Alvernia University

The annual Residence Hall Association (RHA) Trunk-or-Treat drew over 175 attendees with 108 student participants and 42 decorated cars. RHA President Wilma Taveras and RHA Vice President Faith Guers reached out to many on-campus and community partners to spread the word, as well as encouraged their peers to sign up to decorate their cars under the leadership of Area Coordinator, Avery Bailey. "Although RHA has existed on Alvernia's campus for years, Faith and Wilma have slowly become the face of the organization," said Bailey. "This year, they were determined to make their last Trunk-or-Treat the best one yet. Their goal was to make it a memorable experience not only for the students who participated but also for the community members and families. The turnout was great for both groups. There was a sense of community and love in the air at the event, all thanks to these two students." From ordering candy to making crochet toys to working with community and campus partners, student-leadership and proactive planning made the event a success. Best costume and The event was so popular that the candy and toy supply ran out before it was over. Awards for best costume, voted on by President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., and best trunk, voted on by the community attendees, were also given out to student volunteers. "This event ties into my role as an RA by fostering community, promoting engagement, and providing a safe, fun Halloween activity for the community of Reading and our residents," said RHA President Wilma Taveras. "We were able to provide residents with a means to connect, build relationships, and feel more involved. When planning this, we wanted to focus on strengthening a sense of belonging and inclusivity on our campus while promoting a welcoming environment." The goal of RHA is to advocate for all the students living in university housing to have the best residential experience possible and to help build a stronger residential community on campus through programming. RHA gives students like Taveras and Guers to have additional leadership responsibilities on top of being a resident assistant. "Experiences like Trunk or Treat and being an RA greatly benefit my future," said Taveras. "They've helped me develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Leading events and working with diverse groups has also strengthened my ability to work in teams, resolve conflicts, and build community. Overall, these experiences have given me a strong foundation for personal and professional growth."

Alvernia students represented the Alvernia Student Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) at the SHRM National Conference at the McCormick Center in Chicago, IL. alongside 28,000 students from across the nation. "Attending this conference is an experience like no other," said Associate Professor of Business, Beth Berret, Ed.D., MBA, SPHR, SHRM SCP. "This annual conference hosts practitioners from around the world. Students have an opportunity to attend professional sessions and learn more about the challenges, rewards, and latest information in the legal/management/HR arena. In addition, students attend the exposition which displays all the technology and services available to the practitioner. Students who attend this conference often return with a renewed interest in HR or an interest in an area they never knew existed." The SHRM National Conference is the world's largest convention of human resource (HR) professionals. Leaders in HR and business come together at the event to discuss new methods for addressing the most pressing issues in the workplace, foster professional connections and empower current and future HR professionals to expand their knowledge base and apply it to their work. The purpose of Alvernia's SHRM student chapter is to acquaint students seeking careers in human resource (HR) management, management or labor relations with experiential learning opportunities and knowledge on current issues and trends in these fields through opportunities like the SHRM National Conference. "Attending the SHRM 2024 Conference in Chicago was an amazing experience that expanded my understanding of human resources and business management," said MBA Candidate and SHRM Student Chapter President, Nicholas King. "We explored new products, met with professionals, listened to speakers from various diverse specialties, and enjoyed discovering the city. The conference brought together HR professionals from across the globe, offering a rich mix of learning, networking, and exposure to the latest industry trends. As the SHRM student chapter president, I also had the chance to strengthen my leadership skills, make meaningful connections, and gain insights for my future HR career and the club." Alvernia's merit-winning student SHRM chapter is recognized locally by the Berks County SHRM Chapter. Sponsorship affords our students networking opportunities with professional chapter members during monthly meetings. The professional chapter also helps to sponsor events such as our on-campus Job Fair. Student members have been active participants in various community events such as Toys for Tots, Road Run, MADD fundraisers, and the chapter's Annual Animals Need Food, Too campaign. SHRM has also participated in Christmas on Campus, the Turkey Drive, and Trick-or-Treat for Unicef for community service projects.

Over 40 students joined the Pickleball Club in its debut semester. The club allows members to participate in weekly practices, monthly tournaments, and volunteer opportunities. It began after President Jack Natalino and Vice President Quincy Esannason took a physical education pickleball course. They found their passion for the sport through the class and felt it could become a permanent opportunity for students to exercise and socialize in a stress-free environment. "It's really good for stress for me because I'm a DPT major. I'm constantly doing homework and studying, so it's great to get out and just get some exercise and have some fun," said Natalino. "It's a great platform to meet new people and form good friendships. I thought it would be some small thing, maybe like a couple of my friends, but I've met at least 20 to 30 people through the Pickleball Club. Everyone's very nice to each other; I just see a bunch of smiles." What began as an idea between friends has developed into a thriving pickleball community. The club was awarded the Registered Student Organization of the Year by the Student Government Association for being one of the most popular and active clubs on campus. "It was so cool to see how pickleball got so many people together; I have never seen so many students show up to a club-organized event," said Greta Bender. "Being a part of this club, I get to support my best friend Jack and I get to have fun playing with my closest friends." In addition to providing a fun atmosphere for students to become active and meet new people, the club is also committed to giving back to the community. Their most recent service efforts involved collaborating with the IM ABLE Foundation, which provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in physical activity. The club was able to set up pickleball nets at IM ABLE's 2024 Bash event and teach and play pickleball with participants. "I had not had the opportunity to have a lot of community service in high school, so it was a new experience for me, and I loved it," said Natalino. "We made sure everybody had everything they needed, we played some games with the kids... They were having fun; it was great to see." The last tournament of the year on May 2nd wrapped up the club's successful first semester. The club leaders plan to build upon its success in the following school year with practices, monthly tournaments with prizes, finding more service opportunities and giving back to the community.

The purpose of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is to acquaint students seeking careers in management, human resource (HR) management or labor relations with current issues and trends in these fields. Alvernia's Superior Merit winning student SHRM chapter is recognized locally by the Berks County SHRM Chapter. Sponsorship affords our students networking opportunities with professional chapter members during monthly meetings. The professional chapter also helps to sponsor events such as our on-campus Job Fair. Student members have been active participants in various community events such as Toys for Tots, Road Run, MADD fundraisers, and the chapter's Annual Animals Need Food, Too campaign. SHRM has also participated in Christmas on Campus, the Turkey Drive, and Trick-or-Treat for Unicef for community service projects.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a professional organization service with more than 250,000 individual members. The Society's mission is to serve the needs of HR professionals by providing the most essential and comprehensive resources available. SHRM Student Programs is committed to service the HR leaders of tomorrow. Through interaction with local HR professionals, Alvernia students make contacts today that help them find jobs. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports, and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

The Alvernia University Women's Council (AWC) was established in January of 2018 by women who are committed to empowering the female Alvernia community. The Council continues to reflect the needs and aspirations of women within the Alvernia community through its mission. The Alvernia University Women's Council fosters the personal and professional development of Alvernia women at all life stages, strengthens their connection to Alvernia and each other, and educates and inspires them to pursue and grow in leadership roles both in their chosen profession and the greater community. The AWC spearheads numerous educational programs, creates internship and job placement opportunities for students, and runs a robust mentorship program for all Alvernia women. AWC inspires and prepares the young women of today to be leaders and visionaries in tomorrow's workplace. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports, and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

Alvernia University's Theatre Club provides the campus community with a source of dramatic and theatrical entertainment, students with an activity and a place to express themselves, and another way for Alvernia University to give back to the community. The club organizes one main stage production per semester and also has smaller opportunities for performances, including student-directed one-act plays, cabarets, and many other chances to show talent. As a club, they do a variety of different show genres ranging from comedies to dramas, and encourage all types of talent. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports, and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

The Alvernian is Alvernia University's monthly college newspaper. The Alvernian covers news of interest to the campus community, as well as the greater Reading area. The Alvernian informs the Alvernia University community by covering news and events of interest, provides an open forum for ideas and opinions through editorials, letters to the editor, news stories, feature stories, interviews, reviews, and literary works where applicable, and provides an opportunity for practical journalistic experience to Alvernia University students. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports, and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) works to create a strong community that fosters the values of the occupational therapy profession and brings to life the Franciscan core values of Alvernia University. SOTA creates an environment of professionalism among occupational therapy students and presents ourselves in the community by giving a better understanding of who Occupational Therapists are. SOTA creates a strong community of support that fosters the values of the occupational therapy profession and brings to life the Franciscan core values of Alvernia University, holds programs that reflect the interests of the occupational therapy profession, promotes collegiality among occupational therapy students and with other student clubs, advocates for the OT profession by representing the occupational therapy field through work in the community, develops the identity of occupational therapy students, and become involved in the regional, state, and national associations of occupational therapy. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports, and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

The Alvernia University Fishing Club is a new organization on campus that brings students together in a safe environment where they can learn about fishing and the environment.Members get together and go to local lakes and ponds to fish, fundraise and provide service to the community. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

Alvernia Student Nursing Association aids in the development of the nursing students' integrity through their professional role and responsibility for the holistic care of all people. ASNA enhances academic and professional growth in nursing education, promotes a greater understanding of the nursing profession throughout the University and the Community, and develop leadership skills. ASNA functions by providing programs representative of fundamental and current professional interest and concerns, promoting and encouraging student participation in the University's interdisciplinary activities, promoting and encouraging nursing students' participation in the community affairs and health care activities, represent nursing students to consumers, organizations, and other organizational and governmental bodies, and inform, advise and advocate the nursing students and their rights and responsibilities. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

The Alvernia Dance Company provides an opportunity for students who love dancing to continue their interest in an accepting and positive environment. It is open to dancers of varying backgrounds in all styles of dance. The different styles of dance we focus on is hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, and ballet. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

Athletic Training Student Association is an organization that lets Alvernia students work on different skills, connect with other Athletic Training students, and provide opportunities to network with Athletic Training professionals by sending members to different conferences, symposiums, and meetings. The association promotes the profession of Athletic Training to the Alvernia University student body and staff, enable association members to become better acquainted through a variety of professional and social activities, provides educational services and resources to athletic training students and the general community, provides community service projects to association members in an effort to better both the Alvernia University community and the general community of Reading, Pennsylvania. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

Alvernia Campus Lions Club mission is to improve the community. The Lions Clubs International (LCI) has set programs to provide services for the community's needs. The Lions Green Team advocates for the health of the planet through tree planting, recycling, community clean-up, and environmental education. Lions Clubs health initiative is focused on Diabetes and Vision. It is the club's mission to raise awareness of the diabetes epidemic and to prevent blindness as all persons diagnosed with diabetes are at risk for loss of vision. LCI partners with United Nations to address the global issue of hunger and disaster relief in over 200 countries. "Where there's a need, there's a Lion." Loving. Individuals. Offering. Needed. Services Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

Allied Club provides an inclusive and educational environment for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The organization will follow the tradition exemplified in "Always Our Children", that God loves every person as a unique individual. Through education and community events, this organization will support all members of Alvernia University and deter any discriminatory actions against any member of the community. Allied advocates for an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ members of the Alvernia community and their allies. Allied empowers students to promote individuality, provide resources and educational events to increase knowledge about the LGBTQ+ community, specifically how to be an effective ally. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

The Addictions and Mental Health Awareness Club ("AMHAC") is dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions throughout the university and local community. Membership is open to all university students at no cost. AMHAC believes in the dignity and worth of every individual, and is committed to helping develop "ethical leaders with moral courage." Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

Active Minds is the leading nonprofit organization that empowers students to speak openly about mental health in order to educate others and encourage help-seeking. The club is changing the culture on campuses and in the community by providing information, leadership opportunities, and advocacy training to the next generation. Through Alvernia University's rich campus life, students enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 60 clubs, intramural sports and student leadership and governance opportunities. The University presents endless opportunities for students to gain leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and teambuilding skills. Students hone lifetime skills essential for any industry or field of study. Student clubs and activities also offer students opportunities to connect with Alvernia's surrounding communities throughout Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through service, engagement, and leadership, students learn indelible lessons outside the classroom. Campus clubs and activities are among the many ways in which Alvernia students gain real-world experience, contribute to more than 60,000 hours of community service each year, and help the university remain deeply anchored within its communities.

The following students participated in the Alvernia Emergency Responders Club at Alvernia University during 2017-18.

The following students participated in the Alvernia Dance Company during 2017-18.

The following students participated in the Education Association at Alvernia University during 2017-18.

The following students participated in Commuter Council at Alvernia University during 2017-18.

The following students participated in the Criminal Justice Association at Alvernia University during 2017-18.

The following students participated in the Circle K club at Alvernia University during 2017-18.

The following students participated in the Change Health Attitudes and Actions Club at Alvernia University during 2017-18.

The following students participated in the Campus Activities Board at Alvernia University during 2017-18.

The following students participated in the Black Student Union and Ethnic Awareness Society at Alvernia University during 2017-18.

The following students participated in the Behavioral Health club at Alvernia University during 2017-18.

The following students participated in the Athletic Training Student Association at Alvernia University in 2017-18.

The following students participated in the Alpha Phi Omega at Alvernia University during 2017-18.

The following students participated in the American Marketing Association at Alvernia University during 2017-18.