Daily Brief
April 19, 2021

BASDEN ARNOLD NAMED PROVOST, VICE PRESIDENT
Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold has been named provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Kutztown University. Basden Arnold will begin at KU Monday, June 28. Basden Arnold comes to KU from SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz, N.Y., where she served three years as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; and five years as professor of Communication. Learn More about Dr. Basden Arnold.
Bryan Salvadore, Office of Communications

FU TO PRESENT CHAMBLISS LECTURE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21
Dr. Albert Fu, professor of anthropology and sociology, will present the Chambliss Faculty Research Award Lecture at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 21. The lecture, “Interdisciplinary Views of the City: Memory and Nature,” is open to the public on Zoom. This presentation examines the built environment from the standpoint of collective memory and nature to provide a multi-faceted look at the world around us. It will look at how our understanding of cities is shaped by the past. The second part of this presentation will look at how ideas about nature affect city building. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of how our surroundings structure everyday life.
Bryan Salvadore, Office of Communications

CHAMBLISS COPPER MEDAL: JONATHAN FERNEZAN
Jonathan Fernezan, Allentown, Pa., is a computer science/information technology major graduating in May. He is awarded the Chambliss Academic Achievement Award Copper Medal in the category of outstanding service to the Kutztown University community. Fernezan is a student veteran of distinction. He has served in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2014 as a multichannel transmission systems operator and enrolled at KU in 2017 after one year of active duty in the Middle East. Since his time at KU, Fernezan has added value and contributed to the success of many university organizations, academic clubs and community organizations. Read More.
Bryan Salvadore, Office of Communications
WEATHER
Weather forecasts are provided by KU's Dr. Michael Davis and "Monsoon Mike" Regensburger
Mid-level shortwave passes ahead of a warm front. Shower activity and maybe a thunderstorm by afternoon. High temperature in the upper-60s. Winds west at 5-10 mph. Rainfall less than 0.10 of an inch with higher amounts where storms occur.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Tammy Starner Wert, University Relations
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY HOLDS YEAR-END CELEBRATION
On April 13, the Department of History held a virtual year-end celebration to recognize our students. Congratulations to all our honorees.
– Outstanding seniors: Karleigh Gangwer, Austin Crowley, Emmy Campbell and Madison Szczecina.
– Beck Award: Andrew Gellar.
– Mazzaferri Award: Erik Modig.
– MLK Jr Award: Austin Crowley.
Congratulations to our scholarship recipients: Amelia Fair, Lauren Wasiakowski and Sophie Hinkle. In addition, 22 students were inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. https://www.kutztown.edu/academics/colleges-and-departments/liberal-arts-and-sciences/departments/history/awards-and-scholarships.html
Michael P. Gabriel, Department of History
GOLDEN BEAR ATHLETIC CLUB VIRTUAL 5K
Dust off those sneakers and get ready to move in support of KU Athletics. Run, walk or bike anytime between April 17-24. Current students receive a discount.
Jillian Lovejoy, Kutztown University Foundation
NICOLE M. WACK ED.D DISSERTATION DEFENSE
The College of Education announces Nicole M. Wack will defend her Doctor in Education dissertation, "Bridging barriers in inclusive classrooms: Avenues for communication between general education teachers and families,” 2 p.m., Monday, April 19, via Zoom. Visit our Ed.D. dissertation page for more information: http://tinyurl.com/15j26gx4.
Patricia Walsh Coates, College of Education
AFSCME 2234 MEMBERSHIP MEETING
AFSCME Local 2234 will hold their monthly membership meeting 5 p.m., Monday, April 19, via Zoom. An email with the link will be sent to the personal email on file. Please plan to attend.
Chris Ferris, secretary, AFSCME Local 2234
A TALK WITH DR. TANER AKÇAM
Dr. Taner Akçam, historian and sociologist, is an international authority on the Armenian Genocide and a leader in human rights. This virtual lecture will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m., Monday, April 19, via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public, and it is made possible through the generosity of Leon Ariyan ’95. Zoom information will be emailed prior to the event. For more information, please call 610-683-4110 or email info@kuf.org. https://www.kuf.org/events/2021/2021event_akcam-lecture
Jillian Lovejoy, Kutztown University Foundation
KIDS AND MONEY-WEBINAR BY PSECU
We all know that practicing smart saving and spending strategies is important – and it's a good habit to introduce to your child at any age. But while teaching your child about money management early on can help set them up to be a financially-savvy adult, it may seem like an overwhelming undertaking.
If you'd like to learn about simple, interactive ways to help kids understand financial concepts and get an overview of what educational savings options are available to lead them on the path to success, we invite you to attend this webinar noon to 1 p.m., April 20. Register by 5 p.m., April 19, via this link.
Kelly Ann Ryan, PSECU
VALUE PLACED ON SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK: A STUDY
The Department of Social Work announces Jennifer Marshall, LSW, will defend the Doctor of Social Work dissertation, "Awareness of and Value Placed on School Social Work: A Study of Pennsylvania’s Public School Administrators," 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 21, via Zoom
Meeting ID: 844 2677 6666 Passcode: 6V39fk.
John Vafeas, Department of Social Work
STATE SYSTEM STARTUP CHALLENGE 2021
Join the College of Business and KU Entrepreneurial Leadership Center in supporting KU student Katelyn Wehr at the 2020-2021 State System Startup Challenge Finals. Wehr will pitch her business, Knees Up Events. The Startup Challenge Finals will be presented on Zoom, 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 21.
https://www.passhe.edu/inside/ASA/bizplan/Pages/default.aspx
Paige Brookins, Entrepreneurial Leadership Center
CET SPRING PRESENTATION
The CET is pleased to offer the spring session "Financial Education for FYS Courses," presented by Dr. Peg Speirs along with Ms. Kelly Ann Ryan from PSECU's KU Financial Education Center, 11 a.m., Thursday, April 22. This CET presentation can be accessed through the Zoom link https://kutztown.zoom.us/j/390059274. Everyone is welcome. Participation certificates will be provided. Hope to see you then.
Yun (Amy) Lu, The Center for the Enhancement of Teaching
UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
The University Curriculum Committee will meet 11 a.m., Thursday, April 22, via Zoom. https://kutztown.zoom.us/j/91950007023. A meeting password is required to attend. Please contact Lisa Brennan at brennan@kutztown.edu for the password.
Lisa Brennen, University Curriculum Committee
VIRTUAL AUTHOR EVENT WITH A. S. KING
Author A.S. King, in an exclusive engagement with Kutztown University, will meet with us virtually 7 p.m., Thursday, April 22. Email Libsci@kutztown.com for a link to the event.
Elementary, Middle Level, Library and Technologies Education
ONE FINANCIAL SERVICES MILITARY SCHOLARSHIP
Congratulations to June McQueen, Kutztown University student-veteran junior, who is studying business administration/finance for being awarded the One Financial Services Military Scholarship for Women. McQueen transferred to KU from Rutgers University and continues to excel.
Office of Veterans Services
KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES MEETING
The Kutztown University Council of Trustees will meet remotely on Thursday, April 29. There will be no physical location for the meeting as a safety precaution given the current COVID-19 crisis and current social-distancing guidelines.
- An Executive Session will be held at 11:30 a.m.
- Committee meetings will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 917 0127 7191
Passcode: 244625
Dial: 646-876-9923
- Plenary Session will begin at 3 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 935 0919 3766
Passcode: 572185
Dial: 646-876-9923
Office of the President
UPCOMING EVENTS
Date |
Time |
Event |
April 19 |
2 p.m. |
Nicole M. Wack Ed.D. dissertation defense |
April 19 |
6 p.m. |
Big Art Day |
April 19 |
6:30 p.m. |
Talk with Dr. Taner Akçam |
April 19 |
7 p.m. |
Music Mondays |
April 20 |
Noon |
Kids and Money – PSECU Webinar |
April 21 |
Noon |
Blood Drive |
April 21 |
1 p.m. |
Jennifer Marshall, LSW, dissertation defense |
April 21 |
4 p.m. |
Visiting Artist Tip Toland demonstration |
April 21 |
4:30 p.m. |
|
April 22 |
11 a.m. |
Open Forum: Culturally Engaging Campus Climates Zoom |
April 22 |
1 p.m. |
Visiting Artist Tip Toland lecture |
April 22 |
7 p.m. |
Author A. S. King |
April 23 |
6 p.m. |
KU Presents! |
Date |
Time |
Event |
April 23 |
1 p.m. |
SB vs. West Chester (DH) |
April 24 |
noon |
BB vs. West Chester (DH) |
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT WELCOMES NYKOLAI BLICHAR
The Office of Student Involvement is thrilled to welcome Nykolai Blichar to the role of assistant director, student involvement and community outreach center. Nykolai achieved both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from KU and is happy to be here in a full-time role. He will be the advisor for Kutztown University Activities Board, will oversee the Community Outreach Center among a variety of other programming and student organization-related responsibilities. He can be reached at blichar@kutztown.edu and 610-683-4043. Be sure to say hello and welcome him to his new role.
Leah Cassellia, Student Involvement
2021 OUT OF THE DARKNESS CAMPUS WALK
Get your walking shoes on and your team ready for Kutztown University's seventh Annual Out of the Darkness Walk. Kutztown University's NAMI KU Chapter has partnered with Penn State Berks Campus for a "virtual walk" which will take place Sunday, April 25. A walk ceremony with participation from students and faculty representing both campuses will be held 3 p.m., via Zoom. Resources and information for students and community members will be provided during our ceremony. All proceeds from this event benefit The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Hope walks here in Berks County at Kutztown and Penn State. https://bit.ly/3lWOdUl
Patricia Brenner, Counselor Education/NAMI KU
ARTS HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL CLASS
The Kutztown University Arts Society announced the six recipients of the new Schaeffer-Sharadin Fellows award, which includes the induction into the inaugural class of the KU Arts Hall of Fame. These inductees highlight the prominence of KU's relationship with the highest caliber artists and arts supporters. This year's inductees include Ellen Finks – KU Faculty Emeriti, Richard Wells – KU Faculty Emeriti, Willis M. Rapp – KU Faculty Emeriti, Eric Schaeffer ’84, Andrew M. Kish III ’07, and Karen TenEyck ’80. A formal induction ceremony will be held virtually at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 28, on Zoom. The event is free to attend and is open to the community. Zoom link: https://kutztown.zoom.us/s/91046326631. Read More.
Bryan Salvadore, Office of Communications
SUMMER HOURS
As in past years, KU will initiate summer hours beginning Monday, May 10, the Monday following finals. These hours will remain in effect through Friday, Aug. 20, a week before the start of classes. Summer hours will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch. Anyone who has a need to maintain the normal winter hours may submit a request through their supervisory line. Approval for such a request will be at the vice-presidential level and should be communicated to Human Resources.
Jennifer Weidman, Human Resources
Persons with a disability, and who require accommodation, should notify the Disability Services Office two weeks prior to the event at 610-683-4108 or email DSO@kutztown.edu, TDD number: 610-683-4499, in order to discuss accommodations. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations. Please note: Kutztown University does not provide wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Kutztown University does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. To discuss a complaint of discrimination, please contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator located in the Office of Social Equity, Old Main A-Wing, Room 02, by phone at 610-683-4700 or by email at pena@kutztown.edu or the Office for Civil Rights located in the Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Bldg., 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100, by phone at 800-421-3481 (TDD: 800-877-8339), by fax at 202-453-6012, or by email at OCR@ed.gov.