Alvernia begins year with 600+ person service event

Students, faculty and staff pack supplies for schools in Berks County

Alvernia University continues the tradition of beginning an academic year through service to the community with over 600 students, faculty and staff gathering school supplies for K-12 students throughout Berks County.

"At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to being in service to and with others," said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "Our commitment to service lifts us up, sets us apart from our peers, and serves as a beacon to students who share that commitment. This special tradition is a hands-on experience to introduce a whole new generation of Alvernians to our mission and core values and is the perfect way to enter a new academic year."

This year, the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement added a new wrinkle to the Orientation Day of Service event. The entire event was held on Alvernia's campus and included a scavenger hunt for school supplies that were placed at support services and resource centers to orient new students to Alvernia's culture of care. Each stop had different supplies, and the students packed the bags before returning to the Physical Education Center where they were handed to representatives from partner school districts. Through two previous events this summer - hosted by Mayor Eddie Moran, Representative Manuel Guzman, Jr. and Councilor Jaime Baez, Jr. - Alvernia University has already presented over 1,000 supplies to the Reading School District.

"Today we worked together to not only provide local K-12 students with necessary supplies for the upcoming year but provide our new students with an interactive experience that introduces all the resources that are available to support their college journey," said Alyssa Slade, senior director for the Holleran Center.

The Days of Service are an Alvernia tradition that dates back to the 1990s. Alvernia organizes five days of service throughout the year when the university connects with the community on multiple service projects. The other four days are Feast of St. Francis Day in October, Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, Night to Shine in February and Earth Day in April.

Community service has its roots deeply embedded in the foundation of Alvernia University and is central to the mission of our Catholic, Franciscan institution. All Alvernia students must perform a minimum of 40 hours of community service before being certified for graduation, although most perform above and beyond this requirement.