Alvernia to host first full-scale musical 'Godspell,' Earth Day events & more
Reading, PA (04/08/2026) — Alvernia Media Monthly
Alvernia University aims to serve as a resource for media. Below is a list of trending topics, sights and sounds and profile stories that are timely throughout April.
Now Trending
Alvernia Community Musical: "Godspell"
For the first time in its history, Alvernia is staging a full-scale musical. Husband-and-wife Broadway veterans Timothy Shew and Jane Brockman - "Wicked," "Les Miserables," "Guys and Dolls," "The Music Man" - direct Alvernia University students and members of the Berks County community in Steven Schwartz's musical that reimagines parables in a fresh and unforgettable way. Performances will be in Alvernia's Francis Hall Theatre. More details.
- April 10: 7:30 p.m.
- April 11: 7:30 p.m.
- April 12: 1:30 p.m.
- April 16: 7:30 p.m.
- April 17: 7:30 p.m.
- April 18: 7:30 p.m.
- April 19: 1:30 p.m.
Arab American Heritage Month
This April, the Arab America Foundation honors the history, diversity, and enduring contributions of Arab Americans across the United States. The 2026 theme is "Many Voices, One Community." Full schedule.
Key April dates:
- Arab American Heritage Month Celebration: Join the Office of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion, Interfaith Ministries, and the Muslim Student Association for food, fellowship, and fun, including taking a VR tour of various locations in Arab countries.
- April 9 | 2-5 p.m. | Campus Commons Dining Room.
- Arab American Voices & Stories: Join community members in Reading to discuss shared experiences, stories, and fellowship from various walks of life. Contact Hasna Bahar at hasna.bahar@alvernia.edu for more details.
- April 30 | 6 p.m. | GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading.
All in for Alvernia 2026
In honor of the university's founding year of 1958, Alvernia will go All In for 1,958 minutes across April 15 and 16 to raise money for its Hope Fund, which benefits students facing financial hardships, such as unforeseen emergencies, or trouble affording housing or educational materials. (Learn more about our SOLAR: Culture of Care network.) More info.
Contact: Director of Annual Giving Denise Leininger, denise.leininger@alvernia.edu.
Earth Day Events
- Earth Day of Service - one of Alvernia's annual Days of Service - features Alvernia students, leadership, faculty and staff celebrating Earth Day through cleanups and community environmental revitalization at local parks, trails and neighborhoods. The event is one of several scheduled by the university to mark Earth Day. Learn more about Alvernia's sustainability efforts on our website and in this October 2025 magazine story.
- Saturday, April 18, 9 am to 1 pm, City Park & Gring's Mill
- The Healing Power of Nature: Short Film & Talk by Cindy Ross
- Monday, April 20, 7 to 9 pm, Location TBA with weather
- Moss Art Kits & Grow Your Own Herb Kits
- Wednesday, April 22, 12 to 2 pm, The Quad on Alvernia's campus
- Campus Earth Day Festival
- Friday, April 24, 12 to 2 pm, The Quad on Alvernia's campus
- Activities include Sustainability Ambassador Student Projects, Bog Turtle Creek Farm Activity, Wear Share Thrift Store, Recycling Awareness, and Battery Recycling.
- To Learn More: Contact Office of Institutional Sustainability Director Alicia Sprow, Ph.D., at 610-790-2883 or alicia.sprow@alvernia.edu.
Sights and Sounds
- Dancing with the Athletes | Thursday, April 23 | 6:30 p.m. | Location TBD
- Alvernia Golden Wolves compete to see who has the best moves.
- Contact: felicia.nelson@alvernia.edu
- Spring Fling Cabaret | Saturday, April 25 | 7:30 p.m.| Francis Hall Theatre
- Alvernia's Fine and Performing Arts Department presents a collection of music, dance and theatre. Dessert will be served after the event, which is free and open to the public.
- De-Stress Fest: Baby Kangaroos and Therapy Dogs | Monday, April 27 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Penn Medicine-Alvernia Medical and Counseling Center
- Adorable animals help students release a semester's worth of stress leading up to Finals Week.
Spotlight on Success
- Isaac Peterson '27 - Peterson arrived at Alvernia after an unsteady start to college. Athletics once defined his sense of purpose, but injuries forced him to confront a loss of direction early on. What followed was an unexpected rediscovery of purpose through science, mentorship, and hands-on research opportunities, ultimately taking him to the Amazon Rainforest, where he conducted field research alongside faculty from Alvernia and Georgetown University, while working closely with indigenous communities. "Alvernia did not just give me a second chance," Peterson says. "It gave me a reason to be in the room in the first place."
- Why It Matters: Experiential learning, educational comebacks, Amazon Rainforest.
- Read: Biology major turns early college struggles into research success.
- Dominic Murgido '79 - Graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice - one of the first graduates from the program that recently marked its 50th anniversary - Murgido remained close to Alvernia. He eventually returned to teach as an adjunct professor for 24 years. Murgido remains dedicated to his service to others, a mission central to Alvernia. After losing his wife, whom he met at Alvernia, in a tragic car accident, he founded sudSSpirit Bereavement Support Group and has authored three books based on his personal grief journey.
- Why It matters: Commitment to service, helping others deal with grief.
- Read: Criminal Justice grad and retired adjunct continues to serve with bereavement-focused books, support group.
More information / RSVP
Day-of and campus logistics: Sarah Matarella, 610-796-8344, Sarah.Matarella@alvernia.edu
Media relations/pitching: Hannah Merschen, senior account manager, AKCG - Public Relations CounselorsHmerschen@akcg.com | Main: 856-866-0411 | Direct: 856-938-9555
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Founded in 1958, Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university known for its mission-driven, community-engaged education that prepares students for high-impact, high-earning careers. Its SOLAR culture of care supports student success across eastern Pennsylvania through flexible program offerings, including an online presence, and strong partnerships. More than 18,000 Alvernia alumni create a network of ethical leaders and engaged citizens. For more information, visit www.alvernia.edu.