Alvernia University Announces New University Nickname

READING, Pa., June 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Alvernia University and its athletic program officially change their nickname to the Golden Wolves.

"What is most extraordinary about this announcement is the overwhelming support and consensus that emerged from across the university community regarding the selection of the new nickname," said Thomas F. Flynn, president. "Throughout this very inclusive process, the university community consistently emphasized the importance of having our new nickname be directly connected to our distinctive Franciscan heritage."

According to the iconic Wolf of Gubbio story, St. Francis of Assisi tamed a wolf that had been terrorizing the city in the early 13th Century. The story symbolizes the power of peacemaking. Adding 'golden' to the name represents excellence and highlights one of the university's traditional colors. And, Alvernia's initials, AU, are the scientific symbol for gold. The school colors, maroon and gold, remain unchanged.

In March, a university task force was appointed to develop new name options. Representing students, faculty, athletic and other staff, alumni, parents, trustees and Bernardine Sisters, the task force invited and received hundreds of submissions from the university community with more than one-third suggesting variations of "wolves."

Golden Wolves replaces the former name, Crusaders, which had been in use since the late 1970s when Alvernia launched its intercollegiate athletic program. Moving forward as the Golden Wolves, the university will unveil a new athletics visual identity in August and a new mascot in October, just in time for homecoming.

ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY is recognized nationally as a student-centered "Distinctive Franciscan University," part of the proud tradition of Catholic higher education. Since its founding in 1958, the Alvernia community has been inspired by messages of St. Francis, who was a prophetic voice for unity, inclusion and peacemaking. Alvernia empowers students through real-world learning to discover their passion for life, while providing the education to turn what they love into lifetimes of career success and personal fulfillment, helping them make the world a better place. Situated on a scenic 121-acre suburban campus in historic Berks County, Pa., the university of more than 3,000 students offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and minors and a range of graduate programs at the master's and doctoral levels.

SOURCE Alvernia University

Related Links

http://www.alvernia.edu