About

Commencement 2024

About

Alvernia University defines the community. It is a vibrant intellectual environment in which students learn, discover, give and grow as leaders with moral courage. Guided by Franciscan values and the ideal of “knowledge joined with love,” and rooted in the Catholic and liberal arts traditions, Alvernia is a rigorous, caring, and inclusive learning community committed to academic excellence and to being and fostering:

• Broadly educated, life-long learners
• Reflective professionals and engaged citizens
• Ethical leaders with moral courage

Earth Day of Service 2026

Core Values

The Alvernia community embraces service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality.

Alvernia College Francis Hall historic archive

History

It began in 1926 when the Bernardine Sisters established an orphanage in Francis Hall.

Move In Day 2023 Students

Strong Reputation

Alvernia consistently ranks among U.S. News and World Report’s top regional universities in the North.

Amazon Experiential Learning Sustainability Jamie Becker

Experiential Learning

Defining the Alvernia experience, experiential and service learning empowers students to apply knowledge through hands-on practice, building a solid foundation for real-world success.

Recent News

Over 90 Students Awarded at 2026 Honors Convocation

2026 Honors Convocation

Alvernia confers record 800 degrees during commencement

Customers Bank’s Jay Sidhu offers advice; first Alvernia physician associate students earn degrees

Bernie 2026 Commencement

18 honored at second annual Student Leadership Recognition Luncheon

Students recognized for impact on the student body

2026 Student Leader Award Luncheon

Alvernia University Women's Council names Suzanne Cody 2026 Bernardine Legacy Award recipient

Berks & Schuylkill servant leader to be honored at the annual luncheon on June 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading

2026 Bernardine Legacy Award Winner Suzanne Cody

Data Analytics Virtual Information Session

  • Jun 04, 2026
  • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Zoom Virtual Event

Join us for a virtual information session on June 4, where you’ll learn more about our Data Analytics program. The Master of Science in Data Analytics provides a flexible, accessible and affordable program that equips graduates with advanced skills to effectively navigate the complexities of data analysis and make informed decisions that meet the demands of modern businesses and operations.

Grad & Adult Admissions

Lillian Case Online Student

Addictions and Mental Health Online Information Session

  • Jun 17, 2026
  • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Zoom Virtual Event

With over 40 years of history, Alvernia’s Addictions and Mental Health Treatment degree is one of the oldest and best of its kind to be found at the college or university level. Now, you can experience this same level of excellence in a flexible, online degree program. Through this program, you’ll earn academic credentials required to take you one step closer for the certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) certification.

Grad & Adult Admissions

Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs

Addictions and Mental Health Online Information Session

  • Jun 17, 2026
  • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Zoom Virtual Event

With over 40 years of history, Alvernia’s Addictions and Mental Health Treatment degree is one of the oldest and best of its kind to be found at the college or university level. Now, you can experience this same level of excellence in a flexible, online degree program. Through this program, you’ll earn academic credentials required to take you one step closer for the certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) certification.

Grad & Adult Admissions

Affordable Online Digital Media Marketing Degree Programs

The Leadership Pathway: From Master’s to Ph.D.

  • Jun 23, 2026
  • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Zoom Virtual Event

Join us for The Leadership Pathway: From Master’s to Ph.D. at Alvernia University on June 23, where you’ll learn more about our Ph.D. options.

Grad & Adult Admissions

Ph.D. or Ed.D. All But Dissertation (ABD) Completion Program Online