Alvernia University

Psychology Professor Dr. Erin Way takes student research seriously. And, she does the same with play 🔗 https://www.alvernia.edu/success-stories/psychology-professor-believes-fun-activities-are-fair-play

As we get older, the desire and opportunities to engage in play dwindle. But as Dr. Way teaches in her Psychology of Play class, research shows the benefits of play across all phases of life.

“I brought in some puppets and some games and crayons and things, and they didn’t know what I wanted them to do," she remembered. "So, I began to realize there is an expectation to stop playing when you get older, and that’s counter to what we know about how important play is and all of the benefits play gives us, not just as kids, but throughout our lives, so I really designed the course to kind of help students to recognize the connection between play and a lot of positive outcomes.”

The class, which fills up quickly each semester, came about when Way was teaching lifespan development and brought in some activities for students to do during lessons in preschool development.

“This class taught me about the evolution of play and how important play is to not only just children, but to adult life. Sometimes we are couped up in a classroom all day, so it was great to come outside to express our artistic ability and spread positive messages around campus,” said psychology graduate, Olivia Barone ‘26.

Barone shared that the class was also instrumental during her time as a paraprofessional in a local school.

“This class actually helped me take the steps I need to observe the different types of play,” said Barone. “For example, if a child is playing by themselves, that is something that should be observed because it has a lot to do with social interactions inside and outside of school."

Thank you to People for shedding light on Alvernia University's transformative culture of care and for featuring Jeff Gibboni's inspiring story.

“When I came to Alvernia and discovered the Franciscan values, it aligned so well with my worldview and my experience, and to see them on signposts throughout the campus and embodied by the people I deal with was very reaffirming,” he said. “Once I got here, it was good experience after good experience after good experience.”

It's an honor to be a part of your story, Jeff. Thank you for allowing us to share it with the world!

🔗: bit.ly/4esQ5PR

Jeff Gibboni overcame PTSD, substance abuse and divorce to pursue a new career in mental health counseling.

📷: Jeff Gibboni; Susan Angstadt

Congratulations to all of the Dean's List honorees! Students can log in and print their certificate and supporters can search their student's name to share their personalized story 🔗 https://www.alvernia.edu/news/2026/06/over-800-students-named-spring-2026-deans-list

"Congratulations to all of our Spring 2026 Dean's List honorees," said Alvernia University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM. "This achievement reflects your commitment to academic excellence, perseverance, and a genuine passion for learning. Your success embodies the intellectual curiosity, integrity, service, and leadership that Alvernia's Franciscan values reflect."

Alvernia names over 800 students to Spring 2026 Dean's List 803 students were named to Alvernia University's Dean's List for the Spring 2026 semester. "Congratulations to all of our Spring 2026 Dean's List honorees," said Alvernia University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM. "This achievement reflects your commitment to academic e...

For Isaac Peterson '27, Alvernia University became the turning point that reshaped both his academic and personal identity.

A biology major with a chemistry minor, Isaac entered college with a baseball commitment. After facing injuries and academic hurdles, he needed to make some unexpected changes. And, at Alvernia, he didn't have to face that alone.

“Alvernia did not just give me a second chance. It gave me a reason to be in the room in the first place," he shared.

Isaac was inspired by professors who modeled genuine care for both their field of study and their students. They played a key role in shifting how he viewed learning and his own potential.

“Professors like Dr. Serapiglia in genetics and Dr. Kremer in organic chemistry set a great example of what it looks like to honestly care about what you teach, and that changed something in me," he shared. "I made my first real friends outside of sports in those classrooms, and I found a path I actually believed in."

Plus, he got to study abroad in the Amazon Rainforest, where he conducted field research alongside Professor of Biology Dr. Jamie Becker while working closely with indigenous communities. This spring, he also presented his research at the Mengel Natural History Society’s Local Science Students Symposium.

Now a junior preparing to apply to medical school, he is serving as the first author on a methods paper with Dr. Becker and Georgetown Professor Brian Griffiths, which is nearing publication. In addition to his research, he tutors biology and chemistry, supporting students who may be navigating the same uncertainty he once faced.

Save the date for the second annual Pack Dash 5K at Alvernia University, part of our Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities. The race will start at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, with a 1-mile fun run to follow.

The race snakes through Alvernia's Hill Campus, offering a running tour of the university's gorgeous grounds. Registration will open after July 4th weekend.

More info 🔗 https://www.alvernia.edu/events/2026/03/pack-dash-5k

Alvernia University Alumni

NEWS | Alvernia University announces the appointment of business leaders Michael Fromm, Christopher deGruchy ’93/MBA ’05, Stephanie Rawden and Angelo J. Valletta to its Board of Trustees. 🔗 https://www.alvernia.edu/news/2026/05/alvernia-adds-four-business-leaders-board-trustees

All four members have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to service and philanthropy.

"We are honored to welcome these outstanding individuals to our Board of Trustees. Their focus on philanthropy and service align perfectly with
Alvernia’s core values. And as Alvernia continues to grow as a
comprehensive regional university, their leadership will help
us align our mission-driven education with the needs of the communities we
serve,” said Alvernia University President Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D.

We're proud to see Jeff complete his comeback here at Alvernia University this May. Learn more about his journey below.

⛓️‍💥 https://6abc.com/videoClip/19157107/

NJ veteran graduates with mission to improve veterans' mental health Jeff Gibboni graduated from Alvernia University to pursue his second calling: helping veterans know they're not alone.

This Memorial Day, Alvernia University honors and remembers the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and our freedoms.

Located in Francis Hall, the Chair of Honor — handcrafted by local woodworker Dr. Brian Obst and featuring the POW-MIA Seal — stands as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of all members of the armed forces.

As we pause to remember our fallen heroes, we extend our deepest gratitude to those who served and continue to serve. Their legacy will never be forgotten.