Daily Brief

Fall 2025 Commencement

Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Watch the on-demand replay, read stories and view photos of Saturday’s ceremony on the commencement coverage webpage.

Commencement Coverage

University Relations

Second Annual FYS Wonderfest

First Year Seminar (FYS) students from Drs. Fares, Irving and Labarre's FYS sections presented their original research-based and creative ideas at the second annual FYS Wonderfest Thursday, Dec. 4. Nearly 20 faculty and staff members volunteered to moderate.

FYS Wonderfest

Lynn M Kutch, Undergraduate Research and Creativity

Thank You for Supporting Commencement and KU Football

Thank you to the entire Kutztown University community for your help in making this past Saturday such a successful day on campus. Congratulations to Honey Svoboda, coordinator of Campus Events and Services, and her staff for a successful Fall Commencement Saturday morning. The event drew thousands of friends and families to O'Pake Fieldhouse to celebrate our 450 graduates. This event would not be possible without the help of our many volunteers, a high level of support from Facilities, and the professional staff, faculty and students who assist with the ceremony. Saturday afternoon we hosted more than 5,500 fans for the NCAA Division II football semifinal. Congratulations to Renee Hellert, athletics director, and her entire staff for serving as successful hosts for a game that was televised worldwide on ESPN. Special thanks to Facilities, Public Safety and Police Services, and all the professional staff who worked late into the season and who volunteered on Saturday for the event. Most of all, thank you to the Golden Bear spirit groups and thousands of dedicated fans who supported the team throughout the season and made a strong showing in the grandstand on Saturday, despite the cold weather. We hope you have a peaceful and restful holiday season and look forward to more excitement in the Spring.

Division of University Relations and Athletics

Thank You from the Commencement Staff

A heartfelt thank you to the many dedicated faculty, staff members and volunteers who contributed to the success of the Fall commencement ceremony. We are grateful for the collective KU community effort that makes our graduations so meaningful for our students and their guests. The Golden Bear spirit shines brightest as we come together to celebrate the achievements of our graduates. Thank you for helping make it all possible.

KU Commencement Team

Last Pawbucks Sale

In celebration of a great season, the KU Campus Store will have 40% off today, Monday, Dec. 15, for our last football Pawbucks. Thank you for a great season, Golden Bear Football! Shop in store or online. Excludes sales and promotions.

KU Campus Store

Kyle Rex, KU Campus Store

Winter Break Hours: Student Recreation Center and Keystone Pool

The Student Recreation Center and Keystone Pool will have adjusted hours over winter break.
Student Recreation Center
- Dec. 15 to Jan. 23: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Dec. 25 to Jan. 1: closed.
- Jan. 19, 2026: closed. 
Keystone Hall Swimming Pool
- Dec. 13 to Jan. 24: closed.

Tracy Turner, Student Recreation Center

First Step – Your Path to Business Ownership

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Join us noon Monday, Dec. 15, via Zoom, for this free weekly webinar designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs take their first, most important step toward launching a business in Pennsylvania. Whether you're still exploring your idea or already planning to start, this session provides the structure, tools and expert guidance you need to move forward confidently and compliantly.

Registration

Rachael Wolfe, KU SBDC

Old Main Water Shut Down Notice

The water service feeding Old Main will be shut down 4 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, to repair a water main leak. The water will be off most of the day and will be restored once the repairs have been completed. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Kyle Mills, Facilities

Master's Thesis Presentation

Henry Morales, a graduate student in the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, will give a presentation on his thesis research 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 158 Old Main. The university community is invited to this thesis presentation, titled "Beyond Binary: Exploring the Potential of Balanced Ternary Computer Architectures." For more information, please contact Dylan Schwesinger, associate professor, Computer Science and Information Technology.

Dylan Schwesinger, Computer Science and Information Technology

CEL Assignment Reboot Workshop

Sometimes an assignment needs a reboot. Maybe it didn't land the way you hoped last time. Maybe new AI tools have changed the landscape. Or maybe you're ready to refresh how students engage with the work. In this workshop, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22, we'll explore how to redesign assignments in response to AI, using the "I Can. I Care. I Matter." mindset from Teaching with AI to help students demonstrate competence, build meaningful connections and see the relevance of their learning. Along the way, we'll draw on inclusive design strategies to support clarity, motivation and authentic student work in an increasingly AI-influenced environment. You'll have dedicated time to revise your own assignments with practical tools and examples you can apply immediately. Please bring one or two current class assignments. You'll leave with updated versions that are more aligned with your goals, your students and the realities of AI in teaching and learning. Reserve your spot online. Registration is capped at 25 and lunch will be provided.

CEL Events

Center for Engaged Learning

Judy Lawes Inducted into NFCA Hall of Fame

Kutztown University softball head coach Judy Lawes was one of four representatives to be inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame, class of 2025, with the ceremony held Friday night, Dec. 12, in Las Vegas, Nev. The other three members of the class include former University of Georgia head coach Lu Harris-Champer, University of Texas at Tyler head coach Mike Reed and VA Glory founder and owner Suzy Willemssen.

Judy Lawes Inducted into NFCA Hall of Fame

Sports Information