By Andrew Kutzer

Guido Pichini, a KU alumnus of 1974, will receive an honorary doctor of public service degree from KU on April 15 after the KU Council of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of the award. “A first generation college student, [Guido], has honored us through his success in business, government, service to his community and philanthropy,” said KU President Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson.

Pichini serves as chairman of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors and is being elected to his fifth consecutive term in July. The board is responsible for planning, developing and operation of PASSHE and administers broad policies to its fourteen universities, including KU, according to the PASSHE website.

The 20-member board is composed of 11 appointed members, serving four-year terms, three students from PASSHE universities, four legislators from the PA State legislature and the governor of PA or his designee.

According to the KU website, Pichini earned a bachelor’s degree in education and political science and completed his graduate studies in public administration at KU.

“We are truly pleased to recognize the many efforts of Guido Pichini through the presentation of an honorary doctorate,” said Jack Wabby, chair of the KU Council of Trustees.

“His years of generous service to the State System and KU are unparalleled, and we are truly proud to call him an alumnus. We are forever grateful for his time, commitment and unwavering dedication.”

According to the bylaws of the KU honorary degree committee, honorary doctorates are given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the welfare and improvement of their community, region,

Kutztown University, the state of Pennsylvania, the United States, or to humanity at large. The university currently awards honorary degrees in doctorates of humane letter, laws, letters, pedagogy, public service and science.