Daily Brief

"Beach Day"- Joanne Polk Guest Artist Performance

Kutztown University will feature renowned American pianist Joanne Polk 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, Schaeffer Auditorium. Polk is famous for raising awareness of Amy Beach and her music in the modern classical world. Amy Beach (1867-1944) was the first published female composer in America, and in honor of her legacy, Polk will showcase a brilliant performance of her music. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Polk extends her visit at KU with a presentation at 11 a.m. "Beyond the Notes: Finding Your Voice as a Musician," and a piano masterclass at noon. Both of these events are at the Wells-Rapp Center.

Kevin Grifone, Department of Music

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

Search: VP Enrollment Management Finalists Campus Visits

Candidates for the position of vice president for Enrollment Management will visit campus Nov. 11, 12, 18 and 19. The search committee invites students, faculty and staff to the open sessions with the candidates. A curriculum vitae for each candidate will be posted two days before each campus visit on the website below. We value the input of the KU community and ask that you please attend the open sessions if you are able. Open Forums are 11 a.m., 145 Boehm Science Center, the following dates:
- Candidate A: Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Candidate B: Thursday, Nov. 12
- Candidate C: Wednesday, Nov. 18
- Candidate D: Thursday, Nov. 19

Vice President for Enrollment Management Search

Lorin Basden Arnold, Search Chair, Vice President for Enrollment Management

Military Care Package Donation Drive And Packaging Event

Join the Kutztown University Military and Veteran Services Center and KU Athletics from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 262 MSU, as we come together to support deployed military service members. Stop by to drop off donations and show our deployed service members that they are remembered and appreciated by learning about and assembling care packages. We are collecting new, unopened, nonperishable snacks, card games, self-care and body care products, hair care items and stationery supplies, including notebooks, pens, cards and letters of encouragement. All donated items will be assembled into care packages and sent to deployed service members. Every donation makes a difference. Help us spread a little comfort, encouragement and gratitude to those serving our country.

Brianna Mazza, Military and Veterans Services

Holiday Boxes 2026

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 Thursday, Nov. 19. A flier is linked below with a list of items to complete a box. Please email Amanda Garcia if you need your box picked up. Thank you for your generosity.
Community Outreach Center - ENGAGE@KU

Amanda Garcia, Community Outreach Center

Professional Development for AFSCME Members

As an AFSCME member, you may be eligible for funding to support your professional growth. The AFSCME Professional Development Fund can help cover the cost of job-related courses to improve your skills. Members may also be eligible for travel assistance to attend workshops and seminars that support their current positions. Visit AFSCME Professional Development Fund for additional information.

Denise Bucks, AFSCME, Secretary

The 15th Annual Conference on Social Work in the Global Environment

Join the Department of Social Work for the 15th Annual Social Work in the Global Environment Conference, "Social Work in the Age of AI: Local and Global Trends and Innovations," 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, Zoom. This virtual conference will explore the ethical implications of AI in social work practice, global and local innovations shaping the future of the profession and the impact of AI on social work. Faculty, students, practitioners and community members are encouraged to attend. Register to receive the Zoom link and join the conversation on the future of social work.

Maria N. De La Cruz, Social Work

COE's Ed.D. in Transformational Teaching and Learning Selected for National CPED Initiative

As the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) celebrates its 20th anniversary, Kutztown University's College of Education has been invited to participate in a national CPED initiative examining the future of professional doctoral education. The project will engage faculty from KU's Ed.D. in Transformational Teaching and Learning, a practitioner-focused doctoral program designed for educators and school leaders committed to improving teaching, learning and educational systems. Through collaboration with institutions from across the country, KU will contribute to national conversations about innovation, leadership and the preparation of scholarly practitioners. Dr. Cathy McGeehan will lead KU's self-study team, guiding the university's participation in the project and facilitating reflection on the strengths, impact and future direction of the doctoral program. Participation in this initiative reflects the growing impact of KU's Ed.D. program and the College of Education's commitment to advancing educational practice and leadership both regionally and nationally.

Rebecca West Burns, College of Education