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.
Alvernia names Reading CollegeTowne the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne
University also names the School of Engineering the John R. Post School of Engineering
Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute mobilizes Cultural Coalition
Partnership-driven task forces mitigate social and economic issues in Berks County
Alvernia presented with Pottsville CollegeTowne funding
Pottsville CollegeTowne moves forward.
Alvernia installs Bloomberg Terminal at downtown Reading Campus
Students gain access to financial software used by business and finance leaders
Government spending bill funds Pottsville CollegeTowne
University receives $2 million for innovative strategy
Alvernia earns Carnegie Doctoral University designation
Carnegie Commission’s reclassification result of increase in professional graduate programs
Alvernia hosts largest-ever admissions event
Inaugural Packapalooza event draws over 325 prospective students
FirstEnergy Foundation Awards $250,000 Grant to Alvernia
Reading CollegeTowne brings student housing, classrooms and jobs to downtown
