Leaders of University’s Historic Fundraising Campaign Honored with Kutztown University President's Medal

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Robert C. Landis and Scott A. Dorn ’79 were presented with Kutztown University President’s Medals Friday, Sept. 8, for their leadership as Kutztown University Foundation Board presidents during the university’s largest comprehensive campaign in school history, Together, We’re Golden: The Campaign for Kutztown University.

Through the course of Together, We’re Golden, the KU Foundation created 135 new scholarships for students; brought an award-winning national hotel chain to the Kutztown community; worked with donors to bring their philanthropic visions to life on campus with projects like the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research; DeLight E. Breidegam Building: Headquarters of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center; Fred and Martha Hafer SEM Lab; Nancy Jean Stump Seiger ’54 Botanical Research Center; Beebe Family Conference Room in the newly renovated de Francesco building; growth the university’s endowment; and exceeded $10 million in fundraising for the first time.

“(Robert) and Scott “bookended” the first comprehensive campaign in KU history, opened a world-renowned hotel and shared many other accomplishments,” said Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, university president. “They have made a lasting impact on Kutztown University, on the broader Kutztown community and on the thousands of students, faculty and staff who will benefit from their leadership of the foundation for years to come.”

Robert C. Landis is currently senior vice president-Human Resources for Herr Foods Inc., a regional salty snacks manufacturer in Nottingham, Pa. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in finance from The Pennsylvania State University, Landis started his career in fashion retail with Macy’s department stores but quickly moved to the food manufacturing sector. He spent nine years with Campbell Soup Company before moving to Mars Incorporated in a global human resources role. Just prior to joining Herr’s, Landis was a partner at ArchPoint Consulting where he led the People and Change practice.

Landis became a member of the KU Foundation Board in 2014 and served as president from 2016-22. He and his wife Sharon (Scheffey) ’87 live in Avondale, Pa. They are parents to four children: Tyler ’16, Austin ’16, Devin ’20 and Kenya. The Landis family endowed two KU student scholarships: one to support future teachers and one to support students who are also active members of the marching unit.

Scott A. Dorn ’79 graduated from Kutztown University with a B.S. in business administration. Upon graduation, he joined FMC Corporation’s Material Handling Division in their Sales Engineering Training Program. In 1983, he joined General Electric’s Customer Service & Distribution Operation overseeing facility operations in the Philadelphia region.

Dorn worked for GE for more than 31 years, rising to the position of managing director, Global Real Estate Operations before retiring in April 2014. He started Dorn Consulting in 2015, supporting Fortune 500 companies globally in transforming and optimizing real estate and facilities portfolios and organizations.

Dorn joined the KU Foundation Board in 2014. He is currently the president, serving on the executive committee. He is a member of the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) and CoreNet. Over the years, he has been a featured speaker and panelist on a variety of real estate and property topics. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Department of Defense’s Business Advisory Board from 2018-20.

Dorn, his wife Debbie, and daughters Rachael, Nichole and Kaitlyn, have resided in Audubon, Pa., since 1997. His oldest daughter, Lauren resides in Oley, Pa., with her family.

The President's Medal was created in 2014 by the president's office to be awarded to individuals who bring honor and distinction to our institution and who serve as examples to our students and our alumni. Landis and Dorn are the ninth and 10th recipients, including William Ribble ’73, long-time member of the KU Foundation Board; Andre Reed ’05, KU Pro Football Hall of Famer; Ryan Vogelsong, Major League Baseball All-Star and two-time World Series Champion; Gregory “Doc” Jones, long-time head coach of the KU men’s rugby team; Dr. Carlson Chambliss, long serving KU professor, philanthropist and scholar; Sandy Green, former mayor of Kutztown and community leader and advocate; Bessie Reese Crenshaw ’50, Kutztown University's first African American graduate; and John Mobley, two-time Super Bowl champion.

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