Mission Statement
Alvernia is developing a new, innovative model of higher education that mutually benefits students and businesses alike. The O鈥橮ake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship is 媚娘直播鈥檚 transformational engine for changing the model and execution of higher education. O鈥橮ake 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 has valued students鈥 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 媚娘直播 education. CEL advanced 媚娘直播鈥檚 Franciscan identity, expanded educational and collaborative opportunities for students and faculty, leveraged community resources to provide those programs, and established 媚娘直播 as a leader in ethics and leadership education. 媚娘直播 was fortunate to receive a generous gift from State Sen. Michael O鈥橮ake, and then renamed CEL 鈥淭he O鈥橮ake Institute for Ethics, Leadership and Public Service鈥 to honor his service to 媚娘直播 and his community.
In July of 2019, President John R. Loyack assumed leadership at 媚娘直播 with a vision to transform 媚娘直播, the economy and future of Reading and Berks County. The O鈥橮ake Institute was a central part of accomplishing those plans and in October 2019, it was transitioned into the O鈥橮ake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. Today, the O鈥橮ake 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.
