Kutztown University President Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson hosted a free Unity Concert to help the University and the community reconnect after the strike.
Hawkinson invited all KU students, faculty, alumni and Kutztown community members to a free jazz concert preformed by KU students, outside in front of the KU Schaeffer Auditorium at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Performers consisted of about 20 individuals playing instruments and singing.
Hawkinson decided to invite the KU Jazz Ensemble to perform after he saw them gather during the faculty walkout. He noticed that the music attracted students and faculty.
“I stopped and listened for about a half hour, and lots of other people were beginning to congregate, both people who were striking, not striking, administrators, students, of course, and even towns people,” said Hawkinson.
The concert was held in efforts to reunite the KU community after the upset caused by the recent strike that occurred across all 14 state universities.
“I thought it would be fantastic to have the group come and perform during the free hour where different people with different views on the issue could come together, no speeches, no signs, no costumes. Just music,” said Hawkinson.
Hawkinson proposed the idea to the KU jazz director, Dr. Kevin Kjos who then passed the idea along to the group which enthusiastically agreed.
The concert was held during the university’s free hour to ensure that all students and faculty would have the opportunity to join the gathering.
A large crowd of students, faculty, Kutztown residents and pets joined the pop-up concert, despite the cold weather. Kutztown Mayor Sandra Green stood up front and watched the entire performance alongside Hawkinson.
Jillian Baker, a junior professional writing major stopped by between classes.
“I was surprised to see the turn out. I could recognize professors that came to the concert as well as the cheerleaders,” said Baker. “I think it is important to have the university and the community come together after the strike.”
The concert ran for under an hour, and when the group completed the last of their selection, the crowd applauded and quickly dispersed to go about their day.
“It was nice to see people from the community and from the university come out and spend some time together,” said Karli Molignoli, a junior psychology major. “The music was great, and the expression of gratitude and solidarity was a great reminder of what the Kutztown community is all about.”