Campus Community
ENGAGEMENT
Creating an inclusive, diverse interfaith community By Susan Shelly
I
Nearly 200 children at the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ school in San Domingo, Dominican Republic, show off new school uniforms purchased with funds raised by Alvernia students who traveled there during Alternative Break in 2018.
n a society where division is starkly apparent, Alvernia University emerged during President Tom Flynn’s tenure as a national model for creating an inclusive community. Racial diversity among students and staff has noticeably increased. Interfaith activities are held regularly on campus, and students, staff and faculty can participate in a weekly interfaith circle or join an interfaith hike retreat. The board of trustees includes members of various faiths and is staunchly commited to fostering interfaith work and activities. Student participation in study abroad and alternative break programs has increased significantly. Two endowed centers, the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement and the O’Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership and Public Service were founded and have grown since Flynn’s 2006 inauguration. The centers, which jointly sponsor the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program, actively promote the university’s mission and Franciscan values. Alvernia University Magazine
55
