Note: Alvernia celebrated more than 600 students in the Class of 2023 with a pair of commencement ceremonies in front of family and friends at the university’s stadium on May 13.


Individual pictures were taken at the ceremonies by Grad Images. Students and family can view the pictures on gradimages.com and purchase directly through the website. If you have any questions, contact them at 800-261-2576.


Additional photos of the morning ceremony, the afternoon ceremony and the Baccalaureate Mass are available on SmugMug. All of the ceremonies can be watched back as well: Baccalaureate Mass, Morning Ceremony, Afternoon Ceremony.

 
Below is the originally published information:
 

Fast Facts

General information FAQs

These will be updated regularly, so please check back often. All questions not answered below can be directed to Commencement@alvernia.edu.

When is the Baccalaureate Mass?

A Baccalaureate Mass will be held on Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Students will need to RSVP by Friday, May 5 and should use the link they received by email. Please check back shortly for directions on how to RSVP. The Mass will be live streamed here.

What should I know if I Am Attending Baccalaureate In Person?
  • Those participating in the academic procession should arrive at 6:30 p.m.
  • Students should bring their black robe and hood over their arm, as they will be hooded at the ceremony, no mortar board (hat)
  • All participants must arrive and be seated by 6:45 p.m.
  • Liturgical Ministers gather in Sacristy at 6:45 to be ready for Procession
  • Enter into main CHURCH entrance, behind the Golden Jesus at the Motherhouse (this is at the top of Bernardine Street)
  • Participants can park in lots A, B, and D
  • To allow for maximum family participation, students are limited to two guests each. Inquiries should be sent to Jamie Caporizo, Senior Director of Mission and Ministry.
  • You do not have to be Catholic to attend the Baccalaureate Mass
When and where is the Alvernia Commencement Ceremony?

Commencement is Saturday, May 13, 2023. The Commencement ceremony will be held at the Alvernia University Stadium on the Reading Campus, located at 400 Saint Bernardine Street, Reading, PA.

  • The Commencement ceremony for graduates in the College of Health Sciences and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics will start at 10 a.m. Doors will open for guests at 8:45 a.m. The Commencement procession will begin at 9:45 a.m., and the Commencement ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.
  • The Commencement ceremony for graduates in the College of Business, Communication and Leadership and the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences will start at 2:30 p.m. Doors will open for guests at 1:15 p.m. The Commencement procession will begin at 2:15 pm, and the Commencement ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m.
  • Rain Location/Poor Weather: Physical Education Center (PEC)

Students should refer to the “FAQ for Students” section below regarding arrival details and line-up times.

How do graduates know which ceremony to attend?
  • College of Health Sciences and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics are eligible to participate in the 10 a.m. ceremony
  • College of Business, Communication and Leadership and the College of Humanities, Educations and Social Sciences are eligible to participate in the 2:30 pm ceremony
  • If students are double majors, they should use their first major to determine which ceremony time they attend.
  • A list of which majors and programs are in each college is available on our Majors and Minors page.
  • Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Programs (Applied Health (Nursing), Medical Imaging, Surgical Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography) will process with the College of Health Sciences.
  • Please note, all graduates must attend their assigned ceremony time and will not be able to participate in the other ceremony time.
How many tickets will graduates receive for guests?

Each graduate will receive six (6) guest tickets for an outdoor Commencement ceremony in the Alvernia stadium.

If the ceremony is moved inside due to weather conditions, guest tickets will be reduced to four (4) tickets per graduate. Graduates will also receive two (2) tickets for an alternate on campus streaming location (eg. Bernardine Hall Lecture Hall, Francis Hall Theater)

Any family or friends who do not have a ticket or would like to view the commencement ceremony from afar can do so through the live webcast found on the Alvernia Commencement page the day of the ceremony.

How do graduates receive their commencement guest tickets?

Students will receive their six tickets when they pick up their cap and gown at their Grad Finale. Each graduate will receive six total tickets. Four tickets will have a white background. These tickets can be used outdoors, as well as in the PEC for the indoor ceremony if the ceremony is moved inside due to weather. Two tickets will have a maroon background and can be used outdoors or at a remote viewing location on campus ONLY if the ceremony is moved indoors due to weather.

Will the ceremony be live-streamed?

Each ceremony will be live-streamed so that friends and family who are not in attendance can watch and celebrate. See the live stream links below:

Who is the commencement speaker for the ceremonies?

Alvernia President John R. Loyack will deliver the speeches at both ceremonies. 

Where should graduates and guests park?

All graduates and their guests are able to park in the main parking areas at the top of campus. Those lots include parking lot B and parking lot C.

Handicapped parking or field level parking for graduates or guest with limited mobility (ex: difficulty with navigating stairs) is available in the I lot.

Overflow parking will be also available at the Tom & Hellen Flynn Plex.

Alvernia shuttles will be available from parking lots B, C and the Plex.

Commencement staff will be available to help direct traffic around campus and in the parking lots. Please be aware of pedestrians as many of the graduates and visitors will be walking and taking pictures through our campus that day. Please follow this link for campus and parking maps.

What are some hotels in the area?

Gables at Stirling Guest Hotel (610-373-1522)

  • 1120 Centre Ave, Reading, PA 19601
  • From Alvernia University: 10 minutes (3.7 Miles)

Double Tree by Hilton Reading (610.375.8000)

  • 701 Penn St, Reading, PA 19601
  • From Alvernia University: 11 min (2.8 mi)

Marriott Courtyard (610.378.1137)

  • 150 N Park Rd, Reading, PA 19610
  • From Alvernia University: 11 min (3.4 mi)

Hampton Inn (610.374.8100)

  • 1800 Papermill Rd, Wyomissing, PA 19610
  • From Alvernia University: 12 min (5.4 mi)

Residence Inn by Marriott (610-376-6111)

  • 45 Berkshire Court, Wyomissing, PA, 19610
  • From Alvernia University: 13 min (5.8 mi)
What are some restaurants in the area?

Check out our list of restaurants in greater Reading.

 

FAQs for Graduates

Must graduates RSVP for the commencement ceremony?

Yes, all graduates must RSVP to their commencement ceremony no later than Wednesday, May 3rd. Students received their RSVP link via email.

What time should graduates arrive for Commencement?

Graduates of the College of Health Sciences and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (10 a.m. ceremony)

  • Graduates should arrive between 8:45 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. to check in and line up in the appropriate section of the commencement procession.
  • The Commencement Procession will begin at 9:45 a.m., and the Commencement ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.
  • Please check back shortly for graduate check-in and line-up location.

Graduates of the College of Business, Communication and Leadership and the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (2:30 p.m. ceremony)

  • Graduates should arrive between 12:45 and 1:30 p.m. to check-in and line up in the appropriate section of the commencement procession.
  • The Commencement Procession will begin at 2:15 pm, and the Commencement ceremony will begin at 2:30 pm.
  • Please check back shortly for graduate check-in and line-up location.

Be sure to bring your academic attire (Gowns should be taken out of the bag and pressed ahead of time).

Will there be a commencement rehearsal?

There will be an online virtual rehearsal for graduates during the week of Commencement offered at two different times:

Tuesday, May 9 at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 10 at 6 p.m.

Zoom links have been emailed to students and will be emailed again.

How do graduates receive their cap and gown?

Graduates can pick up their graduation regalia during Grad Finale. If you ordered your Alvernia cap and gown thru the Herff Jones website in February, your cap and gown will be available for pick up at the Grad Finale as well. All regular and XL sizes will be available, so there is no need to preorder.

If you have questions about your cap and gown, please contact the Kelly Coblentz at the Alvernia University Bookstore at (610) 796-8252.

Dates of Grad Finale:

  • Reading Campus (Main) – Tuesday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Student Center Seminar Rooms located on the 2nd floor
  • Philadelphia Community Based Campus - Tuesday, May 2 – 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Pottsville CollegeTowne Campus – Wednesday, May 3 - 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Do I have to pay for my cap and gown?

There is a mandatory fee for all graduating students completing an associate, undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree. It covers the administrative costs as well as the commencement ceremony (participating or not), cap/gown, Latin Honor cord (if applicable), Honors Program graduate cord (if applicable), and diploma.

What are affinity stoles?

These Alvernia Red stoles, worn by undergraduates and five-year master program students, recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the graduate. The attached pins represent the clubs and services students participated in during their time with the university. The stoles also provide an opportunity for graduates to honor those who have helped them achieve their milestones by writing names on the inside of stole. During this time of reflection and new beginnings, student can keep the stole or present this to a family member or friend that has supported their scholarly pursuit.

Affinity stoles will be distributed at Grad Finale with student’s cap and gown.

I'm not planning on attending the ceremony, do I have to pay a commencement fee?

Yes. There is a mandatory fee for all graduating students completing an associate, undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree. It covers the administrative costs as well as the commencement ceremony (participating or not), cap/gown, Latin Honor cord (if applicable), Honors Program graduate cord (if applicable), diploma and first transcript.

How do graduates receive any cords they have earned?

Latin Honors status is based on cumulative grade point average at the end of MOD 3 for undergraduate students only and with the 5 yr-MSOT and 5 yr-MSAT at their bachelor level completion.

  • 3.50-3.69: cum laude
  • 3.70-3.89: magna cum laude
  • 3.90-4.0: summa cum laude

Latin honor cords will be presented at Honors Convocation.

Students graduating from the Honors Program will also be presented with cords at Honors Convocation.

Cord/pin/medal from an academic Honor Society or non-academic club and or service - Advisors will be reaching out to you on how you will be receiving those.

What is Honors Convocation?

Honors Convocation is an annual celebration where students are recognized for their distinguished academic achievements. It is one of the University’s most important academic traditions.

Honors Convocation will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 1:30 pm in the Physical Education Center (PEC). Students will receive notification via their Alvernia email account if they will be receiving an award or cord at Honors Convocation.

How do graduates get their commencement guest tickets?

Students will receive their six tickets when they pick up their cap and gown at the Grad Finale.

When do graduates receive their diplomas?

Graduates do not receive their actual diplomas at the commencement ceremony. Diploma processing typically takes about 8-10 weeks after completion of your degree requirements. Graduates will be notified by email when their diploma is available. All outstanding obligations, financial or other, to the university must be cleared before the diplomas will be made available.

What should graduates know about how to wear academic attire?

Gowns should be taken out of bags and pressed before the Commencement ceremony. Appropriate dress attire is requested to be worn under gowns, and sensible shoes are recommended.

For Commencement, students should wear their cap, gown, hood and any awarded cords/stoles. Tassels should be placed on the right side of your cap.

What is the graduation survey?

Each graduate will be asked to complete an online survey. The information will be emailed to you from the Office of Institutional Research. Please complete the survey before the Commencement Ceremony.

What are any additional tips for graduates?

It is recommended that all personal items are left with family members during the Commencement ceremony.

We recommend that students eat and drink before Commencement.

Graduates will be walking and sitting on the turf field. Appropriate footwear is highly recommended.

With both commencement ceremonies being held outside, we recommend graduates may want to wear sun lotion to prevent potential sunburn if necessary.

 

FAQs for Guests

How can I purchase a gift for my graduate?

Buy your graduate a gift to celebrate their special day. Flowers, cookies, stuffed Golden Wolves and custom Alvernia University Alumni mugs will all be available. Orders can be placed online and can be picked up on the day of commencement, outside of the stadium – look for the Alvernia Alumni tent and volunteers.


Preorder your Commencement gifts here.

Who will need a ticket to attend the ceremonies as a guest?

Everyone above the age of 3 will be required to have a ticket for entry into the ceremonies. Children under the age of 3 must be accompanied by an adult and sit on the lap of that adult.

When can guests enter the stadium?

Doors open for guests one hour prior to the start of the commencement ceremony processional. For the 10:00am ceremony, guests may enter the stadium starting at 8:45 a.m. For the 2:30 p.m. ceremony, guests may enter the stadium beginning at 1:15 p.m.

All guests must present a ticket at the entrance.

Will there be accessible seating at the PEC?
  • There is no reserved seating, so if your party needs to be seated in a specific area, please arrive as close to the opening as possible.
  • Limited accessible seating for wheelchairs is available.
  • Please note, it is recommended that guests needing wheelchairs bring their own.
Will there be an ASL interpreter at the commencement ceremony?

An ASL interpreter will be available at the stadium. Please check back shortly for more detailed information regarding the exact location of the interpreter.

Are balloons and noisemakers permitted at Commencement?

Air horns and balloons are not permitted in the stadium. Any balloons brought will need to be left outside and air horns/noisemakers discarded in the trash.

We ask that everyone please be respectful of other graduates and their families during the ceremony as everyone would like to hear their graduate’s name be announced.

Commencement

PA State Secretary of Education Dr. Mumin President Loyack 2023 Commencement Honorees
PA Secretary of Education & Alvernia President to receive honorary degrees
Outgoing President John R. Loyack will provide his final commencement speeches.
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