Daily Brief

Nov. 28, 2023

Brushstrokes of Inspiration: Benjamin Hoffman's Artful Journey from Kutztown University to Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Finalist

In the heartwarming town of Kutztown, where creativity blooms with each season, a captivating story unfolds. Benjamin E. Hoffman ’15, a distinguished alumnus of Kutztown University, boasting four degrees from KU, now stands on the precipice of glory as a finalist for the esteemed Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year award. Each year, the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year program recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring K-12 teachers in public education who have made outstanding academic contributions to Pennsylvania’s school-aged children. As we anticipate the state announcement event in Hershey this December, let's immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Hoffman’s life – a tale marked by his profound connection to KU, his stellar achievements in education and the artistic brushstrokes that have defined his inspiring career.

University Relations

Weather

Weather forecasts are provided by KU's Dr. Michael Davis and "Monsoon Mike" Regensburger

A real taste of winter today as cold air floods in from the northwest. Partly cloudy conditions today with a high only about 35 degrees (that’s more normal for mid-January rather than late-November). Winds will crank as high as 35 mph, keeping our wind chills in the 20s. Watch also for a few afternoon snow showers and even possibly an isolated snow squall as a trough axis passes through.

Announcements

Toys for Tots Donations Needed

The Community Outreach Center is partnering with Toys for Tots. We are collecting new, unwrapped toys until Friday, Dec. 15. Your donations go directly to families in Berks County who need a helping hand this holiday season. The collection bin is located outside the Community Outreach Center, across from the Fireside Lounge in the McFarland Student Union Building. 

Amanda Garcia, Community Outreach Center

Employee of the Month

Now is the time to submit nominations for the November 2023 Employee of the Month. 

Alexis Martin, Human Resources

COB Associate Dean Search Candidates

Below are the dates and times for the open forums with the candidates for the associate dean of the College of Business. This is a critically important position for the college; we hope that you will take time to attend all or part of the meetings and ask questions of the candidates. Curricula vitae will be posted on the website a few days before each campus visit.
 - Candidate C
1-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, 106 de Francesco Building.

Katie Bowen, COB Associate Dean Search Committee

COE Associate Dean Search Candidates

Below are the dates and times for the open forums with the candidates for the associate dean of the College of Education. Links to the CVs will be active two days before the date the candidate will be on campus.
 - Candidate B
2-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, 116 McFarland Student Union Building.
 - Candidate C
1:15-2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 116 McFarland Student Union Building.

Tanya Faust, COE Associate Dean Search Committee

Commission on Human Diversity 14th Annual Conference Call for Proposals

The Commission on Human Diversity is excited to share the theme for our 14th annual conference, "Inspirational Advocacy Through the Arts," Friday, March 1, 2024. This theme encourages proposals that reflect on the importance of advocacy in all areas of diversity. We will accept proposals for presentations that are related to the various dimensions of multiculturalism, diversity, social justice, inclusion and equity in all areas of life and education. The Commission invites proposals for presentations that broadly relate to the theme and intersect with any facet of human diversity, including race/ethnicity, social class, sexuality, gender, ability, language, religion and geography. Who should submit proposals? Students, staff, faculty, community members and professionals in the field. Proposals should be submitted by Friday, Dec. 1. Please use this link for proposal submissions. Please share with your departments and your connections. Thank you for being so supportive in this endeavor.

Patricia Ann Brenner, Commission on Human Diversity

KU Student Veterans Emergency Fund Hat Fundraiser

Hats feature our exclusive olive drab (aka Army green) and are on sale for $20 (while supplies last) with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Military and Veterans Services Emergency Fund. They are good quality - soft, stylish and make great gifts. Thanks for helping our office provide aid to students in need. Order yours today at the link below.

Military and Veterans Services

Employment Opportunities
Job Number Job Title Job Term Advertise To
2023-0182 (internal) Medical Records Assistant - PT
9 months (internal)
Part Time 12/1/23
2023-0187 (internal) Groundskeeper / Laborer (internal) Full Time 12/1/23
2023-0100 Patrol Officer Trainee Full Time Continuous
2023-0168 Landscape Maintenance Specialist Full Time 12/17/23
2023-0184  Customer Service Coordinator  Full Time 12/3/23
2023-0185 Starfish Management Technician Full Time 12/3/23
2023-0188 Teaching and Learning Developer Full Time 1/1/24
23-24 Asst Coaches 23-24 Assistant Athletic Coaches Part Time 6/28/24
23-24 Clerical Asst Pool 23-24 Clerical Assistant Pool Full Time 6/28/24
23-24 Custodial Pool 23-24 Custodial Worker 1 Pool Full Time 6/28/24
OOC 23-16 Staff Attorney Full Time 12/8/23
Upcoming Events
Date Time Event
Nov. 28 3 p.m. COE Associate Dean Search Candidate A
116 MSU
Nov. 29 1 p.m. COB Associate Dean Search Candidate A
106 de Francesco
Nov. 30 11 a.m. University Curriculum Committee Meeting
Zoom
Nov. 30 11 a.m. Cookie Chat
6 Rohrbach Library
Nov. 30 2 p.m. COE Associate Dean Search Candidate B
116 MSU
Dec. 1 3 p.m.  COB Associate Dean Search Candidate B
201 de Francesco
Dec. 2 11 a.m. Christmas on the Farm
Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center
Dec. 2 7:30 p.m. Craig Thatcher's Rockin' Holiday Show
Schaeffer Auditorium
Dec. 4 3 p.m. President's Open Hour
301 Stratton Administration Center 
Athletics

KU Foundation to Host Football Watch Party

Join us this Saturday, Dec. 2, for a watch party to cheer on the Golden Bear football team as they kick off against Slippery Rock in the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals. This free event will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Nancy Jean Stump Seiger ’54 Multipurpose Room, 218 McFarland Student Union. Snacks and refreshments will be served. Register here.

KU Foundation

Nov. 30 7 p.m. Wrestling vs. Seton Hill
Keystone Arena
Video
Dec. 1 3 p.m. Women's Basketball vs. Edinboro
Keystone Arena
Video | Stats
Dec. 1 5 p.m. Men's Basketball vs. Edinboro
Keystone Arena 
Video | Stats
Dec. 2 Noon Football at Slippery Rock (NCAA Quarterfinals)
Slippery Rock, Pa.
Stats
Dec. 2 1 p.m. Women's Basketball vs. Mercyhurst
Keystone Arena 
Video | Stats
Dec. 2 3 p.m. Men's Basketball vs. Mercyhurst
Keystone Arena
Video | Stats
Accommodations

Persons with a disability, and who require accommodation, should notify the Disability Services Office two weeks prior to the event at 610-683-4108 or email DSO@kutztown.edu, TDD number: 610-683-4499, in order to discuss accommodations. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations. Please note: Kutztown University does not provide wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Notify the university of an accessibility concern

Non-Discrimination Statement

Kutztown University does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. To discuss a complaint of discrimination, please contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator located in the Office of Social Equity, Old Main A-Wing, Room 02, by phone at 610-683-4700 or by email at pena@kutztown.edu or the Office for Civil Rights located in the Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Bldg., 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100, by phone at 800-421-3481 (TDD: 800-877-8339), by fax at 202-453-6012, or by email at OCR@ed.gov.