coaching staff puts a huge emphasis on competing and getting better. They also ran a lot in order to be in the best condition possible because Alvernia plays at a very fast pace. Overall, it was a really good practice. This upcoming week is the last week of the preseason, and I am excited to cover it.
Monday’s practice consisted of a lot of 4v4 and 5v5 in the half-court so that they could work on their plays and make sure everything is running smoothly. Alvernia’s starting five this year has a lot of size, so they are mixing things up more than they did last year. They also did a lot of shooting and worked on their ball handling.
The last practice of the preseason was very intense. They did mostly 5v5, but in different situations, such as pressing, zone defense, and man-to-man. They ran over some new plays as well to get the big man a little involved and moving.
One weakness with Alvernia is that sometimes the offense gets very stagnant, and the team just starts to stand around, so the coaches are putting an emphasis on moving and cutting without the ball.
“I think we are getting better every day. Our chemistry is getting much better, and I think we have all the right pieces to be a really good team,” Ian Hendrix, a basketball player for Alvernia, said.
How are the returning players and new transfers coming along?
“The returning guys have done a really good job leading
and setting the tone, and the transfers have brought a lot of energy and depth. Everyone is adjusting well, and it already feels like we are a family. Team chemistry is the most important thing, and is going to be the difference maker once the games start,” Korey Johnson said.
With practices heating up, the weight room sessions continuing, and the season fast approaching, Alvernia looks ready to make noise once again. If the preseason intensity is any indication, fans can expect a determined, fast-paced, and hungry team this year. The chemistry continues to grow, and players are buying into the system both on and off the court.
As of right now, everyone seems to be focused on one goal, and that is winning the championship, and the energy in the gym reflects that. With the combination of returning players and transfers, this team has all the tools to make a statement when the season officially tips off on November 8.
The excitement around this team is real, and if they keep working the way they have, Alvernia might just turn last year’s heartbreak into this year’s championship celebration.
This season is going to be big. Get ready to watch our Golden Wolves take us all the way to the championship. Photo by Bailey Burton.
Alvernia’s basketball team training at a team lift. Pictures by Janye Stanley
October/November 2025
Eagles Hot Start of The Season
Anthony Parsons
Contributing Editor
The Philadelphia Eagles started the 2025 season on a hot streak, currently undefeated in their 2025 debut. However, some fans may worry that the play isn’t clean enough. The defending Super Bowl champions have now gone 3-0, beating out division rivals of the Dallas Cowboys, the Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Los Angeles Rams in their most recent game.
While the Eagles are so far undefeated, fans are worried about how close these games are. All 3 games have been within one score of losing, and the play from the Eagles’ offense hasn’t been clean enough to be satisfied, especially at the Quarterback position in Jalen Hurts.
“The only reason they made him throw is because they literally had no other choice… When Saquon can’t get going for 150+ yards,
that’s when they say well, I guess we have to throw it,” Nick Wright said, a wellknown sports personality and podcaster.
During their recent game against the Rams, Jalen Hurts went 5/9 for 18 yards in the first half. For comparison, Matthew Stafford, the LA Rams Quarterback, went 8/17 for 79 yards and threw for a touchdown also in the first half showing that the Rams are throwing more and
landing more catches. The score going into half time was 19-7 in favor of the Rams. The first time this season they ended a half without a lead.
In the 2nd half however, the Eagles made an incredible comeback, adapting to the Rams’ blitz style defense, with Jalen Hurts finishing the game completing 21/32 for a total of 226 yards. The ending of the game was something no one expected with a blocked field goal from defensive
tackle Jordan Davis who carried it in for a touchdown to end the game 33-26 in an Eagles victory. Jalen Hurts went on an interview with Pam Oliver to talk about the game against the Rams. “We played so many styles where in that first half, we got to get out of this playing not to lose,” Jalen Hurts said. “We got to come out aggressive and play our game.”
While a loud majority of football fans criticize the Eagles’ recent slow starts and their trust in their franchise quarterback, the Philadelphia Eagles are proving them wrong with their quick adaptation ability, with their trust in one-another and the coaching staff. They are showing the NFL world why they are the defending Super Bowl champions.
Golden Wolves Struggle in First Game of the Season, Drop Home Opener 41-17
Albert Vargas
Contributing Editor
The Golden Wolves were mauled by the Ursinus College Bears in a 41-17 loss, bringing their home record against the Bears to 0-5. The Golden Wolves approach homecoming weekend with an overall 0-4 record but are determined to use their bye week to retool and refocus.
This season, the Golden Wolves are led by redshirt freshman Jaden Randall at quarterback. Randall is joined by an offensive line featuring Carl Taylor, Payton Brunner, Eli Curran, Garin Hyvesson, and Owen Reber.
The offensive line has returned from last season with the most playing experience, and they will have a big job this upcoming season. The key players of the Golden Wolf offense will be Ozmere Jones, Andrew Simmons, Jayden Smith, Zacai Manigo, Jayden Stanfield, Treson Whitlow, Michael Williams, Saul Nixon, and Damon Ogden Jr. Randall came into the Ursinus game with optimism.
“Can’t wait to go out there on Friday night, get my first collegiate start, and just play football with my brothers,” he said.
The Golden Wolf defense also features many returners.
Jyleen Neals and McCabe Piavis lead the defense. Neals and Piavis are supported by Ta’Jier Burrus, Jyahdin YoungGarnett, Nassire Furman, Kashantis Anderson, Anthony Hugee, Jakob Keglovits, Shawn Young, Kojo Totimeh, Michael Terrell, Owen McFadden, and Davon Grant. Piavis wants to make this season one to remember, as he’ll be featured on Senior Day this year. “Last season of football, I just want to go out there, have fun, and play football.”
The Ursinus game started with the Bears on a hot
streak. They took seven minutes off the clock, drove 75 yards, and scored the game’s first touchdown. Ursinus got the ball again when Randall threw a pick. Ursinus took the game to 0-20 by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Bears’ defense showed a few cracks that the Golden Wolves could exploit. Alvernia finally responded with their own points with a 42-yard field goal by Gage Thomas, which set a new program record.
“Feels good to have multiple program records now,” Thomas said. “This is something little me would be
proud of.”
With points on the board, the Golden Wolves attacked the field with renewed determination but immediately faced a setback with another pick leading to a Bears possession and score. It was looking dire for the Golden Wolves.
“I was ready to go out there and lead another touchdown drive.” Jaden Randall said.
The Golden Wolves put together a 95-yard drive in the final two minutes of the first half to carve out a touchdown, taking the score to 34-10. The Bears weren’t going to take that lying down, coming out hot again at the
start of the second half. They only took about six plays to score and bumped the lead to 41-10. A grueling defensive battle began, with both teams earning touchdowns in the third quarter. The fourth quarter ended scoreless, cementing Ursinus’ victory.
“There are many problems we need to fix, but a lot of good came from this game. We need to make sure everybody is where they need to be.” Owen McFadden
“We got a lot of work to do. The potential of this team is there, but we just need to work for it. Work hard and pay attention to the small details.” Dante Walker said.
“We realize how important practice really is. I will focus on the little things.” Garin Hyvesson said.
“We have a lot of work to do, and we made many dumb mistakes that we need to work on. Focus more on the areas we struggle with in the game when we are at practice.” Albert Chidembo said.
Football players wearing the Eagles’ signature kelly green.
Photo by Andrej Lišakov.
Jalen Hurts, Quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, after winning Super Bowl LIX.
Credit: Jamie Squire
Picture of Alvernia’s football field from President’s Box. Picture by Grace Wanner.
Campus life
Students Respond to Campus Life
Quinn Harter
Contributing Writer
Alvernia University has changed a lot in recent decades, with more changes on the horizon. New majors, sports teams, clubs, and facilities have transformed what was once a sleepy, mainly female campus into a more energetic and diverse environment.
Alvernia’s community is oriented around our five core values: Service, collegiality, contemplation, peacemaking, and humility. These values draw students to Alvernia, as many students prefer a smaller, value driven university environment.
Alvernia is a small school that focuses on interpersonal relationships. Students come to Alvernia to get to know their professors, and professors stay here because of their connections with students.
“I believe the studentprofessor relationship should
be grounded in mutual respect.” Professor Kulp said.
“When a professor comes across as overly intimidating, it can lead students to feel more resentment than respect. That’s why I strongly feel professors should try to be more relatable—it creates a more welcoming and engaging classroom environment.”
“When instructors show that they understand and value students’ perspectives, it fosters stronger connections and encourages more active participation. A relatable professor can make even challenging material feel more approachable and less intimidating. Every semester I strive to be relatable, hopefully my students think I am doing a good job.”
The university organizes events to help the community build strong bonds with each other, as well as with the greater Reading area. Service is probably the value students
come to know the best, as Alvernia encourages everyone to take part in service events.
However, Alvernia sometimes struggles with students of color. Alvernia has become more diverse over the last decade, but sometimes students from more diverse backgrounds feel sidelined compared to the white majority.
“I would probably change the lack of community here for students of color,” Will Dennis, said. “ I really don’t see an effort for opportunities for students of color or opportunities for them to come together, I’ve heard people say they feel invisible at this school, so it’d be nice if students of color and pretty much all students feel like Alvernia is a home and not just a place they go to school at.”
“I feel like the campus population diversity has increased.” Mylina Castillo the Vice President of BSU
said. “We’re seeing more individuals from diverse social demographics. That’s not to say that tolerance has. Our mini campus culture reflects our societal culture in the country. We’re gaining diversity and with-it division. With progress, there is always more work to be done. I believe our campus can and will move towards the right direction through leadership, accountability and integrity.”
Students sometimes also come to Alvernia with weaker academic preparation than professors expect, which puts strain on student support services. The Academic Success Center has grown to try to meet the needs of students, but Alvernia students should also make sure that they take advantage of faculty office hours to get specialized, one-on-one assistance.
“I think every student should stop by their professor’s office hours at least once a semester,” Dr. Ryan Lange, chair of the communication and digital media department, said. “I require students in my 100level writing classes to visit me twice a semester in some form so I can speak to them and give them one-on-one attention. I think doing that is an important part of my mentorship for them.”
Alvernia also puts an emphasis on “real-world” experiential learning, which gives students an opportunity to work in their chosen fields in some capacity.
“Through the business department we partner with a lot of local businesses,” Dr. Jane Brooker said. “And I post things on a bulletin board in our student lounge in the John R. Post Center, but then I also refer them
to handshake and through career fairs. And what i found and received feedback from a lot of those students, they have real word-experience as opposed to getting coffee or paper pushing and their real experiences. Also, through O’Pake a lot of our business students are O’Pake fellows. I like to describe the O’Pake center as an internship on steroids, so they have multiple companies and not just one.
While there have been many changes in university life over the last decade, there is demand for even more modernization and change among students. Some students feel that the university could also go further in providing new food service options. While the arrival of Aramark has led to some immediate changes in the food service, some students want even more.
“There’s a lot I would change first off,” Britney Aniya said. “We should have fast food as part of our dining machines like Chik-Fil-A, and the places should be more modernized. More diversity and things like that.”
Physical plant upgrades would also be desirable among students, particularly regarding parking.
“I think campus is fine,” Giavanni Gibson said. “I’d probably just like to add lights going into the lot. It’s dark when I’m trying to get to my car.”
In all, Alvernia has done its best to adapt to a changing environment. Who knows what the university may look like in 2035 or beyond?
Picture of Judge Hall, one of the many dorm buildings on campus. Picture taken by Grace Wanner.
Francis Hall, the symbol of Alvernia, is the oldest building on campus. Photo taken by: Quinn Harter
October/November 2025
Politicking Peer Pressure news
Kyle Rudart Contributing Editor
The ever-changing political climate gives us a lot to process each day. With every person having access to a global open forum, bewildering and inaccurate opinions and beliefs can continually reinforce each other, and can sometimes lead to real-life consequences.
Recently, Charlie Kirk, a far right wing activist, was assassinated when holding a public debate at Utah Valley University. Kirk’s pugnacious public performances were used as content for his organization, Turning Point USA. TPUSA’s public forums would visit different college campuses in an attempt to show the superiority of conservative beliefs.
The assassination of Kirk has had a chilling effect on political speech across America and has discouraged academics from expressing their honest thoughts about political and cultural issues.
“American society has been pulling inward and bridging capital was diminished as we fell deeper and deeper into social enclaves where we only socialize with people who are similar to us. Nowadays, we can think about social media echo chambers,” Dr. Nicholas Nicoletti, associate professor of political science, said. Groups organized online have targeted people for speech related to the assassination of Kirk, leading to some people being fired for speech that is protected under the First Amendment. Other groups have attempted to “dox” people for their speech. “Doxxing” someone involves releasing their private personal
information on the internet to encourage others to harass them in a variety of ways.
Political violence is not new in America. History is pockmarked with violence directed at political, racial, or ethnic minority groups. What is new about recent political violence is that much of it appears to be “lone wolf” shooters who were radicalized online by groups with no greater agenda but nihilistic violence.
“The anonymity of online dialogue and social media amplifies polarization and hostility. So, the long and the short of it is that universities can and should try to use these kinds of methods and events to teach and foster
civil discourse,” Dr. Nicoletti said.
Colleges and universities have a role to play in setting the terms of public debate. Creating a framework where people can discuss ideas in a peaceful and constructive manner is at the heart of American democracy.
Multiple students that major in political science like junior Nicholas Colletti had a lot to say about discourse at Alvernia.
“Colleges and universities must foster the framework for students to engage in political discourse to have effective communication, conversation, and education. In an age of immense political polarization, political discourse allows for students to gain a more comprehensive view of politics. Alvernia provides these resources through frequent Professors and Politics events in the Campus Commons Living Room and the Political Science club.”
It can be difficult for a young person to express themselves in an open discussion without fear of being ridiculed. Public shaming has driven many people to avoid talking about politics in public entirely and instead find refuge online. Closed online spaces can feel safe, but they can also lead people to be radicalized.
Public discussions help to keep people grounded in reality. Dr. Williams and Dr. Radosh both worked together and offered a class on media literacy during election season in 2024 to make sure there was accurate information shared.
“The most important thing anyone can do as a citizen is to stay informed and be active!” Dr. Nicoletti said.
“Part of being active is engaging in civil dialogue with one another and not losing sight of what the American republic represents.”
Six Flags Great Adventure Begins Transformation: Old Coasters Fall, New Attractions Rise
Ryann Healey Contributing Writer
Jackson Township, NJ –Six Flags Great Adventure will bid farewell to several beloved rides while laying out the groundwork for new and improved thrills.
The park has announced a multi-year, $1 billion investment plan that will reshape its ride lineup, family experiences, and other services through 2025 and beyond.
To make way for the future generation of exciting attractions, a few of the park’s old favorites will be removed to make room for the latest thrills.
Kingda Ka, the previous record holder for being the tallest coaster in the world, retired earlier this year. The coaster had provided over 12 million rides since its opening in 2005.
“I have ridden this coaster every year since the age of 10. I feel like a piece of my childhood has been lost forever,” Chloe Weiss, an Alvernia student, said.
Also removed was Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom, which was attached to the rollercoaster Kingda Ka and named the tallest drop
tower in the world upon opening in 2014. The famous standing-up coaster, Green Lantern, which had been highly criticized for its physical stress on riders, was decommissioned this year as well.
Another Alvernia student, Haley McArthur, said, “I was not a fan of the ride. The standing aspect was too much pressure on your legs; it was very uncomfortable.”
The long-time ride of Parachute Tower, which has been operating since the 1980s, is also finally being laid to rest for good. Instead
of sticking to what we have known for years, Six Flags Great Adventure is bringing an assortment of new rides, experiences, and upgrades.
In March of this year, the park introduced The Flash: Vertical Velocity roller coaster, North America’s first super boomerang coaster. A “super boomerang” coaster launches riders forward and backward with a twisted plunge and crazy loops. By 2027, The Mac Tower is intended to replace Kingda Ka and Green Lantern as a 400ft tall multi-record-breaking launch coaster, though this
depends on construction and testing being completed on schedule.
The Wild Safari is also being upgraded. The new Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa debuted earlier this year, providing guests with an overnight glamping experience with great views of the safari. Additionally, an off-road truck-only experience has been added with a new entrance, infrastructure, and gift shop called The Outpost.
“I am excited about the new additions to the safari at Six Flags. I haven’t been since
I was little, but I would love to go again after hearing about what’s being added,” Alvernia student and New Jersey resident, Kira Del Grippo, said.
There are other updates including the refurbishment of favorites like the Log Flume and the Big Wheel, as well as new amenities to celebrate the park’s 50th anniversary.
This ongoing construction means that some parts of the park are off-limits during this time which changes the usual experience many loyal guests know and love. The park has asked for patience as they move forward with rebuilding over the next few years.
Six Flags Great Adventure is in the process of balancing its past and building into the future with creative coaster designs and more focus on guest services. If all goes according to schedule, three years from now the park will be a very different place. Fewer of the oldtimers standing, but more record-holding attractions, better facilities, and a fresh experience for guests of all ages.
Roller Coaster similar to Six Flag’s new coasters. Photo by Somruthai Keawjan
Photo of Pres. Barack Obama conversing with a member (free use photo by Pixabay)
October/November 2025
Harvest of Hope: Alvernia’s Saint Francis Day of Service Potato Pick Brings Community Together news
Hector Malave
Contributing Editor
On a Sunday morning, under crisp autumn skies, over 100 Alvernia University students left behind classrooms, dormitories, and their weekend routines to get their hands dirty in the name of service.
The occasion was the annual Saint Francis Day of Service, an Alvernia tradition honoring the university’s Franciscan roots through acts of compassion, solidarity, and stewardship. Every year, the yearly autumn service event focuses on humble potatoes.
In a nearby field generously provided by local farmers, students rolled up their sleeves to gather more than 1,000 potatoes, which were then bagged and prepared for distribution to food pantries and neighbors in need across the Reading community.
While over 300 students signed up for this year’s Saint Francis Day of Service, logistical limits
and transportation needs brought the final number of volunteers down to 110. Still, the spirit of generosity and determination radiated throughout the morning.
Saturday’s event began in the early morning, with students boarding buses from campus and arriving at the farm by 10:15 a.m. Equipped with gloves, buckets, and boundless energy, volunteers spread across the rows. By the end of the morning, students had unearthed more than a thousand potatoes enough to fill dozens of small sacks destined for food distribution points. The potatoes collected during the Saint Francis Day of Service were quickly prepared for distribution to local families.
The Alvernia Holleran Center and the Kutztown community collaborated to ensure that the food would reach the neighbors most in need.
“It was a wonderful event,” Bryan Gonzales, sophomore, said. “I was able to connect
with new people. I remember we were joking around while bagging the potatoes. “
Several seniors also expressed nostalgia, noting this would be their last Saint Francis Day of Service before graduation. “I’ve done this every year since freshman year,” Aracelis Rivera, senior business major, said. “Each time, it’s different people or even the same people, but every year we have so much fun. We come together, and we give back. I’m going to miss this.”
Volunteers were treated to hot dogs and French fries freshly cut from the very potatoes they had harvested. The meal added a festive
touch, turning the hard work into a shared feast. Lines of students laughed, swapped stories about their morning, and enjoyed the fruits rather than the fries of their labor.
The food was a symbolic reminder that service can be joyful and sustaining for both giver and receiver. The shared meal capped off the event with a sense of community.
“I think the biggest higlight of this event is we get to try the fries we just picked.
The fries were delicious and the staff made sure we kept ourselfs hydrated while picking potatoes on the field.”
Aracelis Rivera said. What began as an act
What The Fizz?
of service, ended as a celebration of togetherness, a fitting conclusion to a day dedicated to Franciscan values.
The potato pick is just one of many initiatives under the umbrella of the Saint Francis Day of Service. Across Reading and Berks County, Alvernia students volunteered in classrooms, shelters, parks, and food banks on the same day. Together, these projects form a mosaic of compassion, demonstrating the university’s ongoing commitment to service learning.
In recent years, universities nationwide have emphasized the importance of civic engagement and community partnerships. Alvernia stands out for embedding service into the very identity of the institution.
Grace Wanner Managing Editor
The Fizz is bubbling up at Alvernia, but will it foam over YikYak?
If you are a student at Alvernia, chances are you’ve heard of YikYak. But if you don’t know what YikYak is, The Alvernian published an article about the app in the fall semester of 2023.
Sarah Mies discussed YikTak’s overall pitch during our original story: “The original idea for YikYak was to create a space where you can chat with your community (particularly your college campus) without having to share your identity. With no names, no faces, no influencers, and no followers, YikYak is not a typical form of social media.”
Fizz is similar to YikYak: Anonymous posting by students to get their unfiltered, honest thoughts, feelings, and questions anonymously. When you post a Fizz, you can get up and down votes to collect “karma” just like on YikYak.
However, Fizz does have a few features that YikYak does not possess. One of the major differences is that Fizz has a marketplace where students can buy and sell items. Fizz
also has a lost and found section where students can post images of items found around campus. There is also a search feature so you can find a specific Fizz post or sort by categories.
The added utility of Fizz might provide a real challenge to YikTak.
“I check Fizz from time to time, but I mostly use YikYak,” Daniel Koch, a junior electrical engineering major, said.
Currently, both are being used very frequently, with new posts appearing every couple of minutes. But will the hype surrounding the apps die? Are people only using Fizz because it’s new?
Similarly, are people continuing to use YikYak only because it’s become a classic university staple?
The Alvernian has posted a poll on both apps to see which app people prefer. The results were a landslide in the favor of YikYak with a total of 234 votes, while Fizz only received a measly 23.
The concern about the potential for bullying on YikYak goes for Fizz as well. With no identities comes no accountability, which opens the door for severe
cyberbullying risks.
“We don’t allow anything that could be interpreted as bullying or harassment, both toward individuals and groups,” reads the first line of the YikYak guidelines.
Fizz’s guidelines say something similar: “Do not create content about or relating to anyone that could jeopardize that individual or group’s safety or create a danger to oneself or others.”
The guidelines for the apps attempt to keep a handle on online harassment, but it still happens rather frequently.
“Blows my mind how the football team manages to get worse and worse every year,” said an anonymous commentor on YikYak.
So, if you are a user of one of these apps, be sure to help maintain the safety of the space by downvoting and reporting any harassment, threats of violence, or anything that would be considered harmful to the community.
Alvernia Students Potato Picking. Picture by Hector Malave.
Screenshot from Alvernia’s trending Fizz Feed. Picture from Grace Wanner.
October/November 2025
No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí news
Jennifer De la Cruz
Contributing Writer
“Puerto Rico es otra cosa” (Puerto Rico is In a Whole different Level) is the phrase that resonates with Borinken (the original Taino name for the island of Puerto Rico, meaning “Land of the Valiant Lord”) thanks to Bad Bunny. Over 600,000 tickets were sold for his residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot known as El Choli like locals like to call it, making it the heart of the island.
For those who experienced it, live or livestream, it was more than a concert; it was a celebration of Puerto Rico itself.
The album named Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos) was the centerpiece for this event, having many hits like “DtMF”, “Voy a llevarte pa’ PR”, “Baile inolvidable”. The dynamics of the album have overcome skeptics who typically aren’t fans of his style of music. “I am not a fan
of Bad Bunny’s music style,” Berenice De la cruz said, “but I like Baile inolvidable because it is a mix of old school music and he doesn’t curse.”
Debí Tirar Más Fotos was able to unite all Puerto Rican people around the world with 17 songs that talked about Puerto Rican culture, identity, pride, and traditional music. Whether the audience attended live or
on stream, they were able to feel the same energy. It was homecoming for many people in Puerto Rico diaspora.
“I felt like I was in Puerto Rico again,” Ariel De la cruz said. “The energy was great, and I saw that everyone there was enjoying it. I regret not going.”
The stage featured cultural symbols like the Flamboyán (the tree), La Casita (a traditional Puerto Rican
house), la Cordillera Central (Mountains in Puerto Rico), and Concho (the name of the coquí featured in the production). To make it more iconic, the performers wore traditional outfits designed by Puerto Rican designers, while the music included Bomba, Plena, and other traditional Puerto Rican genres.
“I think that the concert was a success for Puerto Rico, opening doors for the
Key For a Healthy Mind
economy and it was good because now everyone knows the beauty of the island,” Maury Feliz said. Bad Bunny’s concert generated around $733 million in revenue all combined with the hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. It was a complete success creating new jobs, generating money, and spreading the culture.
From July 11 to September 20, Bad Bunny’s “No me quiero ir de aquí” (I Don’t Want to Leave Here) residency and his “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” album created a sense of family between Puerto Ricans. The Coliseo (Stadium) became a historic monument that united a nation. With record breaking and unforgettable performances, the legacy of “No me quiero ir de aquí” will continue to echo around Puerto Ricans hearts, reminding the world that Puerto Rico es otra cosa (Puerto Rico is in Another Level).
Sean Jordan
Contributing Writer
Mental health plays a crucial role in living a healthy lifestyle, especially for college students. Many students often feel overwhelmed or stressed, whether it’s from schoolwork, sports, or simply never having enough free time. It’s common to hear the phrase, “I’m burnt out,” describing the exhaustion that comes from constant pressure and busy schedules.
This feeling of burnout doesn’t just affect academic performance; it can impact sleep, motivation, relationships, and overall happiness. That burnout can take a toll, leading to negative moods, increased stress, and even depression.
Dominic Garica, a sophomore, said, “Number one most important thing is to put yourself first, you will start to mentally crumble if you don’t make time for yourself.”
Free time is very important for the mind. Being able to decompress provides an opportunity to take a step back from all the pressures or problems in everyday life. Whether it is going for a walk, taking a drive, reading a book, or even
Charts credited to NIH (National Library of Medicine) - The graph shows improvements in mental health when regularly being physically active reduces stress and boosts overall wellbeing
simply spending time with a loved one, activities that bring relaxation and happiness can easily help reduce stress and improve moods. These breaks from school, work, and sports not only allow the mind to rest but also help prevent burnout.
Using free time can also build healthy habits. Building healthy habits makes it easier to maintain positive lifestyle behaviors. Research has shown that activities such as reading, exercising, or learning new skills help form
long term routines that can improve motivation.
Studies from the American Psychological Association claim that regular physical activity not only reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression but increases self-esteem and emotional resilience. Playing sports is a prime example of physical activity that can help maintain a healthy mind, but for people who don’t like playing sports, going to the gym or going for a walk is a great alternative.
Addison Smith, a first year student, said, “The gym is my safe place; I am always in the gym because it helps me clear my mind and keeps my body healthy, I do my best to get stronger physically and mentally whenever I set foot in the gym”.
Making time for yourself each day isn’t wasted, it’s essential for your mental health. When you use your free time with purpose, you give yourself the chance to recharge, learn, and keep a healthy balance between
work and life. Taking breaks helps ease stress, prevent burnout, and clear your mind. It’s also a time to be creative, reflective, and connect with others. In the end, setting aside free time isn’t just about relaxing, it’s about taking care of yourself so you can feel happier, healthier, and more productive.
Picture from Bad Bunny on The Tour. Creative License under Heute. AT