Intimate setting plays role in academic success, landing prized internship, student-athlete says

Spencer Matthews '20 jumped at the chance to play volleyball while earning his bachelor's degree.

“Having the opportunity to continue playing volleyball while also obtaining my degree was something I couldn’t pass up.”

Neither was the intimate academic setting that Matthews believes was instrumental in his academic success and in securing a golden internship opportunity with one of the top children’s hospitals in the world, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

“I was responsible for assisting with the live broadcast of television programming for children," he said. "Patient involvement was essential in everything that we did. I learned skills at CHOP that I think will translate well to my future career."

The professors at Alvernia work with students to secure experiential learning opportunities that suit their major providing real-world experience that prepare them for future employment.

“Smaller classes allowed me to form personal relationships with many professors," he said. "Professors here genuinely care about their students and want to help.”

Matthews future plans include travel and a desire to experience new cultures, countries and places. Beyond that, he anticipates an enjoyable career path that satisfies the desire to serve others each and every day.