NEWS NOTES Phanor named to PASSHE Board of Governors Kutztown University student Mark-handy Phanor ’26 was approved as the newest student member of the Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The state system is governed by a 20-member board, which is responsible for planning and coordinating the organization’s development and operation. Phanor is one of three PASSHE students represented on the board. A senior political science major, Phanor, of Philadelphia, has dual minors in philosophy and sociology. Phanor serves as an engagement officer for the KU Foundation, a junior council member for the Borough of West Reading, a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association, and a peer mentor for the KU Honors Program. Trustee Robert Grim receives KU President's Medal Robert Grim, Esq., was presented with the Kutztown University President’s Medal on June 24 for his commitment to service to the university and the local community. A lifelong resident of Kutztown, Grim has practiced law locally since 1969, following his graduation from Lafayette College and Villanova Law School. His legal career commenced as an assistant public defender in Berks County, and he has since served as a municipal solicitor in the area for over four decades. Grim grew up at 15195 Kutztown Road, formerly known as Maple Manor, which houses the KU Foundation’s Business Office. This residence, renamed The Grim Family Homestead, stands as a testament to the family's longstanding relationship with the university. The Grim family's legacy with KU dates back to the 1880s. His great-grandfather, Dr. George Washington Grim, had nine children, all of whom attended the Keystone State Normal School. Among them, James S. Grim, Robert's grandfather, graduated in 1893 and dedicated 43 years to teaching at the institution. His contributions to education and groundbreaking botanical research led to the naming of the Grim Science Building in his honor. Continuing this tradition of service, Robert Grim co-founded the Kutztown University Foundation, where he also served as director and treasurer. He also helped establish two scholarships at the university. Providing strategic guidance during pivotal periods, Grim serves on the KU Council of Trustees and previously held the vice chairperson and chairperson positions. Grim has held leadership positions with the Berks County Bar Association, the Berks County March of Dimes, the Kutztown Business Association and the Kutztown Area Historical Society. Additionally, he co-founded and presided over the Kutztown Area School District Educational Foundation, emphasizing his dedication to education at all levels. Keystone Hall to undergo major renovation | Kutztown University’s home for Golden Bear athletics, Keystone Hall, will undergo a complete building renovation for the first time in its 54-year existence, beginning May 2026. The building will feature a modernized home for KU student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans, and is slated to open January 2028. Keystone Hall, named for the university’s original name of Keystone State Normal School, was built and dedicated May 1, 1971. Follow all the updates at www.kubears.com. 10 TOWER | FALL 2025
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