CollegeTowne Initiative
51³Ô¹Ï launched the CollegeTowne initiative in Reading in late 2019. The concept featured three objectives:
• Changing how the university operates and grows
• Affecting the surrounding community and spurring economic development
• Helping Alvernia get noticed as an innovative force in higher education
Successful Start
More than five years on, Alvernia has completed two phases of Reading CollegeTowne, investing $43 million into the City of Reading.
John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne
Alvernia purchased and renovated the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, a 250,000-square-foot living and learning facility at 401 Penn Street.
Pottsville CollegeTowne
The university opened Pottsville CollegeTowne in downtown Pottsville in January 2023.
American House at Reading CollegeTowne
Phase III will include the renovation of the American House at Reading CollegeTowne, which will include a state-of-the-art community-based health center in partnership with Berks Community Health Center.
O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
The university will also add additional business incubator space for the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and retail space.
Learn More
CollegeTowne initiative fuels regional expansion
Alvernia's forward-thinking initiative spurs development in downtown Reading and Pottsville.
Alvernia partners with Royals to bring hockey back to Reading
Students gain access to experiential learning
Alvernia partners with ReadingFilmFEST
O’Pake Institute provides business services as part of arts expansion
President's Column: To improve is to change...
President John R. Loyack shares his thoughts in the President's Column in the Winter 2021 issue of the Alvernia Magazine.
Visions joins Reading CollegeTowne
Alvernia students gain access to micro lending training
New workplace development certificate programs meet local demand
O'Pake Institute programming allows professionals to remain competitive
Alvernia breaks ground on $20 million CollegeTowne renovation project
Starbucks coming to 401 Penn Street
Alvernia secures record-breaking $4 million grant
PA RACP grant funds Reading-based initiative
Wyomissing Foundation bestows $300k grant for CollegeTowne initiative
Three-year award provides support for student powered business incubator
