Allentown, Pa.-resident and geology major, Mattathias Needle ’10, receives recognition for outstanding research. Mattathias (Max) Needle graduated in December with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Max’s research at KU has been described as being intense, varied, Ph.D. quality and extremely successful. One of his most noted accomplishments was his work on the physical modeling of orogenic curvature (the study of curved patterns exhibited by large mountain systems like the Appalachians and the Pyrenees). Max was not just the collaborator or research assistant, he initiated the concept, designed the experiments, conducted all of the research and analysis, summarized key findings and published and presented his results at regional and national scientific meetings. In short, he was the primary scientist and the driving force on the project at every stage.

Lancaster, Pa.-resident and professional writing major, Irelyn Akers ’11, receives recognition for successfully leading three KU student publications, excelling in her contributions to efforts on behalf of KU’s University Relations Office and leadership with several student organizations. Irelyn is a “top-notch,” soon- to-be-graduate who will leave KU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Writing. She is being recognized for her vision, leadership and fortitude in resurrecting KU’s literary magazine, Essence. Since her freshmen year, Irelyn has been involved with Essence, serving in various roles. In 2008-2009, holding the position of co-editor, Irelyn recognized the publication could be so much more than its present state. As a result of her hard work and determination, Essence moved from an art and design journal to a publication more identified for its editorial content. The outcome – a greater appreciation of the work submitted by students in the English and Fine Arts Departments. The changes ultimately lead to higher quality and an increase in submissions to the magazine plus a greater respect for the publication by faculty and students. In 2009, the magazine was the University’s & College Design Association’s ‘Best Student Produced Work.’

Scranton, Pa.-resident and art education and fine arts major, Jeffery Hartman ’11, receives recognition for original artwork. Jeffrey will graduate from Kutztown University with two majors - a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Crafts. His ultimate goal is to share his passion for art with students in a K-12 environment. His professors regard Jeffrey as one of the most accomplished, dedicated, prolific and successful ceramic artists they have ever had the pleasure of teaching. His work has been featured in exhibitions, both on campus as well as off site. Jeffrey’s portfolio of ceramic work has been recognized at various professional levels, verified by the numerous scholarships, awards, apprenticeship venues and internships he has been granted. As a result, his work caught the attention of some of the premier and foremost craft schools in the country providing him with the opportunity to work side by side with some of the country’s finest craftsmen, gaining additional educational experience.

Kutztown, Pa.-resident and secondary education-history major, Luna McMahon ’11, receives recognition for successfully completed research projects. As a secondary education major with concentration in Social Studies/History, Luna stepped back in time to research marginalia in medieval manuscripts; specifically plant themes. Her thesis focused on the detailed art found around the margins of manuscripts. This feature was often viewed as random ornamentation by scholars whose primary interest was the main subject at hand. Luna hypothesis was this detailed art had to have more significant meaning since it often required a lot of time and financial resources (medieval paints were extremely expensive plus the artists use a lot of gold leaf during that time period,). She identified some of the plants used in the margin paintings and traced the allegorical meaning for those plants (love, sacrifice, remembrance) to the scenes depicted in the manuscript illumination itself. Her research is regarded as highly original and sophisticated and may be basis for a doctoral dissertation.

Penn Argyl, Pa.-resident and fine arts major, Christina Taylor ‘11, receives recognition for her original artwork of high quality and outstanding service to the Kutztown University community. Christina is being recognized not only for artwork but also for her outstanding service to the KU community. As a Fine Arts major with a concentration in Printmaking plus minors in German and Chemistry, she has applied her skills and interests to the area of art conservation. In January, she was awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to study in Peru and develop hands-on skills pertaining to textile and wall painting conservation. As an intern and student worker for the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, Christina to date, has stabilized and conserved over 1,000 books and has created more than 80 enclosures for books and artifacts in the collection. This preservation of irreplaceable historical objects constitutes a great service to the University and the community at large.

Bensalem, Pa.-resident and fine arts major, Josh Dannin ’11, receives recognition for original artwork of high quality. Scheduled to graduate summa cum laude this May with a degree in Fine Arts and dual concentrations in printmaking plus photography, Josh Dannin has already achieved a great deal of success during his time at KU. Josh’s portfolio centers on printmaking and woodcuts; an interest he only picked up in 2009. Much of Josh’s art include images of animals depicting political messages. His 2010 solo exhibition, ANIMALISM, received high praise on campus. Josh’s artwork has been showed on campus as well as in juried and invitational exhibitions/portfolios, nationally and internationally. Most recently, his work was exhibited across Canada and later this spring, it will be included in an exhibition in Seoul, South Korea as part of the first ever International Print Exchange of South Korea.

Bethlehem, Pa.-resident and fine arts major, Jessie Horning ’11, receives recognition for her original artwork of high quality and outstanding service to the Kutztown University community. Throughout her time at KU, Jessie Horning made sure ‘no grass grew under her feet!’ Set to graduate in May with Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in printmaking, Jessie will be leaving KU with many feathers in her cap. Not only is Jessie an exceptional artist whose work has been described as being intelligent, innovative, humorous and serious all at the same time but she has also been a Dean’s Scholar in the College of Visual and Performing Arts for the last four years; an Honors Student with a 4.0 GPA and Dean’s list recipient. Jessie’s work has been featured in exhibitions, both on campus as well as off site. Additionally, Jessie serves as co-director of Eckhaus, a non-profit student run gallery located in Kutztown. Her responsibilities include managing, maintaining and marketing the gallery, promoting events and organizing workshops. Lastly, Jessie holds the office of president of KU’s Art Club. Under her leadership, the organization experienced an enthusiastic resurgence, engaging in various activities and hosting visiting artists on campus. Her accomplishments have had a positive effect on KU and the community as well as preparing herself as budding professional.