Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Glynis A. Fitzgerald volunteers at a Night to Shine event.

University celebrates history and installation of Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.


Alvernia commences a multi-day event schedule celebrating the history of the university and the installation of the university’s eighth president, Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members will take part in a series of alumni gatherings, lectures, fine and performing arts events, student activities, service opportunities and celebrations of faith that begins tonight with an alumni event at the university’s Pottsville CollegeTowne location and ends with a community-wide day of service on Saturday, April 20.

Following four years as Senior Vice President and Provost, Fitzgerald commenced her tenure as president on July 1, 2023. The planned events will showcase the history and tradition of the university and academia, as well as an inside look at Fitzgerald’s vision and personality.

The Alvernia community is welcomed and encouraged to attend the various events. Below is a highlight of the inauguration events. For a complete listing of event dates, locations, descriptions and registration links, please visit Alvernia.edu/Inauguration.

 

Alumni Gatherings

Pottsville CollegeTowne Event

Thursday, April 4, 2024 | 5:30-7:30pm

500 Progress Avenue, Pottsville, PA 17901

Join our alumni, community, parents, and leaders of the university for a special evening to celebrate the inauguration of Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. Register .

Philadelphia Alumni Gathering

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

, 4120 Main St., Philadelphia, PA 19127

Join our alumni, community, parents, and leaders of the university for a special evening to celebrate the inauguration of Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. .

 

Student Activities

Casino Night

Friday, April 5, 2024 | 7-10 p.m.

Francis Hall Atrium

Hit the jackpot by attending our Casino Night! Francis Hall Atrium will be transformed into a casino filled with games such as blackjack, poker and roulette. Earn as many poker chips as possible and trade them in for chances to win raffle prizes!

Student Inauguration Formal

Friday, April 12, 2024 | 8:30-11 p.m.

Physical Education Center

Come dance the night away! As part of Inauguration Week events, President Fitzgerald and Alvernia will host an Inauguration Formal for students. This special formal is to provide students who missed out on their proms and other in-person events during COVID-19 with an unforgettable night.Please join us for food, drinks, dancing, raffle prizes and lots of fun. Heavy hors d’ oeuvres, desserts and drinks will be available. The event is free to Alvernia students, who may bring one non-Alvernia guest. Students must sign up and pick up a free ticket in the Office of Student Activities.

 

Service Event

Community-Wide Day of Service, Saturday, April 20, 2024

Earth Day of Service

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Berks County Parks Department and City of Reading

Join us in celebrating President Fitzgerald's Inauguration by serving together on Earth Day! We will serve throughout the City of Reading and in Berks County Parks Department locations. The day will conclude with a tree dedication at City Park.

.

 

Inauguration Ceremony Event Schedule

Friday, April 12, 2024

Mass |11 a.m.

Sacred Heart Chapel

All are invited and welcome.

Inauguration Ceremony and Reception |3-6 p.m.

Physical Education Center

Please join us for the inauguration ceremony of the eighth president of Â鶹ÊÓƵ. All inauguration ceremony attendees are welcome to join President Fitzgerald for refreshments and fellowship in the Physical Education Center.

 

Other Events

Academic Engagement Day, Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Campus Happy Hour | 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Holleran Patio or Student Center

The Alvernia community is invited for a backyard BBQ happy hour before an evening of panels and art.

Women in Leadership Panel and Reception |5-7 p.m.

Francis Hall Theatre

Dr. Laurie L. Shanderson, owner of Accreditation Insights and the former chancellor of Methodist College; Lucine Sihelnik, President and CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance; and Ginger Kunkel, president of Tompkins Financial Corp, lead a panel spotlighting women who are succeeding as leaders in academia and beyond. .

Student and Faculty Art Shows | 6 p.m.

Franco Library (Students) and Miller Gallery (Faculty)

Alvernia’s Miller Gallery honors the Inauguration of Dr. Fitzgerald with a show featuring the talents of the faculty and staff at the university. Some pieces will be for sale. Alvernia's Franco Library will showcase the art of Alvernia's students.

Alvernia Theatre Opening Night | 7:30 p.m.

Francis Hall Theatre

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts is proud to present "Opening Night," a brief variety performance including music, dance and comedy by Alvernia students and alumni in honor of the inauguration of Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald. Admission is free. The show will be followed by dessert in the Francis Hall Atrium.

In This Section

Related