Julianna Keiter
Staff Writer
Coach John Kochmansky was recognized for his 500th career win while being the head coach of ESU’s baseball team.
“I just wanted to say thank you. I came to ESU as an assistant about 21 years ago,” said Kochmansky. “You know, this award, getting to 500 [wins], it takes a lot of hard work, good players, and a lot of support starting with upper administration and president Long and then the athletic administration.”
He continued saying how he sees his job as more than baseball to him as it’s also about developing young men into being valuable members in the community.
Much more was discussed and celebrated at the Council of Trustees Meeting on Thursday, March 20.
The meeting continued with the President’s report. President Kenneth Long discussed the recent achievements of students since last semester.
“In the academic and student achievement area, we had 1777 students earn and place on the Fall 2024 dean’s list for their exceptional academic performance,” said President Long.
President Long also highlighted some academic achievements amongst students athletes this past Fall.
“Student athletes achieved a record-breaking Fall 2024 semester GPA of 3.376 with over half of the athletes earning a 3.5 or higher. That is over 424 student athletes having a 3.5 GPA or higher,” said President Long. “Impressively, every athletic team achieved a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher for the first time in ESU’s history. Notably, the woman’s cross-country team hosted a record setting 3.773 GPA while our men’s team collectively achieved their highest GPA of 3.257.”
Along with the students’ academic achievements, ESU was ranked second in the Dixion Cup in the PSAC conference.
“So, you couple that with our academic achievements, and I say we have the best athletic program in the country of DII,” said President Long.
Other achievements mentioned were 17 students completing their Accelerated Certification Program for Special Education, the new warrior Esport room, and students participating in the Cosma conference in Las Vegas and the National Collegiate Sports Sales Competition.
Events that will take place on campus in the last weeks of the semester were presented, one of those being the Commencement Ceremony on May 9 and 10.
Christine Donohue, an ESU alumnus from the class of 1972 and a justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, will be the guest speaker for the undergraduate ceremony. A graduate ceremony guest speaker is still being looked for.
The chair’s report brought up the Admitted Student’s event where between 1,600 and 2,000 students will be attending.
While there was no old business, the content of new business included an announcement of the East Stroudsburg Borough Beautification Day on May 3 that over 200 students will be taking part in. The week before is the Pick Up the Poconos Day on April 26.
ESU student. Amalie Jackson was also acknowledged for becoming a retiring trustee. She added how she loves this campus and how she’s, “really happy [she] got this opportunity.”
The next meeting of the East Stroudsburg University Council of Trustees is scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025.