FALL 2024 | TOWER 1 FALL 2024 The legacy and future of the Chambliss Observatory Page 4 GROWING PARTNERSHIP KU and Rodale join forces for students and sustainability Page 14 GIVING BACK A look at the annual Designathon event Page 18 STAR POWER
DEAR GOLDEN BEARS, I’m pleased to introduce this 2024 issue of the Tower, which features stories of alumni, students, faculty and friends of the university who are dedicated to supporting the KU community. Commencement ceremonies in December and May are always highlights of the year. It is wonderful to honor our graduates on one of the biggest days of their lives, and their hard work should be commended. We also awarded an honorary doctorate to alumnus Mark R. Weaver, Esq. ’83, M’85, who is a nationally respected attorney and communications expert. KU celebrated two historic athletic seasons last fall (Page 27). KU’s field hockey team won the program’s and the university’s first NCAA team championship in November, and the team finished with a 19-3 record. Just a few weeks later, our football team won its first-ever NCAA Super Region title and then traveled to Golden, Colo., to play in the national semifinals. While the team’s season ended in Colorado, it broke records with a 12-game winning streak in 2023. I also want to highlight the stories of three of our amazing alumni: Eva Wasko ’11, senior vice president of public relations at the Philadelphia firm Allen & Gerritsen; Emmanuel “Manny” Henson ’06, founder and president of Gamma Wealth Management; and Ben Hoffman ’15 M’20&23, an art teacher at Kutztown High School and finalist for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year (Pages 21-25). In February, KU had the honor of hosting state Rep. Mark Rozzi ’96, as he announced a $1.5 million grant to support KU’s Regenerative Organic Agriculture track in collaboration with the Rodale Institute. KU’s partnership with Rodale has enormous benefit to students, faculty and the community, as well as the future of organic farming (Page 14). None of these successes would be possible without the support of KU’s generous donors, including Dr. Carlson R. Chambliss, who is featured in this issue’s cover story on the observatory that bears his name (Page 4). Dr. Chambliss’ contributions to the university cannot be overstated, and we are thankful to him and all KU supporters. Please enjoy this issue of Tower and I look forward to seeing you at one of our campus events in the coming months. I also hope you will take a few minutes to complete the survey on the back cover. Your feedback will help us develop future issues of Tower magazine. Sincerely, Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson President, Kutztown University
WANT MORE GREAT GOLDEN BEAR NEWS? Kutztown University Alumni Association Kutztown University of Pennsylvania @KutztownU @KUGoldenBears @KutztownU www.kutztown.edu www.kubears.com #ItsGoodToBeGolden #GoBearsGo KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE TOWER Features Celebrating the Chambliss Observatory 4 KU Partnership with Rodale Institute 14 A Look at KU’s Annual Designathon Event 18 Alumni Profiles: KU Grads Making a Difference 21 Departments News & Notes/KU Foundation & Alumni 8 Sports Roundup 27 Class Notes and In Memory 28 CONTENTS Fall 2024 22 18 14 4 ON THE COVER A look back at the five years since KU's observatory was named in honor of Dr. Carlson Chambliss. PHOTO BY CHRIS SPONAGLE
4 TOWER | FALL 2024 FEATURE BY ASH NAVE ’17 Chambliss Observatory brings astronomy program into total alignment
FALL 2024 | TOWER 5 Like the brightest stars in Orion’s belt, good things come in threes. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the naming of the Carlson R. Chambliss Astronomical Observatory, as well as the end of a once-in-a-lifetime student research program and the beginning of a planetarium renovation that will benefit all future stargazers. Dr. Carlson R. Chambliss A professor emeritus of physical sciences, Chambliss first joined the KU faculty in 1970 and served as an astronomy professor for 33 years. A member of the American Astronomical Society and International Astronomical Union, Chambliss has been an advocate for research opportunities at the university for more than a half-century. “We have tremendous possibilities at Kutztown, more so than many places,” says Chambliss. “We’ve held two national amateur astronomy conventions here and have had some really good astronomy students over the years.” From initiating the Chambliss Awards that recognize the highest achievement in scholarship for faculty and students to establishing the C.R. Chambliss Scholarship, which provides financial support to physical sciences students, Chambliss believes in the power of giving back to progress forward. Even after his retirement in 2003, Chambliss has given back to the university in ways that have helped students and faculty pursue beneficial research opportunities. In 2018, the KU astrophysics group was in the middle of a $113,000 research project, funded by the National Science Foundation. They were working with the exoplanet discovery project Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope when the observatory’s dome stopped working. Chambliss donated the funds to purchase a new dome, and in 2019, the university officially named the observatory after him. Now, the observatory continues to have a profound impact on the research community. Located at the top of Grim Science Building, the observatory, originally called the Gruber-Knedler Planetarium and Observatory, was built in the 1960s and first introduced to the world by Chambliss himself in a 1971 issue of Sky & Telescope magazine. In the article, Chambliss explains how KU’s astronomy program grew significantly after the observatory and planetarium were completed. Building community Dr. Phill Reed ’03, (pictured at left), professor of physics and astronomy at KU is currently the planetarium and observatory director and one of Chambliss’ biggest supporters and closest friends. A member of the TESS Follow-up Observing Program, a large working group for NASA, Reed is adamant about including observatory and planetarium research in his curriculum. Students in Reed’s astronomy courses, like his 200-level course on exoplanets, are guaranteed opportunities for hands-on observatory and planetarium research experience, such as helping Reed discover new exoplanets. In fact, Reed and 16 students have discovered 29 exoplanets at the Chambliss Observatory, resulting in 15 publications. One is the exoplanet named KELT-23Ab, a planet 408 lightyears from Earth. Like Chambliss, Reed understands the powerful role that the observatory and planetarium play in helping students evolve as researchers as well as bringing together the local community. Faculty outside the physics department, such as art and photography, have even incorporated observatory research into their lectures. They’ve used the observatory for astrophotography projects, which is a creative experience that allows students to capture photos of stars, planets and other galaxies, while computer science majors continue to use the planetarium to display their final projects. This was an amazing research opportunity ... to help find exoplanets with our on-campus observatory, and to then spend the summer in Australia working with cutting-edge astronomical instrumentation. – DR. PHILL REED ’03 Dr. Carlson R. Chambliss
6 TOWER | FALL 2024 Reed says that astronomers from other institutions also travel to KU to utilize the space. And the planetarium, located on the first floor of Grim Science Building, hosts a series of public events each semester that allows the local community to experience an interactive show. Campus visitors typically include school field trips, Cub Scout groups, senior living programs and more. “What’s amazing is that we’ve never advertised the planetarium shows to schools. These community organizations have always signed up through word of mouth,” Reed says. Reed also says that these planetarium visits are a recruitment tool for prospective college students interested in becoming researchers. “It’s a great opportunity for middle and high school students to see our own research here on campus, which is why it’s important that we keep these facilities up to date.” New equipment and renovations Because of the planetarium’s importance to the community, it was time for it to get a facelift, as well, Reed says. Chambliss again contributed toward the $250,000 needed for new equipment. The project includes the installation of a high-resolution, multiprojector digital planetarium system called the Digitalis AEthos, and is expected to be completed in late summer and fall 2024. With its high brightness, vivid color, and excellent projection quality, the planetarium will give future audience members a fully immersive planetarium experience, even more than it already does. The new equipment will also provide high-resolution data sets of the Earth and solar system with incredible detail. These data sets will be invaluable information for student and faculty researchers to use in their studies. “One of the most important aspects of KU’s planetarium is that it directly supports the research in the observatory,” Reed says. The planetarium supports the broader impact of observatory research programs, which helps KU get funding from the National Science Foundation. “The NSF prioritizes two things for a grant – scientific merit as well as the broader impact, which ranges from things like training students and professional development, to the project’s potential impact on society,” he says. Research in Australia Because the observatory and planetarium present viable research opportunities and have had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the community, Reed secured a $244,000 grant from the NSF to conduct a three-year student research project in Australia in 2021, which comes to an end in 2024. Throughout the program, Reed selected four undergraduate students each year from his exoplanet course to directly support NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), a space observatory designed to look for exoplanets in orbit around 200,000 bright stars. When planets are first discovered, they go through a vetting process. So, before students embarked on their journey to Australia, they were trained to use the observatory and planetarium to verify potential planet candidates in the sky, in support of TESS. Then, once the students’ data passed an initial screening process for potential planet discovery, they were invited to travel to the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, for 10 weeks in the summer. At the world-renowned MINERVA-Australis facility, located at Mount Kent Observatory, students observed and participated in planetary confirmation as well as the characterization process of TESS, which are two steps that help verify whether their original data presented the actual discovery of an exoplanet. “This was an amazing research opportunity for our students, to help find exoplanets with our on-campus observatory, and to then spend the summer in Australia working with cuttingedge astronomical instrumentation,” Reed says. STUDENT IMPACT: A CLOSER LOOK Zack Raup ’22 Major: Physics/Astronomy Joined research group in Fall 2021; traveled to Australia in Summer 2022 Proudest moment: The Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Award Ceremony in 2023. I won the silver medal alongside two of my friends and fellow peers within Dr. Reed’s research group, Lauren Murphy and Emelly Tiburcio. I was very grateful and happy to share that moment with my friends and their success, as well as to feel the hard work and time be recognized and validated. Biggest challenge: The biggest challenge but blessing for me was trying to learn so much new information in what felt like a short amount of time. I took the exoplanets course in my second semester and was able to go to Australia after my third semester. In order to have a successful research experience, I had a lot to learn in the classroom as well as develop new computer skills through repetition and working with friends and peers. Impact of research experience: It guided me through life lessons of problem solving, adaptability, and focusing on your passions, which have helped me both professionally and personally become a better person. Where are you now? I currently work as a Manufacturing Technician II at dsm-firmenich. FEATURE
FALL 2024 | TOWER 7 STUDENT IMPACT: A CLOSER LOOK Lauren Murphy ’23 Major: Physics/Astronomy Joined research group in Fall 2021; traveled to Australia in Summer 2022 Proudest moment: That’s a tough question to answer because I was really proud of myself throughout the entire program. I had the best research opportunity — while other bigger universities do REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) in the U.S., I had the opportunity to go to Australia. Biggest challenge: Learning Python, which is a type of computer language, and honing those coding skills as well as being better at professional writing. There really is an art and creativity aspect in presenting data. The best visual presentations of data are colorful and make sense for other people to understand. Impact of research experience: I was accepted into three graduate schools and was offered a job as a teaching assistant at Purdue University. I accepted that position. Where are you now? I worked as KU’s planetarium assistant and course assistant, tutoring 100-level astronomy courses and helping with the operation of physics courses in general. Moved to Purdue in July to begin an in-person Ph.D. program. Lauren Murphy '23 and Dr. Phill Reed '03
8 TOWER | FALL 2024 Green appointed as trustee Sandy Green was named KU’s newest addition to the Council of Trustees in December. Born on a farm in Maxatawny Township, Green is a lifelong resident of the Kutztown area. She served as mayor of the Borough of Kutztown for 12 years – the first woman to hold that position – and was the former vice president of Kutztown Community Partnership. Green was presented the President’s Medal in December 2017, the first non-KU alumnus/a to receive the medal. St. Onge named vice president Dr. Stephen R. St. Onge began as KU’s vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs in March. St. Onge oversees the comprehensive enrollment process including recruitment, admission and orientation, and he will contribute to retention efforts. He also oversees areas related to student affairs and the quality of student life and success on campus. St. Onge came to KU after nearly 10 years at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, Calif. Weaver receives honorary doctorate Kutztown University awarded Mark R. Weaver, Esq. ’83, M’85 an honorary doctorate at the 2023 Fall Commencement ceremony on Dec. 16. The Doctor of Laws degree was presented by Kenneth S. Hawkinson, Ph.D. A Pennsylvania native and current Ohio resident, Weaver is a nationally respected attorney and crisis communications expert with nearly four decades of experience advising clients including governors, U.S. senators, members of Congress and Supreme Court justices, as well as business and education leaders. KU recognizes Hall of Fame athletes Kutztown University athletics inducted its 44th annual Hall of Fame class last year. The class was comprised of six former Golden Bear greats: Rushi Y. Amin ’15 (men’s tennis), Anna Behm ’16 (field hockey), Krista Cameron ’09 (softball), Jennifer Frank Re ’95 (women’s soccer), Todd Greenawalt ’89 (baseball) and Yorel Prosser ’01 (football). With the induction of the 2023 class, KU’s all-time Hall of Fame membership grew to 239 since the inaugural class in 1977. KU also celebrated the Kutztown University Athletics Legacy Award, presented to former Golden Bear great Bruce Harper. His legacy includes a Hall of Fame playing career at KU, a record- breaking professional career with the New York Jets, and continued support and commitment to the athletic department, university and Golden Bear football program. NEWS NOTES
FALL 2024 | TOWER 9 Asteriadou inducted into Teacher Hall of Fame Dr. Maria Asteriadou, professor of piano and chamber music at KU, was inducted into the esteemed Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony, recognizing her outstanding commitment to piano instruction, took place at the prestigious Historic Steinway factory in New York City. Celebrated worldwide for her artistry and exceptional performances, Asteriadou collaborates with prestigious orchestras, champions Greek composers and has received critical acclaim for her recordings. Alongside her performing career, she is an accomplished educator at Kutztown University and Manhattan School of Music. KU awarded $2.2 million grant Kutztown University was awarded a five-year, $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement a Title III program. The focus of the program, which is fully funded with federal funds, is to increase undergraduate retention and graduation rates and eliminate equity gaps for KU students. Through the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program, KU will launch two primary activities that will contribute to institutional growth and self-sufficiency. The university will increase equitable access to high-impact practices to promote engagement and retention for all students, including those who are underrepresented minorities and/or low-income. KU also will provide comprehensive support systems to assure academic success, student well-being, a sense of belonging and career preparedness. Jazz Ensemble I wins prestigious award In May, KU’s Jazz Ensemble I was recognized by DOWNBEAT magazine for “Outstanding Undergraduate Performance.” 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. Submissions are made anonymously from schools around the globe. Jazz Ensemble I is under the supervision of Dr. Kevin Kjos, director of commercial music studies, who has been with the university since 1998. This is KU’s 10th Student Music Award. DOWNBEAT was first published in 1934 in Chicago and is the preeminent publication devoted to ‘jazz, blues and beyond.’ Princeton Review ranks KU in Best Colleges 2024 Kutztown University is ranked as one of the Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region by The Princeton Review for 2024. The education services company is widely known for its test prep programs and college and graduate school guides. KU is among 97 institutions named to the regional list. The university has been included in the regional list in 21 consecutive rankings, dating back to the 2004 rankings.
10 TOWER | FALL 2024 Dr. Amy Pfeiler-Wunder, associate dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, is the recipient of the 2024 Eastern Region and National Higher Education Art educator awards by the National Art Education Association (NAEA). This prestigious award, determined through a peer review of nominations, recognizes the exemplary contributions, service and achievements of one outstanding NAEA member annually at the national level within their division. Pfeiler-Wunder began at KU in 2009, served as professor of art education and was most recently named associate dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts in January 2024. Pfeiler-Wunder has more than 25 years of experience in art education, working with learners from Pre-K-16 in a wide range of educational settings. During her time in the art education department, she served as the coordinator of the Master in Art Education program and then department chair for two years. Associate dean receives art educator awards Dr. Amy Pfeiler-Wunder KU climbs in U.S. News and World Report Kutztown University was named a “Best Regional University” for 2023- 2024 in the U.S. News and World Report’s annual ranking of U.S. colleges and universities. U.S. News lists KU as No. 116 in the first tier of the Best Regional Universities for the northern region, five spots higher than last year. KU has been ranked in the first tier since 2011. Additionally, KU ranks No. 42 among Top Public Schools for Regional Universities in the North. KU was one of six institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education that were ranked in the first tier. NEWS NOTES Coursera available free to KU students, faculty, staff Kutztown University, through its KU Advance program, has partnered with Coursera to offer a range of professional certificates and courses through Coursera's Career Academy. Students, faculty, and staff can earn digital badges and certificates from Coursera’s catalog of offerings. There are more than 40 professional certificates and 200-plus online courses available in a range of topics, including data analytics, social media, customer service, and more. This collaboration aims to provide learners with accessible, flexible, and high-quality online education that helps them acquire in-demand skills and advance their careers. The courses are designed and taught by industry experts and renowned faculty from top universities worldwide. By completing these certificate programs and courses, learners can earn valuable knowledge, practical experience, and recognized credentials that demonstrate their expertise to potential employers.
FALL 2024 | TOWER 11 www.KUPresents.org Shamilton! The Improvised Parody Musical TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 Don’t Stop Believin’ – The Journey Tribute by E5C4P3 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 An Evening of Fortepiano featuring Haydn’s Concerto in D major by Daniel Adam Maltz THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Pinkalicious the Musical SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Puppy Pals LIVE! SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Bill Blagg Family Magic SUNDAY, MARCH 2 Sundays at 2 p.m. in Schaeffer Auditorium. Family Series All performances are at 7:30 p.m. in Schaeffer Auditorium. Performing Artists Series For the most up-to-date event info: www.kuf.org OCTOBER 23–24! OCTOBER 25–27! Mandy Gonzalez “Home for the Holidays” featuring KU Choir & Berks Youth Chorus FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 Barron Ryan Trio “There Arises Light (in the Darkness)” WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 “Through the Years” with The Kenny Rogers Band featuring Don Gatlin WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 Kurt Elling Celebrates Weather Report with special guest Peter Erskine WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
12 TOWER | FALL 2024 The clashing of shoulder pads and crescendos of the marching band aren’t usually met with the chirping of birds or blooming of flowers—but on April 20, the Kutztown University Foundation hosted a Maroon & Gold Tailgate, where several donors had the opportunity to meet the studentathletes who receive the scholarships they fund. (Cont. on next page) Donor-Student huddle at the Maroon & Gold Tailgate CELEBRATING THE WINS Kutztown University students Brooklynne Smith ’27 and Hailey Stumpo ’27 are passionate about art. Smith is a communication design major, and Stumpo is a studio art major with a minor in psychology and art history. Although the first-year students are on different tracks within the arts, a Kutztown University Foundation scholarship permitted their paths to cross. Smith and Stumpo are the recipients of the Sandra Corpora ’69 Presidential Scholarship for Art Studies supported by Sandra L. Corpora ’69, ’23 D.P.S. and Placido A. Corpora ’23 D.P.S. Sandy and Pat Corpora are loyal and generous supporters of Kutztown University who fund several scholarships and emergency funds that have impacted countless students throughout the years. This academic year, the Kutztown University Foundation brings donors, scholarship recipients together Sandra Corpora ’69 Presidential Scholarship for Art Studies has been particularly significant. During the 2023 fall semester, Corpora and recipients Smith and Stumpo were able to meet on campus and get to know each other. A meeting that started with simple questions and introductions led to exciting plans for the following semester. Corpora invited the students to her art studio in Bethlehem, Pa., to tour the studio and paint together. The students visited the studio in March and were immersed in Sandy’s art, learning the stories and creative process behind the many paintings. Brook and Hailey even brought portfolios of their own artwork to share with Sandy. Afterward, the three sat down behind blank canvases, where Sandy led a guided tutorial on oil painting –a special moment for the scholarship recipients and their scholarship donor. “Being in the physical presence of paintings that I recognized from Mrs. Corpora’s website and social media pages was a staggering experience. Also, seeing decades worth of amazing artwork collected into one room was really mesmerizing. Mrs. Corpora’s talent and success are truly inspiring to a young artist like me,” Stumpo said. Painting bright futures Corpora has always felt connected to students of the arts because of her own background and experience. She has been happy to support students at the beginning of their journey. “It means a great deal to me to have the opportunity to get to know the students who receive our scholarship. I think we got to know each other through their visit to my studio and especially being able to paint together,” Corpora said. Both Smith and Stumpo have expressed their appreciation to the Corporas and their unwavering support of this scholarship. “Receiving a scholarship for the work I’ve spent so much time and energy on is truly one of the most touching things. To know someone appreciates and understands my work is even more of a reason to keep pursuing my goals,” Smith said. This interactive experience shows how KU supporters go above and beyond to make the student experience memorable and meaningful, opening doors for personal connection and professional growth. The Corporas are a true testament of going above and beyond to assist students even after graduation. “I enjoy following our scholarship recipients and seeing their many accomplishments and life choices. My hope is to make their path easier,” Corpora said. Thank you to Sandy and Pat for their support. They continue to show what it means to be Golden! KU FOUNDATION
FALL 2024 | TOWER 13 The Kutztown University Foundation Board announced the renewal of contracts for two pivotal leadership positions within the organization. Alex Ogeka, executive director, and Ed Richmond, associate executive director and chief financial officer, have both been renewed for another four years, reaffirming their commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission to raise funds and increase engagement to support Kutztown University’s goals. Under their leadership, the KU Foundation has achieved significant milestones, including a record-breaking fundraising campaign, strategic partnerships, and enhanced support for students and faculty. With their expertise and dedication, Ogeka and Richmond have played integral roles in fostering a culture of philanthropy and stewardship within the Kutztown community. Ogeka has held several leadership roles with the Foundation and university, dating back to 2006. He was named executive director in 2017. Richmond has been the foundation’s chief financial officer since 2009 and associate executive director since 2017. “Together, We’re Golden: The Campaign for KU,” the university’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, raised $46,852,180 to create scholarships, bolster emergency funds, and enhance student experiences. “Alex Ogeka and Ed Richmond have demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in their respective roles," said Scott Dorn ’79, chair of the Kutztown University Foundation Board. "Their passion for advancing our mission and their unwavering dedication to serving our donors and alumni make them invaluable to our organization. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with them as we work toward a brighter future for Kutztown University.” Foundation board renews contracts for Alex Ogeka and Ed Richmond, securing continued leadership Throughout the course of the campaign, the KU Foundation: | Created 163 new scholarships for students | Identified over 10,000 new donors | Worked with donors to bring their philanthropic visions to life on campus with projects like: Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research DeLight E. Breidegam Building: HQ of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center Fred and Martha ’02 Hafer Scanning Electron Microscope Lab Nancy Jean Stump Seiger ’54 Botanical Research Center C.R. Chambliss Astronomical Observatory Beebe Family Conference Room in the newly renovated de Francesco building | Grew its endowment to $40,000,000 Alex Ogeka Ed Richmond (Cont. from previous page) Guests enjoyed the spring football game from the Student Recreation Center’s patio, and afterward, they were invited to the field to mingle with head coach Jim Clements and the team. “It was great to have our alumni and supporters at the tailgate for the Maroon and Gold Spring Game,” Clements said. “It allowed our players to greet and thank them for all their support.” Steve Kuhn ’89, who had the opportunity to meet his scholarship recipient following the game, supports Kutztown University athletics as a gesture of gratitude toward the institution that molded his foundation. “My aim is to support athletes who may require financial assistance, as I did many years ago, and to help promote success within the athletic department.” Steve recognizes the program’s success is a collective effort, and loved the energetic atmosphere between alumni and friends who share the same passion about giving back to KU. Students today face the same struggles as students from decades prior. Jane Joyce ’65, a member of the Alumni Ambassador leadership team, and her children established the James “Bear” Joyce ’66 Football Scholarship in honor of her late husband. Jane and her son, Christopher, met this year’s recipient, Trey Bernstein ’24, after the game. “It felt gratifying to meet Trey, who benefits from Jim’s scholarship, and placing a face to the name.” Reminiscing about time spent on this football field 59 years ago and the lives that KU education and athletics provided Jane, Jim, and her family is why she continues supporting studentathletes today.
14 TOWER | FALL 2024 Kutztown University works with renowned Rodale Institute to prepare a new generation of agricultural scientists. BY VICKI MAYK Junior Ava Esterly is so committed to a career in regenerative organic agriculture that she transferred to Kutztown University to study it. Esterly, a native of Pottstown, Pa., became interested in regenerative organic agriculture studying abroad in Spain while enrolled at another university. The farming practice promotes soil health while avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. After returning to the U.S., she researched internships at Rodale Institute, the world’s leader in advancing regenerative organic agriculture. Through her search, Esterly learned about a unique undergraduate program at KU focusing on regenerative organic agriculture. The program, launched in 2022, is a dedicated track within KU’s environmental science major. It was developed in partnership with Rodale. In spring 2024, Esterly completed her first year as an environmental science major in the regenerative organic agriculture track, followed by a 12-week summer internship at Rodale Institute farm, just six miles from KU’s campus. Now a junior, Esterly says regenerative organic agriculture marries many of her interests. “Food systems are related to so many aspects of our lives and to our ecology,” says Esterly, whose long-term career goal is research. “Studying about them is a really great intersection of so many important topics.” The importance was underscored in February 2024, when the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development awarded a $1.5 million grant to support KU’s regenerative organic agriculture track. State Rep. Mark Rozzi ’96 played a pivotal role in securing the funding. PARTNERING FOR CHANGE FEATURE KU student Ava Esterly ’26
FALL 2024 | TOWER 15 The grant will support student scholarships; internships; renovations to the university teaching greenhouse, which is adjacent to the newly built Nancy Jean Stump Seiger ’54 Botanical Research Center; professional development for students, faculty and Rodale Institute employees; farming equipment and land care. Expanding a partnership The partnership with Rodale Institute had its roots in several small agreements forged over the last decade. Those agreements covered internships, research privileges at the KU library for Rodale scientists, and a smaller collaborative grant for joint research projects. The partnership to develop the new regenerative organic agriculture program began after KU alumnus and Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Tkach ’01 met KU President Kenneth S. Hawkinson. “I have Dr. Hawkinson to thank for the partnership,” Tkach says. “I explained to him that there’s going to be a whole workforce gap with people who want to be involved in this field. So many young people want to get involved in this movement that Rodale is helping to lead. The regenerative organic farming movement is a very youthful movement.” Studies show that 86 percent of people under age 18 in the U.S. have purchased an organic food item in the last month. Rodale Institute scientists worked with environmental science faculty to develop the curriculum for the new academic track. KU signed a five-year partnership agreement with the institute in August 2021. The agreement provides KU students and faculty the opportunity to partner with Rodale Institute personnel and researchers from around the world on field research in the areas of soil health, organic practices for farming and pest management, composting and pollinators. Internship opportunities will also be available for students. One of the most enthusiastic proponents of the partnership was KU trustee Jim Ludlow, who has served on the Council of Trustees since 2013 and is currently the president of Liquid Interactive in Allentown. “Berks and Lehigh counties offer a wide range of wonderful experiential and learning experiences for our students,” Ludlow said of partnerships like the one with Rodale. “We only need to reach out and make the connections.” Tkach says working with his alma mater is a full-circle moment for him. He developed an interest in a healthy lifestyle in his teens and remembers studying in the peaceful setting of Rodale Institute farm when he was at KU. After graduating with a marketing degree, he joined Rodale Press publishing company, first selling advertising for its magazine Men’s Health. He was promoted to management positions and in 2008, became the publisher of the company’s flagship publication, Organic Gardening. He assumed his current role at Rodale Institute in 2023, which has positioned him to be at the forefront of a global movement. One of the labs at Rodale Institute. From left: Dr. Christopher Habeck, Dr. Kaoutar El Mounadi, and Dr. Jacob Sewall.
16 TOWER | FALL 2024 “In the last five years, there’s been explosive growth and interest in regenerative organic farming,” Tkach says. “Most people don’t realize that Rodale was a founder of this entire movement, which is now a $100 billion industry worldwide. Fifty-eight of the world’s top 100 food companies have a regenerative agriculture strategy.” Kutztown University graduates will be prepared to work within that industry. Possible jobs include agriculture and food scientists, farm or greenhouse manager, sustainability consultant and more. A dynamic curriculum The regenerative organic agriculture curriculum is structured differently than other science classes, says Dr. Jacob Sewall, associate professor and environmental science program coordinator. In addition to taking required environmental science core courses, students enroll in one-credit classes covering topics such as fundamentals of regenerative agriculture, concepts of food justice, soil science, agricultural entomology and more. All students enrolled in the one-credit classes participate together in a collaborative regenerative field lab. It follows a model that provides an authentic, research-based experience. “There’s a recognition that if we’re training scientists, they should know how to do science as a discovery and creativity process, because that’s what real science is,” Sewall says. At the heart of the lab is an 18-acre sustainable agriculture research field. Students are conducting research spanning several years to assess the best methods for regenerating soil at the site. One experiment involves treating soil samples with compost, biochar, and a combination of both to see which option is most effective at enhancing In the last five years, there’s been explosive growth and interest in regenerative organic farming … Rodale was a founder of this entire movement, which is now a $100 billion industry worldwide. – JEFF TKACH ’01 FEATURE Jeff Tkach '01, CEO of Rodale Institute
FALL 2024 | TOWER 17 Regenerative Organic Agriculture 101 Regenerative Organic Agriculture prioritizes soil health to provide nutrient-dense food without the use of chemicals, increasing human well-being while at the same time improving the environment. KU alumnus Jeff Tkach ’01, CEO of Rodale Institute, the world’s foremost authority on regenerative organic agriculture, explains there are four basic tenets of organic agriculture. Do not use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). “Organic farming works in harmony with nature to build and improve the soil,” Tkach says. Use diverse crop rotations. The right crop rotation promotes soil health and biodiversity above ground. “When you drive around Pennsylvania, you really see one of two crops growing: corn or soybeans,” Tkach says. “In organic farming, we’re espousing that farmers should have a more diverse crop rotation and not to plant the same thing year after year after year.” Alternatives may include grains like oat, millet, wheat and buckwheat. Plant cover crops in between cash crops. “Soils should never be left bare,” Tkach says. “If you came to the farm at Rodale in Pennsylvania, in the middle of wintertime, it’s bright green unless there’s snow on the ground, because we have a crop growing 12 months a year. The cover crop provides a layer of protection and helps build the fertility in the soil in between your cash crops.” Apply compost. “Applying biological food waste or other compost to the soil is our way of building the fertility in the soil,” Tkach says. “The science being done at Rodale has proven that regenerative organic farming can sequester more carbon in our soils than any other mechanism. We all are concerned about the climate, so farming can be a solution to the climate crisis,” Tkach says. “If we begin farming in harmony with nature, we can draw down carbon out of our atmosphere and store it in the soil where it belongs.” the soil. Biochar is a carbon-rich material that improves soil nutrients. A second experiment at the field involves planting different cover crops and assessing how well they impact the diversity of the microbial community found in the soil. Students gathered baseline data to measure how much bacteria and fungi are found in the soil. Rodale assisted with equipment to plant the field. About 20 students are enrolled in the regenerative organic agricultural track so far, but students in other environmental science tracks also take classes. Senior Rachel Erb from Sinking Spring, Pa., who is in the biology track, takes classes and completed an internship at Rodale Institute. She has career interests in research and health care. “One of the things that Rodale’s model promotes is healthy soil equals healthy plants equals healthy people,” Erb says. “I strongly believe that our diet can lead to a better life, but not everyone has that access.” Sewall says that KU environmental scientists and their students are attracted to studying regenerative organic agriculture because it offers a chance to be proactive about environmental challenges. “I think a lot of the time we spend in environmental science involves carefully measuring things that are going wrong. The question becomes, ’What can we do?’ (regenerative organic agriculture) … is certainly going to impact the lives of individuals, things as small as the soil microbes and it also has the potential to impact things on the scale of climate change. It’s great to be able to involve people in research and teach them about the way things can go right instead of just teaching them about the way things have gone wrong in the past.” FALL 2024
18 TOWER | FALL 2024 It’s 9 a.m. on a Friday. Sketch pads are out. Pencils are scribbling. And students are gearing up for an intense 12 hours of creative collaboration in Kutztown University’s Sharadin Arts Building. Known as the biggest design extravaganza on campus, Designathon is an annual graphic design event that gives students the opportunity to produce outstanding pro bono work for local nonprofit organizations. While it’s no easy feat designing and delivering press-ready artwork in less than a day, Designathon is a volunteer-based event, where students come together and create designs based on a client’s project request. “There’s a sort of magic that happens where the students are under pressure in a shorter time frame and just produce amazing work,” says Vicki Meloney ’93, communication design professor and longstanding Designathon cohost. ’This is like our prom’ Meloney says that the true moment of excitement begins right before the event starts, when students find out what they’re designing, who they’re designing for and which teams they’re on. Designathon gives students real-world experience working with local nonprofits BY ASH NAVE ’17 FEATURE
FALL 2024 | TOWER 19 Students love the intensity of the event, she says, and have even said, “This is like our prom!” Summer Doll-Myers, associate professor of communication design who also cohosts the event, serves as the liaison between student teams and team leaders, which are usually professors or alumni who volunteer to chaperone the students. “There are about four students per team, depending on the scope of the project,” Doll-Myers says. “Sometimes there are multiple parts to a client’s request, so that’s when I have to look at what each student’s strengths are and what professor would be best overseeing what group.” Clients are also required to fill out a Google form prior to the event, allowing Meloney to review the scope of the project and determine if it’s doable within the given timeframe. Not only does the event give back to the community, but this is a resumebuilder for the students who participate. “The benefits of Designation are innumerable. The connections, the realworld experience, the friends you make along the way, these are all things I’ve taken away from this amazing program,” says two-time Designathon participant and recent KU Communication Design graduate Robby Derr ’24. “Getting to work in the industry for a day is so affirming that this is my dream career, and I recommend all communication design students take part in Designathon at least once.” Approaching the $2 million mark The event first came to campus in 2005, thanks to Meloney and communication design professor Todd McFeely. “There were only a handful of students who did it that first year and there were only a couple of clients. We did it for 24 hours, and after that year, clients asked when we were doing the event again,” Meloney says. Even though they’ve moved away from the original 24-hour timeframe, Designathon has grown exponentially over the years. The 10-year anniversary of Designathon was their biggest turnout, bringing together about 130 student volunteers and 40 clients from the local community. This year, Design- athon – which is typically held in the spring semester – had a turnout of 94 students, 21 clients, 11 alumni and 10 faculty and staff volunteers. “We’ve done some really fun things for clients over the years. We’ve done a parade float design, and recently, someone asked us for a mascot – a unicorn playing bagpipes,” Doll-Myers says. The amount of time and effort that KU has donated in pro bono designs is even more impressive. “If you put an hourly rate on the students’ designs and what they would charge at an agency, the amount of money we’ve donated with our time is well over a million dollars,” Meloney says. “It might even be approaching the $2-million mark at this point.” The ultimate tripod “One of the reasons this event is successful is that we work really well together,” Meloney says.
20 TOWER | FALL 2024 Alongside Meloney and Doll-Myers is the third leg to the Designathon tripod, Kathy Traylor, the Art and Design Department secretary who is responsible for reserving the rooms for the event and coordinating meals throughout the day. “We start the morning off serving students a hearty breakfast because we want to make sure they’re well-fed, so their energy levels stay at a high for the next 12 to 16 hours,” Traylor says. “We learned over the years that we need have to high-energy foods – good, healthy foods – because Designathon is an endurance game,” Meloney says. “I also like to have a couple of games going for the students, like this year’s chair race down the hallways, just to get them out of their seats and more involved with the entire group,” Traylor says. While Traylor coordinates logistics and Doll-Myers organizes student teams and designs promotional artwork for the event, Meloney takes charge of the initial email to clients. The email reaches about 200 nonprofit groups several months before the event, inviting them to complete their Google form applications. Once they’re approved to participate, the organizations are invited to attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the event on Zoom. The opening ceremony usually begins about 9 a.m., when students meet the clients for the first time and find out what their projects are. About 9 p.m. later that day, students go back into breakout rooms on Zoom to present their final work to the client. Christi Terefenko, executive director of VOiCEup Berks, a volunteer organization dedicated to providing meaningful volunteer and service opportunities throughout the Berks County community, says that this is the organization’s first year participating in Designathon. “The team I worked with for Designathon went beyond merely creating a logo for a budding youth program. Their vision exceeded my initial proposal and inspired me to think bigger,” she says. “We will use these designs to launch a new initiative aimed at collegeage adults, helping them to connect with their community and with each other.”
FALL 2024 | TOWER 21 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS Ben Hoffman ’15 M’20&23 distinctly remembers his first experience with teaching as an undergraduate at Kutztown University. “I was a part of a co-teaching opportunity with two other art educators. It was a large display we did with students that was easily 10 feet by 30 feet. It was an awesome co- installation. I just remember feeling really excited about the opportunity to collaborate and make these larger-than-life opportunities for students.” This opportunity only grew Hoffman’s passion for mural art and art education. After graduating with two degrees from KU in art education and fine art, he pursued a career in teaching. In 2016, he became a middle school art teacher in Boston. Later that year, he returned to Kutztown to continue teaching art at Kutztown High School. Hoffman credits his success to the networking opportunities he had as an undergraduate student. “My classes really opened the door for networking,” Hoffman says, noting the relationships he was able to develop with faculty. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I had gone elsewhere.” After returning to Kutztown, Hoffman went on to receive a master’s in art education and a master’s in arts administration from KU. He continued to develop relationships in both master’s programs, which he said gave him a new perspective on teaching. Hoffman credits the entire Art Education department. “Everyone had a pivotal role in my education and made Kutztown home. I even remember the custodian who brought us pretzels in the studio every Friday night,” Hoffman says. “Those are the interactions you don’t realize have a long-lasting impact. These are the people who make this community what it is.” Hoffman now teaches a variety of classes, from photography and ceramics to drawing and painting. He draws his own artistic inspiration from murals, saying he’s always been fascinated by things that are larger than life. “I like the idea of creating conversation and bringing people together,” Hoffman says. After visiting New York in high school, he saw the importance of taking his own students on trips to view art. “Students can really learn and hear from each other in the classroom, but there’s so much more that I can’t teach them. You need to be a part of what’s happening around you in the world to absorb and be a contributing member of society.” Hoffman expanded on his personal connection as a volunteer with Kutztown Fire & Rescue by painting a mural on the firehouse. He became a volunteer firefighter in 2010 and has served as president and vice president, as well as on various committees. He viewed the mural as an opportunity to combine his love for art with community service. “To open that opportunity to my students, the first responders, and community members was beautiful. It was just an act of love and community that I feel honored to have been part of. I drive by it every morning and it’s so cool to think about that lasting impact and that legacy I’ve left behind here.” In 2023, Hoffman was a finalist for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. While he didn’t win the first-place award, he hopes that his impact extends beyond Kutztown. “My passion lies in advocating for, encourag- ing, and recognizing students and educators across the state,” he says. “I am not sure where this journey will lead me, but I am excited to continue to learn and pay that knowledge forward through colleagues, students and our community.” BY ALEX LYONS ’24 FOR ART IN THE CLASSROOM AND COMMUNITY
22 TOWER | FALL 2024 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS My reaction to any challenge is more important than the challenge itself. – EMMANUEL “MANNY” HENSON ’06
FALL 2024 | TOWER 23 Emmanuel “Manny” Henson ’06 often thinks of the word “kintsugi” when guiding his clients through financial hardships. Kintsugi is the Japanese term for putting broken pottery pieces back together using gold. And as a Golden Bear, Henson knows quite a bit about his own golden opportunities. Before his career as a successful financial planner and educator, Henson was one of three people in the country to receive a $2,000 scholarship from then-Dorney Park owner Cedar Fair LP. With only that $2,000 in his pocket, Henson embarked on a college journey that helped shape his life. Within his first week as a business administration major at KU, he met his future spouse, Shannon House Henson ’06. The couple run their current business together, Gamma Wealth Management. Henson said that reframing his mindset came into fruition when he took a first-year seminar course and was required to read the book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Henson said after reading that book, he no longer focused on what he didn’t have, and started focusing on what he could achieve with what he did have. ’Pensions aren’t enough anymore’ Now, Henson is the founder and president of Gamma Wealth Management, where he helps families, individuals and businesses from all walks of life meet their financial goals. ALUMNUS STRIVES TO EMPOWER EVERYDAY PEOPLE TO SOLVE THEIR MONEY CHALLENGES BY ASH NAVE ’17 FINANCIAL ADVOCATE Located in the greater Baltimore area, Henson believes that anyone can make a difference in their own lives with the right advocate by their side. But he also understands how difficult it is for families and businesses to make ends meet, especially for underrepresented populations. Originally from Philadelphia, Henson comes from a family that included several people who worked for the public sector, and he saw at a young age that they often weren’t financially ready for retirement. Henson’s mother was a unionized bus driver, his grandfather served as a Philadelphia police detective and his grandmother spent most of her career as a mid-level Post Office manager. “I saw the lack of readiness for retirement that my grandmother had, and I think a big part of that was actually a lack of financial education,” Henson says. He says that pensions just aren’t enough anymore and when government employees aren’t advised to save more than that, they can struggle to retire. So, that’s where Henson steps in. ’Why I do what I do’ “My niche is government, so I give financial guidance to military, federal, state, and local government employees and I help these individuals fill in the gap that their deferred pensions and compensation plans don’t provide,” Henson says. “Seeing the disparity in my own community is what drives me to help everyday people keep the standard of living they have now all the way through retirement.” Knowing that his clients can meet their financial goals is one of the most rewarding parts of his career, he says. “I had a client who was really stressed out because she didn’t know when she would be able to retire, and after working with her, she called me recently to tell me she retired and could fulfill her lifelong dream of traveling to Italy,” Henson says. “Seeing my clients make it out from those bad situations is why I do what I do.” Henson admits leadership has always come naturally to him. At age 16, he held his first supervisory position as a food and service lead at Dorney Park. As a KU student, he received the Presidential Leadership Award for working with Student Government Board, Association for Campus Events and the United Greek Council. He was also one of the first students in the Applied Investment Group at KU, where he learned how to present recommendations to the university trustees regarding where to invest $100,000 of university endowment. By the time he applied to his first job at Vanguard, they were impressed by the amount of financial knowledge and professional experience he already had. During his six years at Vanguard, Henson learned that when it comes to giving financial advice, people don’t want to be chastised for doing the wrong thing. “Instead, it’s about helping people under- stand what’s important to them and allowing them to make the right decision on their own with me as their guide,” he says. Later in his career, Henson became an investment consultant at TD Ameritrade, where he obtained his investment advisory license. That’s when he started mapping out the plans for starting his own financial management company. Outside his work as a financial planner, Henson is a loving father of two daughters, a member of the Education Advisory Council of Baltimore County, and the cohost of a popular podcast called “Ask My Man Manny,” where he offers practical advice and thought-provoking wisdom alongside military veteran and clinical psychologist Dr. Abbey-Robin Durkin. When it comes to giving himself practical advice and threading gold throughout his own life, Henson says, “My reaction to any challenge is more important than the challenge itself.”
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