Success Stories

Success Stories

The Alvernia Impact

Discover how ÿÈÕ´óÈü students, alumni, and faculty turn education into action. Explore success stories of leadership, service, and innovation that reflect our Franciscan mission. Ready to see where your story begins? Explore how you can join a community that leads with purpose.

 

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Dominic Murgido

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

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 fa...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026
Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. and LeeAnn Smulligan MBA ’09, Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. T’s Pierogies

Industry-focused faculty fuel COO’s career trajectory

Industry-focused faculty fuel COO’s career trajectoryWhen LeeAnn Smulligan MBA ’09 walks into a room, people listen, not solely because of her title, but because of the way she leads. With more than two decades at Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Smulligan has...

  • College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise
  • 2026
Eric Turman, principal of Reading High School, addresses students at forum.

Advanced education provides partnership opportunity serving Reading students

Eric Turman is Reading High School’s principal, serving the calling of preparing students for success in adulthood. His journey began at Alvernia, graduating in 1997 with his undergraduate degree in Education, securing his Master’s in Education in...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026
Chris deGruchy

Love of learning, philanthropy leads alumnus to success in business and life

After Sgt. Christopher deGruchy ’93 MBA ’05 returned from a four-year tour in the U.S. Army, the Philadelphia native enrolled at Alvernia to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. Committed to continuing his education after hig...

  • College of Business, Communication, and Leadership
  • 2026