My first semester as Alvernia University’s president was a whirlwind. And I couldn’t be more grateful for that.
From welcoming one of the largest classes in the university’s history on move-in day to calling bingo numbers at the traditional late-night breakfast during finals week, and everything in between, the fall semester featured an abundance of opportunities for campus collaboration. I loved engaging with students, faculty, staff, trustees and the community wherever and whenever I could. I believe it is vital to be with you because that is how we progress.
This edition of Alvernia Magazine will focus on progress. We have made considerable strides since I joined the AU community in 2019 as senior vice president and provost. And there is plenty more to come.
At our annual President’s Dinner in October, we launched the public phase of Partners in Progress, a campaign to build stronger communities. Our goal of raising $70 million is in view with the campaign already having brought in over $55 million. Those gifts include significant contributions from the Posts (the largest in university history), Headers (the largest alumni gift) and Arnolds (largest trustee gift), elevating our business, engineering and nursing schools, and funding a scholarship program to support student success. Learn more about the campaign in our cover story and be sure to read the inspiring profile of Greg Header ’97.
In July I became the first female lay president in Alvernia’s 65-year history. It is an honor at an institution founded by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, and I’m thrilled that three of the university’s other top positions are also held by women: new Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D.; Associate Provost Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM; and Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs Mary-Alice Ozechoski, M.A. Read more about our team and our founders.
There is also a profile on a recent graduate who is attending one of the top-ranked veterinary schools in the world, an adult student’s comeback story of perseverance, and a look at the journey that led Sibel Ahi, Ph.D., to become our director of international recruitment.
Happy 2024. Here’s to another year of progress.
Sincerely,
Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.
President
