Kutztown University Dedicates The Fred and Martha ’02 Hafer Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Laboratory

Kutztown, Pa. – November 5, 2019 – The Kutztown University Foundation held a dedication ceremony for The Fred and Martha ’02 Hafer Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Laboratory on Saturday, November 2.  It will be a focal point on campus, particularly within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) scans a focused electron beam over a surface to create an image.  The electrons in the beam interact with the sample, producing various signals that may be used to obtain information about the surface topography and composition. 

“A scanning electron microscope is an incredibly powerful instrument that can magnify to the order of two million times,” said Dr. David Beougher, Dean of KU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.  “This gift significantly advances opportunities for Kutztown students to participate in relevant, inter-disciplinary research and moves that work to an even higher level of potential.”

This technology will be used by the biology, chemistry, geology and physics departments, but also for research in the anthropology and art departments. 

“We are so grateful to the Hafer family for this extraordinary gift,” said Alex Ogeka, Executive Director of the Kutztown University Foundation. “The addition of The Fred and Martha ’02 Hafer SEM Lab is expected to increase recruitment and solidify retention, increase scholarly productivity among students and faculty, and build bridges between Kutztown University and regional technology-focused industries.”

The Hafer family has a strong connection to Kutztown University.  Fred and Martha Hafer co-chaired the 2007 Kutztown University Capital Campaign, and Fred received an honorary juris doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community.    He was a former president of the Kutztown University Foundation Board of Directors, and the delivered the commencement address to the class of 1996.  Two of their sons earned degrees from KU:  Fred Jr. ’86 majored in physics, and Craig M ’00 earned an MBA.