Daily Brief

Kutztown SBDC Expands Campus Engagement and Supports Local Businesses Through Student-Led Initiatives

Maddison Stanley, Community Outreach Coordinator and Graduate Assistant at the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), has been leading strategic initiatives to strengthen connections between Kutztown University, local businesses and the broader Kutztown community. Her recent work has focused on increasing engagement across campus departments, KU-affiliated businesses and Main Street organizations while expanding awareness of the SBDC as a key resource for both students and the public. One of Stanley’s key initiatives was successfully integrating the Kutztown SBDC into the official Kutztown University campus tour route. This effort highlights entrepreneurship as a viable career pathway for students across all majors, while also introducing visiting families and prospective students to the SBDC’s no-cost consulting services. As part of the Pennsylvania SBDC network, which includes 15 locations statewide, the Kutztown SBDC uniquely serves both the university community and the broader public. Stanley also collaborated with local Main Street businesses to develop the KU Town Map Project. This initiative encourages campus visitors to explore Kutztown beyond the university by supporting local businesses, whether through dining, shopping or experiencing the town’s offerings. The project strengthens the relationship between the university and the local economy, driving visibility and foot traffic to small businesses. These efforts reflect the Kutztown SBDC’s commitment to experiential learning by empowering students to lead projects that align with their academic interests, career goals and personal passions. Through her work, Stanley has enhanced community engagement, elevated the visibility of entrepreneurship resources and contributed to a stronger connection between Kutztown University and the local business ecosystem.

Kutztown University Small Business Development Center

Rachael Wolfe, Kutztown Small Business Development Center

Jazz Trumpeter Sean Jones to be Joined by KU Jazz April 15

Sean Jones, the renowned jazz trumpeter, educator, composer and bandleader, will conclude this season's KU Presents! Performing Artists Series 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, Schaeffer Auditorium. Jones and the members of his quartet, drummer Koleby Royston, bassist Aidan Taylor and pianist Seth Finch, will play some of their own pieces as well as originals from his upcoming album, “Return: The Prodigal Son.” To celebrate KU’s excellent jazz program, Jones and his ensemble will collaborate with KU’s DownBeat award-winning Jazz Ensemble I for part of the performance.

Tickets

KU Presents!

Just Like Me: Embracing Common Humanity to Heal the World

Join the Department of Psychology 11 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 102 Academic Forum, for "Just Like Me: Embracing Common Humanity to Heal the World." The world is plagued by divisiveness. From stereotypes and prejudice to religious persecution, humans often group people into “us” and “them” based on differences in belief, ethnicity, age or socio-economic status. This separateness and otherness fuels dehumanization, cruelty and violence. Recognizing our shared humanity, in the presence of our differences, can heal these divides. Embracing our interconnectedness and interdependence fosters community and allows us to see how we are on one global team of sentient beings, rather than countless factions. In this talk, Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D., will discuss how embracing our shared humanity can help build connection, reduce bias and promote peace. She will offer insights on how to work with practices and practical tools for recognizing common humanity in daily life. Her talk will draw from the perspectives of psychological science as well as Buddhist meditation.

Greg Shelley, Psychology

Art and Design's Annual Big Art Day Celebration

The Department of Art and Design invites you to celebrate Big Art Day 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 17, 183 MSU. Join us for coffee and pastries as we kick off the morning. At 10 a.m. we'll officially begin with a dynamic panel featuring three outstanding KU alumni, Santiago Cal, Emma Fries and Joseph Iacona, who will share insights into their careers after earning their BFA. Departmental awards will follow the Q&A session. The celebration will conclude with a luncheon, noon, 223 MSU.

Liz Hamilton Quay, Big Art Day Co-Chair, Art and Design

AFSCME Membership Meeting

Please join us for our monthly membership meeting 5 p.m. Monday, April 20, 203 Academic Forum. If you have questions or concerns, please bring them to our meeting. Dinner will be provided.

Christina Ferris, Biology, AFSCME VP 2234

Dean Carroll Retirement Celebration

Please join us in celebrating the remarkable career of Dr. Anne Carroll, who will be retiring from her role as dean of the College of Business at the conclusion of the Spring 2026 semester, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, Old Main Concourse. Light refreshments will be served. We invite you to stop by and share your appreciation and well wishes at a retirement celebration in her honor. After being named dean in July 2017, Carroll has provided outstanding leadership, vision and dedication to the College of Business. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on our students, faculty, staff and the broader university community. Please join us as we thank Dean Carroll for her years of service and celebrate her many accomplishments.

College of Business

KU Students visit WFMZ Studios

A big thank you to WFMZ and their staff for welcoming a group of KU students to their studios in Allentown Friday, April 10. Students were given a tour of the studio, watched a live news broadcast and given the opportunity to practice using a green screen. Students with media-related career aspirations got a first-hand look at what jobs in that industry might look like for them.

Jenelle Henry, Career Development Center