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Vice President of Mission, Diversity and Inclusion, Darryl Mace, Ph.D. with APeX program mentors and members from left: Elijah Carr ’25, Danye Bundick ’25, Youyi Ma ’26, Christal Paez ’26, Yessica Abreu Robinson ‘25, and Assistant Director of the Office of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion, Kayleen Torres, MBA.  

Inclusion-focused program achieves 88% retention rate among participants 

����91��Ƭ�� strengthens its commitment to inclusion and student achievement with the continued development of its Achieve Personal Excellence (APeX) program. Designed and administered by the Office of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion, APeX supports at-risk undergraduate student groups that historically face lower retention and persistence rates, and who face increased barriers to degree completion.   

“The APeX program exemplifies the culture of care that has been established at Alvernia through the Support, Opportunity, Love, Access and Resources (SOLAR) initiative” said Vice President for Mission, Diversity and Inclusion Darryl C. Mace, Ph.D. “By offering a framework rooted in mentorship and community belonging paired with financial support, we empower our students to achieve academic excellence and personal success even beyond graduation.” 

The cohort-based program started in 2023 and has since yielded an 88% average retention rate. The first cohort was retained at 93% in the first semester and 86% in the second while the second cohort was retained at 84% in the fall of 2024. APeX provides participants with academic, social and financial support throughout their Alvernia journey. In alignment with the university’s Franciscan values and strategic emphasis on a culture of care, APeX fosters community, connection and persistence through a structured support model. 

“The true strength of APeX is the community it builds. Our students support each other, hold each other accountable, and grow together. Through intentional programming, peer support, and personalized guidance, APeX helps students not only transition into college life but thrive with confidence,” said Kayleen Torres, MBA ‘24, Assistant Director of the Office of Justice, Equity and Inclusion. “The textbook money we provide also makes a significant difference—I’ve seen firsthand how impactful it is in helping students feel prepared and supported in their studies. It’s more than a program—it’s a network of care that helps them navigate college with purpose and a real sense of belonging.” 

Students receive bookstore vouchers and semester-end gift cards for meeting participation benchmarks, which include monthly meetings with a dedicated mentor and attendance at least one APeX event per semester. They commit to the program by signing an annual agreement outlining expectations and available resources. 

Junor Nursing Major, Youyi Ma ‘26 shared that she was nervous to start college as a first-year student, like many students, and that the APeX program helped ease those fears. She was paired with a nursing mentor who offered her guidance throughout her college career. Not only was Ma able to connect with her mentor, but also with other students in the same year and major through exclusive community events that made her feel included and cared for. 

“I am incredibly grateful to APeX for giving me the chance to connect with other students in my grade and major through events they hosted,” said Ma. “Sharing delicious meals and meaningful conversations with my peers made me feel more at home and helped to build a sense of community that I am truly thankful for.” 

Rooted in Alvernia’s core values, strategic plan and the SOLAR initiative, the APeX program reflects an ongoing investment in inclusive excellence. Students who fulfill the APeX requirements receive not only material benefits but also leadership development opportunities and long-term mentoring. Graduates are encouraged to give back to their communities as a way of honoring the investment made in them.