Students, teachers and staff pack classroom materials for schools in Berks County
Alvernia University continues the tradition of starting an academic year with community service as over 600 students, faculty and staff collect school supplies for students in grades K-12 throughout Berks County.
“At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to serve and partner with others,” said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “Our commitment to service sets us apart, distinguishes us from our peers, and serves as a beacon for students who share that commitment. This special tradition is a hands-on experience to introduce a whole new generation of Alvernia citizens to our mission and core values, and is the perfect way to start a new academic year.”
This year, the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement put a new spin on Orientation Day of Service. The entire event took place on Alvernia’s campus and included a scavenger hunt for school supplies placed at support services and resource centers to introduce new students to Alvernia’s culture of care. Each stop had different supplies, and students packed the bags before returning to the Physical Education Center where they were presented to representatives from partner school districts. At two previous events this summer – hosted by Mayor Eddie Moran, Assemblyman Manuel Guzman, Jr. and Councilman Jaime Baez, Jr. – Alvernia University has already presented over 1,000 supplies to Reading School District.
“Today we worked together to not only equip local students with the materials they need for the upcoming year, but also to provide our new students with an interactive experience introducing them to all the resources available to them on their journey to college,” said Alyssa Slade, executive director of 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 in which the university partners with the community on several service projects. The other four days are St. Francis Day in October, Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, Night to Shine in February, and Earth Day in April.
Community service is deeply rooted in the founding of Alvernia University and is central to the mission of our Catholic, Franciscan institution. All Alvernia students are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service before being admitted to graduate, although most complete more than required.
