Celebrating 50 Years

In 2008, Alvernia celebrates a half century of exceptional commitment to an inspiring mission. To be Franciscan, explains Alvernia’s heritage statement, “is to respect the dignity of each human person and all creation; to be open to the world and its diversity of cultures, faiths, traditions, races, and peoples; to honor right relationships; and to seek peace through action for justice.”

In 2008, Alvernia also celebrates half a century of exceptional progress, guided by the values of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. Once dedicated to educating young members of the congregation who were aspiring teachers, Alvernia now offers undergraduate and graduate degrees—including the only Ph.D. program in the region—in more than 50 programs of study. We now serve approximately 3,000 students and also sponsor the popular Seniors College for over 600 energetic life-long learners. Alvernia has academic centers in Pottsville and Philadelphia and draws increasing numbers of students from the wider Mid-Atlantic region.

Alvernia has come of age.

Over the last decade, Alvernia has seen a steady increase in the number of traditional undergraduate students, while also expanding educational options for working adults. From our early years, the Sisters understood that working women (and later men) needed and deserved the same benefits of a private, liberal arts education as did young recent high school graduates. Over the years, Alvernia has been a special place of opportunity for first-generation students and for others returning to complete an undergraduate degree. Today, in addition to these students, many accomplished professionals and those making mid-career changes seek professional advancement through one of several master’s degrees or in the area’s only doctoral program in leadership studies.