2023 Maroon & Gold Tailgate

The clashing of shoulder pads and crescendos of the marching band aren’t usually met with the chirping of birds or blooming of flowers—but on Saturday, April 20, the Kutztown University Foundation (KUF) hosted a Maroon & Gold Tailgate, where several donors had the opportunity to meet the student-athletes who receive the scholarships they fund.

Guests enjoyed the spring game from the Student Rec Center’s patio, and afterward, they were invited down to the field to mingle with Head Coach Jim Clements and the team. “It was great to have our alumni and supporters at the tailgate for the Maroon and Gold Spring Game,” said Clements. “It allowed our players to greet and thank them for all their support.”

Steve Kuhn ’89, who had the opportunity to meet his scholarship recipient following the game, supports Kutztown Athletics as a gesture of gratitude toward the institution that molded his foundation. “My aim is to support athletes who may require financial assistance, as I did many years ago, and to help promote success within the athletic department.” Steve recognizes the program’s success is a collective effort, and loved Saturday’s energetic atmosphere between alumni and friends who share the same passion about giving back to KU.

Students today face the same struggles as students from decades prior. Jane Joyce ‘65, a member of the Alumni Ambassador leadership team, and her children established the James “Bear” Joyce ’66 Football Scholarship in honor of her late husband. Jane and her son Christopher met this year’s recipient, Trey Bernstein ‘24, after the game. “It felt gratifying to meet Trey, who benefits from Jim’s scholarship, and placing a face to the name.” Reminiscing about time spent on this football field 59 years ago and the lives that KU education and athletics provided Jane, Jim, and her family is why she continues supporting student-athletes today. 

Spring football tailgates may be a new tradition, but thanking our generous donors for their philanthropy and connecting them with students in a meaningful way truly made for a golden morning.