Alvernia University celebrated the graduation of more than 550 students in the Class of 2025 at the Santander Arena in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania on May 10.
This included six graduates from the Mercer County area, including: Sara Baker and Lauren Kieffer of Hamilton; Angelo Herrera of Trenton; Elizabeth Jones of Lawrence; and Jaden Leggett from Ewing.
Baker earned a master of science in occupational therapy degree and a bachelor of science in health science. Kieffer earned a doctor of physical therapy degree. Herrera earned a bachelor of science degree in management.
Jones earned a bachelor of arts degree in digital media marketing and communications. Leggett earned a bachelor of science degree in finance.
The ceremony, which featured a speech from Philadelphia mayor Cherelle L. Parker, included Alvernia’s first graduating class of the John R. Post School of Engineering.
Parker, the 100th mayor of the City of Philadelphia and the first woman elected to the post, was presented with an honorary degree of humane letters and served as the commencement speaker to inspire the Class of 2025. In her speech, she reflected on the experiences that shaped her, including being a first-generation college student, Ivy League graduate, and a single mother.

Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania celebrated 550 new graduates on May 10, 2025.,