Daily Brief

Spring 2026 Commencement

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Watch the on-demand replays, read stories and view photos of last weekend's ceremonies on the commencement coverage webpage.

Commencement

University Relations

KUSBDC Student Exhibition Luncheon

The Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (KUSBDC) recently hosted its KUSBDC Student Exhibition Luncheon, celebrating the achievements, experiential learning experiences and community impact of the student team members who help support entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the region. The event highlighted how Kutztown University students integrate academic coursework with hands-on professional experience through their work at the KUSBDC. Throughout the academic year, students collaborate directly with business consultants and clients on a wide range of projects that support real Pennsylvania small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Their work contributes to the delivery of educational resources, market research, financial projections, business planning support, digital marketing strategy, social media content creation, website and branding assistance and other technical business services. The luncheon provided students with the opportunity to present how their classroom knowledge connects to real-world business consulting and economic development initiatives. Students demonstrated how experiential learning at the KUSBDC allows them to strengthen professional skills in communication, strategic thinking, marketing, research, project management, client relations, and digital content development while making a meaningful impact within the community. The KUSBDC team expressed tremendous pride in the dedication, professionalism and creativity demonstrated by the student team throughout the year. Student contributions play a critical role in helping the KUSBDC serve more than 1,300 small businesses and entrepreneurs annually across the region. Their work not only supports local economic growth but also reflects Kutztown University’s commitment to applied learning, workforce development and community engagement. Special congratulations were extended to graduating seniors Maddison Stanley, Sarah Schafer, Valerie Deneen, Louis Asiedu, Gabriela Fialova, Brian Harris, Brynn Patchell, Nicole Stabile, Tom Stauffer and Zoe Tuttle. Their contributions to the KUSBDC have been immeasurable and the center is proud to celebrate the lasting impact they have made on both the university and the entrepreneurial community.

Kutztown University Small Business Development Center

Rachael Wolfe, Kutztown Small Business Development Center

AFSCME Membership Meeting

Please join AFSCME 2234 for its membership meeting 5 p.m. Monday, May 18, 203 Academic Forum. If you have any questions, please bring them to the meeting. Dinner will be provided.

Christina Ferris, AFSCME, Biology Department

Signage Sale

The KU Print Center is having a 10% off sale for signage orders throughout May and June for any orders of foamboards, yard signs, A-Frame inserts, posters, wall/window/floor/sidewalk decals, trade show displays, banners, etc. Please call, email or visit the Print Center for any details.

Patrick McCloskey, KU Print Center

Payroll Office Transition to Business Office

The university's Payroll Office will transition out of Human Resources and relocate to the Business Office, 221 Stratton. The Payroll Office will be led by Jennifer Weidman, who will serve as Director of Payroll Services. Human Resources will remain in its current location on Main Street and will be led by Brad Davis, Executive Director of HR and Compliance. The transition will occur by Friday, May 29. Thank you to Jennifer, Brad and their teams for their continued support during this transition.

Matt Assad, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance

Student Accounts Welcome

The Office of Student Accounts is excited to welcome Amy Botwright to our team. She will start her new role Tuesday, May 26. Amy will continue to administer the university's ticketing system, which has transitioned to the Office of Student Accounts.

Wendy Pursell, Director, Office of Student Accounts

Sherrod and O'Brien Receive Faculty Mentorship Awards

The 2026 Undergraduate Research and Creativity (UGRC) Faculty Mentorship Award recipients, Dr. Laura Sherrod and Dr. Brandon O'Brien (emerging mentor), were honored at this year's Chambliss Awards ceremony. The awards recognize excellence in faculty engagement with undergraduate researchers and carry $500 in professional development funds.

Faculty Mentorship Awards

Lynn M. Kutch, Undergraduate Research and Creativity