CollegeTowne Initiative
17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 17³Ô¹ÏÍø get noticed as an innovative force in higher education
Successful Start
More than five years on, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø has completed two phases of Reading CollegeTowne, investing $43 million into the City of Reading.
John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne
17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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
17³Ô¹ÏÍø's forward-thinking initiative spurs development in downtown Reading and Pottsville.
17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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
17³Ô¹ÏÍø, Schuylkill YMCA cut ribbon on new gymnastics facility
Completion of Phases I & II of Pottsville CollegeTowne brings total investment in downtown Pottsville to $8 million
17³Ô¹ÏÍø breaks ground on American House renovation at Reading CollegeTowne
Renovation will expand healthcare access, experiential learning and inclusive workforce development in downtown Reading
Santander US gifts $50,000 to support 17³Ô¹ÏÍø's Reading Collegiate Scholars Program
Investment expands tuition scholarships and wraparound support for Berks County students
17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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
17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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.
