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Alvernia Announces New Albert Boscov Award

Apr 26, 2017 • by Alvernia University
Reading Collegiate Scholar Kirsy Rosario (left) speaks with her community mentor Andi Funk, CEO of Cambridge-Lee Industries (right)

Beginning next spring, the Albert Boscov Community Engagement Award will be presented annually to one hard-working Reading Collegiate Scholar, during his or her senior year. Alvernia announced the new award honoring the late Albert Boscov during a special event at Cedar Hill Farm, April 19.

“It’s our hope that the Albert Boscov Community Engagement Award will give us an annual opportunity to remember and honor one of Reading’s finest citizens,” said President Thomas F. Flynn, Ph.D.

Among other impressive achievements, Albert Boscov founded Our City Reading to restore abandoned houses in downtown Reading, opened the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, the GoggleWorks apartments, and a five star hotel — all designed to bring people back into the city he loved.

“Three years ago, Albert Boscov helped Alvernia financially launch a special full-scholarship program for students from the City of Reading,” said Flynn. “Since then, the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program has helped scores of students get into colleges of their choice, including two cohorts that are doing remarkably well at Alvernia.”

The Reading Collegiate Scholars Program offers intensive college readiness for high school students and full scholarships to attend Alvernia University. The program is unique in that it provides a solid bridge for students throughout their college careers, empowering them to thrive in college and graduate to become successful professionals and committed servant-leaders in the community.

The university is funding four-year, half-tuition scholarships out of its annual operating budget, and is actively seeking local businesses and donors to fund the other half scholarship as an investment in the Greater Reading community and its future.

“This is a significant commitment for Alvernia, especially as we expand the program to reach our goal of 40 scholarships annually,” said Flynn. “But the potential to change lives is incredibly significant. And the return on investment for our community, as Al Boscov understood, is unmatchable.”

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