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Alvernia welcomes largest class in university history

by Alvernia University

Aug 22, 2022
Alvernia University's Class of 2026

Nearly 600 first-year and transfer students matriculate for the fall semester

Alvernia University welcomes the third straight largest class of nearly 600 students to campus, many comprising the Alvernia University Class of 2026.

“We are honored to yet again serve our largest incoming class in our history as we continue to elevate our academic and student life experience on our way to creating a world-class regional comprehensive university in eastern Pennsylvania,” said Alvernia University President John R. Loyack. “With the continued expansion with phase two of Reading CollegeTowne and Pottsville CollegeTowne set to open in the spring semester, along with the ever-growing and diverse student body, it is going to be an exceptional academic year.”

The class welcomes the first students set to enroll in the brand-new physician associate program as well as the university’s first NCAA men’s ice hockey, women’s bowling and triathlon athletes. The university also welcomes the largest class of Reading Collegiate Scholars students.

70% of the incoming class of first-year and transfer students are from Pennsylvania and 25 students are international students from Brazil, Canada, Ghana, Ireland and Saudi Arabia.

The new students also embody the university’s roots in Franciscan-based community service as they have documented extensive service experience and volunteerism including efforts in international health care, the Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Make a Wish Foundation, Walk for Cure, coaching, gardening, donating shoes to children in need and more.

The academically strong and dedicated class boasts an average SAT score of over 1090, with 48% also being student-athletes and 31% identifying as first-generation college students. 72% of the class has elected to live on campus.

Here are some other interesting facts about the Class of 2026:

  • 30 students who have family members who attended Alvernia
  • 22 team captains
  • 11 Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts
  • Two volunteer firefighters
  • Two school mascots
  • One county athlete
  • One member of the International Street and Ball Hockey USA Team
  • One bagpiper
  • One padel player who played in Mexico
  • One horse trainer
  • One YouTuber

Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university with a liberal arts foundation founded by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1958. The university serves over 3,000 students in Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia with a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts education, strong technical training in many high demand majors, ever-expanding experiential learning opportunities through study abroad and internship experiences and community engagement through its Franciscan-based community service model.

Alvernia University’s Class of 2026

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