Franciscan Values photo


The Franciscan core values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality are rooted in in the mission statements of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and Â鶹ÊÓƵ. They form the foundation for decision-making, for program development and for our relationships with each other in the pursuit of our personal, communal and educational goals. They make an education at Â鶹ÊÓƵ distinctive.

 

EcoHouse the Traveler Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
EcoHouse
​Alvernia's EcoHouse is an experiential learning hub where students are actively engaged in Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement's Bog Turtle Creek Farm project, a student-led response to food insecurity in Reading. Recently, EcoHouse partnered with Coexist Build to unveil a hemp-based regenerative building material structure.
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Donate for Life
Service-learning projects
Students in two courses taught by Dr. Jodi Radosh placed first in The Gift of Life Donor Program's College Challenge, earning a $1,000 prize. The competition encourages participants to use media platforms to promote registering as organ, tissue and cornea donors. Through their work, Alvernia students inspired over 400 people to register as new donors.
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A group of students on an Alternative Break.
Alternative Breaks
Centered around the pillars of education, direct service, and reflection, Alternative Breaks trips address pertinent social issues and provide students the opportunity to learn, serve, and reflect with a small community that fosters personal growth and promotes radical love.
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CollegeTowne
The Story Behind Reading CollegeTowne
The CollegeTowne initiative is a strategy and model for championing economic redevelopment in the communities Alvernia serves through its community-based campuses. Through partnerships and collaborations with the city officials, local businesses and nonprofit organizations, Alvernia serves as a strategic enabler for strengthening the local economy in Reading, Philadelphia and Pottsville.
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MLK Day of Service
Community Service Hours and Days of Service
Community service has its roots deeply embedded in the foundation of Â鶹ÊÓƵ and is central to the mission of our Catholic, Franciscan institution. Service provides students the opportunity to use their gifts and talents to help those in need and to support an organization’s purpose-driven mission.
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