CollegeTowne Initiative
Alvernia University 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 selects design and build team for American House project
University advancing historic rehabilitation and phased interior renovations at 354 Penn St.
AU President emeritus Flynn receives ACCU award
National honor recognizes decades of service, advocacy and philanthropy advancing Catholic higher education
Alvernia celebrates success of largest fundraising campaign at President’s Dinner
Alumni and community leaders earn prestigious honors at annual celebration
Homecoming and Family Weekend mixes tried-and-true traditions with new offerings
A 5K race and a first-year family tailgate were among the events joining old favorites at the 2025 edition.
Alvernia & TExpL® earn Building Berks Awards
Recognition highlights innovation, education and community revitalization in Berks County
Alvernia University earns Blackbaud Impact Award for collaboration and innovation
Recognition highlights Alvernia’s transformation of data-driven advancement through RENXT and cross-campus partnerships
Albright and Alvernia create over 2,400 jobs for greater Reading region
Study reveals over $300 million in annual economic impact by Reading’s independent nonprofit institutions
Alvernia is Berks and Schuylkill Counties' choice for higher education
University awarded People's and Readers' Choice Awards for commitment to regional excellence
