CollegeTowne Initiative
Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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.
Header School of Business namesake credits success to recognizing opportunities
A work ethic forged early in life led Greg Header ’97 to become a successful entrepreneur who recently made the largest alumni gift in Alvernia history.
Teaming up to take education higher
The public phase of Alvernia’s comprehensive campaign will focus squarely on partnerships as drivers of growth and change.
Alvernia’s John R. Post School of Engineering Hosts Engineering Week
FirstEnergy and S.P.A.R.K.S Foundation partner to provide experiential learning to students
Wyomissing Foundation commits $300,000 grant to Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Three-year pledge to retrofit new health center in former American House
Alvernia announces $70 million fundraising campaign at President’s Dinner
Alumni and community leaders earn prestigious honors at annual celebration
Alvernia unveils newly opened School of Nursing
New 55,000-square-foot facility boasts simulation center and expanded lab space
Alvernia's CollegeTowne fuels regional expansion
Alvernia's strategy will create ripple effects, with redevelopment spurring more redevelopment, aided by public-private alliances.
Buzzing down Penn Street
Explore how Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s SPARK Business Incubator empowers students and entrepreneurs to revitalize Reading’s Penn Street through innovation.
