EVENT ADVISORY | Alvernia University hosting Criminal Justice Week 2026
Guest speakers, career panels and networking opportunities focused on intelligence analysis, legal and court careers, law enforcement, workforce pathways and mental health in the justice system.
Reading, PA (03/24/2026) — Media contacts:
Sarah Matarella, Alvernia University; sarah.matarella@alvernia.edu | 610-796-8344
Malgorzata Zuber, Ph.D., event organizer; malgorzata.zuber@alvernia.edu
What: Weeklong series of student-centered events hosted by Alvernia University's Department of Criminal Justice featuring guest speakers, career panels and networking opportunities focused on intelligence analysis, legal and court careers, law enforcement, workforce pathways and mental health in the justice system.
Who: Featured guests and participants throughout the week include:
Jacob-Paul Taylor, MBA, adjunct professor and law student, Villanova Charles Widger School of Law
Alexandria Crouthamel, Esq., attorney
Kaitlin Daley, Esq., assistant district attorney
Amanda Hennessey, Esq., attorney
Kimberly Lennox, Esq., attorney
Abby Rigdon, Esq., law clerk and former public defender
Madison Albright, judicial coordinator
Lisette Maya, paralegal
Chief Anthony Kuklinski, Hamburg Police Department
Megan Kirkland, special agent recruiter, FBI
Trooper Giovann Ortiz, Pennsylvania State Police
Chief Scott Smith, Lower Moreland Police Department
John Gallagher, associate professor of criminal justice, Alvernia University
Alex Velazquez, assistant chief and treatment court coordinator, Berks County
Judge Geishauser, treatment court judge, Berks County
Dave Reyher, director, Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Program, Alvernia University
Alivia Walters, student, clinical counseling, Alvernia University
Robert Diaz, president and CEO, Walk It Out Recovery Services
Additional employers and representatives participating in the Criminal Justice Career Fair include professionals from municipal and state police, courts, adult and juvenile probation, forensic services, the Office of Children and Youth, private security agencies and related criminal justice organizations.
When: Monday, March 23, 2026, through Friday, March 27, 2026. Event schedule:
Tuesday, March 24 | 3:30-5:15 p.m.
Legal & Court Professionals Day | Student Center Seminar Rooms
Wednesday, March 25 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Law Enforcement Career Exploration Day | Plex Lecture Hall
Thursday, March 26 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Criminal Justice Career Fair | Francis Hall Atrium
Friday, March 27 | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Criminal Justice & Mental Health Panel | Plex Lecture Hall
Where: Alvernia University Reading, Pa. campus. Specific event locations include Bernardine Hall 0005, Student Center Seminar Rooms, Plex Lecture Hall and Francis Hall Atrium.
Details: Criminal Justice Week 2026 is designed to connect Alvernia students with working professionals across the criminal justice field through timely conversations about careers, public service and community impact. Events throughout the week will explore topics including intelligence work in the federal government, applying to law school, career opportunities in law enforcement and the courts, employer networking and the intersection of justice, mental health and recovery.
The series offers media opportunities to capture student engagement, expert panel discussions, career exploration and conversations around workforce needs in criminal justice and related fields. Alvernia's criminal justice program recently hit its 50th year milestone in the 2024-25 academic year. Bernardine Franciscan Sister Mary Pacelli Staskiel, OSF, started the Institute for Law and Justice at Alvernia in 1974. Read more here.
Parking/Access: Media should check in with Alvernia Communications staff upon arrival. Parking and arrival instructions can be shared in advance based on the event or events selected for coverage.
Visuals and audio opportunities:
Guest speakers and professional panel discussions
Student interactions with law enforcement, legal and criminal justice professionals
Career fair networking with employers and recruiters
Question-and-answer sessions with featured guests
Interview opportunities with faculty, speakers and students, as available
Media members are encouraged to attend one or more events during the week. Please contact Sarah Matarella, senior associate director of communication & social media, Alvernia University, at sarah.matarella@alvernia.edu or 610-796-8344, or Malgorzata Zuber, Ph.D., event organizer, at malgorzata.zuber@alvernia.edu.
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About Alvernia University
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