Daily Brief

KU Representation at Reading NAACP Freedom Fund Gala

KU staff and students attended the Reading NAACP branch 38th annual Freedom Fund Gala Sunday, Oct. 19. The theme was the "Fierce Urgency of Now." Attendees were: Melinda Quinones-Arias, Multicultural Center Director; Angelica Mishra, Multicultural Center Office Manager; Caecilia Holt, Administrative Assistant to Dean of Students; Taylor Richardson, Black Student Union (BSU) and KU NAACP President; AJ Haynes, BSU Vice President; Taj Davis, Achievement Initiative for Male Success (AIMS) President; Tamya Jarrett, BSU Member; Dasani Harris, BSU Member; and Paul Langford, Pen2Paper President. Langford also performed at the gala, kicking off the ceremony with "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Attendees heard from keynote speakers about the importance of speaking up and continuing to fight for civil rights. Students networked with many community leaders. The KU NAACP student chapter is currently the most active student chapter in the PASSHE system and works closely with KU alumnus and Reading NAACP President, Wynton Butler, to maintain relationships with the Reading Branch.

Multicultural Center

Field Geology Class Explores Butler Cave

Last weekend, the GEOL200 Field Geology class traveled to Butler, Virginia, to explore a landscape that contains sinkholes, springs, disappearing streams and miles of interconnected caves. The trip was hosted by members of the Butler Cave Conservation Society (BCCS). Our guides, who also happen to be geologists, showed us the complexities of streams that disappear from Earth's surface and re-appear as springs miles away, in different valleys separated by mountain ridges. We also spent an entire day underground exploring the 'plumbing' beneath the surface in Butler Cave, which contains 18 miles of mapped passages. Butler Cave is preserved for research, education and conservation and can only be accessed with members of the BCCS. The trip was an amazing learning and networking opportunity.

Butler Cave Conservation Society

Sarah Tindall, Physical Sciences

PASSHE, Kutztown University host Inaugural UPrepared Summit to Address State's Teacher Shortage

Kutztown University and the education deans from across the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education hosted the inaugural UPrepared Summit Oct. 19-21, Kutztown University, to address the critical need to expand the teacher workforce in Pennsylvania. The UPrepared Summit provided a platform for engaging meaningful discussions, shared research-based practices and collaborating on actionable plans to address the state's teacher shortage. Innovative strategies and solutions to attract, prepare and retain high-quality educators in the commonwealth were also explored. The summit was driven by PASSHE education deans, funded by the McElhattan Foundation and supported by the PASSHE Foundation.

PASSHE, Kutztown University host Inaugural UPrepared Summit to Address State's Teacher Shortage

University Relations

Valerie Naranjo - Live in Concert

Experience an extraordinary evening of music, rhythm and cultural fusion as world-renowned percussionist Valerie Naranjo takes the stage 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research Performance Hall. Best known for her groundbreaking work as a performer, composer, educator and for her long-standing role with the Saturday Night Live Band, Naranjo has inspired audiences around the globe through her artistry and advocacy for world percussion traditions. Her performances seamlessly blend the rhythmic languages of Africa, the Americas and contemporary percussion, creating an unforgettable musical experience. This special event offers audiences a rare opportunity to hear one of today's most influential percussion voices up close. Naranjo's performance will include a range of works, showcasing her deep connection to the gyil, the traditional Ghanaian xylophone, as well as her innovative compositions for modern percussion. Don't miss this chance to witness a living legend in an intimate concert setting surrounded by the instruments and history of the Wells-Rapp Center. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so early arrival is encouraged. Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating rhythm, culture and the boundless possibilities of percussion.

Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research

Andrew Veit, Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research

Mariachi Herencia de México brings a Bicultural Take on Mexican Music

KU Presents! will kick off its Performing Artists Series with the Chicago-based Mariachi Herencia de México 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Schaeffer Auditorium. Fusing traditional instruments with other genres, they give a contemporary twist to traditional music while retaining the essence of mariachi. The band is known for their energy, virtuosity and innovative approach to their arrangements. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 610-683-4092. KU students can access $15 tickets by logging for tickets with their MyKU login, or get all performances for just $25 with our new Student Membership.

KU Presents!

Attending the PASSHE Summit Virtually? Gather With Us

If you are attending the PASSHE Summit virtually Oct. 29-30, gather with us to stream the events together. The Commission on Human Diversity has reserved 312 MSU for these two days to allow KU faculty, staff and students to attend together. Drop in when you can, or spend the whole day with us. Haven't registered for the conference yet? Register online.

2025 PASSHE Summit

Megan Rutter, Chair, Commission on Human Diversity

Holiday Boxes

The Community Outreach Center, in collaboration with Friend, Inc., is looking for student organizations and university offices to donate to the Thanksgiving Holiday Food Box drive. View items that must be included in each holiday box online. All donations benefit local community members and families during the holidays. If you are not a student club or organization, but an office on campus without a KUSSI account, we are happy to help you help others too. All you need to do is drop off a $30 Giant gift card to the Community Outreach Center, 281 MSU, in an envelope with your office's name on it by Wednesday, Nov. 12, and our students are happy to do the shopping and boxing for you. Thank you so much for your willingness to partner with us and help the local families in need this holiday season.
- We are not accepting incomplete boxes. Boxes must meet the requirements listed in the flyer.
- Boxes can be decorated but cannot be sealed/taped shut, as we have to open it to confirm it is a complete box.
- Boxes can be labeled with the name of the organization or office that prepared it.
- Boxes must be dropped off between 9 a.m. and noon Tuesday, Nov. 18, 218 MSU. Before turning in your box, please be certain that it has all of the items listed online.

Friend, Inc. Holiday Box

Amanda Garcia, Community Outreach Center

Modern Language and History Departments Open House

Are you or your students curious about Modern Language or History programs, courses, study abroad opportunities or how students can earn up to nine free credits in Spanish or German? If so, please stop by 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 23, Old Main Concourse, to chat with Modern Language Studies and History faculty and students and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, tea and a light snack. Please share this announcement with students who may be interested. We look forward to seeing you there.

Modern Language Studies

Students to Miss Class for Filming

The following students will be participating in the filming of "The Murder and Trial of Alexander Rae" Friday, Oct. 24, Eckley Miners' Village, Weatherly, Pa. Please allow them to make up any missed work: Lillie Henninger, Mars Gaston, Gavin Preston, Ava McManus, Emmanuel Bonilla, Sarah Hoger, Michario Madden, Zayn Graham, Michael Colandene, Brielle Hardy, Kenna Bankes, Maira Angulo, Rabiah Haynes, Makayla Scott, Ella Estevez, Nico Brounce, Pam Robbins, Colin Russell, Tariq Jordan, Emely Ramirez, Maximus Ford, Dalen Justice, Sean Tressel, Declan Corrigan, Parker Storti, Kirsten Heim, Will Brenner, Ben Britton, Lucas Garcia and Christa Lowthert.

Deryl Johnson, Communications Studies

Research Committee Proposals Due Oct. 27

The Research Committee provides funding to faculty and administrators to facilitate their research. Applications are due Monday, Oct. 27. There is $60,000 available for funding grants. Please contact Heather Arbuckle at arbuckle@kutztown.edu with questions. The Research Committee will make awards in December.

Research Committee

Heather Arbuckle, Grants and Sponsored Projects

Reading Police Academy Affiliation Agreement

The Department of Criminal Justice is excited to announce an affiliation agreement with Reading Police Academy. Students who are completing their final semester of study may enroll in Reading Police Academy to receive 15 elective course credits. Students who are interested in the program may contact Dr. Colin Bolger at bolger@kutztown.edu. Detailed information about the program is available on the department's website.

Criminal Justice

Colin Bolger, Criminal Justice