About the O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship

Mission Statement

Alvernia University is developing a new, innovative model of higher education that mutually benefits students and businesses alike. The O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship is Alvernia’s transformational engine for changing the model and execution of higher education. O’Pake is contributing by creating public and private partnerships that develop a talent pipeline needed to aid business growth in the region.

Vision Statement

We are a catalyst for regional economic development and a driving force enhancing student experiential learning.

O'Pake Institute History

Alvernia University has valued students’ moral, ethical and leadership development since its founding in 1958, in line with our Franciscan heritage. In 2008, the university launched the Center for Ethics and Leadership (CEL) to make ethics and leadership a distinctive part of an  Alvernia education. CEL advanced Alvernia’s Franciscan identity, expanded educational and collaborative opportunities for students and faculty, leveraged community resources to provide those programs, and established Alvernia as a leader in ethics and leadership education. Alvernia University was fortunate to receive a generous gift from State Sen. Michael O’Pake, and then renamed CEL “The O’Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership and Public Service” to honor his service to Alvernia and his community.

In July of 2019, President John R. Loyack assumed leadership at Alvernia University with a vision to transform Alvernia, the economy and future of Reading and Berks County. The O’Pake Institute was a central part of accomplishing those plans and in October 2019, it was transitioned into the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. Today, the O’Pake Institute focuses on economic development in Reading and Berks County through hands-on, high-impact student projects that fuel student learning and provide valuable skills to local businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and government and community partners.