The O'Pake Institute

Through Reading CollegeTowne, Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship is a change agent for the economic and entrepreneurial outlook of Reading. The O’Pake Institute acts as a catalyst for organizational growth by mentoring businesses through a student-powered approach, and actively partnering with other economic development drivers.

The O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship celebrates the Catholic and Franciscan tradition that Alvernia values. As a Franciscan institution, the university's mission compels Alvernians to be like St. Francis and serve as a source of transformation for students, the institution, and the community.