June 30, 2017, Allentown, PA – Providing support to the children of the 3rd largest urban school district in Pennsylvania, the Allentown School District Foundation (ASDF) Board of Directors voted at its board meeting on June 1 to elect Kurt D. Zwikl its fifth president effective July 1.
“The Foundation is poised to support some important programs for the progress of Allentown’s children,” says Susan L. Williams, ASDF executive director. “Kurt’s commitment to the cause raises the stakes for all of us.”
A proud alumnus of the Allentown School District, Zwikl attended Muhlenberg Elementary School, Raub Middle School, and graduated from William Allen High School in 1967. After earning a B.S. degree from East Stroudsburg University, Zwikl ran for office and was elected as the youngest member to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1973 and proceeded to serve 6 consecutive terms in office. He received the William Allen High School Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1979 and obtained an M.A. degree in American History from Lehigh University in 1982.
Throughout his career dedicated to public service, he has served as chair of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (1989-1996); president of the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (1995-2003); executive director of the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area (2003-2014); member, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Greenway’s Advisory Board (2004-2010); member, Alliance of National Heritage Areas (2004-2015); and member, Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail (2014-present).
In bringing decades of community service experience to the ASDF, Zwikl intends to make great strides in enriching the educational opportunities of Allentown students. “We want to do more for ASD students,” says the new president, stressing the importance of the Foundation’s many donor-funded projects, programs, and initiatives. Zwikl intends to bring a multitude of fresh skills and strategies to the board, including an emphasis on consensus building, the development of public-private partnerships, and innovative fundraising ideas. Emphasizing strong public involvement, he hopes to engage the area’s “best and brightest” alumni and community leaders in fostering a promising future for Allentown’s 17,000 students. He resides in Allentown with his wife, Barbara.
In addition, 2 pillars of the ASDF board, President Richard Button and Past President Debora Roberson, are stepping down from their positions, effective June 30. “With a combined 14 years of service, these board members have worked tirelessly to provide unique opportunities and experiences for Allentown students,” says Board Vice President Anthony M. Muir, Esq. President-elect Zwikl is joined on the ASDF board by Vice President, Anthony M. Muir, Esq.; Treasurer, Kelli W. Holzman; Secretary, Nancy A. Wilt; and members, Dennis C. Blankowitsch, Ed.D.; Dan C. Bosket; Laurie Hackett; John G. Hughes, Jr.; Kristin Kruger; Ellen Millard-Kern; Elizabeth H. Marcon, Esq.; Allyn-Jane Marks; Marci J. Martinez-Howey; Michele K. Pessina; Robert E. Sperling, Jr.; John S. Stevens, Jr., D.O.; Charles F. Thiel; and David M. Wildonger.
About Allentown School District Foundation
With a vision for enriched education for Allentown School District students, the ASD Foundation mission is to encourage, promote and support innovative educational experiences for students in the Allentown School District. Since its inception in 2009, the Foundation and its donors have funded nearly $2 million of programs for children in the Allentown School District. If you would like to learn more, please contact the foundation’s executive director, Susan L. Williams, at 484-765-4093 or williamssu@allentownsd.org. The mailing address is P.O. Box 328, 31 South Penn Street, Allentown PA 18105. www.allentownsd.org/asdf.
Information provided by:
Susan Williams
Executive Director
Allentown School District Foundation
