Alumni and community leaders earn prestigious honors at annual celebration
Alvernia University celebrates the latest milestone of its largest-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, Partners in Progress, at the university’s annual President’s Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading.
“Five years ago, we set an ambitious goal to raise $45 million for the Partners in Progress Campaign,” said Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “In order to meet the needs of our students and the community we raised the goal to $70 million. Tonight, we celebrate surpassing that goal currently at $71.5 million and counting. More important than that total are the lives behind it: first-generation learners who persist, healthcare practitioners and engineers trained for real workplaces, families served in our city, and alumni who turn gratitude into action.”
President Fitzgerald also shared how the university is addressing the headwinds facing higher education with focuses on experiential learning and community engagement, while exploring the next phase of growth with the American House at Reading CollegeTowne.
“Our needs keep changing, our challenges are complex and immediate, and the opportunities are real,” said Fitzgerald. “Tonight, we ask that you continue your investment in the American House and downtown Reading. With your partnership, we will keep saying yes to students whose talent deserves a chance and to neighbors whose dignity deserves our best.”
Alvernia University bestowed five of its prestigious awards on alumni, a community organization, and community leaders. Honorees include Kim and Kevin Murphy, The Wyomissing Foundation, Christopher deGruchy ’93, MBA’05, LeeAnn Smulligan MBA ’09, Alexandria Crouthamel ’15, Ashley Mikulsky MBA ’15, Brett Sneeringer ‘09, and Gabriella Valenti ’15.
CollegeTowne Award
The Wyomissing Foundation President, Patricia Giles, accepted the CollegeTowne Award (formerly Pro Urbe Award) on behalf of the organization for its significant community service and contributions to a higher standard of living for the Reading community. The Wyomissing Foundation has been a steadfast Alvernia partner since 1985, investing in student-centered initiatives and key capital projects such as the Student Center, Francis Hall renovations, and the Tom and Helen Flynn Plex. The Foundation has also advanced the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program, supported the O’Pake Institute, and most recently helped launch Alvernia’s partnership at the American House at Reading CollegeTowne with Berks Community Health Center and Total Experience Learning, reinforcing Alvernia’s mission to blend education, health, and community engagement downtown at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne.
“Fast forward to this decade, and we’re equally proud of how we’ve supported all the good work that Alvernia has done to establish the CollegeTowne initiative in downtown Reading,” said Giles. “The intertwined goals of improving student educational opportunities and experiences, while creating economic development outcomes for small businesses, improved access to health care at the American House, and creating long-term urban revitalization was music to our ears and something we wanted to help make happen.”
Franciscan Award
Kevin and Kim Murphy were honored with the university’s Franciscan Award, presented annually to a person or couple who selflessly gives time, talent and resources for the betterment of others and for exceptional service to Alvernia. Kevin, founding president of the Berks County Community Foundation, grew the organization from a bold idea into a cornerstone of regional philanthropy that connects donors with causes, supports nonprofits, and shapes initiatives that improve life in Berks County. His leadership extends nationally and internationally through service on boards, advisory roles, and a transcontinental fellowship focused on strengthening philanthropic organizations. Kim, president of Berks Nature since 2004, has led the protection of more than 7,600 acres of land, created nine community gardens, and inspired families through trails, green spaces, and programs that connect people to the outdoors. She led the development of The Nature Place and the innovative Berks Nature Preschool, where children learn and explore primarily outdoors.
“When we hear ‘Franciscan,’ Kevin and I think of humility, service, and building up community—quietly, steadily, and together,” said Kim Murphy. “Those values are not just the spirit of St. Francis; they are the heartbeat of Berks County. If Kevin and I have done anything worth honoring, it’s because we’ve been surrounded by people who live those values every day—neighbors who show up, educators who light the path, small-business owners who keep downtowns vibrant, healthcare teams who care with courage, and nonprofits that put compassion to work. We are grateful to Alvernia for being such a powerful anchor—educating the next generation, investing in the community, and reminding all of us that leadership is ultimately about service.”
Distinguished Alumni Award
Alvernia University presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to LeeAnn Smulligan MBA ’09 for outstanding contributions to her profession and community. Over more than two decades with Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Smulligan has risen from marketing assistant to chief operating officer, leading innovation, operational excellence, and brand growth for one of the nation’s most beloved family-owned food companies. Beyond her role at Mrs. T’s, she serves as secretary of the board for Helping Harvest, chairs the NFRA Promotions Committee, and mentors future female executives. Her industry leadership was recognized with the 2024 FoRWARD Award.
“Alvernia was an important step in my lifelong learning journey,” said Smulligan. “My time here fostered my curiosity and challenged me to learn beyond the classroom. Classes were taught by practicing professionals who shared their expertise, helping us connect the theory with situations that occur every day. It was not simply learning and repeating a concept, it was learning, applying and solving.”
Ellen Frei Gruber Award
Christopher deGruchy ’93, MBA’05, received the Ellen Frei Gruber Award for embodying the values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality. deGruchy began his education while serving in the U.S. Army, taking classes wherever he was stationed, then balanced full-time work and family while completing his Alvernia degree through evening study before returning a decade later to earn his MBA. His career progressed through finance and operations to principal and general manager of Cast Rite Metals in Birdsboro, where he leads a values-driven enterprise that serves the regional industry. Through the deGruchy Charitable Fund, the couple supports education, health, and character development across organizations such as Alvernia’s Reading Collegiate Scholars Program, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Helping Harvest, and Berks Nature.
In my reflection I identified numerous blessings that impacted my life and led me to where I stand,” said deGruchy. “Being accepted by Alvernia to continue my studies was integral to continuing those lessons. Here I was not only educated in the aspects of my profession but also received the nourishment (the water) for the seeds my mother planted. The connection between my education and upbringing is to Learn, Love and Serve.”
4 Under 40 Award
The university also awarded its sixth class of 4 Under 40 winners: Alexandria Crouthamel ’15, Owner, Crouthamel Law Offices; Ashley Mikulsky MBA ‘15, CEO, Animal Rescue League of Berks County; Brett Sneeringer ‘09, Captain, City of Reading Police Department; and Gabriella Valenti ‘15, Associate Producer, Fox News Media.
