Daily Brief

Social Media4 Peace; Creating Connections and Bridging the Divide

Dr. Patricia Brenner, Counselor Education and Student Affairs, participated in a panel presentation at the International Leadership Association's 27th Global Conference, Oct. 15-19, Prague, Czech Republic. Other panel presenters included Dr. Crystian Wyler, Dr. Assad Raza and Lithalethemba Stwayi, a human rights lawyer and child rights specialist. The panel presentation centered around understanding the ethical challenges peace leaders face when using social media, discussing strategies for mitigating risks associated with misinformation and digital surveillance and how to promote and foster positive digital communities. This panel presentation will be offered again through an online platform for the International Leadership Association Community Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Dr. Patricia Ann Brenner, Counselor Education and Student Affairs

Kutztown SBDC Helps Pennsylvania Entrepreneur Launch New Business

The Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (KUSBDC) recently celebrated the grand opening of client Jamel Mitchel Fitness, Camp Hill, Pa., marking an inspiring milestone for small-business growth across the commonwealth. Leading the project was Aaron Springer, business consultant at the KUSBDC, along with graduate assistants Soufiyane Belyamani, Gabriela Fialová, Emily Keenan and Alexandra Skidmore, who provided market research, business planning and digital marketing support. Together, the team guided Mitchel through several major entrepreneurial milestones, including completing a comprehensive business plan to guide startup and growth strategy; conducting detailed market research to identify target audiences and community needs; and hosting a successful grand opening event to launch Jamel Mitchel Fitness. With personalized coaching and no-cost business consulting from the KUSBDC, Mitchel transformed his vision for a community fitness center into a successful Pennsylvania business. "It's incredibly rewarding to help entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania bring their business ideas to life. Through free consulting, startup planning and marketing strategy, we empower small-business owners to grow with confidence," said Rachael Wolfe, consulting manager, KUSBDC. To learn more about how to start a business in Pennsylvania or access free small business support, visit the KUSBDC website.

KU SBDC

Rachael Wolfe, KU Small Business Development Center

Mental Health Survey for Students

We are excited to announce that KU is kicking off a four-year partnership with the Jed Foundation to improve our campus mental health and suicide prevention work. JED provides campuses with an evidence-based framework and data-driven guidance to assess current practices, existing strengths and areas for improvement. The first step in this important work is for students to participate in the Healthy Minds Study, a mental health survey that will help us better understand the needs of our students, guide the development of our campus strategic plan and measure program outcomes. All current students will be receiving a link to the confidential Healthy Minds Study, which will be open for participation Oct. 28 to Nov. 24. Please encourage students in your areas to review the email and participate in the study so we will have solid data on the needs of our students as we work toward becoming a JED Campus.

Mandi Volkert and Dr. Laurie McMillan, co-chairs, KU JED Campus Team

University Senate Meeting

The next University Senate meeting is 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 202 Academic Forum. The agenda can be found on the University Senate website. Minutes and documentation are available in the November 2025 SharePoint folder. Please email any Senate representative changes to senate@kutztown.edu.

University Senate

Lisa Frye, University Senate President

First Step – Your Path to Business Ownership

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Join us for a free weekly webinar 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, via Zoom, designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs take their first step toward launching a business in Pennsylvania. Whether you're still exploring your idea or already planning to start, this session provides the structure, tools and expert guidance you need to move forward confidently.

Register

Rachael Wolfe, KU SBDC

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

Kirkpatrick Shows Defensive Prowess, Earns PSAC and NFHCA Defensive Athlete of the Week

Sophomore defender Olivia Kirkpatrick is the center back for No. 1 Kutztown field hockey, which ranks second in the nation in goals allowed (10). She had one of her best weeks in Maroon and Gold last week and was voted the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division II Defensive Athlete of the Week. Kirkpatrick contributed on both sides of the field, as she scored a goal in all three of Kutztown's victories last week and allowed just eight shots and two goals in a 3-0 week.

Kirkpatrick Named PSAC and NFHCA Defensive Athlete of the Week

Sports Information