Daily Brief

"Handle with Care" Feature Film Screening

The Department of Cinema, Television and Media Production welcomes NYC-based writer/director Matthew James Thompson, 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 135 Rickenbach Learning Center. The department will host a screening of his feature film debut, "Handle with Care (2026)," followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. In August, "Handle with Care" premiered at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, taking home the Grand Prize for Best Feature and Best Actor for Justin H. Min. This event is open to faculty, staff and students.

Handle with Care

Jonathan Joy, Cinema, Television and Media Production

Music Monday

Join us for our final Music Monday of the semester, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, Schaeffer Auditorium. Listen to a delightful selection from the Impressionist era of the late 19th century to modern Broadway hits of the 2000s. We hope you enjoy this wonderful, passionate evening of music.

Kevin Grifone, Music

Budget Suggestions

We want to ensure the campus community has a voice in the budgeting process. A webpage for budget feedback is available online, where you can provide feedback and suggestions. Your input will be critical as we work together to strengthen the financial sustainability of the university.

University Relations

Native and Indigenous Showcase

We are excited to welcome you to the Multicultural Center's Native and Indigenous Showcase 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 218 MSU. We will be celebrating Indigenous history, culture and heritage with our keynote speaker Laura Tohe, Dine poet, writer and Arizona Poet Laureate. Her presentation, from noon to 1 p.m., will discuss the Navajo Nation Code Talkers of WWII. She is the author of "Code Talker Stories," a collection of oral histories from 20 code talkers. Throughout the event, enjoy cultural learning, Indigenous tabling activities and meaningful opportunities to connect and honor Native voices. All are welcome.

Legacy of a Navajo Code Talker

Angelica Mishra, Multicultural Center

AFSCME 2234 Membership Meeting

AFSCME 2234 members: Our next meeting is 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 203 AF. Please plan to join us and bring along any concerns that you may have. Nominations will be held for open trustee positions. Light refreshments will be provided.

Denise Bucks, AFSCME 2234 Secretary

Rock III Concert

The Rock III ensemble is putting on a head bangin' concert 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Schaeffer Auditorium. Come enjoy a show you won't want to miss.

Kevin Grifone, KU Commercial Music Department

Holiday Boxes Due Wednesday

In collaboration with Friend Inc., the Community Outreach Center (COC) is hosting its annual Holiday Box drive to support local families in need. Please consider donating a box from your office. Completed boxes must be delivered to the COC by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Please email Amanda Garcia if you need your box picked up. Thank you for your generosity.

Amanda Garcia, Community Outreach Center

Meet Our 2026 Business Idea Competition Finalists

The College of Business is excited to announce the finalists for our 2026 Business Idea Competition. After advancing through the first round of the competition, these talented students are preparing to take the stage and showcase their creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit with the help of the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 200 AF. Our finalists represent a variety of academic disciplines, demonstrating that entrepreneurship and innovative thinking extend far beyond the business classroom.
Please join us in congratulating our finalists:
- Firuza Dehqonova, Business Administration
- Maximus Ford, Marketing
- Haley Howe, Communication Design
- Jonathan Nondo, Computer Science; Josiah Daniel, Computer Science; Zach Zamost, Geography
- Rebecca Oroxom, English
- Matthew Rousenberger, Accounting
Over the next few weeks, these students will work with mentors to strengthen their business concepts, refine their pitches and prepare to present their ideas to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs. First place winner receives $1,000; second place $750; third place $500. A special thank you to our sponsor, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Business Idea Competition

College of Business

Golden TEAMmate Recognition Program

The Golden TEAMmate Recognition Program celebrates employees who exemplify our "TEAM KU" values. Recognize an employee whose actions inspire others, strengthen our community and help make Kutztown University an exceptional place to work and learn. Employees who receive recognition in all four TEAM categories will earn the distinction of "Golden TEAMmate" and receive a ceramic KU travel mug.
TEAM categories:
- Teamwork: Working together, supporting one another and collaborating across campus to serve KU students, faculty and staff.
- Empathy: Listening with understanding, valuing diverse perspectives and treating others with compassion and respect.
- Accountability: Taking ownership, acting with integrity and striving for excellence in everything we do.
- Making a Difference: Going above and beyond to create a positive impact on KU students, faculty and staff.
Recognize a Golden TEAMmate today.

Golden TEAMmate Recognition Program

Elisabeth Manwiller, Human Resources

Burns Elected to PAC-TE Board of Directors

Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean of the College of Education, has been elected to the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators (PAC-TE) Board of Directors, representing public institutions. Her three-year term begins June 1, 2027. PAC-TE brings together teacher education leaders from across Pennsylvania to strengthen educator preparation and support the profession statewide. Burns’ service on the board will provide another opportunity for Kutztown University to contribute to conversations shaping the future of teacher education while strengthening connections with educator-preparation programs and partners across the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators

College of Education

Ed.D. Student to Co-Facilitate Sessions at English Language Development Conference

Carrie Skinfill, a doctoral student in Kutztown University's Ed.D. in Transformational Teaching and Learning, will join colleagues to present two sessions at the Pennsylvania Department of Education 2026 English Language Development Conference. She will co-lead the session, "Culture of Collaboration: Formal and Informal Pathways to Impactful ELD Coaching," 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. Skinfill will partner with other educators for "Preparing Students to Earn the Seal of Biliteracy," 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. The annual conference, which runs Nov. 17-19, takes place online and is open to all interested parties.

Cathy McGeehan, Education Doctorate Program

Cardozo, Conway appointed President, Historian PA Geographical Association

Geography professors Dr. Mario Cardozo and Dr. Moira Conway recently attended the annual conference of the Pennsylvania Geographical Association Friday, Nov. 6, at West Chester University. Conway and Cardozo were elected to serve on the association's executive board as historian and president, respectively. Congratulations to both.

John Stanley, Department of Society, History, and Culture