Reading, Pa. (Dec. 21, 2022) - Alvernia University Athletics is mourning the loss of football student-athlete
Gregory Harder, who passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2022.
From Fabius, New York, Greg was a sophomore pursuing his Masters in Athletic Training and was a quarterback on the Alvernia football team. He was a dean's list student and a member of the Middle Atlantic Conference Academic Honor Roll in 2021. He will be named to the MAC Academic Roll again for his efforts this past semester in January.
"Our hearts are aching after learning of the loss of Greg," said Director of Athletics Bill Stiles. "It is incredibly difficult to lose a member of our community in such an untimely manner. A great student and even better teammate, Greg was exactly the type of student you wanted representing Alvernia University and Alvernia Athletics. Please keep the Harder family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."
Greg played in five varsity games at quarterback for Alvernia over his two seasons. He was also the starting quarterback for Alvernia's junior varsity team. His infectious attitude was admired by his teammates, and was always visible on the sideline as Greg assisted in signal calling for the Alvernia offense.
"Greg was an outstanding young man of great character," said Head Coach Steve Azzanesi. "He was a fantastic teammate, student, friend, and son. Greg made time for everyone and always put his team first. He was deeply loved by everyone who met him, and he will be greatly missed."
Below is the full message from Alvernia University President John Loyack that was sent to the Alvernia community earlier this evening:
Dear Alvernia University Community,
I write you today with a heavy heart and the saddest news a university president ever to deliver. We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Alvernia University sophomore student Gregory Harder.
Our campus community and those who personally knew Greg are profoundly saddened by his untimely death and we send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family and all those who knew him.
We have been in touch with the Harder family and Alvernia is offering support and we'll update how the Alvernia community can support them in the coming days.
Early in the spring semester, we will hold a memorial service in honor of Greg's memory. Memorial service details will be announced via Alvernia email. As a community, we lift prayers of comfort and healing for Greg's family, teammates and friends. We will also organize a Tribute Board so that our community can share their memories, photos and videos of Greg with the Harder family.
Greg was a member of the university's football team and was pursuing his Masters in Athletic Training. He was thrilled to be pursuing a degree he was so passionate about. An excellent student, Greg was named to the Middle Atlantic Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll as a first-year student in 2021-22 and had earned the honor again for his academic performance this fall.
Finally, we know this news is difficult to process and affects many members of our campus community. Grief impacts everyone in different ways, so anyone in need of support is encouraged to use the following university resources:
- The university's Health and Wellness Center is able to provide referral for counseling for students. Students can contact Counseling.Services@alvernia.edu to begin this process.
- Students are also able to access TimelyCare's TalkNow service, a free 24/7 virtual mental health support, including scheduled counseling and on-demand access to a mental health practitioner. Students can visit timelycare.com/alvernia to get started.
- The Employee Assistance Program provides counseling to employees and information about this service is accessible through ADP.
Please keep the Harder family in your prayers during this holiday season.
Peace and all good,
John R. Loyack, President
.
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This page will be updated with information on arrangements when they become available.
Image courtesy of the Harder Family
