Partners in Progress
A Campaign to Build Stronger Communities
The campaign's public phase was launched at the 2023 President's Dinner. Read the full story.
“We cannot do this important work alone and we are grateful for the talented group of community leaders who have served on our Partners for Progress Campaign committee for the last three years,” said campaign co-chair and Fulton Bank Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Commercial Sales Jeff Rush. “This campaign will have a lasting impact on Alvernia University and the community and we invite you to join us as partners in this endeavor. Your involvement and support are integral to our success, and together, we can create a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.”
Campaign Pillars
Access and Opportunity
We must continue to provide access to higher education, for undergraduate and graduate students. Through the campaign, we will seek to secure scholarships for funding for existing programs that have proven outcomes such as the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program, and fund new endowed and annual scholarships.
Academic Engagement
Through the campaign, we will seek to provide support to our talented faculty through funding new academic programs, continuing to refresh existing programs and facilities, and providing program funding for research and other institutional priorities.
Student Success
Gifts to support students expand opportunities for students’ academic achievement by focusing on student well-being. Through the Partner in Progress Campaign, we seek to Create a Community of Care, including expanding the Hope Fund, which provides financial and emergency aid for students and enhance the academic and co-curricular experience for our students.
Community Engagement
We will continue the CollegeTowne Initiative through community engagement such as the recently announced partnership with Berks Community Health Center. Through the campaign, we will renovate the American House property in Reading CollegeTowne, meeting the health care needs of Berks County residents while providing real-world learning opportunities for our students. We will seek to sustain the excellent work of the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship through an endowment that will fund opportunities for Alvernia students to engage with new start-ups and existing businesses.
Ways to Support Alvernia
Make a Gift Online
Gifts of Stock and Securities
Call the Advancement Office at 610-796-8259 or email Associate VP of Institutional Advancement Meggan Hannigan-Kerber.
Planned Giving
Planned giving offers you a unique opportunity to create an enduring legacy of generosity while receiving tax savings and other benefits.
Campaign Leadership
- Honorary Chairs
- Jerry & Carolyn Holleran
- Mike & Judy Ehlerman
- Campaign Chairs
- Steve Najarian (Major Gifts)
- Jeff Rush (Community Engagement)
- Campaign Steering Committee
- Paula Barrett
- Mike Duff
- Pat Giles
- Mike Fromm
- Ellen Huyett
- Dan Langdon
- Peter Rye
- Doug Tieman
- David Turner
Alvernia selects design and build team for American House project
University advancing historic rehabilitation and phased interior renovations at 354 Penn St.
AU President emeritus Flynn receives ACCU award
National honor recognizes decades of service, advocacy and philanthropy advancing Catholic higher education
Alvernia celebrates success of largest fundraising campaign at President’s Dinner
Alumni and community leaders earn prestigious honors at annual celebration
Homecoming and Family Weekend mixes tried-and-true traditions with new offerings
A 5K race and a first-year family tailgate were among the events joining old favorites at the 2025 edition.
