Kutztown University celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Hawkinson Welcome Center Thursday morning, June 5, with the campus and local community in attendance. The building was named in honor of the university’s 12th and current president, Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson.
The Hawkinson Welcome Center includes a renovation of the Poplar House and a new 10,300 square foot addition, which includes a lobby and gathering space with a reception/information counter with interactive displays and kiosks; a large multi-purpose meeting room, capable of both table seating for receptions or lecture style layout for presentations; a catering kitchen to support special events; offices for a portion of admissions department staff; and a lounge for student tour guides.
Hawkinson is the 12th president of Kutztown University, who has served the institution for 10 years (2015-2025) and has announced his upcoming retirement in July. Hawkinson and his wife, Ann Marie Hayes-Hawkinson, embrace the community in many ways, including numerous events each year at the adjacent president’s residence and through “Walks with Wynnie” which gave students, faculty, staff, and community members an opportunity to join them on their weekly stroll around campus with their beloved Havanese.
“I can’t thank enough the Council of Trustees and all others involved in rendering me this incredible honor,” Hawkinson said. “What is particularly meaningful to me is the purpose of this building – a center that welcomes future students, families, visitors, townspeople and so many others to our campus. It sits on the corner that connects the town to the university and is a crossroad wherein people from all walks of life can come together and share in the excitement and magic of higher education.”
One of Hawkinson’s favorite quotes is “Space plus values equals place.” His vision for the Hawkinson Welcome Center is to have a “place” where visitors can learn about the greater Kutztown community, and prospective students can begin their journey at KU, and set them on their path to learn, grow, and mature into enlightened and productive citizens.
Hawkinson was presented the Key to the Borough by Mayor James Schlegel and had his presidential portrait unveiled, created by Sandra Corpora ’69.