91����

The roots of 91���� were planted in 1926 when the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis established an orphanage in the building now known as Francis Hall; eventually the orphanage became an elementary school. Beginning as a college for the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1958, the institution became a four-year liberal arts school. 91���� received its charter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1960.

91���� soon opened its doors to female students from the laity while the first male students were enrolled in 1971. Since that time, the university has grown in educational opportunities and enrollment.

91����’s student population has grown from 23 freshmen and eight sophomores in 1958 to a current enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, men and women. 91���� grants degrees as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Graduate programs were added in 1999 and have grown to include eight master’s degrees (MA, MBA, MED, MSOT, MMS, MA-Community Counseling, MALS, MSN) and a recently added Ph.D. program in leadership.

On Sept. 25, 2008, officials announced that it had attained university status and would be hereafter known as 91����.
 

Timeline

Click to jump to a decade.

• The 2020s

• The 2010s

• The 2000s

• The 1990s

• The 1980s

• The 1970s

• The 1960s

• The 1950s

• Beginnings

The 2020s

PHOTO: The John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, a 250,000-square-foot living and learning facility at 401 Penn Street in downtown Reading, opened in 2021.
 

2020

• The new Academic Mark is unveiled.
• Staff Council (now Staff Senate) is established.
• 91���� and I-LEAD finalize the purchase of 401 Penn Street.
• 91���� breaks ground on its $20 million CollegeTowne renovation project.
• 91���� recognized with three “Colleges of Distinction” awards.
• 91���� joins Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance.
• Wyomissing Foundation bestows $300k grant for CollegeTowne initiative.

2021

• BCTV finds new home on Penn Street.
• The CollegeTowne Card promotes economic development for the local food industry.
• 91���� earns recognition for career development.
• The 401 Penn Street location opens.
• Four College model is announced with the addition of Engineering program.

2022

• The Golden Wolf Statue is dedicated.
• Pottsville CollegeTowne is announced.
• Bloomberg Terminals are installed in the business lab of Reading CollegeTowne.
• 91���� purchases the American House.
• 401 Penn Street is named the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne.
• The John R. Post School of Engineering is named.
• The John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing is named.

2023

• Pottsville CollegeTowne opens.
• The Header School of Business named.
• Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald becomes the eighth president of 91����.
• Dr. Leamor Kahanov is named new senior vice president and provost
• 91���� announces a partnership with Montgomery County Community College.
• 91���� and the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts announce a new partnership that includes a four-year creativity degree and electives at the dynamic downtown art center.
• The O'Pake Institute launches its Spark Business Incubator at the Pottsville CollegeTowne campus.
• 91���� partners with the Berks Community Health Center to develop a state-of-the-art community-based health center that will be housed at the former American House property in downtown Reading.
• 91���� publicly announces the university’s largest comprehensive fundraising campaign, Partners in Progress at its annual President’s Dinner.
• 91���� celebrates the grand opening of the John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing and the state-of-the-art, interprofessional Healthcare Simulation Center.

2024

• Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., is officially installed as 91����'s eighth president.
• The award-winning Total Experience Learning® (“TExpL”) institute joins the 91���� community.
• 91���� earns the 2024 Leading Colleges Recruitment Award, an accolade awarded to just 37 institutions nationwide.
• The third-largest incoming class of over 500 first-year and transfer students is welcomed to campus with a new luminary tradition.
• The innovative Apprenticeship to Degree Program is launched.

The 2010s

PHOTO: The Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement started the Bog Turtle Creek Farm on former athletic fields near Mohnton in 2013.
 

2010

• renovated; entrance at Angelica Park on Route 10 added; 91���� acquires Ken-Grill property.
• Began multiyear renovation of both Assisi and Siena Townhouses; renovated entrance to Bernardine Hall.
• Francis Hall Theater renovated and elevator added.
• Carole and Ray Neag endow professorships at 91����.

2011

• A new Media Classroom is added to the second floor of the Franco Library.
• Bernardine Hall's Lecture Hall is renovated and a new Media Suite is created.
• Veronica Hall and the first floor of Upland Center are renovated.
• 91���� and Reading Hospital partner for dual-enrollment.
• Francis Hall is rededicated after expansion and renovations.
• 91���� acquires 951 Morgantown Road for administrative, receiving, mail room, and warehouse purposes.
• The Center for Student Life is demolished to make way for new Campus Commons.

2012

• The Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program is announced.
• Angelica Creek Park Environmental Exploration Center opens.
• Founders Village buildings 3 & 4 are completed.
• The Learning Commons is created in Franco Library.
• The north wing of Bernardine Hall is renovated.

2013

• The Campus Commons building opens.
• is renovated.
• A DPT lab is created in the PEC.
• A long-term lease is signed for all of Angelica Park, including the athletic fields and courts.
• The Values & Vision Campaign closes with $31,604,787 raised.
• The Reading Collegiate Scholars Program is announced.
• The Holleran Center launches the Bog Turtle Creek Farm on former athletic fields near Mohnton.

2014

• The Master of Science in Nursing degree expands to offer 2 tracks: Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration.
• The Veterans Center opens.
• The north wing of Bernardine hall is renovated to provide additional lab space for nursing and occupational therapy students.
• The Educational Planning Center (EPC) opens.

2015

• The Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT) welcomes its inaugural class.
• The Student Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program is developed.
• The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) reaffirms 91����'s accreditation status.

2016

• 91���� receives a $550,000 grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for disadvantaged students who wish to pursue a career in nursing.
• The Back of Francis Hall and the entrance off Bernardine Drive are renovated.
• The Welcome Center opens in Francis Hall.

2017

• 91���� unveils the Golden Wolves logo.

2018

• 91���� breaks ground on the Tom and Helen Flynn PLEX, an innovative recreation, wellness and health sciences complex.
• The Reading Collegiate Scholars Program is expanded to RACC graduates.
• in the stadium.

2019

• John R. Loyack becomes the seventh president of 91����.
• 91���� earns a top 100 ranking among best regional universities.
• Reading CollegeTowne initiative is announced.
• The O’Pake Institute shifts its focus, rebranding to the O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship.
• 91���� secures a $2.3 million U.S. Department of Education grant.
• 91���� receives a silver seal for student voter engagement.
• Founders Village buildings 3 & 4 are named for tne Ehlermans and Hollerans.
• The Tom and Helen Flynn PLEX opens.
• Doctoral graduate Abby Wells is awarded a Fulbright Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.

The 2000s

PHOTO: The campus Quad replaced a parking lot in central campus in 2008.
 

2000

• Francis Hall convent wing is converted to a residence hall for women.
• Master's degree program in Occupational Therapy is approved.
• 91���� holds its first December commencement ceremony.

2005

• Dr. Thomas F. Flynn becomes the sixth president of 91���� College.
• Mychal Judge residence hall is dedicated. The building is named in honor of the Franciscan priest who was Chaplain for the New York Fire Department. He was among the casualties of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
• Two new athletic fields are added to 91���� Sports Park.

2006

• Welcome Center added to Student Center second floor. Pump house added to 91���� Sports Park. Bernardine Hall West Wing renovated.
• O'Pake Science Wing is constructed
• 91���� announces first doctoral program: Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership.
• The Reading Youth Initiative is founded.

2007

• Board of Trustees approves new Strategic and Campus Master Plans.
• 91���� announces invitation to join Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation (MAC).
• Upland Center is renovated as the new home for graduate education.

2008

• Master’s degree program in Nursing Science for nurse educators is approved.
• Campus Quad replaces parking lot in central campus; Student Center is renovated and expanded.
• New softball and baseball fields are constructed at Angelica Park.
• 50th anniversary celebration formally begins with Founders Day weekend events.
• 91���� announces University Status during ceremony on the new Campus Commons.

2009

• Zygmunta and Pacelli halls are completed; Schlager Memorial track and multi-turf field is built.
• $27 million fundraising campaign is announced — the largest campaign in 91����'s history.
• Carolyn and Jerry Holleran donate Cedar Hill Farm to 91����. It serves as the president's residence.
• 91���� partners with Leadership Berks.

The 1990s

PHOTO: The new Student Center opened in 1999.
 

1990

• Daniel N. DeLucca is named interim president of 91����.
• Groundbreaking for Franco Library.

1991

• Dr. Frank A. Franco Library Learning Center is dedicated.
• Daniel N. DeLucca is inaugurated as fourth president of 91����.

1992

• New townhouse residences and Nursing Resource Center are dedicated by The Most Rev. Thomas J. Welsh, Bishop of Allentown.
• Italian-American Research Center in the Dr. Frank A. Franco Library Learning Center is dedicated.

1994

• College governance system, with procedures for granting faculty tenure, is established.

1995

• Schuylkill Center opens.

1997

• 91���� receives national recognition when the John Templeton Foundation selects the college for their Honor Roll of character building colleges, citing the service requirement as an outstanding contribution to the community.
• Dr. Laurence W. Mazzeno is named 91����'s fifth president.
• of the NCAA Division III playoffs.
• .

1998

• 91���� Seniors College (now 91���� Lifelong Learning) and Philadelphia Center open.

1999

• The new Student Center and Anthony Hall quad-suite residence open.
• Our Lady of Angels convent opens in former President's House.
• 91���� begins offering Master's degrees in business administration, education, and liberal studies.

The 1980s

PHOTO: Members of the Class of 1983.
 

1980

• First Chaplain assigned to 91���� College.
• "This Month at 91����," a segment of the monthly "Metro Magazine" broadcast, debuts on radio station WHUM in Reading.
• First senior citizen student graduates as 91����'s 1,000th student.

1981

• Vincent Bugliosi, prosecutor of Charles Manson and author of "Helter Skelter" speaks at 91���� on "The Manson Family and Cultism."

1982

• Sister Dolorey inaugurated as third president of 91����.

1983

• 91���� celebrates its 25th anniversary.
• Counseling Services initiated at 91����
• Sen. Mark Hatfield (R-Oregon) presents a 25th anniversary lecture on the topic: "The Nuclear Freeze Movement and National Policy."

1984

• Camellia Sadat, daughter of former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat speaks at 91���� on "My Father, My President."

1985

• Continuing Education Evening Division is created.
• 91���� adds two new science programs: an associate degree program for physical therapist assistant and a bachelor's degree program in computer science.
• Administration Building is officially renamed Francis Hall.

1986

• Sister Mary Victorine, CSB, second president of 91���� from 1970 to 1982, dies at age 72.
• Dr. Robert Z. Apostol is named 91����'s first Vice President of Student Affairs.

1987

• is dedicated by The Most Rev. Thomas J. Welsh, Bishop of Allentown. Rollie Massimino, head basketball coach at Villanova University, is a guest speaker.
• First Homecoming held.

1989

• The administrative building housing admissions, public relations, and institutional advancement opens. Now called the Bornemann Building, it houses the Division of Mission, Diversity and Inclusion.
• 91���� sculpture, created by art professor Sister M. Theodorette, CSB, is dedicated.

The 1970s

PHOTO: In 1973, Roger Luckinbill became the first male to graduate from 91����.
 

1970

• Sister Mary Victorine, C.S.B., appointed second president of 91����.

1971

• First male commuting students admitted
• Art department opens studio in former green house

1973

• First male resident students admitted.
• First male graduates from 91����.

1974

• Institute for Law and Justice, an innovative four-year baccalaureate program in criminal justice, is introduced. 

1975

• Newly formed yet unnamed plays its first winning game.

1977

• 91���� receives approval from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners for a two-year Associate Degree Nursing program.

1978

• Campus Center is constructed.

1979

• First Associate Degree Nursing class graduates.

The 1960s

PHOTO: The first graduating class of 91����, with Sister Mary Zygmunta, in 1961.
 

1960

• 91���� receives its charter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the authorization to grant Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

1961

• First foreign student accepted from Monrovia, Liberia.
• Allentown school superintendent selects 91���� to serve as a teacher training center for all beginning lay teachers contracted to work in the diocesan school system.
• Four students comprise first graduating class.
• First lay women accepted as students.

1962

• Two halls in the Administration Building, Hedwig and Angela, are renovated for resident students.
• First 91����n is published.

1965

• Groundbreaking for Veronica Hall

1966

• Veronica Hall is dedicated, the Most Rev. Joseph M. McShea, Bishop of Allentown, presiding. The new dormitory was named for Sister Mary Veronica, who came with three fellow sisters to Mt. Carmel, Pa., from Warsaw, Poland, to teach the children of immigrants in 1894.

1967

• Bernardine Hall science and classroom building is dedicated by the Most Rev. Joseph McShea, Bishop of the Allentown Diocese.
• Commission of Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools announces 91����'s full accreditation.

1969

• Montessori School opens.

The 1950s

PHOTO: Sister Mary Zygmunta, OSF, first president of 91����, and attorney John V. Boland, counsel for the institution, examine the official documents that conferred charter incorporation on what was then known as 91���� College in August 1960.
 

1954

• Sister Mary Zygmunta, first president of 91����, is first informed that the Bernardine community plans to establish a liberal arts college to prepare its young religious as future teachers.

1955

• Sister Mary Zygmunta and Sister Mary Accursia enter Fordham University to begin their doctoral studies. Within three years, Sister Zygmunta earned a Ph.D. in American history and Sister Accursia earned one in education. Sister Accursia becomes the first Academic Dean at 91����.

1958

• Mt. 91���� High School becomes a college for sisters and postulants, established as a liberal arts college named 91���� College.

Beginnings

1894

• Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis, originating in Poland, establish a ministry in Pennsylvania.

1924

• On the site of a farm outside Reading, construction begins on the Administration Building that was to be later named Francis Hall. Construction was completed in 1925. The building was first an orphanage, then a high school; both operated by the Bernardine Franciscan order.

1926

• The Bernardine Sisters open and dedicate the St. Francis Orphanage.