Daily Brief
April 30, 2026
Library Science Students Present at PSLA
Kutztown University's Library Science program and the Rohrbach Library were well represented at the Pennsylvania School Library Association Conference. Dr. Roseanne Perkins of the EMLT department and her KU BEARS student researchers, Raina Conaway and Molly Kutz (alum), presented their research, "Makerspaces in Action" with their colleague from St. Bonaventure University, Dr. Deb Dueynas. Conaway also presented her Honors Capstone Project, "Ready to Go Makerspace Lessons." Karen Wannamaker, Education Librarian, presented, "Book Tasting: Inquiry, Collaboration, and Content Area Standards." In addition, recent alums Patience Stigora and Emma Swartz were recognized as KU's undergraduate and graduate 2025-26 student award winners.
Roseanne Perkins, Elementary, Middle Level, Library and Technologies Education
Kutztown SBDC Student Supports Digital Strategy for Hamburg Small Businesses
Senior communication design student Brynn Patchell is contributing to regional small-business development through her work with Kutztown University's Small Business Development Center (KUSBDC). Serving as a branding specialist, Patchell recently supported a project connected to Hamburg, Pa., a designated community in the Main Street Matters program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through this engagement, the KUSBDC provided guidance to strengthen digital strategy and improve how small businesses within the Hamburg community access and utilize available resources. As part of this effort, Patchell assisted with a strategic brand refresh and digital alignment initiative. Drawing on her background in communication design, she applied principles of target market analysis, consumer behavior and visual communication to help ensure that messaging and digital presence more effectively reflect the needs of local businesses. Her work focused on aligning branding and digital strategy with broader economic development goals, supporting clearer communication and increased engagement between small business owners and the resources available to them. This approach reflects how the KUSBDC delivers consulting services that help entrepreneurs strengthen their business operations and market positioning. This project highlights the role of applied student learning at the KUSBDC, where students contribute to real-world initiatives that support small business growth within local communities. The KUSBDC is part of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers network, which provides no-cost, confidential consulting services to small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Kutztown University Small Business Development Center
Rachael Wolfe, Kutztown Small Business Development Center
Weather
Weather forecasts are provided by KU's Dr. Michael Davis and "Monsoon Mike" Regensburger
Announcements
Planetarium Show Tonight - One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars
Join us for "One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars" 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30, Planetarium. One small step was just the beginning. Now, we take one step beyond, driven by curiosity, bound for Mars and ready to write the boldest chapter in human exploration. Experience the thrill of launch, the challenges of life in space, the cutting-edge technology of NASA’s Artemis program and the search for life that could transform how we see our planet, our past and our place in the cosmos, as we prepare for humanity’s biggest step yet, setting foot on Mars. This show is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served and the doors will open at 6 p.m. This event includes an optional tour of the astronomical research observatory and, if the weather is good, telescope views of planets, moon and nebulae.
Phill Reed, Physical Sciences, Planetarium and Observatory
2026 Golden Bear Summer Basketball Camp
The men's basketball staff is hosting a girls and boys basketball camp June 15-18. The camp is for second through 11th grade and the cost is $200. There is a discount of $25 if you sign up before Friday, May 1. Sign up online. Please contact head coach Tom York with any questions. We're looking forward to seeing you this summer.
KU Golden Bear Athletic Camps and Clinics
Thomas York, Athletics
Dissertation Defense for Daniel Sleiman
Please join the College of Education 10 a.m. Monday, May 4, 245 Beekey, for a public dissertation defense by Daniel Sleiman, "Beyond the Podium: Transformative Learning and the Student Experience in High School Debate." The dissertation chair is Dr. Amber Pabon and the committee members are Dr. Christopher Weiler and Aimee Trieu.
Catherine McGeehan, College of Education, Ed.D. Program
Communication Studies Student Showcase
The Communication Studies Student Showcase is 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 223 MSU. Support our graduating seniors as they present the projects they’ve worked hard on all semester in their capstone courses. This is a great opportunity to see the creativity, research and passion our students bring to their work. Enjoy food and refreshments while you explore a variety of engaging and thought-provoking presentations. All students, faculty and staff are welcome.
Communication Studies
University Senate Meeting
The next University Senate meeting is 4 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 202 Academic Forum. The agenda can be found on the University Senate website. Minutes and documentation are available in the May 2026 SharePoint folder. Please email any Senate representative changes to senate@kutztown.edu. Light refreshments will be served at 3:30 p.m.
Lisa Frye, University Senate President
Upcoming Events
| Date | Time | Event |
| April 30- May 2 |
-- | Bearfest |
| April 30 | 11 a.m. | Fitness Clinic Keith Haring Fitness Court |
| April 30 | 11 a.m. | Dissertation Defense: Shakeera Wynne Zoom |
| April 30 | 4 p.m. | Dissertation Defense: Katelyn Murphy Zoom |
| April 30 | 7 p.m. | Company Schaeffer Little Theater (Tickets) |
| April 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Rock Ensemble I Schaeffer Auditorium |
| May 1 | 10:45 a.m. | College of Business Dean, Candidate D 135 Rickenbach |
| May 1 | 7 p.m. | Company Schaeffer Little Theater (Tickets) |
| May 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Wind Ensemble Schaeffer Auditorium |
| May 2 | 2 p.m. | Company Schaeffer Little Theater (Tickets) |
| May 2 | 3 p.m. | Saxophone Concert 163 Old Main |
| May 2 | 7 p.m. | Company Schaeffer Little Theater (Tickets) |
| May 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Spring Symphonic Band Schaeffer Auditorium |
| May 3 | 9 a.m. | Pickleball Picklefest O'Pake Fieldhouse (Register) |
| May 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Trombone Concert Schaeffer Auditorium |
| May 4 | 10 a.m. | Dissertation Defense: Daniel Sleiman 245 Beekey |
| May 4 | Noon | Dissertation Defense: Faith King Zoom |
| May 4 | 3:30 p.m. | President's Open Hour MSU Fireside Lounge |
| May 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Piano Palooza Schaeffer Auditorium |
| May 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Senior Recital: Brandon Ramos Wells-Rapp Center |
| May 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Latin Ensemble Schaeffer Auditorium |
| May 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Jazz Ensemble II Schaeffer Auditorium |
| May 7 | 10 a.m. | Dissertation Defense: June Roger 245 Beekey |
| May 7 | 3 p.m. | Dissertation Defense: Jessica Baker Zoom |
| May 7 | 4 p.m. | University Senate 202 Academic Forum |
| May 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Jazz Ensemble I Schaeffer Auditorium |
| May 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Carmina Burana Schaeffer Auditorium |
| May 11 | 1 p.m. | Dissertation Defense: Lou Blair 245 Beekey |
Athletics
Gimbor, Knerr Named KU Male and Female Senior Scholar Athletes
Bailey Gimbor of Kutztown University wrestling and Sophia Knerr of the KU women's cross country and track and field teams were voted Kutztown University athletics Senior Scholar-Athletes of the Year for 2025-26. The awards were voted upon by the athletic department's coaches, administration and support staff and presented to the recipients at the All-Sports Celebration this past Monday night, April 27.
Senior Scholar Athletes of the Year
Athletic Communications
Four Seniors from No. 15 Women's Lacrosse Earn All-PSAC East Honors
Four seniors from No. 15 Kutztown University women's lacrosse earned All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East honors Wednesday, April 29. Seniors Summer Davis, Katie Yocum, Rowan Hall and Marisa Bragg all earned postseason recognition, with Davis landing on the first team and Yocum, Hall and Bragg selected to the second team. Davis is the only repeat all-conference selection among the group, while her three teammates earned their first honors.
Women's Lacrosse All-PSAC East
Athletic Communications
| Date | Time | Event |
| April 30 | 10:30 a.m. | Baseball vs. ESU (DH) Allentown, Pa., Coca-Cola Park (Watch | Stats | Tickets) |
| May 1 | 1 p.m. | Softball vs. Millersville (DH) North Campus Field (Watch | Stats) |
| May 1 | 4 p.m. | Women's Lacrosse vs. ESU PSAC Semifinals Slippery Rock, Pa. (Watch | Stats) |
Accommodations
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.
Non-Discrimination Statement
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 Office of Social Equity, Old Main A-Wing, Room 02, by phone at 610-683-4700 or by email at socialequity@kutztown.edu. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Kutztown University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, including admissions and employment. Any inquiries regarding the application of Title IX at Kutztown University may be made to Bradley Davis, the university’s Title IX coordinator, located in Old Main A-Wing, Room 01, by phone at 610-683-4782 or by email at titleix@kutztown.edu. You may also contact 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.