Alvernia graduates over 550 during commencement weekend

First cohort of John R. Post School of Engineering graduates

First Alvernia engineering students earn degrees; Philadelphia Mayor Parker offers advice

Alvernia University celebrated more than 550 students in the Class of 2025 with a weekend of ceremonies including commencement at the Santander Arena in downtown Reading, Pa. on Saturday evening.

On Saturday evening, graduates processed through a tunnel of all their professors before taking their seats. President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. welcomed the graduates. In her speech, she also shared the impact stories of several students who lead with conviction and compassion as well as reflected on the last four years she spent with the graduates, first as Provost, then as President.

"For many of the students here today, we started together during the uncertainty of the pandemic... And here we are today, celebrating all that you've accomplished," said Fitzgerald. "In you, all of you, I see the standard by which we ought to measure our own actions. You, our graduates, are the embodiment of what gives us reason to hope. Yes, there is much in the world today that can dishearten us. But alongside the challenges, there are also quiet heroes-like you-lighting the way forward."

She also highlighted the first graduating class of the John R. Post School of Engineering, including Faith Bentz, who is beginning a full-time position with Brentwood Industires, who was one of the founding members of the Alvernia Engineering Advisory Board.

"Faith took a chance on a brand-new program-and today, she becomes one of Alvernia's first engineering graduates," said Fitzgerald. "After interning with Brentwood Industries and learning in the labs that Brentwood so graciously help fund, she now joins their team as a full-time Product Development Engineer, proving that small classes, fruitful partnerships and big dreams are a powerful combination at Alvernia."