Daily Brief

A Life in American History: Dr. Mark Christian on the Legacy of Frederick Douglass

Kutztown University's Frederick Douglass Institute announces a guest lecture by distinguished scholar of Africana Studies, Dr. Mark Christian (CUNY Graduate Center/Lehman College), Thursday, April 24, Multicultural Center Unity Room. Christian will present his latest book, Frederick Douglass: A Life in American History (Bloomsbury Press). A renowned author, editor and researcher, Christian brings decades of experience and insight to this timely and important conversation on one of the most transformative figures in American history. Christian's academic journey spans both the U.K. and the U.S., including a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Sheffield, an M.A. in Africana Studies from The Ohio State University and a B.A. in Sociology and American Studies from Liverpool Hope University. His scholarship has contributed significantly to Africana Studies and the critical analysis of race, identity and institutional structures. His 2021 biography, Booker T. Washington: A Life in American History, earned a 2022 RUSA Award from the American Library Association for “Outstanding Reference for Adults.” This upcoming event offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with Christian’s scholarship. His presentation will not only explore the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, but also examine how historical narratives can serve as tools for empowerment, resistance, and reflection. We invite students, faculty, staff and community members to participate in the networking reception (10:30 a.m.), attend the lecture (11 a.m.) and stay for the Q&A (noon) with FDI Director, Dr. Amber Jean-Marie Pabon. Seats are limited, register online.

Frederick Douglass Institute

Amber Pabon, Frederick Douglass Institute

Open Enrollment for SSHE Employees Healthcare

APSCUF Faculty and Coaches, Non-Represented, OPEIU Nurses, POA/SPFPA Security and Police Employees will receive an email Monday, April 21, about open enrollment for the PASSHE Healthcare Plan. Open enrollment is only for two weeks, Monday, April 21 to Friday, May 2. Coverage will be effective Tuesday, July 1. If you would like to sign up for healthcare, cancel your healthcare, add or remove family members/dependents, you will need to do this during the two-week open enrollment period. The only other time you can make these changes is if there is a qualified life change, please click the link for more details. SSHE Benefit Guidebook. If you are adding a family member to your plan, you must enter them in the "My Family Members" tile before you can add them to your plan. You will also need to provide confirmation documentation such as marriage license, birth certificate, adoption paperwork, etc. to the HR office within two weeks of adding them to your plan for your dependents to be eligible for the coverage. For a spouse, you will need to complete additional paperwork for them to qualify for healthcare coverage. Please reach out to HR for these forms. Tip: look for the tiny "Next" button at the very bottom of the page to move through the enrollment process. Healthy U current plan holders: there are only six weeks left for you to complete the Healthy U annual survey to qualify for the lower healthcare premium. If you have not completed the survey, please make sure to do it ASAP as the rates are increasing for next year and you will pay significantly more for your plan.

Benefits Summary

Elisabeth Manwiller, Human Resources

Mobile Mammograms Returning to KU May 5

The Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute will bring its mobile mammography coach to Kutztown University Monday, May 5. Screenings will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center parking lot, E-2. The screening service will be offered to women over 40 years old who have not had a mammogram in the past year. The event is open to the entire community. Post-traditional and graduate students, as well as staff, faculty and community members, can benefit from this opportunity. No prescription is needed for women over the age of 40 who have not had a mammogram in the past year. There are also grant funding opportunities for those over 40 without insurance; those interested should contact the Lehigh Valley Health Network for more information. To schedule an appointment, call 888-402-5846. Please have your physician's contact information and insurance card available when you call.

Frances C. Cortez Funk, Health and Wellness Center

APSCUF/APSCURF Student Scholarship

The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties at Kutztown University will grant two $500 scholarships and The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Retired Faculties will grant two $350 scholarships to undergraduate students returning for fall 2025. Recipients of the scholarships will be determined on the basis of their participation in campus service and solidarity activities as well as academic record. Please encourage your students to apply. Deadline to apply is Friday, April 25.

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Andrew Mashintonio, APSCUF Student Liaison Committee

Faculty Student Course Assistant Requests Due May 9

Tutoring Services is now accepting requests from faculty for Student Course Assistants (SCAs) for Fall 2025. Learn more about the SCA position by clicking here. To request an SCA, please complete the Student Course Assistant Request Form by Friday, May 9. We will notify you during finals week as to the status of your request. If you have questions, email tutor@kutztown.edu.

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Adam Troxel, Tutoring Services