Success Stories

The Alvernia Impact

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.

 

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Matt Beatrice

Flexible learning schedule, tuition reimbursement helps Penske employee expand IT skills

Flexible learning schedule, tuition reimbursement helps Penske employee expand IT skillsBy Lini S. KadabaAfter six years as a systems analyst in Roadside Assistance at Penske Truck Leasing’s corporate headquarters, Matt Beatrice was “tapped out,” ...

  • College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise
  • 2026
Ebony McNeil

'Power of connection' helps nonprofit founder forge ahead, earn master's degree

'Power of connection' helps nonprofit founder forge ahead, earn master's degreeLife kept happening. It’s what kept Ebony McNeil MAOL '25 from pursing his master’s degree for so long.Until he met Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D., RTTP, chief operating o...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026
Yupha Muzyka

Adult student's drive — and drives — help her persevere

By Susan Shelly Yupha Muzyka ‘21, MBA ‘22, a 39-year-old wife and mother of two teenage daughters, grew up in Thailand, moving to Reading when she was 19 after meeting husband Steve during a visit with her sister, who lived in Singapore. ...

  • College of Business, Communication, and Leadership
  • 2026
Wanda Cruz adult student comeback

Family support encourages educational comeback

 When Wanda Ivette Cruz ’22, MSW ’23 graduated in 1994 from high school in Philadelphia, she had her eye on going to community college. Then she got pregnant as a teenager, waylaying those plans.“I had to make a very tough decision—put a roof...

  • 2026