Alvernia University

Alvernia University students in the O'Pake Fellows Program completed an intellectual property (IP) training series centered around patents, licensing, contracts, and the art of protecting creativity through O'Pake's Technology Transfer Office (TTO). "I have learned many nuances in this series such as smart processes that involve creating contracts related to licensing and patents," said Robert Philpot. "It has given me an important addition of skills that will help me in the field of engineering if I have an idea that I want to pursue. Furthermore, networking with these professional speakers has given me a contact in the IP field. Through this experience, students were trained to assist companies and entrepreneurs through the process of making the proper advancements regarding patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyright as members of the student-powered IP committee. Furthermore, they were able to apply this knowledge directly to their course curriculum, ultimately enriching their experiential learning. "I have gained another level of knowledge that has helped me excel in a lot of my classes because I understand the legal side of the engineering process in regard to patent work and what exactly goes into a Patent and how to file for one," said Evan Thomas. "I've also received a whole new view on engineering because instead of just understanding the prototyping and testing phase, I now understand how to claim whatever I prototype or test as my own through IP." In addition, students were able to learn from and engage with industry professionals, including Chuck Valauskas, an IP lawyer based in Chicago; John Zurawski, a partner at the Belles Group, P.C.; and Kattina Barsik, owner of Barsik Law Offices, specializing in intellectual property law across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The IP committee also played an integral role in the planning and execution of the series. "I was a part of determining what general topics we should dive into for the training and helping assess which speakers would be best for the different topics," said Blake Rutcosky. "It has been beneficial in expanding my knowledge on licensing intellectual properties as well as refreshing me and fleshing out some of the intricacies of the processes in obtaining various protections." The O'Pake Fellows Program provides elite undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on experiential learning opportunities. Students of high academic standing from diverse majors and backgrounds can work directly with regional entrepreneurs, small business owners, faculty researchers, and industry leaders, can work directly with regional entrepreneurs, small business owners, faculty researchers and industry leaders. Within this dynamic environment, fellows not only develop personally and professionally but also have the freedom to innovate, experiment, learn from failure, and ultimately thrive. By fostering such an environment, the program enables students to seamlessly transition into their chosen careers as creative and ethical leaders.

Six of Alvernia University's finance majors attended the PAMIC Financial Management Seminar to learn from and network with financial executives in the insurance industry. "This was an amazing experiential learning experience for our Insurance/Risk Management and Finance students," said Alvernia University Assistant Professor of Business, Jane Brooker, Ph.D. "We heard from financial leaders in the insurance industry. There were networking opportunities, and future internship possibilities. We thank PAMIC and Alvernia University for this experiential learning opportunity for our students. I look forward to many more."

Nine Alvernia University students in the Speech for Professionals class presented at The Higher Education Council of Berks County (HECBC) Undergraduate Research and Creativity conference at Kutztown University. "The Undergraduate Research & Creativity conference is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their research interests and gain valuable experience at presenting in a professional setting," said Communication & Digital Media Department Chair & Professor of Communication, Dr. Caroline Fitzpatrick. "Each year, it is a pleasure to mentor and sponsor students in this type of experiential learning during their academic journeys. It takes much effort and courage to present research at a conference. I am very proud of them."

Alvernia University's O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship launched the Executives-In-Training Program featuring training from local experts, career development opportunities and networking. The first cohort of Alvernia graduate students in the O'Pake Fellows Program received their certificates at a graduation ceremony on May 1. "The Executives-In-Training Program at the O'Pake Institute has provided me with experiential learning that complements my MBA course schedule and kept me on my toes every step of the way," said Nick Nutile, MBA '23. From experienced professionals who came in to talk to us, to the self-assessments and activities that we completed, it has truly been a pivotal factor in increasing my knowledge and preparedness to enter the workforce. I couldn't be more thankful for Michelle Conway for her expertise and mentorship through this program. The insights I've gained from this course have been priceless and it was a fantastic experience overall."

Sara Hughes, a physical therapy student, and Madison Houck, an occupational therapy student presented at the Pro Bono Network conference at Widener University in Chester, Pa. alongside Dr. Robin Zappin, assistant professor of physical therapy, Dr. Gregory Chown, associate professor of occupational therapy and Jenna-Leigh Marrone, a speech-language pathology student from Misericordia University.

Alvernia University had seven students compete in the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc. National Conference held in San Antonio, Texas, this summer.