Daily Brief
March 31, 2026
Percussion Faculty Recital: Dr. Andrew Thierauf
The Percussion Faculty Recital with Dr. Andrew Thierauf is 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 103 Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research, features a program of solo and ensemble percussion works that combines standard repertoire with newly composed music, including pieces that incorporate electronics. Highlights include works by Elliott Carter for solo timpani and marimba, as well as Morton Feldman's "King of Denmark," noted for its distinctive graphic notation and intimate sound world. The program also includes two original compositions for percussion ensemble, one using found sounds selected by the performers and another exploring the timbral possibilities of a vibraphone trio. The event is free to attend and open to all.
Maya Strava Kokkinou, Music
Dissertation Defense for Nia Fatrick
Please join the College of Education 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 123 Beekey, for a public dissertation defense by Nia Fatrick, "Unmasking Barriers: A Critical Examination of Systemic Challenges Facing BIPOC Pre-Service Teachers." The dissertation chair is Dr. Christopher Weiler and the committee members are Dr. Catherine McGeehan and Dr. SungEun Min.
Catherine McGeehan, College of Education, EDD Program
Clay Club Field Trip to NCECA Conference
The Clay Club travelled to Detroit last week for the National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts conference. They experienced the national and international ceramic arts community and had the opportunity to meet some of their ceramic heroes. Students were able to have one-on-one critique sessions with established artists. They attended lectures and demonstrations, viewed exhibitions, learned about some of the latest research in the field and discovered opportunities for post-graduation. Clay Club also presented information about our program and shared student-designed artwork at a table in the Resource Hall of the conference. They have returned this week to KU, energized and inspired.
gwendolyn yoppolo, Clay Club
Weather
Weather forecasts are provided by KU's Dr. Michael Davis and "Monsoon Mike" Regensburger
A nearby front won't move much this week and act as a pipeline for occasional showers. In between, partly cloudy skies, warm and breezy. High today 77.
Announcements
Ingeniux CMS Accessibility Training
Accessibility is not a feature; it is the foundation of an inclusive web. Ingeniux CMS Accessibility Training will take place 10 a.m. Tuesdays, and 1 p.m. Thursdays, 200 Stratton. This training introduces key principles and practices to help ensure your website content is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. You’ll learn how accessibility strengthens usability, supports legal and ethical responsibilities and creates better experiences for all users. This training is for anyone working in the Ingeniux content management system. Registration is required for this training.
Kelly Smith, Marketing and Communications
Healthy KU Health Fair
All faculty, staff and students are invited to the Health Fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 218 MSU. Enjoy interactive activities with our local health and wellness partners and small-group demonstrations of healthy movement led by KU students and faculty. The Health and Wellness Center and Clinical Services and Counseling will be closed during the fair. Student attendees can receive a t-shirt or tote bag while supplies last.
Shannon Merkey, Health and Wellness Center
Broadway’s Cheyenne Jackson at KU Presents
Cheyenne Jackson, who has proven his versatility in Broadway shows, films and television, will tell his unlikely back story in a cabaret performance 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, Schaeffer Auditorium. Along with a four-piece ensemble, he will bring this original one-man show, “An Evening with Cheyenne Jackson,” fresh from its premiere at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Jackson’s diverse and interesting career has included appearances on Broadway, off-Broadway and in regional theater, including leading and supporting roles in “All Shook Up” (2005), “The Agony & the Agony” (2006), “Xanadu” (2007), “Damn Yankees” (2008), “Finian’s Rainbow” (2010), “Once Upon a Mattress” (2024), “Oh, Mary!” (2025-2026) and more. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092.
Amy Botwright, KU Presents!
Allies Annual Drag Show
The annual Allies Drag Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2, Schaeffer Auditorium, featuring Shapeshifting Superstar, Queen of Halloween and from RuPaul's Drag Race, Ciara Myst. The event is co-hosted by our hostess with the mostess, Sharron Ann Husbands, and also includes local drag talent, Samara La Negra, Kali Coutour, King Leo Monroe and KU student performances. All KU students, staff and faculty must bring KU ID. Non-KU attendees must have a ticket. See Engage or our Instagram for more info. All are welcome.
KU LGBTQ+ Resource Center Instagram
Diane Biehl, LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Donor Madness Competition
Currently, Kutztown University is in first place in the regional Blood Donor Madness competition, but the race is incredibly close. Between now and Friday, April 3, every single blood donation counts. Use Group ID #1336 when you donate at any Miller-Keystone Blood Donor Center. Your donation will be credited directly to Kutztown University in the Blood Donor Madness competition. Find a location near you.
Amanda Garcia, Community Outreach Center
Student Showcase April 9
The Student Showcase, 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, is a featured part of President Cavalier's inauguration and will feature highlights from various departments and programs across each of the five colleges – Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, University College – and various student clubs and organizations. Participants are encouraged to spend the evening on campus, moving between the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research, Boehm Science Building, Sharadin Art Building, McFarland Student Union and Planetarium to see work by students and enjoy light refreshments along the way. Program and department highlights will include research poster presentations, artworks, musical ensembles and performances. Pick up a map from various volunteers located outside of the buildings to learn more about all the featured work. Look for sandwich boards and yard signs, directing you to the various buildings featuring student work. Registration is not required.
University Relations
Academics
Field Trip to Kutztown Area Historical Society
Please excuse the students of HIST 257, Introduction to Public History, from their 1 p.m. courses Wednesday, April 1. They will be touring the Kutztown Area Historical Society. The students know that they are responsible for the course material that they miss. Thank you.
Michael P. Gabriel, History
Upcoming Events
| Date | Time | Event |
| March 31 | 10 a.m. | Healthy KU Health Fair 218 MSU |
| March 31 | 10 a.m. | Ingeniux CMS Accessibility Training 200 Stratton (Register) |
| March 31 | 11 a.m. | Celebrating Women Authors Boxwood House |
| March 31 | 1 p.m. | Training: Run-Hide-Fight 183 MSU (RSVP) |
| March 31 | 3:30 p.m. | Dissertation Defense: Casey Gruver 125 Beekey |
| March 31 | 6:30 p.m. | Percussion Faculty Recital 103 Wells-Rapp |
| March 31 | 7 p.m. | Ignite! 135 Rickenbach |
| April 1 | All Day | Blood Drive Student Recreation Center (RSVP) |
| April 1 | 7:30 p.m. | KU Presents: Cheyenne Jackson Schaeffer Auditorium (Tickets) |
| April 2 | 11 a.m. | Town Hall for Faculty/Staff 183 MSU |
| April 2 | 1 p.m. | Ingeniux CMS Accessibility Training 200 Stratton (Register) |
| April 2 | 4 p.m. | University Senate 202 Academic Forum |
| April 2 | 7 p.m. | Allies Drag Show Schaeffer Auditorium |
| April 4 | 5 p.m. | Tony Miceli Quartet Wells-Rapp Center |
| April 6 | 3:30 p.m. | President's Open Hour MSU Fireside Lounge |
| April 7 | 5 p.m. | Gary Burton/Escape Ten Duo Wells-Rapp Center (Tickets) |
| April 9 | 4 p.m. | Student Showcase Campus |
| April 10 | 2 p.m. | Inauguration of President Cavalier Schaeffer Auditorium |
| April 10 | 3:30 p.m. | Campus Celebration Schaeffer Lawn |
| April 14 | 9 a.m. | Dissertation Defense: Nia Fatrick 123 Beekey |
Athletics
| Date | Time | Event |
| March 31 | 1 p.m. | Softball vs. West Chester (DH) North Campus Field (Watch | Stats) |
| April 2 | 6 p.m. | Acrobatics and Tumbling vs. AIC Keystone Arena (Watch) |
| April 3 | 1 p.m. | Baseball vs. West Chester (DH) North Campus Field (Watch | Stats) |
| April 4 | 1 p.m. | Softball vs. Shippensburg (DH) North Campus Field (Watch | Stats) |
| April 4 | 1 p.m. | Women's Tennis vs. Goldey-Beacom Keystone Courts |
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.