Daily Brief

Diversity Prize Winner

The Department of Social Work proudly announced the winner of the Diversity Prize at our annual Community Forum event to student Julia Yingst. The Diversity Prize is sponsored by social work faculty to encourage students to celebrate their own diversity and view it from a strengths-based perspective. One student from the Bachelor of Social Work program is selected to receive a $500 cash award.

FangHsun Wei, Social Work

Building Pennsylvania's Workforce Through Career and Technical Education in Berks County

The Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) joined state and local leaders at Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center Tuesday, April 7, for a roundtable discussion on the growing importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Pennsylvania. Career and Technology Centers play a vital role in workforce development by equipping students with practical, in-demand skills that align directly with industry needs. Programs in healthcare, dental services, construction, manufacturing and other skilled trades are preparing students to enter the workforce with experience and confidence. The high demand for these programs, often reflected in waiting lists, underscores their value to both students and employers across Berks County and the commonwealth. Beyond employment, CTE programs also serve as a foundation for entrepreneurship. Many students leverage their technical training to start their own businesses in fields such as construction, cosmetology, automotive services and health-related services. This pathway not only supports individual career growth but also strengthens local economies through small business creation. The roundtable discussion focused on expanding access to high-quality technical education and ensuring equitable opportunities for students regardless of geographic location. A strong, skilled workforce is essential to Pennsylvania's economic competitiveness and long-term business growth. The Kutztown University SBDC plays a key role in supporting this ecosystem by providing no-cost consulting, training and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners. By helping individuals turn technical skills into viable business ventures, the SBDC contributes to job creation, business sustainability and regional economic development.

Kutztown University Small Business Development Center

Rachael Wolfe, Kutztown Small Business Development Center

Today: KU Campus Store Sidewalk Sale

Shop our $5, $10, $15 and $20 discounted apparel boxes 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 14, MSU lawn. The sale will be extended in the KU Campus Store with art, supplies and books. All sales are final. Credit card sales only on MSU lawn.

Kyle Rex, KU Campus Store

Plan to Attend 2026 KU Inspires UGRC Conference

Please support our more than 60 student researchers by attending panels or strolling through the poster, artwork and film gallery at KU Inspires: A Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creativity, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 16, Rohrbach Library.

KU Inspires

Lynn M Kutch, Undergraduate Research and Creativity

Survey from Campus Beautification and Preservation Committee

The Campus Beautification and Preservation Committee seeks to empower our community by connecting us to our past heritage and by honoring our future with a sense of stewardship for the long-term health of our campus ecosystems, built environment and human communities. Please share your thoughts with us by completing this quick survey. You can contact yoppolo@kutztown.edu with questions or other insights.

gwendolyn yoppolo, Campus Beautification and Preservation Committee

Seeking Facilitator for Non-credit PA German Course

KU Advance is seeking a qualified faculty facilitator to lead a hybrid non-credit Pennsylvania German (PA Dutch) course evenings in Fall 2026. The ideal candidate must be proficient in speaking, reading and writing PA German and have completed formal, credit-bearing coursework in the language. This is an exciting opportunity to support cultural preservation and community engagement through language instruction. Please email extendedlearning@kutztown.edu or call Extended Learning at 610-983-4478 by Monday, April 20, if you would like to be considered or need additional information.

KU Advance

KU Advance Office of Extended Learning, Vice Provost's Office

2026 UGRC Faculty Mentorship Award Recipients

Join the Undergraduate Research and Creativity (UGRC) Faculty Mentorship Award Committee in congratulating the 2026 recipients: Dr. Brandon O'Brien (Emerging Mentor) and Dr. Laura Sherrod. They will be honored as part of the Chambliss Awards Event noon Friday, April 24, Georgian Room. The 2027 nomination form is open. You may self-nominate or nominate a colleague. If you submit an early application, the committee will contact you in Spring 2027 for updates.

Undergraduate Research Creativity Faculty Mentorship Awards

Lynn M Kutch, Undergraduate Research and Creativity