Kutztown University of Pennsylvania: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, a public institution located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1866 as the Keystone Normal School. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive university, known as Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown State Teacher's College, and Kutztown State College. The university has produced numerous accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article explores the notable alumni of Kutztown University, highlighting their achievements and impact.
Arts and Culture
Kutztown University has fostered a vibrant environment for aspiring artists and creatives. Several alumni have distinguished themselves in the art world, leaving a lasting mark on their respective fields.
Bill Beckley, a narrative and conceptual artist, was one of the original artists at the 112 Greene Street Workshop gallery in SoHo, New York City, in the early 1970s. His work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world.
Rick Vito, a guitarist and singer, was a member of Fleetwood Mac from 1987 to 1991, taking over as lead guitarist after Lindsey Buckingham's departure. Vito is known for his blues and slide guitar style, influenced by legends such as Elmore James and B.B. King.
Don Reitz, a ceramic artist, is recognized for inspiring a reemergence of salt glaze pottery in the United States. He taught ceramic art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1962 until 1988, adapting the pottery firing technique developed in the Middle Ages.
Read also: The Golden Bears: A Tradition of Excellence
Politics and Public Service
Kutztown University has also produced a number of prominent figures in politics and public service, who have served their communities and the nation in various capacities.
Gus Yatron served twelve consecutive terms as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district from 1969 to 1993.
Mark Rozzi served as the 140th Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented the 126th district from 2013 to 2024.
José Lorenzo Pesquera was a Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico.
Athletics
Kutztown University has a strong athletic tradition, with several alumni achieving success in professional sports.
Read also: Scholarships for International Students at KU
Andre Reed, a former professional football wide receiver, played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Buffalo Bills. He played college football for the Kutztown Golden Bears and was selected by the Bills in the fourth round of the 1985 NFL draft. Reed earned Pro Bowl honors seven times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Ryan Vogelsong, a former professional baseball pitcher, played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates. During his career at KU, he broke nine school records, including earned runs average, wins, strikeouts, innings pitched, and complete games in both a season and career.
Craig Reynolds is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Kutztown, and signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft.
Stephen Dennis is an American professional basketball player who last played for Racing Luxembourg of the Total League. He played college basketball for Kutztown University of Pennsylvania before playing professionally in the NBA D-League, Germany, Australia, Israel and Luxembourg.
Matt Swarmer is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Lancaster Stormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs.
Read also: Cost of Attending Kutztown
Entertainment
Kutztown University alumni have also made their mark in the entertainment industry, showcasing their talents in acting, comedy, and television.
Tyler Lepley is an American actor who portrays Benjamin "Benny" Young on the Tyler Perry produced prime time soap opera The Haves and the Have Nots; which is the first scripted television series to air on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Joe DeRosa is an American stand-up comedian, actor, restaurateur, musician, and podcaster.
Other Fields
William Charles DeMott II is an American retired professional wrestler, road agent, and trainer. He is best known for his appearances with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as Hugh Morrus and World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) under his real name.
Arenda Lauretta Wright Allen is a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The Kutztown Experience: Shaping Success
The experiences and education that students receive at Kutztown University prepare them for success in their chosen fields. Alumni often speak of the supportive faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and the strong sense of community that helped them thrive.
Genaro Robles, a 2021 graduate, credits the history degree program with honing his analytical thinking and research skills, which have been invaluable in his graduate programs and his work in college admissions. He emphasizes the dedication and knowledge of the history department professors, who are always willing to help students.
Rebecca, Chair of the History and Social Sciences Department at Morristown Beard School, highlights the global, interdisciplinary perspective she gained at Kutztown, which infuses her work in every facet of professional life.
Carly Plesic, a 2018 graduate with a B.A. in History and Anthropology, forged her way into the National Park Service through an internship and has served in the role of Museum Technician at Valley Forge National Historical Park and at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Historical Park.
Nicholas Kime, a 2021 graduate, emphasizes how his history major helped him get his foot in the door with his current employer, the York County District Attorney’s Office. He also notes the caring staff, interesting classes, and the way the program sharpens students' ability to read and write on a high, professional level.
Lily Kleppertknoop, a 2011 graduate with a B.A. in History and an M.A. in Anthropology, urges current History students to leverage their skills in conducting research and synthesizing complex issues, which are valuable assets in today's corporate environment.
Justin Ramos highlights the networking opportunities and the chance to grow into who he wanted to be, which allowed him to make it exactly where he wanted in his career.
Nicole Wiltrout, a BS.Ed. graduate, emphasizes the great teachers in the mathematics department who spent a lot of time getting to know their students outside of class. She also appreciates the challenges and support she received, which helped her succeed in her teaching career.
Brian T. notes that Kutztown University provided him with the skills necessary to compete in a highly competitive teacher market.
tags: #kutztown #university #of #pennsylvania #notable #alumni
