Mary Bononno

The event was the 39th annual Hall of Fame Ceremony, inducting seven new members: Steven T Dennis (all-time leading scorer in men's basketball history), Steve Hahn (assistant basketball coach for 27 years), Kelly Heater Crater (four-time All America field hockey player), Stephanie Jefferson Waszkowski (four-time all-american with eight women's swimming school records), Michael McArdle (two-time all regions selection and regional pitcher of the year), Mukunda Ananda Kumar (school record holder for victories in men's tennis), and Joseph Schecks (two-time PSAC champion in track and field). The ceremony included remarks from the University President, Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson, highlighting recent campus additions like the renovated South Dining Hall, new turf at the stadium, the Golden Bear Plaza, and renovations to several academic and residential buildings. Testimonials were given for inductees Steven T Dennis and Steve Hahn, emphasizing their significant positive impact on the athletic programs and players both on and off the field/court.

The meeting served as an open forum to discuss the Governor's proposed significant reduction in the state appropriation for state-related institutions, amounting to a 50 percent cut, which was described as the largest cut in U.S. higher education history. Key discussion points included the necessity for the campus and system to unite to influence the legislative decision, the commitment to prioritize students, and the rejection of shifting the entire burden to tuition. Speakers presented factual data comparing budget increases for Corrections and Health and Human Services against proposed decreases for Education, noting discrepancies in budget allocations. Union representatives and student government leaders voiced concerns that the cuts would eliminate jobs, reduce opportunities, and jeopardize quality and affordable education, urging attendees to contact legislators and express opposition to the proposal.

This State of the University Address by President Kenneth S. Hawkinson outlines Kutztown University's strategic progress, challenges, and future direction. It focuses on enhancing the university's brand, improving student success through academic programs and financial aid, and investing in facilities and professional development. Key priorities include increasing student diversity, managing financial stability through an enrollment management plan to reach 9,300 students by 2020, and fostering an inclusive campus environment. The plan also addresses Middle States reaccreditation and general education reform, emphasizing collaboration and adherence to university values.

The event included welcomes to new faculty and staff and introductions of members of the Council of Trustees, including the chairman. Leaders from bargaining units, AFSCME and KU SCUPA, provided remarks. The AFSCME representative discussed economic concerns, budget cuts to higher education, and the importance of worker fairness, noting their executive board meets monthly. The KU SCUPA representative highlighted the collective strength of members, their engagement in campus committees, ongoing negotiations despite an expired contract, and the recent election of their VP-elect who is stepping into an acting president role. The OPEIU representative reported on the overwhelming ratification of a three-year contract, detailing negotiated step increments and lump sums despite no initial salary increases, and noting 100 percent full-share membership. The University Senate President referenced Langston Hughes' poem about staircases to describe the university's current state, detailing the Senate's focus on access, retention, excellence, and reviewing the 18-year-old structure of committees. The President also highlighted the acceptance of the 2012 monitoring report by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, emphasizing the development of institutional effectiveness processes and the creation of a focused, attainable strategic plan communicated via a new brochure.

The document pertains to the Fall 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony for Kutztown University. The ceremony included remarks from the President, Dr. Ken Hawkinson, who welcomed the graduating class, reflected on the university's history dating back to 1866, and congratulated the more than 450 graduates for persevering through adversity due to the pandemic. The President also noted that a brick was purchased on the alumni plaza to commemorate the graduates' success. The ceremony featured a message from an alumnus, Donald Jones (Class of 1986), who highlighted the resiliency of the class. Deans from the College of Business, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and College of Visual and Performing Arts presented their respective graduating classes. The Provost, Dr. Ann Zayetz, presented candidates for degrees and was acknowledged for her 36 years of service prior to retirement. Graduates were inducted into the KU Alumni Association.