Alvernia announces most ambitious expansion in university history

READING, Pa., Aug. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Alvernia University's Board of Trustees has approved plans to build an innovative Recreation, Wellness and Health Sciences Complex, called "The PLEX", as the highlight of a new East Campus at the institution's Reading, Pa., location. It will be the largest, most ambitious expansion in university history, adding more than 100,000 square feet of academic and recreation space and 15 acres to campus.

The surprise announcement was made to hundreds of cheering freshman students, the incoming class of 2020, as part of their first day on campus. "This is an extraordinary time in the life of our institution and we thought it was appropriate for our newest students to hear about the plans as they arrived on campus," said Alvernia President Thomas F. Flynn. "Never has the university cast such a bold vision in providing our students with best-in-class academic and recreation facilities to catalyze their future success."

Plans for the new facility are a result of careful development by trustees and university leadership to ensure economic efficiency, environmental stewardship and community integration. They reflect a highly cost-effective and creative approach to holistically advance health and wellness that makes prudent use of donor and university capital while adding value to the region as well as the student experience, according to Flynn.

The PLEX will include indoor practice space for student-athletes and provide indoor recreation opportunities for the Reading community, complementing existing outdoor recreational facilities in nearby Angelica Park and elsewhere on Alvernia's main campus. "While students enjoy the building's generous academic and recreation spaces, area residents will be able to use the athletic facilities during designated times," said Flynn.

The new facility will allow Alvernia to expand its popular health science related programs including athletic training, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing and social work. "We recognize these investments are imperative to support our popular programs in the fast growing healthcare field and essential to enhance our position as a comprehensive regional university," said Flynn.

Highlights of the project include a 35,000 square-foot academic wing to house leading-edge inter-professional education programs. Also included is a 70,000 square-foot field house that features a six-lane, NCAA competition-level indoor track, four full-sized sport courts and indoor practice space for a variety of sports.

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SOURCE Alvernia University