Community service and leadership have been a focus of Alvernia University since its founding Bernardine Franciscan Sisters arrived in Pennsylvania in the late 1800s. The mission continues with each generation of graduates who perform more than 30,000 hours of service each year and take part in a variety of ethical leadership education programs. 

In This Section

Community Engagement

O'Pake Institute for Economic Development & Entrepreneurship
The institute serves as a catalyst for educational and business expansion, including a student-centered business incubatorĀ in downtown Reading.
Adult education student working at Penske
Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Helping business at every stage of their life.
Volunteers show off potatoes they've gathered
Holleran Center
The Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement is Alvernia's hub for community service initiatives, including educational and environmental outreach, civic engagement and sustainability.
Alvernia's Seniors College - adults 55 and older
Seniors College
The Alvernia Seniors College offers senior citizens (age 55 and over) an opportunity for life-long learning. Expand your mind with academic courses on politics or religion and terrorism, or learn to write that memoir you've always meant to start. New classes begin three times each year.
Sculpture at the Miller Gallery
Arts & Culture
Music, art and lectures abound at Alvernia.

Upcoming Events

Criminal Justice program marks 50 years
Homecoming 2024: Virtual Bingo