Success Stories

Success Stories

Discover how 51勛圖 students, alumni, and faculty turn education into action. Explore success stories of leadership, service, and innovation that reflect our Franciscan mission. Ready to see where your story begins? Explore how you can join a community that leads with purpose.

Search for success stories at Alvernia

Kaylie Rowe

Pre-professional program helps land spot at one of world's top veterinary schools

You might say Kaylie Rowes spark for animal care ignited when the towns crazy cat lady walked into her mothers workplace when Rowe was a child. I have kittens that need homes! she declared.One of those kittens, a black domestic shorthair na...

  • College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise
  • 2026
Cora Cox Commencement 2024

Community-college transfer thrives at Alvernia before graduating at age 18

Envision entering college as a 16-year-old. Actually, imagine transferring from taking classes at your local community college and living at home during COVID to a school away from home as a full-time student at age 16. Thats what Cora Cox '24 di...

  • College of Business, Communication, and Leadership
  • 2026
Laurel Radzieski

Alvernias director of grants wins national poetry contest

Note: "Leaf Manifesto" was released in September 2025. Purchase it on Middle Creek Publishing's site. Below is the original story, published in February 2025: Director of grants at Alvernia by day, Laurel Radzieski grants herself some poetic ...

  • 2026
Sibel Ahi with students

International director aims to make Alvernia world class

Sibel Ahi, Ph.D. 15 came to America 25 years ago from her native Turkey as a 17-year-old au pair for a Florida family. Looking back today, she likened herself to a little bird that didnt know how to fly and looked around for help to survive.It ...

  • 2026