Daily Brief

Thank You from the KU Foundation

The Kutztown University Foundation celebrated a record-breaking 1866 Minute Giving Challenge, raising more than $400,000 for more than 70 participating Kutztown University academic programs, athletic teams, club sports and student organizations. In just 1,866 minutes, fellow Golden Bears came together and demonstrated how this collective effort directly impacts our students. The excitement continued as KU welcomed back alumni and friends for Homecoming weekend. The campus was filled with maroon and gold spirit amidst affinity group gatherings, tailgates, sporting events and family fun. KU connections are powerful, diverse and everlasting, which was evident throughout the weekend. Thank you to the KU community for supporting the 1866 Minute Giving Challenge and returning to campus to celebrate Homecoming. Your generosity and involvement are proof that It’s Good to be Golden. We are grateful for your dedication and love for Kutztown University.

KU Foundation

Haring Fitness Court Honored with Building Berks Award for Community Innovation and Unity

The Kutztown Community Partnership and Kutztown University were honored for the Keith Haring Fitness Court with the coveted Building Berks Award, presented by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance. This esteemed accolade celebrates the remarkable synergy of art, health and community unity brought to life through this groundbreaking initiative.

Haring Fitness Court Honored with Building Berks Award

University Relations

Memorial Tree Dedication Ceremony

President Hawkinson will dedicate a tree in the Memorial Grove in front of Rohrbach Library 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10. At this ceremony, we will remember those students, faculty and staff who passed away during both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years. Family members of these individuals will be present at the dedication. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Office of the President

Employee of the Month

Now is the time to submit nominations for the October 2023 Employee of the Month. The selection will be made Thursday, Nov. 16. 

Employee of the Month Nomination Form

Alexis Martin, Human Resources

Dr. Deryl Johnson to Receive Keeper of the Flame Award

Join us virtually for a presentation of the "Keeper of the Flame" award at this year’s PASSHE DEI Summit 11-11:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. These awards are given annually to members of the PASSHE community (faculty, staff, alumni and community members) who are dedicated to building and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive State System where everyone can thrive. We are proud to announce that KU’s recipient this year is Dr. Deryl Johnson, communication studies. Keepers of the Flame are truly special people who embody a commitment to promoting environments that cultivate a sense of belonging. They strive to improve the human, social and organizational conditions in and around the university, including those that address historical inequities. Keepers of the Flame are members of the university community who inspire others, engage in collaboration and enact positive change. In order to watch the Zoom Thursday, Nov. 9, you must be registered for the summit. Please visit the link below to register.

2023 DEI Summit

Angelica Mishra, PASSHE DEI Summit Planning Committee

Emergency Fund and Food Drive Update

Thank you to all who have purchased R.E.D. buttons, which support our Military and Veterans Emergency Fund, and to those who dropped off food items that support Keystone Military Families. Our goal for R.E.D. buttons is $400 and we are already over the $325 mark. The founder of Keystone Military Families will be on campus this Thursday, Nov. 9 to pick up our food drive donations. Please keep the food items coming. You can either drop it off at our office, 262 MSU today, or by 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, 250 MSU. The Dollar Tree is just a couple of minutes away. Just one item can make a difference to a family in need. View the list of requested items in the link below. Thanks for your support.

Veterans Awareness Week

Military and Veterans Services

A Raucous “Pirates of Penzance” is Coming to KU

Schaeffer Auditorium will be overrun by the zaniest crew of buccaneers of all time when KU Presents! brings the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players’ hilarious production of “The Pirates of Penzance” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Known for their musical excellence and skill with humor both broad and subtle, the company’s mission is to share this repertoire with children to develop future audiences for the beloved works. Join them for this boisterous musical journey. Faculty and staff can access discounted tickets by logging in for tickets using their MyKU log-in.

Tickets

KU Presents!

Get Your Veterans Day Eat On

On Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, a day for honoring the military and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, many restaurants and businesses show their support by discounting products, services and meals. Some businesses extend these discounts to immediate family members. Check out the 2023 Discount List and map out your eating strategy. Remember, our local KU businesses also offer discounts. Rita's Italian Ice is offering a free red, white and blue five-layer gelati plus 20% off anything else to military and veterans. Non-military civilians receive the same patriotic gelati for only $5. Thank you for your valued service.

Veterans Day Free Meals, Discounts and Other Offers

Military and Veterans Services

Transgender Day of Remembrance

In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance Monday, Nov. 20, there will be a memorial display Nov. 13-17, Brass Rail Gallery, MSU. This display honors the transgender individuals whose lives were taken too soon this year, due to acts of transphobia and hate. This year will sadly include one of our own, Ryan Padovani '22. To submit your words, art and/or a poem in his memory, please do so here.

LGBTQ+ Resource Center

Diane Biehl, LGBTQ+ Resource Center

Get Lit

Celebrate your well-being. Faculty and staff are welcome to join us at the coffee and tea station 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, Old Main lobby.

Anne Imschweiler, KU Well-Being Committee

AFSCME Holiday Party

Attention AFSCME 2234 Members, the 2023 Members Holiday Party will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, Janelle’s Restaurant and Catering Hall. RSVP by Friday, Nov. 20. Invitations have been sent. If you have not received your invitation, please email Veronique Vlaun at vlaun@kutztown.edu. We are dealing with an incomplete list and would love for you to attend.

Veronique Vlaun, AFSCME

Ushers Still Needed for December Commencement

Please email kirshman@kutztown.edu if you are able to help out at the commencement ceremony 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 16. Thank you.

Andrea Kirshman, Student Success and Academic Excellence

First Gen Celebration and TRIO SSSP 30th Birthday

Join us in celebrating National First Gen Day and the TRIO Student Support Services Program’s 30th birthday. Celebrate with us by visiting the Star Walk on the campus lawn. Here, the first generation faculty, staff, TRIO SSSP students and the TRIO Upward Bound students will be showcased. Learn facts about the TRIO SSSP and Upward Bound programs. In celebration, there will be cupcakes noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, library entrance. During the afternoon, the TRIO SSSP and Upward Bound students will be sharing what it means to them to be a first-generation college student in the TRIO office. The day will close with a viewing of the Super Mario Brothers movie 5 p.m., 218 MSU, which is open to the campus community and sponsored by the MSU. To learn more about National First Gen Day, you can visit this website. Thank you to all the faculty and staff who participated in allowing us to showcase them in the Star Walk. Congratulations TRIO SSSP for serving KU students for 30 years.

Roxanne Grim, TRIO Student Support Services Program