Alvernia graduates over 550 during commencement weekend

First cohort of John R. Post School of Engineering graduates

First Alvernia engineering students earn degrees; Philadelphia Mayor Parker offers advice

Alvernia University celebrated more than 550 students in the Class of 2025 with a weekend of events including commencement at the Santander Arena in downtown Reading, Pa., on Saturday evening.

The ceremony, which featured a speech from Philadelphia Mayor the Honorable Cherelle L. Parker, included Alvernia's first graduating class of the John R. Post School of Engineering.

"For many of the students here today, we started together during the uncertainty of the pandemic ... And here we are today, celebrating all that you’ve accomplished," said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., who welcomed the graduates after they processed through a tunnel of their professors. "In you, all of you, I see the standard by which we ought to measure our own actions. You, our graduates, are the embodiment of what gives us reason to hope. Yes, there is much in the world today that can dishearten us. But alongside the challenges, there are also quiet heroes — like you — lighting the way forward." 

Fitzgerald's speech spotlighted impact stories of several students who led with conviction and compassion, and reflected on the four years she has spent with the class, first as Provost, then as President. She also highlighted the first cohort of engineers, including Faith Bentz, who will begin a full-time position with Brentwood Industries, a battery manufacturer that collaborated with Alvernia through the Alvernia Engineering Advisory Board.

“Faith took a chance on a brand-new program — and today, she becomes one of Alvernia’s first engineering graduates,” said Fitzgerald. “After interning with Brentwood Industries and learning in the labs that Brentwood so graciously help fund, she now joins their team as a full-time Product Development Engineer, proving that small classes, fruitful partnerships and big dreams are a powerful combination at Alvernia.” 
 

PHOTO: Engineering graduate Faith Bentz on stage receiving her diploma from President Fitzgerald 

Student speaker Elijah Carr ‘25 addressed the class noting the value of higher education as well as the impact that Alvernia had on him and his peers prompting them to continue to make their mark on the world after graduation. 

“For a while, I questioned the true purpose of college. In a world full of many different and technologically advanced paths to success, why do we go,” questioned Carr. “You can have experiences anywhere, but you can’t be set up to grow the way Alvernia sets you up. The small class sizes, the hands-on learning, the leadership opportunities — this university doesn’t just prepare you for a career, it prepares you for life...The world eagerly awaits your brilliance, your passion, and your boundless potential. Go forth and make your mark on the world, knowing that you carry with you the values of Alvernia and the spirit of service, compassion, and humility.” 
 

PHOTO: Student Speaker Elijah Carr '25 delivering his remarks to fellow graduates 

Parker, the 100th mayor of the City of Philadelphia and the first woman elected to the post, was presented with an honorary degree of humane letters and served as the commencement speaker to inspire the Class of 2025. In her speech, she reflected on the experiences that shaped her, including being a first-generation college student, Ivy League graduate, and a single mother. She inspired the graduates by sharing anecdotes she learned in her own studies that became integral tools in her life.

"Four letters: G.R.I.T. Grit is more powerful than socioeconomic status,” said Parker.  “The great psychologist Angela Duckworth defines grit as the power of passion and perseverance to achieve very long-term goals. I know that you all are gritty because as we counted it back, many of you became students here in order to be sitting in these seats during the worst black swan event that we could have never predicted in our nation, and that was in the middle of COVID. And, while some were trying to find their way, it was not a coincidence that you became laser focused on determining that this was where you needed to make an investment right now. So, I don't care if you were a traditional student, I don't care if you were online, you decided that you would focus your time and attention on pursuing academic excellence and that demonstrates grit.” 
 

PHOTO: The Honorable Cherelle L. Parker delivering her commencement remarks after receiving her honorary degree of humane letters 

She closed her speech with her congratulations  and shared that “As long as you work hard and you're willing to learn, I don't care what your socioeconomic status is, you deserve to have a seat at the table and be in the room if you are willing to earn it."  

After graduates received their associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, the ceremony concluded with a benediction prayer led by Rev. George Osei Ababio ‘25, who earned his Master of Business Administration degree at the ceremony. A scrolling list of names of every graduate appeared on video boards in the arena as students and families exited, cheering and posing for one last set of celebratory photos. 

Celebrations began Friday and continued all day Saturday ahead of commencement including Nursing and Occupational Therapy pinning ceremonies, a senior athlete award reception, an honors convocation and a baccalaureate mass at the Sacred Heart Chapel on campus in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ Motherhouse. This allowed for more accessible travel for parents and other loved ones to participate.
 

Graduates turn their tassels after officially earning their degrees

Alvernia University Class of 2025 By the Numbers

• 560 total graduates 

• 468 Pennsylvania residents 

• 253 Berks County residents 

• 4,200 miles is the farthest distance traveled for students within the U.S. (Anchorage, Ak.)  and 6,600 miles is the farthest distance traveled (Saudi Arabia) to attend Alvernia University 

• 192 are first-generation college graduates 

• 69 is the age of the oldest graduate 

• 19 is the age of the youngest graduate 

• 8 graduates are military veterans 

• 14 international graduates from 6 countries (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Nicaragua, Canada and Ghana