Kutztown University hosted a Unity Day to link the community together in a pledge of unity on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Gathered on the McFarland Student Union lawn were numerous on-campus groups like PSECU, as well as groups and businesses from Kutztown Borough, such as the Kutztown Community Partnership and Pop’s Malt Shoppe, set up giving away items as well as information.
“Today we come together in unity, to bond together as individuals, and to build community,” said the new KU Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students Donovan McCargo about the motive for Unity Day.
The event aimed to not only bond together the university community, but the university’s community’s bond with the borough’s community.
“In unity we block out our differences, our issues, and our individualities, in exchange for a single purpose to work together, bridge gaps, and move forward ideas that improve the places we live, work, and play,” said McCargo.
Kutztown University’s President Kenneth Hawkinson shared a message of not letting others tear apart the Kutztown community.
“There have been many groups in our country that are trying to tear us apart, but we’re not going to let that happen here at KU,” Hawkinson said.
Ray Dunkle, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) President, shared a message about the strength of the Kutztown community when individuals come together.
“Here at Kutztown University, when staff, faculty, administration, and students all work together, for the better meant of all, we all succeed,” said Dunkle.
KU undergraduate senior Rachael Wolfe shared a message to all in attendance about overcoming ignorance that is associated with hate and fear.
Wolfe said, “Hate and fear are learned, they are also easy to embrace, toxic to all, and stem from ignorance more often than not.”
Nykolai Blichar, a graduate student at Kutztown University, shared his feelings about the unity of the Kutztown community, stating, “I found a university that cherished and celebrated diversity and inclusion, and most importantly, I found a place where people didn’t see differences as dividers, but unifiers.”
Student Government Board President Molly Gallagher spread a message about kindness.
“Kindness is something all of us can contribute within our Kutztown community. I encourage you all to create echoes of kindness moving forward,” said Gallagher.
Kutztown University’s Unity Day ended with students, faculty, administration, and borough residents linking hands and taking a unity pledge that was led by Donovan McCargo.
Patrick Moyer is a Kutztown University a sophomore and a 2016 graduate of Kutztown Area High School.
