Richuitti Named 2021 Employee of the Year

Pena and Hawkinson presenting Richuitti award.

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - Congratulations to Louis Richuitti, storeroom clerk, on being named the 2021 Kutztown University Employee of the Year.

Richuitti was named the Employee of the Year during KU's Faculty and Staff Convocation and Celebration held Friday, Aug. 27. Richuitti, Employee of the Month for July 2020, was 1-of-12 finalists for the annual award.

Kayla Hudak, admissions recruiter, nominated Richuitti for Employee of the Month. Their nomination can be found below.

Richuitti has been with the university since 2007.

As Employee of the Year, Richuitti received a monogrammed JanSport Kutztown University backpack, a $300 monetary award sponsored by President Kenneth S. Hawkinson, an engraved glass and marble award and reserved parking for one year in his preferred parking spot.

Richuitti is the fifth KU Employee of the Year honoree, following Sharon Young from Information Technology in 2017, Tim Flannery from Intercollegiate Athletics in 2018, Marsha Cressman from Facilities in 2019, and William Lendzinski from Clinical Services in 2020.

Richuitti Nomination:

"I am sure I can speak on behalf of other departments when I say that Louis always has a positive attitude as he ensures that our campus mail stays organized and is in flow on a daily basis. He is consistent in his timing, his attitude and even takes the time to address people by name and ask about their day and week.

From the short time that I've come to know Louis, it seems as though he is able to physically lift the energies and spirits in the room just by walking through the door. We need more people like Louis on this campus.

Here at Kutztown, I believe that it starts with the people. It starts with the daily interactions we have with one another, our attitudes and how that shapes our overall campus climate and culture. Specifically, in regard to Goal 3, objective 3 of the university's strategic plan, "ensure a campus culture that respects all campus constituents," Louis demonstrates this on a daily basis in his service and leadership-oriented approach to his job. Countless times, I have seen him interact like this with staff and students just from the admissions side of things.

He represents humility, positive energy and always has a smile on his face. He is always willing to go above and beyond to do his part here at KU in helping all of us be able to do our jobs; and in turn, serve the students and attract more students. I think that he should be recognized for his efforts and I think that we should all look to Louis as an exemplary leader on this campus for how we treat one another."