Daily Brief
June 20, 2025
KU Receives PNGAS Guard-Friendly Designation
Kutztown University's Center for Military and Veteran Services is proud to share that KU has been designated as a Pennsylvania National Guard Association (PNGAS) Guard-Friendly School for the first time. This recognition is a reflection of our close collaboration with our National Guard partners and longstanding commitment to supporting National Guard, veteran and other military-connected students. The Guard Friendly designation was developed with input from various colleges, universities and other educational institutions in the commonwealth and is used to promote schools that meet or exceed the standards they have established. Learn more about PNGAS Guard-Friendly Schools and criteria online. KU's diverse student body includes many PA National Guard service members and their families that the KU Veterans Center serves every day. Their office works closely with local National Guard recruiting staff, the Steel Battalion ROTC program and the larger military and veteran community to ensure successful outcomes of military-connected students and the local military community. Learn more about Kutztown University's Center for Military and Veteran Services online.
Military and Veteran Services
Weather
Weather forecasts are provided by KU's Dr. Michael Davis and "Monsoon Mike" Regensburger
Canadian high pressure will give some relief to the heat today. Mostly sunny skies are expected. High temperature near 82.
Announcements
Retirement Reception for President Hawkinson
Join President Hawkinson at his retirement reception during his final week in office as our university president, 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 250 MSU. Enjoy light refreshments and wish Dr. Hawkinson well on his upcoming retirement.
University Relations
Celebrating FDI and Juneteenth
Kutztown University's Frederick Douglass Institute celebrates Juneteenth with the third annual release of The New North Star. This vibrant, student-led digital newsletter showcases the impactful work of FDI Faculty Scholars, FDI Student Scholars and our community partners during the 2024-2025 academic year. Inside this edition you'll find:
- A welcome letter from the FDI Director, Dr. Amber Pabon, articulating our mission and vision.
- Features of FDI Faculty Scholars Dr. Sotomayor, Dr. Fhunsu, Dr. Min, Professor Smith and Professor Akarcesme.
- Highlights from our FDI Speaker Series and excursions.
- A behind-the-scenes glimpse into phase one of our collaborative research project blending sociology, genealogy, history and arts-based expression into tapestry.
This newsletter is more than a publication; it's the product of an academic year filled with collaboration, creativity and critical literacy skill-building. FDI Student Scholars planned, wrote, edited and designed each piece, developing real-world experience in qualitative research, narrative storytelling and digital design. Navigate here to view The New North Star. Want to Get Involved? FDI is seeking volunteers for our first-ever participation in Allentown’s Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, June 21, Cedar Beach Park. Help us represent KU and mark this important historical moment that has import for contemporary engagement with social justice. The entire campus community is welcome and can email pabon@kutztown.edu directly to support and/or volunteer. Pictured at the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington D.C. (L to R): Professor Anthony Smith Jr. (VPA), students Aaliyah Nelson (COE), Devin Looney (LAS), Jeremiah Purvis (LAS), Munyaradzi Mafundikwa (VPA) and FDI Director Dr. Amber Pabon.
Amber Jean-Marie Pabon, The Frederick Douglass Institute
Older Adult Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training program administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that teaches individuals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or is experiencing a crisis. The Older Adult Mental Health First Aid Course addresses the unique impacts of mental health and substance use challenges on older adults. In this course, you will learn about: risk factors and protective factors specific to older adults; how to apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE); how to assess for risk of suicide or harm; how to apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in scenarios designed to reflect the unique needs and experiences of older adults and learn about national, regional and community mental health resources for older adults and their caregivers. Patricia Brenner has recently become a Certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. She received a grant from Penn State PRO Wellness to become a trainer and will be offering this training at Kutztown University 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 30, 132 Old Main. Lunch will be provided for participants. If you are interested in taking this free course, sign up online. You will receive an email confirmation and instructions to register on the MHFA Connect Learning site. You will need to complete pre-work for the class through MHFA Connect. Contact Brenner at brenner@kutztown.edu if you need assistance with registration.
Patricia Ann Brenner, Counselor Education and Student Affairs
Upcoming Events
| Date | Time | Event |
| June 27 | Noon | BYO Lunch and Learn 312 MSU |
| June 30 | 9 a.m. | Older Adult Mental Health First Aid Training 132 Old Main (Register) |
| July 1 | 10 a.m. | Reception: President Hawkinson 250 MSU |
| July 4 | -- | Independence Day University Closed |
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 pena@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 02A, 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.