Former VP Honored for KU PROFS Program, Support of Students from Foster Care
KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University hosted ChildPromise’s “Brighter Tomorrows” celebration Wednesday, Oct. 4, in support of the university’s Providing Resources and Opportunities for Future Standouts (PROFS) program, which provides one-of-a-kind support to students who are current or former members of the foster care system. Among the honorees included Dr. Warren Hilton, president of Onondaga Community College and former vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Kutztown University, who was bestowed with the Estelle B. Richman Leadership Award.
The PROFS program at Kutztown University, in partnership with ChildPromise, helps foster children and homeless youth pursue higher education. PROFS provides college access programs, such as college prep and financial knowledge workshops, for high school students and connects Kutztown University students to the campus resources that will help them succeed.
“President Hilton was an exceptional leader and person while serving the Kutztown University community,” said Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, Kutztown University president and previous winner of the Estelle B. Richman Leadership Award. “As a result of his leadership, our enrollment has significantly improved and our retention rate attained new heights. He served as a positive example in his work ethic and commitment to his responsibilities. His leadership and influence went well beyond his area, as he was often called upon to consult and provide leadership in all areas of campus.
“I want to express my deep appreciation to Dr. Nathaniel Williams and ChildPromise for their strong support of our PROFS program. We in higher education must be committed to do all we can to ensure our students – all our students – don’t miss any opportunities. We must ensure that we have the support systems, the intrusive advising, the availability of student organizations and the engagement of our faculty to give our students what they need to succeed.”
The gala acts as a fundraiser for the PROFS Scholarship Fund, which helps foster children envision a brighter tomorrow through scholarships and support for the pursuit of higher education or a trade.
Other honorees included Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH, acting secretary, Department of Human Services; and Carole Davis, vice chair of the ChildPromise Board of Directors. Entertainment was provided by illusionist Jason Bishop.