Alvernia University Alumni

09/02/2026

Alvernia University's Women's Council Invest in Yourself Leadership Summit is right around the corner! As we get closer, we are going to introduce our fabulous speakers and event sponsors. Michelle Conway will be joining us as a keynote speaker with her presentation, "Design A Life You Are Excited to Wake Up For."

In this interactive session, you'll explore three practical ways to apply design thinking to your own future. Drawing from the book Designing Your Life, positive psychology, and neuroscience, you'll leave with evidence-based tools to prototype possibilities, make more intentional decisions, and build a future that feels meaningful, aligned, and fulfilling.

Register now for the Invest in Yourself Summit here: https://alvernia.edu/womens-council

08/31/2026

Alvernia University's Women's Council Invest in Yourself Leadership Summit is right around the corner! As we get closer, we are going to introduce our fabulous speakers and event sponsors. Crystal Gillmore Harris will be joining us and presenting, "How Do You Show Up Every Day?"

During this session participants will leave with a greater understanding that how they show up everyday matters. They will recognize the power of their attitude, choices, consistency, appearance, communication, and actions—and understand that showing up is not simply about being physically present, but about being intentional, accountable, and willing to give their best.

Register now for the Invest in Yourself Summit here: https://alvernia.edu/womens-council

08/28/2026

Alvernia University's Women's Council Invest in Yourself Leadership Summit is coming soon! As we get closer, we are going to introduce our fabulous speakers and event sponsors. We will be welcoming Crystal Rance with her presentation, "Mom Truths - The SH No One Talks About."

As women, we’re often expected to have it all together. We say, “I’m fine,” while carrying stories no one else sees.

In this interactive workshop, author Crystal Rance explores how authenticity shapes the way we lead, build trust, and create meaningful connections both personally and professionally. Through personal storytelling, audience reflection, and engaging discussion, attendees will discover how embracing authenticity strengthens relationships and inspires the kind of leadership that encourages others to show up as their whole selves.

Participants will leave with practical insights a renewed perspective on authentic leadership, and the confidence to create spaces where honesty, trust, and connection can thrive.

Register for the Invest in Yourself Summit here: https://alvernia.edu/womens-council

08/26/2026

Alvernia University's Women's Council Invest in Yourself Leadership Summit is coming soon! As we get closer, we are going to introduce our fabulous speakers and event sponsors. We will be welcoming Verna Delong '17 with her session, "Her Money Story: Steps to Financial Freedom"

In this session, attendees will learn about financial planning, establish financial goals, and more. Her approach is practical, encouraging, and grounded in a simple belief: financial confidence isn't about having a perfect financial situation—it's about having a plan, understanding your choices, and taking the next right step.

Register for the Invest in Yourself Summit here: https://alvernia.edu/womens-council

08/24/2026

Alvernia University's Women's Council Invest in Yourself Leadership Summit is coming soon! As we get closer, we are going to introduce our fabulous speakers and event sponsors. We will be welcoming Kristi Gage-Linderman with her presentation, "Permission to Lead: Stop Shrinking Yourself."

Women often spend years minimizing their voices, doubting their abilities, or waiting until they feel "ready" before stepping into new opportunities. This presentation will challenge women to recognize the ways they unknowingly hold themselves back and encourages them to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. Through personal stories, practical insights, and moments of reflection, attendees will leave empowered to stop apologizing for who they are, embrace their strengths, and give themselves permission to take up space—in their careers, their communities, and their lives. Whether you're just beginning your journey or leading at the highest level, this session offers encouragement and actionable tools to help you move forward with greater confidence and courage.

Register for the Invest in Yourself Summit here: https://alvernia.edu/womens-council

08/20/2026

Alvernia University's Women's Council Invest in Yourself Leadership Summit is coming soon! As we get closer we are going to introduce our fabulous speakers and event sponsors. We are looking forward to welcoming our opening Keynote speaker - Kat Ketter, with her presentation on "Start with you: The Power of Putting Yourself First." To register for the Leadership Summit, visit: https://www.alvernia.edu/womens-council
At 36, Katherine “Kat” Ketter survived a heart attack that forced her to reassess her life. From the outside, her life looked full and successful. The reality was different. She had spent years pouring into her career, her responsibilities, and everyone around her, while quietly neglecting her own health and well-being. Like so many women, Kat had been taught to invest in everything that could be seen, including her education, her career, and her financial stability. She had not been taught to invest in the things that sustain it all: her health, her well-being, and her self-confidence.
In this deeply personal keynote, Kat shares how that moment became a turning point. It reshaped not only how she defined success but provided a second chance at life. Through her journey of losing more than 100 pounds, rebuilding her health, and reconnecting with herself, she offers a powerful truth. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but instead is the foundation for everything else in your life.

08/18/2026

Alvernia University's Women's Council is looking forward to our Invest In Yourself Leadership Summit on Friday, September 11th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Topics include: The Power of Putting Yourself First, Mom Truths, Level Up Your Leadership, and more! The summit is open to all who would like to attend. For more information and to register visit: https://alvernia.edu/womens-council.

08/13/2026

This is the exact classroom that veteran Corey McNear '11, DMD, took a final exam ONE DAY after his daughter, Madison, was born in 2011.

“She was born on May 10 during my final exam week,” McNear recalled. “We were in the hospital, and she was born one day and then the next day I had to go in and take a final.”

It takes a village, not only to raise a child, but to go back to college. Following an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps after serving from 2002-2006 straight out of high school, McNear’s focus turned to higher education. He started at BTI and transferred to Alvernia to earn his biology degree.

Not only did he have the full support of his wife, but also of Alvernia.

“I was already kind of assuming that I would need some extra help to catch up on things that I kind of didn’t work on when I was in high school,” he admitted. “There was a strong tutoring system and the teachers were really helpful.”

Upon graduating from Alvernia, McNear went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University College of Medicine in Downers Grove, Ill. Today, McNear is in his 10th year practicing dentistry at Nolt Dental in Ephrata, Lancaster County.

"Alvernia has certainly demonstrated that they care about providing a good education. They’re constantly investing in the school and they’ve come a long way even since I’ve graduated.”

What has not changed, though, is Alvernia's support for veterans and adult students seeking to pursue their passions.

08/11/2026

Join us as we celebrate the life and joyful spirit of Polly.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Francis Hall at Alvernia University.

This will be a true celebration, and guests are encouraged to wear bright colors—no black, please.

The service will be livestreamed, with the link shared closer to the date. Memorial gifts may be made to Alvernia University’s Hope Fund in honor of Polly’s deep commitment to Alvernia students and service to others.

08/10/2026

It's going to be a great year at Alvernia!

Milestone marks the seventh consecutive year with over 475 new students Alvernia University will welcome the largest class in university history this fall, with enrollment …