Daily Brief

Department of Mathematics Hosts Careers in Mathematics Event

The Department of Mathematics hosted the Mathematical Association of America Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware (EPaDel) Section's Careers in Mathematics Conference Saturday, Nov. 15. A panel of professionals from various industries, most of whom were KU Mathematics alumni, gave insight on how to prepare for their respective career paths. After a main panel, there were parallel sessions in which attendees learned more about the specialties that interested them. There were also professional development sessions for faculty and graduate students featuring a plenary talk on AI, a panel on non-standard grading practices and lightning talks on active learning. The conference was highly successful and attracted 140 participants, which is close to a record for any EPaDel event.

Brian Kronenthal, Mathematics

Professional Learning Day Highlights Excellence in Teaching and Students First

The M.Ed. Secondary Education Initial Certification Program hosted a Professional Learning Day Saturday, Nov. 8, that brought together 13 initial certification students and five faculty members for a day of growth, reflection and community building. The event began with an opening reflective activity led by Dr. Brenda Muzeta, where students shared what excites them about teaching and the challenges they face. Faculty then guided students through a program framework review and discussion of Gold Star Teacher Competencies and Behaviors, reinforcing the day's focus on growth and success. Highlights included:
- Community-Building Circle: Students and faculty engaged in a restorative practice activity, affirming their commitment to professional growth.
- Academic Advisement: Dr. Mark Wolfmeyer provided guidance on winter and spring course planning.
- Competency-Focused Breakout Sessions: Faculty-led sessions allowed students to work on targeted competencies.
- Coaching Pod Meetings: Students reflected on their learning and set individualized next steps.
The day fostered authentic self-assessment, strengthened program community and supported individualized goal-setting aligned with competency development. This event exemplifies excellence in teaching and the College of Education's students first theme by creating meaningful opportunities for future educators to grow, connect and thrive. Kudos to Wolfmeyer, chair, Secondary Education, Dr. Andrew Miness, Dr. George Sirrakos, Muzeta and Dr. Tracy Driehaus for their time, energy and commitment to students for a very successful event.

College of Education

Thank You, Holiday Boxes Round One

Thank you to our KU community for coming together to help our neighbors this holiday season. Last year, we delivered 63 boxes to Friend, Inc. Our goal for this year was to beat that number; however, we nearly doubled it by delivering 112 boxes filled with all the sides for Thanksgiving dinner. Friend, Inc. will provide the families with a turkey, along with the box. We absolutely, positively couldn't have done it without the support from everyone who generously contributed. Together we can make a difference. Want to donate and didn't have a chance? Round two of holiday boxes will be due to the Community Outreach Center by noon Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Amanda Garcia, Community Outreach Center

KU Named "Best For Vets" College

Kutztown University has once again been recognized as a 2025 "Best for Vets" college by The Military Times. Among other rankings, KU is ranked at No. 6 in Pennsylvania and No. 16 in the Mid-Atlantic. This recognition aligns with KU's "Guard Friendly" designation from the PA National Guard Association earlier this year and KU's long history of excellence in service to military-connected students.

Best for Vets

Nicholas Snyder, Military and Veteran Services

Rec Center and Pool - Special Hours over Thanksgiving Break

The Student Recreation Center will have special hours over Thanksgiving break.
Recreation Center:
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 - 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 26 - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 27 to Saturday, Nov. 29 - Closed
- Sunday, Nov. 30 - regular hours resume, 1-11 p.m.
Keystone Pool:
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 - 8-9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 26 - 8-9 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 27 to Saturday, Nov. 29 - Closed
- Sunday, Nov. 30 - regular hours resume, 7-10 p.m.

Tracy Turner, Student Recreation Center

AFSCME December Membership and Christmas Toy Drive

AFSCME 2234 members: please be advised that there will not be a December monthly meeting. The next membership meeting is Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, a week later due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and the university being closed. Also, if you would like to contribute to the Children Toy Drive, please let an executive board member know if you have a gift to contribute; we will be happy to pick it up. The last day for the Toy Drive is Friday, Dec. 5.

Christina Ferris, Biology/AFSCME 2234

Golden Bear Athletics in the NCAA Playoffs

Follow the KU women's soccer, field hockey and football teams in the NCAA playoffs this weekend. Women's soccer travels to West Chester, Pa., to play Fairmont State in the NCAA First Round 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, with the winner advancing to the NCAA Second Round 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. Field hockey travels to Bloomsburg, Pa., for the NCAA semifinals against Shippensburg 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, with the winner advancing to the national championship game 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. Football hosts Bentley in the NCAA First Round noon Saturday, Nov. 22, at Andre Reed Stadium. Game information and live links can be found at the KU athletics website. Note: football will air on ESPN+, requiring a paid subscription. Fans can also listen live on KUR.

Sports Information

Football lands Program-Record 18 on All-PSAC Teams; Clements, Hile and Novak Claim Major Awards

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) champion Kutztown University football team claimed three major award winners and placed a program-record 18 student-athletes on all-conference teams. Jim Clements received his sixth PSAC East Coach of the Year honor and third in a row after leading the Golden Bears to a second straight 11-0 unbeaten regular season. Kutztown is ranked No. 3 in both the AFCA and D2Football.com national polls – tying its highest-ever ranking – and won its third consecutive PSAC Championship Game with last Saturday's 28-23 victory over IUP. The Golden Bears own NCAA Division II's longest active regular season winning streak at 31 games. Quarterback Judd Novak earned Offensive Athlete of the Year and senior linebacker Brandon Hile was tabbed PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year.

Football All-PSAC Team

Sports Information

Bogovic Brings Home PSAC East Freshman of the Year; Joins Paige Skinner as All-PSAC

Outside hitter Madilyn Bogovic had a breakout first season in Maroon and Gold and was one of the top hitters and defenders not only on Kutztown, but in the conference. Her success in 2025 led her to the PSAC East Freshman of the Year award, along with a First Team nod, joined by fellow outside hitter Paige Skinner on the Second Team. Bogovic becomes just the fifth Freshman of the Year in program history and first since 2022, the second since 2002. The duo of Bogovic and Skinner give head coach Jason Barshinger and the Golden Bears their first all-conference performers in two seasons.

Women's Volleyball All-PSAC Team

Sports Information