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

Dr. Jess Hamlet, English, Faculty

Professor wins award for dissertation on role of Shakespeare's work in white supremacist causes

Originating as a tiny seed in 2014 before ultimately blossoming into a powerful argument for equity and inclusion, Dr. Jess Hamlet, Assistant Professor of English, did not anticipate winning a competition in which she would face 100 other candidat...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026
Cora Cox Commencement 2024

Community-college transfer thrives at Alvernia before graduating at age 18

Envision entering college as a 16-year-old. Actually, imagine transferring from taking classes at your local community college and living at home during COVID to a school away from home as a full-time student at age 16. That’s what Cora Cox '24 di...

  • 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
Alicia Sprow

Active learning inspires active leadership professor

When she’s not in the classroom during the summer months, you might find Alicia Sprow helping the students on Bog Turtle Creek Farm at the EcoHouse, down the road from Alvernia’s main campus. “My favorite part of what I do at Alvernia is havi...

  • College of Business, Communication, and Leadership
  • 2026