Success Stories

Success Stories

The Alvernia Impact

Discover how ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû¾«Æ·¸£Àû students, alumni, and faculty turn education into action. Explore success stories of leadership, service, and innovation that reflect our Franciscan mission. Ready to see where your story begins? Explore how you can join a community that leads with purpose.

 

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Chris deGruchy

Love of learning, philanthropy leads alumnus to success in business and life

After Sgt. Christopher deGruchy ’93 MBA ’05 returned from a four-year tour in the U.S. Army, the Philadelphia native enrolled at Alvernia to pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. Committed to continuing his education after hig...

  • College of Business, Communication, and Leadership
  • 2026
Heidi Edwards

Family's fight with little-known disease spurs alum to launch foundation

PHOTO: Heidi Edwards, center, president and founder of Sisters’ Hope Foundation, marks Rare Disease Day at Vigil Neuroscience in Boston with Tara Parker, board secretary and close family friend, at left, and Madison Boyer, board treasurer and Edwa...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026
Jonny Division Martinez

Double-majoring commuter student praises Alvernia's hands-on experiences

Jonny Division Martinez '25 embodies the perfect student experience.Raised in the Virgin Islands and Reading, Pa., Martinez chose Alvernia for its combination of affordability, hands-on learning and the flexibility that comes with being a commuter...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026
Nicole Reesur-Mazur Comeback Campaign

Brain aneurysm survivor creates her comeback at Alvernia

By Lini S. KadabaBy the time Nicole Reeser-Mazur ’01 Ph.D. ’24 was writing her ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû¾«Æ·¸£Àû doctoral dissertation in educational leadership in 2023, she had already overcome more than her share of challenges, any one of which could have eas...

  • 2026