Miller Center Spring (1)-min.jpg

Photo Courtesy Miller Center For The Arts, Reading Area Community College

Places to Explore at Berks County's Colleges and Universities

Area higher education institutions aren't just for studnets and faculty; they're for the public, too.

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While our area college campuses are home to the faculty, staff and students working and enrolled there, these points of higher education also make an effort to connect with the greater Berks Community too. Learn more about some of the fun you’ll find at each.

Explore Taylor Swift, Gender and Communication and other special topics at 

Penn State Berks

This fall, Penn State Berks is offering a new course titled Taylor Swift, Gender and Communication. Cross-listed as both a Communication Arts and Sciences and a Women’s Studies course, it takes the unique approach of examining Swift’s cultural and musical impact and her portrayal in the media rather than focusing on Swift’s marketing strategies or how her lyrics fit into literary canon like many other courses.

The course was developed and is taught by Dr. Michele Ramsey, Associate Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences and of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

It just ‘hits different’

The class provides an overview of the impact music has on personal identities, the historical intersections of music and politics and gendered expectations of female performers. It focuses on the career and media treatment of Swift and other female artists, challenges faced by young female musicians as they move from adolescence to adulthood and the public battles they have faced with other celebrities and media representations of those battles.

Students have time to connect and build community by doing activities that encourage active learning. At the end of the semester, Ramsey and students plan to hold a communitywide final project.

"The course encourages students to enter their ‘Berks Era."

Ramsey admittedly hasn’t been a longtime “Swiftie.” However, she took an interest in Swift when she noticed the amplified online criticism of Swift’s songwriting, accusations of her lip synching and Swifties dancing in movie theatres and at her performances — which inspired her to create this course.

Ramsey mentions three key objectives. First, she wants students to understand the ideological power of the media to influence ideas about who we are and who we want to be. Secondly, she cites how powerful the messages in Swift’s songs are and how they have evolved. Finally, Ramsey is interested in how the messages of Swift’s songs can empower fans to “speak now” and reach fans from all age ranges and demographics.

As Swift is a Wyomissing native, offering this course in Swift’s hometown makes it a rare experience for students. The course encourages students to enter their “Berks Era,” studying the importance of something they love and leaving with a better understanding of the expectations and pressures placed on women in our culture. And, of course, Ramsey plans on making this an experience students will remember “all too well.”

Penn State Berks is offering other special topics courses, including Identity, Citizenship and the Rhetoric of American Horror Film, Mental Illness and the Movies and Witches and Witchcraft from the Middle Ages to the Present, just to name a few.

With an enrollment of approximately 1,900 students, Penn State Berks offers a worldrenowned education with small class sizes and individualized attention. Students can enroll in one of the college’s 24 baccalaureate or associate degrees or take the first two years of one of the University’s 275 degree programs that can be completed at another campus. For more information, visit berks.psu.edu.

Albright College’s Freedman Gallery

Exhibits Thought-Provoking Works

The Freedman Gallery, one of Berks County’s most important cultural resources, is nestled on the quaint campus of Albright College in the northeast corner of Reading in a historic neighborhood at the base of Mt. Penn’s western side. The gallery opened in its first location, now known as Klein Lecture Hall, on Oct. 3, 1976, and was primarily founded by three Albright alumni: Harry Koursaros, Albright art professor and department chair; Jerome Dersh, a local dentist and art collector who contributed and helped the college acquire many of its important outdoor sculptures; and Doris Chanin Freedman, a renowned art advocate who served New York City as the first commissioner of cultural affairs, chair of the Public Art Council and president of City Walls. Freedman also served on Albright’s board of trustees at that time and led the philanthropic efforts to establish the gallery, named after her, and its esteemed permanent collection.

Today, the permanent collection includes work by Romare Bearden, Alexander Calder, Elizabeth Catlett, Robert Colescott, Salvador Dali, Jim Dine, Francoise Gilot, Lee Krasner, Claes Oldenburg, Robert Rauschenberg, George Rickey, Bridget Riley, James Rosenquist, Leonid Sokov and Rufino Tamayo, among many others.

By 1990 the gallery, with its ambitious and thought-provoking annual exhibition schedule, had outgrown its original space.

Construction began on the new Center for the Arts (CFA), which brought together fine art, music and theatre and relocated the Freedman to its existing space. The $6.5 million project received a prestigious grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and broke barriers with Adele Santos as the architect who conceived the unique design of the building with the central integrated sculpture in collaboration with the artist Mary Miss.

Since its inception, the Freedman Gallery has hosted nearly 350 exhibitions and annually offers a rotation of approximately 10 to 12 shows in its three gallery spaces. From solo to group shows, the gallery’s exhibitions feature a range of media (painting, sculpture, video, photography) by emerging and established artists from across the U.S. At the end of each spring, the season closes with a highly anticipated juried student art show, and last year, the gallery revived its summer program by offering a group show that featured 10 local artists.

For more information about Take Ten 2024, follow on Facebook and Instagram @albrightCFA or visit albright.edu/freedman. There is no charge for admission, and the opening lectures and receptions are also free and open to the public.

These events offer a great opportunity to meet artists and enjoy refreshments while catching up with friends. To be added to the mailing and/or monthly e-newsletter lists, email dtanner@albright.edu. For hours of operation, call 610.921.7715.

Sparking Innovation:

Alvernia's O'Pake Institute

Leads the Charge

By Kristopher Nolt

In the heart of downtown Reading, Alvernia University’s O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship stands as a beacon of innovation and community transformation. Established with a commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth, the O'Pake Institute has rapidly become a cornerstone of regional development and a nurturing ground for future leaders.

The inception of the O'Pake Institute traces back to a legacy of developing ethical leaders with moral courage at Alvernia. Originally founded as the Center for Ethics and Leadership in 2008, the institute was renamed in honor of PA State Senator Michael O’Pake in 2010, reflecting his dedication to community service. The O'Pake Institute evolved into its current form in 2019, expanding its focus to encompass economic development and entrepreneurship.

Over the past five years, the O'Pake Institute has become a dynamic ecosystem where students, entrepreneurs and community partners converge to ignite change. At its core, the O’Pake Fellows Program epitomizes the university's commitment to experiential learning. Students across disciplines engage in real-world projects, gaining invaluable skills while contributing to local businesses and nonprofits through the SPARK Business Incubator.

“Being a part of the O'Pake Institute has shaped my professional career immensely; I have had amazing opportunities throughout my time at O'Pake to be a part of high-level projects helping clients achieve their goals to elevate their business," says O’Pake Graduate Assistant Jack Cossa, MBA '24.“Without O'Pake I would not be the young aspiring professional that I am. The experiential learning you receive through O'Pake is the first class that I would recommend to any Alvernia student who is looking to enhance their experience.”

The Spark Business Incubator has nurtured more than 300 small and established businesses, providing them with essential resources, mentorship and funding. Since its inception in 2020, it now has physical incubator space for tenants in the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne and expanded services at Alvernia’s Pottsville CollegeTowne location. Clients of the incubator, like Now All Must Evolve (N.A.M.E.) founder Jermell Mitchell, praise Alvernia students and the staff of O’Pake for their assistance.

“The O’Pake Institute has been a true blessing,” says Mitchell. “From the moment I sat and talked to the staff, I knew they could see and believed in my mission. Finally, I could see I was in the right place.”

Looking to the future, the O’Pake Institute has plans to expand 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 across the U.S.

“We look forward to the unique studentpowered entrepreneurial model being replicated across the globe with partners who are aligned with Alvernia and the O’Pake Institute’s mission to integrate business incubation, community partnerships, [and] staff expertise with the student experience,” says Alvernia VP and Chief Operating Officer of the O’Pake Institute Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D., RTTP. “This will allow us to continue making an impact on the entrepreneurial landscape and economic development in the communities we serve but, most importantly, on the lives of our students.”

Percussive Innovation Unveiled: The Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research at

Kutztown University

Tucked within Kutztown University (KU) lies the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research, a beacon of rhythmic exploration and education for all. Named after two emeritus faculty members from KU’s music department, Dr. Richard Wells and Dr. Will Rapp, the center, which opened in spring 2023, boasts state-of-theart facilities equipped with marimbas, vibraphones, xylophones and more. Beyond its role as a practice and performance space, the center serves as a dynamic hub for history, research and collaboration. Several exhibits celebrate the rich history of mallet percussion, including the instrument’s international origins, women in percussion, the Green brothers and Clair Omar Musser, the visionary credited with bringing the marimba to classical music. Faculty and students engage in innovative studies on instrument design, acoustics and historical repertoire. Through workshops, masterclasses and performances, the center extends its reach to percussionists of all ages and levels, fostering a culture of creativity and exploration.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Rapp, who serves on the center’s board of directors, remarked, “Little did I realize when I brought Clair Omar Musser to Millersville University in 1979 to conduct a reunion concert of members of his 1935 International Marimba Symphony Orchestra that we would be here today in a facility preserving his legacy as well as many other important mallet percussion artists who shaped the history of this beautiful instrument.”

Community outreach is central to the center's mission. From beginner workshops to professional collaborations, the center enriches the cultural landscape through vibrant performances and interactions. By inviting guest and international artists, it elevates musical experiences for audiences far and wide.

As the Wells-Rapp Center continues to evolve, its impact on the community grows stronger. With a commitment to excellence, innovation and inclusivity, it invites all to join in the journey of percussive exploration and discovery.

Learn more here: bit.ly/3JYkhlV.

What’s on Stage at: Reading Area Community College’s

Miller Center for the Arts

The Miller Center for the Arts is a 500-seat theater located on the campus of Reading Area Community College (RACC) and is a hub of cultural and artistic events in Reading. It is home to world-class artists, community events, countless rental activities and RACC student productions. From Grammy-winning musicians to captivating modern dance performances, there is truly something for everyone. This fall, Grammy Award-winning Walking in Memphis singer-songwriter Marc Cohn will be performing. Cohn is best known for his soulful voice and poignant lyrics. And Ailey II, the esteemed modern dance company from the legendary Alvin Ailey, promises to deliver breathtaking performances that showcase the talent and spirit of young dancers.

In 2024, the Miller Center is proud to host several educational performances. Local oboe player and composer Jill Haley returns with her latest album, Alaskan Soundscapes, inspired by her artist-in-residence experiences in various U.S. National Parks. Additionally, they are excited to introduce a new addition to the lineup — National Geographic Live. This fall, Tree Canopy Ecologist Nalini Nadkarni will take the stage to delve into the fascinating wildlife and scientific wonders found above our heads. Students and community members alike will gain a fresh perspective on the world around us, both below and above, after experiencing this presentation!

Perfect for families, John Westford the Illusionist is coming too. This magical night promises not only mind-bending illusions but also John's famous quick wit, bringing something new and special every time. This time around, John has something really big up his sleeve, a trick so large that he needs the big stage to make it happen!

If you are a fan of soulful blues and electrifying rock, don’t miss your chance to experience the North Mississippi Allstars live! Founded by brothers Luther and Cody Dickenson, this band combines forces with the talented Jesse Williams on bass and Lamar Williams, Jr. on vocals to bring incredible chemistry to the stage.

Another band of brothers is slate to take the stage as well. The Gatlin Brothers is a Grammy Award-winning trio known for their American country and Southern gospel tunes. Their tight harmonies and heartfelt performances have made them a beloved fixture in the country music scene.

In addition to its regular season of shows, the Miller Center is the proud home to RACC’s new Theater Arts Program. Adding another layer of excitement, free performances that showcase the talent of RACC students are offered to the public. In previous years, audiences have been treated to productions such as Young Frankenstein and Something Rotten.

There is always something going on at Reading Area Community College and the Miller Center! For more information or to check out recently announced shows visit millercenter.racc.edu or call the box office at 610.602.6270.