About
Alvernia University defines the community. It is a vibrant intellectual environment in which students learn, discover, give and grow as leaders with moral courage. Guided by Franciscan values and the ideal of “knowledge joined with love,” and rooted in the Catholic and liberal arts traditions, Alvernia is a rigorous, caring, and inclusive learning community committed to academic excellence and to being and fostering:
• Broadly educated, life-long learners
• Reflective professionals and engaged citizens
• Ethical leaders with moral courage
Core Values
The Alvernia community embraces service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality.
History
It began in 1926 when the Bernardine Sisters established an orphanage in Francis Hall.
Strong Reputation
Alvernia consistently ranks among U.S. News and World Report’s top regional universities in the North.
Experiential Learning
Defining the Alvernia experience, experiential and service learning empowers students to apply knowledge through hands-on practice, building a solid foundation for real-world success.
State awards Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RACP) support for Alvernia’s American House
Funding strengthens community health partnership and expands experiential learning in downtown Reading
Central Penn. Business Journal, Lehigh Valley Business name Alvernia's Giannini to Most Influential Leaders List
Organizations to honor the senior leader on Aug. 18 in Reading
Alvernia students develop patent-pending nursing education technology, win regional business plan competition
Learn2Inject transforms classroom innovation into award-winning healthcare startup with support from the O'Pake Institute
National rankings and local recognition highlight Alvernia's commitment to student success and values
University recognized by Colleges of Distinction, Money magazine and Berks County Living's People's Choice Awards
Summer Open House
- Jul 27, 2026
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Summer Open House consists of a general admissions presentation, tours of a campus, and a FREE catered lunch in the Student Center Dining Hall. With the support from our dedicated faculty members and the undergraduate admissions team, we are available to talk more about your program's curriculum, internships, research opportunities, career pathways and application process. Whether you’re just beginning your college search or narrowing down your options, you'll leave feeling confident and excited about your next steps.
Admissions
Summer Open House
- Jul 31, 2026
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Summer Open House consists of a general admissions presentation, tours of a campus, and a FREE catered lunch in the Student Center Dining Hall. With the support from our dedicated faculty members and the undergraduate admissions team, we are available to talk more about your program's curriculum, internships, research opportunities, career pathways and application process. Whether you’re just beginning your college search or narrowing down your options, you'll leave feeling confident and excited about your next steps.
Admissions
TExpL Graduate Certificate Information Session
- Aug 03, 2026
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Join us for an information session to learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Educational Innovation and Entrepreneurship, offered by Total Experience Learning at Alvernia University. Led by Caryn Stopper, Executive Director of Enrollment and Outreach, you will hear more about:
• The application process
• A deeper understanding of the four courses in the graduate certificate
• The seamless pathway to an advanced degree with Alvernia University
Total Experience Learning
Summer Open House
- Aug 05, 2026
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Summer Open House consists of a general admissions presentation, tours of a campus, and a FREE catered lunch in the Student Center Dining Hall. With the support from our dedicated faculty members and the undergraduate admissions team, we are available to talk more about your program's curriculum, internships, research opportunities, career pathways and application process. Whether you’re just beginning your college search or narrowing down your options, you'll leave feeling confident and excited about your next steps.
Admissions
