CollegeTowne Initiative
Ë®¹ûÅÉ 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
Since the launch, Alvernia has completed two phases of Reading CollegeTowne, investing $60 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.
Recent News
State awards Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RACP) support for Alvernia’s American House
Funding strengthens community health partnership and expands experiential learning in downtown Reading
Alvernia adds four business leaders to Board of Trustees
Quartet with strong legacies of expertise, service and philanthropy join the university’s Board.
Ë®¹ûÅÉ and Caterpillar Inc. Collaborate to Strengthen STEM Education and Champion a Workforce-Ready Pipeline
Regional pilot will support educators, expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities, and build sustainable talent pipelines
