Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

The Kutztown University cross country teams had eight runners earn All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) honors at the PSAC Championships Saturday, Oct. 25, Edinboro, Pa. All-PSAC First Team honors go to runners finishing 1st-15th, while 16th-30th earn Second Team accolades. On the women's side, Maura Lenhart's 10th-place finish and second straight All-PSAC First Team honor paced the Kutztown University women's cross country team, as it finished fifth at the PSAC Championships. Lenhart held down a spot inside the top 12 over the entire 6k race at the Doug Watts Cross Country Course and finished strong by picking up two spots over the final half mile to secure her first career top 10 finish at the conference meet. The junior from Center Valley, Pa., crossed the line in 23:03.4, holding off Shippensburg's Mya Trotty by 0.9 seconds for the final top 10 spot. Lenhart improved upon her 14th-place finish at last year's PSAC Championships. Running in just her second meet of the season, redshirt freshman Gabby Keith claimed All-PSAC Second Team honors with a 24th-place performance (23:29.3). Keith, who made her KU debut earlier this month at the Lehigh Paul Short Run, also made a late push after crossing the 1- and 2-mile checkpoints in 30th. Her 24th-place standing at the finish was her highest position of the meet. Graduate student Sophia Knerr collected her fourth career All-PSAC Second Team finish with a 28th-place showing. Knerr completed the 6k race in 23:42.7. Her previous all-conference finishes came in 2021, 2022 and 2024. On the men's side, KU had a program record five runners securing all-conference finishes as the Golden Bears matched their highest-ever finish of third at the PSAC Championships. Consistency proved to be the name of the game for the Maroon and Gold. All five scoring runners were separated by just over 35 seconds and finished between 14th and 28th in the 154-runner field. The result was KU's highest team finish under current head coach Ray Hoffman and equaled the program's best-ever finish at the conference meet, set back in 1994. Redshirt senior Jack Hollar led the way with a 14th-place finish for All-PSAC First Team honors. Hollar got around the 8k layout at the Doug Watts Cross Country Course in 25:35.21 for his second career all-conference finish. The East Stroudsburg, Pa., native placed 17th at the 2023 PSAC Championships. Though Hollar was Kutztown's lone First Team finisher inside the top 15, his teammates were in close pursuit to claim Second Team honors. Sophomore Peyton Small became a first time All-PSAC honoree with a 16th-place finish in 25:36.21, while senior Adam Brocato ran to his third All-PSAC finish in 17th (25:39.0). Brocato previously earned a First Team finish (13th) in 2024 and Second Team finish in 2022 (22nd). Senior Robby Lloyd and redshirt senior Port Habalar joined Small with their maiden all-conference honors. Lloyd crossed the line in 19th (25:49.0) and Habalar was 28th (26:10.8).

Kutztown University has announced 29 student-athletes will represent its wrestling team for the 2025-2026 season. Read the full season preview online. Following a season that eclipsed many program-best marks, the seventh-ranked Kutztown University wrestling team hopes to carry its momentum into the 2025-26 as it looks to continue its rise on the national stage. Reigning Super Region 1 Head Coach of the Year Robert Fisher led the Golden Bears to an 11-1 dual record in 2024-25 as well as a season-opening tournament victory at the East Stroudsburg Open. KU started the second half of the year off with a 50-0 non-conference victory over American International to set a new program record for margin of victory, and finished the season with a 5-1 dual mark in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, headlined by a statement win over No. 14 Gannon. The postseason was a huge success for KU, as the squad came out of the Super Region I Championships with a program record six grapplers earning trips to the NCAA DII National Championships, including a pair of top finishers to go along with the team's third-place finish. Kutztown didn't stop there, as it surpassed its 20th-place ranking from the National Wrestling Coaches Association by finishing with a program-best eighth-place finish at nationals, one that featured four All-American honorees. All that success earned them a program-best seventh-place ranking in the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division II polls, eclipsing its former best mark of 11th, which the team held entering the 2021-22 and 2024-25 seasons. While the conference is loaded with No. 3 Pitt-Johnstown and No. 10 Gannon among the nation's top teams, last year's results showed that Kutztown can hang with the top tier of Division II wrestling programs. The Maroon and Gold will take part in six tournaments and seven dual matches, six of which are PSAC opponents and four of which will take place inside Keystone Arena. Kutztown's lone home dual in 2025 will take place against Seton Hill, followed by a pair of road tournaments before it resumes dual competition in 2026. The team will hold Alumni Night on Friday, Jan. 16, against Pitt-Johnstown, Youth Night on Friday, Jan. 23, against non-conference foe Fairmont State, and Senior Night against East Stroudsburg on Tuesday, Feb. 17, all beginning at 7 p.m. The Golden Bears will open the season at the Tonee Ellis Memorial Tournament, hosted by Alvernia, on Saturday, Nov. 1, which begins at 11 a.m. The team hosts its first dual meet on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. against Seton Hill.

Kutztown University announced that 351 students will be part of the university's Honors Program in 2025-2026. The Honors Program at Kutztown University provides high-achieving students with opportunities to engage in scholarship, leadership and service. The program, which is undergraduate in nature and open to full-time students, is comprised of a minimum of 21 credits in Honors courses including a senior Honors capstone project. The 21 Honors credits count toward the students' minimum of 120 credits that are regularly required for graduation. Honors students select specially designed Honors courses, course-by-contracts, independent studies and internships to earn Honors credit. Students are also required to complete 30 hours of community service before graduation. Learn more at https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/honors-program.html.

The Kutztown University Department of Mathematics inducted students into Kappa Mu Epsilon, a national mathematics honor society, at its annual induction ceremony. Kappa Mu Epsilon is a specialized honor society in Mathematics. KME was founded in 1931 to promote the interest of mathematics among undergraduate students. Its chapters are located in colleges and universities of recognized standing which offer a strong mathematics major. The chapters' members are selected from students of mathematics and other closely related fields who have maintained standards of scholarship, have professional merit, and have attained academic distinction. Both men and women are eligible for membership.

The Kutztown University men's and women's track and field teams were named United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Teams for the 2024-25 season, with six student-athletes announced as All-Academic Athletes. The team recognitions for the Golden Bears are the third consecutive honors for both the men's and women's teams. USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet. Criminal justice majors Michael Fellin (Sheppton, Pa./Marian Catholic) and Jacob Solonoski (Weatherly, Pa./Weatherly), business administration majors Kevin Givone (Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth) and TJ White (Reading, Pa./Muhlenberg) and sociology major Gabe Sample (Reading, Pa./Muhlenberg) garnered individual All-Academic honors on the men's side, while graduate business administration major Delaney Beard (Sinking Spring, Pa./Governor Mifflin) was recognized as an All-Academic Athlete on the women's side. Student-athletes need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and must finish among the top 50 individuals as listed on the descending order lists on TFRRS or as a participant in the NCAA DII National Championships in order to earn All-Academic distinction. Under the direction of head coach Ray Hoffman, the Kutztown women turned in a fifth-place finish at the PSAC Indoor Championships, followed by a seventh-place performance in the outdoor competition. The KU men's side ended the season with a fourth-place showing at the PSAC Indoor Championships, finishing the season with a sixth-place performance at the PSAC Outdoor Championships.

For the second straight year, Kutztown University athletics nets a new department record with 157 student-athletes receiving Division 2 Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement award status. The 2024-25 number is 17 more than the previous high mark of 140 achieved last year. For a student-athlete to qualify for the award, they must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have completed a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work at a two-year and/or four-year institution and also been an active member of an intercollegiate team during the last academic year. For the sixth time in the past seven years, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference leads the nation in D2 ADA Academic Achievement Awards. The PSAC tallied 2,051 honorees for the 2024-25 season, the most in Division II by nearly 300 student-athletes, saw an increase of 6.88% in student athlete nominations and had 11 institutions have at least 100 honorees. The Academic Achievement Awards, in its 18th year, is a program that recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the Division II level.

Kutztown University is pleased to welcome the newest members of the Golden Bear family, including both new incoming freshmen and transfer students, for the upcoming 2024 fall semester.

Kutztown University has conferred degrees for nearly 1,200 students for the 2025 spring semester. Kutztown University announces degree conferment twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. Commencement exercises are held in May and December; however, students finish the requirements for graduation throughout the entire year. The following students have been awarded degrees following the 2024 spring semester. The cumulative grade point average necessary for honors distinction is: with honor (cum laude) 3.40; with high honor (magna cum laude) 3.60 and with highest honor (summa cum laude) 3.80. Students who have requested privacy (FERPA) are not listed publicly.

Kutztown University is pleased to welcome the newest members of the Golden Bear family, including both new incoming freshmen and transfer students, for the upcoming 2025 fall semester.

Kutztown University has conferred degrees for 414 students for the 2024 fall semester and 2025 winter session. Kutztown University announces degree conferment twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. Commencement exercises are held in May and December; however, students finish the requirements for graduation throughout the entire year. The cumulative grade point average necessary for honors distinction is: with honor (cum laude) 3.40; with high honor (magna cum laude) 3.60 and with highest honor (summa cum laude) 3.80. Students who have requested privacy (FERPA) are not listed publicly.

2,193 students have been named to the Spring 2025 Dean's List at Kutztown University. To be eligible for the Dean's List, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60.

2,179 students have been named to the Fall 2024 Dean's List at Kutztown University. To be eligible for the Dean's List, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60.

Liquid, in partnership with Kutztown University, proudly announces the winners of the ninth annual Liquid Digital Marketing Award competition. This year's challenge, presented in collaboration with Insomnia Cookies, tasked student teams with developing innovative digital marketing campaigns to boost awareness and sales of the brand's Cookie'wich menu item. The winning team, comprising seniors Nicholas Bodon, a marketing major from Stroudsburg, Pa., Bridget Curtis, a marketing major from Warrington, Pa., Amanda Gravatt, a marketing major from Perkasie, Pa., Jacob Sopko, a marketing major from Emmaus, Pa., and Katelyn Stuhldreher, a marketing major from Bath, Pa., impressed the panel with their comprehensive strategy, creative execution and insightful analysis. Their campaign stood out for its originality and practical application, earning them the top honor and a monetary prize. "We're continually impressed by the creativity and professionalism these students bring to the table," said Emily Massaro, vice president of marketing at Liquid. "This competition not only showcases emerging talent but also strengthens our ongoing relationship with the university." Each year, Liquid partners with an exciting brand to serve as the "client" and present Kutztown University students with a real-world marketing challenge. Students first submit a written campaign plan, outlining goals, target audiences, campaign channels and measurement strategies. Three finalist teams, selected by university faculty, advance to the final round to present their campaigns to a panel of experts from Liquid and the client. This year's collaboration with Insomnia Cookies, a popular bakery chain known for serving warm, freshly baked cookies and ice cream late night, provided students with a unique opportunity to work on a campaign for a nationally recognized brand. Senior Lifecycle Marketing Manager Kelsey Tschoepe, representing Insomnia Cookies, served as a guest judge, offering valuable industry insights during the evaluation process. The Liquid Digital Marketing Award competition exemplifies the synergy between academia and industry, preparing students for successful careers in marketing and beyond. Liquid has an established relationship with Kutztown University. Led by CEO Jim Ludlow, member of KU's Council of Trustees, Liquid has many Kutztown University alumni among its team and Liquid's internship program has seen several Kutztown University students across all its departments. About Liquid Liquid is a marketing agency specializing in creative, digital marketing, and technology. Through our services, we work with motivated B2B and B2C organizations to deliver exceptional marketing and measure its impact while maneuvering through a constant sea of change.

Kutztown University student Jean Kiklikian Herrera (piano) was honored by the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association as part of its performance and composition competition winners.

Two Kutztown University students earned the KU Undergraduate Research Series microcredentialing badge during Spring 2025. The badge is awarded to students who dedicate their time to learning about the transformational impact of undergraduate research to academic success and career readiness.

Congratulations to the seven Kutztown University students presenting their geological research success at the annual international Geological Society of America meeting in Pittsburgh, Pa. this week. - Dr. Adrienne Oakley, Gabriella DeMarco (Marine Sciences) and Hannah Cutshaw (Biology) studied sands and mud deposited in the Chesapeake Bay to characterize changes in the environment during the past 20,000 years (after the last ice age). - Dr. Ed Simpson and Alayna Rea (Environmental Sciences-Geology) described a preserved termite mound from the Jurassic dinosaur period. - Dr. Ed Simpson, Jaylin Calistro (Geography and Geology), Jamie Cook (Geology), Joshua Scherer (Geology), Garrett Rogers (Geology) and Dakota Pittinger (Geology) studied microscopic features that help future paleontologists interpret the fate of dinosaur eggs - distinguishing between the different characteristics of eggshells fossilized after immediate burial, delayed burial and transport in a stream before fossilization. These studies were conducted using the Fred and Martha Hafer Scanning Electron Microscope Lab. Dr. Kurt Friehauf helped when he could.

Kutztown University's Jazz Ensemble I has been honored by the DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards with the Outstanding Performance Award in the category of Undergraduate Jazz Ensemble College Performance. The DownBeat Student Music Awards recognize the top jazz ensembles at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Nine judges evaluate the participating groups based on several performance criteria including overall sound, proper interpretation, improvisation, creativity, intonation, phrasing and dynamics. The honorees are selected from a competitive pool in which winners must demonstrate a distinct voice in addition to technical proficiency. The DownBeat Student Music Awards are considered the most prestigious awards in jazz education. Since its founding in 1976, hundreds of musicians, music educators and music industry professionals received their first international recognition as DownBeat Student Music Award winners. This is the 10th win for the KU Commercial Music program but the first for the Jazz Ensemble. Other winners in this category were Vanderbilt University and University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Kutztown Universty students in the Department of Communication Design won awards at the 2022 Graphis New Talent Annual Showcase.

Kutztown University awarded its Unpaid Internship Scholarships to 10 students for this year. The Unpaid Internship Scholarship provides a student, who otherwise may not be able to complete an internship due to financial reasons, a scholarship to assist with financial needs (i.e., transportation, food). Students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and submit an application, essay and a letter of recommendation.

Congratulations to Tammy Starner Wert M'23, executive assistant to the vice president of University Relations and Athletics, for being named the Assistant to the Provost for General Education. Tammy's new appointment will be effective Monday, Nov. 6. Tammy has served the division of University Relations and Athletics for more than eight years and has been with the university since 2007. She has been the lead point of contact for the Daily Brief and university operators, among other duties. Wert earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

The Kutztown University Marching Unit (KUMU), an energetic part of the campus community, provides music, marching and entertainment for all KU Golden Bears football games, select away games, marching band festivals/competitions, professional sporting events, parades and campus spirit building activities. Under the direction of professor Daniel Neuenschwander, KUMU has announced its 2023 roster.

Kutztown University and the Kutztown University Foundation have named 15 students as Presidential Ambassadors for the 2023-2024 school year. Founded in 1997, the Presidential Ambassadors is a Kutztown University student organization that works directly with the President's Office and the Kutztown University Foundation and Alumni Relations. The mission of the group is to support events that connect current students with alumni, faculty, staff and university friends, to act as ambassadors of the university and to create new traditions which enhance KU Pride. The Presidential Ambassadors' major fundraiser is the Tuition Sweepstakes. The winner of the sweepstakes is awarded one semester of in-state tuition to Kutztown University. Proceeds from the sweepstakes benefit ambassador programs and Kutztown University, including support of Dinner with Golden Bears, Grin and Bear It, Professional Headshots for KU Juniors and Senior, Love a Donor Week, Ladies Tea Scholarship, General Fund Scholarship, Play for Kay, Wounded Warrior 5k Race, campus and community wide events as well as many other events geared towards philanthropic efforts. The organization strives to build philanthropy and stewardship with the Kutztown University community. Learn more at https://www.kuf.org/alumni/kupa.

42 juniors and seniors at Kutztown University have completed a Career Success Certificate for the Spring 2023 semester. The Career Success Certificate is open to all juniors and seniors. Students gain a greater understanding of themselves, employer expectations, effective job search strategies, interviewing skills and the role of social media in the hiring process. They will also be better prepared to conduct the internship, job, or graduate school search.

Kutztown University has issued Career Exploration Certificates to 68 students for the 2023 spring semester. The Career Exploration Certificate is open to all freshmen and sophomore students. Students gain a greater understanding of themselves and the career development process. They will be better prepared to choose/confirm a major, research careers, gain related experience through informational interviewing and job shadowing experiences, and plan for a successful internship/professional job or graduate school search.

Six students from Kutztown University will attend The Washington Center's Academic Internship Program this summer, the most KU students in one session to date. The Washington Center is the largest and most established student internship program in Washington, D.C. Since its founding, The Washington Center helped more than 60,000 young people translate their college majors into career paths. KU students include: Elizabeth Kolb, Phoenixville, Pa. Olive Mulbah, East Lansdowne, Pa. Emily Prior, Fogelsville, Pa. Makayla Pfister, Schwenksville, Pa. Paula Guarderas, Pottstown, Pa. Lismeylin Feliz Medrano, Reading, Pa. The Washington Center's Academic Internship Program is composed of three components - internship, academic course and career readiness programming - each designed to help students translate their academic and professional interests into careers they love.

This spring, two students from Kutztown University participated in The Washington Center (TWC)'s first Cybersecurity Accelerator Program, including Adam Frederick, a sophomore, computer science major from Exeter, Pa.; and Delijah Joseph, a junior, information technology major from Mount Pocono, Pa. This program was designed to engage historically marginalized learners with career exploration, mentorship and networking in the fastest growing and rewarding field of cybersecurity. Thanks to scholarships provided by select states along with private donors, this program was available at no cost to students. Participants were invited to join The Cyber Guild for a digital Cyber Discovery Experience and to travel to Washington, D.C. for a Cybersecurity Bootcamp Weekend. As part of this weekend experience, students heard from representatives from The White House, United States Cyber Command, CISA (among others) and were able to network with over 35 employers. They also had the opportunity to tour the Verizon Tech and Policy Center and AWS Skills Center. See photos of the bootcamp here. Through this program, many participants were also selected for a virtual micro-internship by a cybersecurity employer, where they received a financial stipend, worked with an employer supervisor and gained access to Teach to Work trained project-based mentorship. About The Washington Center The Washington Center is the largest and most established student internship program in Washington, D.C. Since our founding, we've helped more than 60,000 young people translate their college majors into career paths. We use our scale and expertise to customize each student's experience to be truly transformative. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn.