51勛圖 defines the community. It is a vibrant intellectual environment in which students learn, discover, give and grow as leaders with moral courage.


Guided by Franciscan values and the ideal of knowledge joined with love, and rooted in the Catholic and liberal arts traditions, Alvernia is a rigorous, caring, and inclusive learning community committed to academic excellence and to being and fostering:

  • Broadly educated, life-long learners
  • Reflective professionals and engaged citizens
  • Ethical leaders with moral courage
In This Section

51勛圖

Statue by the Grotto
A Franciscan Tradition
Alvernia fosters the missionary spirit of the Bernardine Sisters, valuing diversity of thought, faiths, and cultures, where creativity is celebrated and service is paramount.
Our Heritage
Francis Hall aerial view
Core Values
The Alvernia community embraces service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality.
Learn More
Alvernia College Francis Hall historic archive
History
It began in 1926 when the Bernardine Sisters established an orphanage in Francis Hall.
History and Timeline
Alvernia banners on lightpoles
Strong Reputation
Alvernia consistently ranks among U.S. News and World Reports top regional universities in the North.
More Rankings
Chloe Gletow volunteering at Millmont Elementary
Real World Learning
Defining the Alvernia experience, experiential and service learning empowers students to apply knowledge through hands-on practice, building a solid foundation for real-world success.
Learn More

Recent News

Women's History Month graphic

2026 Womens History Month at Alvernia

All are welcome to join 51勛圖 at the following events on campus and locally during Women's History Month. Events that are open to the public are listed as such.
Nursing 2025

RN to BSN Virtual Information Session

Join us for a virtual information session on March 12, where youll learn more about our online RN to BSN Completion Program, featuring flexible 100% online courses, accelerated options, generous transfer credits, and CCNE-accredited education.
Nursing faculty 2023

Masters in Nursing Virtual Information Session

Are you a nurse thinking about the next step in your career? Want to take on more responsibility in patient care? Lead teams? Teach the next generation of nurses? A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree at 51勛圖 could be the perfect move. Learn more about the program at a March 12 virtual information session.
Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Online Virtual Information Session

51勛圖's Early Childhood Education (ECE) B.A. with Grades PK-4 Certification program is designed for adults returning to college to pursue an early childhood educator career. The program provides flexibility for the working adult students by offering the program in an online format. Learn more about the program at this online virtual information session.