Daily Brief

Johnson Awarded 2023 Keepers of the Flame from PASSHE

Dr. Deryl Johnson, professor, communication studies, is Kutztown University’s recipient of the second annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Keepers of the Flame Award from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). The award recognizes an individual from each of the 14 State System university campuses for their contributions to creating and promoting diverse, equitable and inclusive environments that cultivate a sense of belonging. Johnson began teaching at KU in 1993 and helped establish the university’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center in 2005, along with Barbara Taliaferro who retired from KU in 2010 and was the inaugural recipient of the “Keepers of the Flame” award in 2022. Johnson is a member of the PASSHE DEI Advisory Board and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Council of the National Communication Association. Johnson is pictured with Dr. Denise Pearson, vice chancellor and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, PASSHE; and Jerry Schearer, interim dean of students and chief diversity officer, Kutztown University.

University Relations

Veterans Awareness Week – Thank You

Thank you to all the students, alumni, staff, faculty, administrators, friends, KU offices, affiliate departments and community and military and veterans' organizations who supported us through donations, volunteerism, participation and partnership. Thanks to you, we not only brought awareness and showed appreciation to our military and veteran community, we made a difference: three ROTC Cadets were contracted; two received scholarships; two students were inducted into the Veterans Honor Society; three American Legion and two Folds of Honor scholarship recipients; two veteran alumni spirit award recipients; several alumni spotlights on our social media; R.E.D. button and food drive fundraisers 100% success; challenge coins of excellence and two staff servant leader awards presented; staff and faculty enjoyed complimentary lunch; student-employer engagement; community relationships created or strengthened for more future student support, and more. None of this could happen without your support. Thank you so very much. Stay tuned for more 10-year anniversary events.

Military and Veterans Services

Adjusted Hours: Center for Engaged Learning

Please note the reduced hours for the Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) during the week of Nov. 20:
 - 2-4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20.
 - 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21.
 - Closed Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Center for Engaged Learning

Adjusted Hours: Student Recreation Center

Student Recreation Center hours: 
 - 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 and Wednesday, Nov. 22.
 - Closed Thursday, Nov. 23 through Saturday, Nov. 25.
Keystone Pool hours: 
 - 8-9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21.
 - 8-9 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22. 
 - Closed Thursday, Nov. 23 through Saturday, Nov. 25.

Tracy Turner, Recreational Center

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.

Engage

Patricia Ann Brenner, Commission on Human Diversity

Clements, Novak and Whary Claim Major Awards, 12 Golden Bears Named All-PSAC East

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference champion Kutztown University football team captured three major awards and placed 12 players on the 2023 All-PSAC Eastern Division teams, the league office announced Wednesday, Nov. 15. Head coach Jim Clements was voted East Coach of the Year for the third time in his career. Quarterback Judd Novak took East Freshman of the Year honors and linebacker Tyler Whary was named East Defensive Athlete of the Year.

All-PSAC Football

Sports Information