Our Mission Moment

Several years ago, in a focused effort to reinforce our motto, “To Learn, To Love, To Serve,” Alvernia faculty members teaching freshman seminar classes agreed to begin each class with what we call a “mission moment,” which could be an inspirational poem, prayer, or story for students to contemplate or simply a brief time for quiet reflection.

So simple in its intention, the mission moment quickly became more meaningful than anyone could have predicted. Students and faculty members, staff and trustees began sharing mission moments in all sorts of venues. In only a few short years, a new idea became a beloved tradition.

Values & Vision: The Alvernia 50th Anniversary Campaign is itself a mission moment for Alvernia—a time to reflect with pride and gratitude on a special place with a special purpose. Amidst much wonderful change and improvement, we continue to prepare graduates of all ages for personal achievement, for social responsibility, and for spiritual fullness. We expect our alumni to be “reflective professionals and engaged citizens and ethical leaders with moral courage.” Like those a generation or two ago, who had faith in the bold vision of our Franciscan foundresses, today other generous people who believe in what we do have the opportunity to make an immeasurable impact on Alvernia. We have come a long way from that once-tiny college on a hill. Together, we will achieve our bold vision for Alvernia’s future.