Alvernia University Graduate & Adult Education

Happy National Financial Awareness Day! Today, we celebrate the importance of financial literacy and planning a secure future for your education. At Alvernia University, we're committed to serving our students information to secure the necessary financial resources to meet their educational goals and financial obligations to the university.

The Office of Student Financial Services is located in 114 Bernardine Hall, Reading, PA 19607. You can reach them Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm, via phone at 610-796-8201 & via email at [email protected].

Visit their site, here: https://www.alvernia.edu/admissions-aid/office-student-financial-services

Let's keep learning and growing together!

Introducing G*E: Rachel Gerrity

“The people! Everyone in G*E is so driven towards helping students succeed, it’s such an inspiration,” says current MACC student and Graduate Assistant, Rachel. Rachel has been with Graduate & Adult Education since July 2022. She came to Alvernia for the Franciscan values and for the CACREP accreditation and has stayed because of her professors and her program cohort. One thing she would like someone who is thinking of going back to school to know is, “Keep an open dialogue with your professors. They are here to help and support you!” When Rachel is not helping the team in the office, you can catch her trying to find her old playlist of songs she would ice skate to if she made the Olympic Team – both solo and pairs (she’s thought a lot about this). She has an encyclopedic knowledge of a German musical that has never been performed in the US and if she ever owned a yacht, it would be called Pirates of the Caribbean 6.

We are so fortunate to have Rachel on our team!

Have questions for Rachel? Reach out to our email at [email protected]!

Breaking News: Alvernia University's Office of Graduate and Adult Education earns the 2024 Empowering Women Award from Lehigh Valley Business and Central Penn Business Journal!

In G*E's focus on non-traditional students, the vast majority of that population is women, and a large number of those women are primary caregivers holding their family's financial responsibility. We know that when we remove barriers to lift up and empower women, those women excel in their career, are better able to support their families and communities, and become agents of positive change.

Read the full story here: https://www.alvernia.edu/news/2024/08/alvernia-earns-recognition-empowering-women

Introducing G*E: Allison Blair Snyder, M.A.

Alli has been in her current role as an Admissions Advisor for Graduate & Adult Education for almost 2 years, but she has been a part of the Alvernia community for much longer. “For me, Alvernia is a place that I have grown up in and will always call home. Since I was 17 years old as an undergraduate student, through earning my master's degree and teaching as an adjunct professor, the people here have held me, rooted for me, and picked me back up again. I now stand as a supported and empowered peer with professors, colleagues, and the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters who have become like family,” says Alli. A highlight of her role so far has been standing on stage at this year's Honors Convocation and presenting the very first group of recipients for our newly established The Comeback Award for Resiliency and Excellence in Graduate and Adult Education.

Alli wants people who are thinking of going back to school to know, “If you have the calling in your heart to pursue an education, follow it. It will not be easy; in fact, it might be one of the most challenging endeavors you may face. But the person you need to become to do the work and complete your degree, in my experience, is the best version of who you are capable of becoming.” When Alli is not hard at work enrolling students and expanding the visibility of the G*E mission, she is doing her Ph.D. homework, curled up in the aisle of a bookstore reading fantasy, or learning ASL with her kids.

We are so thankful to have Allison in G*E!

Have questions for Alli? Reach her via email at [email protected]!

Click to schedule an appointment with Alli: https://calendly.com/allisonblairsnyder/advising?month=2024-06

Introducing G*E: Timothy Kast

When asked what Tim would say to someone who is thinking of Creating Their Comeback, he says, “Tomorrow is never guaranteed. Follow your dreams today!” As Graduate & Adult Education’s newest team member, Tim has been with Alvernia for 1.5 months as the Director of Student Success. He truly enjoys supporting students in reaching their goals of earning a college degree. “Alvernia’s mission and core values align with me professionally and personally. Its reputation for partnering with the Berks County community is widely known and admired,” Tim says. When Tim is not helping students achieve their degrees, he’s daydreaming about owning a yacht named The U.S.S. Echo (after his dog), wishing he could visit Yellowstone Ranch, and reciting 80’s/90’s trivia.

We are so happy to have Tim join G*E!

Have questions for Tim? Reach out to him via email at [email protected]!

Tonight! 5:30pm Live on Zoom
Join us for "Demystifying the Dissertation," designed to guide and inspire you on your journey to complete your Ph.D. in Leadership.
The biggest unknown when considering and completing a Ph.D. is the Dissertation. Here at Alvernia, we're reframing what it looks like to do this empowering and important work as part of a supportive, structured, and highly experienced community!
Link to register below.

Happy International Self Care Day! Today, we honor the importance of taking care of ourselves - body, mind, and soul. Remember to prioritize self-care and treat yourself with love and kindness. You deserve it!

Introducing G*E: Missy Orlando

Why Alvernia? Missy believes that the staff, the Mission, and the impact that we provide for those who engage with us make Alvernia special. Missy has been with Graduate & Adult Education for 2 years as the Executive Director, Business & Partnership Development. “Interacting with a variety of leaders in multiple industries and helping to upskill their workforce,” is what she likes most about her role. Missy also believes that learning is a lifetime opportunity and that you are never too old to learn, “Curiosity is the spice of life!” When Missy is not working to connect Alvernia University and businesses together, she’s planning breakfast for dinner, daydreaming of visiting Oz, and knowing that she would make the next Olympic softball team.

We love the smiles that Missy brings to everyone’s faces!

If you or your company would like to become a strategic partner of Alvernia’s and receive tuition discounts for all your employees, please reach out to Missy via email at [email protected]!

🌧️🌩️ Despite the downpour, our Summer Happy Hour last Wednesday was a blast! We had a great time interacting with both current and new graduate students and talking about how to get involved with the GSA. Check out the link in our bio to learn more about the Graduate Student Association! 🌟

We're excited to launch the Drone Operations Academy in the brand new AccelerateAU format through our partnership with DARTdrones Flight School. Learn more and secure your spot today: https://www.alvernia.edu/academics/academy/alvernia-university-drone-operations-academyhttps://www.alvernia.edu/academics/academy/alvernia-university-drone-operations-academy

Alvernia launches Drone Operations Academy through new partnership with DARTdrones University to offer hands-on training August 10-11 at Reading Campus Alvernia University launches the Drone Operations Academy in partnership with DARTdrones' Professional Wings Program. The academy is part of Alvernia’s new AccelerateAU Program, which delivers cutting-edge non-credit certificate...

One more week to register for this free virtual information session to learn about Alvernia's Post-Baccalaureate Athletic Training program! Our faculty will provide an overview of the program, discuss career outlooks, and answer any questions you may have.

Please register to attend this FREE event, here: https://www.alvernia.edu/events/2024/07/msat-virtual-information-session

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to advance your career or a recent graduate eager to develop your leadership skills, this Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Virtual Information Session is tailored to meet your needs.

Register for this FREE event, here: https://www.alvernia.edu/events/2024/07/master-arts-organizational-leadership-virtual-information-session

*E

Introducing G*E: Kelly Burr

“Amazing faculty and staff, commitment to the community, and guided by its core values; service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality,” is why Kelly loves Alvernia University. Kelly has worked at Alvernia since 2013 and is the Director of Graduate Enrollment for Graduate & Adult Education. Out of everything she does, she enjoys working with the students and faculty the most. Kelly would like someone who is thinking of Creating Their Comeback to know, “You can do it and we are here to help!” Kelly surprises most with her secret talent of calligraphy, her dream fictional place to visit, Orbit City, and if she had a yacht, the name would be The Sun Catcher.

We are so grateful for the knowledge that Kelly brings to G*E!

Have questions for Kelly? Reach out to her via email at [email protected]!

Click to schedule an appointment with Kelly: https://calendly.com/burr000006/

Join our experienced faculty for this free virtual information session to learn more about Alvernia's Post-Baccalaureate Athletic Training program. Our faculty will provide an overview of the program, discuss career outlooks, and answer any questions you may have.

Please register to attend this FREE event, here: https://www.alvernia.edu/events/2024/07/msat-virtual-information-session

Introducing G*E: Phillip Gonzales

“It’s more than a school, it’s a community,” says Phil when asked about Alvernia University. Phil has been with G*E as the Assistant Director of Admissions for the Philadelphia Region for almost 3 years now. He recently got his Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from AU and wants others who are going back to school to know, “Take it one step at a time, everyone is feeling the same amount of anxiousness as you are.” When he is not helping students get enrolled in courses, he enjoys making music, eating brunch with his family, and knowing that he would dominate in boxing at the Olympics…Berks Edition.

We’re proud to have Phil on our team!

Have questions for Phil? Reach out to him via email at [email protected]!

Click to schedule an appointment with Phil: https://calendly.com/alverniaphil/30min?month=2024-06

Graduate & Adult Education continues to help Philadelphia students Create Their Comeback!

On June 27th, Alvernia University and Deliverance Church hosted a BBQ for the community. Assistant Director of Admissions for the Philadelphia Region, Phillip Gonzales, and Director of Student Success, Timothy Kast, met with Harcum graduates to discuss transfer options and faculty from our Social Work program were able to speak with already accepted and incoming students. Senator Sharif Street was also in attendance and complimented everyone's work in the community.

We are so proud to be a part of this pack!

*E

Introducing G*E: Paige Lengel

“For me, all paths lead back to Alvernia. As a proud two-time Alvernia alum (BSW ’16 and MBA ’18), I eagerly took the opportunity to return to the University that has given me so much,” says Paige when asked, why Alvernia? Paige has been with G*E since November 2023 as an Admissions Advisor for Pottsville CollegeTowne. She loves to help students succeed and meet their goals. Paige says, “Don’t be afraid to seek support! Don’t hesitate to use Alvernia resources available to you, such as our Academic Success Center, Library, and online writing resources like Grammarly Premium! Building a support network with peers and professors can also provide the guidance and the encouragement you need.” When Paige isn’t assisting Graduate and Adult Students, she’s wishing she could dive into the world of Pandora from Avatar, eat breakfast for dinner, and win the gold in archery at the Olympics. “It’s a sport that requires precision and focus, which aligns well with my interest in retaining information, plus archery has an elegance to it that I think is very fitting.”

We are so lucky to have Paige on our team!

Have questions for Paige? Reach out to her via email at [email protected]!

Click to schedule an appointment with Paige: https://calendly.com/paigepottsvillecollegetowne/30min?back=1&month=2023-12

Join Alvernia's Graduate Student Association for our Summer Networking and Happy Hour event!

All summer and fall accepted graduate students, as well as graduate program applicants, are welcome. Connect with our community of current Grad students, find inspiration for your path ahead, and meet peers in your program! RSVP today, link in bio ☀️😎🧉

Join the Master of Science in Technology & Engineering Management's Program Director, Department Chair of the John R. Post School of Engineering, and Admissions Advisor for a virtual session on EM During the Time of Covid.

Register for this free virtual session, here: https://www.alvernia.edu/events/2024/05/engineering-management-during-time-covid

Introducing G*E: Stephanie Christmann

“The size of the school and the student body feels like home,” says Stephanie when asked, why Alvernia? “The majority of our G*E staff have families, are pursuing advanced degrees, are teaching, and/or helping to support a family. Our experiences combined with the knowledge of higher education make Alvernia a great option for adults looking to come back to school.” Stephanie has worked in Graduate & Adult Education for a year and a half as the Online Admissions Advisor. She loves to talk through her experience in education to support students in theirs. “I am always transparent and want the very best for every student,” Stephanie exclaims. When asked what she would like people who are thinking of going back to school to know, Stephanie says, “It will be hard, but it’s just another hurdle in life that you have to conquer. Your biggest motivator needs to be yourself, not anyone else.” When Stephanie is not admitting students, she’s definitely not doing the high dive in the Olympic games (she would compete in the shortest running distance possible – she’s fast!), wishing she could wander into Narnia, and thinking of what to eat for tomorrow’s breakfast.

We are so lucky for the experience that Stephanie brings to Alvernia!

Have questions for Stephanie? Reach out to her via email at [email protected]!

Click to schedule an appointment with Stephanie: https://calendly.com/schristmannau/30min?month=2024-06

Graduate & Adult Education are proud to be Golden Wolves. Tune in tomorrow for the beginning of a very special series!

Happy International Women in Engineering Day!

We're excited for our new Master of Science in Technology and Engineering Management program to begin this fall and can't wait to see all that the women who are enrolled in the program do!

Apply for TEM here: https://www.alvernia.edu/academics/grad/technology-engineering-management

Alvernia alum promoted to major by veteran alum aunt Maj. Leon I. Geiger '13, M.A. '23 taking the Oath of Office administered by his aunt Col. Deborah Q. Geiger '83.Historical on-campus ceremony held at university’s newly revamped Veterans Center When Alvernia University alum and United States Army Captain Leon I. Geiger ’13, M.A. ’23 found out...

Join us for an exciting afternoon discussing engineering management in the age of I4.0!

Sign up for this free virtual session, here: https://www.alvernia.edu/events/2024/05/engineering-management-age-i40-virtual-session

Join us tonight:
-Learn about our new Master's in Technology and Engineering Management program!
-Advance your career and expand your future!

Join TEM Director, Dr. Brian Galli, Department Chair of the John R. Post School of Engineering, Dr. Joseph Mahoney, and Admissions Advisor, Brienne Henninger, for a virtual information session discussing all things TEM!

Register for this free session, here: https://ow.ly/Hqzr50RSq3W

Join TEM Director, Dr. Brian Galli, Department Chair of the John R. Post School of Engineering, Dr. Joseph Mahoney, and Admissions Advisor, Brienne Henninger, for a virtual information session discussing all things TEM!

Register for this free session, here: https://ow.ly/Hqzr50RSq3W

Happy Pride Month to ALL!

Links to Resources:

Allied: https://ow.ly/JP5h50Sb4kY
Dr. Darryl Mace: https://ow.ly/zAnq50Sb4kL
Health & Wellness Center: https://ow.ly/KxjK50Sb4kK
Timely Care: https://ow.ly/BWxK50Sb4kI
LGBT Center of Greater Reading: https://ow.ly/OFsi50Sb4kO

🌞Attention current and incoming graduate students!🍹

Give yourself a breather from your summer studies and come hang out with us in the sunshine at our Summer Happy Hour! Unwind and recharge with refreshing drinks, delectable bites, and vibrant music 🎶

Scan the QR code to RSVP today!