Alvernia University

Located in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Alvernia University offers all the best features of an outstanding university- specialized professional programs, experiential learning, internships, and a variety of leadership opportunities-in the personal setting of a college environment. A private Franciscan institution founded by the Bernardine Franciscan sisters and rooted in the Catholic and liberal arts tradition, the core institutional values- service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality are relevant today and have a universal ethical appeal. Students appreciate the small class sizes and breadth of academic programs offered, all taught by faculty who are experts in their fields and committed foremost to their students' success. This individual attention is a hallmark of an Alvernia education, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-1 and average class size below 20. The University's 3,000 total students (1,500 traditional undergraduates) can choose from over 600 courses and 50 majors and minors the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Professional Programs. Programs are geared toward real-world learning and preparing students for a rewarding career. Study abroad, internships, and international service trips make learning come alive and allow students to develop practical, valuable skills. Master's degrees are awarded in occupational therapy, business administration, nursing, community counseling, education, and liberal studies. A Ph.D. program in leadership is also available. Alvernia has recently invested in several additions to campus including a new laser laboratory to support science programs, state-of-the-art learning suites developed for the criminal justice program, an educational technology center that supports all majors, and a new recital hall and theater. In 2008, Alvernia received the prestigious Community Engagement Designation from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Alvernia has also been honored by the Templeton Foundation as one of the top 100 character-building colleges in the nation and a model of excellence in education. In addition, the University is regularly named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its achievement in community service. Alvernia's first-year experience for incoming freshmen and their intervention efforts to keep students on track academically was twice recognized by the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience. New programs and community initiatives launched by the Holleran Center for Community Engagement (HCCE) and the O'Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership, and Public Service build on existing efforts in civic engagement, ethics, and leadership; serving as incubators for innovation and fostering expanded faculty and student collaboration. The HCCE is an emerging catalyst for creating strategic community partnerships and for establishing Alvernia as a regional leader in community-based learning. The O'Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership and Public Service houses the many leadership programs of the university created for a range of individuals including honors students and other student leaders; those pursuing doctoral degrees in Leadership Studies; and professionals active in Leadership Berks. It will also support students and faculty engaged in community-based research and will sponsor programs and activities that address important community needs. In addition, the O'Pake Institute will link members of the Alvernia and surrounding communities in efforts to foster civic leadership and public service and will highlight the university's distinctive emphasis on ethics education. In 2008, Alvernia acquired university status and celebrated its golden anniversary--50 years of preparing graduates to achieve their personal dreams and professional success, to be engaged citizens and lifelong learners.