Daily Brief

Sofrito Cooking Demonstration

Multicultural Center Director, Melinda Quinones-Arias, hosted a sofrito cooking demonstration alongside Aramark Wednesday, Oct. 8, MSU. Guests enjoyed samples of sofrito while celebrating Latinx culture during Hispanic Heritage Month.

University Relations

Significant Career Achievements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences celebrated its faculty and staff during this year's annual Community Picnic, recognizing significant professional accomplishments across departments. Faculty and staff were honored for their significant career achievements such as authoring a book publication, serving as a principal investigator on a major grant award and demonstrating cumulative scholarly productivity that continues to elevate Kutztown University's academic reputation. Honorees received a certificate and pen set to celebrate their achievement. Photos are available on Facebook. Thank you to all faculty and staff in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for your expertise and creativity that inspires our students. Honorees include:
- Book publications: Michael P. Gabriel, Arthur Garrison, Paula Holoviak, Andrew Vogel.
- Major external grants: Moira Conway, Kunal Das, Donna DeMarco, Moe Folk, Lisa Frye, Joleen Greenwood, Erin Kraal, Brian Kronenthal, Phillip Reed, Laura Ann Sherrod.
- Fifteen or more publications over the course of career: Maddie Anthes, Alexander Hernandez, Amy Lu, Chris Saidi, Michelle Savescu, Gregory Setliff, Myung Song, Todd Underwood, Wing Hong Tony Wong, Ju Zhou.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Community Picnic

Dr. Laurie McMillan, Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Dixon Hall - Portion of Lot D1 Closed

A portion of the Dixon Hall D1 parking lot will be closed Monday, Oct. 13, for a contractor to make repairs to a steam/condensate underground leak. These repairs must be made in order to supply heat across campus. These repairs may take several days to complete. Your assistance and understanding is greatly appreciated.

Kyle Mills, Facilities

Campuswide Turf Application

TruGreen will be on campus Wednesday, Oct. 22, to perform our annual fall fertilizer and weed control application. This application is weather dependent. If rain is imminent, the application will be rescheduled. If the application occurs, please stay off treated areas until they are dry. Thank you for your patience.

William Meeker, Facilities

MSU Fall Break Hours

The McFarland Student Union hours for fall break are:
- Friday, Oct. 10: closing at 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 11: closed
- Sunday, Oct. 12: closed
- Monday, Oct. 13: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 14: normal hours resume.

Amanda Garcia, MSU Operations

President's Holiday Celebration

Save the date: the President's Holiday Celebration will be held 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, Georgian Room. This year, we're shifting from our usual Sunday to a festive, after-work reception. Watch for your official invitation and registration link in November.

Office of the President

Strategic Planning and Resources Committee: Election Nominations

University Senate and Senate Governance Committee nominations are now being accepted for the following elected position:
- One College of Business representative, tenured or tenure track, for Strategic Planning and Resources Committee.
- Strategic Planning and Resources Committee: Makes recommendations concerning strategic planning, budget and development and allocation procedures for the university. In order to fulfill this responsibility, the committee develops and reviews all pertinent planning and budget materials. This is a three-year term.
Eligibility: All permanent and tenure track COB, teaching and non-teaching. Candidates must have three years full-time service at the university by October 2025. To self-nominate to be on the ballot, please complete the electronic form located online. Log in using your full KU email address and password. Willingness will close 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21. Engage access questions can be sent to Leah Cassellia at casselli@kutztown.edu. Information about governance committees, including mission statements, bylaws and memberships can be found online.

Governance Committee

Lisa Frye, University Senate President

Freedom Place and Ed House at Deatrick Hall: Where Community Meets Purpose in the College of Education

Did you know that at Kutztown University, the College of Education proudly supports two special interest housing communities designed to enhance the student experience: Freedom Place and Ed House at Deatrick Hall? These living-learning environments foster connection, purpose and academic success.

Freedom Place, advised by Dr. Scott Tracy, is a supportive community for students who embrace a sober lifestyle. Members pledge to live chemically free and engage in social activities, study groups and service projects that promote healthy habits and personal growth. In a time when addiction and substance use remain pressing concerns, Freedom Place offers a safe and empowering space for students to thrive in college and life. Sponsored by KU's Office of Health Promotions and endorsed by the President’s Round Table on Alcohol and Other Drug Use, Freedom Place exemplifies holistic student support. Interested students can contact Tracy at stracy@kutztown.edu.

Ed House, located in Deatrick Hall and advised by Dr. Michele White and Dr. Jenefer Gehringer, is a vibrant community for education majors. It provides opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and professional development in a residential setting. Students in Ed House at Deatrick Hall benefit from shared academic goals, peer support and faculty engagement, creating a strong foundation for future educators. Interested students can contact Dr. Jenefer Gehringer at gehringe@kutztown.edu or Dr. Michele White at mwhite@kutztown.edu.

Both communities reflect the college's commitment to putting students first by creating inclusive, purpose-driven spaces that support well-being, learning and belonging. These spaces not only enrich the student experience but also contribute meaningfully to recruitment and retention by offering students a place to grow, connect and succeed. If interested in learning more or supporting students through these houses, please reach out to the College of Education at coedean@kutztown.edu.

Special Interest Housing Communities

College of Education