Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

The Division 2 Athletic Directors Association (D2 ADA) announced its 2025-26 Academic Honor Roll and Kutztown University was represented by 132 student-athletes. For the seventh time in the past eight years, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference led the nation in D2 ADA Academic Achievement Awards. The PSAC tallied 1,969 honorees for the 2025-26 season, the most in Division II by over 350 student-athletes, and had 11 institutions total at least 90 honorees. The Academic Achievement Awards, in its 19th year, is a program that recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the Division II level in NCAA championship sponsored sports. 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.

Once again the Kutztown University softball program found success both on the diamond and in the classroom in 2026 as KU received a National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Team Academic Award, along with 13 Golden Bears, who also achieved All-America Scholar-Athlete status. In order to be named an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honoree, student-athletes must post a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the 2025-26 academic year. Across Division II, Kutztown was one of 100 programs honored by the Association with the Team Academic Award, showcasing a team GPA of 3.49. Similarly, the 13 Golden Bears recognized were part of the 1,869 DII student-athletes honored altogether. The overall team GPA is higher than the 3.404 of last year and the 13 Scholar All-Americans is two more than the 11 they had last year. The list includes Maura Fleming (Jamison, Pa./Central Bucks South), Taylor Gearhart (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North), Haley Gravish (Hamburg, Pa./Hamburg), Emily Henn (Matamoras, Pa./Delaware Valley), Grace Kindel (Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Central Catholic), Morgan Kocher (Warminster, Pa./William Tennent), Parker Kraus (Doylestown, Pa./Archbishop Wood), Marissa Nosovitch (Carle Place, N.Y./Carle Place), Peyton Parker (Barrie, Ont./Barrie North Collegiate), Jenna Piatkiewicz (Fogelsville, Pa./Parkland), Ashley Schulz (Oreland, Pa./Springfield), Morgan Slomkowski (Toms River, N.J./Toms River East) and Alexa Stevens (Jefferson Township, Pa./North Pocono). Kutztown finished with a 39-22 overall record last season, advancing to the NCAA Super Regional round for the third consecutive season.

Kutztown University will have 29 student-athletes representing its women's soccer program for the 2026 season. Read the full season preview online The Kutztown University women's soccer team enters the 2026 season looking to continue its recent success under 19th-year head coach Erik Burstein. After finishing as PSAC runners-up in each of the past two seasons, the Golden Bears will look to take the next step and capture the conference title. Kutztown ended its 2025 campaign with a 13-6-1 overall record with nine conference victories, ending its season as runners-up in the PSAC championship and a first-round defeat in the NCAA tournament. Entering the 2026 season, KU was voted second in PSAC East Division's preseason poll by the league's coaches becoming on the top threats to claim the title in 2026. Kutztown opens the 2026 season on the road with a non-conference game against Charleston (W.Va.) Friday, Aug. 28. The Maroon and Gold then open PSAC East play with a rematch of the 2025 conference championship at Sheperd Saturday, Sept. 5, before returning for the home opener Wednesday, Sept. 9, against East Stroudsburg at 7 p.m., from Keystone Field.

Kutztown University will have 21 student-athletes representing its women's volleyball program for the 2026 season. Read the full season preview online Kutztown University women's volleyball is ready to take the next step and once again begin experiencing continued success, while competing in high-level matches towards the end of the season. KU finished the 2025 campaign 15-13 overall, the most wins in a season since 2011. It was also a 14-win improvement from the season prior (2024). The excitement around the program isn't just noticed around campus, but also throughout the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, as the league's head coaches voted the Maroon and Gold fourth in this season's PSAC East Preseason poll, marking their highest preseason ranking since the PSAC returned to an East-West divisional format in 2021. Kutztown will open its season on the road at the D'Youville University Tournament in Buffalo, N.Y. The Golden Bears will face Lock Haven at noon on Aug. 28. The home opener is set for Tuesday, Sept. 1, against Goldey-Beacom at 6:30 p.m., from Brandywine Heights High School. KU begins conference play the weekend of Sept. 18-19, with road matches at East Stroudsburg and Bloomsburg, respectively.

Kutztown University is pleased to welcome the newest members of the Golden Bear family, including both new incoming freshmen, transfer and graduate students, for the upcoming 2026 fall semester.

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 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.

2,099 students have been named to the Spring 2026 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.

Kutztown University has conferred degrees for more than 1,200 students for the 2026 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 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.

2,269 students have been named to the Fall 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.

The Department of Psychology at Kutztown University hosted its annual Psi Chi Induction Ceremony Thursday, April 30, 2026. The ceremony honored 19 new members, who were inducted into Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology. Psi Chi is the International Honor Society for psychology majors, with chapters around the globe. University students majoring or minoring in psychology and with a minimum of 3.0 GPA are eligible to join Psi Chi. Since 1992, the KU Chapter of Psi Chi has held events and biweekly meetings for its members and other psychology students. Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings, where topics typically center around psychological research and graduate school. Psi Chi offers its new and ongoing members support programs for undergraduate, graduate, and faculty. Assistance with research projects and educational opportunities are available with membership. Members also receive valuable career resources and networking opportunities.

The Kutztown University athletics department recognized 48 student-athletes Tuesday, April 14, as a part of a new class of the Pennsylvania Alpha Omega Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma in the National College Athlete Honor Society. The luncheon recognized those student-athletes who excel in both the classroom and competition. Chi Alpha Sigma was founded in 1996 by then DePauw University head football coach Nick Mourouzis. His goal was to provide outstanding student-athletes with an opportunity to become connected within a fraternal association that aligns their educational and athletic successes for a lifetime. In order to be inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a student-athlete must attend a four-year accredited college or university that is a member of the NCAA, NAIA, USCAA or NCCAA. The honoree also must achieve at least junior academic standing by the fifth semester or seventh quarter, as determined by the certifying institution, and must have achieved a minimum cumulative grade-point average of a 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale).

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.