Alvernia University

Alvernia Football sophomore McCabe Piavis earned CSC Academic All-District Honors, as announced by College Sports Communicators.

Tamia Wessels became the 13th women's basketball player in program history to score 1,000 points.

Three Alvernia Women's Volleyball student-athletes earned CSC Academic All-District Honors, as announced by College Sports Communicators. This award recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. In order to qualify for the award, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and have at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA. They must have also played in at least 90% of their team's sets played or started in at least 66% of their team's matches. Alvernia's Women's Volleyball honorees included Patricia Falar, Jamie Pierce, and Abigail McGinley. This is the first honor for Falar and McGinley and the second honor for Pierce.

Dane Sabarese, junior communication major and O'Pake Fellow has been selected for a prestigious opportunity to explore Thailand's expansive sports culture. Sabarese will participate in Living Sport's international sports business program that provides students with unique opportunities to experience cultural immersion and professional development in the sports industry. "I was honestly pretty shell-shocked, and I still don't think it has hit me yet that I will be working overseas for a couple of weeks," explained Sabarese. "When I was applying for Internships in the summer, it was one of those where you just applied and threw up a hail mary [prayer]."

Nine Alvernia student-athletes across men's and women's soccer earned CSC Academic All-District Honors, as announced by College Sports Communicators. The 2023 Academic All-District Men's and Women's Soccer Teams, which are nominated by their institution's Sports Information Director, are selected by College Sports Communicators (formally CoSIDA). This award recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. In order to qualify for the award, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and have at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA. They must have also played in at least 90% of their team's games or started in at least 66% of their team's games.

22 Alvernia students commemorated the United States' history and foundation with a trip to Philadelphia's Constitution Center, Independence Hall, and Liberty Bell for Constitution Day 2023. "Visiting the Constitution Center, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell on Constitution Day was not just a journey through history, it was a powerful reminder of the enduring principles that bind our nation together," said Director of Undergraduate Admissions and trip coordinator Bret Krotee. "Our goal was not only to witness the birthplace of democracy but to ignite the spark of civic engagement." Constitution Day is held on Sept. 17, the anniversary of when the Constitution was signed in 1787, and is meant to highlight the significance of the historical document. To celebrate the day every year, Alvernia's Veterans Center sponsors an event for students to learn and reflect upon the importance of the Constitution. Through this trip, the Veterans Center's goal is to inspire students to become ethical leaders with moral courage by promoting the importance of civic education and reinforcing the ideals that continue to unite and inspire the nation.

Assistant Professor of Biology Jamie Becker, Ph.D. and Environmental Science Major Alexander Kabrich embarked on a field expedition this summer in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Becker and Kabrich partnered with the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER) Foundation and the Delaware Teachers Institute (DTI) at the University of Delaware on this expedition. They traveled alongside a team of international scientists focused on conservation efforts in collaboration with the native indigenous group of Northern Peru, the Maijuna. Becker and Kabrich were critical members of this scientific endeavor, which focused on DNA sequencing techniques. "When you experience this incredible amount of biodiversity that is surrounding us, you really get a direct look at the incredible variety of life that our planet can sustain and support," said Becker. "Being able to bring the next generation of researchers into these experiences, expose them to unique experiences, and be able to see what it's really like to get out there, to get into the field... is incredibly rewarding."

Three Alvernia University students in the O'Pake Fellows Program engaged in a logo design and personal branding experiential learning workshop led by Alvernia MBA Candidate and O'Pake's Graduate Assistant of Marketing, Jennifer Weasner. "Leading this workshop allowed me to share everything that I have learned about logo design over the past two years as an undergraduate fellow myself," said Weasner. "I only became interested in design after transferring to Alvernia in the Fall of 2021 and this experience has given me the confidence that I can teach others how to create effective designs that will ultimately become the brand of a business." Weasner taught students how to use Adobe Illustrator to create logos that reflected their personal brand. Students were able to learn the logo creation design process by designing logos that would allow them to create their personal brand. The undergraduate fellows who participated in this workshop were Fellow of Communications, Hector Malave; Fellow of Marketing, Ariana RosatoGreen; and Fellow of Digital Media, Kenneth Howley. "This logo workshop will provide me with a competitive edge in the job market and enhance my chances of securing internships and employment opportunities in the design field because I developed the following skills: practical experience, creative problem-solving abilities, professionalism, communication skills, and especially understanding client needs," said Malave." The O'Pake Fellows Program provides elite undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on distinctive 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. While fellows can grow both personally and professionally, they are also put in an environment where they can think outside the box, experiment, fail, grow and succeed. By creating this type of environment, students can transition into their desired professions while being creative and ethical leaders.

The National Wrestling Coaches Association announced its first ranking of the 2023-24 season, and the Alvernia University Golden Wolves are ranked #6.

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."

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Candidate and Delta Mu Delta Member, Brianna Schneider, was one of 50 students across the country to receive a Delta Mu Delta Scholarship Award. "I am honored to receive such recognition from Delta Mu Delta," said Schneider. "This prestigious honor society is a privilege to be a part of and I am thankful for all my professors at Alvernia who helped me achieve this recognition. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for my books as I further my education at Alvernia and work towards my MBA." Delta Mu Delta is an international business honor society that recognizes academic excellence. Students are admitted to this prestigious organization by invitation only. The top 10 percent of junior and senior business majors and MBA students are invited to join. Awards are based on scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, and character/ethical behavior. "Brianna was inducted last year and challenged herself even further to apply for the scholarship awards program in Delta Mu Delta, said Assistant Professor of Business Jane D. Brooker, Ph.D. "Brianna is commended for this exemplary award. We are extremely proud and excited to see where her career will take her."

Alvernia University placed eight student-athletes on respective 2023 Spring Academic All-MAC Teams, as announced by Middle Atlantic Conference Executive Director Megan Morrison. Josh Kreider (Baseball), Haleigh Lackner (Women's Lacrosse), Luke Fagley (Men's Golf), Leah Bouchard (Women's Tennis), Shinelle Felix (Women's Outdoor Track and Field), McKylie Boreman (Women's Golf), Katie Lapinsky (Women's Golf), and Rylee Stenzel (Women's Golf) earned the honor for Alvernia.

Alvernia University Women's Lacrosse student-athletes Lauren Fox, Jamie Inacio, and Kirsten Lake earned individual IWLCA Academic Honors.

Over 700 students were named to Alvernia University's Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester. "Congratulations to all of the students for their commitment to their academic success while balancing their course load, experiential learning opportunities, internships, and personal responsibilities," said Alvernia President, Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "I look forward to seeing your successes in the upcoming academic year." To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must carry a semester GPA of 3.5 or better and take a minimum of 12 credits. "I am grateful to celebrate my first official Dean's List announcement as Provost with all of you," said Alvernia University Senior Vice President and Provost, Leamor Kahanov, Ph.D. "This accomplishment is remarkable and I commend each and everyone one of the students on this list for excellence in their coursework. I look forward to meeting you on campus in a few short weeks." A full list of students is available at Alvernia.edu.

Alvernia University's Doctor of Physical Therapy cohort, faculty and staff visited Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to advocate for, be educated on and discuss legislation surrounding the physical therapy profession with senators and representatives. "I organized the trip to Washington D.C. to enlighten our students on the process of American Physical Therapy Association Governance (APTA House of Delegates) which develops policies and positions of the APTA," said Alvernia University Doctor of Physical Therapy Director of Clinical Education, Pamela Unger, PT, DPT, CWS. "I was so proud of our students' attention to the issues and their ability to communicate compassion and concern for these issues to our senators and representatives. They represented our DPT program and Alvernia very well." They spent the first two days in Capitol Hill in listening sessions with the APTA House of Delegates learning about various bills passed by the APTA. Two professors, Unger and Claire McCann, PT, DPT, are in the House of Delegates as well. The third day was spent discussing various bills with local senators and U.S. Congress and Senate representatives of the implication of legislation specific to the physical therapy industry including physical therapy assistant (PTA) supervision, payment and reimbursement rates in the Medicare system; the role of physical therapy treatment in the fourth trimester of pregnancy and the inclusion of rehabilitation services in underserved areas. "Traveling to D.C. for the first time to advocate for the profession I've worked so hard to be a part of was a pivotal moment in my life. Sitting in discussion with the senators and their representatives truly set the tone for how I will choose to stand up and defend my career as a physical therapist not only for myself and fellow PTs but mainly for my patients," said Maximillano Karabachian, DPT Class 2024. "My patients are the main reason I am here today. They give me a purpose. Preparing my speech on why patients in rural cities deserve easier access to health care was next to common sense. However, because this was my first time, my nerves were running rampant. It took several calls to my parents and siblings back home to ground me and remind me why I am here and why this is important to me. Advocating in D.C. lit a fire deep in my soul that motivates me to aspire to greatness- a feeling I will continue to pursue." The group also educated the senators and representatives on their work with the pro bono clinics that serve the Reading and Berks County communities. Out-of-state students even had the opportunity to spend the day with delegates from their home state and visit their respective senators and representatives in Utah, NY, NJ, VT, DE and WA. "As a student who helps run our pro-bono clinic within Berks Community Health Center, I get to see the direct influence of PTs in these communities and our impact on patients' lives. I appreciated the time we were given to advocate for our profession and the lives of our patients," said Samantha Donmoyer, DPT Class of 2024. "I enjoyed speaking about bill H.R. 4829, which allows PTs to participate in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. I was very anxious to be the only student in one of my meetings on Capitol Hill, but I was very grateful to my professor, Dr. [Christopher] Wise, who joined me."

Seven Alvernia University students & alums studied abroad through the Sustainability Immersion Program in Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick, Canada. This trip is a 1-week study abroad experience for college students to better understand the components of creating a more sustainable community and the leadership approach necessary to help create this change. "At the heart of the Canada sustainability immersion trip is the adventure-based group learning program developed and facilitated by the Sustainable Misfits, a nonprofit organization founded by five Alvernia alumni," said Sustainable Misfits Executive Director & Alvernia University Assistant Professor of Leadership, Dr. Alicia Sprow. The program's focus is to guide young adults on how to effectively cultivate a caring, resilient community of people who make a positive impact on others and the environment." The students stay at an eco-retreat complete with tiny homes, composting toilets, recycled items that have been artfully built into the structures, and a central gathering place to come together for meals and conversation. They tour the island to gain a better understanding of the community and industries on which they rely. Students work alongside community members and organizations on service projects and planning discussions. "The place we stayed was made out of an old ship, with different parts of the gathering place and other areas being made from different parts of the ship, so you are truly embracing and practicing sustainability," said rising senior psychology major, Alettya Zalapa-Alonso. "It made me want to learn more. I think I can say for every one that went, that the Island and its residence were absolutely wonderful. The overall experience that Grand Manan leaves is magical, not only by its scenery but the history you can learn about transformation, adaptability, and the beauty that can be found even when it's foggy out." The five main program outcomes this trip yields include skill and knowledge development around community building, effective communication, systems thinking, innovative leadership, and supportive followership. "The trip was a magical experience," said digital media marketing graduate, Noah Rizzo '21. "The word magic was a constant theme in Grand Manan, this is a special place where people go to experience things they have never seen before. The immersive experience of staying in an eco-retreat reminds many students there is a simpler way of life and the value in that. One of the best features of the Canada trip is the connection students experience with nature and others as screen time is down significantly."

"Alvernia's campus community takes great pride in serving and recognizing those who have served in the United States Military," said Veterans Center Coordinator, Bret Krotee. "It is wonderful to be part of a team that provides the necessary resources and support to ensure military student academic success, professional development, and positive mental health."

202 Alvernia University student-athletes were named to the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Academic Honor Roll, and an additional 38 athletes on non-MAC competing teams earned a 3.20 GPA, during the 2022-23 academic year, as announced by the MAC. Share your student by finding your name below. View the full list here.

610 students earned associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from Alvernia University during the 2022-23 academic year. Graduates from August 2022, December 2022 and May 2023 celebrated by walking across the stage during a pair of commencement ceremonies on May 13, 2023. "Four years ago, we welcomed many of you, both students and guests alike, to our university at our Opening Convocation," said President-Elect, Dr. Glynis A. Fitzgerald. "Flash forward to today and I can honestly say we have transformed together in so many ways. I've loved the opportunities to get to know you and your unique stories."

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."

Christina Walko, Karis Howell, Alexander Kabrich, Morgan Harig-Cook, and Emma Groff spent two weeks studying biodiversity in Costa Rica alongside Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Josh Hayes and Associate Professor of Biology and Physical Therapy, Dr. Eric Recktenwald. They partnered with Dr. Stephen Mech and Dr. Bethanne Bruninga-Socolar, professors from Albright College who brought students from their Tropical Ecology of Costa Rica course. "Our trip to Costa Rica was designed to offer a real-world experience of the country with the highest biodiversity density in the world," said Rektenwald. "We explored tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, cloud forests, and both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Students were exposed to the intricacies of a conservation initiative, met with an indigenous tribe, and considered the ethics of ecotourism and sustainability - all in the presence of sloths, spider monkeys, pumas, tapirs, tree frogs, toucans, etc."

Alvernia University Occupational Therapy students in Dr. Gregory Chown's OT 526 class raised nearly $1200 for the West Reading Disaster Recovery Fund created by Berks County Community Foundation in partnership with United Way of Berks County following the explosion of the R.M. Palmer factory in West Reading, Pa. earlier this year. "I am very proud of the graduating occupational therapy students, who despite their super busy end-of-the-year schedules, showed servant leadership and upheld the Franciscan values to help others in a time of great need," said Dr. Gregory Chown, associate professor of occupational therapy

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."

Nearly 70 Students were recognized for their leadership role in registered student organizations (RSO) at the 2023 Student Government Association (SGA) Awards & Induction ceremony at the Francis Hall Theatre at the end of the 2022-2023 spring semester. "Your hard work is valued, as is all you do to contribute to fulfilling Alvernia's mission of creating ethical leaders with moral courage," said SGA Secretary & 2023-2034 SGA President-Elect, Colin Widmer. "Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and your dedication is greatly appreciated."

Alvernia University Student Organization Circle K International hosted "Alvernia Against Cancer," a walk dedicated to cancer awareness at Alvernia's PLEX and Angelica Park where they raised $2,112 for the McGlinn Cancer Institute at Tower Health Reading Hospital. "Alvernia Against Cancer allowed so many people to come together to celebrate the life of loved ones, fight with those who are still fighting, and to honor those who beat this disease," said President of Circle K, Lindsay Eckhoff, MSOT '23. "Looking back at this last year, this event was just an idea that I had because cancer hits so close to home for me along with so many more people in Berks County and at Alvernia University. My grandpa passed away from lung cancer and my dad is still going through cancer treatments; through this, I learned that cancer does not only affect the patient but the whole family and no one should fight alone. The love from everyone that participated in the walk truly amazes me." The Alvernia University and members of the Greater Reading community gathered for remarks from cancer survivor & Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, Dr. Judith Schrepfer, DHS, OTRL; Occupational Therapy Department Chair & Assistant Professor, Dr. Elizabeth Bentz, OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, RYT; President of Circle K, Lindsay Eckhoff, MSOT '23; and Vice President of Circle K, Alyssa Yoder, MSOT '23. The donation presentation to the McGlinn Cancer Institute's Patient Assistant Fund and the ~1.5 mile walk from the Alvernia PLEX to Angelica Park immediately followed the remarks. "I am proud of the students of the Circle K club and the occupational therapy students who organized a beautiful event to honor the lives of those who have been impacted by cancer," said Bentz. "When Lindsay Eckhoff brought her idea to me about an Alvernia Against Cancer walk, I told her that we would assist her with anything that she needed. Her idea took off. Lindsay, along with her classmate Alyssa Yoder, worked tirelessly to launch this event. Because of their efforts and the support of the community, family, and friends, they raised $2,112 for the McGlinn Cancer Institute. I want to extend my deepest gratitude for all those who participated in the walk or contributed towards the fundraiser." Other Alvernia student organizations and community organizations were present throughout the event including representatives from the McGlinn Cancer Institute, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Berks Community Health Center, Co-County Wellness Services and Berks Teens, Safe Berks, LGBT Center of Greater Reading, All Abilities Fitness Center, Bethany Children's Home Inc. And the Alvernia occupational therapy students. These groups and organizations offered resources and information to participants. "This event fostered a spectacular sense of community for both Alvernia and Berks County while rallying for those fighting an illness that affects so many," said Vice-President of Circle K, Alyssa Yoder, MSOT '23. "We are thrilled with the number of people who came out to support and donate to a cause we are all so passionate about."

The Social Work Club at Alvernia University's Philadelphia Community-Based Campus held their annual spring bagged lunch event where they served 20 bagged lunches to the unhoused population in Center City, Philadelphia. "From my perspective, as a professor of social work, I believe that social work education is more than classroom experience," said Assistant Professor of Social Work, Dr. Paul Heffner. "We are a profession that is about a call to action. There are always so many folks in need, and if we can contribute a small bit of care to folks in need, that feels like a win for everyone." Throughout the course of the semester, the club collects donations to include in the bags, as well as fills and distributes the lunches with the help of volunteers alongside Heffner and his mother, Maria Heffner. "As a student determined in social work, this event means going out into the real world and engaging with the community to the best of your means," said Thanea Redroven. "Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, valued, loved & supported." The items collected for these bags included: winter hats and scarves, bottled water, granola bars, hand warmers, travel mugs, hot cocoa packets, tuna cracker packs, and resource information packets. "Making outreach to the community is an action that all social workers are required to execute," said Social Work Club President, Michelle Johnson. Fulfilling the need and supporting as best you can. Providing service to the unhoused community is what we do at the Philadelphia Campus. We are a small organization making huge strides, uplifting the spirits of individuals, and showing compassion and care to each person we encounter. One kind gesture goes a long way."

The Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement held the annual Franciscan Servant Leader Commissioning to present service awards and pins to students for their service accomplishments. The honorees all performed more than 100 hours of service in a variety of tracks during their time at Alvernia. "The Franciscan Servant Leader Commissioning is truly a special event because it ties the students' service experiences together," said Alyssa Slade, senior director, Holleran Center for Community & Global Engagement. "Students are able to take a moment to reflect on what their service mindset was when they first stepped foot on campus and then really see all they have accomplished while a student at Alvernia. It is so amazing to hear the stories of those students who go from never having served to being a model of Servant Leadership in our community." As Franciscan Servant Leaders, these students chose to engage in a holistic service journey, volunteering to meet the community's sustainability, vulnerable population, and educational needs while also serving with community partners through Alvernia coordinated experiences such as service-learning course projects and university-wide days of service. "I am thrilled to be able to say that I now represent the Alvernia student with the most service hours in the university's history," said Erica L. Burch, SN-ALV, senior nursing major. "Community service is something that has been ingrained in me since I was a little girl...it is something I value because it has such a profound impact on the organization and the communities they support. I have had the most incredible support from everyone at the Holleran Center. Their amazing staff is passionate about giving back to not only the Alvernia Community but also to Berks County and beyond." This year, the Holleran Center also launched the Service Corps where students can come together and collectively identify an area of social injustice or need within the community. They also come up with a way to address this need through a service event where the whole campus can get involved. This year, the group decided to host a Best Buddies carnival for the community. Best Buddies is an organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. "It was a great event where over 25 families had the opportunity to come to Alvernia's campus and participate in a variety of different games alongside family members and Alvernia buddies," said Slade. "I have always believed that students should be at the heart of the planning process in the Holleran Center. This Service Corps allows students to do just that. Each student has a unique story and set of skills that they bring to the table."

79 Alvernia University student leaders received academic, service and experiential learning excellence awards at the 2023 Honors Convocation Award Ceremony. The awards are presented by President-Elect Dr. Glynis A. Fitzgerald on behalf of the College of Business, Communication and Leadership; the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences; the College of Health Sciences; the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics; and the University. "Your success was no easy accomplishment, and we can certainly appreciate the balancing act: From your lectures in the classroom, experiments in the labs and research and study groups in the libraries to your experiential learning experiences through service-learning, clinicals and internships, there is no doubt that your plates were full. But most of you also balanced your busy lives outside of work. From athletics, clubs and service work, to holding a part-time or full-time job and even raising a family. It is this mix that makes all of your achievements, that much more extraordinary and we look forward to continuing the celebration of your achievements at commencement and the events leading up to it," said Alvernia University President-Elect, Dr. Glynis A. Fitzgerald.

Alvernia University College of Business, Communication, and Leadership students, Isaac Kassis and Matt Lackman, along with faculty coach, Dr. Jane Brooker, participated in sales skill-driven role play and speed-selling elevator pitch competitions in the 2023 National Shore Sales Challenge (NSSC) at Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD from March 30- April 1. "It was a great opportunity to be the first to represent Alvernia at a sales competition to open doors for future Alvernia students," said Isaac Kassis, junior management major. "I was also blessed with the opportunity to meet new people and build connections with students from all over the country which can possibly lead to something bigger in the future." Alvernia was one of 40 universities to participate in the competition. Through experiential learning opportunities like role play and elevator pitch competitions, Alvernia students are able to discover their passions and turn them into lifetimes of career success and personal fulfillment and make a positive difference in the world and the lives of others. "We got to meet so many great people from many different places," said Matt Lackman, junior marketing major. 'I am super grateful for being able to use these opportunities to better myself. I would say if you are offered a chance to do these competitions, you should take them seriously and make the most out of them." Alvernia's approach to real-world learning combines hands-on educational opportunities through internships, field experiences, co-ops, clinical assignments, research projects, community service and study/service abroad programs, roles in student organizations and other creative and relevant campus experiences to prepare them to enter their desired industry upon graduation. "The 2023 NSSC competition held at Salisbury University was an invaluable experience that truly is experiential learning at its highest for our students," said Alvernia University Assistant Professor of Business, Dr. Jane Brooker. "They role-played with real sales executives and gave elevator pitches to over five career executives who were ready to hire interns and full-time employees."

Five Alvernia students studying social work were inducted into the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. Congratulations to Thanea Redrovan, Catherine DiPerna, Daria Podell, Isabel Alarcon, and Laura Szeredai on your academic accomplishment! "I'm thrilled to have these new inductees added to our long list of current and alumni Phi Alpha members," said Allison Gosch, assistant professor for the Master of Social Work program. "Students have a rigorous course load, therefore this accomplishment is worthy of celebration. We are honored to have these new inductees continue our Phi Alpha humanitarian efforts." Faculty involved in social work education at Alvernia University foster high standards of education for social work and invite students who have attained excellence of scholarship and distinction of achievement as future professionals in the social work industry into honor society membership. Alvernia's Phi Alpha chapter aims to promote more intimate fellowship with those dedicated to the promotion of humanitarian goals and ideals through a professional group for which quality educational preparation is deemed imperative.