READING, Pa. – 800 Alvernia University Class of 2026 students crossed the graduation finish line Saturday at the Santander Arena in Reading.
The ceremony featured a speech from Customers Bank Executive Chairman Jay Sidhu, and included Alvernia’s first Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate (PA) Studies graduates.
Customers Bank Executive Chairman Jay Sidhu
Sidhu reflected on the experiences that shaped him, including immigrating to the United States in 1971. He shared anecdotes from his own higher education journey, including four pieces of advice for a “successful, satisfied, and fulfilling life.”
“Be a lifelong learner and give back. Never say you are done because you are never done. There is always more to do; more to give; more to receive; and more to learn in life,” said Sidhu. “The more you learn, the more you realize how much there is to learn. But, learning alone is not enough. Use your knowledge and your success to help others-especially those who have not had the same opportunities. Lift people up. Strengthen your communities.”
Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald echoed Sidhu’s message. “At Alvernia, we believe education is more than a credential. It is the formation of life-long learners, reflective professionals, engaged citizens, and ethical leaders with moral courage. It is about preparing people who will use their gifts not only to succeed, but to serve,” said Fitzgerald.
Student speaker, communication major and theater minor, Hector Malave ’26
Student speaker, communication major and theater minor, Hector Malave ’26, also addressed the class, noting the value of higher education and the impact Alvernia had on him and his peers. He prompted his peers to consider that success is not just about their achievements but about the impact they will have.
“I’m not only representing the class of 2026, but I’m also representing the 15% of Latinos graduating with me today,” said the Puerto Rico and Reading, Pa. native. “As we leave this campus, we step into a complicated world. A world that asks us to be informed, adaptable, and compassionate. A world that does not need more division, but more understanding and an open heart, so that you can have an open mind.”
Celebrations began Friday and continued all day Saturday ahead of commencement, including Nursing and Occupational Therapy pinning ceremonies, a senior athlete award reception, an honors convocation, and a baccalaureate mass at the Sacred Heart Chapel on campus.
Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university with a liberal arts foundation founded by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1958. The university serves nearly 3,000 students in Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia with a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts education, strong technical training in many high demand majors, ever-expanding experiential learning opportunities through study abroad and internship experiences and community engagement through its Franciscan-based community service model.