Recognition highlights innovation, education and community revitalization in Berks County
Alvernia University and its Total Experience Learning® Institute received top honors at the 2025 Building Berks Awards, hosted by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA). The university earned recognition in the Education category for the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, while Total Experience Learning (TExpL®) Community Art Studio projects earned awards for the Public Art category with the Moss and Douglass Mural and the Industrial category with the American Crane Mural project.
Alvernia’s award for the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne underscores the transformative impact of the 250,000-square-foot living-learning facility in downtown Reading. Since opening in 2021, the Post Center has helped fuel economic growth and educational expansion through CollegeTowne, the university’s award-winning model for community engagement.
“The John R. Post Center is a symbol of our commitment to experiential education and community engagement,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “Through CollegeTowne, we’ve created a hub where students, faculty and community partners collaborate in ways that strengthen both our communities and our university. To see this work recognized with a Building Berks Award is a proud moment for Alvernia and for Reading.”
The Moss and Douglass Mural, honored in the Public Art category, was created in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Berks County and Customers Bank. Over 100 local students and community members worked alongside TExpL artist-in-residence Mike Miller to design and paint the 400-square-foot mural, which transformed a residence at Moss and Douglass streets into a beacon of community pride. The project grew out of the TExpL Community Art Studio, a collaborative space within the Total Experience Learning® Institute that brings together students and community members to co-create public art and foster ownership of local spaces.
The American Crane mural, honored in the Industrial category, was recently unveiled at the company’s Douglassville headquarters. Designed by local artist Gregory Didyoung, the piece celebrates the innovation and spirit of grit within a multi-generational family business while serving as a bold artistic landmark. Hundreds of community members, including employees, students and local art enthusiasts, worked together to create a mural that captures the story of American Crane’s legacy and its role in driving industrial growth in Berks County.
“These awards shine a spotlight on how creativity and collaboration can transform places and people,” said Adelle L. Schade, Ph.D., Vice President for Innovation and Education Ventures and founder of Total Experience Learning®. “The Moss and Douglass and American Crane murals are living examples of how students, industry and community members can come together to make lasting contributions to Berks County.”
GRCA leaders emphasized the impact of this year’s awards.
“The Building Berks Awards highlight the vision and collaboration driving growth and investment in our region,” said Aaron Gantz, Vice President of Economic Development & Strategy, GRCA. “The nominated projects represent $186 million in investment, 2,600 jobs created or retained and 1.3 million-square-feet of development. Each nomination reflects a commitment to Berks County’s future. At the end of the day, every project is a win for our community.”
The Building Berks Awards celebrate projects that drive economic development, strengthen community pride and advance quality of life in Berks County.
