Gov. Mifflin School District Assistant Superintendent Erin J. Anderson ’98, M.Ed. ’05, credits Alvernia and its professors for leading him on the path to success, a path his daughter now treads.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in education and a Master of Education in educational leadership, along with a K-12 principal certification, Erin remembers feeling like he mattered at Alvernia.
“I enjoyed the small class sizes and that the professors knew our names and cared about us,” he said. “We had thoughtful, enriched discussions in class. Many of our instructors were actively working in the local field and offered insightful, helpful career advice. I was able to leave Alvernia knowing what it takes to be a successful educator. My professors prepared me for exactly what local school districts were looking for.”
Indeed, Erin spent 12 years as the principal at Greenwich-Lenhartsville Elementary School in the Kutztown School District before taking a role as assistant superintendent with Oley Valley School District.
Now, as the parent of an Alvernia student, Erin acknowledges that Alvernia’s scope has grown significantly since his school days but asserts that its heart is still the same.
Truth be told, Hannah, a senior nursing major, toured a few colleges in her search. She was accepted at each one to which she applied. But when she visited Alvernia, Hannah found her home.
“Halfway through our visit, she turned to us [Erin and his wife, Lori] and said she knew Alvernia is where she wanted to be,” he recalled. “She loved everything there: the small, community setting [and] every student and faculty member she met, right down to the cafeteria workers who served us a fantastic meal.”
Though her parents reside just a 15-minute drive away, Hannah
lives on campus.
“We wanted her to develop her independence at college versus trying to figure everything out once she graduated,” Anderson said. “She would tell you she made the right decision and would do it all over again. She’s loved every minute and says she’s met the best friends of her life there.”
Not only does Hannah enjoy the rewards of participating in a vigorous academic program, she also enjoys the rich social experience, as Alvernia offers no shortage of volunteer experiences and opportunities for fun.
Speaking of activities, the whole Anderson family participates in the Alvernia experience. Erin and Lori sit on the parent panels that are part of Packapalooza, answering questions parents of accepted or prospective Alvernia students have on topics like academic rigor, finance and even safety.
They also enjoy lending a hand on move-in day, helping to unload cars for parents on that momentous occasion. While Erin didn’t push Alvernia for Hannah, he believes it’s been the perfect fit. And so does she.
“I’m happy she’s found a place to flourish,” he said. “She bsolutely made the right choice for her.”
