President’s Newsletter: April 2026

From the Desk of Dr. Philip Cavalier

President of Kutztown University

President's Update

Thank you! The inauguration events on April 9-10 were tremendous for our campus, and I will always cherish the memories from those two days.

I want to give a special nod to our students, faculty and staff for their efforts with the Student Showcase on the night of April 9. The academic work of our students and faculty was on full display, while our student organization performances gave a clear snapshot of how wonderful our student life is at KU. I was simply beaming with pride for the entire night.

Again, I want to thank trustee Sandy Green and vice president Matt Santos for co-chairing the planning committee. Having oversight of a presidential inauguration in my past role, I know it is a heavy lift and takes a lot of help. Thank you to the entire committee, members of the subcommittees and the entire campus community and supporters who made the two days such a success.

I am very proud to be part of a strong university community that I know will help bring the vision I shared at the end of Friday's speech to fruition:

"Over the next 10 years, we will be BOLD and innovative. We will explore new ideas that faculty and staff members bring forward and decide which should be pursued and how. We will push forward toward the goal of providing every graduate with an experiential learning opportunity. We will develop new programs and certificates that support the region while also ensuring that students have broad academic experiences that will position them to explore new careers in the future. We will expand the access non-traditional students have to a Kutztown University education. But most importantly, we will be a community in which every member plays an important role in realizing a shared purpose: to ensure that every student who comes to Kutztown can thrive if she or he is willing to try."

Thank you for making April 9 and 10 special for me and for Kutztown University. I look forward to seeing you all at end-of-semester events and at my first spring commencement in May.

Dr. Phil Cavalier

Division Updates

Academic Affairs

In 2004, the Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Awards were established by retired faculty member Dr. Carlson R. Chambliss. The purpose of the awards is to recognize the exceptional individual achievements of a select group of senior students. Each year, faculty and staff nominate undergraduate students worthy of consideration for this prestigious award. We congratulate the students who are recognized this year for their exceptional achievement:

• Freddie Retter, Gold Medal, Athletics
• Peter Cadiz, Silver Medal, Research
• Gabriella DeMarco, Silver Medal, Research
• Ava Esterly, Silver Medal, Research
• Erin Gonzalez, Silver Medal, Athletics
• Brandon Hile, Copper Medal, Athletics
• Deanna Leperi, Copper Medal, Research
• Mark-handy Phanor, Copper Medal, Outstanding Service

Administration & Finance

Beginning in May, Keystone Hall will undergo a complete building renovation for the first time in its 55-year history. Originally opened in 1971, Keystone Hall will be modernized to better support KU student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans and other campus events. The renovation includes upgraded locker rooms and team spaces, improvements to Keystone Arena and Keystone Pool, updated offices, enhanced accessibility, modern technology and Wi-Fi and new climate-controlled HVAC systems. Work is scheduled to begin after spring commencement and is funded primarily through state capital funds, with completion anticipated in January 2028. Concept renderings of the planned renovations are available online.

KU Foundation

Mark your calendars for Spring Alumni Weekend, April 24-26. Enjoy affinity networking opportunities, tours, open houses, a planetarium show and a tailgate for the Maroon and Gold football game. These festivities align with KU Blossoms (April 22 to May 6), the KU Foundation's annual spring initiative highlighting the impact of giving. KU Blossoms showcases student opportunities, alumni success stories and supports experiential learning, scholarships, Dean’s Scholarship funds, KU Athletics and the Helping Paws Emergency Fund – demonstrating how the KU community continues to grow and thrive together.

Student Affairs

As the spring semester comes to a close, Kutztown University is energized by celebration, reflection and Golden Bear pride. The Office of Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services is preparing one of our most anticipated traditions, Bearfest, which brings students, alumni and the campus community together in the spirit of connection and fun. Featuring music, a foam slide, interactive activities and opportunities to unwind before finals, Bearfest offers a well-earned break and a reminder of the vibrant community that makes KU feel like home. We extend our sincere thanks to the student leaders and staff members who make these moments possible and support our students every step of the way. The campus community is invited to join Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services for Bearfest 47: Starry Ride, a four day celebration April 29 to May 2, filled with excitement and campus pride, including Kickoff Day Wednesday, April 29 with a picnic, foam slide, splat wall and dunk tank; activities such as tie dye, a photobooth, tarot readings and Drag Bingo Thursday, April 30; Casino Night Friday, May 1; and concluding Saturday, May 2, with Community Day, featuring inflatables for students and campus partners to enjoy together.

University Relations, Athletics & Enrollment

The 2026 Kutztown University Spring Commencement will be held Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at O’Pake Fieldhouse. Master's and doctoral degrees will be awarded 5 p.m. Friday night. Bachelor’s degrees for the College of Education and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will be awarded 9 a.m. Saturday. Bachelor's degrees for the College of Business and College of Visual and Performing Arts will be awarded 2 p.m. Saturday. All three events will be streamed live by KUTV and can viewed on-demand on the KU Commencement website.

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