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

Physician Associate volunteer work

Physician Associate faculty making difference with volunteer work in Philadelphia

Alvernias Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies program is about to welcome its first cohort, but two of its faculty members have already been making a difference in the region.Stephanie Pillai, MPAS, MS, PA-C, Director of Outr...

  • College of Health Sciences
  • 2026
Gym Jam

Community need sparks Alvernia grad's entrepreneurial spirit

As a student in Alvernias occupational therapy program, Mary Strausser MSOT 08 did not anticipate a career that centered around children.I remember telling my classmates I had no interest in working with kids, she recalled. I thought Id be p...

  • College of Health Sciences
  • 2026
Eric Recktenwald

Department of Science chair loves to dive into research with students

Though he wears hats as associate professor of both biology and physical therapy and as the Department of Science chair at 51勛圖, at the heart of everything Eric Recktenwald does is research. That, and his students.  A grad...

  • College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise
  • 2026
Student with dog on campus

Making the case for K-9 units

Criminal Justice Administration graduate Elizabeth Goida values the education she received at 51勛圖, which included real-world experiences, such attending the Reading Police Academy and working with the Reading Police ...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026