Alvernia University

09/08/2026

Congratulations to The Golden Kettle on winning the Launch Pottsville III Business Plan Competition and on the opening of your brand-new space at our Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne location!

It's great to work with the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) and the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses in Schuylkill County.

09/05/2026

The medal stays the same. The person wearing it won’t.

All first-year students receive their Alvernia medals at the Luminary Celebration as they begin their college journey.

The next time they wear them will be years later at Commencement after countless classes, friendships, challenges, accomplishments and moments that shape who they will ultimately become.

There’s a lot of life to live between these two moments. We can’t wait to see everything they learn and do. 🥲

09/04/2026

First-gen graduate Jaden Roman ‘26 helped unleash Alvernia’s robot dog, Fenrir, during his time at Alvernia.

Fenrir is equipped with surveillance and investigative tools, giving students an opportunity to research and discover what’s possible on the defense side of cybersecurity. Jaden served as the lead student researcher before graduating.

The recent grad of the cybersecurity track of the computer science program shared:

“I enrolled in 2022, which is right around when the huge AI boom occurred. We can see now just how explosive AI has been in popularity, and how it just keeps growing. Frankie came from the idea that digital threats are constantly evolving. The growth of AI is giving even amateurs immense power, and institutions should be prepared for the new threat landscape. If they’re evolving, the defense should be evolving, too.”

You may have seen Fenrir on campus. President Fitzgerald even “walked” him.

“Reactions to him seem to be a 60/40 split between adoration and pure fear, which has been funny to see,” Jaden shared. “I’ve had a blast learning how to operate a robot and manage a long-term project across multiple departments. The team has successfully equipped an onboard computer with digital forensics tools, and our current goal is full automation and patrolling.”

Most of that work takes place in the programs new cybersecurity labs in the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, where Jaden was also a Gellow at the The O’Pake Institute.

The program really transformed my mindset and skillset during my four years at Alvernia. I’m much more confident in myself and my work. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many local businesses … developing websites and implementing AI agents.”

Read more about Jaden’s work with Fenrir, the new cybersecurity lab & his experiential learning projects at O’Pake at Alvernia.edu.

09/03/2026

College goes by fast. Take the pictures. 📸

09/02/2026

Fine dining on campus??? Students won't want to miss out.

Supper Club, hosted by Pack Hospitality, brings an elevated dining experience to campus with unique culinary themes, delicious food, and opportunities to connect with members of the Alvernia community.

Throughout the semester, the Supper Club offers students opportunities to try something new. Past experiences have featured everything from smoked meats and local produce to Brazilian, Mediterranean, and Florida Keys-inspired cuisine.

The next Supper Club is September 10, with seating limited to just 20 guests, so sign up now!

Open to students with a meal plan, including commuter students enrolled in the 65 Bonus Dollar meal plan, which can be used for admission to the dinner service.

Follow Pack Hospitality for updates and sign-up information.

09/01/2026

Creating new pathways for education and career growth across Greater Philadelphia 🎓

Alvernia University and Independence Blue Cross (IBX) are joining forces to expand educational opportunities. Through the new alliance, eligible IBX associates can access flexible undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to help them strengthen their skills, advance their careers and prepare for the future

The collaboration brings together two organizations committed to creating opportunities for the people and communities they serve while further expanding access to career-focused higher education across the Greater Philadelphia Region.

Learn more about the partnership and available programs 🔗 https://www.alvernia.edu/news/2026/09/alvernia-university-forms-alliance-independence-blue-cross-expand-educational-opportunities

The new relationship creates flexible, affordable pathways for Independence Blue Cross associates to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees while advancing their careers Alvernia University has joined …

08/28/2026

One week ago, the campus looked a little different. Then, our newest Golden Wolves moved in and made Alvernia feel full again. ❤️💛

From unloading cars and settling into residence halls to receiving medals at the Luminary Celebration and ringing the bell at President Fitzgerald's house, the incoming class settled into their new home.

Relive some of our favorite moments from Move-In Weekend and New Student Orientation with us: https://youtu.be/uBcKqbHMUxo

08/27/2026

Before classes even began, the Golden Wolves were already making an impact in the Reading community 🔗 https://bit.ly/4zGfGgL

More than 600 members of the Alvernia community, including 570+ incoming students, Orientation Weekend leaders, staff and SEARCH faculty, came together for our annual Orientation Day of Service. The Holleran Center at Alvernia University partnered with Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County, VOiCEup Berks Generation Impact, and Lauer’s Park Elementary School.

Across the community, students prepared spaces ahead of the new school year through deep cleaning, outdoor beautification, the assembly of welcome kits, and more.

It’s a fitting beginning to the Alvernia experience. Rooted in our Franciscan values, service is woven throughout a student’s academic journey, from their first days on campus through their graduation service requirement.

Our newest Golden Wolves aren’t just joining the Alvernia community. From day one, they’re learning what it means to serve it.

08/26/2026

Move-In Day in One Word

Exciting Count: 11 🤭

It was a blessing to welcome the record incoming class and EXCITING to hear how everyone felt about it 💛❤️

08/26/2026

You know we had to post for . Saint Francis is known as the patron saint of animals after all.

Comment which pup you know, tag their owner and save the date for Blessing of the Animals on October 1 at 12pm on the Quad ahead of Saint Francis’ Feast Day. Members of the Alvernia community are welcome to bring their pets to be blessed by the sisters and enjoy a fun ceremony.