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“I thank Alvernia and those who educated me. Alvernia has had a lasting and profound impact on my career and life.” So said Walter Biondi ’75 in a cordial, congratulatory email he sent the College in May of 2008. And what a celebratory year 2008 will be for us! For the next 12 months, Alvernia celebrates its golden anniversary, a testament to the vision and enduring values of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters who founded Alvernia College in 1958. Our anniversary celebration began with our 2008 Spring Commencement, continues with the AFCU National Symposium from June 5-7 and an all alumni picnic on Saturday, June 14—the return of an Alvernia tradition from years gone by—and resumes in grand style with a Founders Day celebration on September 12, with other exciting events to follow during the 2008-09 year. Our story is one of dramatic progress and transformation. Once a tiny college, with a graduating class of four Bernardine sisters in 1961 and about 1,200 students in 1997, Alvernia is today a thriving, multi-dimensional institution. Current enrollment is almost 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students (3,500 including the Seniors College), studying here in Reading and at other locations from Harrisburg to Pottsville to Philadelphia and many points in between. Such growth and progress—think of the O’Pake and Upland Centers and the expanded Student Center—are essential for providing our students with first-rate facilities and educational opportunities. For fifty years, we have offered excellent liberal arts and professional programs within a caring, values-centered environment that emphasizes each student’s career aspirations and personal growth. A “right-sized” school like Alvernia offers students countless opportunities to interact with professors; to pursue internships, service projects and other out-of-class activities; and to develop their leadership potential. From freshmen to doctoral students, we hear the same message: Alvernia faculty and staff care about their students. And this makes the difference. It certainly made the difference in Walter Biondi’s life: “I particularly recall the motivation, encouragement, and challenging learning environment my professors provided.” Not only do our students develop strong communication and leadership skills and emerge well prepared for their first job or for graduate school, but they develop a strong ethical perspective and deepen their commitment to service and to the common good. For fifty years, we have expected Alvernia students (and graduates) to do well and to do good. The accomplishments of our graduates are cause for great pride and a wonderful motivation to celebrate our first half century. I hope you’ll join me in 2008, to reconnect with your alma mater, to honor the past, to celebrate the present, and to envision the future. Peace and all good, Tom Flynn, President
400 Saint Bernardine St., Reading PA 19607 • 1-888-ALVERNIA • 1-888-258-3764 |