Alvernia’s roots are deep in Catholic heritage and a tradition of service to others which comes from Saint Francis of Assisi. As a college inspired by Franciscan values, we are proud of our students’ diverse racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, on main campus in Reading, at University centers in Pottsville and Philadelphia, and elsewhere in eastern Pennsylvania. Whether a residential undergraduate student or a working professional enrolled in one of our many graduate programs, our students not only gain knowledge and proficiency in their fields of study, they also acquire an understanding of their responsibilities as citizens of their community, nation and world.