Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
March 26, 2015
The Council of Trustees met on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in Stratton Administration Center,
room 301.
PRESENT:
Dr. Charles Blocksidge ................................................ McKees Rocks(via conference call)
Ms. Letecia Garcia ....................................................................................................Topton
Mr. James Ludlow ............................................................................................. Fogelsville
Mr. Guido Pichini ………………...…………………………………….Wyomissing Hills
Ms. Dianne Lutz ..............................................................................................Wernersville
Mr. Roger Schmidt ................ …………………………………………………….Leesport
Mr. John Wabby, Chairperson .............................................................................. Pottsville
ABSENT:
Mr. Dennis Giorno ........... ………………………………………………...…....Harrisburg
Mr. Thomas Heck, Secretary ............................................................................ Wyomissing
Mr. Anthony Iannelli…………………………………………………… .... …... Macungie
ALSO PRESENT:
Mr. Terry Brown, Director of Facilities Project Services
Mr. Gregory Bamberger, Student Presenter
Mr. Matt Delaney, Senior Director of Budget and Business Services
Dr. William Dempsey, Dean, College of Business
Mr. John Green, Associate Vice President, Communication, Marketing and External Affairs
Dr. James Mackin, Acting Provost
Mr. Jesus Peña, Esq., Associate Vice President for Equity and Compliance
Mr. Matt Santos, Director of University Relations
Mr. Joseph Scoboria, President, Student Government Board
Mr. Jerry Silberman, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Ms. Tracey Thompson, Executive Director, KU Foundation
Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto, Acting President
Mr. Bob Watrous, Dean of Students
Dr. Carole Wells, Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies
1.
Call to Order
At 3:05 p.m., Chairperson Wabby called the meeting to order; a quorum being present.
2.
Remarks by the Council Chairperson
Mr. Wabby congratulated Dr. Carlos Vargas for being elected as the next president of Southeast
Missouri State University. He thanked Dr. Vargas for his excellent service as provost and acting
president and wished him the very best.
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3.
Remarks by the Student Government Board President
Mr. Scoboria extended his congratulations to Dr. Vargas for his presidency at Southeast Missouri
State University. Mr. Scoboria added that he appreciated his open door policy and kindness that
he has shown to students. He noted that eight Student Government Board members will be
attending Advocacy Days in Harrisburg on April 14 and 15. Mr. Matt Santos and Mr. Scoboria
have been working to schedule 14 legislative meetings during Advocacy Days including a
meeting with Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack and a meeting with State Senator Judy Schwank
and State Representative Gary Day. KU’s 150th celebration is around the corner. Mr. Scoboria
noted that he is serving on a student led committee, advised by Ms. Leah Cassellia from the
Office of Student Involvement. Their first meeting was this past Tuesday and the committee will
meet every Tuesday for rest of the semester. They are planning to host a major event during
opening week. He noted that Saturday will be the third Accepted Students Day. SGB will
participate again. SGB elections will be held next week and Mr. Scoboria noted that 12 of 33
members of SGB are graduating. Mr. Scoboria spoke about the proposed per credit tuition
model. SGB voted for a resolution to oppose the per credit tuition model. He noted that he
would continue to work with Dr. Vargas and the study team in the upcoming weeks as more
progresses with the model. Dr. Vargas congratulated and applauded Mr. Scoboria’s leadership in
this process.
4.
Remarks by Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto, University Acting President
Dr. Vargas announced that on March 17, 2015 the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania's State
System of Higher Education unanimously selected Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson to be the next
president of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, effective July 1.
Dr. Hawkinson is provost of Western Illinois University, a position he has held since January
2012. He was hired there in 1988 as an assistant professor in the Department of Communication.
He also is a former military officer, having served in the U.S. Army as both an Infantry officer
and a public affairs officer.
Dr. Vargas noted that Ziad Haddad of the KU wrestling team successfully defended his national
title March 7th and 8th in St. Louis to become a two-time Division II national heavyweight
champion and a three-time All-American for the Kutztown University wrestling program.
Haddad went 4-0 through the two-day national tournament, capped with a 8-6 decision in the
championship. Ziad finished the year with a record of 30-0, and his career with a record of 82-5.
He will receive one of the gold Chambliss medals for his efforts in April.
The Kutztown University field hockey team was honored as a 2014 Gladiator by SGI / National
Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division II National Academic Team Award
winner. It is the 11th consecutive year that Kutztown has been recognized with a Team Award.
The National Academic Team Award recognizes those institutions that achieved a minimum
Team GPA of 3.0 during the first semester of the 2014-15 academic year.
The art of select Kutztown University students is currently on display on the first floor of the
administration building at the Dixon University Center. The student-produced artwork includes
prints, photographs, paintings, digital media and sculpture. The featured student artists are Leah
Gardock of Morgantown (prints), Victoria Beck of Allentown (prints), Curtis Welteroth of
Williamsport (digital media and sculpture), Amanda Quevedo of Hawley (photography), Bryan
Fellenbaum of Columbia (painting), Alex Swisher of Chambersburg (photography) and Grace
Bevelheimer of Camp Hill (photography). Several of the student artists have been recognized by
regional art organizations for their talent.
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The Kutztown University Frederick Douglass Institute participated in the National Park Service’s
Moving Classroom from D.C. to Selma this week. Brian Kondraki and fellow social studies
major Jesse Fischer are representing KU on the trip, where students learn about AfricanAmerican history from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Brian and Jesse have
been interviewing, tweeting, and videotaping interviews with teenagers from Ferguson, Missouri,
Little Rock, Arkansas and I-Lead in Reading who have joined them on the journey to
Montgomery. One of the highlights included the students talking about their school experiences
with U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. KU was chosen because professors Dr. Louis
Rodriquez and Dr. Maria Saneilli have been working with the National Park Service on a Latino
Curriculum with I-Lead Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Tamara Smith.
Dr. Vargas informed the committee that everyone’s favorite mascot, our fuzzy Golden Bear
Avalanche, is currently in a heated battle with Bloomsburg’s Roongo in the second round of
MASCOT MADNESS. Voting in the State System-wide competition is being conducted via a
Facebook poll, Wednesdays-Fridays over the next four weeks. The link to vote for Avalanche
will be available on Avalanche’s Facebook page or Avalanche’s website. So please be sure to
take time to help Avalanche win the big dance!
5.
Public Comments
None
6.
Approval of Minutes, February 26, 2015
Upon motion duly made by Mr. Schmidt seconded by Mr. Ludlow the minutes of the February 26,
2015 meeting were approved.
7.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on Human Diversity
Ms. Lutz reported on committee discussions.
Ms. Lutz indicated that several searches were on going.
Ms. Lutz noted that the Women’s Center has a display in Old Main for Women’s History Month.
Ms. Lutz also highlighted an upcoming event. She noted that on April 21, the Disability Services
Office is hosting a reception for the Delta Alphi Pi Honors induction ceremony. It is a positive
event for students with disabilities and appreciation for the faculty and staff who support them.
8.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on University Relations and Advancement
Mr. Schmidt reported on committee discussions.
Mr. Schmidt noted that the University Relations staff coordinated the messaging, webcast and
event for the announcement of our next president. Their efforts garnished a lot of media
attention.
Mr. Schmidt commented on Athletics. He noted that the Men’s Basketball team qualified for the
PSAC playoff and lost in the semifinals to Gannon. Women’s Basketball qualified for the PSAC
playoffs as well and lost in the quarter finals to Bloomsburg. Mr. Schmidt noted that Ziad
Haddad and three other wrestlers qualified for NCAA Nationals. Matt Martoccio finished
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seventh and received All-American Honors. The KU Wrestling tied for 14th at Nationals - its best
performance at Nationals.
Mr. Schmidt informed the committee that the KU Presents! San Jose Taiko performance was
being held this evening. This performance includes large drums. He noted that KU Presents! is
partnering with the Kutztown University Foundation as well as local high schools and KU’s
percussion group and music department for this evening’s event.
Currently, at the Heritage Center, there is a PA Dutch decorated Easter Egg display by Peter
Fritch and is part of Easter on the Farm this Saturday.
Mr. Schmidt passed around the marketing updates.
Mr. Schmidt mentioned that the Kutztown University Foundation’s is focusing on celebrating
philanthropy.
Mr. Schmidt noted some highlights of the KU Foundation and Alumni Relations Florida visits.
Ms. Thompson and Mr. Ogeka met with nine high quality Kutztown University alulmni on their
trip. The trip was a perfect mix of active solicitations, cultivation of current donors, and
introductions to new prospects. The benefits of the trip include a donor visit with KU’s new
President during the summer and a commitment to the Just in Time Fund as well as interest in
supporting the AIM program.
Mr. Schmidt reported that the Foundation has already surpassed this year’s $2.5 million Annual
Fund goal and are on the way toward the stretch goal of $2.8 million. Total gifts and pledges
raised year-to-date is $2,590,000. The Foundation has also dropped their spring appeal, which is
being mailed to more than 20,000 alumni. The phonathon continues to shine and perform well
ahead of last year. This year’s phonathon goal was $50,000 and they are almost at $79,000.
The Foundation’s most important spring event, the Gathering of Gratitude, will be held in April.
Mr. Schmidt noted that the event provides an opportunity for our generous scholarship donors to
meet the grateful student recipients. Last year an additional $10,000 was raised for scholarships
at this event and they hope to repeat that success this year.
Mr. Schmidt encouraged everyone to support Avalanche in his Mascot Madness competition by
voting online.
9.
Summary of Discussions-Council Committee on Academic and Student Affairs
Mr. Wabby reported on committee discussions.
Mr. Wabby mentioned that Mr. Ernie Post gave a presentation to the committee on the Small
Business Development Center. He noted that he would like Mr. Post to give his presentation to
the full Council in the future.
Mr. Wabby reported that the student presenter is Mr. Gregory Bamberger from the College of
Business and asked Dr. Dempsey to introduce him.
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10.
Student Presenter: Mr. Gregory Bamberger, College of Business
Mr. Bamberger was a four year member of football team, a member of Phi Kappa Phi with a 3.82
GPA. He made Dean’s list six times. His father is the Director of Athletics and his mother
teaches at Kutztown University in the Department of Sport Management and Leadership Studies.
Mr. Bamberger is a graduate of Fleetwood High School. He transferred to Kutztown University
after spending one semester at Shippensburg. Mr. Bamberger is happy that he transferred to KU.
He is a member of several organizations. He was able to volunteer for two Super Bowls by being
a member of the SLAM Club. Mr. Bamberger was a PSAC Scholar Athlete and a D2ADA
Award Winner. He intends to go for his MBA and is looking forward to having a career in
professional sports.
11.
Internship Agreements with various Institutions and Kutztown University
Mr. Wabby presented the list of Internship Agreements which establish a relationship whereby
students may participate in practical experience outside the traditional classroom setting.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Big Vision Foundation, Leesport, PA - new
Sahl Communications, Inc., Bethlehem, PA - new
Southern Berks Family Medicine, Reading, PA - new
St. Joseph’s Center, Dunnmore, PA - new
Technical College High School, Pickering Campus, Phoenixville, PA - new
Travis Manion Foundation, Doylestown, PA - new
Mr. Pichini moved to approve the Internship Agreements as presented. Mr.Ludlow seconded the
motion and it carried. (Exhibit A)
12.
Affiliation Agreements with School District/Non-School District and Kutztown University
Student Teachers
• Bangor School District, Bangor PA - renewal
Mr. Schmidt moved to approve the Affiliation Agreement as presented. Mr. Pichini seconded the
motion and it carried. (Exhibit B)
13.
Summary of Committee Discussions -- Committee on Finance, Property and Audit
Mr. Ludlow reported on committee discussions.
14.
Consent Agenda Items
Mr. Ludlow reported that the committee thoroughly reviewed the consent agenda items.
Purchases and Contracts under $100,000
Mr. Ludlow moved that the Council approve the Purchases and Contracts under $100,000 as
presented. Ms. Lutz seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit C)
Purchases and Contracts $100,000 and Over
2015-26
Essential Repair Services Facilities Requirements Contract (1 of 2)
2015-27
Essential Repair Services Facilities Requirements Contract (2 of 2)
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Mr. Ludlow moved that the Council approve the Purchases and Contracts over $100,000 as
presented. Ms. Lutz seconded the motion and it carried. (Exhibit D)
15.
2015-2016 Auxiliary Fees
Mr. Ludlow moved that the Council approve the 2015-2016 Auxiliary Fees as presented. Ms.
Lutz seconded the motion, Mr. Pichini opposed the motion. The Council discussed the issue and
the vote was called. Mr. Blocksidge, Ms. Lutz, Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Ludlow and Mr. Wabby voted in
favor of the motion. Mr. Pichini and Ms. Garcia opposed the motion. The motion carried with a
5-2 vote. (Exhibit E)
16.
Washington Center Internship Fee
Mr. Ludlow moved that the Council approve the Washington Center Internship Fee as presented.
Ms. Lutz seconded the motion and it carried.(Exhibit F)
17.
Capital Budget
Mr. Ludlow moved that the Council approve the Capital Budget as presented. Mr. Schmidt
seconded the motion and it carried.(Exhibit G)
18.
Memorandum of Understanding with Kutztown University Foundation
The Memorandum of Understanding with Kutztown University Foundation was not presented.
19.
Additional Action Items
There were no additional action items presented.
20.
PACT Update
Mr. Wabby noted that the Spring PACT Conference is scheduled for April 15 – 16. He reviewed
the agenda with the Council and encouraged members to attend.
21.
As May Arise
At 3:50 p.m., Mr. Wabby called for an executive session to discuss personnel matters. At 4:17
p.m., the meeting reconvened with no action taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:18 p.m.
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Secretary
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