Kutztown University Awards Honorary Doctorate to Norman A. Inkpen Jr.

Inkpen holding diploma on stage.

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University awarded Norman A. Inkpen, Jr. an honorary doctorate at the institution's 2022 Fall Commencement Ceremony Saturday, Dec. 17, at O'Pake Fieldhouse.

Inkpen received a Doctor of Public Service. The degree was presented by university president Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson.

A 1970 graduate of Kutztown University, Inkpen is committed to giving current and future KU students the chance to fulfill their educational dreams. He is always the first to step up to provide his time, talent and treasure to support the university and its initiatives. Inkpen has generously given to the university for more than 30 years and most recently established two endowed scholarships: one to benefit KU's diverse student population and the other to assist with student retention.

Inkpen has served on the Kutztown University Foundation board of directors since 2015. In 2017, he accepted the role as chair of the Foundation's Campaign Committee. In fiscal year 2018, the Kutztown University Foundation raised $3.1 million. In fiscal year 2022, $10.4 million was raised.

KU's comprehensive campaign, Together We’re Golden, is a 100% student-focused initiative set to raise $40 million and double alumni engagement. Inkpen, whose life was transformed by Kutztown University, is dedicated to giving back and paying it forward to ensure Kutztown University students have every chance to graduate and create the lives they envision for themselves. He is committed to build a “Culture of Philanthropy” throughout campus.

Inkpen has supported the university's Providing Resources and Opportunities for Future Standouts (PROFS) program, a one-of-a-kind support program for students who are current or former members of the foster care system. Knowing that many of these students have nowhere to go over the holidays, Inkpen and his fellow board members' donation was able to provide all of the students in the program a happy and joyous holiday break by providing them with activities/events, meals and most importantly, the opportunity to not feel they are alone – to know that there are people who care about them, who are supporting them and whose every wish is to see them succeed.

Inkpen's passion for Kutztown University knows no bounds. He is a tireless crusader for Kutztown University, its faculty, staff and, most importantly, its students. He volunteers countless hours to the Foundation Board. His drive, innovative spirit and his selflessness make him a valued member of the Kutztown University and Kutztown University Foundation communities. For these reasons, Inkpen was chosen to receive the Kutztown University Foundation's Inaugural Founders Award for Philanthropy. This award is the highest recognition given to a recipient who has consistently gone above and beyond to invest in the vision of the KU Foundation through philanthropic support, exceptional volunteer service and/or civic leadership.

Inkpen is a leader, a mentor, a role model – someone fellow board members look to for advice and guidance.