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Students recognized for impact on the student body 

18 Â鶹ÊÓƵ students were honored at the Student Leadership Recognition Luncheon on Sunday, May 3, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading. The ceremony honors student leaders who have left their mark on campus in various ways beyond the classroom.

Honorees include students who mentor and guide peers as Golden Guides and Resident Assistants, serve with compassion through the Holleran Corps and the Reading Youth Initiative, engage in service and reflection as Alternative Break Leaders, or support fellow students as peer tutors, peer mentors and accessibility peer mentors. Students were also recognized for their leadership through involvement in the Student Government Association, International Student Ambassador program, and Interfaith Student Leadership initiatives.

"At Alvernia, leadership is not something reserved for titles or resumes," said Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "It is something lived in residence halls, service projects, student organizations, athletic teams, and quiet moments when someone chooses to help another person succeed. Our model of leadership is transformational because it begins with relationships, compassion, courage, and action. And all of our student leaders embody that every single day."

Registered Student Organizations were also recognized for their impact on campus and in the community. Awards highlighted excellence in leadership, service and programming, celebrating organizations that foster meaningful connections and create opportunities for student engagement.

"We recognized students who truly go above and beyond, not only excelling academically and through their involvement but also embodying the Franciscan values that are at the heart of Â鶹ÊÓƵ," said Director of New Student Programs, Kaleigh Pelko. "Their passion, resilience, and commitment to leading with integrity and purpose inspire all of us."

Student leaders across academic and residential life were further honored for their contributions to student success and campus community, including peer tutors, mentors and Resident Assistants. The ceremony also included the presentation of Alvernia's Core Value Leadership Awards, recognizing students who exemplify the university's Franciscan values of humility, peacemaking, collegiality, contemplation and service.

Additional awards were given to Registered Student Organizations. The Community Service Project of the Year Award recognizes a student organization that has made a meaningful impact through service and a commitment to Alvernia's mission of serving others. The Alvernia Dance Company received this award for their work with First Fridays with The Heritage of Green Hills. The Registered Student Organization's Event of the Year Award recognizes an event that brought students together in a meaningful way and made a lasting impact on the Alvernia community and beyond.

Carnival for All, hosted by the Education Association, received this award for their inclusive event that created a welcoming space for individuals of all abilities and their families across the Berks County community. The Registered Student Organization of the Year went to the Disciplemakers for their impactful community that exemplifies the spirit of student leadership and genuine student connection. Lastly, the Advisor of the Year Award was presented to Jessica Warchal King for her outstanding dedication and impact on the Alvernia Dance Company.