Celebrating the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Annual KASD Education Foundation Reception, the Foundation recognized this year’s Distinguished Alumnus. The reception was held at Setter Ridge Vineyards, Kutztown and catered by the Kempton Kitchen. In addition to the Distinguished Alumnus’ family and friends, the reception was also attended by KASD Administration, School Board and Education Foundation Board Members, and numerous donors.
Distinguished Alumnus, Dr. John J. Siegfried, Class of 1963, addressed the group with a focus on his early work experience on the family farm, the positive impact of his Kutztown Area High School science teachers, as well as the many opportunities his career provided him to learn about a wide range of topics (from peanut butter to NFL TV blackouts) and to influence many important decision makers in business and government (from CEOs to the Supreme Court).
Dr. Siegfried also provided the commencement address at the KAHS graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026. There, Dr. Siegfried told the graduates some stories about his journey through life as an economist in order to highlight a few general principles that have served him well. He asked them to weigh the “future value” of their decisions today including the possible cost of doing nothing. He asked them to maintain “to-do” lists to keep them focused on important things and to help them be “finishers.” He also suggested that they consider acquiring a variety of skills that employers need to give themselves “options” in the future.
Dr. Siegfried concluded with the following advice. “Take calculated risks, work hard, do something you like, maintain integrity (which is hard to acquire but easy to lose), stay healthy and have a good time.”
Dr. John J. Siegfried is recognized as this year’s Distinguished Alumna at the Annual Foundation Reception on May 27, 2026.
Dr. John J. Siegfried delivers the commencement address at the KAHS graduation ceremony on May 28, 2026.