From left: Levi Landis, Glynis Fitzgerald, Nathan Thomas, Rodney Ridley
The partnership includes a four-year creativity degree and electives at a dynamic downtown arts center
Alvernia University and the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts are proud to announce a new partnership that celebrates the arts and offers students a unique opportunity to learn in a dynamic and creative urban environment. Through this collaboration, Alvernia University’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) will introduce a four-year Bachelor of Arts program in creativity and electives that will connect faculty and resources at GoggleWorks’ factory-converted arts center campus.
“We are thrilled to partner with the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts to provide students with an unprecedented educational experience that emphasizes arts, creative thinking and entrepreneurship in downtown Reading,” said Alvernia University President-elect Glynis A. Fitzgerald , Ph.D. “This is another example of how targeted partnerships within the Reading CollegeTowne initiative are driving innovation for our region while providing comprehensive educational and career outcomes for our students.”
The partnership represents a unique approach to education that recognizes the value of creativity, innovation and critical thinking in students, particularly in real, interactive environments. The program allows students to explore materials and disciplines, work with leaders and social entrepreneurs to start businesses, and acquire practical skills for professional success. Students will work with accomplished artists and educators who will provide mentorship and guidance as they explore their passions and develop their skills.
“This partnership with Alvernia University is a testament to the power of art to transform lives and communities,” said Levi Landis, executive director of the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. “We are honored to partner with Alvernia to provide students with a world-class education that celebrates creativity, innovation and critical thinking. Together we will inspire the next generation of artists, makers and leaders.”
The program includes hands-on learning experiences, internships, and project-based coursework to prepare students for successful careers in the creative industries. Students have access to Alvernia’s current art programs and resources, as well as GoggleWorks’ ten studio environments, fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and tools.
● 2D Studio Art: painting, drawing, printing and photographing
● 3D crafts: ceramics, hot glass, warm and flat glass, jewelry, sculpture, glass, woodworking
● Digital and Integrated Arts: Graphic Design, Virtual Reality and Makerspace Learning
The partnership also offers students the opportunity to participate in exhibitions, performances and events at GoggleWorks’ campus, which annually attracts artists and approximately 250,000 visitors from around the world. Students can connect with the local arts community and showcase their work to a global audience.
The new four-year study program and electives will be available to students from autumn 2024. See Alvernia.edu/Creativity for more information.
