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Faculty Awards

Lindback Foundation Award - The Lindback Foundation Award for excellence in teaching is awarded to a full-time tenured faculty member with at least 10 years of full-time teaching at Alvernia. Factors considered include excellence performance in teaching, service, and scholarship/research.

Justice, Equity, and Diversity Faculty Award - This award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates and advances the ideals of justice, equity, and diversity in teaching, service, or research and a deep commitment to Catholic social teaching and its emphasis on protecting human dignity.

2026-2027 Senior Scholar

Senior Scholar Award - The Senior Scholar Award is presented to a student who represents the best characteristics that are found in the Alvernia University student body, including a strong interest and commitment to their major, the University, and the community. The award is given to a full-time student who has met the criteria of having senior standing in the fall semester, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.7, and who has completed at least 45 credits at Alvernia University. The student will make a scholarly contribution in their discipline during their senior year in the form of research or other major project guided by a faculty member of her choosing and will speak at next year’s Opening Convocation and Honors Convocation.

Research Recognition

Higher Education Council of Berks County (HECBC) - More than 60 students from Alvernia University attended and presented at the annual Berks County Undergraduate Research & Creativity Conference hosted by the Higher Education Council of Berks County. This conference allows students to share their research and creativity with each other and the community. The conference is open to any undergraduate student seeking an opportunity to share their expertise with other scholars. Students present: Papers, Posters, Visual Art, and Performances. Congratulations to all presenters!

Student Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (SURF)

- The Student Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (SURF) is a real-world learning opportunity for students to experience scholarship, research, or creative processes in collaboration with a Faculty Mentor who models the scholarly process and supports the student’s professional development.

Students are high achieving students with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and spend at least 20 hours per week during the summer collaborating with faculty on their projects. Students also participate in weekly research meetings with their faculty mentors and formally present their work at the end of the summer.

Honors Program

Alvernia University Honors Program - The Alvernia University Honors Program recognizes and encourages academic excellence, offering a variety of challenging interdisciplinary courses and a climate promoting learning. Graduation from the Program requires the completion of designated honors coursework, a minimum grade point average, and the completion and presentation of a Senior Thesis or Project. Today, the following students will receive light blue Honor Cords to wear at commencement signifying this accomplishment.

Latin Honors

Latin Honors is a designation recognizing the academic achievement of graduates throughout their education at Alvernia University according to their Cumulative GPA. Similar to our Latin Honors designation, we also recognize the academic achievement of graduates throughout their education in Alvernia University’s Associate degree programs, according to their cumulative GPA. These honors are distinguished by the wearing of gold honor cords with their academic attire at the Commencement Ceremony.

Summa Cum Laude - students have obtained an overall GPA of 3.90 or higher.

Magna Cum Laude - students have obtained an overall GPA between 3.8 and 3.9.

Cum Laude - students have obtained an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.

With Highest Distinction - students receiving an Associate degree who have obtained an overall GPA of 3.90 or higher.

With High Distinction - students receiving an Associate degree who have an overall GPA between 3.8

With Distinction - students receiving an Associate degree have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Academic Awards

College of Health Sciences

Master of Science in Athletic Training Academic Excellence

Award - This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest-grade point average in the Master of Science in Athletic Training program.

Academic Excellence Award in Healthcare Science - This award is presented to the senior student with the highest-grade point average in the healthcare science major.

Physician Associate Leadership Award - This award is presented to a graduating Physician Associate student who has demonstrated leadership among peers in service to the profession while maintaining high standards of academic and clinical performance.

Health Science Academic Excellence and Service Award - This award is presented to a student in the five-year combined Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program for academic excellence, achieving the highest grade point average at the completion of the undergraduate phase of studies, as well as exemplary service to the university, community, and profession.

Academic Excellence Award - This award is presented to the student who has achieved the highest GPA in the graduating class.

Nursing Excellence Award - This award is presented by the Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society to a graduating senior (traditional pre-licensure program) who best exemplifies the qualities of professional nursing while consistently maintaining high academic achievement.

Spirit of St. Francis Award- RN to BSN

- The Spirit of St. Francis Award is given to a student or students in the Nursing Department who fulfill the motto, "To Learn, To Love, and To Serve. This student(s) demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to conscientious learning, always toward the goal of giving the best care to people, versus achievement to glorify self

College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Digital Media & Multimedia Production Award - This is presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding skills in the creation and design of multimedia production including video, text, graphics, and interactive content.

Professor Elizabeth DeMeo Award for Excellence in Communication - This award is presented to the graduating senior with the highest-grade point average and who demonstrated excellence and extensive participation in activities that promote an interest in the discipline.

Academic Excellence Award - This award is presented to a graduating senior with the highest-grade point average in criminal justice, who holds trye to the mission of the major, stipulated by the faculty of the department.

Outstanding Undergraduate Education Major - This award is presented to a graduating senior who earns the highest-grade point average and demonstrates the greatest accomplishment in the education department.

Theology High Achievement Award - This award is presented to a graduating senior who has maintained a grade point average of 3.5 in Theology, as well as a cumulative grade point average of 3.3.

Political Science High Achievement Award -This award is presented to a graduating senior who has maintained a grade point average of 3.5 in Political Science, as well as a cumulative grade point average of 3.3.

History High Achievement Award - This award is presented to a graduating senior who has maintained a grade point average of 3.5 in History, as well as a cumulative grade point average of 3.3.

Henry Miller Award - Sigma Tau Delta - This award is presented to a graduating Sigma Tau Delta member who best exemplifies the character and intellectual curiosity of an individual who had a love of literature, and appreciation for education, and a question for every answer.

Outstanding Mock Trial Student Competitor - This award recognizes a student who exemplifies civility, justice, and leadership. The student embodies Alvernia's values of collegiality and humility as they provide leadership to their teammates. The award recipient shows their dedication to Mock Trial in their performance in the courtroom and the time committee to preparing the case. Above all, the recipient of this award is an outstanding competitor, dedicated team leader, and an ethically conscious member of the Mock Trial community.

Ph.D. Leadership Award - This award is presented to a Ph.D. student who demonstrates leadership and superior academic performance.

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Award of Excellence - This award is presented for outstanding academic excellence and Franciscan ideals.

George Vogel Addictions and Mental Health Treatment

Academic Excellence Award - This award is presented to a student from out Adult Education in recognition of overall outstanding academic performance.

Internship Excellence Award - This award is presented to a senior who demonstrates exceptional skills in an internship placement.

Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Award of ExcellenceThis award is presented to a graduate in the MACC program for commitment to academic excellence and Franciscan ideals.

Master of Social Work Outstanding Academic Achievement Award - This award is presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates overall outstanding academic performance.

Jane Addams Award for Excellence in Academics, Social Justice, and Service - This award is named in honor of one of the founders of American social work, is bestowed upon a Bachelor of Social Work student showcasing unwavering dedication to superior academic performance, a fervent commitment to social justice, and notable community service. This recipient exemplifies the core values of social work, including service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. When encountering the challenges of their new profession, this student embodies the spirit of Addams, who said: “What after all, has maintained the human race on this old globe despite all the calamities of nature and all the tragic failings of mankind, if not faith in new possibilities, and courage to advocate them?”

College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise

Frances Thomas Award for Outstanding Theatre StudentThis award is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the theatre.

Excellence in Marketing - This award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrated superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishments in Marketing.

Excellence in Sport Management - This award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrated superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishments in Sport Management.

Excellence in Healthcare Administration - This award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrated superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishments in Healthcare Administration.

Excellence in Accounting - This award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrated superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishments in Accounting.

Excellence in Management - This award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrated superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishments in Management.

Excellence in Economics - This award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrated superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishments in Economics.

Excellence in Finance - This award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrated superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishments in Finance.

Master in Business Administration Award of Excellence - This award is given to a graduating MBA student for commitment to academic excellence and Franciscan ideals.

Outstanding Academic Excellence in Engineering AwardThis award is presented to the graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in Engineering.

Outstanding Academic Excellence in Mathematics AwardThis award is presented to the graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in Mathematics.

Outstanding Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity AwardThis award is presented to the graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in Cyber Security.

Outstanding Academic Excellence in Computer Science Award - This award is presented to the graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in Mathematics.

Academic Excellence in Biochemistry Award - This award is presented to a graduating senior who has achieved exceptional academic distinction in Biochemistry and demonstrates outstanding community service and dedication to the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Academic Excellence in Environmental Science Award - This award is presented to a graduating senior who has achieved exceptional academic distinction in Environmental Science and demonstrates outstanding community service and dedication to the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Academic Excellence in Forensic Science Award - This award is presented to a graduating senior who has achieved exceptional academic distinction in Forensic Science and demonstrates outstanding community service and dedication to the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Academic Excellence in Biology Award- This award is Presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in Biology and dedication to the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Graduate & Adult Education

The Comeback Award for Resiliency and Excellence in Graduate and Adult EducationThis award recognizes outstanding Adult Accelerated Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral students who embody the spirit of creating a comeback in their lives. Five students are selected; one from each of Alvernia’s three colleges and one representing each of our healthcare partner programs.

These exceptional awardees have overcome challenges and setbacks through unwavering determination, using education as a transformative path. Their stories reflect resilience, purpose, and the powerful role education can play in changing lives and strengthening communities.

While five students are honored with the award, every nominee is recognized and represents the determination and perseverance that define our adult and graduate learners. The Comeback Award celebrates individuals who turn obstacles into opportunity, demonstrating how resilience and education can transform lives to create lasting impact in families, workplaces, and communities.

University Awards

Penn Entertainment Scholarship - The Penn Entertainment scholarship funding is for veteran and/or active military students who are seeking their undergraduate or graduate degrees at Alvernia. Scholarships

would be awarded to students based on financial needs and academic progress.

St. Ignatius of Loyola Award - The Saint Ignatius Award is bestowed upon a military student who has exemplified selfless service, high moral courage and character, and a commitment to intellectual excellence without expectation of material reward or public recognition.

Thank You for Your Service Award – The Thank You for Your Service Award is a scholarship that supports a current Alvernia student from a military family. It particularly recognizes bravery and dedication towards achieving educational goals. It was created in 2018 and funded by 1995 Alumnus, Rick Adams. Rick is a Senior Finance & Business Leader, who partners with Executive Teams and Functional Leaders to develop and execute strategies that drive topline performance, focusing on increasing profitability and leveraging costs to deliver exceptional earnings.

Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award - This is an award given to a male and a female senior athlete with the highest cumulative GPA.  Its purpose is to encourage, recognize, and reward outstanding academic achievement of an intercollegiate 4-year varsity sport letter winner.

The O'Pake Undergraduate Leadership Award – This is a $500 award, named in honor of former State Senator and Alvernia Trustee Michael O'Pake, is presented to two undergraduate students who have displayed growth as campus leaders by participating in positions of leadership on campus and have inspired others through their leadership talents.

The O'Pake Graduate Fellowship in Leadership – This award is named in honor of former State Senator and Alvernia Trustee Michael O'Pake, this award is given to one or two students in graduate leadership education programs who have demonstrated excellence in their studies and who are actively engaged in research related to leadership studies. Fellows receive a stipend to support research activities related to their academic program

Boscov Collegiate Scholar Award - This award is named in honor of Albert Boscov, a true force in the Reading Community and the first donor towards our Reading Collegiate Scholar Program. This award is given to a graduating member from the Reading Collegiate Scholar Program, in recognition of their academic excellence and engagement both on campus and in the community.

Holleran Center Outstanding Service Award - This award is presented to the graduating senior who has completed the most hours in service to the community. The recipient of this award will receive a monetary award made to a charity of his or her choice.

Holleran Center Community Engagement Award – This award is presented to graduating seniors who have completed 500 hours of service to the community as Alvernia students.

Graduation Award for Excellence in Service – This award is for graduates with at least 300 hours of service as an Alvernia Student. These students were honored at an event held by the Holleran Center. I felt that they needed to be recognized here as well.

Franciscan Servant Leader Certification – Students with this certification have completed the following 6 criteria:

1.) Completed at least 1 service-learning course

2.) Participated in a university wide or Franciscan Service Day

3.) Participated in at least 1 alternative break trip

4.) Served in our local community to address educational needs,

5.) Volunteered with an organization that specialized in serving those who are most vulnerable, and

6.) Volunteered with an organization that specializes in serving sustainability or environmental needs of the community.

The Franciscan Peace and Justice Award - The Franciscan Peace and Justice Award is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates a spirit of service and leadership in academic and co-curricular activities; promotes diversity and respect for all people; is dedicated to engagement in the community, especially with the poor and marginalized; and is actively committed to building a global community rooted in the values of social justice and peace.

Liturgical Service Award – This award d is in recognition of the faithful service and support of our liturgical worship.