New KU Mascot Unveiled at Family Day!

KUTZTOWN, PA - At the October 1, 2005 Family Day home football game, the new KU mascot, “Avalanche”, was unveiled to spectators. The new mascot design, which began in May, will help boost marketing and spirit for the University and the athletic program. Avalanche is named in honor of the nickname of then Kutztown State College’s sports teams from the mid 1930s to the early 1960s. In 1961, Golden Bears replaced Golden Avalanche as the nickname for Kutztown’s sports teams, and Golden Bear mascots soon followed. Most recently, Goldie and Grizz have served as KU’s Golden Bear mascots. With their “graduation,” however, a new mascot was sought. Earlier this year, Kutztown University teamed up with Raymond Entertainment Group (REG) of Newark, DE to launch the new mascot for the 2005-06 academic year. REG specializes in character branding programs. The company’s CEO is David Raymond, who began his career as the original Phillie Phanatic in 1978. For 16 years he brought life to the character that has become deeply ingrained in the persona of the Phillies and the city of Philadelphia. “Our office has enjoyed working with the Raymond Group and the KU family as we created Avalanche over the past year,” said Matt Santos, Director of Athletic Advancement. “This will be a new era for our mascot program and the university’s marketing effort as we increase appearances and activities both on and off campus."

For more information, click here!

Noncredit courses are a tangible way to demonstrate acquisition of new skills for your current career, career advancement, or to launch a whole new career. They are also an excellent way to network with other interesting adult learners and to enhance your expertise in a selected field.

People jockeying for position in a highly competitive marketplace are hoping that noncredit courses or a certificate (group of noncredit courses designed to provide in-depth study in a particular subject area) will put them on the inside track for a promotion or even a new career. You can find the links to all our many noncredit online offerings at
http://www.kutztown.edu/academics/learning.

Homecoming:

• College of Visual and Performing Arts, [click here] for information about a Sharadin Gallery art show at Homecoming 2005!
• College of Education, [click here] for information about a breakfast with fellow alumni and emeriti faculty.

College-Based Events:

• Kutztown Alumni can now search for events by college and department on the Alumni webpage. Please check the Events Page periodically for updates on department programs.

KU Football 1980 Team Members' Reception

If you were a KU Football 1980 Team member, [click here] for information about a special Homecoming reception to recognize the 25-year anniversary of the University’s one and only PSAC East football title.

The Beta Psi Phi Brothers Meet Again

It all started in the Fall of 1979 as the brainchild of one Dennis Davis. It was all revisited recently on a fall evening in September 2005. Two weeks ago, the brothers of Kutztown’s all-black Beta Psi Phi fraternity chapter reunited, not on the Kutztown University campus of their origin, but some 250 miles farther a field on Long Island, NY. At this special reunion, initiated and organized by the fraternity members themselves, the Beta Psi Phi brothers recollected about their experiences at Kutztown, shared and traded life stories, and honored the memory of founding brother Dennis Davis, who lost his long and hard battle against cancer earlier this year.

Twenty-five years ago, Davis’ ideas, goals and vision played out at Kutztown University, as he brought young men together to form a strong bond and a proud identity on campus. In the 1970’s, the bonding of the Beta Psi Phi brothers took place immediately, while the identity was shaped in part by the military-style attire worn by pledges. With their marching drills and step shows performed on and off campus, the Beta Psi Phi brothers certainly attracted notice. As Townes concludes, “it was at that point we realized we had made it as a fraternity and family, and that the bond would be here to stay.”

The longevity of the bond Townes describes was certainly evident at the recent reunion, where members had the opportunity to see old college friends grown into successful businessmen, law enforcers, entrepreneurs, and real estate agents. For the Beta Psi Phi brothers, it was obvious that Dennis Davis’ dream of lasting fraternity had impacted the lives of those involved in the Kutztown chapter. And, it may be especially noted that this experience and bond is being offered to a new generation on campus, since Dennis Davis’ son now attends Kutztown in his sophomore year. Townes and his Beta Psi Phi brothers plan to visit KU soon and introduce young Davis to his extended family.

March 13 - 20, 2006: London Tour
The Department of Music invites you to join the Kutztown University Choir on this overseas trip. Itinerary & Details.

April 8 - 9, 2006- Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Bus Trip
Join fellow alumni on this week-end trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, OH. Itinerary & Details.

July 2 - July 15, 2006: Greek Isles Cruise
A 13-day cruise aboard the Grand Princess through the historic ruins of Athens to the sunny orchards of Corfu. OPTIONAL 2-night extension in Rome also available. Fares from $3,416 (including Airfare). Itinerary & Details.

July 24th - July 29th, 2006: 5-night Family Canadian Trip
Travel the Carnival Victory from NYC for only $751/per person, spending two days at sea and two days in port at St. John’s, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Itinerary & Details.

August 11 - August 19, 2006: 9-day Irish Heritage Tour
Travel by a luxurious motorcoach and enjoy the beautiful destinations and tours Ireland has to offer. Rates from $2,494 (including Airfare). Itinerary & Details.

Win a Kutztown Alumni Assn. T-shirt!
Congratulations to Camille DeMarco and Lori Kalemkerian ’80 for correctly answering the following trivia in the last e-newsletter!

Answers were:
What band’s concert movie was shown in Schaeffer Auditorium along with a performance by one of its songwriters in 1980?
Robert Hunter and the Grateful Dead movie

What famous city mayor spoke at KU’s 2003 Decision Maker’s Forum?
Former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani

In 1866, what was the tuition for the entire year (which included board, heat, light and wash) at the Keystone State Normal School?
$200.00 ($125 for the 26 week winter term plus $75 for the 16 week spring term)

This Issues Trivia - Remember you must be the first to answer all three questions correctly!!

Who is the current head coach of the KU football team?

Which public figure spoke at KU’s Decision Maker’s Forum in April 1996?

What mid-1990’s rock band played at KU, putting a good spin into 1995?

Email your answers to alumni@kutztown.edu.