Kutztown University received $30,000 from Kutztown Lions Club to support graduate students enrolled in the university’s visual impairment program.

“The visual impairment program at KU is very grateful for the Lions Club’s Support,” said Dr. Nicole Johnson ’05, professor of special education, in the news release. “This gift will have far-reaching effects to help recruit teachers of the visually impaired, which is very needed.”

Kutztown is the only state university in Pennsylvania to offer a program focused on preparing teachers of the visually impaired.

Graduate students can choose to pursue the visual impairment as a track within the M.Ed. in Multicultural Education program.

Through this concentration, teacher candidates who only want to teach students with visual impairments will achieve a thorough understanding of all required competencies for certification.

Field experiences are provided in both elementary education and visual impairment settings.

Representatives from the Kutztown Lions Club visited KU’s campus for a check presentation, spending time with members of the KU community in the university’s Vision Lab.

The Lions Club International’s mission is to empower Lions Clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, support those in need through humanitarian services and grants that impact lives globally and encourage peace and international understanding.

“The Kutztown Lion’s Club enriches the Kutztown community in a wide variety of ways, and we have a particular focus on supporting those in our community with visual impairment,” said Matthew Dietrich, president. “Now, we are supporting those who have made a professional commitment to serve this very important population.”

“The visual impairment program is one of Kutztown’s finest,” said Alex Ogeka, executive director of the KU Foundation. “The Lions Club’s generous support provides crucial funding to graduate students whose expertise will ultimately shape the lives of individuals with visual impairments, overall strengthening our community.”

To learn more on Kutztown University’s visual impairment program, go to kutztown.edu.

For more information on the Kutztown Lions Club, go to kutztownlions.org.