Communication Studies department hosts fourth Ignite event

By Kara Armstrong

KU’s fourth Ignite event took place on the evening of Feb. 28, 2024. 

Hosted by the KU Communication Studies department, Ignite is a public speaking event where participants make a five-minute speech on any topic using a presentation that advances automatically every 20 seconds. 

This semester’s event presented 11 speakers. 

Dina Hayduk, assistant dean of the College of Business, presented “Basket of Hope.” Hayduk shared her tradition of collecting single socks in a laundry basket, hoping to find their matches. Additionally, the socks, which have been collected over many years, serve as a sweet reminder of her grown kids’ childhood. 

Abigail Reichling, an elementary education major, presented “AI in the Classroom.” Reichling reported on the pros and cons of using AI in the classroom and noted that no one is certain of its long-term effects. 

Bob Scheit, an avid walker and member of the Kutztown community, presented “…To Achieve Magnum Opus.” Scheit detailed some of his most ambitious walks, including a walk around the perimeter of America and the 6-day long Edward Payson race, feats made even more impressive by the fact that he is a type I diabetic. Scheit was the first insulin-dependent diabetic to finish the Edward Payson race. He hopes to complete his “Magnum Opus” in the near future: a 1,000 mile hike from France to Spain. 

Grace Levy, a KU communication studies major, presented “Lessons Learned from Over a Decade of Crocheting.” Grace taught herself to crochet at just ten years old. Years later, she shared some of the most important things she’s learned about crochet—and life. 

Leslie Sotomayor, a professor of art education, presented “Gloria Anzaldúa.” Sotomayor delved into how Anzaldúa, a poet specializing in feminist, cultural and queer theories, has impacted her life and sense of self. 

Alison Bender, a communication studies major, presented “The Power of Paint.” Drawing on experiences from her family’s business, Bender detailed the process of designing a room and how the simplest choices—like paint color—can transform a space. 

David Hunsicker, a secondary education social studies major, presented “Baking from the Heart.” Hunsicker shared how baking brings people together. 

Rachel Glembocki, a communication studies major, presented “In Defense of Burnout.” Glembocki discussed how in high school, her identity was closely tied to her intelligence. Then COVID forced learning online, and she eventually fell into academic burnout. She shared the inspirational story of her “comeback” and argued that burnout can be the driving force to remind someone who they are and who they want to be.

Amy Pfeiler-Wunder and Roseanne Perkins, the associate dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and a library science professor respectively, presented “Target Run” in KU Ignite’s first duo presentation. The pair highlighted seemingly randomly abandoned objects in Target. 

Ines Duran-Arajo, a communication studies major, presented “The Diner Expert.” Duran-Arajo has been visiting diners with her boyfriend for the past seven years and loves the community atmosphere that they bring to any town. For any inquiring minds, her top five diners are as follows: Cracker Barrel, Silver Diner, Airport Diner, Tiffany Diner, and Amy’s Diner. 

Andrew Vogel, an English professor and director of the honors program, presented “Poetry, Breathing, and the Mind.” Vogel shared how poetry uniquely dissolves the horizons of the mind and serves as a bridge between the inner self and the outer world. 
Next semester’s Ignite event is scheduled for Sept. 26. Any students wishing to participate should contact Dr. Emily Cripe at cripe@kutztown.edu.