Veteran Alumni Spotlight

Aidan La Penta, a Kutztown University Alumni and Staff Sergeant in the PA Air National Guard, was named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence by Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

The Ali-Zaidi Award--established in 2001 by Syed R. Ali-Zaidi--annually recognizes a graduating senior attending one of the 10 State System universities to recognize outstanding academic achievement and contributions to the community.  Aidan accepted the award while deployed with the PA Air National Guard via video message, sharing his gratitude for opportunities Kutztown University and the National Guard have presented him.  

Completing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with Honors and a 4.0 GPA, Aidan also earned a cybersecurity certificate in KU's Criminal Justice program.  Alongside extensive campus involvement, Aidan also worked as a student employee in the Office of Military and Veterans Services.  He helped numerous Military, Veteran, and Military-Affiliated students navigate the challenges associated with life-transitions, academia, and military service requirements on their journey here at KU.

Please visit the below link to read more about Aidan La Penta's achievements and contributions to the Kutztown University community.

Student Wins PASSHE's 2025 Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award - Kutztown University

A distinguished Kutztown University Alumni and U.S. Army Veteran, Art Petersen now serves as a dual MBA/JD licensed attorney in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.

Upon completing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice / Political Science at Kutztown University, Art went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from La Salle University and a Doctor of Law (JD) from Delaware Law School.

Art obtained substantial legal and leadership skills experiences while serving in a variety of challenging positions--including a Military Attorney for the U.S. Army, Associate Counsel for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a Senior Attorney for the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, and an Attorney Advisor for the United States Agency for Global Media.

Endorsed by numerous of his professional colleagues, Art serves as proof that Kutztown University works to produce successful and well-connected Military and Veteran Alumni.  His journey from Kutztown University to serving his country and pursuing dual graduate degrees exemplifies a spirit of determination and excellence worth acknowledging.

Initially attending Kutztown from 1979 to 1983, Pat Pollock returned to Kutztown in 2024 to not only complete his bachelor’s degree, but to fulfill a long-standing promise to his mother: that he would graduate from Kutztown University. Graduating from eight other institutions throughout his academic career, Pat also served a long and decorated career in the Delaware Air National Guard.

Pollock would spend three years at Kutztown University before enlisting in the Delaware Air National Guard, where he would attain the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and hold many distinguished positions and be granted a plethora of prestigious awards.

His career in the military would not be the limit of his achievements, however, as Pollock has also attained a high level of civilian education from several institutions. In addition to Kutztown University (2024), Pollock earned degrees from Delaware Technical Community College (2023), Wilmington College (2000), and Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (1985). 

Now retired, Pat spent much of his civilian career in education teaching mathematics, serving as a discipline dean, and as a supervisor of transportation. His dedication to the community and education is reflective of Kutztown University’s values, and his legacy will continue to serve as an example of excellence and commitment to service.

Dr.Brent M.Erb (KU Ed.D. '25) not only had an illustrious academic career with Kuztown University, but also served honorably in the United States Coast Guard from 1996-2001. Now the director of Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Reading, he continues to serve as a civil servant and volunteer. Brent began his career with PA State Parks in 2011 as an environmental educator, then as a natural resource specialist in the lake management program, before earning the role of park manager for the Susquehannock State Park Complex, followed by becoming the assistant superintendent of the French Creek State Park Complex, and then into his current position at Nolde Forest in 2019. 

Originating from Lancaster County, Dr.Erb enlisted in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and attended boot camp in Cape May, New Jersey following his high school graduation. Later, he would be stationed on the USCG Cutter TAMPA, where he served in the deck department during numerous patrols throughout the Carribean, South America, Mexico, and the North Atlantic, and obtained the distinguished position of Leading Seaman. In 1999p, he attended the U.S. Army's Defense Information School to be trained in photojournalism, earning the rank of Public Affairs Specialist 3rd Class. Fulfilling his dream of becoming a photojournalist and explorer, Dr.Erb states that "it was meaningful because of the opportunities to work alongside remarkable individuals."

In addition to studying with the U.S. Army and earning a doctorate in education from KU, Brent earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from Colorado State University, and  Master's in American Studies from Penn State University. He is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Lancaster, and currently serves on the board of Historic Preservation and Trust of Berks County.

As a veteran, first-generation college graduate and civil servant, Brent is passionate about helping others nurture curiosity and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to advance ecological literacy, justice, and environmental stewardship. "Service in the U.S. Coast Guard taught me that the environment is our common ground and that we have more in common with others than we do differences," he says, adding, "it is through this lens that I hope to nurture relationships between people and nature and nature and people, for the betterment of future generations."