Success Stories

Success Stories

Discover how Alvernia University students, alumni, and faculty turn education into action. Explore success stories of leadership, service, and innovation that reflect our Franciscan mission. Ready to see where your story begins? Explore how you can join a community that leads with purpose.

Search for success stories at Alvernia

Alvernia University DPT Graduate Aron Rodriguez

Lone wolf finds his pack at AU

At first, Aron Javier Rodriguez DPT’22 tried to “lone wolf it,” as he put it, at Alvernia University while pursuing his dream of a doctorate in physical therapy.“I thought I could study hard, mind my own business,” said the 26-year-old, Bronx born...

  • College of Health Sciences
  • 2026
Shannon Qualters Commencement 2025

Addictions caused her to lose everything — perseverance helped her recover

By Lini S. KadabaWhen Shannon Qualters ’23, MAOL '25 hit bottom, the survivor of child sexual abuse was hooked on heroin and crack cocaine, living on the streets of the Kensington section of Philadelphia and eating out of garbage cans, by her own ...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026
Margarita Cornjeo-Jimenez Alvernia University 2023

Triumph through trauma fuels educational comeback

Margarita Cornejo-Jimenez overcomes numerous hurdles to earn her MBA as an adult studentWhen Margarita Cornejo-Jimenez ’21 MBA ’22 finally found her way back to college — overcoming hurdles of poverty, sexual assault and domestic violence&nbs...

  • College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise
  • 2023
Schuylkill Business Graduate Angela Boris

College re-entry provides success

The choice to return to school as an adult can be a difficult one. Angela Boris, a Schuylkill County resident, began her college pursuit as a young adult in 1991, but was unable to complete it at that time. After years of life experience and ...

  • College of Business, Communication, and Leadership
  • 2022