Daily Brief

Kutztown Connections Span Generations Through Rotary Leadership

Kutztown University's impact extends far beyond campus, connecting generations of leaders through service and community engagement. Dr. Roger Whitcomb, faculty emeritus and former political science professor, participated in the Emmaus Rotary Club's passing of the gavel ceremony Thursday, June 25, as Valerie Deneen, a recent Kutztown University MBA graduate and market trends specialist at the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (KUSBDC), prepared to assume the role of club president Wednesday, July 1. Whitcomb dedicated 34 years to Kutztown University and also lectured at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry. He previously served as president of the Emmaus Rotary Club in 1991, making this year's ceremony especially meaningful as he welcomed a fellow member of the Kutztown community into the organization's highest leadership position. The occasion highlights Kutztown University's lasting legacy of developing leaders who continue to serve their professions and communities. From faculty to alumni and staff, the Kutztown community continues to make a meaningful impact well beyond the borough. Congratulations Valerie. We are proud of you.

Kutztown University Small Business Development Center

Rachael Wolfe, KU Small Business Development Center

Welcome Kelly Gillis

The Office of Student Involvement is happy to welcome its new assistant director, Kelly Gillis. Please stop in 153 MSU to say hello, introduce yourself and welcome her as a new Golden Bear. Gillis' role will focus on fraternity and sorority life, student engagement and campus events. Thank you to the search committee for their hard work through the process: Amanda Garcia (chair), Jenni Rach, Anne Reel and Michael Arias.

Leah Cassellia, McFarland Student Union and Student Involvement

Summer 2026 Orientation Dates

Orientation season is officially upon us. We will spend next month welcoming hundreds of our new students and families to campus. Below are the upcoming orientation dates for the summer. If you see any new students and families on campus these days, be sure to give them a warm welcome.
Transfer Orientation Dates:
- Wednesday, July 1
- Tuesday, July 21
- Wednesday, Aug. 19
Freshman Orientation Dates:
- Wednesday, July 8 to Saturday, July 11
- Wednesday, July 22 to Saturday, July 25
- Tuesday, Aug. 18

Orientation Programs

Brett Santos, New Student Orientation

Middle States Team Report Available

The official Evaluation Team Report from Middle States is now available on the KU website. KU login credentials are required to view the document.

Karen Rauch, MSCHE ALO, Office of the Provost

John Presents at Caribbean Studies Association

Dr. Mauricia John presented her research at the Caribbean Studies Association’s 50th annual conference in June in Kingston, Jamaica. Her research is titled “Haitian Migration to the US: Economic Migrants or Refugees?" John looks at the uncertainty faced by Haitian immigrants as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recently ended. She sheds light on the fact that Haitian immigrants are not protected as refugees in the U.S. despite being faced with political and economic upheaval as well as catastrophic natural disasters in Haiti. Her research further calls for policy change and continued protections for Haitian immigrants in the U.S.

John Stanley, Society, History and Culture

Act 101 Program

University College is pleased to welcome Dr. Andrew Arnold, Department of Society, History and Culture, to the role of Act 101 director, beginning July 2026. As the director’s position is part-time, Arnold will continue to teach his history courses during the upcoming academic year. Congratulations. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to the outgoing Act 101 director, Dr. Lisa Weckerle, Department of Communication Studies, for her work on behalf of the grant and her dedication to the students it serves. Weckerle was in the role for six years.

Karen Rauch, University College

Six Golden Bears Land on Academic All-District Women's Track and Field/Cross Country Team

Kutztown University placed six student-athletes on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Women's Track and Field/Cross Country team. Earning spots on this year's Academic All-District team were Lizzie Brown, Mackey Donovan, Sage Dunkleberger, Natalie Holland, Maura Lenhart and Marissa McNamee. The CSC Academic All-District teams honor the nation's top student-athletes for their combined academic and athletic performance.

Women's Track and Field/Cross Country Academic All-District Team

Athletic Communications