KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University announced Thursday that longtime supporter Donald Lesher '59 will receive the 2026 KU Athletics Legacy Award at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony next month.
 
Lesher graduated from then-Kutztown State Teachers College in 1959 with a degree in secondary education, while also pursuing a major in science and biology.
 
Following his time at KSTC, Lesher joined the Pennsylvania Reading Reserved for the Air Force. He did eight weeks of basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and went on to serve six years in PANG/Air Force Reading Reserves between 1959-65.
 
Lesher taught chemistry, physics and general science at Brandywine Heights Area High School from 1959-61 before embarking on a 29-year career as a development engineer in the analytical-diagnostic laboratory at the Western Electric/AT&T Microelectronics Plant in Allentown, Pa.
 
Lesher established a scholarship for KU students pursuing majors in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science and cinema, television and media production (CTM). He's been a steadfast supporter of the university for more than 40 years.
 
In addition to supporting the academic pursuits of KU students, Lesher is a dedicated fan of Golden Bear athletics, rarely missing a game and regularly cheering on teams from the stands or from home via the PSAC Sports Digital Network.
 
Lesher is passionate about football, basketball, baseball, softball and rugby but holds the utmost respect for, and supports, all KU athletic teams, student-athletes and coaches. Lesher was involved with youth sport programs throughout Berks and Lehigh Counties.
 
Lesher and wife, Patricia, have one daughter, Donna.
 
Lesher will be recognized with the KU Athletics Legacy Award during the university's annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. This year's ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6, at the McFarland Student Union Building's Nancy Jean Stump Seiger '54 Multipurpose Room.
 
For more information and to register for the event, visit https://kuf.org/event/2026-hall-of-fame-induction.