Alvernia College
With a commitment to service and belief in environmental sustainability, Alvernia University’s institutional identity is informed by Franciscan intellectual and artistic traditions. Alvernia aims for practical, spiritual, and moral intellects who contribute to and serve their communities with grace and charity. The Bernardine Sisters were inspired by the missionary spirit.
Led by Franciscan ideals and the idea of “knowledge joined with love,” and with roots in the Catholic and liberal arts traditions, Alvernia is a tough, kind, and all inclusive place to learn that cares about academic excellence, as well as to nurturing:
- Widely educated, whole life learners;
- Thoughtful professionals and concerned people;
- And trustworthy leaders with good ideals.
History of the University
A teachers seminary for the education of the Sisters was created in 1926, forming the roots that were to become Alvernia University. After 32 years, the school became a four-year liberal arts college in 1958. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania gave a charter to Alvernia in 1960.
Educational offerings and enrollment have increased at the university since then. Alvernia soon opened its doors to female students from the laity; the first male students were enrolled in 1971, even though it began as a college for the Bernardine Sisters.
Currently, Alverina has a co-ed enrollment of 3,000, which is up from their initial size of 23 freshmen and 8 sophomores in 1958. Associate's degrees, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing are granted by Alvernia.
The graduate programs, added in 1999, include seven master’s degrees (MA, MBA, MED, MSOT, MA-Community Counseling, MALS, MSN), and a recently added Ph.D leadership program.
It received its university status on September 25, 2008 and became known as Alvernia University.