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Development expert helps those who helps others

jonfassnacht — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:26:02 +0000

Development expert helps those who helps others

Name

Linda Lysakowski ’88

jonfassnacht Tue, 09/22/2026 - 08:26

Persona

Alumni

Intro Content

A four-decade career in fundraising and development began for Linda Lysakowski ’88 with a chance encounter while she was working at a local bank in the early 1980s and studying at Alvernia College.

It was then that Lysakowski received a curious invitation to breakfast from the bank’s executive vice president. He had been asked to serve on Alvernia’s annual business appeal campaign but was new to Reading and hadn’t yet made business connections. Knowing that Lysakowski was active in the Chamber of Commerce and a student at the college, he thought she’d be a more suitable fit for the role.

“I thought it sounded adventurous!” she said, accepting the charge that eventually led to a career as a consultant, author, trainer and public speaker. “When I met Alvernia’s development department, I thought, ‘People actually get paid to raise money? This is what I love doing.’”

A master of time management, Lysakowski helped lead a family of six while working full time and volunteering with the Special Olympics and American Heart Association. She attended school at night and worked toward three majors: banking and finance, theology and philosophy, and communications. Her efforts paid off. Just weeks after receiving her diploma, Lysakowski landed her dream job when she was recruited to serve as assistant vice president for institutional advancement at Alvernia.

Since then, Lysakowski has maintained strong ties to her alma mater as a consultant and longtime donor. She’s also kept in touch with those who made a difference in her life.

“The professors I had were absolutely wonderful,” Lysakowski said. “I could tell that they really loved what they were doing. I learned so much from them.”

What’s really exciting for me is helping those organizations that are struggling. It’s really worthwhile when they succeed.

Lysakowski runs her own consultancy, helping myriad nonprofits supercharge their fundraising efforts and outcomes. She’s inspired by the fact that many smaller nonprofits do great work and make a meaningful difference in society but often don’t have the resources or bandwidth to raise enough capital.

“What’s really exciting for me and what’s kept me going in this field all of these years is helping those organizations that are struggling,” she explained. “It’s really worthwhile when they succeed.”

Throughout her career, Lysakowski has achieved many impressive accomplishments. To spread her development expertise more widely, she wrote more than 40 books, has spoken at numerous industry conferences, and trained more than 100,000 development professionals nationally and internationally.

She holds several certifications and designations, including Advanced Certified Fund-Raising Executive (ACFRE), and has received countless awards and recognitions for her contributions to the field.

A deeply faithful lifelong learner, Lysakowski earned a master’s degree from the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego.

“People thought I was a little crazy,” she joked. “They said, ‘What on earth are you going to do with a master’s degree in theology at 81 years old?’ I said, ‘I’m not going to do anything with it. I just wanted it because I never had a master’s degree, so I thought it was time to get one!’”

Lysakowski resides in Kansas City and has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

— By Claire Curry

Academic Success Center Welcomes Record Number of Peer Tutors

sarah.matarella@alvernia.edu — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:38:37 +0000

Academic Success Center Welcomes Record Number of Peer Tutors sarah.matarell… Tue, 09/15/2026 - 15:38

Academic Success Center Welcomes Record Number of Peer Tutors

46 students to serve their peers for the 2026-27 academic year

�鶹��'s Academic Success Center has named 46 Peer Tutors and Study Group Leaders for the 2026-27 academic year, recognizing students who generously share their knowledge and experiences to help fellow Golden Wolves succeed in their academics.

The tutors play an important role in Alvernia's student success. During the 2025-26 academic year, the Academic Success Center's peer and professional tutors supported 774 individual students through 4,848 appointments for writing support, study groups, and academic coaching, serving students from undergraduate through Ph.D. levels. Students who worked with a subject or writing tutor had an overall mean GPA approximately 0.4 points higher than that of students who did not use an academic support service.

For many returning tutors, the opportunity to support fellow students is closely connected to their own academic journey.

"I tutor because I care about the future of the Alvernia nursing students while also continuing to build a relationship with former professors and reviewing past material," said Gianna Graczyk, a nursing major who has served as a Peer Tutor and study group leader for chemistry since January 2023.

Youyi Ma, another senior nursing major, leads the development of a weekly study group for the Nursing II: Birth and Childhood to Adulthood course.

"I returned as a tutor because I enjoy helping nursing students succeed in the difficult courses," Ma said.

To prepare them for their roles and earn Level 1 certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), peer tutors complete 10 hours of training and conduct at least 25 hours of tutoring. Training covers learning theories, communication skills, and academic integrity. Tutors are also observed while working with students and receive feedback to help strengthen their tutoring skills.

For students beginning their first semester as tutors, the experience represents both an opportunity to give back and a chance to grow.

"I wanted to be a tutor because I knew I could help others, like others have done for me. I look forward to pushing myself for something new," said Megan Stone, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student and first-time Peer Tutor.

Rachael Robinson, a BIO-PA major and a new Cooperative Learning Group Leader for Calculus, similarly looks forward to the expanded network of colleagues that comes with the role.

"I am excited to make new connections!" Robinson shared.

Through their work as tutors and study group leaders, these students are not only helping their classmates succeed academically but also contributing to a culture in which asking for help, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another are valued parts of the college experience.

New York native helps to lay the foundation for physician associate program at Alvernia

jonfassnacht — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:43:38 +0000

New York native helps to lay the foundation for physician associate program at Alvernia

Name

Alexis Calkins MSPAS ’26

jonfassnacht Mon, 09/14/2026 - 13:43

College

College of Health Sciences

Department

Physician Associate Program

Persona

Graduate student

Intro Content

Alexis Calkins MSPAS ’26 chose Alvernia for her graduate studies due to its strong foundation of community. During her two years on campus, she helped to foster another foundation, serving among the university’s first Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies cohort.

The native of Auburn, N.Y. – located about 240 miles north of Reading, Pa. – found her way to Alvernia via Villanova University just outside of Philadelphia. While an undergraduate there, she researched PA programs in the region, enrolling in Alvernia because of its size and values. Helping to make history was a nice perk.

“I was drawn to the small cohort size, because you're able to really get to know your classmates,” said Calkins, one of two dozen PA students who received their white coats over the summer. “That added to the sense of community. And I thought it would be a unique opportunity to be part of the first cohort here, because we would be able to lay the foundation for the future classes.”

Always interested in the medical field but not sure which career she wanted to pursue, Calkins found her calling when she shadowed a physician associate, admiring how she was able to treat and diagnose her patients while also working as part of a larger health care team. The flexibility of the profession, in which you can change specialties to focus on different patient populations, also appealed to her.

In between undergraduate and graduate studies, Calkins gained experience working as a cardiology medical assistant and volunteered for Simon's Heart, a nonprofit that focuses on preventing sudden cardiac arrest in young people.

Alvernia does a great job developing your clinical foundational knowledge, and they also give you a lot of hands-on experience so that you feel prepared to go into work as a PA.

Members of Alvernia's first Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies cohort received their white coats over the summer.

During her time at Alvernia, state-of-the-art labs utilized by the Physician Associate and Occupational Therapy programs opened in the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne. Simulation centers, classrooms, laboratories and other spaces allow students to practice their skills in a controlled environment.

“Alvernia does a great job developing your clinical foundational knowledge, and they also give you a lot of hands-on experience so that you feel prepared to go into work as a PA,” she said.

High-tech equipment like the Anatomage lab, which uses life-sized 3-D touchscreens to provide virtual cadaver dissection, enhance the program’s ability to teach students. But the human aspect also impressed Calkins.

“Something that exceeded my expectations was how much the professors want you to understand the material, and how willing they are to explain any difficult concepts to you,” she said. “You're assigned a faculty advisor whom you're able to meet with as often as you want. And my classmates were a great source of support because we were able to really help motivate each other. I've definitely built a few lifelong friendships.”

Two of those classmates shared an apartment with her in West Reading, with each taking turns driving to campus.

Post-graduation, Calkins moved back to upstate New York to work at a dermatology practice in the area.

“I feel very proud to be part of this first graduating PA class at Alvernia,” she said. “It's been very rewarding to see how we've developed alongside the program, and I'm excited to see what future developments the PA program makes.”

Alvernia Marks 25th Anniversary of Sept. 11 Through Service and Interfaith Remembrance

sarah.matarella@alvernia.edu — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:54:34 +0000

Alvernia Marks 25th Anniversary of Sept. 11 Through Service and Interfaith Remembrance sarah.matarell… Fri, 09/11/2026 - 15:54

Alvernia Marks 25th Anniversary of Sept. 11 Through Service and Interfaith Remembrance

University launches new Franciscan Fridays service series and gathers faith and community leaders to honor the lives lost and legacy of service

�鶹�� commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks through service and interfaith remembrance, bringing students, faculty, staff and community members together to honor the lives lost, recognize the sacrifice of first responders and renew a shared commitment to peace, compassion and unity.

The university's Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement launched Franciscan Fridays, a new service series designed to provide Alvernia students with more frequent opportunities to put the university’s Franciscan values into action throughout the academic year.

For the inaugural Franciscan Friday, students volunteered at the Reading Area Firefighters Museum in recognition of the courage and selfless service demonstrated by first responders on Sept. 11. Students supported the museum by cleaning, moving items and other projects that help preserve the space and its collection while learning more about the museum and the history it safeguards.

“Today’s service was a reminder of the commitment firefighters have to their communities, especially during and after moments of tragedy like 9/11. Growing up in New York, 9/11 has always held a personal significance for my family. A close friend of my dad worked in the World Trade Center when the attacks happened, and both of my parents have worked in the area surrounding the Towers, so the anniversary has always been something that has felt very close to home. Being at the museum and learning from the retired firefighters about their work and the ways they continue to serve their community made that commitment feel even more meaningful. It was a powerful experience to be able to give back while also taking time to listen, learn, and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many.”

Franciscan Fridays complement Alvernia’s larger signature Days of Service by offering smaller service projects each month. The series is designed to help students build sustained relationships with local organizations, engage more consistently with the Greater Reading community, and recognize service as an ongoing expression of the university’s Franciscan mission.

“We added Franciscan Fridays to give our students more opportunities throughout the semester to serve in our community,” said Denise Leininger, director of the Holleran Center. “These smaller service opportunities make it easier for students to find meaningful ways to give their time and live out our Franciscan mission. Beginning this series at the Firefighters Museum on September 11 carries special significance as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks and remember the lives lost, those who responded with courage and compassion, and the many people who continue to carry the impact of that day.”

�鶹��'s 9/11 Memorial in front of Judge Hall on campus, named after the first certified casualty of the attacks, Franciscan Friar, Fr. Mychal Judge, who was a Chaplain for the New York City Fire Department.

The Alvernia community also gathered on the Judge Hall Patio for its annual 9/11 Interfaith Memorial Day service, hosted by Alvernia’s Office of Mission and Ministry.

The service brought together local representatives of multiple faith traditions and community organizations for prayer, reflection and music. The program included Catholic prayers and blessings along with additional Jewish, Ecumenical and Islamic prayers and blessings. An Interfaith message of peace and unity and musical selections from the Fresh Winds Gospel Group were also shared with the audience.

Participants remembered the 2,977 people killed on Sept. 11, 2001, their families and the first responders, service members, survivors and others whose courage and compassion emerged amid the tragedy.

“On this day, people of many faiths and traditions still gather together because we do know at heart we are brother and sister,” said Bernardine Franciscan Sister Marie Cacciatore, who offered the closing prayer. “Every person possesses dignity. We really are called to be our brother’s keeper, to care for one another.”

Sister Marie called on those gathered to remember not only the tragedy of Sept. 11, but the “extraordinary courage and compassion and unity and solidarity” demonstrated in its aftermath. She encouraged people of goodwill to recommit themselves to peace through respect and openness to one another.

“May we always remember, may we always forgive, may we always seek truth and justice,” said Cacciatore. “May we choose peace.”

Cacciatore concluded by inviting attendees to join in a prayer associated with Father Mychal Judge, O.F.M., a Franciscan friar and New York City Fire Department chaplain who was killed while ministering to first responders at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11.

The connection carries particular significance for Alvernia. Judge Hall, where the university's memorial gathering was held, bears Judge's name, linking the campus community to his Franciscan legacy of presence, service and care for others.

Together, the day’s activities reflected the message at the heart of Alvernia’s 25th anniversary observance: Remembrance is not only an act of looking back, but an invitation to carry forward the compassion, service and solidarity shown in the face of tragedy.

As the memorial program reminded attendees, “May memory lead us to compassion, and compassion lead us to peace.”

2026 Hispanic Heritage Month at Alvernia

sarah.matarella@alvernia.edu — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:31:00 +0000

2026 Hispanic Heritage Month at Alvernia sarah.matarell… Wed, 09/09/2026 - 09:31

2026 Hispanic Heritage Month at Alvernia

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 to October 15

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every September to October. The month allows for individuals to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Why is it Important?

Highlighting the importance of the Hispanic and Latiné community, this next month is dedicated to honoring all the contributions and rich history of Spain and Latin America, promoting inclusion and representation of all the different cultures and triumphs that Hispanics face. It also helps to highlight the diverse traditions and issues faced amongst the community, whether it’s historical or current issues. Educating individuals about these topics and barriers can help dispel typical stereotypes of Hispanic & Latiné people and help to better inform society about this ethnic group.

Coming to Terms: Hispanic, Latinx, & Latiné

The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. Each year, The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) chooses a theme that federal agencies, organizations and schools use when observing the month. This year’s theme is Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We Are More.

RSO Spotlight: Pura Vida

Pura Vida's mission is to help the Alvernia community understand the political, educational, and social issues that affect the Latiné/Hispanic community by recognizing and supporting Latiné/Hispanic students at �鶹��.

Get Your Tunes In!

The Office of JEI is looking for song recommendations for a community Spotify playlist! Drop your favorite Spanish songs and songs by Hispanic/Latiné artists by clicking here for a chance to be added to the playlist. The playlist will be shared in the Campus Newsletter!

Coming Up at Alvernia

Hispanic Heritage Month Chef Spotlight: Sept. 15, Sept. 28, Oct. 5

Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Student Center Dining Hall
Description: This Hispanic Heritage Month, we will honor our chefs, whose heritage and creativity inspire dishes that bring people together.

Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff: Sept. 15

Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: John R. Post Center
Description: Celebrate the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. This event will include Latin food, games, music, and a game of dominoes. Pick up your Hispanic Heritage Month button at this event.

Master Class: Flamenco Dancing: Sept. 17

Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Campus Commons Dance Studio
Description: The Alvernia Dance Company is happy to bring back a Flamenco Dance class to the Alvernia community! Join Dancer Amanda Pena for a fun night learning new moves among friends.

Kitchen 101: Empanadas (Registration Required)

Date: Monday, September 21
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Student Center Dining Hall
Description: Calling all students! Learn how you can make empanadas in a fun and engaging environment. Registration is required to participate in this event.

Cafecito & Conversations: Oct. 14

Time: 12-2pm
Location: Campus Commons Living Room
Description: Chill out with good conversation and tasty bites! Enjoy crafts, music, and small treats while engaging in conversations around Hispanic and Latiné culture.

Latinos Unidos

Date: Friday, September 25
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Francis Hall
Description: This year’s celebration of culture, community, entrepreneurship, and leadership feature incredible cultural cuisine, exciting entertainment, meaningful networking opportunities, and José Martínez as our keynote speaker. Register for free here!

Cafecito & Conversations (Office of JEI)

Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Campus Commons Living Room
Description: Chill out with good conversation and tasty bites! Enjoy crafts, music, and small treats while engaging in conversations around Hispanic and Latiné culture.

Coming up in Reading

Que Rico Latin Dance Company Taco Tuesdays: Tuesdays | 6:30pm | 500 Penn St, 2nd Floor | $25

El (The) 2nd Annual Boricuazo (Puerto Rican) Gathering: Sept. 19: 1-7pm| GoggleWorks Center for the Arts| FREE

Reading Public Museum Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration: Sept. 20: 1-4pm | Reading Public Museum | FREE

Berks Cultural Diversity Festival: Sept. 26: 12-6pm | City Park, 1044 Washington St, Reading | FREE

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: Oct. 3: 3-8pm| Ewell Plaza and Binns Park, 100 Block N. Queen St, Lancaster | FREE | Joseph Fonseca, Well-known artist from Caguas, PR

Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month: Oct. 4: 6-8pm| 201 Washington St., Reading | GoggleWorks | FREE

Greater Reading Immigration Project presents: The Crossing: Oct. 9: 4:30-8pm | Reading Film Festival, IMAX Theatre, Reading | $10

Hispanic Heritage Month in Philly: 20+ Events and Fests for 2026: Tap the link to plan your next trip and dive into Hispanic culture in Philadelphia! Live mariachi, salsa dancing, and food that actually makes you taste the culture. These are the experiences you don’t want to miss!

TV/Movie Suggestions

A Million Miles Away (Movie on Amazon Prime)
In the Heights (Movie on HBOMax)
Gentefied (TV Show on Netflix)
On My Block (TV Show on Netflix)
Encanto (Movie on Disney+)
The Book of Life (Movie on Disney+)
Selena: The Series (TV Show on Netflix)
Selena: The Movie (Movie on Amazon Prime)
Stand and Deliver (Movie on Tubi)
A Class Apart (Documentary on Amazon Prime)

Resources

Prepared by the Office of Justice, Equity, & Inclusion

If you are interested in helping to create opportunities to celebrate this occasion and others to come, please email Arielle Phillips-Law, Director of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion, at arielle.phillips@alvernia.edu. We would love to meet and connect with you!

Next Heritage Month: Native American Heritage Month in November. Please share anything that you would like included in our Native American Heritage Month email by October 15, 2026.

MBA student's evolution at Alvernia mirrors university's growth

jonfassnacht — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:04:58 +0000

MBA student's evolution at Alvernia mirrors university's growth

Name

Hailey Rohrer '25 MBA '27

jonfassnacht Tue, 09/08/2026 - 09:04

College

College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise

Department

Office of Marketing and Communications

Persona

Graduate student

Intro Content

By Hailey Rohrer '25 MBA '27

In many ways, my time at �鶹�� grew alongside the campus itself. When I arrived as a first-year student, I hadn’t yet decided on a major. What I did know was that I wanted a place where I could explore my options while staying close to home. Alvernia’s small, close-knit environment made that decision easy and felt like a place where I could grow into who I wanted to be.

That sense of growth became clearer as I found my place on campus. After starting undecided, I chose to pursue marketing, allowing me to turn my creativity into something more meaningful. What once felt uncertain quickly became a path in which I was confident.

Starting college in 2021 also meant arriving as campus was still adjusting after COVID-19. While some precautions remained, the transition felt manageable. Living with multiple roommates in Clare Hall helped maintain a strong sense of connection, and campus life continued to open as the year went on. I was fortunate to stay with the same group of roommates all four years, which created consistency and made campus feel like home from the beginning.

As I progressed through my time at Alvernia, the campus evolved as well. Taking classes at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne became a defining part of my academic experience. When I started going there, the building was new and primarily open to business and communication students, with other floors still being completed. Taking the shuttle instead of walking across campus was an adjustment but quickly became something I appreciated. It added a sense of purpose to each day and introduced me to new resources, including the Bloomberg Terminal, that expanded my understanding of business beyond the classroom, along with a slight coffee habit thanks to the Starbucks café you pass on the way in.

Hailey Rohrer served as a Golden Guide during the 2024-25 academic year.

That growth extended beyond my own experience and was reflected across the student body during a time of change. As early childhood education alum Josephine Lau ’26 shared, “Growing as a student while Alvernia was evolving made me feel like I was part of something uniquely special … while still maintaining a close-knit, supportive environment.”

Beyond academics, getting involved on campus played a major role in shaping my experience. Serving as a Golden Guide and an Orientation Weekend Leader allowed me to connect with incoming students and share what makes Alvernia unique.

After completing my undergraduate degree, staying at Alvernia for my MBA felt like a natural next step. Through my role as a graduate assistant in the marketing and communications department, I’ve been able to continue building real-world experience while advancing my education. The online MBA program has provided flexibility while still challenging me to grow, allowing me to balance hands-on work with coursework that directly applies to my field.

Now, as I look ahead, I will leave Alvernia having grown alongside a campus that continues to evolve, carrying with me the confidence, experiences and relationships that will shape what comes next.

Latinos Unidos: A Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

jonfassnacht — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 19:59:53 +0000

Latinos Unidos: A Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration jonfassnacht Fri, 09/04/2026 - 15:59

Data Analytics Virtual Information Session: December 3

jonfassnacht — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:11:03 +0000

Data Analytics Virtual Information Session: December 3 jonfassnacht Thu, 09/03/2026 - 10:11

Data Analytics Virtual Information Session: November 12

jonfassnacht — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:08:52 +0000

Data Analytics Virtual Information Session: November 12 jonfassnacht Thu, 09/03/2026 - 10:08

Data Analytics Virtual Information Session: October 15

jonfassnacht — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:05:42 +0000

Data Analytics Virtual Information Session: October 15 jonfassnacht Thu, 09/03/2026 - 10:05

�鶹����

Development expert helps those who helps others

Academic Success Center Welcomes Record Number of Peer Tutors

46 students to serve their peers for the 2026-27 academic year

New York native helps to lay the foundation for physician associate program at Alvernia

Alvernia Marks 25th Anniversary of Sept. 11 Through Service and Interfaith Remembrance

University launches new Franciscan Fridays service series and gathers faith and community leaders to honor the lives lost and legacy of service

2026 Hispanic Heritage Month at Alvernia

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 to October 15

Why is it Important?

Coming to Terms: Hispanic, Latinx, & Latiné

RSO Spotlight: Pura Vida

Get Your Tunes In!

Coming Up at Alvernia

Coming up in Reading

TV/Movie Suggestions

Resources

Prepared by the Office of Justice, Equity, & Inclusion

MBA student's evolution at Alvernia mirrors university's growth

By Hailey Rohrer '25 MBA '27

Latinos Unidos: A Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Data Analytics Virtual Information Session: December 3

Data Analytics Virtual Information Session: November 12

Data Analytics Virtual Information Session: October 15

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