(READING, PA) – Alvernia University presented the 2017 Saint Bonaventure Award in Teaching and the Rabbi Alan Weitzman Award for Community Service at a Seniors College reception on April 25. Rev. Elton Richards received the Saint Bonaventure Award for Teaching, and Deanna Reuben ’79 was honored with the Rabbi Alan Weitzman Award.
The Saint Bonaventure Award in Teaching was established to honor an individual for personal commitment to the Alvernia University Seniors College as a volunteer faculty member. A resident of the Highlands of Wyomissing — where many Seniors College classes are held — Rev. Richards has taught religion and history courses for the College for 10 years. His thoughtful courses on American history cover topics like Hitler’s rise to power, World War I and the Harding administration.
The Rabbi Alan Weitzman award recognizes civic-mindedness, and those who encourage others to give of themselves through exceptional service to the community, in honor of Rabbi Weitzman’s remarkable life-long commitment to addressing the needs of others, as well as his service as the longtime director of the Alvernia Seniors College.
Inspired by the Bernardine Sisters who impacted her life while she was an adult student at Alvernia, Deanna Reuben has made serving the community a life priority. In addition to dual careers in music and real estate, she has served many Greater Reading organizations, such as the Family Services Agency, Berks Women in Crisis, and Berks Classical Children’s Chorus. For the last three years, Reuben has taught healthy vocal techniques to members of Alvernia’s senior women’s chorus, the Vintage Voices.
Sponsored by Alvernia University, the Seniors College offers senior citizens an opportunity for life-long learning, covering a myriad of topics such as classic literature, finance, religion, history, art and technology. Seniors College members attend lectures, athletic events, and use the library and fitness center at the university. Volunteer teachers come from Alvernia faculty, area professionals, and the community at large.
