The O'Pake Institute Annual Report (July 2022-June 2023)

BEHIND THE COVER

October 2022 marked the beginning of a sustainability initiative that brought bees to the roof of the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne in partnership with Uncle B’s Honey Company and the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement’s student-run Bog Turtle Creek Farm.

Through the O’Pake Fellows and High School Internship Programs, students track, manage and sell honey out of the O’Pake General Store. Digital Media Marketing Major and O’Pake Fellow of Marketing Jennifer Weasner also designed the “O’Pake Honey” logo and honey jar label.

“Having honeybees on the roof of CollegeTowne is a prime example of the O’Pake Institute’s mission to support entrepreneurship, student experiential learning, and our community,” said Michelle Conway, MBA, executive director of student and client services at the O’Pake Institute. “If we are advising entrepreneurs, it is only natural that we are entrepreneurial ourselves.”

Students involved with Bog Turtle Creek Farm at Alvernia’s EcoHouse were also beekeeping and harvesting the honey with training from Branden Moyer, owner of Uncle B’s Honey Company. A demonstration beehive was also housed at Alvernia’s EcoHouse in alignment with the pollinator garden that the student team launched for the 2023 growing season.

“We are excited to have our EcoHouse team participate in beekeeping training through our community partners so that our students can then facilitate future workshops for others in our community,” said Alvernia EcoHouse Coordinator and faculty member Dr. Alicia Sprow. “Our students will have the opportunity to help harvest the honey and sell it to area residents at local farmers markets as part of Bog Turtle Creek Farm’s ongoing role in our community to help increase access to fresh, healthy and affordable food.”

The bee photographs featured on the cover and throughout this edition of the annual report were taken by Jennifer Weasner, O’Pake Fellow of Marketing.

MESSAGE

MESSAGE

COLLEGETOWNE OVERVIEW

RODNEY S. RIDLEY SR., PH.D., RTTP

Through the unwavering commitment of Alvernia staff, faculty, students, alumni and community partners and the Innovation Subcommittee, Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship celebrates another remarkable and impactful year. O’Pake has continued to break new ground in economic development, community impact and the student experience while garnering international interest. The following report serves as a testament to the dedication, passion and collaborative spirit embodied by the organization.

From July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, a record number of O’Pake Fellows served a record number of businesses through the SPARK business incubator. Berks County-based start-ups were able to receive funding from the Financial Lending and Innovation Collaborative (FLIC) and Alvernia’s partnership with IMAGINE Berks. Our team’s efforts mobilized the Cultural Coalition, a collection of partnershipdriven task forces aimed at identifying and mitigating some of the City of Reading’s social and economic issues. With O’Pake serving as the catalyst, volunteer-based strategic planning and execution groups are working together to improve the area’s arts and culture scene, further community and neighborhood revitalization, and strengthen education and workforce development.

In October, the SPARK business incubator model was replicated in alignment with the Pottsville CollegeTowne initiative to contribute to the city’s economic revitalization in partnership with Pottsville Area Development Corporation and IGNITE Schuylkill. In November, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) invested $400,000 over three years with O’Pake through the first-ever Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) Grant, bringing the organization to new heights.

Alvernia’s outgoing and seventh President John R. Loyack’s exceptional leadership and contributions were instrumental in the last year and since O’Pake’s inception as a part of the Reading CollegeTowne initiative. His insights, dedication and commitment to nurturing ethical leaders have paved the way for innovative programs and initiatives that have profoundly

impacted the students and communities Alvernia serves. As we look ahead to the future of O’Pake alongside Alvernia’s eighth president, Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., investing in opportunities for monetization and revenue generation to ensure the sustainability of our team, projects, partnerships and initiatives remains at the forefront of O’Pake’s strategic priorities. These opportunities will ensure O’Pake’s continued impact on the lives of students and the local and regional communities.

Furthermore, the O’Pake team looks forward to expanding its reach across the Greater Berks County and Eastern Pennsylvania regions, deepening its work in the City of Reading with its expansion into the former American House building and continuing to replicate its unique studentpowered entrepreneurial model to other universities and partners such as Notre Dame across the U.S.

S.

Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation

Dean of the College of STEAM & Professor

Chief Operating Officer of the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship

RODNEY

RIDLEY SR., PH.D.

PRESIDENT GLYNIS A. FITZGERALD, PH.D. MESSAGE FROM

At Alvernia University, we believe in the value of experiential education, transcending the traditional boundaries of classrooms. Since its transformation in 2020, the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship has embodied this belief, consistently leading the charge in fostering a dynamic educational environment for a growing number of students who have earned the title of O’Pake Fellow. The O’Pake Fellows Program seamlessly intertwines theory with practice, empowering our students to emerge as innovative, ethical leaders with moral courage.

From the moment fellows set foot on campus to their graduation day, they embark on a journey rich with real-world experiences. Embraced wholeheartedly by our community partners and business incubator tenants, experiential learning forms the cornerstone of our approach for all students. It is the primary focus of the fellows’ experience, as evidenced by their myriad success stories as they progress from participants in community-based projects to leaders in such projects.

Our mission extends beyond student empowerment; we are equally committed to nurturing the ambitions of our faculty, enabling them to bring their ideas to fruition and enrich their academic endeavors. The faculty have greatly benefited from O’Pake’s entrepreneurial and academic services through research resources as well as the engagement of fellows applying their knowledge in classes concurrent with their experiential learning.

While profoundly enriching the academic journey of both our students and faculty, O’Pake has also fostered stronger community ties. Through our collaborative efforts, we have spearheaded numerous economic and workforce development initiatives in the City of Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia, aligning with Alvernia’s mission to serve and uplift the communities in which we operate. Our students have spearheaded projects tackling pressing societal challenges, underscoring their unwavering commitment to social responsibility.

These early successes of the O’Pake Institute owe much to the dedication of our faculty, staff and mentors as well as the unwavering support of our community partners. As we celebrate our achievements, we also look forward with anticipation. O’Pake stands as a commendable example of Alvernia’s achievements in experiential learning, igniting the sparks of student curiosity and creating new paths for students to reach their full potential.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast support and for being integral to our journey of empowering the next generation of leaders. Together, we will continue to inspire innovation, cultivate curiosity and forge enduring legacies in the lives of our students and communities.

PRESIDENT GLYNIS A. FITZGERALD, PH.D.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MAJOR MILESTONES

The O’Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership, and Public Service is restructured and renamed the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship.

Michelle Conway begins as the director of student and client services at the O’Pake Institute.

The first class of O’Pake Fellows graduated, and the inaugural Innovation Subcommittee meeting was held.

The Cultural Coalition launched.

Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph. D. is hired as the chief operating officer at the O’Pake Institute.

The O’Pake Fellows program officially launched.

The largest class of O’Pake Fellows graduated. MAY 2022

The O’Pake Institute moved to Reading CollegeTowne and formally launched the SPARK Business Incubator.

MILESTONES TIMELINE

Academic Services launched. Lizette Epps was hired as the executive director of financial services and internal operations.

Graduated our first incubator clients.

Ribbon cutting ceremony held in Pottsville.

Financial Lending Innovation

Collaborative (FLIC) Launched.

First cohort of High School interns launches.

Ribbon cutting ceremony held at Pittston.

THE FUTURE OF

The O’Pake Institute is on a trajectory mirroring the stages of human development. It has progressed from infancy through childhood and is “learning to walk,” according to chief operating officer Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D., as it is demonstrating a maturity that positions it for further expansion. Ridley emphasizes the importance of organizational financial stability. In order to guarantee the financial stability of the organization, the Institute is concentrating on strategic recruitment endeavors for the O’Pake Fellows Program, which serves as a vital source of nontraditional revenue. Recruitment efforts will continue to expand the O’Pake Institute’s reach and capacity to serve entrepreneurs, as well as small and established businesses in Reading, Pottsville and surrounding areas. The O’Pake Institute is licensing its model and deepening its intentional partnerships with other universities across the United States. This expansion includes partnerships with the University of Notre Dame, along with economic development organizations across the Northeast region, like Ben Franklin Technology Partners and tecBRIDGE.

Another priority over the next few years is enhancing the capability to channel resources to local businesses within the communities served by Alvernia. O’Pake has collaborated with important stakeholders to pinpoint a distinct demand for

such resources within African American-owned businesses, companies with Spanish-speaking teams and nonprofits in the City of Reading. By forming strategic partnerships with the City of Reading, Berks County, the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce (GRCA) and others, this requirement will be addressed through initiatives like the SPARK Business Incubator services and the Cultural Coalition. This objective seeks to improve accessibility and education concerning locally accessible resources, thereby bolstering the success of local businesses and, consequently, benefiting the broader community.

O’Pake’s future strategic goals require a new, expanded facility, additional staff and training. The transition into the former American House will prove pivotal for expanding both team and operational capacities, particularly in Greater Reading. The third and fourth floors will be occupied by incubator tenants, students, staff and partners, fostering growth and collaboration. Ridley explained; “Prioritizing opportunities for monetization and revenue generation is crucial not only for securing the sustainability of our organization and upholding our partnerships and operations, but also for expanding our outreach, enhancing our influence on students’ lives, and fostering economic development within local and regional communities.”

“Prioritizing opportunities for monetization and revenue generation is crucial not only for securing the sustainability of our organization and upholding our partnerships and operations, but also for expanding our outreach, enhancing our influence on students’ lives, and fostering economic development within local and regional communities.”

- Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D.

O’PAKE

THE O’PAKE

FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

GUIDED BY MISSION

MISSION

Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship fosters the development of entrepreneurial programs and economic growth, both in the Reading community and in higher education.

HISTORY OF O’PAKE INSTITUTE

Alvernia University has valued students’ moral, ethical and leadership development since its founding in 1958, in alignment with its 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. Upon receiving a generous gift from Senator Michael O’Pake Alvernia, renamed CEL “The O’Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership, and Public Service” to honor his service to Alvernia and his community. In July 2019, President John R. Loyack assumed leadership at Alvernia University with a vision to transform not only Alvernia but the surrounding economy, and contribute to the future of the City of Reading and Berks County. The O’Pake Institute was a central part of accomplishing those plans, and in October 2019, it was reimagined as the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. Today, the O’Pake Institute focuses on economic development in Reading and Berks County through handson, high-impact student projects that fuel experiential learning and provide valuable skills to local businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits, as well as fostering meaningful relationships with government and community partners.

O’PAKE SPONSORS

Through the generosity of the individuals and businesses listed below, the O’Pake Institute is providing students with experiential learning opportunities while fostering economic development in the community by providing resources and services to entrepreneurs and businesses.

Collectively, these philanthropic leaders have contributed over $1.7 million to fully fund the operations of the O’Pake Institute, including work-study funding for the student Fellows, mentoring programs, the cultural coalition and earlystage funding for aspiring entrepreneurs. All of the success stories you will read in this report have been made possible through the philanthropic support of those listed below.

O’PAKE DONORS:

Anonymous

Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Bollman Hat Company

Brute Athletic Apparel

County of Berks

Customers Bank

Essig

Fulton Bank

Herbein + Company, Inc.

M&T Bank

MidPenn Bank

Pepsi Bottling Group, LLC

Riverfront Federal Credit Union

RKL

Schlouch, Inc.

Sordoni Family Foundation

Surgical Institute of Reading

Tom Masano Auto Group

Tompkins Bank

Visions Federal Credit Union

The Wyomissing Foundation, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Barrett

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Rush

Ira Tauber

Paul Trunk

O’PAKE FOUNDING SPONSORS

INNOVATION SUBCOMMITTEE

INNOVATION SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Innovation & Commercialization Subcommittee (ISC) is a subset of the community and philanthropy committee of the Alvernia Board of Trustees. The ISC is designed to provide oversight and advisory for The O’Pake Insitute. While the Insitute is a part of the University 501(c)(3), O’Pake has been revised to spearhead the University’s CollegeTowne initiative. This requires O’Pake to act pseudo-independently of the university’s financial operations. O’Pake’s operation and design are modeled after traditional research institutes at large institutions of higher education.

The ISC is a collective group of experienced professionals, entrepreneurs and qualified investors seeking to support the university’s strategic plan, the Alvernia Advantage, and bring

new economic activity and life into downtown Reading and the region at large.

Additionally, the ISC will work closely with the University President and the Chief Operating Officer of The O’Pake Institute to evaluate potential investments of capital, partnerships and mentorship into growth ventures, community-based organizations or philanthropic initiatives. The Committee advises on the portfolio, participates in opportunity assessment and determines how to best engage with each unique opportunity.

FRANKI AITKEN COO at Berks County Community Foundation

JOHN ARNOLD Retired Chairperson, CEO & Owner of PPC Lubricants, Inc.

NGOZI BELL Representative, Office of Advocacy -Region 3, Small Business Administration

PAULA BARRETT Retired Partner at Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP

MIKE CARON Retired GTS-Welco Partner; LVAO Member

LUCY CORTEZ COO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks

JOHN R. LOYACK President Emertius Alvernia University; Senior Executive VP & COO Inperium

JASON LUTZ President of SV Sports

PETE MOLINARO Former CEO & Chairman, Adhezion, Biomedical, LLC

BARRY SCHLOUCH President at Schlouch Incorporated

JOHN SCIPIO CEO of SV Sports GREGORY SHEMANSKI CEO & President at Custom Processing Services, Inc.

ANGELO J. VALLETTA President & CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania

JOHN WEIDENHAMMER President & CEO at Weidenhammer

SUBCOMMITTEE

“As an Alvernia University Trustee and member of the Innovation Subcommittee, I have seen the transformational impact that the Reading CollegeTowne initiative is having on the City of Reading firsthand. The O’Pake Institute remains a powerful force in those strategic efforts, and I look forward to seeing and playing a role in the continued impact of the organization well into the future.”

- John Arnold (Chair)

STAFF BIO

RODNEY S. RIDLEY, SR. PH.D., RTTP

Dr. Rodney S. Ridley Sr. is vice president of research, economic development, and Innovation, Founding Dean of the College of STEAM at Alvernia University (AU), and the chief operating officer of the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at AU. He is a key architect of the Reading CollegeTowne initiative. He is the founder of the O’Pake Student Fellows Program, Business Incubator, Technology Transfer Office, Professional Mentor Program and Micro-Grant Fund. He oversees AU industry and economic development outreach activity. Prior to joining Alvernia, he was the executive director and distinguished professor of the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Wilkes University. There, he was the founding director of the Wilkes Business Incubator, the Technology Transfer Office, the Industry & Community Outreach Office and a Micro-Grant Fund. In June 2017, he was named “Innovator of the Year” by the Greater WilkesBarre Chamber of Commerce. His professional experiences include chair/director and associate professor in the ABETaccredited Engineering & Physics Division at Wilkes University, engineering director at Velox Semiconductor, vicepresident of technology at Data Friendly Inc, and principal engineer and key technologist at Fairchild Semiconductor.

Ridley consults in intellectual property management, entrepreneurship, semiconductors and nanotechnology. He holds 27 US patents and numerous foreign patents and has authored more than 35 journal and conference articles. He volunteers for a number of professional associations, including the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), and in 2019, was honored with an AUTM Volunteer Service Award. He holds a Ph.D. in engineering science and a M.S. degree in electrical engineering from The Pennslyvannia State University, and a B.S. degree in physics from Lincoln University (Pa.).

MICHELLE RAE CONWAY, MBA

Michelle Rae Conway is an award-winning entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and strategist. Conway serves as the Executive Director for Student and Client Services and Business Incubator Manager at Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute, an organization that fosters entrepreneurial activity and economic development. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership. Prior to her role at Alvernia, Conway acted as the interim assistant director at Wilkes University’s Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. In the last three years, Conway has mentored over 200 businesses in the areas of business development, business planning, market analysis and strategic planning. She is newly the author of "If You’re in Your Twenties, Read This", a short story to inspire young professionals to own their journey, celebrate their inexperience and transform.

LIZETTE EPPS, MBA CUDE

Lizette Epps serves as the executive director of financial services & internal operations at Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. She is a seasoned, award-winning, business professional dedicated to advocacy for positive change and social justice. With a career spanning across the public and private sectors, Lizette has tirelessly championed the advancement of the

broader Latino and BIPOC community while empowering women and children to achieve personal and professional success. Her roles as president of the board for the Berks Latino Workforce Development Corp., board member of both First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, and Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennslyvannia demonstrate her commitment to diverse community causes.

Lizette’s influence extends beyond her organizational affiliations. She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix, accreditation as a Credit Union Development Educator from The National Credit Union Foundation and her Nonprofit Management Certification from LaSalle University. Lizette consults and presents on business strategy, nonprofit establishment and management, financial education and equity, as well as diverse procurement. Through her consultations and presentations across various industries, Lizette continues to drive positive change, contributing profoundly to the betterment of communities and organizations alike.

MARY ELLEN WELLS, J.D., LLM

Professor Wells is an associate professor in the Business Department, where she specializes in law and negotiation courses at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. Her legal courses focus on the laws affecting businesses, schools, employment and health care. Professor Wells holds an advanced degree in taxation and is an EPFP Fellow through the Education Policy and Leadership Center in Harrisburg, enabling her to also specialize in teaching federal taxation, organizational leadership, negotiation and conflict resolution. She is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and is active in scholarship through the Academy of Legal Studies in Business and other professional organizations. Additionally, Professor Wells serves as associate provost.

CAROLYN GIBSON, M.ED.

Carolyn Gibson is an experienced higher education administrator with expertise in international education, study abroad and high-impact experiential learning programs. She currently works as the program coordinator at Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute and teaches first-year seminar courses where students learn the skills they need to be successful in college. Carolyn earned her BA from Juniata College in international studies and her M.Ed. from Lehigh University with a focus on comparative and international education. She has lived and worked abroad and continues to explore the world. Carolyn has a passion for running and the great outdoors, currently serves on the Girls on the Run 5K Committee, and is active in her community.

MAX HORN, MBA

Max Horn is an entrepreneur, mental health advocate, coach and servant leader. He serves as the student experiential learning specialist at Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute. He's also an Alvernia Admission Counselor, as well as an assistant coach for Alvernia’s women’s ice hockey team. Max earned his BA from Alvernia University in sport management, marketing, and communications and also holds a Master of Business Administration. Over the past years, he has recruited and worked with over 70+ O’Pake Fellows and provided student support and experiential learning programs.

O’PAKE SERVICES

SERVICES

O’PAKE FELLOWS

O’PAKE FELLOWS PROGRAM

Another distinctive attribute of the O’Pake Institute is the O’Pake Fellows Program, which provides undergraduate and graduate students at Alvernia University with the ability to work hands-on with entrepreneurs, small businesses, regional partners and faculty. The highly qualified students who enter the program are provided with numerous hours of professional training and mentoring to prepare them to work with our clients. Once trained, they are partnered with specific clients to provide services that match their expertise.

The students receive experiential learning opportunities from their work, learn from faculty and subject matter mentors, and deliver quality services to SPARK business incubator clients. The program officially began in 2020, with 30+ Fellows. Twenty-two Fellows were in the 2022-2023 graduating class, with 14 of the graduates accepting jobs in Pennslyvania, creating brain gain rather than brain drain. Eight graduates accepted jobs outside of Pennsylvania.

PROGRAM

THE FUTURE

Maintain an 80 percent program retention rate.

Launch Professionals-in-Training Program for undergraduate O’Pake Fellows.

Launch Experienced Professionals Program.

Launch high school internship program.

O’PAKE FELLOWS

MICKENZIE MCLUCAS Fellow of Marketing LOGAN MINFORD Fellow of Management & Finance

LAURA NETWIG Holleran Fellow

KATHRYN PALMER Fellow of Engineering

BOBBY PHILPOT Fellow of Engineering

KAYLIE ROWE Fellow of Life Sciences BLAKE RUTCOSKY Fellow of English & Pre- Law

DANE SABARESE Fellow of Communications EMILY SANO Fellow of Digital Media

SCHERMERHORN The O’Pake Reading Royals Fellow JACK SHORT Fellow of Finance

EVAN SOLLEY Fellow of Engineering

EVAN THOMAS Fellow of Engineering

JENNIFER WEASNER Fellow of Digital Media

NICHOLAS WILLSON Fellow of Finance & Economics

O’PAKE FELLOWS

STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

SARAH HECKMAN

Sarah Heckman, graduate assistant of student services, worked diligently to implement software to increase the Institute’s capacity model. Heckman developed standard operating procedures to improve the Institute’s overall client experience and portfolio management techniques. This included the integration and optimization of the customer management tool Neoserra. Heckman provided training on the software and tracked its effectiveness. Due to Heckman’s commitment to this process improvement, the Institute was able to increase its capacity model by over 25 percent.

Heckman is expected to graduate in December 2023 with a Master of Business Administration degree.

MAX HORN

Max Horn, graduate assistant of client services, successfully launched a recruitment model for the O’Pake Institute’s Office of Student Experiential Learning. Under Horn’s leadership, the Institute implemented a new recruitment program to engage high-performing highschool students to join the O’Pake Fellows Program. The program includes an intentional recruitment plan, an onboarding process and tracking measures. Horn worked directly with the executive director of student and client services and Alvernia University’s Enrollment Office to successfully recruit 15 students between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

Horn graduated in May 2023 with a Master of Business Administration Degree.

PROGRAM

JACK SHORT

Jack Short, O’Pake Fellow of Finance, expanded the Institute’s venture investment services. Short began to transition into the graduate assistant role, brainstorming comprehensive ideas on how to expand the venture investment department. With many new ideas at the forefront of the Institute’s operations, Short provided direct support to 12 clients between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. He also worked with a team of five other undergraduate Fellows in accounting and finance to support the Institute’s growing activity. In addition, he began to strengthen the Institute’s relationships with many groups from the Pennsylvania Angel Network.

Short graduated in May 2023 with an undergraduate degree in finance and economics.

MARISOL MARTINEZ-ALVAREZ

Marisol Martinez-Alvarez, O’Pake Fellow of Marketing, provided creative services to over 10 clients, carrying one of heaviest workloads of any O’Pake Fellow between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. Alvarez assisted clients in the areas of market research, strategic marketing, social media marketing, and website development. For example, Alvarez worked to develop a comprehensive rebranding strategy for a local nonprofit agency, managed our social media campaigns for small businesses, and assisted a tech start-up with a successful go-to-market strategy.

Alvarez is expected to graduate in May 2024 with an undergraduate degree in marketing and management.

SPARK BUSINESS INCUBATOR

SPARK BUSINESS INCUBATOR

Over the last year, the Institute has served over 300 clients and completed over 150 experiential learning projects.

With the August 2021 opening of the newly named John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, the O’Pake Institute’s SPARK Business Incubator transformed from a virtual environment to offering physical space to clients. Since the inception of the incubator, the space has been at full capacity, with seven tenants and a growing waitlist. We also provide entrepreneurial services to the JumpStart Incubator and partner with the Penn State LaunchBox, SCORE, and the Kutztown Small Business Development Center. The SPARK Business Incubator uniquely serves both nonprofit and forprofit businesses. The O’Pake Institute also boasts the region’s first Technology Transfer Office to commercialize patents and other intellectual property (IP). Students and staff work with established businesses through our aptly named “Project 6” initiative. Through this initiative, they tackle projects that fall just below an organization’s “top five” priorities. These projects are usually not time-sensitive but nevertheless critically

important. In addition, the institute is an authorized agent of and receives funding from Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP), a state-funded organization that provides funds and services for nascent and established technology-based organizations.

With the January opening of the Pottsville CollegeTowne, the business incubator launched its second location. Schuylkill County for-profit, nonprofit, small and established businesses now have access to services including funding preparation through the Financial Lending and Innovation Collaborative, business model canvassing, business plan development, feasibility analysis, financial services, industry research, IP acquisition, IP management, IP search, IP strategy, logo development, market research, nonprofit advising, opportunity assessment product and prototype development, publishing, social media marketing plan and strategy, SWOT analysis, venture investment preparation and website development.

INCUBATOR THE FUTURE

Provide service to first 10 clients through the Pottsville SPARK Business Incubator.

Launch SPARK Business Incubator activity in Pittston.

Create a business plan for a nonprofit business incubator in conjunction with Our City Reading and supporting community foundations.

Expand student entrepreneurship in partnership with the Header School of Business entrepreneurship minor.

SPARK BUSINESS

INCUBATOR CLIENT CASE STUDIES

Three Finalists Represent SPARK Business Incubator

Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute SPARK Business Incubator client OCOA, a curly hair care company in Reading, Pa., owned by Cory Varona-Corniel and Nicol Varona-Cancelmo, won the $10,000 prize at the tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition awards ceremony at the F.M. Kirby Center for Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Thursday, April 27.

“This win and having three finalists at the tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition is a testament to Alvernia & O’Pake’s mission to drive economic development and entrepreneurship while facilitating student experiential learning opportunities,” said Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D., Alvernia vice president of research economic development and innovation and chief operating officer of the O’Pake Institute, “The entrepreneurs and students get to learn alongside each other while making critical strides in their journey, and I am grateful to be able to see that transformation unfold.”

Early-stage entrepreneurs competed in the non-collegiate division, and student teams from the region’s colleges and universities competed in the collegiate division. Competitors were responsible for deliverables in four areas, including an executive summary, competitor analysis, proforma financials and a pitch deck, which they presented on April 13, 2023. Industry expert judges then evaluated the presentations ahead of the awards ceremony, where the winners received $10,000 and $100,000 in in-kind services to grow their business.

“It feels really amazing to be the winner of the tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition,” said Varona-Corniel. “Seeing all of the hard work paying off, the hours of practice, mentorship and having so many people encourage us to get to the finish line is an amazing feeling for us.”

The three finalist teams: Catapallo VR, OCOA and Wooden Chair Coffee Company with The O’Pake Team

The pair explained that the O’Pake team identified them as an ideal candidate for the competition, encouraged them to apply and coached them through the whole process. OCOA,

formerly DN Organics, also earned microgrant funding through O’Pake.

“We worked closely with [Conway], and she helped us review our business plan, presentation and other additional docs required,” said Varona-Cancelmo. “She also helped us practice and polish our pitch. We are so grateful to Michelle and the entire O’Pake team for the opportunity and believing in our mission.”

In addition to OCOA, the O’Pake Institute’s SPARK Business Incubator had another non-collegiate finalist, Dr. Kryn McClain, owner of CatapalloVR, and a collegiate finalist, Logan Minford, Alvernia student entrepreneur and owner of Wooden Chair Coffee Company. Students in the O’Pake Fellows Program helped each team prep for their pitch alongside expert staff members.

“I am overjoyed to see that the countless hours that Cory and Nicol spent crafting their business plan with the O’Pake team and practicing their pitch pay off,” said Michelle Conway, MBA, executive director of student and client services, at the O’Pake Institute. “This win is a testament to O’Pake’s mission to assist entrepreneurs in Greater Berks County, and we are so proud of all three of our collegiate and non-collegiate contestants for competing.”

INCUBATOR

N.A.M.E. Creates Unity

The mission of Now All Must Evolve (N.A.M.E.) is to change the lives of historically underserved youth through transformative arts, athletics and life skills training. The organization mentors, educates and inspires young people to create a culture of positive change, empowering them to become community leaders and advocates. The organization is committed to creating unity in the community by empowering the next generation to foster an environment of positive leadership, service and advocacy, starting here in the city of Reading.

N.A.M.E. received $5,000 through the Financial Lending and Innovation Collaborative (FLIC) fund to pay for legal fees and 501(c)(3) registration. N.A.M.E. is also a tenant in the Institute’s SPARK Business Incubator at the John R. Post

Center at Reading CollegeTowne.

“The O’Pake Institute has been a true blessing,” said founder Jermell Mitchell.

For years, Mitchell worked behind the scenes, helping to mentor youth in the city of Reading, but he knew it was time to make his mission a reality.

“From the moment I sat and talked to the staff," he said, "I knew they could see and believed in my mission. Finally, I could see I was in the right place.”

Since moving into the SPARK Business Incubator, N.A.M.E. went from serving one student to 58 in three months.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Through meaningful, unique relationships and partnerships, O’Pake offers financial services to support businesses and foster professional growth. The services offered are suitable for any local business looking for financial support, advice and resources. O’Pake leverages staff and partners to ensure financial security for clients making business advancements.

I. Client services in addition to the SPARK Business Incubator services:

Unique business curriculum (due diligence)

Micro-grant and microlending

Economic development relationships with venture capitalists

Preparation for loans and grants

II. The Financial Lending and Innovation Collaborative:

The Financial Lending and Innovation Collaborative (FLIC) assists the O’Pake Institute in helping community entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing access to funding during the early stages. These funds are provided by participating financial institutions to assist early-stage entrepreneurs in obtaining funds. The institutions are Neighborhood Housing Services, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Kutztown SBDC, Visions Federal Credit Union, Riverfront Credit Union, Barrio Alegria, Bellco Credit Union (non-voting member) and the O’Pake Institute, where AU funding for the collaborative is courtesy of the PA 30-Day Fund, Schlouch Inc. and Allan Myers, Inc. Through this partnership, Alvernia student Fellows will also work with entrepreneurs to produce financial statements, foster financial literacy and develop business plans to garner experiential learning.

O’Pake Operations Fiscal Outlook

FINANCIAL SERVICES

The venture investment team assists high-growth startups in the preparation for the investor audience. Venture clients typically require pitch deck development, financial projections and business development strategy. In the early stages of development, they also need micro-funding for critical activities such as protecting intellectual property, legal counsel and other professional services. O’Pake has developed a model to invest in qualifying start-ups to assist with venture critical micro-funding needs. As the start-up matures,

O’Pake connects the start-up to other sources of investment capital. This includes O’Pake’s Innovation Subcommittee, community and regional partners, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and the Pennsylvania Angel Investor Network.

Venture Investment Client:

Any client working directly with an O’Pake staff member or the graduate assistant of venture investments to prepare for the investor audience.

Investment July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023

SERVICES

THE FUTURE

Expand relationships with the PA Angel Network (PAN), Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the Life Science Greenhouse and related organizations.

Finalize due-diligence process for venture investment.

Increase Innovation Subcommittee engagement through training opportunities.

Identify, pursue, and secure funding opportunities from various sources.

Expand and enhance service capabilities for small businesses.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER & BIOMEDICAL

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFICE

The O’Pake Institute’s technology transfer office (TTO) allows businesses in Berks County and beyond to save time and funds on intellectual property (IP) management. It is managed by the IP committee, which assists companies and entrepreneurs through the process of making the proper advancements regarding patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyright. To further ensure positive results, O’Pake has several resources and partnerships to supplement the IP committee. Innovation Q Plus, a search and analytics platform that combines the power of a machine-learning search engine with patents and technical content, is a tool used by the committee for data-backed insights. Additionally,

THE FUTURE

O’Pake works with IP attorneys from FisherBroyles, one of the world’s largest distributed full-service law firms, to provide professional services to clients when they are deemed ready to file for a patent or a trademark. Licensing experts from TreMonti Consulting, an internationally recognized firm, also provide a vast network of potential licensing partners, expert knowledge and training to O’Pake clients for utmost success. The TTO also has a special interest in advancing partnerships with the various science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics constituents, the biomedical industry, local and regional teaching hospitals, and the venture capital community.

Launch annual Innovation Symposium and Showcase.

Formalize Biomedical Innovation Collaborative.

Expand Intellectual Property training beyond O’Pake staff and students.

Develop a comprehensive monetization strategy.

BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION COLLABORATIVE

Technology Transfer

ACADEMIC SERVICES

ACADEMIC SERVICES

O’Pake Fellows and graduate students continued to work with Alvernia faculty to support academic research projects at the University. Many resources are available to Alvernia students, faculty and staff to fulfill the mission and vision of the University, support experiential learning and boost economic development through the Reading CollegeTowne Initiative.

During the fall 2022 semester, the O’Pake Institute launched 17 academic services projects with faculty in many different disciplines, including biology, literature, education and psychology. One highlight was Fellow Brianna Beavens, who published with Lindsay Kraus, professor of biology. Beavens assisted Dr. Kraus with writing and editing an article titled “The Therapeutic Role of Chromatin Remodeling in the Prognosis and Treatment of Heart Failure” in the journal Biomedicines

STAFF PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

RIDLEY, RODNEY

Awards, Honors, Certifications:

Ridley, Rodney Sr. and Jaques, C. (October 4, 2022), U.S. Patent # 11,458,376: “All Surface, Counter-Weighted, Teetering, Free-Standing, Mobile Field Sport Shooting Target Device and Methods of Making and Using Same.”

Ridley, Rodney Sr. (June 27, 2023), “Male Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year - third place (Americas category),” Triple E Awards Ceremony, Barcelona, Spain. (Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities - ACEEU)

Presentations & Publications:

Ridley, Rodney Sr. (January 16, 2023), “Alvernia Pottsville CollegeTowne Campus,” Pottsville Lions Club, Pottsville Zone, 337 Peacock St., Pottsville.

Ridley Rodney Sr., Kasper, Chase, Allyson Best, Anne DiSante, Keith Marmer, Graciela L. Narcho and Ellen MacKay (February 20, 2023), “AUTM Plenary Panel (Chase): Reimagining The TTO: From Technology Transfer to Knowledge Transfer,” AUTM Annual Meeting, Austin, Texas.

Ridley, Rodney Sr. and Ellen MacKay (February 21, 2023), “AUTM Small Office SIG presentation,” AUTM Annual Meeting, Austin, Texas.

Ridley, Rodney Sr., Matteo, Elizabeth, Trish Reger, and Travis Berger (February 24, 2023), “ACAD 79th Annual Meeting: Four Approaches to Building Academic Identities after Reorganization,” Tampa, Florida.

Ridley, Rodney Sr. (March 13, 2023), “BFTP CHIPS ACT Round Table Meeting.” Participants: Susan Wild, Wayne Barz, Mark Granahan, Rodney Ridley, Nathan Urban and Chris Carter.

Ridley, Rodney Sr. (March 17, 2023), “Roundtable Economic Forum,” Regional Economic Forum with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08) and Pittston Mayor Mike Lombardo, Pittston Memorial Library.

Ridley Rodney Sr., Fleming, Adonis, Lizette Epps, Violet Emory, English Bradley and David Hunter (April 19, 2023), “Inaugural Business, Communication, and Leadership Conference: Because You Matter.” Moderator: Adonis Fleming, Panelists: Lizette Epps, Rodney S. Ridley, Violet Emory, English Bradley, and David Hunter.

Ridley, Rodney Sr. (April 25, 2023), “Pottsville CollegeTowne”, Schuylkill Leadership Program Event - Schuylkill Chamber Event Presentation.

Ridley, Rodney Sr. and Landon Olp (May 18, 2023), “AUTM Small Office Convo (Webinar): Involving students in your TTO.”

Ridley, Rodney Sr., (June 27, 2023), “ACEEU 2023 Conference on Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities for Sustainable Development: Entrepreneurial Universities in Action,” La Salle University, Barcelona, Spain.

Ridley, Rodney Sr. (June 27, 2023), “ACEEU 2023 Conference on Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities for Sustainable Development: Championing Innovation and Entrepreneurial Support,” La Salle University, Barcelona, Spain.

Ridley, Rodney Sr., Conway, Michelle, Caitlin Long, and Lizette Epps (June 27, 2023), “Force Forward Insights from Entrepreneurial Leaders Session: Student Powered Economic Development - Revitalizing the Poorest City in America,”

SERVICES

LaSalle University, Barcelona, Spain.

CONWAY, MICHELLE

Honors, Awards and Certifications:

Conway, Michelle (April 22, 2022), Certification: DISC.

Presentations & Publications:

Conway, Michelle (September 9, 2022), “The Power of Positivity.” Presented at the Alvernia Women’s Council Leadership Summit, Reading, Pa.

Conway, Michelle (November 2, 2022), “The Power of Positivity-Choosing Optimism.” Presented at the Wilkes-Barre Connect Conference, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Conway, Michelle (November 18, 2022), “Entrepreneurship Through Our Eyes.” Panel Moderator for the TecBRIDGE Entrepreneurship Institute Conference at King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Conway, Michelle (February 2, 2023), “The 401 Podcast.” Guest Interview on the Alvernia University podcast hosted by Dane Sabarese, Reading Pa.

Conway, Michelle (May 11, 2023), “The O’Pake Institute’s Office of Student Experiential Learning-A Transformational Student Experiential Learning Model.” Panel Discussion presented at the 2023 UIIN Conference in Budapest, Hungary.

EPPS, LIZETTE

Presentations and publications:

Epps, Lizette (February, 2023), “Life Outside the Bubble,” The O’Pake Institute.

Epps, Lizette (April 19, 2023), “Power in Partnership Panel Discussion, Alvernia University - CBCL Conference, Cultural Coalition - Powered by O’Pake.” John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne.

Epps, Lizette (May 3, 2023), “What to know about being on a non-profit board.” United Way of Berks County - Blue Print for Leadership Program, EnerSys Offices in Reading, PA.

Awards, Honors, Certifications, Trainings:

Epps, Lizette (April 2023), “Certified Non-Profit Manager,” LaSalle University.

Epps, Lizette (May 2023), Fiduciary Responsibilities, United Way of Berks County - Blueprint for Leadership Program.

Epps, Lizette (2023), “LinkedIn with Liz for O’Pake Students.”

FLEMING, ADONIS

Fleming, Adonis (April 19, 2023), Moderator for “Power in Partnership Panel Discussion, Alvernia University - CBCL Conference, Cultural Coalition - Powered by O’Pake.” John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne.

Fleming Adonis (May, 2023) Executives in Training Program

ACADEMIC SERVICES

GIBSON, CAROLYN

Awards, Honors, Certifications, Trainings:

Gibson, Carolyn (June 2023), Leadership Berks, United Way of Berks County.

GUTIERREZ, WINIFRED

Publications and Presentations:

Gutierrez, Winifred (May 2023), Moderated the Women’s Equal Pay Day panel for the Financial Empowerment Series.

HORN, MAX

Horn, Max (May, 2023), Executives in Training Program.

LONG, CAITLIN

Publications and Presentations:

Long, Caitlin, Sharma, D., Devine, MA, Nazar, K., Ralston, C., Lipinski, MF (January 1 2023), “Babesiosis and Red Blood Cell Exchange Transfusion: Consider It Early.” Critical Care Medicine [Abstract Supplement], 51(1).

Long, Caitlin (September 2022), “Burnout to Balance.” Alvernia Women’s Council Leadership Conference.

Long, Caitlin (September 2022), “Burnout to Balance in High Achievers.” International Health & Wellness Society Annual Conference.

Long, Caitlin (October 2022), Interviewee on “Alvernia University & Start-up Ventures.” Ben Franklin Technology Partners-NEPA, RVN TV Innovation Wins Ep. 28.

Long, Caitlin (October 2022), “BCSS Breast Cancer Awareness Series.” BCTV.

Long, Caitlin (June 27 2023), Co-presented “Transforming an American Small City.” Triple Helix Annual Conference 2023: Entrepreneurial & Engaged Universities for Sustainable Development. Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU), Barcelona, Spain.

Long, Caitlin, Various guest lecture appearances for O’Pake Fellows and GA program, MBA program, Engineering program.

Awards, Honors, Certifications, Trainings:

Long, Caitlin, (June 2023), Nominee: YWCA Tri-County’s Exceptional Women.

Long, Caitlin, (September 2022), AUTM Fellowship, Susan Riley Keyes Scholar: One of three US trainees accepted into program, Essentials Training, Valuation Course, Annual Conference.

Long, Caitlin (May, 2023) Executives in Training Program

WELLS, MARY ELLEN

Publications and Presentations:

Wells, Mary Ellen (June 2022), “The Evolution of a University Through ‘Community-Building Subsidiarity.’” Co-authored and co-presented with Prof. Scott M. Davidson, Dr. Kevin M. Godfrey, National University of Public Serve, Ludovika, Budapest, Hungary.

Wells, Mary Ellen (July 2022), “Business Law Career Clinic Panel,” 98th International Academy of Legal Studies in Business Annual Conference, Louisville, Kentucky.

SERVICES

THE FUTURE

Relaunch the academic services program under new leadership.

Create a faculty-in-residence program.

Strengthen relationships between the Institute & academic departments across the University.

Institutionalize experiential learning at Alvernia.

Establish and assess metrics for successful scholarly activities.

CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL

CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP (CEL)

The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) provides business owners and their key personnel with timely and valuable information through a series of educational events, webinars and certificate programs on relevant business topics to meet the industry demand for professional development.

Programming through CEL is chosen by analyzing trends in business as well as the needs of the O’Pake Institute’s client base. It is designed to teach the principles of leadership and other important skills to build future leaders and managers in an organization. Subject areas include establishing core values and ethical grounding, evolving company culture, developing a culture of accountability, decision-making essentials and more.

The programming is typically held in partnership with a sponsor, partner and/or client. In the past, CEL has partnered with companies such as RKL, LLP, Herbein | Mosteller HR Solutions, Slice Communications and many others to present on best practice topics. While there is a fee for premier events, most topics are free, as is membership to the Center. Membership is available to entrepreneurs, families in business and strategic-level executives with closely held firms, and offers opportunities for professional, personal and business growth.

Benefits of CEL:

Programming and membership at little to no cost

Business-to-business connection to O’Pake’s client base, mentor network, professional service providers network and other Berks County businesses

Knowledge and support for every step of the business life cycle

Access to event recordings and first knowledge of upcoming programming and important announcements

CEL Events:

Commonwealth Leadership Development Program

Game-Changers for More Adaptable Businesses in an Age of Disruption

Strategic Pricing in a Crisis

Project Management Certificate Program

Flourishing Among the Changing Business Sales Model

CEL Sponsors:

Herbein CPAs + Advisors

RKL

Visions Federal Credit Union

For more information regarding CEL or specific programming, reach out to Don Schalk at donald.schalk@alvernia.edu.

ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP

Develop a plan to transition CEL activity to the Graduate and Education Department (GAE).

New focus on nontraditional revenue and training activities (e.g., leadership academies and certificate programs).

Partner with the Header School of Business to provide best-practice seminars to community partners.

MENTORS AND PROFESSIONAL

MENTOR PROGRAM

The O’Pake Institute’s mentor network is a key element in enhancing our student and client experiences. The O’Pake Fellows are linked with a professional mentor to promote personal and professional development. The level of commitment for an O’Pake mentor varies based on services offered. O’Pake representatives will work with mentors to formalize the details of each relationship agreement.

Clients are then able to receive discounted or pro bono services from those professional service providers and industry experts.

Current Mentors (as of June 30, 2023)

Melissa Ulmer

Melanie Kohler

Kayla Morgan

Joseph Schalk

Heidi Odemer

Robert McCormick

Walter Banta

Richard Adams

Kyle Levengood

Alex Bollinger

Audrey Krupiak

Deanna Dungee

Lorena Lazarchick

Ryan Ludwig

Christian Pascuzzo

Carleen Mulholland

Connie Boyer

Jenny Batista

Kristin Gehris

Deborah Hartranft

Ann Fioravanti

Paula Barron

Keith McLaughlin

Maritza Loaiza

Peter Molinaro

Tom Reardon

Chuck Holder

Christi Terefenko

Cass Bailey

Edvard Phillipson

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

It is part of O’Pake’s mission to provide Fellows with the best career opportunities possible once they graduate from Alvernia University. The professional service providers sector is a network designed to equip students, entrepreneurs and small businesses with the knowledge of networking and business growth.

The Fellows Program positions students to garner experiential learning through real industry work. While there is essential core knowledge provided in the classroom, there is a need for application of that knowledge while the students are completing their degrees.

The network encompasses professional service providers from a plethora of industries, including but not limited to business development, law, accounting and marketing, to provide opportunities to students from a wide range of majors. Professionals and industry leaders in the Berks County community are able to provide a deeper teaching piece to students as well as quality assurance and oversight of the services that O’Pake provides to businesses of all sizes in Berks County and beyond.

The key word here is service, which is one of Alvernia University’s core values. From a student’s perspective, Fellows will have the benefits of personal and professional development

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

opportunities, new industry insight and experience, exposure to a new insight and perspective, and professional advocacy and confidence. This relationship can also lead to opportunities such as job offers, networking, skill building, etc.

From the professional’s perspective, they are given the platform to give back to their community by sharing their experiences with students and providing expertise to new and existing

entrepreneurs in the Berks County community and beyond. Thus, this sector also enhances the economic development of the community in the process.

Enhance the professional and personal mentor program through updated policies and procedures.

Track alumni network and engage them in conjunction with Institutional Advancement.

Develop professional service provider network in Pottsville.

COMMUNITY IMPACT & ECONOMIC

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CULTURAL COALITION

The Cultural Coalition, powered by O’Pake, has worked to create and execute impactful initiatives through three task forces driven by local visionaries dedicated to advancing the communities we serve. Through the three task forces focused on Arts and Culture, Community and Neighborhood Revitalization, and Education and Workforce Development, the coalition spearheaded transformative projects aimed at elevating the social fabric of our region.

Our Black History Month event, in collaboration with Alvernia’s Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement and Office of Admissions, served as a poignant tribute to the rich heritage and profound contributions of the Black community, fostering unity and deeper understanding of the culture through arts and an informative dance performance. The collaboration culminated in an impactful event, “Step Into the Pack,” during Black History Month at Alvernia University. This event offered students of color from Berks County a day of immersive learning, featuring workshops, class experiences and a Black History Month Art Exhibit spotlighting local artists. Facilitating connections, a networking hour enabled mentorship and knowledge exchange between participants and Cultural Coalition members. The highlight was a mesmerizing performance by Step Afrika!, blending African American dance styles, culminating in an artistic celebration of the diverse heritage within a captivating cultural experience.

The coalition’s panel discussion at the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership Conference in April became an opportunity to share insights on the power of partnership,

uniting Cultural Coalition thought leaders to catalyze profound conversations that nurtured intellectual growth. Notably, the financial empowerment programs provided individuals with essential financial literacy, equipping them to make informed decisions and secure their futures. These achievements stand testament to the Cultural Coalition’s commitment to enriching lives and fostering lasting connections within our community.

The Financial Empowerment Programs initiated by the Coalition exemplify the dedication to bolstering financial literacy and financial equity within the community. Over recent months, these programs have made significant strides, benefiting the residents of Reading and the internal Alvernia University student community. Through monthly seminars led by esteemed speakers, we have covered diverse topics vital in today’s financial landscape. From advocating for gender pay equality during Women’s Equal Pay Day to guiding first-time homebuyers through informative workshops, and emphasizing credit education during National Credit Education Month, our efforts have equipped participants with essential skills for financial stability. We extend heartfelt appreciation to Alvernia University and the community members whose active involvement has shaped these initiatives into platforms for meaningful learning and growth. Our commitment to providing ongoing opportunities for financial education remains unwavering, and we eagerly anticipate sharing updates on forthcoming workshops and events, recognizing the invaluable support of our engaged participants in shaping the success of these endeavors.

We are deeply grateful for the enthusiastic participation and engagement from the community members, as well as the Alvernia University students, faculty and staff. It is through your active involvement that we are able to create a platform for meaningful learning and growth.

As we move forward, we remain committed to providing further opportunities for financial education and empowerment. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming workshops and events. Your presence and support are pivotal in shaping the success of these initiatives.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In the fall of 2019, the O’Pake Institute was intentionally redesigned to enact the CollegeTowne strategy. CollegeTowne is a strategic model for championing economic redevelopment in a downtown corridor. Through partnerships and collaborations with the City, local businesses, nonprofits and other related organizations, O’Pake serves as a catalyst and strategic enabler for strengthening the local economy. The key to this is using students in a distinctive experiential learning model. We provide students, also known

as Fellows, extensive training, relevant resources, professional mentoring and critical staff oversight as they work directly with clients to develop and enhance businesses at all stages, which causes economic development. We worked with independent third-party institutions, such as The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, to track and report the impact of our efforts on an annual basis.

Development March 2021-June 2022 July 2022-June 2023

COMMUNITY IMPACT & ECONOMIC

“Operation Hope has been in partnership with the O’Pake Institute in helping individuals in underserved neighborhoods become homeowners and community stakeholders. Through education and one-on-one counseling offered through our partnership, we have empowered individuals to make better financial decisions. The lack of financial literacy is a major cause of generational poverty. Poor credit, out-of-control debt and other impacts of bad financial decisions and life events can leave hardworking individuals struggling to move forward and make sense of it all. Through our partnership, we provide these hardworking individuals with the financial knowledge to increase their credit, lower their debts and make better financial decisions moving forward.”

Gloricelis Cortez

Financial Wellbeing Coach

Operation Hope Inside Powered by Fulton Bank

“My collaboration with the O’Pake Institute has changed the trajectory of my organization and the impact I have been able to have on the community. When O’Pake expressed its desire to help with The Forge, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m ecstatic at the support I have received, both financially and professionally, which was unmatched. They provided a location that was accessible to all demographics while keeping the reputable feel that goes with the backing of a well-respected institution. They saw the quality in The Forge and the impact it could have, and they didn’t just say they would help, they made it a mission to assist, and I don’t know where I would be without them. They created a team of dedicated individuals that helped from strategy to finance to marketing. This was all done in coordination with their mission to help grow small businesses because of the impact on the community.”

Ebony McNeil Founder and Executive Director

The Forge

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

THE FUTURE

Student Experiential Learning

Professional Mentor Network

Financial Ser vices

Academic Serv ices

Ser vices Network

Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL)

Conduct collaborative community engagement with elected officials, residents and neighborhood groups.

Design and execute targeted, community wide educational outreach initiatives.

Consistently engage and contribute to economic developmentfocused organizations at local, regional and state levels.

Produce a quarterly impact and engagement report for stakeholders.

Technology

Community Impact & Economic Development

Creative Serv ices

HIGHLIGHTS

HIGHLIGHTS

STAFF REFLECTIONS

RODNEY S. RIDLEY SR., PH.D., RTTP

Breaking Boundaries: O’Pake Institute’s Expansion and Global Recognition

This year, we marked significant achievements for the O’Pake Institute as we celebrated a series of remarkable successes. The most significant and notable victory was the expansion of O’Pake. It was originally planned to have a significant expansion of O’Pake’s staff, students and innovation capacity in 2025. However, we successfully reached the required milestones in late 2022. With this remarkable achievement, we submitted an expansion plan to Alvernia’s Senior Leadership Team, and it was adopted. The plan included increased financial commitments to the O’Pake Institute to increase our capacity, enabled in part by the University’s 1st National Science Foundation Grant, garnered by O’Pake to seed the expansion. The Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) grant is a testament to the innovative work being done at O’Pake. The University supplied the required matching funds, along with continued critical sponsorship from our generous partners. This also reinforces the university’s dedication to fostering innovation, student experiential learning, research and academic excellence. This investment also solidifies and empowers the O’Pake Institute to continue making strides in its mission to drive positive economic and societal change in the communities we serve through student experiential learning. The funding enabled the expansion of O’Pake staff, which will gradually increase over the next several years, as well as the first successful recruitment of 25 fellows from high schools. This influx of new minds enriches the intellectual landscape of the O’Pake Institute.

In addition to the expansion, the O’Pake Institute forged a strategic partnership with University of Notre Dame, amplifying its unique impact on innovation, idea commercialization and community engagement. This

collaboration positions Alvernia at the forefront of academic innovation, leveraging the strengths of both institutions to address complex challenges, rethink the role and operation of regional comprehensive universities, and contribute to the advancement of the community.

Furthermore, this year, the O’Pake Institute’s partnerships extended beyond national borders. Rodney Ridley was awarded third place in the Americas region in the category of International Male Entrepreneur of the Year. The ceremony took place in Barcelona, Spain; it stands as a testament to the positive reach of the O’Pake Institute. This recognition emphasizes the institute’s global impact and acknowledges its outstanding contributions to research, education and community engagement. These collective achievements highlight the visionary leadership and O’Pake Institute’s commitment to excellence in academia, distinctive student experiential learning, idea commercialization and research.

MICHELLE RAE CONWAY, MBA

The O’Pake Institute Launches Executives-in-Training Program!

The O’Pake Institute’s Office of Student Experiential Learning launched an Executives-in-Training Program for graduate students enrolled in the MBA or M.A. program and/or employed as Alvernia University graduate assistants. ten students participated in distinguished hands-on career development training between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. As a result of the program, participating students furthered their knowledge base, grew personally and professionally, developed leadership skills and ultimately, graduated with an edge on competing graduates entering the workforce.

A highlight of the program was a two part negotiation training featuring Michael Fromm, president and CEO

REFLECTIONS

of Fromm Electric and Alvernia University trustee. Participants also had the opportunity to explore their strengths with the StrengthsFinder Assessment, better understand their working style with the DiSC Assessment, explore their core values and learn from thought leaders.

Participants graduated from the program as Certified Project Managers and received a Leadership Certification from Ahern, Murphy & Associates.

Fueling Diversity and Growth in Small Businesses with FLIC

The FLIC Microgrant Program has become a catalyst for change, helping to fuel the growth of a diverse spectrum of businesses, including early-stage entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations and established businesses. Our pride is in the fostering of an inclusive and equitable ecosystem where financial support is not just accessible but tailored to those who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.

The impact of FLIC extends far beyond monetary assistance. Recipients of FLIC’s support embark on a transformative journey- a three-month immersion into O’Pake’s dynamic student-powered environment. Guided by our executive director of financial services and graduate assistant of finance, these entrepreneurs work to meticulously craft a comprehensive road map, honing their financial understanding while developing invaluable skills in collaboration with our Venture Investments Group.

They go through a rigorous process of refining strategies and scrubs, honing pitches to perfection and ensuring that they are ready for success when seeking funds. The hands-on nature of this experience does more than just cultivate financial acumen; it provides an opportunity to instill financial literacy education, nurtures a profound

understanding of the complexities of seeking investment, and fosters resilience and growth in every participant.

Within the last year, FLIC’s impact has been tangible, awarding a combined total of $55,000 to 14 deserving businesses. What sets this achievement apart is the overwhelming representation of 94 percent minority- or women-owned businesses among these recipients. FLIC is not just funding businesses; it’s driving diversity, leveling the playing field and empowering a new wave of entrepreneurs to thrive in our small business landscape.

CAROLYN GIBSON, M.ED.

The O’Pake Institute Launches the EmpowerED program!

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the O’Pake Institute had several interactions with local high schools, which culminated in the launch of the EmpowerED program. This program aims to connect regional K-12 students and educators to what we do here at the O’Pake Institute and to ignite interest in entrepreneurship. The EmpowerED program connects students and educators to creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership programming through internships for high school students, field trips to the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, classroom presentations and workshops, and career fair participation. We have impacted well over 1,000 local students who are interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, personal development and learning about what happens at the O’Pake Institute and Alvernia University.

LIZETTE EPPS, MBA CUDE

IN THE NEWS

THE EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE (ECC)

The External Communications Committee (ECC) is a student-powered public relations group that strategically manages the O’Pake Institute’s community wide messaging.

Here are highlights from our activity from June 2022 to July 2023:

THE O’PAKE INSTITUTE ARTICLE LIST

NUMBER OF MEDIA MENTIONS: 451

ECC ANNUAL METRICS

FOLLOWERS COUNT:

Instagram: 675 followers

LinkedIn: 719 followers

Facebook: 420 followers

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

STUDENT CONTRIBUTORS

We extend our deepest gratitude to the following individuals whose dedication and contributions made this annual report possible. Your commitment and expertise have truly enhanced the quality and impact of this report. Thank you for your exceptional contributions.

TIFFANY ALEXANDER

Tiffany Alexander, graduate assistant of marketing and communications, for her outstanding photography contributions. Alexander graduated in December 2023 with a Master of Business Administration degree.

BENJAMIN FOSTER

Benjamin Foster, Fellow of communication, for his invaluable contributions as a writer. Foster is expected to graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in communications.

WINIFRED GUTIERREZ

Winifred Gutierrez, graduate assistant of operations, for her exceptional work as a contributing writer and editor. Gutierrez is expected to graduate in May 2024 with a Master of Business Administration degree.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

MAX HORN

Max Horn, graduate assistant of student services, for his outstanding photography contributions. Horn graduated in May 2023 with a Master of Business Administration degree.

JENNIFER WEASNER

Jennifer Weasner, Fellow of marketing, for her significant contributions as a photographer and designer. Weasner graduated in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in digital media marketing and communications. Following graduation, Weasner transitioned into a graduate assistantship position with the O’Pake Institute, serving as the graduate assistant of marketing, where she played a pivotal role in designing this annual report.

ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY’S OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Special thanks to Alvernia University’s Office of Marketing and Communications for its invaluable contributions to the writing, photography and editing of this annual report. Additionally, we appreciate the photo contributions of Dan Z. Johnson and Sarah Matarella.

IMPACT REPORT

REPORT

IMPACT REPORT

The impact report was compiled and written by The Institute. The Institute is an economic research and applied research and consulting group that provides customized client solutions and strategies to facilitate decision making and planning that enhances growth, impact, and sustainability for organizations.

CITY OF READING DEMOGRAPHIC & ECONOMIC PROFILE

Demographic Characteristics

Population

The city of Reading, Pennsylvania, is located in the southeast corner of the state and consists of approximately 10 square miles of area. The city has a total population of 94,161. Until this recent spike, population levels fluctuated only slightly since 2012. The city’s shares of female and male residents are only slightly off balance; 48.2 percent of the population is male, and 51.8 percent is female. These statistics are comparable to the national and statewide makeups. (1)

Age, Marital Status, and Household Size

Residents in the city of Reading tend to be much younger than those in the rest of the state, and across the United States. The median age in Reading is 30.8 years, and it has remained relatively steady throughout the past decade. Comparatively, the median age in the Commonwealth is 40.8 years, and nationally, it is 38.4 years. Individuals under 18 years of age comprise the largest portion of residents, at 29.2 percent (compared to Pennsylvania’s 20.9 percent and the nation’s 22.5 percent). Those between 18 and 24 years of age comprise the second largest share of Reading’s population, at 12.1 percent (compared to Pennsylvania’s 8.9 percent and the nation’s 9.2 percent). Reading’s age demographics become most comparable to the other geographies between the brackets of 30-34 years and 40-44 years. The populations of older adults are smaller than the shares in the state and the country. The significant portion of young residents compared to the small share of elderly residents allows for a lower dependency ratio, which increases economic turnout for the

city as more members of the community are able to participate in economic activity. (2)

The average household size in Reading is 2.82, which is larger than the average household sizes for the state of Pennsylvania (2.44) and the United States (2.60). Reading’s average household size is relatively predictable given the large portion of the population being under 18 years of age as well as a majority of the population being fairly young and well within the traditional timeframe to have a family.

In concurrence with the age demographic explored above, the marital status of Reading residents remains well explained –the large percentage of young residents correlates with the larger-than-average percentage of residents never married. There is also a high percentage of divorced or separated residents, however. The percentage of widowed residents is comparably low, which again is likely due to the small share of elderly residents.

Racial Composition

Reading is more racially diverse than the state of Pennsylvania and the United States overall. Reading residents who identify as White account for 43.0 percent of the total population, which is considerably smaller than the shares in Pennsylvania (78.3 percent) and the United States (68.2 percent). Nearly 67.0 percent of Reading residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, compared to just 7.9 percent of Pennsylvania residents and 18.4 percent of U.S. residents. At 12.6 percent, the percentage of Black and African American residents is larger than those in Pennsylvania (11.0 percent), but the same as the United States percentage (12.6 percent). Furthermore, 25.1 percent of Reading residents identify as races other than those listed in the accompanying table – which is the case for only 2.7 percent of Pennsylvanians and 5.6 percent of people across the country. (3)

Citizenship and Language

The majority of the residents in Reading – 81.0 percent – are native citizens of the United States. Nearly half were born in the state of residence, Pennsylvania. Another 17.2 percent were born within the United States (including Puerto Rico and other United States territories). Among the foreign-born residents, 43.2 percent are citizens through the process of naturalization. (4)

Over 47.0 percent of Reading’s population speaks only English, which is nearly half the proportion of Pennsylvania

residents who speak only English (the share in the United States is 78.3 percent). Nearly 53.0 percent of Reading’s population speaks languages other than English – a significantly larger share than those in Pennsylvania and the United States (11.7 percent and 21.7 percent, respectively). In all three geographies, Spanish follows English in terms of languages spoken. In fact, 50.1 percent of people in Reading speak Spanish, compared to just 5.2 percent in the state and 13.3 percent in the nation. (5)

Disability

Reading’s percentage of people with disabilities surpasses the state’s proportion, in all age categories. Almost 10 percent of Reading residents under age 18 have a disability, compared to 5.6 percent in Pennsylvania. Those between 18 and 64 years old comprise 19.7 percent of Reading’s population, compared to 11.4 percent in the state overall. Finally, 49.0 percent of the Reading population aged 65 and over is disabled; the state’s share is 32.5 percent. (6)

Education Characteristics

Education

Overall, the city of Reading has lower education attainment than Pennsylvania and the United States. The share of residents with no high school diploma (28.5 percent) is greater than that of Pennsylvania (8.6 percent) and the United States (11.1 percent). The proportion of Reading residents who are high school graduates (36.8 percent) is similar to that of the state (33.8 percent) and larger than that of the nation (26.5 percent). The greatest higher education disparity pertains to those with bachelor’s degrees. Only 6.7 percent of Reading residents have obtained this level of degree, whereas 19.9 percent of Pennsylvania residents and 20.6 percent of U.S. residents have obtained this level of degree. (7)

Economic Characteristics

The city of Reading has a considerably low median household income ($38,738) compared to the overall state and national median household incomes ($67,587 and $69,021, respectively). A positive trend emerges when examining changes in Reading’s median household income throughout the past several years, however. Although there has been some fluctuation, the median household income has risen approximately $13,000 since 2012. (8)

Reading is home to an array of economic sectors.

Manufacturing is the largest, employing 17.1 percent of the region’s workers (nearly 30,757 people). Health Care and Social Assistance is the second-largest sector, with 29,797 workers employed (16.5 percent). Retail Trade follows, in which 10.9 percent of the labor force is employed. (9)

Reading’s employment rate has dropped by 2,971 people over the last five years – an annual decline of 0.3 percent over the period. The average worker in the Reading, PA MSA earned annual wages of $57,752 as of 2022Q3. Average annual wages per worker increased 4.1 percent in the region over the preceding four quarters. For comparison purposes, annual average wages were $68,132 in the nation as of 2022Q3.

Sectors in the Reading, PA MSA with the highest average wages per worker are Management of Companies and Enterprises ($122,635), Utilities ($93,937), and Finance and Insurance ($91,584). Regional sectors with the best job growth (or most moderate job losses) over the last 5 years are Transportation and Warehousing (+2,549 jobs), Finance and Insurance (+450), and Construction (+368).

Social Services Characteristics

Poverty Level

The level of poverty in Reading is significantly greater than the levels in Pennsylvania and the United States. It was recorded at 29.3 percent as of 2021; by comparison, the poverty level for the same year was 11.8 percent for Pennsylvania and 12.6 percent for the United States. This rate has decreased each year since 2014, however, resulting in an approximate 10.8-percent decline. (10)

The high poverty levels coincide with substantial need for assistance. For example, 41.7 percent of the city’s households receive food stamps. These rates have followed a similar trend over the years analyzed.

Uninsured

The percentage of uninsured residents is higher in Reading than the overall share in the state. Nearly 11.0 percent of Reading’s population was uninsured as of 2021, compared to 5.6 percent in Pennsylvania and 8.8 percent nationwide.

Housing and Transportation Characteristics

When comparing the median home values of Reading with Pennsylvania and the country, Reading’s median household value of $83,100 is substantially lower than the state average

IMPACT REPORT

of $197,300 and well below the national average of $244,900. Similarly, the shares of renters paying less than $1,000 monthly surpasses those shares in the state and nation, while higher rent is more common in these geographies than it is in Reading. Approximately 60.0 percent of city residents rent their homes (down 2.9 percentage points since baseline data collection), compared to 30.8 percent in Pennsylvania and 35.4 percent in the country. (11)

The median household income of Reading homeowners nearly doubles that of renters – $59,472 and $28,149, respectively. The ratio of median household income between homeowners and renters is similar, though the city’s median household incomes are situated lower than those of the state overall. Nearly 45.0 percent of renters in Reading earn or receive less than $24,999 annually. (12)

Working residents of Reading use a variety of transportation methods, with the majority opting to drive alone or carpool. Apart from driving alone, the proportions of Reading residents using any transportation options exceed those of the state. For example, the percentage of those who carpool is approximately twice that of Pennsylvania’s percentage. (13)

Nearly identical shares of Reading households have no vehicles available and two vehicles available, and 40.7 percent have access to one vehicle (down approximately two percent since baseline data collection). These households are likelier than others across the state to have no vehicles available. (14)

Demographic and Economic Characteristics of Downtown

Reading

Population

The population in the Reading downtown (19601 ZIP code) is 33,382. The median age is 31.4 years old, although over 30.0 percent of the residents are under age 18. (15)

Nearly 20.0 percent of this population is foreign-born, and 27.5 percent of those above age 5 speak English less than very well. Sixty-six percent of the households with children in this area are also single-parent households (an approximate twopercent increase since baseline data collection). Of 18–64-yearolds, 19.6 have disabilities (also an approximate two-percent increase). The poverty level is 32.6 percent (the poverty rate of the state and nation are 12.0 percent and 12.8 percent, respectively).

Race

As with the city of Reading as a whole, a majority of the downtown population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. Nearly 42.0 percent of the population is White, and 14.2 percent are Black or African American. (16)

Educational Attainment, Age 25 and Older

About 37.1 percent of the downtown population aged 25 and older have completed high school education. Nearly 27.3 percent have not done so. Another 18.9 percent have received some college education but have not earned a degree. Slightly more than 16.0 percent of residents aged 25 and older have received college degrees. (17)

Poverty and Housing

The median household income in downtown Reading is $32,430. The poverty rate is 32.6 percent (compared to 12 percent for the state and 12.8 percent for the nation). Due to the high poverty levels, 43.3 percent of households receive SNAP benefits. Furthermore, 9.4 percent of the residents are uninsured. Among the 13,371 housing units in the downtown area, the median value of owner-occupied units is $79,400, although 62.5 percent of units overall are occupied by renters. Nearly 12.0 percent of these units are vacant.

Employment

Over 14,601 people are employed in the downtown area. The average worker earns $68,111 annually. Manufacturing remains the largest industry sector in downtown Reading, with 3,333 employees (25.0 percent, having recently increased 1.5 percent). It remains followed by Health Care and Social Assistance with 2,488 employees (18.6 percent). Public Administration remains the third largest sector, with 2,251 workers (16.9 percent). The average annual wages in the three largest sectors are $97,195 for Manufacturing, $46,931 for Health Care and Social Assistance, and $60,001 for Public Administration. The Health Care and Social Assistance industry has the most potential for growth. (18)

Within these industries, major occupation groups still pertain to production (1,786 workers), office and administrative support (1,654 workers), and transportation and material moving (1,070). Growth rates for occupations vary depending on the education and training needed. Overall employment in the downtown is expected to expand by 0.2 percent over the next decade, and occupations that require higher education degrees are expected to grow up to 0.8 percent per year.

CHARTS & GRAPHS

Demographic Characteristics

Population (1)

Age, Marital Status, and Household Size (2)

Racial Compostition (3)

IMPACT REPORT

Citizenship and Language (4) (5)

Disability (6)

Education (7)

Economic Characteristics (8)

Poverty Level (10)

Social Services Charactoristics

IMPACT REPORT

Housing and Transportation Characteristics (11)

Demographic and Economic Characteristics of Downtown Reading Race (16)

Population (15)

Educational Attainment, Age 25, and Older (17)

Employment (18)

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