Message from the President
Welcome to the Partners in Progress initiative. I ask you to join us in fulfilling our vision of engaged alums, students, faculty, staff, and dedicated partner networks moving the university into the next era. With flexibility, innovation, expansion, engagement, and an unwavering student-centric approach, we will be prepared for the challenges facing this country’s regional private and liberal arts universities. I am excited and honored to lead Alvernia on this journey. With your support of the Partners in Progress Campaign, we will leave a lasting impact on Alvernia University and our entire community.
Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.
Alvernia Advantage
The Alvernia Advantage exposes students to world-class technology, real-world learning environments, mentors, community leaders, and experiential learning. We provide this through The O’Pake Institute for Entrepreneurship, The AU Career Craft apprenticeship program, internships in all majors, clinical experiences, and opportunities for laboratory experiences in local industries. Students also use our Bloomberg Terminal lab, state-of-the-art healthcare science laboratories, Crime Scene House, Bog Turtle Farm, and engineering learning spaces.
Alvernia recognizes the need to develop the region by graduating students who will live and work there. We believe that access to education must be provided for all students from every socioeconomic class. We have begun building a system of care to meet the needs of our diverse population of students. These services include expanded, year-round health care, emergency aid, an expanded food pantry, resources for educational materials, 24-hour online tutoring, and expanding our relationships with community partners who provide support services.
In an ever-changing, highly technical world, the key to students' success is the ability to think critically and adapt to change. Alvernia’s liberal arts education immerses students in learning critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, ethical decision-making, appreciation of the arts, and inquiry into the enduring questions of our shared human experience. Our education focuses on developing students who can lead with a strong sense of themselves, compassion for others, and the ability to adapt to a changing global society.
By growing and graduating students from the region, Alvernia will continue to build on the economic redevelopment of Reading, Philadelphia, Pottsville, and beyond. Graduates of the areas we serve become part of the economic recovery story when they live and work in them post-graduation. The university will continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve through new program offerings, meeting the needs of area businesses, community service, and community partnerships. The Mission of Alvernia University compels us to serve and teach the next generation of community leaders who will build a better future for our region and beyond.
Ways to support the Partners in Progress Campaign
There are many ways to support the Partners in Progress Campaign. Those who do will ensure a bright and strong future for Alvernia and its students. Alumni, friends, and others may choose to make a single gift, spread their contributions over a period of time, or choose a deferred giving option.
Serving Our Future through Deferred Gifts
Annual gifts in support of the Hope Fund are vitally important to assisting all students (undergraduate, graduate, and adult) and families in financial need and provides the university with the flexibility and resources necessary to address student hardships as they arise. Our goal is to increase the annual fund steadily and dramatically over the life of the campaign.
Annual Fund (Hope Fund)
Alvernia University has benefited from several generous planned gifts over the past several years. Our goal is to heighten awareness of planned and deferred giving so that future generations will benefit from thoughtful gift planning as part of the Partners in Progress Campaign.
Naming Opportunities
For those who wish to honor a family member, pay tribute to a friend, or commemorate someone who inspired you, there are many permanent naming opportunities for facilities, scholarships, and endowments.
All gifts are deeply appreciated. We accept:
- Outright Gifts of Cash
- Appreciated Securities (including closely held stock and mutual funds)
- Life Income Plans (including charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and charitable gift annuities)
- Retirement Plans
- Mutual Funds
- Life Insurance Policies
- Bequests
- Real Estate
- Personal Property
- Corporate Matching Gifts
Honorary Chairs
T. Jerome & Carolyn Holleran
Mike & Judy Ehlerman
Campaign Chairs
Steve Najarian
"Your involvement and support, at any level, is integral to our success. Together, we can create a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.”
Jeff Rush
"The comprehensive campaign may have changed the trajectory for Alvernia forever, and it gives us the chance to change the course for Reading and the communities in which we serve.”
Campaign Steering Committee
Peter Rye, Brentwood Industries, Inc.
Paula Barrett, Retired, RKL
Doug Tieman, Retired, Caron
David Turner, FirstEnergy Co.
Mike Duff, Penske Truck Leasing
Mike Fromm, Fromm Electric Supply Corp.
Pat Giles, The Wyomissing Foundation
Ellen Huyett, Retired, Stevens & Lee P.C.
Dan Langdon, Retired, East Penn Manufacturing
