Kutztown University President Kenneth S. Hawkinson presented the KU President’s Medal to outgoing Kutztown Borough Mayor Sandy Green at a ceremony held in the President’s Residence on Dec. 5.
“Talk about dedication and tireless work ethic,” said Hawkinson. “Sandy doesn’t know the meaning of impossible, nor the meaning of no.”
Hawkinson presented Green with a dictionary also, so she could look up the meaning of those words.
“This award is presented to an individual who has made a lasting impact on Kutztown University and the community,” said Hawkinson. “Honor someone who has given so much to the University and community.”
A life-long resident of the Kutztown area, Green served as mayor for the past 12 years. She was the first woman to serve as Kutztown’s mayor. She was also the first woman to receive the KU President’s Medal, as well as the first non-KU employee or alumnus.
“I am greatly humbled and honored to receive this medal,” said Green. “I have been blessed with an amazingly supportive and loving family. I am so thankful for the gift they’ve given me for the past 12 years.”
Twelve years ago, Green said she knew Kutztown was in need of new leadership and saw running for mayor as an opportunity to improve Town and Gown relations to benefit the community and the University. She founded Kutztown Community Partnership, holding meetings in her living room. Green currently volunteers as the vice president of KCP. She walked in the KUBoK neighborhood watch in Kutztown to improve safety for students and community members in town.
“Did I whip Kutztown into shape? I think I did a pretty good job. But I couldn’t have done it without everyone. Thank you for your support,” said Green.
Part of her mission as mayor was to be a liaison between the borough and the university. Green serves on the Community Relations Advisory Board, which she founded with KU President Hawkinson.
Green also offered words of advice to Jim Schlegel, who will be sworn in as mayor next month.
“Enjoy this town and lead from the heart,” she said. “You love this town like I do and I’m here to support you.”
Kutztown Borough Manager Gabriel Khalife said Green has really brought unity to the word community through her many involvements, building a stronger community, creating a more positive relationship between University and community.
KCP President Jerry Schearer, Associate Dean for Inclusion and Outreach at KU, said, “You can tell she loves Kutztown… being everywhere and involved in everything… Kutztown is better for it. Kutztown student experience is better for it… We appreciate you and you deserve this honor.”
Sen. Judy Schwank said it was an honor to be there for her friend Sandy.
“I found Sandy to be a wonderful public servant. She’s done so much for the community,” said Schwank. “Sandy is a model for how a mayor should interact with a university.”
Schwank talked about Green’s caring attitude for KU students and the community, her involvements to ensure the safety of students and the well-being of the community, and her actions to foster positive relationships between University and the Borough of Kutztown.
“Sandy, my hat is off to you,” said Schwank.
Diane Piscitelli of KCP said, “She has been so wonderful for this community, the University and the Borough of Kutztown. She has brought them a long, long way in mentoring the relationship. She will be missed.”
Kutztown Police Chief Craig Summers said, “It’s a great honor for her. It’s well deserved. I’m going to miss her. She’s provided a great leadership to the police department.”
Mayor elect Jim Schlegel, former Borough Council member, also said Green will be missed.
“She’s done a terrific job over the last 12 years. I wish her the best in the future,” said Schlegel.
During her tenure, the borough achieved Main Street status with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. She served on the board of the Pennsylvania Municipal League and the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust Board.
This is the sixth President’s Medal presented since its inception in 2014 when the award was created by the president’s office to be awarded to individuals who bring honor and distinction to the university, and who serve as examples to KU students and alumni.
Past recipients of the Kutztown University President’s Medal include William Ribble, class of ’73, long time member of the KU Foundation Board; KU Pro Football Hall of Famer, Andre Reed, class of 2005; Major League Baseball All-Star and two-time World Series Champion, Ryan Vogelsong; Gregory “Doc” Jones, long-time head coach of the KU men’s rugby team; and most recently, last spring, Dr. Carlson Chambliss, professor emeriti of physical science and creator of the Chambliss Academic Achievement Award.
