ÿ�մ��

ÿ�մ�� Community Musical: 'Godspell' Opening Night

jonfassnacht — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:23:58 +0000

Alvernia Community Musical: 'Godspell' Opening Night jonfassnacht Wed, 04/01/2026 - 14:23

Biology major turns early college struggles into research success

jonfassnacht — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:33:21 +0000

Biology major turns early college struggles into research success

Name

Isaac Peterson '27

jonfassnacht Tue, 03/31/2026 - 12:33

College

College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise

Persona

Undergraduate student

Intro Content

PHOTO: Isaac Peterson - back row, second from left - conducted field research in the Amazon Rainforest during the summer of 2025 with faculty from ÿ�մ�� and Georgetown University.

For Isaac Peterson '27, ÿ�մ�� became the turning point that reshaped both his academic and personal identity. A biology major with a chemistry minor, Peterson arrived at Alvernia after an unsteady start to college, where athletics once defined his sense of purpose.

Though he entered higher education with a baseball commitment and ambitions shaped more by circumstance than passion, injuries and academic struggles forced him to confront a loss of direction early on. What followed was an unexpected rediscovery of purpose through science, mentorship and hands-on research opportunities.

“Growing up, baseball was my identity,” Peterson said. “When that was taken away, I really did not know who I was or what I wanted to do. Coming to Alvernia gave me the space to figure that out.”

At Alvernia, Peterson found inspiration in the classroom through faculty who modeled genuine care for both their disciplines and their students. Courses in genetics and organic chemistry helped him build confidence academically and form meaningful connections beyond athletics. Professors who emphasized curiosity, engagement, and real-world applications played a key role in shifting how he viewed learning and his own potential.

“Professors like Dr. Serapiglia in genetics and Dr. Kremer in organic chemistry set a great example of what it looks like to honestly care about what you teach, and that changed something in me,” said Peterson. “I made my first real friends outside of sports in those classrooms, and I found a path I actually believed in.”

Alvernia did not just give me a second chance. It gave me a reason to be in the room in the first place.

That foundation led Peterson to Jamie Becker, Ph.D.’s microbiology course, where he learned about an international research opportunity to survey microbiota in mineral licks and their potential role as vectors for zoonotic pathogens. The experience ultimately took him to the Amazon Rainforest in the summer of 2025, where he conducted field research alongside faculty from Alvernia and Georgetown University, while working closely with indigenous communities.

“Hiking through the Amazon, working alongside people I deeply admired, and engaging with the indigenous communities we worked alongside, it remains the proudest thing I have ever done,” Peterson said.

Now a junior preparing to apply to medical school, he is serving as the first author on a methods paper with Becker and Georgetown Professor Brian Griffiths, which is approaching publication. This spring, he also presented his research at the Mengel Natural History Society’s Local Science Students Symposium. In addition to his research, he tutors biology and chemistry, supporting students who may be navigating the same uncertainty he once faced.

“I very much enjoyed working with the Mengel Natural History; it's always a pleasant experience to meet a group of people with so much passion for learning about the world around them,” said Peterson.

He is studying for the MCAT this summer and plans to apply next cycle. He hopes to work as a pulmonary intensivist in an ICU and is interested in contributing to research in the future, recognizing that there are still many unknowns in that field.

“Alvernia did not just give me a second chance,” Peterson said. “It gave me a reason to be in the room in the first place.”

Inside the Ph.D. – Join a Live Doctoral Class at Alvernia

jonfassnacht — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:21:08 +0000

Inside the Ph.D. – Join a Live Doctoral Class at Alvernia jonfassnacht Tue, 03/31/2026 - 08:21

Future Clinical Counseling Student Night

jonfassnacht — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:57:50 +0000

Future Clinical Counseling Student Night jonfassnacht Mon, 03/23/2026 - 11:57

Criminal Justice grad and retired adjunct continues to serve with bereavement-focused books, support group

jonfassnacht — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:59:20 +0000

Criminal Justice grad and retired adjunct continues to serve with bereavement-focused books, support group

Name

Dominic Murgido ’79

jonfassnacht Mon, 03/23/2026 - 09:59

College

College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Persona

Alumni

Intro Content

It’s hard to put Dominic Murgido ’79 in one descriptive box.

What lead him to Alvernia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a double concentration in sociology and psychology? It may have been the talks he had with his father about police work and the respect they had for the state police. That certainly may be where his interest in the criminal justice field was born.

“I applied to three colleges and was accepted into all three," Murgido recalled. "But the Alvernia campus had a unique feel. It projected a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. And Alvernia put the criminal justice major on the map. It was highly regarded throughout the state.”

For good reason. Graduating magna cum laude, Murgido remembers being intrigued by lecturers visiting his classroom. They were actively working in the criminal justice field – judges, attorneys, probations officers, chiefs of police and the like. And that isn’t to say he didn’t value his liberal arts education, for which Alvernia was highly regarded as well.

“I just learned so much from a life perspective,” he said.

He also met his wife-to-be, Susan, three days into his college experience. After graduation, Murgido spent time working in private security and had a lengthy career in retail loss prevention with Berks-based Boscov’s, but he also returned to school part time at West Chester University for a five-year period to earn his master’s degree so he could pursue a dream of teaching.

Once word got out, he was approached by Alvernia to return as an adjunct professor.

“It was the call of a lifetime,” remembers Murgido, a recipient of the Ellen Frei Gruber Award. “I wanted to teach and doing it at my alma mater meant more to me than anything.”

And he did just that for a 24-year period. Looking back at the experience, if he had to sum it all up, he’d so it with one simple word: fun.

“There’s something unique about standing in front of the classroom and bringing a topic up and just watching the light bulbs pop up above (students') heads because of something you said or the way you brought up a topic," he said. "I was a teacher that took a look at the newspaper to see what the headlines were. And if something crazy was happening with the law, or with the criminal justice system or a crime of some kind, I’d say, ‘You know what? We’re going to spend a half-hour talking about it.’ Feeling the pulse of that classroom, the connection, the electricity, the students that were in front of you … it was incredible.”

The criminal justice program certainly saw its changes during Murgido’s time in it, first as a student, then as a professor. He recalls starting out with chalkboards, then moving to whiteboards, then computers. He remembers attending classes in-person, then hybrid learning becoming a possibility and now online-only courses. While he is still actively involved at Alvernia and engaged with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, he is retired from teaching.

That’s not to say he isn’t busy. Murgido remains dedicated to his service to others, a mission central to Alvernia. After losing his wife in a tragic car accident, he founded sudSSpirit Bereavement Support Group in 2008, which meets in Exeter Township Community Library to this day. He’s authored three books based on life experiences with his personal grief journey. And he's the proprietor and master coffee roaster of It’s All ÿ�մ�� The Bean, an online adventure he enjoys as a hobby of sorts.

On any given day, one may find him enjoying a walk on the Alvernia campus.

“That campus, even as much as it has grown and built up, is the greatest," Murgido said. "I can still walk there and feel the connection to the university. To my beginnings. And to my wife.”

Packapalooza fuels momentum as applications, visits and deposits climb

kristopher.nolt@alvernia.edu — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 20:47:00 +0000

Packapalooza fuels momentum as applications, visits and deposits climb kristopher.nol… Sat, 03/21/2026 - 16:47

Packapalooza fuels momentum as applications, visits and deposits climb

Signature admissions event turns interest into action as Alvernia’s recruitment reach expands

ÿ�մ�� welcomed nearly 1000 guests, including over 180 students to Packapalooza, an immersive admissions experience designed for students to explore academic programs, affordability resources and student life through a day of personalized connections, held on Saturday.

Packapalooza comes at a time of continued recruitment momentum. Undergraduate admissions has seen increased interest this recruitment cycle, including increases in applications, visits, and first-year students interested in living on campus. Today’s statistics show a 38% increase in first-year enrolls compared to last year.

“Packapalooza is a powerful snapshot of what makes Alvernia stand out, students aren’t just touring a campus, they’re stepping into a community,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “The energy today speaks to the dedication of our students, faculty and staff, and to our shared commitment to academic quality, experiential learning and our culture of care.”

Packapalooza begins with one-on-one appointments with faculty in students’ areas of interest, then invites families to “choose their own adventure” through more than 20 sessions and experiences across Alvernia’s locations. This year’s event included 11 academic and support sessions, along with opportunities to meet current students, learn about Student Financial Services and explore involvement, athletics and success resources.

Attendees traveled from seven states, reflecting Alvernia’s growing recruitment reach and the draw of a university that pairs career-focused programs with personalized support.

“Packapalooza is built for momentum; it turns interest into confidence and confidence into action,” said Associate Vice President of Admissions Bret Krotee M.Ed. ‘10. “By providing an experience that’s personal, informative and student-centered, we’re seeing strong outcomes in visits, applications and engagement, and today’s event helps move that momentum even further.”

“I know someone who goes to Alvernia and she told me good things about the school,” said student attendee Mali LeBron. “It seems like home to me and once I saw that the school added a cybersecurity program as a major and not just a minor I knew it was the place for me.”

The event also highlighted Alvernia’s academic spaces and hands-on learning environments, including experiences at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne and program demonstrations aligned with students’ career interests.

Recent rankings, awards and student success indicators reinforce that momentum beyond a single day: U.S. News & World Report named Alvernia a top-ranked national university for the fourth consecutive year, citing measures that include social mobility and competitive programs; the redesigned Carnegie Classifications recognized Alvernia as a high access, high earnings institution for expanding opportunity alongside strong post-graduation outcomes and the university’s latest student success update reported increased fall enrollment and broad gains in retention, including a 74% first-year retention rate for bachelor’s degree seekers and notable year-over-year improvements for first-generation, Pell-eligible students and students of color.

Prospective students who could not attend Packapalooza can still schedule an individual visit, connect with an admissions counselor or take the next steps to apply and deposit at Alvernia.

Jay Sidhu to deliver ÿ�մ�� 2026 Commencement address

kristopher.nolt@alvernia.edu — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:09:16 +0000

Jay Sidhu to deliver ÿ�մ�� 2026 Commencement address kristopher.nol… Mon, 03/09/2026 - 12:09

Jay Sidhu to deliver ÿ�մ�� 2026 Commencement address

Banking executive and leadership speaker to share message of resilience and authentic leadership with graduates

ÿ�մ�� announces that Jay Sidhu, executive chairman of Customers Bancorp, Inc. and Customers Bank, will serve as the keynote speaker at the university’s 2026 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Santander Arena in downtown Reading.

“Jay Sidhu’s remarkable journey and bold leadership embody the resilience, humility and purpose we strive to instill in every Alvernia graduate,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “His message will inspire the Class of 2026 to lead with integrity, pursue lifelong growth and use their talents to make a meaningful difference in the world.”

A recognized leader in the banking industry, Sidhu has guided organizations through periods of significant growth and transformation. Prior to joining Customers, he served as chairman and CEO of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc., where he led the organization’s expansion from an initial public offering of $12 million to a market cap approaching $12 billion. He is also the author of Never Ever, Ever Give Up and is a frequent speaker on leadership and emotional intelligence, including appearances at United States Military Academy at West Point and global leadership forums.

“I’m honored to join Alvernia for Commencement and celebrate students who have worked hard to achieve an important milestone,” said Sidhu. “I look forward to sharing lessons about resilience, authentic leadership and the responsibility we all have to lift others as we pursue success.”

Sidhu’s connection to Alvernia includes welcoming the university’s incoming first-year and transfer students during fall 2025, where he encouraged the Class of 2029 to “dream big, stay true” and to “never ever, ever give up.”

Recent commencement keynote speakers have included Cherelle L. Parker (2025), George S. Rice Jr. (2024), John R. Loyack (2023), Judy Schwank (2022), Thomas E. Beeman (2020 & 2021), Thomas F. Flynn (2019) and John Hope Bryant (2018).

Alvernia’s 2026 Commencement ceremony will celebrate graduates from May 2026, December 2025 and August 2025. A full schedule of Commencement and recognition events, including baccalaureate and pinning ceremonies, is available on the university’s commencement website.

ÿ�մ��, Schuylkill YMCA cut ribbon on new gymnastics facility

kristopher.nolt@alvernia.edu — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:05:07 +0000

Alvernia, Schuylkill YMCA cut ribbon on new gymnastics facility kristopher.nol… Fri, 03/06/2026 - 09:05

Alvernia, Schuylkill YMCA cut ribbon on new gymnastics facility

Completion of Phases I & II of Pottsville CollegeTowne brings total investment in downtown Pottsville to $8 million

ÿ�մ��, Schuylkill YMCA, and Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) celebrated the ribbon cutting for phase II of the Pottsville CollegeTowne project, marking the completion of a new community-focused expansion at 500 Progress Ave. This project transformed more than 8,000 square feet into the new Schuylkill YMCA gymnastics facility.

“Pottsville CollegeTowne represents the incredible possibilities that arise when innovation, collaboration and community spirit align,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “Today’s ribbon cutting reflects our shared commitment to creating spaces that support wellness, opportunity and connection for Pottsville families and for the students who learn and serve here.”

The expansion was originally announced as a $2.2 million collaboration expected to double YMCA gymnastics participation from 75 to 150 youth while also supporting job creation and new food and beverage activity downtown. Phase II builds on the momentum of phase I, which opened in January 2023 as a 17,000-square-foot academic and community space featuring classrooms, a wet lab and a computer lab with the Bloomberg Terminal, along with community meeting and gathering areas. The completion of both phases represents an $8 million investment in downtown Pottsville.

Across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, independent colleges and universities like Alvernia are part of a $24 billion economic impact, and they return $148 to the economy for every $1 of state investment. In addition to the YMCA partnership, Pottsville CollegeTowne continues to support entrepreneurship and small business growth through the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and ongoing community collaborations. Furthermore, In October, PADCO and the university also debuted the Launch Pottsville III competition, a food innovation-focused initiative designed to activate Alvernia’s kitchen space at 500 Progress Ave. and ultimately strengthen downtown revitalization by investing in entrepreneurs and energizing the local business community.

Pottsville CollegeTowne is part of Alvernia’s CollegeTowne strategy, a model for community revitalization that aligns academic expansion with economic development and community engagement. Alvernia launched the CollegeTowne initiative in Reading in late 2019. Since its launch, Alvernia has completed two phases of Reading CollegeTowne, investing $43 million into the City of Reading by purchasing and renovating the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, a 250,000-square-foot living and learning facility at 401 Penn Street. The university also recently announced the groundbreaking of the American House at Reading CollegeTowne, which will invest another $23 million into downtown Reading.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:02:43 +0000

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 03/04/2026 - 12:02

Pack Dash 5K

jonfassnacht — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:20:53 +0000

Pack Dash 5K jonfassnacht Tue, 03/03/2026 - 12:20

ÿ�մ���

ÿ�մ��� Community Musical: 'Godspell' Opening Night

Biology major turns early college struggles into research success

Inside the Ph.D. – Join a Live Doctoral Class at Alvernia

Future Clinical Counseling Student Night

Criminal Justice grad and retired adjunct continues to serve with bereavement-focused books, support group

Packapalooza fuels momentum as applications, visits and deposits climb

Signature admissions event turns interest into action as Alvernia’s recruitment reach expands

Jay Sidhu to deliver ÿ�մ��� 2026 Commencement address

Banking executive and leadership speaker to share message of resilience and authentic leadership with graduates

ÿ�մ���, Schuylkill YMCA cut ribbon on new gymnastics facility

Completion of Phases I & II of Pottsville CollegeTowne brings total investment in downtown Pottsville to $8 million

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Pack Dash 5K

ÿ�մ��

ÿ�մ�� Community Musical: 'Godspell' Opening Night

Jay Sidhu to deliver ÿ�մ�� 2026 Commencement address

ÿ�մ��, Schuylkill YMCA cut ribbon on new gymnastics facility