Alvernia welcomes third-largest class in university history

2024 marks the fifth consecutive year with over 475 new students

Alvernia University welcomes its third-largest incoming class of over 500 first-year and transfer students to campus. Friday's welcome marked the fifth consecutive year with incoming classes of over 475 students and the third class of over 500 students since 2020.

"By meeting students where they are with a culture of care, adding in-demand programs, expanding experiential learning opportunities and enhancing facilities and the student life experience, Alvernia continues its growth as a regional comprehensive university," said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "Our exceptional faculty, staff, leadership and community partners are lighting a path for our students and the future of the university as we continue to find new ways to match programming with the needs of our community."

Alvernia recently earned the 2024 Leading Colleges Recruitment Award, recognizing the institution's achievements in student recruitment and enrollment management. This accolade, awarded by Leading Colleges to just 37 institutions nationwide, celebrates institutions that demonstrate innovative and effective strategies to attract and enroll students. This comes after the university experienced significant increases in visits and applications during the recruitment cycle and offered forward-thinking workshops around college affordability and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) changes.

"I'm proud of the tremendous work of our enrollment management and student financial services staff who continuously go above and beyond to meet the individual needs of our students and their families," said Alvernia Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Mary-Alice Ozechoski. "We remain committed to finding the right college fit for families and that students are met with the support and resources they need to thrive."

New students were welcomed to campus with a new luminary tradition following an opening convocation and dinner with faculty. Students were paired with mentors, a mixture of upper-class students, alumni, faculty, and staff members who shared similar academic interests and degrees, for a celebratory luminary lighting session in the university's Quad. Mentors presented the incoming students with a unique class medallion that they will carry during their time at Alvernia and wear as part of their academic regalia at their commencement ceremony. While lighting luminaries, students made the first of many connections with mentors who will light the path during their academic journey. Together, the mentors and students light luminaries as students make their first connection with someone who will light their path during their academic journey.

38% of the incoming class is enrolled in programs in the College of Health Sciences, followed by 20% in the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership, 17% in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, 15% in the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences and 5% enrolling in the exploratory program.

69% of the incoming class are from Pennsylvania, 25% are from out-of-state in Ak., Az., Ca., Ct., D.C., De., Ill., Ma., Mi., Md., Nh., Nj., Ny., Oh., R.I. Tx., Va.; and 6% are international students from Brazil, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Guinea, India, Ireland, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia and Sweden. 41% of students identified as students of color, up from 34% last year.

44% of the new students are student-athletes. 184 students participated in athletics in high school, including non-traditional sports like badminton, ping pong, boxing, fishing, ultimate frisbee, jam skating, and gymnastics.

The class also embodies the university's Franciscan roots and service as they have documented extensive service experience and volunteerism, including efforts at Mini-Thon, Animal Rescue of League of Berks County, United Sports Special Education Bowling League, Tower Health, United Food Bank, the U.S. Military.

The academically strong and dedicated class boasts an average GPA of 3.4 and 39% being first-generation college students, up from 30% last year. 66% of the class has elected to live on campus and 34% are commuting. 13 students also have or had family attend Alvernia.|

Other members of the new class include:

• 52 athletic captains
• 41 National Honor Society members
• 34 completed charity work or volunteered
• 29 students in theatre, choir or band
• 18 students with unique employment and internship experiences
• 16 student council members
• Five Girl and Boy Scouts
• Five volunteer firefighters and EMS providers
• Two small-business owners (photographer and lawn care services)
• One Karate Black Belt
• One Chamber Orchestra Top Chair
• One grandchild of an Alvernia Elementary School graduate
• One Operations Squadron Commander with AFJROTC