Updike's boyhood hometown in Reading, Pa., to host first Updike Society Conference at Alvernia University, promoting study of the award-winning author's literature and life. READING, Pa., Dec.

As major colleges and universities begin to flex their endowment muscles, the financial picture for many students on their way to higher education is backward.

By Reading Eagle, Pa. Oct. 18--The month-long "Reading Reads" Greater Reading Literary Festival continues in the week ahead at various sites.

By Rebecca Vandermeulen, Reading Eagle, Pa. Oct. 4--Students wrestling with trying to pick a college now have another tool to help them sort things out.

By Rebecca Vandermeulen, Reading Eagle, Pa. Sep. 24--About a year from now, Alvernia College may no longer exist. Don't worry. The campus in southeast Reading will still be there. It just may be known as Alvernia University.