Daily Brief

Family of Elric Johnston Endersby Donates Vernacular Architecture Archive of Celebrated Timber Frame Historian to KU

The memory of Elric J. Endersby, celebrated timber framer and prolific historian of early American vernacular architecture, will be honored through the establishment of the Elric J. Endersby Archive as part of the permanent collection of the library and archives at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University. The Endersby and Gwazda family, including Elric's sister, Debbie Endersby Gwazda, her husband, Ed and sons Farley, Henry and Chester, have agreed to honor Elric and his legacy by donating his extensive archives to the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University, a leading center for the study of colonial and early American architecture in the Mid-Atlantic region. This donation is intended both to celebrate Elric’s contributions to architectural history and preservation, and to ensure that these unique materials will be organized, preserved and made available to the public. The deed of gift was formally signed at a ceremony held at the DeLight E. Breidegam Building, Headquarters of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, Thursday, May 7.

Architecture Archive Donated to Heritage Center

University Relations

Bearfest 2026

This year marked the 47th year of Bearfest, one of the longest running student-planned events on campus. Activities included a dunk tank, DIY activities, foam slide, kickoff picnic, sensory glow party, silent disco, inflatable rock wall, yard games, drag bingo, the annual Casino Night and Community Day.

University Relations

Kutztown SBDC Consultant Helps Emerging Business Owner

Entrepreneurs across Pennsylvania often face the critical challenge of turning a strong idea into a fully operational business. At the Kutztown Small Business Development Center (Kutztown SBDC), Business Consultant Aaron Springer works closely with clients to navigate this transition, providing no-cost guidance that helps entrepreneurs move forward with clarity and confidence. One recent example is his work with Lisa Jacob, founder of The Spring Haus: Functional Wellness, Luxury Aesthetics, and Human Performance. Established in 2025, the business serves communities across eastern Pennsylvania, including Lehigh and Northampton Counties, and reflects a growing demand for holistic, patient-centered care. Jacob's journey into entrepreneurship began with a personal and professional turning point. After experiencing burnout in traditional medical practice, she intentionally shifted to redesign how she delivers care. By focusing on functional wellness and aesthetics, she created a business model that prioritizes balance, prevention and whole-person health. Like many first-time entrepreneurs, Jacob's biggest hurdle was moving from concept to execution. Through her work with Springer and the Kutztown SBDC team, she completed a comprehensive business plan, conducted market research and advanced key startup activities, including formal incorporation, launching her website, establishing banking relationships and securing equipment. Graduate assistants and interns at Kutztown SBDC also played a meaningful role in supporting these efforts, demonstrating Kutztown University’s commitment to experiential learning by integrating student talent into real-world business consulting. Today, The Spring Haus is expanding its services and exploring opportunities to grow into a full-time enterprise with future locations across the region. Reflecting on her experience, Jacob shares, “My advice is to just keep taking the next step. This does not happen overnight. It is hard, with many pieces. Just break it down into many small tasks and you will keep making progress.”

Kutztown University Small Business Development Center

Rachael Wolfe, Kutztown Small Business Development Center

Dissertation Defense for Lou Blair

Please join the College of Education 1 p.m. Monday, May 11, 245 Beekey, for a public dissertation defense by Lou Blair, "They Don’t Care About Us Here! The Intersectionality of Implicit Bias, Stereotype Threat, and the Need for Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy." The dissertation chair is Dr. Christopher Weiler and the committee members are Dr. Catherine McGeehan and Dr. Helen Hamlet.

Catherine McGeehan, College of Education, Ed.D. program

Faculty and Staff Recognition Picnic: May 21

The annual Faculty and Staff Recognition Picnic is 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, O'Pake Fieldhouse. We will recognize our faculty, managers, professional staff and support personnel who have reached significant service milestones in their careers and those who have retired or will be retiring from Kutztown University. The picnic will start at 12:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation at approximately 2 p.m. Kindly respond through the online form by Monday, May 18. Offices will close at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, to allow the campus community to attend the picnic. We look forward to the opportunity to thank you for all that you do for the university. A list of honorees is available on the Human Resources webpage.

Office of the President

Computer Science and Information Technology Department Award Winners

Please join the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology in congratulating our Graduation Academic Excellence award winners for 2025-2026.
- BS Computer Science Award: Peter Schaefer
- BS Information Technology Award: Alexis Baker
- BS Game Development: Kylee Hager
- Master's Computer Science: Dominic Derafelo

Cynthia Sutjak, Computer Science and Information Technology

No. 13 Women's Lacrosse Makes History with First NCAA Tournament Win, Defeats No. 16 Wingate

No. 13 Kutztown made history Thursday afternoon at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, securing the program's first NCAA postseason victory with a commanding 12-8 win over No. 16 Wingate in the Atlantic Region quarterfinals. The win also ties Kutztown's program record with 15 victories in a season, matching the mark set in 2024. Both teams entered Thursday's matchup searching for their first NCAA postseason win in program history, with Kutztown emerging victorious in the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Kutztown now faces top-seeded Slippery Rock 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Slippery Rock, in a rematch of the PSAC Championship, where the Golden Bears fell 11-10. The winner will advance to the Atlantic Region Championship, the NCAA quarterfinals, Saturday, May 16.

Women's Lacrosse Wins First NCAA Tournament Game

Athletic Communications