Perkins Family Bestowed with Kutztown University President's Medal for Tradition of Philanthropy

September 06, 2024

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - Bonita B. Perkins '68 and Charles O. Perkins '68 were presented with Kutztown University President's Medals Thursday, Sept. 5, for their leadership and commitment to the university through decades of philanthropy and support.

The Perkins' have supported KU through giving for 36 years, including each of the last 21 years. They created the Burke Perkins Endowed Scholarship and contribute to the Ladies Tea Endowed Scholarship, earning their membership in the George B. Hatcher Society at the Kutztown University Foundation. They are members of the Golden Bear Athletics Club; 1866 Giving Challenge Champions Fund; Bears Band Together Emergency Fund; Class of 1968 Endowed Scholarship; and the Football Legacy Club.

They co-chaired the Foundation's annual fund in 1998 and served on the executive committee for KU's capital campaign in 2008.

Bonita B. Perkins '68 earned a Bachelor of Arts in special education from KU and was a member of the KU cheerleading team. She has served as chair of Ladies Tea and is a member of the Ladies Tea Scholarship Committee.

Charles O. Perkins '68 earned a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences from KU. He retired as the general manager at various locations of the Marriott Corporation, including its flagship Washington, D.C. location. He was an advisor in bringing the award-winning Hampton Inn and Suites to Kutztown.

He has served on the KUF Board of Directors for 20 years, including terms as vice president and treasurer, and was a guest member for Ursus Aureus, Inc. and Golden Bear Ventures, Inc.

The Perkins' have three daughters, six grandchildren and reside in Potomac, Md. They enjoy spending their summers at the Jersey Shore with family.

The President's Medal was created in 2014 by the president's office to be awarded to individuals who bring honor and distinction to our institution and who serve as examples to our students and our alumni. Other recipients include William Ribble '73, long-time member of the KU Foundation Board; Andre Reed '05, KU and Pro Football Hall of Famer; Ryan Vogelsong, Major League Baseball All-Star and two-time World Series Champion; Gregory "Doc" Jones, long-time head coach of the KU men's rugby team; Dr. Carlson Chambliss, long serving KU professor, philanthropist and scholar; Sandy Green, former mayor of Kutztown and community leader and advocate; Bessie Reese Crenshaw '50, Kutztown University's first African American graduate; John Mobley, two-time Super Bowl champion; and Robert C. Landis and Scott A. Dorn '79, KU Foundation Board presidents.

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