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