invested in our students HONORING CLASS OF HONORING THE CLASS OF ’50 “WHITEY” ’55 ROBERT SHAEFFER KORKUCH Robert Shaeffer attended Shippensburg State Teachers College twice. The first time was in 1950, but it only lasted a few hours before he decided to join Robert Shaeffer ’55 the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. His return to Shippensburg in 1951 was one of the best decisions Bob ever made. “I think Ship literally saved my life,” Bob reflected. I have no idea what I would have done otherwise and I would not have met my wonderful wife, Sandy.” Bob met Sandy while keeping score at a basketball game. It was love at first sight. After graduating with a BS in Education in 1955, Bob taught high school for three years. He then embarked on a thirty-five year career with Double Day Publishing Company that provided opportunities to meet and work with celebrities such as Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, Bob Hope and Jackie Kennedy. Over the years, Bob and Sandy regularly kept up with fellow SU classmates at the monthly Shippensburg State Teachers College Red Raiders Lunch Bunch group gatherings. The Schaeffer’s were generous supporters of Shippensburg University through their gifts to the SU Foundation. The Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Shaeffer Scholarship was established in 2015 and is another example of Bob’s indebtedness to the university which helped shape his life. Bob and Sandy celebrated over fiftynine years of marriage before Sandy passed away in 2016. Bob recently passed away in November 2020. It was Bob’s desire that their scholarship will help students benefit from a well-rounded Shippensburg education and provide them opportunities that will transform their lives.
Mr. Francis J. “Whitey” Korkuch graduated from Shippensburg State Teachers College in 1950, having earned a BS in Business Education. He began his career in education with the Harrisburg School District. He spent fourteen years in the classroom. In 1966 he was named assistant principal and later principal at Edison Junior High School. Korkuch’s career continued to advance, first with his promotion to principal of the Harrisburg Middle School and then to principal of Harrisburg High School’s William Penn Campus, the position from which he retired. While a student at Shippensburg, he lettered in basketball Francis J. “Whitey” and served as team captain his senior year. During his career in Korkuch ’50 education, he maintained his involvement in sports by coaching basketball, cross-country, and tennis. He also served fifteen years as a basketball and football official. In recognition of his athletic talents, Korkuch was named to Shippensburg University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989. Korkuch and his late wife Jean Zumbrum Korkuch ’49, served their alma mater throughout the years. He was past president of the Alumni Association. He and Jean were also volunteers with the Shippensburg University Foundation. For an untold number of years, “Whitey” and Jean, along with the numerous volunteers they recruited, would travel to Shippensburg to participate in the Annual Fund phonathon. They also served as National Annual Fund co-chairs, Fountain Society co-chairs, and Friends of Old Main co-chairs. In recognition of their valuable service they were awarded the Alumni Association’s “Exceptional Service Award” in 1987. In 1992, during the “To Enhance the Tradition” campaign they established the The Zumbrun/Korkuch Family Scholarship Fund. He passed away recently in November of 2020 and will be missed by the Shippensburg alumni and Raider families.
Shippensburg University Foundation 500 Newburg Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257 Phone: (717) 477-1377 • Fax: (717) 477-4060 Visit us on the web at SUFoundation.org. Like us on F d The SU Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is the official gift-receiving entity for Shippensburg University.
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14 STUDENT SNAPSHOT
16 RAIDER SPORTS
20 FACULTY
40 CLASS NOTES
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IT’S FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
The old steam plant becomes the home to new engineering labs.
ONE CAMPUS, MANY CULTURES
As the country rallies for racial justice, the campus community strengthens its committment to diversity and inclusion.
INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
Author and superintendent of the year Dr. Khalid Mumin ’95 shares the value of leadership.
ship’s log 35 ALUMNI AWARDS OF DISTINCTION 37 CAREER CORNER 46 PHOTO ALBUM
FRONT COVER, Dr. Khalid Mumin ’95 visits Ship.
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from the president
A Bittersweet Goodbye U N I V E R S I T Y M A G A Z I N E VOL. 18, NO. 1 SPRING 2021 Published by Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. PENNSYLVANIA STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Cynthia Shapira, Chair, Board of Governors Dr. Dan Greenstein, Chancellor LAURIE A. CARTER President, Shippensburg University KIM GARRIS Vice President, External Relations and Communications EDITORS IN CHIEF
Lauren Hill Interim Content Services Manager Megan Silverstrim ’06 Media Relations/Social Media Manager ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Anne M. Detter Schaffner Director of Marketing, SU Foundation William Morgal ’07-’10m, Sports Information Director Lori Smith ’95-’07m Director, Alumni Relations CLASS NOTES EDITOR
Stephanie Swanger, Alumni Relations PHOTOGRAPHER
William J. Smith INTERNS
Maci Thornton ’21, Mackenzie Mitchell ’22 DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Kimberly Hess, Creative Services Coordinator Shippensburg University Magazine is published three times a year for alumni, parents, friends, and associates of Shippensburg University. Portions of the magazine may be reprinted without permission if Shippensburg University Magazine is credited. For change of address, please e-mail alumni@ship.edu.
We near the end of the academic year having successfully navigated through the global pandemic as an open and vibrant campus. While we have always been a community that has pulled together to overcome challenges, that collaborative spirit has never been stronger than when we chose to move forward together through the global pandemic. In this magazine, we will look back at this incredible journey and how we made history together. Read how our students embraced the new way of daily life by triumphantly celebrating the rich diversity of our community with Shippensburg University’s first Diversity Week. The brainchild of two of our outstanding students, the week invited all to share and learn about what makes the members of our community unique. From a quilt that covered us to a food truck festival with flavors from around the world, our campus community united. While the events of the week, were socially distant, we drew closer as a community as we gained understanding and new perspective. We are ecstatic to share the renovated and reimagined Steam Plant, now the home of Ship’s engineering labs. The Steam Plant once again serves as a link between
the university and the world preparing our engineers to solve the big problems of our world. In addition, students working in these labs in the name of academic credit will also simultaneously be working alongside and learning from industry partners in solving their realworld immediate problems. These opportunities will drive, for years to come, directly to career paths and deliver solutions to Pennsylvania industry and the workforce. I recently announced that I will be leaving the university this summer to assume presidency of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. It was a bittersweet decision as I have been so honored to have had the privilege of serving as president of this great institution, and I thank you for your continued support and encouragement these last four years. This is not goodbye as there are months to go until I leave and much to do and celebrate. We carry on together as proud Raiders. Sincerely,
President Laurie A. Carter
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, in compliance with federal and state laws and university policy, is committed to human understanding and provides equal educational, employment, and economic opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Direct requests for disability accommodations and other inquiries to the Office of Accessibility Resources, Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299, (717) 477-1364, oar@ship.edu.
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LETTERS WELCOME: We encourage letters to the editor involving issues on articles or topics, the university, or those of general interest to our readership. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length and clarity. Unsigned letters will not be published.
SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
campus One Ship Family, United Apart How do you celebrate homecoming during a pandemic? Last fall 2020, the campus community joined together as one united Ship family, even while apart.
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lumni took part in StayHomecoming with various virtual events throughout the weekend including the announcement of the Athletic Hall of Fame Honorees and the Alumni Awards of Distinction. In addition, alumni virtually enjoyed bingo, fitness classes, trivia, cocktail and mocktail recipes, and a brewery tour of McAllister Brewing Company with alumni Mike McAllister ’08, Dan McCarthy ’08, and Seth Montz ’09-’10m. The Alumni Relations Office also offered HOCO to-go boxes with tumblers, koozies, and more to send the Ship spirit home. Despite COVID-19 limitations, students on the Homecoming Court still managed to collection donations for Ship’s annual Homecoming fundraiser for King’s
Kettle, a local food pantry serving the Shippensburg area. In total, the court raised $16,415. Homecoming’s Majesties were selected and crowned as the top fundraisers for the King’s Kettle cause. Student events were modified and socially-distanced for campus wellness, but the sense of community was still strong
for all Raiders. On-campus, seniors Eliza Resetar and Quamia Wells were crowned Homecoming’s Majesties. Students played yard games, won Ship swag and prizes, and danced the night away during a silent dance party.
Check out all the fun from HOCO 2020 on the next page! >
MARKING 150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 3 Located behind Seth Grove Stadium, the new locker room is
a state-of-the-art building that spans more than 5,000 square feet and boasts 111 modern lockers. Each locker features LED lighting and is outfitted with USB charging ports, an electrical outlet, and a digital lock for possessions. Structurally, the football locker room is connected to Seth Grove Stadium by an extended tunnel that adjoins Student Association Field. The football locker room was made possible by the gift of $2 million from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. The gift, announced in October 2019, specified it be used to build the locker room.
Do you have a photo, video, artifact, or written account of your time at Shippensburg? Please submit your memory to the 150 Year Celebration Planning Committee at SUNews@ship.edu to include in a university timeline and photo collection.
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AROUND CAMPUS
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etc. It was a snowy start to the semester, as students returned to campus on February 22. Students and their furry friends, bundled up, masked up and were excited to be back! DR. ALLISON CAREY’S BOOK Allies and Obstacles: Disability Activism and Parents of Children with Disabilities was awarded the 2021 Scholarly Achievement Award of the North Central Sociological Association, recognizing the book as the best sociology book of the year by an author in the region. THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY enjoyed a virtual performance by Step Afrika! on February 25 as part of Ship’s Black History Month celebration. The performance highlighted historic African America fraternities and sororities, traditional African dances and an array of contemporary dance and art forms. SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY COUNCIL TRUSTEE SECRETARY WILLIAM A. GINDLESBERGER was approved by the Pennsylvania Senate as newest member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors. The board establishes broad educational, fiscal and personnel policies and oversees the efficient management of the State System. Gindlesberger will serve a four-year term.
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CHUCKS AND PEARLS 3 Women of Ship shared, danced and
celebrated their accomplishments during MSA’s Chuck and Pearls SolidariTEA event on March 30.
1871 FROM THE VAULT
May 31, 1871 was a momentous occasion for the history of Shippensburg University. On this day, the Shippensburg community celebrated the ongoing construction of Old Main with a festive parade, music from three bands, speeches from state authorities, and the cornerstone laying ceremony. The one-thousand-pound cornerstone of Pennsylvania marble was placed by a team led by Robert Lamberton, the
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons. Nearly two years later, in 1873, Old Main was complete. The enrollment that first year numbered 217 students, with a faculty of 11 teachers. Classes, the teaching training “’Model School”, student and faculty housing, dining, and religious services all operated within the walls of Old Main. The laying of the cornerstone 150 years ago was the moment that marked the Cumberland Valley State Normal School as an official educational institution and community, and propelled us toward the Shippensburg University we know and love today.
AROUND CAMPUS
Ship Named Voter Friendly
THE SLATE, Shippensburg University’s student-run newspaper, once again earned Student Keystone Media Awards, this time with a school record of seven. The annual award contest, presented by the Pennsylvania News Media Association, recognizes high school and college journalism that provides relevance, integrity and initiative.
Through the work of Ship Votes, a non-partisan coalition of students, faculty, staff, and administrators, Ship is once again named a Voter Friendly Campus.
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hip is one of only 231 schools from 37 states to receive this prestigious designation awarded by the Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The mission of the Voter Friendly Campus designation is to bolster efforts that help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process. Ship was evaluated based on a campus plan to register, educate and turn out student voters in 2020 and an analysis of Ship’s efforts in the upheaval caused by the global pandemic. Each year, Ship Votes works to maximize voter registration and participation among students through a variety of tactics including, registration drives, rides to polls and in-person and digital engagement and education campaigns. “The Voter Friendly Campus designation affirms and bolsters the hard work of the
students, faculty, and staff that steer ShipVotes. We are proud of the designation and we look forward to continuing our work connecting students with civic engagement and civic literacy concepts and resources, both on national and local elections,” said Eyoel Delessa, faculty co-leader of the Ship Votes coalition. During the 2020 election, Ship Votes partnered with the university Athletics Department to launch the #OneShipVotes campaign. The purpose of this collaboration was to focus upon voter registration, voter education and voter participation for all student-athletes, coaches and staff for the general election, state elections and local elections. Additionally, Election Day was designated as a mandatory day off from required athletic activities to promote student-athlete participation in the general election. In total, 462, or 87 percent of student-athletes registered to vote.
THREE SHIP ALUMNI were named among the Top 20 in their 20’s in Harrisburg Young Professional’s (HYP) annual roundup. Honorees are “rising stars in business, culture, and civic life who are making a meaningful impact in their communities and workplaces.” Ship alumni represent 15% of the awarded movers and shakers. Congrats to Rebeka (Elbel) Harriger ’16, Cody Gehman ’15, and Justin Eberly ’14!
SERVICE TO COMMUNITY CONTINUES Service work is a significant part of Greek life at Shippensburg University. However socialdistancing limitations required by COVID-19 forced many organizations to think outside the box. Kappa Beta Gamma set the bar high as they worked to maintain partnerships and serve the community amid a unique semester. The sorority partnered with Reins of Rhythm in spring 2019, a non-profit organization helping youth develop a “love and appreciation for horses as athletes, companions, and therapy partners.” The partnership started when the sisters volunteered to help Reins of Rhythm build their sensory trail. Kappa Beta Gamma also volunteered at their “Santa Pet Photos” event last December and raised $500 for the organization shortly after. “Our partnership with Reins of Rhythm is something our chapter values very highly,” said Kelsey Looney, senior political science major and sorority vice president. “Our sisters really enjoy getting to know all the local children and families and each of their stories as we work with them each week to accomplish their horse riding and horse care goals.”
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Kappa Beta Gamma sent volunteers weekly to assist during lessons, serve as “buddies” for participants, and work as barn helpers. “This past fall when we came back to school, we decided to paint kindness rocks to deliver to Reins of Rhythm to show them our continued involvement in their program despite COVID19 changing our volunteer plans,” Looney said. They painted rocks of all shapes, sizes, and colors, covering them in positive messages for Reins of Rhythm participants to scatter throughout the sensory trail and arena. Shippensburg University’s chapter of Kappa Sigma showed their commitment to community by organizing two fundraisers for military and veteran organizations in 2020. The Kappa Sigma Fraternity, self-noted as the “largest college fraternity in the world”, focuses their national fundraising efforts across all chapters on the needs of military and military families with their Military Hero’s Campaign. Senior ROTC member and Kappa Sigma president, Jack Dougherty, organized the 41st Annual Shippensburg University Military Science 10K or 5K Run to raise money for
the Boulder Crest Foundation—a veteran-led program supporting combat veterans, first responders, and their families suffering from PTSD. The fraternity sponsored the event, which was run virtually in light of COVID-19. Kappa Sigma alumni donated from home to support the race. “Having separate groups and organizations supporting others and tying in alumni showed the constant support system and care for achievement Shippensburg University instills in its students,” said Dougherty. Kappa Sigma’s also continued an ongoing fundraiser called Catch-a-Lift, which helps thousands of post 9/11 combat wounded veterans regain their strength mentally and physically through gym memberships, in-home gym equipment, personalized fitness, and nutrition programs, and a peer support network. Kappa Sigma and Kappa Beta Gamma make Ship proud through their dedication to serve those who need it most through challenging times.
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Keeping our Community Healthy SETTING SAIL DURING TURBULENT SEAS
During the past year, Ship proved itself a State System leader in balancing student experience and community health with innovative programs and technology. Spring 2020: COVID-19 reaches Pennsylvania
Shippensburg University officials watched the reports of COVID-19 reaching U.S. shores followed by its spread throughout the rest of the U.S. The virus was soon reported in Pennsylvania and at the beginning of March, the CDC issued guidance regarding the critical need to support community mitigation protocols to reduce transmission. President Laurie A. Carter announced in an e-mail to campus on March 16 that spring break would be extended, and classes would transition to virtual delivery for the remainder of the semester. Students living in the residence halls were asked to check out over the next week. “I am heartbroken for you,” she wrote. Faculty and staff worked tirelessly to immediately transition all face-to-face
Shaquille Mitchell ‘21, exercise science major and member of the track and field team, empathized, “I feel as though many students are overwhelmed with this semester. It’s their first time ever going to online courses.”
MARCH 16, 2020 Ship implements emergency work from home
MARCH 19, 2020 Non-essential businesses in PA close MARCH 27, 2020 CDC released Level 3 Pandemic Global Health Alert APRIL 1, 2020 State wide stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Wolf APRIL 9, 2020 Governor Tom Wolf closes all PA public schools indefinitely MAY 8, 2020 Restrictions begin to ease in select PA counties Dr. Robin McCann, professor of chemistry, admitted that a virtual environment, “created some big challenges in the classroom and laboratories…”
instruction to virtual delivery. Education matters, and coursework, internships and research projects all had to be reimagined. As the pandemic unfolded, students completed the semester remotely, navigating a new way of learning along with the anxiety of the unknown. Despite the challenges, one of the most pressing needs discovered was quickly and effectively distributing technology required for remote classes to students in need. The SU Foundation’s Annual Fund Leadership Team rose to the challenge by providing students with essential personal
—President Laurie Carter
SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
MARCH 16, 2020 Ship announces extended spring break and virtual end of semester
MARCH 18, 2020 First COVID-19 death in PA
Let it be this moment that our Raider Way character shines: that we bring calm through our compassion; inspiration through our perseverance; that we confront obstacles and find opportunities in the challenges; embracing who we are, and aspire to be.
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MARCH 6, 2020 First cases of COVID-19 hit PA
JUNE 15, 2020 Ship announces plan to return to campus for fall 2020 JULY 1, 2020 Statewide mask mandate issued in public spaces AUGUST 1, 2020 Drive-thru spring commencement ceremony AUGUST 17, 2020 Shippensburg on-campus for the start of fall 2020 semester NOVEMBER 16, 2020 As COVID numbers rise in PA, Ship students return to online learning and staff transitions back to remote work for the winter break DECEMBER 10, 2020 PA hits record high new daily case count for COVID-19 at 12,814 DECEMBER 14, 2020 First COVID-19 vaccine distributed in PA FEBRUARY 4, 2021 Students return to virtual classes with two-week delay to on-campus learning FEBRUARY 22, 2021 Students return to campus and hybrid classes begin
AROUND CAMPUS
“The greatest need students have right now is for technology to complete the semester remotely.” —David Weisgerber ’81, 2019-2020 National Annual Fund Chair
technology, including internet access, to complete a semester from home. Beginning April 2020, non-essential businesses were closed, masks were recommended, and stayat-home orders were issued across Pennsylvania. The CDC issued a Level 3 Pandemic Global Health Alert. Quarantine was officially in effect. The economy faltered.
Summer 2020: Preparations for fall return to campus
As the weather warmed, mitigation and quarantine efforts in PA did in fact “flatten the curve.” Mandates and restrictions began to ease in select PA counties based upon a color-coding system set forth by Governor Tom Wolf. While many schools across the state announced a virtual semester, Ship’s leaders consulted with students, staff, and faculty and began planning for an in-person education. Christopher Clarke, a leader in operational planning, was brought onboard to assist with creating a roadmap that focused on the student experience and health and well-being of the entire community. The plan included mask requirements, social distancing, in-person, virtual and hybrid classes, enhanced sanitation measures, and testing protocols in collaboration with Etter Health Center.
Seniors at Ship celebrated with a drive-up graduation ceremony in August replacing handshakes for elbow bumps, applause for car horns, and ear-to-ear smiles for facemasks.
At the heart of the educational experience was the Meeting Owl, a dynamic 360-degree video technology for classrooms that faculty members embraced as part of the new hybrid teaching modality. This active collaboration tool allowed every student, whether in-person or remote, to fully engage with the rest of the class and faculty member.
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The university announced its plan for returning to campus on July 15 with a revised academic calendar designed to dedensify campus operations and limit travel to and from campus. An educational welcome kit provided masks, hand sanitizer and important mitigation reminders. Temperature check stations, sanitizing and handwashing stations, and informational signage was placed throughout campus. Dining services created options that minimized contact and maximized convenience with many grab-and-go options and added open-air seating. Classroom settings were reimagined and large outdoor tents erected, with a focus on socially distanced seating. Plexiglass dividers became commonplace, and interior classrooms were retrofitted as needed to comply with The American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards and guidelines.
Our facilities staff has been on the ground the entire time. They are our essential workers. Their extraordinary service to the university should be celebrated by us all. —President Laurie Carter
Fall 2020: Sailing with the winds of uncertainty as COVID continued
As students returned to campus for classes, President Carter continued her tradition of announcing the Presidential Medal recipient, this year honoring the entire Facilities Management and Planning team, saying “They worked tirelessly to ensure that buildings are sanitized and safety measures were in place for our return. Our facilities staff has been on the ground the entire time. They are our essential workers. Their extraordinary service to the university should be celebrated by us all.” Senior English major Angela Piper experienced most of her classes via Zoom. She missed the joys of being an English major, like annotating and providing written feedback on classmates’ papers, and acknowledged that “Our professors have been really trying to find new ways for us to engage with each other because they have also felt the awkwardness of Zoom meetings, so I appreciate their efforts.” Senior psychology major Tonji Bell missed attending class in person and participating in hands-on experiences, but felt very supported by Ship faculty, noting “all of my professors have been extremely helpful and understanding.” 12
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Consortium for Understanding the Public’s Policy Preferences Across States showed that nearly half of young adults aged 18-24 were experiencing symptoms consistent with at least moderate depression. Everyone was looking towards the new year.
Spring 2021: A semester of mental health and wellness On October 7, the campus celebrated Halfway Day in the Quad and the CUB with Chocolate Ship cookies, ice cream, and t-shirts encouraging everyone to “Keep Going.” It was only one of the many special events that Student Life reimagined or developed to keep students socially engaged for enhancing their growth and mental health.
Despite the mitigation efforts and the campus community’s dedication, the U.S. and PA saw a spike in COVID cases. Ship cut in-person learning short by one-week. As of November 16, coursework and finals became virtual and staff transitioned to working remotely. Pennsylvania reached the peak of coronavirus infections in mid-December with restaurants and bars again closing for in-person dining. Students felt the economic pain of the flagging economy, and a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded study from The COVID-19
As positivity rates in the region began to drop, the spring 2021 semester kicked-off virtually with a return to in-person slightly later than usual. The campus community settled into new routines but mental health of the campus community was still a pressing concern. With spring break removed from the academic calendar to help minimize potential spread, the university launched Raider Rest Days throughout the semester to provide students a day-long break from Zooming and classes. “One of the things we heard from students is that [online courses are] exhausting. They said they need a moment to catch their breath,” said Dr. Kim Garris, vice president for External Relations and Communications. “So, we’re giving them days in a semester where they can just rest.” Additionally, the College of Education and Human Services (CEHS), in
AROUND CAMPUS collaboration with the Living-Learning Communities, secured a grant from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Suicide Prevention Coalition, which works to develop and implement strategies to reduce suicides and improve the overall wellness of college students. “Suicide affects all ages; however, it is one of the leading causes of death among college-age students. We can all save lives and this training is designed to empower trainees to ask questions and to make a difference,” said Alexandria Karlheim, interim director, First-Year Experience & Community Engagement. The university also introduced Kognito—an online training simulator to help students, faculty and staff talk about student’s mental health.
According to Marsha Bonn, director of recreation and wellness “this training will help faculty, staff, and students recognize if something is not ‘ok’ with a student and how to approach tough conversations.”
and help develop additional mitigation strategies for universities. Ship’s participation in the initiative demonstrates a leadership commitment to research, the health and well-being of its community, and proper mask usage. As the mighty Ship continues on its journey, and the anticipated return to normalcy and in-person classes in fall 2021, the campus and community will continue to prioritize the student experience, student success and continue to make history with innovative and inclusive programs and technology.
Raiders Lead the Way
Ship became a lead partner in the CDC’s MASCUP! Initiative, a study observing if students on college campuses wear their masks properly, on February 22. Ship is one of fifty-five Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) nationwide, and the only State System school, to participate. Results of the MASCUP! Initiative will provide accurate information on mask compliance, improve understanding toward mask use among the IHE population,
Civil engineering students used survey equipment in the Quad, biology classes spent time at Burd Run, and tents outdoors served as lecture halls. It appeared there was no storm the mighty Ship could not endure.
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student snapshot LEADING AN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY SIMULATION
Zemba ’21 Tells Family History IN PA SLOVAK MIGRATION DOCUMENTARY How many relatives can you name on your family tree? Senior Matthew Zemba ’21 has identified over 6,000 people on his using newspapers, birth records, death certificates, church records and other sources. But he didn’t stop there. BY MEGAN SILVERSTRIM ’06
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he Wood Honors College student has turned his love of storytelling and genealogy into a documentary for his senior capstone project, and a presentation at the 2021 Northeast Regional Honors Council Conference. The conference brings together nearly 200 member colleges and universities. Fascinated by his family history and curious about his family name, the communication/journalism major and Trinity High School graduate began researching his family genealogy in 2018. “My great-great grandparents were born in a small town named Lechnica near the Polish border. They immigrated to America in the early 1900s and settled in East Vandergrift, near Pittsburgh. Now that I’ve found their ancestral village, I am looking to understand why they came to America,” said Zemba. “The Zemba Family Story: A documentary on the impact of Slovak Migration in Pennsylvania,” is the culmination of every-
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thing Zemba has learned during his undergraduate experience at Ship. He was excited to turn all of his research into a meaningful narration of his family’s past and credits his experience in the Wood Honors College and the Communication/Journalism Department for giving him the skills he needed to do it. “My education has brought me in-studio experience with SUTV and WSYC, and my coursework has guided me on how to perform intensive research,” he said. He will debut the 20-minute documentary during the virtual conference in April, an experience he says is a humbling opportunity. “I’m honored to have been accepted to the 2021 Northeast Regional Honors Conference. I’m hoping to use my family’s story to tell a much broader story of Slovak migration, a story of human triumph and perseverance,” he explained.
The Washington Model of the Organization of American States (WMOAS) is a five-day simulation in which students from universities from around the region act as delegates for member states, and practice mastering the arts of debate and diplomacy. This March, two senior political science majors at Ship led this unique hands-on political simulation. Brenda Aristy (top right) and Seth Edwards (bottom right) have both previously served as delegates, but this year they were selected as WMOAS officers. Aristy and Edwards were also joined by nearly twenty of their classmates serving as delegates. Aristy was Chair of the Special Committee, which is focused on the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. As chair, she ensured that regulations were followed and that all delegates remained diplomatic in their discussions. As the Secretary General, senior-most position in the WMOAS, Edwards oversaw all delegations and worked to ensure smooth operations of diplomatic sessions. He was also tasked with distributing a crisis scenario, challenging student diplomats to interact rapidly to a real-world based event that requires urgent action. “The most exciting part of the WMOAS is the enriching knowledge you learn in how the international world works, and the ballet of cooperation that takes place every minute of every day out in the world to ensure our societies can function,” said Edwards. Both rank this experience as one of the top in their educational journey, and are thankful for the faculty that prepared them to succeed in this unique hands-on experience. “Dr. Alison Dagnes, Dr. Mark Sachleben, Dr. Sara Grove, and Dr. Niel Brasher have taught me skills that are necessary for the OAS and they challenge me in thinking of new ideas and solutions,” said Aristy. With two officers and two delegations, there is no denying Ship students are making their names known as future leaders on an international level.
ROTC CADET OLESKI ‘21 RANKED NUMBER SEVEN CADET IN THE NATION Senior ROTC cadet Joseph Oleski ’21 a geoenvironmental studies major, was ranked as the number seven cadet in the nation by the United States Army Cadet Command. According to Lt. Col. Michael Firmin, chair of Military Science at Shippensburg University, this ranking includes over 7,000 cadets and is based on a variety of criteria including academic achievement, physical fitness, ROTC leadership performance, and extra-curricular activities. As the only cadet from Pennsylvania to make the top ten, Oleski was surprised and honored to receive the prestigious
recognition, but says it only encourages him to work harder. “If anything, it means there are higher expectations for me to continue performing at my best and to not get caught up in the excitement,” said Oleski. After graduating high school, a family friend encouraged Oleski to apply for an ROTC scholarship. It was the perfect way for him to combine his lifelong dream of serving in the military while getting the quality education his parents had always encouraged him to pursue. He was awarded the scholarship and decided on Ship and the Raider Battalion.
Oleski has many highlights from his time in ROTC, including being one of only a few cadets to ride in an Army Blackhawk helicopter for a field training exercise. “I have never regretted this decision and am incredibly happy that I have followed this path,” explained Oleski. “This [ranking] is a true testament to his leadership acumen and professionalism as he gets ready to transition to his career as an officer in the United States Army,” said Firmin. Oleski will commission and graduate in May 2021. He hopes to become an engineer officer and attend airborne school. In the meantime, his hard work continues. “I know I’m developing my leadership capabilities to best lead soldiers in the future,” stated Oleski.
spotlight on NOAH STEINFELDT ’21
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Hometown: Greencastle Major: Social Work Year: Senior BY MACKENZIE MITCHELL ’22
Senior Noah Steinfeldt is finding plenty of opportunities to learn in and out of the classroom at Ship. But he never expected some of the most important lessons would be about himself. As a social work major, with a minor in disability studies, Steinfeldt hopes to dedicate his future to helping others. But he isn’t waiting for graduation; Noah is making a difference right now as a Ship student. From his role in the Student Government Association (SGA) to his work as a Residence Assistant (RA), Steinfeldt is ensuring he betters the experiences of all Ship students. It is no easy task to be an advocate for others while learning to manage your own challenges and responsibilities. Noah explains, “I feel at Ship I have learned to overcome. There have been many obstacles placed in front of me and though it has been difficult to maneuver around them, I have always found myself succeeding,” Steinfeldt continued. Steinfeldt credited his experience as a RA for developing the skills he needs to be successful. According to housing and residence life, “RAs are the foundation of Residence Life; creating and supporting our on-campus communities. An RA position builds a wide variety of
invaluable skills such as time and project management, peer mediation, teamwork skills, budget management, creativity, and problemsolving. RAs also have opportunities to serve on department and university-wide committees and attend student leadership conferences.”
No matter what career Steinfeldt enters, he is confident his experience at Ship is providing him with the skills he needs to help others. Mackenzie Mitchell ’22 is a junior majoring in Communication/Journalism with an emphasis in Electronic Media.
“I really enjoy being a RA. I am a RA in McCune Hall and have been for two years,” Steinfeldt said. The leadership experience through the RA program has pushed Noah to do more, and he extended his reach by joining the Student Government Association. The group has allowed Noah to explore and learn more about himself and his peers. The Student Government Association appropriates funds to student organizations in addition to serving on university committees to offer student input. Being involved in so many ways gives Steinfeldt perspective. “My involvement has prepared me by teaching me to not take things so seriously. I feel that you always need to find some humor in everything and if you can, have fun” Steinfeldt stated.
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RAIDERS WELCOME SIX NEW MEMBERS INTO HALL OF FAME
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The 2020 Shippensburg University Athletics Hall of Fame class was announced in the fall in a pre-produced video ceremony available online at shipraiders.com. Despite the lack of an on-campus ceremony in 2020, the plan is to afford each inductee an opportunity to be recognized in-person at the 2021 ceremony. RAIDER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Lauren Beckley CLASS OF 2010 • WOMEN’S BASKETBALL • FAIRFIELD, PA/ FAIRFIELD AREA Lauren Beckley graduated in 2010 as the all-time leading scorer in the history of Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Women’s Basketball, a record that she maintains to this day. A twotime WBCA All-American, a three-time PSAC Divisional Player of the Year and a four-time All-PSAC First Team honoree, Beckley graduated as one of just five players in PSAC history with 2,000 or more career points and 1,000 or more career rebounds. (Left to right) Lauren Beckley ’10, Kevin Boccella ’01, Elizabeth Corr ’05, Mary Dell Fuller ’10-’15m, Mike Harris ’09, and Gayle Kuntzmann ’10.
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In 113 career games, Beckley totaled 2,407 points to rank 15th in NCAA Division II history at the time of her graduation. Her career statistics include 1,151 career rebounds, 263 career three-pointers, a 41.1-percent accuracy from three-point range, 532 free throws and an 84.8 freethrow percentage—all of which rank among the Top 10 in PSAC history. Beckley’s single-game school record of 47 points in one game ranks second in PSAC history. Academically, Beckley is the only women’s basketball player in conference history to earn three PSAC Winter Top 10 awards, an honor that recognizes athletic performance and academic success. After playing two years professionally in
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Denmark, Beckley now lives in Philadelphia and works as a fitness and strength coach for MBSC Thrive Philadelphia.
Kevin Boccella CLASS OF 2001 • WRESTLING • KING OF PRUSSIA, PA/ UPPER MERION Kevin Boccella is one of the most successful wrestlers from the first decade of Shippensburg’s transition from the NCAA Division I level to the NCAA Division II level. Boccella qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships in three of his four seasons, winning a pair of NCAA East Region Championships at 184 pounds.
RAIDER SPORTS As a junior in 1999-00, Boccella became the first Raider to make it to a Division II National Championships final, resulting in a second-place finish at 184 pounds to three-time national champion Steven Saxlund of North Dakota. Overall, Boccella finished with 95 career victories, seventh-most in SU history. Boccella’s single-season career high for wins is 30, set as a sophomore. His accomplishments also include a PSAC Championships runner-up finish. Boccella graduated from Shippensburg in 2001 with a degree in sociology. He worked for more than 12 years as a real estate agent and recently returned to school to study physical therapy. He also spent eight years coaching wrestling at his alma mater, Upper Merion High School. Boccella has been married to his wife, Dana, for 13 years. The couple are the proud parents of newborn fraternal twins.
Elizabeth Corr CLASS OF 2005 • SOFTBALL • DOYLESTOWN, PA/ CENTRAL BUCKS WEST Elizabeth “Liz” Corr is a two-time NFCA All-American and a four-time All-PSAC and NFCA All-Region softball player who graduated with multiple school records, including 279 career hits and 164 career runs scored. Corr ranks second in school history with a .398 career batting average. As a senior in 2005, Corr was named to the NFCA All-America Second Team and the CoSIDA Academic All-America Third Team. Her sophomore season resulted in being named the PSAC Eastern Division Athlete of the Year. She was one of the integral members of a Shippensburg softball run from 2002-05 that posted a 162-44 record and won three PSAC Championships and two NCAA MidAtlantic Region championships, finishing third in the nation in 2004 and fifth in 2003. Corr graduated in 2005 with a degree in mathematics and physics and later earned a master of architecture degree from Clemson in 2009. She now works as an architect in Charleston, S.C. Corr married her husband
Brian Leounis in 2016. They are the proud parents of a newborn son, Niko, born November 2020.
Harris, a three-time All-PSAC Eastern Division First Team honoree, set multiple school records, including 197 career receptions and 20 career games with a touchdown reception. He still ranks third in school history for career receiving yards and career receptions and fourth in school history with 25 career receiving touchdowns. To this day, Harris remains one of just three wide receivers in school history with multiple 10-touchdown seasons along with Jamie Ware and Trevor Harman. After earning his undergraduate degree in criminal justice, Harris enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police as a trooper and promoted to the rank of corporal. He is also a member of the State Police Special Emergency Response Team. Harris is married, and he and his wife are the proud parents of two children.
Mary Dell Fuller CLASS OF 2010/ 2015M • WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD/ CROSS COUNTRY • BOILING SPRINGS, PA/BOILING SPRINGS Mary Dell Fuller finished her track & field and cross country career as a nine-time NCAA All-American, a seven-time PSAC Champion, and an NCAA national champion who broke four all-time conference records. Fuller is one of three women in school history to finish as a three-time AllAmerican in cross country. In indoor track & field, Fuller contributed to three All-America finishes with the distance medley relay, including a 2009 national championship. In outdoor track & field, Fuller earned AllAmerica honors in three different events. An exceptional student, Fuller was named the 2010 PSAC Pete Nevins Women’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the 2009 Shippensburg University Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year. She was recognized twice as an Academic AllAmerica First Team selection and received four PSAC Top 10 awards. Fuller graduated in 2010 with a degree in biology, her teaching certification, and a 3.97 cumulative GPA as a member of the Wood Honors College. After graduation, Fuller worked eight years as a middle school science teacher and a coach at Lower Dauphin Middle School. Fuller and her husband Kevin are the proud parents of a baby boy, David.
Gayle Kuntzmann CLASS OF 2010 • WOMEN’S SOCCER/ LACROSSE • HORSHAM, PA/ HATBORO-HORSHAM Gayle Kuntzmann is the only four-time All-PSAC women’s soccer player in school history and one of just four players in school history to earn three or more AllPSAC First Team classifications in lacrosse. In women’s soccer, Kuntzmann is ranked second in school history with 46 career goals and 110 career points as well as fifth in school history with 18 career assists. Her four All-PSAC soccer honors include three First Team classifications, and she was a two-time NSCAA All-Atlantic Region selection. Despite having only played one season of middle-school lacrosse entering college, Kuntzmann made the squad as a freshman and ended her four-year career with school records of 124 career caused turnovers and 206 career groundballs. Kuntzmann earned her undergraduate degree in marketing. She has worked for the last five years for Spinnaker Search Group, LLC as an Operations Manager and a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team. Gayle resides near Philadelphia with her wife and newborn son.
Mike Harris CLASS OF 2009 • FOOTBALL • EAST EARL, PA/GARDEN SPOT Mike Harris, a 2009 AFCA All-American wide receiver and the 2009 PSAC Eastern Division Athlete of the Year, finished as the second football player in SU history (14th in PSAC history) to achieve 3,000 receiving yards in a career.
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sport shorts Construction was completed this winter on turf replacement projects at two of Shippensburg University’s athletic venues: SU Student Association Field at Seth Grove Stadium and Robb Sports Complex/David See Field. TURF REPLACEMENT //
The existing artificial turf surfaces at each venue, first installed in 2010, were near the end of their respective lifespans. Both venues had their turf surfaces removed and replaced with new Astroturf surfaces. Additional drainage work and other minor repairs were also completed at each facility. “The most important aspect of any facility work that we do is to provide improvements that benefit our studentathletes,” said Jeff Michaels, director of athletics. “This is a great development for our student-athletes and I’m excited about our teams being able to use these new fields.”
ACADEMIC SUPPORT // Chartice Wyatt-Thermil was
named the Director of the Kathryn Hughes Seaber Raiders Academic Center for Student-Athletes on August 4, replacing Madeline Mulhall. The Kathryn Hughes Seaber Raiders Academic Center for StudentAthletes, housed inside Ezra Lehman Memorial Library, is colloquially referred to as the RAC. Wyatt-Thermil directs this center, created in 2019, which plays a daily role in retention and academic success for Shippensburg’s student-athletes. A former Division I student-athlete at Robert Morris, Wyatt-Thermil arrived at Shippensburg after working for three years as a student success specialist at IUP.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION // The Student-Athlete Advisory
Committee (SAAC) participated in a three-day NCAA campaign designed to promote diversity and inclusion at its member institutions. Student-athletes were photographed with signs displaying messages that affirmed their personal identities and showed support for each other and the university community at-large.
#ONESHIPVOTES // The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
completed a #ONESHIPVOTES voting registration drive this fall. Its purpose was to register new voters, educate, and encourage participation in the voting process by all student-athletes, coaches, and staff for the general, state and local elections. A total of 462 student-athletes (87 percent of the SU student-athlete population) completed the requirements and were newly registered to vote for the 2020 election. Twelve teams had all their members complete the voter registration requirements for their respective states.
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G /ShipAthletics Ö /ShipURaiders e @ShipRaiders
WELLNESS WEEK LAUNCHED // Shippensburg conducted its inaugural
Wellness Week in October, culminating several days of activities that were designed to educate student-athletes about mental health and provide stress relief. Organized by student-athletes to promote their overall wellness, activities for the week included a mental health awareness walk, a “Trash Your Insecurities” pledge, outdoor yoga, and tie-dyeing masks. Another important component of the week included daily social media challenges that focused on nutrition, mindfulness, proper sleep, and gratitude.
THE RAIDERS RETURN On Saturday, February 27, Shippensburg University had five of its teams in competition. Cross country runners were completing a 5K on a frigid and windy afternoon at the campus recreation fields, swimmers were competing in a meet inside Donald N. Miller Pool, and softball players were in Greensburg facing Seton Hill. It was a day that seemed almost impossible just a couple months earlier. MARCH 12, 2020
NCAA announces cancelation of 2020 winter and spring championships MARCH 13, 2020
PSAC suspends all spring competition (ultimately seasons canceled) JULY 14, 2020
MEN’S BASKETBALL // Justin
McCarthur ‘18 (right) signed a contract with Delikatesas Joniškis, a basketball team that plays in the National Basketball League (NKL). The NKL is the second-tier league in Lithuania and consists of 14 teams. A two-time AllPennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division performer, McCarthur is the best three-point shooter in Shippensburg’s history. His schoolrecord 291 career three-pointers rank ninth in PSAC history.
WOMEN’S TENNIS // Dr. Alison
Feeney (right) was named the head tennis coach on August 31. Feeney served as the team’s faculty-athletic mentor (FAM) during the 2019-20 season after serving as one of two FAMs for the football team in the 2018 season. An active adult-league competitor, Feeney is rated at 4.5 per the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) maintained by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Feeney is also in her third year as a full professor and her twenty-third year overall as a professor of geography and earth science at Shippensburg University.
The newly-renovated courts at Robb Sports Complex debuted in the fall 2020 semester.
PSAC suspends all fall competition through end of calendar year AUGUST 5, 2020
NCAA cancels fall championships NOVEMBER 11, 2020
PSAC announces cancelation of postponed fall sports season NOVEMBER 18, 2020
PSAC announces cancelation of postponed winter sports seasons NOVEMBER 19, 2020
PSAC announces re-scheduled championships for swimming, and cross country The timing of the March 2020 announcement came together at a moment’s notice, and its unprecedented impact was not fully grasped by many for months. But for many Raiders, it was immediate. To those who had already traveled across the country to NCAA Winter Championships—senior swimmer Gabriella Johnson in Ohio, redshirt-junior wrestler DeAndre Reed in South Dakota, five indoor track & field athletes in Alabama, and a men’s basketball team in Indiana, Pa., it couldn’t have been a more abrupt announcement. For senior spring sport student-athletes, it was a sudden impact. Their athletic careers were over—save for those that were able to make significant adjustments to academic and post-collegiate plans. No fanfare, no Senior Day, no chance to put on a uniform again and spend time with their teammates. Knowing this incredible impact on the student-athletes, the athletics department began planning for ways to handle a return to competition that balanced the health and well-being of athletes, coaches, and personnel. In mid-July, the waves of initial planning were altered by the announcement of the
postponement of athletic competition through the end of the calendar year. Despite this adversity, intense planning was conducted all summer long with the intent to go “all in” with the return of fall, winter and spring sports on January 1. That was then dashed just before Thanksgiving. Every season (fall, winter, spring) had lost the equivalent of a full season of competition at that point, and it became a steadfast mission to make sure that spring sports wouldn’t lose a second. Navigating COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone. For those in the realm of athletics, it is an especially challenging set of circumstances. Decisions are made, policies and guidelines change that affect those decisions, and evaluation is constant. The health and well-being of the student-athletes and the department personnel has always been at the forefront of every decision being made. Decisions were made with the express purpose of providing an opportunity for studentathletes to play the sports they love and not lose another season to the pandemic. And Shippensburg has worked hard for the fall and winter sports to ensure that while their competition against other schools is lost, that their season is not completely erased. Teams have been practicing since their return to campus in February and some have been able to schedule exhibition scrimmages against other schools. The athletics department works tirelessly to ensure that the opportunity is present for every team to be able to go about its daily business and interact with one another, whether limited to practice opportunities or engaged in championship season competition. Getting back was important on many levels. While the physical health and wellbeing has been at the forefront for the last year, the return of sports has provided a significant boost to the mental health of the Raiders. Days were dark—very dark—for studentathletes. Sports has been a part of their DNA for virtually their entire life. It’s perhaps motivation that can only be fully appreciated by fellow athletes, but competitors have an intense drive, and upon the arrival of COVID, no outlet for that investment. As one student-athlete wrote, “I hope you know how many student-athletes feel like they have lost themselves. I hope you know how many of us have struggled to get out of bed in the morning because we feel like we don’t have a purpose anymore.” For the Raiders, the playing field and the site of competition is a safe haven away from all of the other maladies affecting everyday life. With the score now being kept again, there’s hope on the horizon. SPRING 2021
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Won’t you be my Raider Neighbor? DUNKEL TEACHES COMMUNITY VALUES BY MACI THORNTON ’21
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urt Dunkel ’98-’04m, Shippensburg University’s director of commuter support, launched the Raider Neighbor program in the summer of 2020 to build stronger connections between SU students and the local community. Raider Neighbor is partially funded by a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) grant and is modeled after other “good neighbor” programs common among several university communities. A good neighbor initiative refers to any activity organized to help to build a positive community culture and meet its program goals. The Raider Neighbor program seeks to create positive relationships by reducing problems often associated with noise, litter, vandalism, assault, and substance abuse. Over the last year, the pandemic has limited the program’s ability to initiate social gatherings, but members of the Raider Neighbor team have used their
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creativity to come up with COVIDfriendly initiatives: passing out resource and safety information, distributing masks and COVID-19 resources, community clean-ups, and finding ways to thank people for working so hard during the pandemic. Dunkel considers the Raider Neighbor initiative “two-fold,” for while program activities are more regulated than usual, the pandemic has re-defined what it means to truly be a Raider Neighbor. “One of the biggest aspects of being a good neighbor is understanding and respecting how your behavior can impact others—whether it be noise, litter, civility, respecting property, and valuing diversity of values and identities. I think COVID has, for all members of our university community, highlighted how important it is to respect others’ space, their health
Dunkel ’98-’04m emphasized, “the team really drives our initiatives. Trey Paul is the one who really wanted to do the clean-up and took a lead with some important aspects of the project.” (Below, left to right) Seniors Shaquille Mitchell (exercise science), Taylor Moore (finance), and Trey Paul (finance) are student leaders in the Raider Neighbor Initiative.
FACULTY FOCUS and well-being, their needs—be it physical, emotional, or mental health,” said Dunkel. Given the COVID-19 ordinances, Dunkel believes Ship faculty, students, and staff have really stepped up as a community. He expressed, “any community is comprised of individuals and groups and I think the Ship community, collectively and individually, has been nothing short of amazing. It has been exhausting, but for many of us it’s a labor of love.” Dunkel continued, “Ship students have been so impressive in the way they have come together to handle this pandemic. The energy, ideas, and positivity of the Raider Neighbor team has helped remind me of the resilience of Ship students.” Raider Neighbor team members took part in a number of organized neighborly activities, like shoveling driveways during winter storms and community clean-ups, but Dunkel said he observes Ship students act like Raider Neighbors every day when they follow COVID-19 protocols, guidelines, and policies. The light at the end of the tunnel grows clearer as the vaccine becomes increasingly available, but Dunkel remains optimistic that Ship will hold onto many of the good habits developed during the pandemic and continue to act as Raider Neighbors. “As a Ship alum and employee, I have a lot of pride and faith in Shippensburg University. I think the community and neighborly spirit that has existed for 150 years will continue.”
…I think the Ship community, collectively and individually, has been nothing short of amazing.
On March 21, the Raider Neighbor team conducted a community clean-up with about 65 student, staff, and faculty volunteers in the Richard Ave., Queen St., High St. and Fort St. area. The project was a collaboration with SAAC, MSA, PANHEL, IFC, Exploratory Studies, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Tau Kappa. Pictured to the right, front row (left to right): AJ Young, junior, criminal justice; Rylie Trexler, freshman, accounting; Shyenne Winter, junior, environmental sustainability; Lilia Wiltshire, sophomore, psychology; Taylor Moore, senior, finance; Megan Nardi, junior, human communication studies. Back row (left to right): Kurt Dunkel ’98-‘04m, Kayla Goubeaux, junior, human communication studies; Alec Stimson, senior, marketing and economics; Averie Bye Dickerson, senior, geoenvironmental studies; Lael Thomas, junior, psychology; Trey Paul, senior, finance; and, Shaquille Mitchell, senior, exercise science.
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SPEAKING UP FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS Dr. David Bateman, professor of special education at Shippensburg University, served as a pro bono expert in the Flint, Michigan special education class action lawsuit. Dr. Bateman was one of three educational experts to offer services toward the settlement, which seeks to provide support to students who are eligible for special education after lead exposure from unclean water. Defendants in the case, Michigan Department of Education (MDE), the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD), and Flint Community Schools (FCS), all agreed to provide funding and services to students as a result of the settlement. According to Dr. Bateman, “all school districts have obligations to seek out and identify all students who may be eligible for special education. States also have responsibilities to ensure local school districts do what they are supposed to do. In this instance, the districts need to do a better job of identifying students, and the state needs to do a better job monitoring local school districts.” As an internationally renowned special education scholar, Dr. Bateman participates regularly in external professional work like this settlement, providing a plethora of experiences to share with students. Dr. Bateman teaches the special education law class for the educational leadership program—the perfect opportunity to bring his experience from the Flint, Michigan lawsuit to the classroom. “I will focus on the harms to students when they do not get appropriate services, the long term societal costs when students do not receive an appropriate education, and the need to train all teachers in identifying students who might need assistance.” Dr. Nicole Hill, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services, commended Dr. Bateman for his professional pursuits. “I am proud to have Dr. Bateman as an esteemed colleague in the College of Education and Human Services.” Dr. Bateman adds significant value to both Shippensburg University and to the public discourse of special education.
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IN THE WORDS OF…
DR. JOSEPH SHANE
Ever been curious about how to integrate science into your religious outlook? Shippensburg University and Dr. Joseph Shane, professor of chemistry and science education, hosted the Annual Forum on Science and Religion to explore these topics. How long have you been working with this forum? 2021 marks the thirteenth year I organized and hosted a forum on the interactions between science and religion. What was this year’s discussion titled? “Science, Religion, and the Common Good.” Who participated? The forum was an opportunity to bring many other respected scholars and science-religion boundary pioneers to our community. It was open to the public for participation, and included clergy, scientists and writers from the Sinai and Synapses Fellowship, a small interfaith group dedicated to elevating the discourse and conversation around religion and science. What made you interested in the relationship between science and religion? My interest in science and religion began 15 years ago when a student came to my office hours during the fall semester of 2005 to discuss the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School Board trial that was occurring in a federal courthouse in Harrisburg. A group of parents, led by Tammy Kitzmiller, brought a case against the Dover school board, for a statement that the board approved, suggesting that “intelligent design” be considered as a scientifically viable alternative to evolutionary theory. Judge John E. Jones III ultimately ruled the board’s actions as unconstitutional, rejected intelligent design as empirical
science, and established historical and causal links between intelligent design, its creationist antecedents, and elements of Christian Fundamentalism in the United States. I’ve been committed to exploring and discussing the topic ever since. Do you participate in dialogue around this topic throughout the year? For nearly 15 years, I’ve taught short courses on the field at various churches and public venues, as well as an interdisciplinary honors seminar at Shippensburg University. In 2019, I co-authored, Making Sense of Science and Religion: Strategies for the Classroom and Beyond, published by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). Do you find any particular significance to discussion around this relationship given the year people have had in 2020? The SARS-CoV-2 virus and pandemic have raised a host of issues, many of which are both scientific and religious in nature. For example, disease and public health, race and racism, economic justice and inequality, and information and biotechnology. [The Fellows] gave their insights as to how they personally view the sciencereligion relationship as well as specific and contemporary issues where science and religion can and must work for the common good.
Bringing a Photo to Life
DR. CLAIRE JANTZ RECOGNIZED AS ROLE MODEL AND LEADER
KARIN BOHLEKE RECREATES LOST WEDDING GOWN FOR WINTERTHUR MUSEUM
Dr. Claire Jantz is making a positive and sustainable difference in the South Mountain region. She was recently recognized with the Spirit of South Mountain Award, granted each year by the South Mountain Partnership (SMP) to honor an individual who works to advance the South Mountain Landscape.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in Dr. Karin Bohleke’s case, it was worth well over a thousand stitches. The Winterthur Museum, a museum of American decorative arts in Delaware, commissioned Bohleke, director of the Fashion Archives and Museum of Shippensburg University, to recreate the lost 1916 wedding gown of Ruth Wales du Pont, wife of the museum’s founder, Henry Francis du Pont. Armed with two photos of the gown and a few newspaper clippings, Bohleke went to work mostly handsewing a replica. She identified the style type of the gown in surviving photos, and used her costume history knowledge to recreate areas hidden by the bouquet and veil. Bohleke used a 1916 silk dress from Shippensburg’s Fashion Archives Museum as a template for many of the interpretive sections. “Creating this dress was a fascinating and challenging project given that I had two photographs from which to work and the original dress does not survive. The New York Times reported that the dress was silver, and finding a good silver fabric was difficult,” explained Bohleke. To recreate the veil, which was originally worn by du Pont’s grandmother in the 1850’s, Bohleke used scraps of 100-plus-year-old antique lace. The completed dress and veil are now featured in the “Lady of the House” exhibit at the museum, which was once the 175-room house of the du Pont family.
“Dr. Jantz’s work is transforming the South Mountain landscape from a region with little support available to partners wanting to make meaningful, data driven decisions about land use planning, transportation, conservation, recreation, and sustainability into to a region with a highly-regarded and accessible sustainability research center,” said Katie Hess, director of the South Mountain Partnership and director of Pennsylvania Landscape Conservation Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Jantz is a professor of geography/earth science and director for the Center for Land Use and Sustainability at Shippensburg University. She is a founding member and chair of the Friends of Michaux State Forest, working with DCNR to protect 85,000 acres of Michaux State Forest that house natural, cultural, and recreational resources at the heart of the South Mountain. Jantz recently protected one of the region’s remaining 19th century iron furnaces, Big Pond Furnace, from development and arranged transfer to The Archaeological Conservancy for permanent protection and future research. “It is imperative that we develop more role models like Claire to be bridges between academic disciplines and local communities and organizations and who help us to bring all people together to creatively solve the problems that we face as a region and a society,” said Hess.
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It’s Full Steam (plant) Ahead for the School of Engineering On April 13, 2021, Shippensburg University celebrated the opening of the new home for the School of Engineering. Located in the remodeled and reimagined Steam Plant at the entrance to campus, the new facility boasts state-of-the-art engineering labs and an eco-friendly and energy efficient design.
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During the ceremony, Shippensburg University President Laurie A. Carter reflected on the history of the building and the important role it has played. Right outside the walls of the Steam Plant, the railroad, now the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, delivered goods, services, guests and students to the entrance of campus. “Now, the Steam Plant once again serves as a link between the university and the world preparing our engineers to solve the big problems of our world. In addition, students working in these labs in the name of academic credit will also simultaneously be working alongside and learning from industry partners in solving their real-world immediate problems. These opportunities will drive, for years to come, directly to career opportunities and deliver solutions to Pennsylvania industry and the workforce,” said Carter.
Beyond academics
Ship launched its first engineering program, computer engineering, in 2011. Software and electrical engineering followed next, and for nearly a decade all three ABET accredited programs were housed in the Department of Computer Science at the Math and Computing Technologies Center. In 2018, Ship introduced the School of Engineering as civil and mechanical engineering programs were launched. Engineering students attended class and conducted labs in various locations across camps including Franklin Science Center, the Mathematics and Computing Technologies building and even in the Reed Operations Center. As the programs grew and the lab equipment needs of students expanded, the need for a larger facility that met the needs of students became evident. Dr. Moayyad AlNasra, chair of the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, served on the committee responsible for identifying the state-of-the-art equipment needed for all twelve labs within the new facility. According to AlNasra, “50 percent of the learning is in the labs.” Construction on the building began in January 2020 after an extensive feasibility study, conducted by Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates. Features of the transformed building include a civil engineering lab, a fabrication lab and welding area. The second level now houses classrooms and additional lab space where students can put their theories into practice. AlNasra noted that the learning environment provided in the Steam Plant is required for accreditation, but the real driving force behind the move is students. The school wanted to ensure their students receive the hands-on experiences they need to succeed in their fields.
“These opportunities will drive, for years to come, directly to career opportunities and deliver solutions to Pennsylvania industry and the workforce.” The School of Engineering opened for student labs in Spring 2021.
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“Students can be engineers when they get here. They can do the things engineers do in the field, the way engineers do it in the field. It goes beyond an academic experience on a white board,” explained Dr. Carol Wellington, director of the School of Engineering.
The student experience
Mechanical engineering student Briana Paey says using the new labs and equipment this semester can “put theory into practice.” For mechanical engineering majors specifically, they can now enjoy the splendor of a new manufacturing lab equipped with lathes, bandsaws, a CNC machine, and a 10-ton hydraulic press. Erika Ebersole, another junior mechanical engineering student, mentioned the challenges of conducting labs in the basement of the Reed Operations Center due to lack of space. She is excited to start working in the new space. “The lab portions of these classes are so important in order to get real-world experience,” said Ebersole. Many students like Ebersole and Paey were provided glimpses of the equipment awaiting them in the new facility as it was under construction. The wait is finally over, and they can now take full advantage of all that the School of Engineering has to offer. Ebersole expects that the new lab amenities will also make her a more qualified job candidate. “Having the hands-on experience and knowing how to use the equipment for hardness tests, hydraulic tests, and more will give me a step up in any job/interview I apply for.” She continued, “this new facility will also help me better explore my own interests and determine which type of internships and jobs I would enjoy the most.” While programs like civil engineering are new at Ship, “the completion of the steam plant shows how seriously the university is taking the development of the school,” said junior civil engineering major Christopher Lehman. From his perspective, the School of Engineering displays Ship’s commitment to the growth of its programs and the students they serve.
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Climate Action Plan Commitment Continued Not only does the newly renovated space serve students, but it further enhances Ship’s commitment to sustainability. In the spring of 2020 President Carter signed the Campus Climate Commitment on the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, agreeing to develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan by 2023. The Steam Plant was decommissioned in 2015, and the shift to natural gas reduced the university’s carbon footprint by 31 percent. In the process of repurposing the vacant building, spray-in foam wall insulation, energy efficient windows, and new HVAC equipment with the highest efficiency rating were installed.
“Having the hands-on experience and knowing how to use the equipment for hardness tests, hydraulic tests, and more will give me a step up…”
Engineering students show off their new academic home.
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“…I believe now is the perfect time to open our minds and remember that at the end of the day, we are all humans and together we equally represent our Ship family.” Lucas Everidge, junior political science major
MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS
“I have lived with assumptions and jokes through my years but having the opportunity to share it was such a fulfilling experience.” Skylar Walder, freshman history major
“… we are committed to inclusive excellence and to ensuring that all of us in our community are welcomed as part of the Ship family.” Laurie Carter, President
WOMEN’S CENTER OFFICE OF NONTRADITIONAL STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE OF EQUITY, INCLUSION AND COMPLIANCE
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As the United States reached a tipping point in the fight for racial justice and equality this past year, Shippensburg University solidified its commitment to diversity and inclusion with the launch of a new student-led initiative.
Diversity Week
OFFICE OF ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES VETERAN SERVICES FIRST GENERATION PRIDE CENTER
An ongoing pandemic, a historic presidential election, and unprecedented racial tension dominated the headlines as students navigated the fall semester. With many on campus and across the country feeling overwhelmed, two Ship students found themselves inspired. Junior business administration major Lance Hines-Butts and junior political science major Lucas Everidge saw opportunity in adversity. “Tensions are high right now in society, and because of that, I believe now is the perfect time to open our minds and remember that at the end of the day, we are all humans and together we equally represent our Ship family,” said Everidge.
Lance Hines-Butts speaks to crowd during Diversity Week.
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With this thought in mind, Everidge and Hines-Butts set out to plan Ship’s inaugural Diversity Week celebration. The goal of the week, to initiate judgmentfree conversations and foster a sense of community and openness. Working with faculty, staff and students, they planned a week of programing, addressing gender, sexuality, racial, ability, religious, political and ethnic diversity. In-person and virtual events each day brought the campus community together to tackle their differences and find understanding. Kicking off on October 11, nearly 100 people gathered at the Hockey Rink to celebrate National Coming Out Day. Sophomores Jarel Wilson and Chantè Robison, and junior Tyler Hill, members of the Free To Be Me And You group with Multicultural Student Affairs, shared their stories at a socially-distanced event. The National Coming Out Day event on Sunday concluded with an emotional and powerful balloon release paying tribute to members of the LGBTQ+ community who have passed on. Diane Jefferson, director of Multicultural Student Affairs, stated that the theme for the event was “love is in the air.” Attendees set pink heart balloons free into the evening sky representing the release of coming out or becoming their true selves. Dr. Alison Dagnes, professor of political science, hosted a “Political Speed Dating” event, highlighting the importance of talking to people who think differently than you. Participants spent five-minute rounds talking, listening and asking questions with partners who held different opinions on American politics. MSA and the ACT Committee (Ask, Communicate, Teach Tolerance) unveiled their project, “A Quilt to Cover Us All”. The hand-sewn quilt with patches from various campus groups was designed to help generate a spirit of unity and call for justice. In addition to the quilt, MSA sponsored a dedication ceremony of the newly renovated Gilbert Hall, followed by a student-driven storytelling event to capture how one’s race uniquely impacts and shapes campus and community life. Storytellers included: Senior Leah Mottershead, senior Brenda Aristy, ODL graduate student 30
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Students connect during “A Quilt to Cover Us All” and food truck event.
Ramses Ovalles, senior Katherine Hargrove, sophomore Nequwan Ali, and senior Quamia Wells. Diversity Week 2020 concluded with a Diversity Celebration Day. A food truck festival took the community on a journey around the world including Mexican tacos, Greek gyros, Iraqi and Argentinian empanadas, and Philly cheesesteaks. Students concluded by lighting up the night with a Ship Unite luminary ceremony and late night Glo Celebration sociallydistanced dance party.
One Campus, Many Cultures
The week-long celebration sparked a year-long theme the entire campus community adopted with open arms. The
“One Campus, Many Cultures” theme that branded diversity week appeared all over campus and motivated the community to keep diversity and inclusion at the forefront of its work. As students returned to campus for the spring semester in February, the university celebrated Black History Month. In a message to campus, President Laurie A. Carter encouraged everyone to engage, listen and reflect on the work done and the work ahead. “At Shippensburg University, we are committed to inclusive excellence and to ensuring that all of us in our community are welcomed as part of the Ship family. As we celebrate Black History Month in February, our commitment to inclusive
excellence pushes us to continually reflect on our hard work to lead and serve in times of racial reckoning, discrimination, and social inequities,” said Carter. The month featured the virtual series “Let Every Department Shine,” with faculty from various academic departments showcasing the wide-ranging achievements of Black Americans. The Luhrs Center presented the virtual performance “The Roots of Black Music in America” and MSA hosted a dinner in Reisner featuring African and African American historical recipes. In March the campus community recognized Women’s History Month, with a keen focus on the women of Ship. President Carter headlined a virtual leadership seminar and was joined by several leading female African American college presidents/administrators. The Alumni Association hosted virtual lunch and learn leadership sessions featuring Kim Dixon ’84, Barrie Ann George ’88-’89m, and Denise Calabrese ’86. And with service an ever present priority at Ship, the Office of Community Engagement collected unused and unopened hygiene products to Women in Need and the Ship Student Food Pantry located in the Spiritual Center. And as reports of Asian hate crimes increased and the violent shooting of six Asian women in Georgia took over headlines, the campus community united to take a stand once again. During the #StopAsianHate vigil, organized by the ACT committee, freshman history major and Korean living in America, Skylar Walder welcomed the moment to share her story. “I have lived with assumptions and jokes through my years but having the opportunity to share it was such a fulfilling experience. It was a great turn out: students, administration, faculty and staff all came out to listen from speakers and remember the lives that were lost. As a student, it was an event where I hope people learned the reality of being a minority in a not only predominately white university, but country,” said Walder. In her February message to campus, President Carter well defined the road of change and inclusion that lays ahead at Ship.
“Excellence is not static. It is dynamic. Achieving inclusive excellence means constant reexamination of our efforts and practices. In the face of fear, frustration, and discomfort, we are asked to translate our values of inclusion and diversity
consciousness into action consistently,” she said. Much work remains for all communities, but Ship is committed to do the work and move forward as one campus of many cultures.
Excellence isisnot “Excellence notstatic. static.ItItisis dynamic. Achieving inclusive excellence means constant reexamination of our efforts and practices.” practices.
(Top) Guests at “A Quilt to Cover Us All” unveiling. (Middle) Campus celebrates International Education Week with annual flag display. (Bottom) International foods served in Reisner Dining Hall.
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I N F I N I T E POSSIBILITIES Educator, Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year, author—for Dr. Khalid Mumin ’95, 2020 was a year of achievement despite the challenges. ach year, the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators selects a Superintendent of the Year. The individual is acknowledged for their leadership for learning, communication skills, professionalism and community involvement. All traits one might say this year’s winner, Dr. Khalid Mumin ’95, superintendent of the Reading School District, wrote the book about. And this past year, he actually wrote a book. In his new book, Problem Child: Leading Students Living in Poverty Towards Infinite Possibilities of Success, Mumin shares much of his personal childhood experience as a “problem child.” He helps readers to examine “the historical constructs of youth growing up in poverty and emphasizes the ways in which influential mentorship have become one of the major pillars of success.” The importance of mentors is something he’s witnessed in his tenure in education, but also during his experience at Ship. “As an educator, I had some of the greatest teachers and professors here that really helped me to be successful in my career,” Mumin said during a fall visit to campus. And during that visit, President Laurie A. Carter congratulated Mumin on his Superintendent of the Year honor and presented him with an award acknowledging his alma mater’s pride in his career defining achievement. When Mumin stepped in to lead one of the largest urban school districts in the state, which also was one of the poorest, he faced unsettled budgets, failing infrastructure and eight bargaining units without contracts for five years. With a 32
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Dr. Mumin right at home on a visit to campus.
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student population nearing 18,000, 93.3 percent were economically disadvantaged, 18.2 percent were English language learners and 16.1 percent were special education learners. Coupled with a transient student population and extremely low test scores, Mumin faced a steep uphill climb.
Channeling the very type of leadership and mentorship he champions in his book, Mumin was swift to make meaningful change for students. He guided the implementation of blended learning programs designed to reengage dropouts, streamlined lesson planning for 13 elementary schools, increased the number of school social workers and counselors, and created engagement opportunities for the families of English Language Learners. And today, other struggling school districts are modeling the work happening in Reading Area School District. And perhaps his greatest accomplishment, restoring the pride
students, teachers and families feel for their school district. With the use of the #RSDProud hashtag on social media, the district community shares with the world, their accomplishments. Even as he accepted the title of Superintendent of the year it was his pride in his district and his commitment and the opportunities that await his students that were front and center. He tweeted, “The many words of encouragement have me full of emotions, thankfulness and humility. Your support, motivation, and the grace of ‘The Most High,’ keep me forever focused on opening doors for our youth leading to infinite possibilities of success. #RSDProud.”
“It’s all about building positive relationships, understanding where kids come from and how you move them and focused in on the prize.” Mumin spends time in the classroom (photos taken pre-COVID).
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alumni
Honoring our Alumni With over 70,000 alumni living across the country and internationally, there is no shortage of our alumni making their marks on their professions and in their communities. 2020 ALUMNI AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
T
he Shippensburg University Alumni Awards are presented annually to alumni in the categories of Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni, Lifetime Achievement, Cultural Impact and Exceptional Service. In 2020, Shippensburg University recognizes ten individuals. Congratulations to Shippensburg University’s 2020 alumni award honorees. DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI: In recognition of distinguished achievement in one’s field of endeavor for the benefit of the community and society.
Barbara (Bechtol) Cross ’04m Cross earned her Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership in 2004. She served with the US Marine Corps for 25 years and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Lt. Col. Cross is a member of Ship’s Advisory Board, College of Arts and Sciences, and has established an ROTC Scholarship for a student studying STEM. Cross was appointed to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners by the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas in 2008, and served as Chair of the Board. Her community service involves membership on UPMC Carlisle, Bio-Medical Ethics Committee, the Board of Directors, Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and
OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI: Forty years old or younger in recognition of outstanding achievement in his/her field of endeavor for the benefit of the community and society.
Perry Counties, Lay Ministry at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Carlisle and she is a past Board Member of Leadership Cumberland and a recipient of their Distinguished Service Award.
Joseph O’Neill ’05
O’Neill earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication/ Journalism with a concentration in Electronic Media in 2005. He now serves as the Director of Visual Media at Dickinson College. O’Neill has been the recipient of 9 Regional Emmy® Awards and 23 Emmy® nominations from various regions, and more than 50 additional awards for his exemplary work in the field.
Kim (Daly) Dixon ’84
Dixon received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 1984 and her MBA from Penn State. She is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FedEx Office, and previously Senior Vice President of Consumer Sales and Distribution at Sprint Nextel Corp. In 2013, Dixon was nominated as one of the Top 25 Women in Business by the Dallas Business Journal.
Jessica (Barkley) Lorance ’10 Lorance obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in International Management in 2010. Lorance is employed as the Homeless Services Program Review Specialist Coordinated Entry Screening and Referral System Coordinator for the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services. She is also the Founder and Coordinator of the CommUNITY Connection Events, where she connects the most vulnerable population of San Luis Obispo County to vital resources. ▸
Stephen Gironda ’89 Gironda obtained his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1989. He currently serves as Sales and Marketing Manager at SERVPRO Industries. Prior to that position, he had a 17-year career with the FBI and DOJ and last served as the National Program Manager of the Document and Media Exploitation Teams in San Diego, Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix, El Paso and at the Utah National Guard.
ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF 〉 Lori Smith ’95-’07m, director; Stephanie Swanger, clerk typist
ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS 〉 Robert Sisock ’05-’06m, president, deputy court administrator, Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts; Tim MacBain ’03, president-elect, educator, Upper Dublin School District;
Caryn Earl ’98, immediate past president, director, Bureau of Food Distribution, Department of Agriculture; Paula Alcock ’92, member-at-large, fiscal contract supervisor, PA Key; Tim Bream ’87, IT compliance lead, Spark Therapeutics; Joe Carothers ’76, retired director sales and marketing; Sarah Charles ’05, director of public engagement, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Josh Shapiro; Lynne Daley ’83-’84m, senior vice president business solutions, Bank of America; DeAngelo Harris-Rosa ’13, trial commissioner, Philadelphia Court of Commons Pleas; Moriah Hathaway ’19, executive director, Pennsylvania Commission for Women; Carol Verish Houck ’99, attorney, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC; Johanna Jones ’92-’00m, counselor, Carlisle Area School District; Elizabeth Karper ’17, IT specialist, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP); Josh Lang ’13, operations manager, H-B-R Family Health Center; Stephen Latanishen ’12, liaison for boards and commissions, Office of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf; Michele Legge ’88, owner, Magnolia Heights Marketing; Holly Lubart ’99, director of government affairs, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association; Kenneth Minefield ’87, intake supervisor, Allegheny County Child, Youth, and Families; Melissa Morgan ’06-’08m, legislative policy analyst, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors; Julie Perez ’91, educator, Washington County Schools, Maryland; Hayden Rigo ’16-’17m, deputy chief of staff, Pennsylvania Department of Auditor General; Keith Russell ’17, financial advisor, UFinancial/MassMutual; Steve Thomas ’04, member-at-large, planning director, Franklin County of Pennsylvania; Dave Thompson ’69, retired copy editor; Evan Wabrick ’12-’13m, tax manager, Smith Elliott Kearns & Co; Daniel Wise ’95, Cpl. Officer-in-Charge, Millersburg Police Department.
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Jonathan Moats ’10 Moats received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance in 2010. He has also obtained his Master of Business Administration in Global Management from the George Washington University. Jonathan is currently the Senior Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis at Capital One. Moats is chair for the College of Business Finance Advisory Council for Shippensburg University. He’s also a US Army Veteran and holds multiple decorations including three Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, two Iraq Campaign Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. CULTURAL IMPACT: In recognition of the direct impact on diversity and cultural experiences of students on campus.
Michael Toledo ’93 Toledo graduated in 1993 with a bachelor degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Michael is the President & CEO of the Centro Hispano in Reading, PA. A lifelong resident of Berks County, he has served in this capacity since 2010. Michael’s commitment to the community in which he lives, works, and raises his family is evident in his community engagement efforts in the city with a focus on education and helping to lift vulnerable families out of poverty in Reading. Michael is a member of the Inaugural class of Presidential Leadership Scholars.
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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: In recognition of life-long career achievement.
Andrew Papoutsis ’72 Papoutsis’ professional career has spanned 45 years in manufacturing operations. Andy’s expertise in metals fabrication/manufacturing and metals procurement comes from his time at Grove Worldwide (now Manitowoc) and Ingersoll-Rand. At Ingersoll-Rand, Andy was responsible for setting up and managing their first China operations. Starting with just three employees, today this operation contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in value annually to its present company. He retired from Ingersoll-Rand to buy into a small steel fabricating company which became APX Enclosures. Andy has established a scholarship in memory of his parents, The Vasilios and Demitra Papoutsis Memorial Scholarship. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE: To recognize and thank outstanding persons who have given unselfishly of their time and efforts for the betterment of Shippensburg University.
Dora Addams Dora Addams is a friend of Shippensburg University. Known for her service to the Fashion Archives and Museum (FA&M) housed at Shippensburg University, the exhibit gallery bears her name. An
exceptional seamstress, Dora turned 100 years young on September 17. For many years, Dora volunteered weekly to conserve the textile collection at FA&M, as well as serve on the FA&M Advisory Council. Growing up, Dora always wanted to attend Shippensburg to study education and become a teacher. However, her parents could only afford to send one of their children to school, so they sent her brother. But Dora’s love for Shippensburg never wavered. To support other young adults to achieve their education, Dora has endowed the Dora Addams Scholarship which benefits incoming freshmen majoring in Art.
John Knutelsky ’80 Knutelsky is a 1980 graduate who received his Bachelor of Arts in GeoEnvironmental studies. John’s service to his community includes serving on the Shippensburg University Arts and Sciences Advisory Board, as past-president of the Shippensburg University Red Raider Board, member of the Shippensburg Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the board for Cumberland Franklin Joint Municipal Authority, and former vice president of the Shippensburg Non-Profit Housing Authority. In retirement, John also serves the Shippensburg Township as township park manager. Expanded bios on the 2020 honorees may be found online at ship.edu/alumni/ homecoming/awards. To nominate an individual for recognition, nomination forms are online at ship.edu/alumni.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Shippensburg University takes pride in its growing partnership with the Peace Corps, by implementing the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program. At Ship, the partnership means Peace Corps volunteers have the opportunity to join the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, where they may share their experiences and expand on skills attained from their work in underprivileged countries. The Coverdell Fellows program brings Shippensburg’s partnership with the Peace Corps full circle, as Ship is currently one of only five Peace Corp Prep programs in Pennsylvania.
SHIP’S LOG
Meet Your Alumni Board of Directors
Alumni board members work together and collaborate with the Alumni Relations Office to increase the visibility and vitality of Shippensburg University and the Alumni Association. Newly elected board members Minefield ’87, Melissa (Wilbur) include: Sarah Charles ’05, Morgan ’06-’08m, Julie (Ritchey) director of public engagement, Perez ’91, Hayden Rigo ’16-’17m, PA Office of Attorney General; Keith Russell ’17, Dave Thompson Moriah Hathaway ’19, executive ’69, and Daniel Wise ’95. director, PA Commission for The alumni board assists with Women; Elizabeth Karper ’17, IT advising the Alumni Relations Sarah Charles ’05 Moriah Elizabeth Evan Wabrick specialist, NAVSUP; and, Evan Office on alumni programming Hathaway ’19 Karper ’17 ’12-13m Wabrick ’12-’13m, taxmanager, and activities, evaluates Smith Elliott Kearns & Co. Alumni members currently representing programs, brainstorms new initiatives, and The elected 2020-21 executive board the alumni association are: Tim Bream ’87, promotes the common success of alumni includes: Bobby Sisock ’05-’06m, president; Joe Carothers ’76, Lynne (Highsmith) Daley and Shippensburg University. Board Tim MacBain ’03, president-elect; Caryn ’83-’84m, DeAngelo Harris-Rosa ’13, Carol members volunteer with Alumni Weekend, (Long) Earl ’98, immediate past-president; (Verish) Houck ’99, Johanna (Williams) Homecoming, the Alumni Admissions Paula (Biesecker) Alcock ’92, member-atJones ’92-’00m, Josh Lang ’13, Stephen Program and much more. Candidate forms large; and, Steve Thomas ’03, member-atLatanishen ’12, Michele (Gegg) Legge to apply as a board director may be found large. ’88, Holly (Oughton) Lubart ’99, Kenneth online at ship.edu/alumni.
CAREER CORNER
HELPING BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY RESPOND TO NEW WORKFORCE REALITIES Remote work and new business realities necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic are not likely to go away any time soon, and the quick shifts in these areas have left many workers, businesses, and job seekers with a gap in skills. The Office of Professional, Continuing, and Distance Education and the Career, Mentoring, and Professional Development Center have been responding to these needs through new trainings designed to assist those working remotely or small businesses and job-seekers that are navigating a new, increasingly digital environment. These trainings are short, noncredit, and virtual to offer maximum flexibility. Remote Work Skills trainings were offered in August, November, and December in partnership with Downtown Organizations Investing Together (DOIT) in Shippensburg, with topics including self-management, time-management, and organization for working remotely. More focused training sessions have included topics such as telehealth, remote job-
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS 3
Shippensburg University (SU) and Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) forged a partnership, creating new opportunities for students in the Philadelphia region. The dual admissions transfer agreement, signed by SU President Laurie A. Carter and CCP President Dr. Donald Guy Generals, provides students a timely, cost-effective and deliberate path to increasing their educational attainment and employability potential from CCP to SU.
searching, and marketing through digital means. You can see all upcoming non-credit programming at ship.edu/academics/ colleges/pcde. If you are interested in learning more about upcoming training opportunities or developing customized training opportunities for your business with Shippensburg University contact at pcde@ship.edu.
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A news family celebrates recognition
Spotlight on ® Emmy awardwinner Nathan Yerges ’13 Nathan Yerges ’13 credits his Emmy® award-winning success in journalism and production this year to the supportive faculty in the Communication/ Journalism department and the SU staff at SUMB and SUTV.
I
n the category of “Crime-News Single Story or Series,” photojournalist Nathan Yerges ’13 and team received a MidAtlantic Emmy® award for his storytelling in, “Murder or Suicide?” on WHP CBS21.
Gruesome mystery makes compelling news
Yerges noted his winning story was, “kind of a different one”. He explained, “Murder or Suicide?: The Mysterious Death of Ellen Greenburg” was about the cause of death of Ellen Greenburg, an elementary school teacher from Dauphin County who was living in Philadelphia with her fiance, and was found dead with twenty stab wounds.” “The investigators who looked into the death said that Ellen stabbed herself, ruling it a suicide. Even though it was first ruled a homicide by the medical examiner, it was then changed to suicide by Philadelphia Police. Through this story [investigative reporter] Brian Sheehan sat down with Ellen’s family, the Greenburg’s family attorney, and a police investigator. We were also able to get a chance to show pictures of what type of stab wounds Ellen had to her body.” 38
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Yerges reviewed his role in the project stating, “While in Philadelphia, we met and interviewed with the Greenburg’s attorney, Joe Podraza. That is where my work came into play; through lighting and shooting the interview, cut-aways of Podraza and our reporter, and shots of what they were looking at on a laptop, as well as making sure the audio was perfect.” He praised his team members for elevating and artfully incorporating his vision and photojournalism. “Our investigative reporter Brian Sheehan was one-of-a-kind. I always enjoyed working with him and when he asked me to go to Philadelphia to work on the story, I jumped at the chance. [Also] included in the story [was] chief photojournalist, Bill Seiders, who shot the other interviews. Credit to both of them for telling such a great story with my video.” View the full investigative report at youtu.be/nAjtxEoTKhI.
Yerges humbly reminisced on his nomination, “I remember when the category came up, I didn’t think we were going to win. I saw the other competition we were against and just thought we didn’t stand a chance. But then when it happened, I legit screamed at the top of my lungs ‘YES!!!’ I couldn’t believe it. I never thought in all my years that I would ever be good enough to win an award like that. I would always see the stories that won, and think about how much better they are than I am.” The celebrations that followed demonstrated the unique camaraderie in the news family. “What people might not know about television is that while we may be competitors on air, we are friends and family off. After [we won] came hugs from friends of mine at ABC 27 who I was watching with followed by a phone call to my parents. Hearing my mom tell me how proud she was of me was about the only part of the night I began to tear up. I owe this to my parents and family. The rest of the night was followed by more text messages and phone calls of congratulations and hoping and praying that [co-workers] would eventually win.”
Emmy award-winner credits Shippensburg University for career preparation
While academics certainly play a large role in preparing students at Ship for their future careers, extracurricular activities and advisors sometimes make the strongest impact. “I am very proud still to this day that I chose Shippensburg University over any other university in the state. Through what I learned through my time at SUTV and the SUMB, I can tell great stories and have a great work ethic,” he said Dr. Kim Garris, former chair of the communication/journalism department and advisor of SUTV, was a notable source of inspiration for Yerges. “I still remember how hard Dr. Garris would push us to tell
Through what I learned through my time at SUTV and the SUMB, I can tell great stories and have a great work ethic.
SHIP’S LOG great stories. Her hard work and dedication to her students and SUTV is one of the main reasons I have a job in my field and am able to tell great stories. Some days while I am out shooting or editing video, I often will ask myself, would Dr. Garris like this in a package? It sounds kind of crazy, but I think most of the students that have gone through her class would understand. Through SUTV, I also made life-long friends, some who have become co-workers and I still interact with to this day.” In addition to Dr. Garris and SUTV, Yerges credits Trever Famulare, Music and Theatre department chair and Band director, as a lifelong mentor. “I can honestly say that
I would not be where I am today without the SUMB and professor Trever Famulare. Here at Ship, the SUMB is much more than a marching band. It’s a FAMily, and that is due to what FAM (aka. Famulare) teaches. He doesn’t just prepare and teach you music and sets on a field, he teaches and prepares you for life. He teaches you what it means to have 160 of your closest friends. He teaches you that when you have a bad day, there will always be someone there to pick you up and keep you going. If it wasn’t for FAM and the SUMB, I honestly probably would’ve transferred schools. FAM was more than my band director. He was and still is to this day my mentor and my friend. In fact,
I come back as staff… to give back to the organization that gave me so much.” Yerges is one of two graduates of the Communication/Journalism department to win Emmy® awards for excellence in journalism and production this year. Lucy Davis ’15 and team were also the recipients of a National Capital Chesapeake Bay Emmy® award in the category of “CoverageWithin 24 Hours” for her co-production of “Baltimore’s Mayor Wrapped Up In Scandal: Catherine Pugh Indictment and Guilty Plea” on CBS Baltimore WJZ-TV. Both graduates are alumni of SUMB and SUTV.
DID YOU KNOW?
from the alumni association Four years ago, the Alumni Board of Directors founded a winter care package program. The passion project began after hearing of students who spend their winter break on campus in residence halls, often including the holiday season.
This past winter, with the support of alumni donors to the Student Alumni Association Fund, bags of pantry and snack items were successfully delivered to sixty-four students living in residence halls. Members of the alumni board personally shopped for and packed the care packages. This is just one initiative from the Alumni Board of Directors that supports students and our community. Thank you to all past board members and alumni donors who supported the program. Thank you for staying connected to Ship!
The Alumni Board of Directors shop each year to supply pantry items to students on campus over winter break. Pictured are shoppers Caryn (Long) Earl ‘98 and Holly (Oughton) Lubart ‘99.
ANNUAL LAKE TRIP 3 Phi CELEBRATING 30 3 2020 was to be the class of 1990s
30th Homecoming and since everything was cancelled they booked a house in the Poconos and celebrated. From the left: Sherri (Angle) Sullivan ’90-’96m, Don Moddrel ’90, Cindy (Brookover) Walsh ’90, Kim (Schonauer) Ingersoll ’90, Jennifer (Buss) Moddrel ’91, Max Scannapieco ’91, Tina (Ciavaglia) Scannapieco ’91, Chris McFadden ’90, Jenny (Mitchell) McFadden ’90, Chris Scannapieco ’91, Aleta (Mann) Kammerer ’91, Jill (Campion) Walsh ’90, Nicole (Lalic) Delson ’90.
Sigma Sigmas on their annual lake trip. From the left, front row: Stephanie (Sassaman) Rogovin ’92, and Johanna (Williams) Jones ’92-’00m. From the left, back row: Michele (Gegg) Legge ’88, Paula (Biesecker) Alcock ’92, and Dawn (Buller) Kothe ’93.
RAYSTOWN RETREAT 3 Best
friends and Ship college roommates class of 2010 having fun at Raystown Lake L-R: Alexis Briggs ’10, Caley (Tate) Smith ’10, Jenn Krug ’10, Kayla (Anderson) Escarcega ’10 and Jill Cook ’10.
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CLASSNOTES Tell us your latest accomplishments and milestones by
submitting your news to Classnotes. Alumni news, which is compiled from your submissions and previously published materials, is arranged in the magazine alphabetically within each class year. In Memoriam is published as a separate column. Please note, Classnotes may take up to six months to appear as a result of the publication schedule. Please limit submissions to 100 words or less. Photo submissions are welcome and are published as space permits. Please submit original, high-resolution photos (300 dpi). There are three ways to submit information. For standard mail, complete the ‘Signal Us’ form on page 43. We look forward to hearing from you! STANDARD MAIL: Alumni Relations, Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299 E-MAIL: alumni@ship.edu ONLINE: ship.edu/alumni
60s Richard L. Wagner ’61-’64m, Chambersburg, published his first novel In the Shadows of his Mind. Previously published two Civil War biographies For Honor, Flag, and Family and “An Irish Soldiers Patriotic Journey”. Submitted by his wife Karen (Gelsinger) Wagner ’71, Richard sadly passed away in June 2020. Dr. Rodney J. Ross ’62, Harrisburg, retired in 2017 after teaching fiftyfour years—seven in Harrisburg city schools and forty-seven at the Harrisburg Area Community College. His book Harrisburg in World War II will be published by South Carolina’s History Press. Dr. Jacob W. Kipp ’64, Lawrence, KS, received his PhD in Russian History from Pennsylvania State University 50 years ago. Paul Perencevic ’66, Long Beach, CA, volunteer Ombudsman for The State of California Department on Aging fifteen years and volunteer for Meals on Wheels Long Beach fifteen years. Ralph A. Varner II ’67, Selinsgrove, retired after forty years of coaching boys basketball Sr. and Jr. High School Varsity and JV from various school districts. Finished his coaching career as the Volunteer Varsity/JV Boys assistant coach at Selinsgrove Area High School from 2015-2019.
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William E Minsker ’68-’73m, Linglestown, chosen by the Dauphin County (PA) Board of Commissioners to coordinate the county’s America 250 celebration activities during the USA’s semiquincentennial in 2026. Craig G. Zearfoss ’69, Middletown, MD, the Frederick County Board of Education honored him in the fourth annual FCPS Substitute Teacher of the Year. Zearfoss began substituting after he retired from FCPS as a mathematics teacher in 2010. According to nomination materials, Zearfoss goes above and beyond teachers’ expectations by continuing with the curriculum while the teacher is absent. As he is able to teach the material, students can make the most of continuing valuable instruction time.
Founding Fathers of the Kappa Lambda Chapter in April 1969. Don lives in Chambersburg with his wife Rose and their dog Charlie. Nancy (Decker) Shatkin ’70, Titusville, NJ, widowed in 2019 after almost 45 years married to Laurence and now retired, Nancy bought a Winnebago motor home and is crisscrossing the US to visit her daughter and grandchild in Oregon.
Dr. Richard H. Gentzler Jr. ’71 and Marilyn Ann (Hozyash) Gentzler ’70, Gallatin, TN, who met more than 51 years ago in the Raider Room, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary quietly with family due to the pandemic on November 21, 2020. Marilyn was a member of Zeta Beta Sorority and Richard was a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity. They now reside in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Photos—then November 21, 1970, and now, November 21, 2020. Dr. Judith Tekla (Allen) Brough ’71-’80m, Gardners, professor emerita, Gettysburg College, was recently inducted to the Legacy Circle of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), “In recognition of outstanding contributions that have created a lasting impact on middle level education.” In 2012, she became a recipient of AMLE’s highest award, the John H. Lounsbury Award for distinguished achievement
in middle level education, which recognizes individuals whose scholarship, service, leadership, and contributions have been extraordinary. Joseph A. Walsh ’71, Lebanon, New grandfather of twin girls, Keira and Finley Walsh joining brother, Kelly, to son Justin and Lindsay Walsh. Cheryl (Sell) Burke ’72, Mount Gretna, recently published a children’s book, Bella’s Blessings. This fictional story is based on real life interactions at Newport Church in Elm, PA. Bella is a fun loving, caring youngster who wants to put into action her Sunday School Teacher’s lesson about being a blessing to others. The book is based on Galatians 5: 22-23 and teaches about the Fruit of the Spirit that Bella shows. The book is available on Amazon. Edward J. Dodson ’73, Cherry Hill, NJ, began offering a sevenlecture course on political economy through Udemy during the pandemic. Dodson also offers free lectures on historical figures, available on his Youtube channel. William Summerhill ’73, Denver, CO, retired in June 2020 after a forty-six year career in ministry and education. Dr. Wayne H. Swanger ’73, Clarion, recently published his first book of poetry entitled, Fields of His Heart. Jim R. Armstrong ’74, Lemoyne, has become a great grandfather to Kolton Hiltz.
70s Donald E. Edmiston ’70, Chambersburg, was commissioned by the Supreme Executive Committee of Kappa Sigma Fraternity as the alumnus advisor for the Kappa Lambda Chapter at Ship. Also commissioned as assistant alumnus advisors were Daniel Perna ’70, Theodore Brennan ’15 and Jacob Scarnulis ’20. Don and Dan were members of the
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SIG TAU REUNION 3 Ship Sig Tau alumni reunion in York
in which all of them live except the Laites who were visiting from Florida. From the left, front row: Marjorie “Margie” (Penner) Burkhart ’66-’68m, Marsha Brubaker, Virginia Tressler, and Carol (Schumacher) Laite ’65. From the left, back row: Mark Burkhart ’66 (Sig Tau), Paul Brubaker ’66 (Sig Tau), Gary Tressler ’66, and Berkley Laite ’66 (Sig Tau and Librarian at SU for 40+ years). Combined the group has seven children and six have graduated from Shippensburg University.
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DINNER WITH FRIENDS 3 Phi Sigma Sigma dinner in
Mechanicsburg in February 2020 which included Founding Sisters to new December graduates. From the left, front row: Christina (Lemasters) Wentzel ’89-’96m, Melissa “Missy” (McDonald) Stuart ’89, Michele (Gegg) Legge ’88, Jodi (Hastings) Taylor ’89, and Joan (Zlogar) Nissley ’89. From the left, back row: Linda (Swackhammer) Miller ’90, Paula (Biesecker) Alcock ’92, Sara Marie Steckler ’14, Renata (Bradley) Gould, Emily (Wagner) Uleau ’18, Marianne (Stevenson) Helder ’92, Johanna (Williams) Jones ’92-’00m, Sheryl (Wilson) Scaramuzzino ’91. Edward R. Clifford ’74m, Huntsville, AL, has joined Barge Design Solutions, Inc. (Barge) as client service leader in the firm’s Huntsville office. Clifford has more than twenty five years of experience in client management, operations, and administration in the technology, hardware, software, and geospatial mapping industries. In this role, Ed will be responsible for leading Barge’s business development and client services in north Alabama. Nancy (Denison) Kiesel ’74 and John T. Franze ’76, who never met during their SU days, have become friends at their Florida community, Somerset at the Plantation in Fort Myers. Nancy lived in the old Naugle Hall and John in Mowery Hall so their paths might have crossed at the Reisner Dining Hall. John moved to Somerset in 2014 and Nancy in 2018, following her retirement in 2013 from teaching math for twentyfive years. John works for the USPS. Lt. Col. Gregory J. Lochbaum ’75-’78m, Oak Hill, VA, retired on August 31 after successive careers of decorated federal service with the Central Intelligence Agency and US Air Force. He is also a retired Air Force veteran officer. His career spanned five decades with diverse senior leadership positions in Comptrollership, Acquisition, Program Management, Operations Research, and Academia. Greg is married to Kathleen and have four adult children, Krystin, Becca, Shannon and Nicholas.
Kenneth L. Shur ’75’82m and Janelle Heiserman ’08m completed the 2020 Boston Marathon Virtual due to COVID. All runners had to run it in a three week window in September. Janelle and Ken ran the marathon together on the Newville Rails to Trails. This was Ken’s sixth Boston Marathon and Janelle’s first. Richard Linderman ’77, Dardenne Prairie, MO, chief operating officer of RJL Associates has expanded their healthcare management consulting practice and will be providing consulting services for Heath Catalyst and their nationwide healthcare clients. They will also be providing Labor Productivity Management Services. William Hairston ’78m, Harrisburg, senior professor/emeritus physiology at HACC/HMC. John R. Sallade ’78-’79m, Harrisburg, named a 2020 ICON Award Winner by the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal. John is responsible for all County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) insurance programs, created by counties, for counties in PA. John is responsible for the development of new group programs for counties. John has spent his entire career working in member services, and specifically focused on insurance products and services in his thirty-two years at CCAP. Christopher J. Cline ’79-’81m, Hanover, retired from Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12 after thirty seven years as a guidance counselor at Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown. Married thirty-seven years to Cheryl (Cross) Cline ’81.
Sonia Haynes ’79, Philadelphia, “hung up her work hat and put on her always on vacation hat” by retiring as program specialist, Office of Child Care Administration for Children and Families at the Department of Health and Human Services on September 30, 2020. James W. Saxton ’79, Lititz, has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for six consecutive years. Leveraging his extensive experience as a litigator, he advises hospitals and medical groups for over 30 years. Saxton has also been recognized by his peers as a Lawyer of Distinction, Super Lawyer and Select Lawyer. He serves as an active member of many professional associations, including as a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a prestigious nomination reserved for less than one-half of one percent of the lawyers in the country; fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and board member for SE Healthcare. Nancy (Beers) Slotter ’79, Little River, SC, retired from teaching in Georgia and moved to Little River South Carolina in 2020.
80s Deborah (Lada) McLaughlin ’80, Farmington, NY retired from teaching after twenty-one years at Shikellamy School District in Sunbury, PA. Mary Ann (Fink) Stewart ’80, Clarion, retired from the Oil City Area School District in June 2020 with thirty-three years as a K-12 school librarian. Michele (Gross) Buck ’82, Hummelstown, was named number 41 on a list of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women for 2020. She is the first female chair, president, and CEO of the Hershey Company. She is highlighted for her efforts during COVID-19 as she, “redeployed store workers to start a production line that makes free masks for health care workers.” Laura (White) Whiteman ’82, Highland Heights, OH, created a non-profit organization, Embrace Dyslexia, to promote awareness regarding dyslexia. Tamzen (Butler) Sonntag ’85-’92m, York Springs was nominated for Business Woman of the Year by the Business Women’s Forum. Sontag is
owner of Tamzen’s Bridal at Butler Manor in Carlisle. Andrea (Catlin) Williamson ’86, now serves as a real estate analyst for HUD. She has served thirty years as a Civil Servant with the Federal Government including twenty years as an Army Officer. Thomas C. Burnheimer ’87m, Etters, retired after thirty-eight years on July 1, 2020 as director of Pupil Services from West Shore School District. Brenda (Decker) Evans ’87, Lexington, KY, recently elected as vice president of the Kentucky Association of Career Colleges and Schools after serving as a board member for five years. In addition to the vice presidency, in 2019 she began serving, by appointment of the Kentucky Governor, to the Board of the Kentucky Commission on Higher Education. Dr. Michael Ray Smith ’87m, Waynesboro, won first-place in the column category for Evangelical Press Association. Smith teaches courses online as part of the graduate faculty of Regent University, Virginia Beach. 7 Days to a Byline that Pays, one of his eight books, has been a best-selling Kindle book. Barrie Ann (McBride) George ’88-’89m, Carlisle, promoted to Vice President of Development and Communications for Safe Harbour, Inc., a non-profit homeless shelter in Carlisle. She was recently recognized for her outstanding work in the community and the non-profit sector, being nominated for Business Woman of the Year by the Business Women’s Forum. She was also the recipient of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s Shining Star Luminary Award. Marc J. Hagemeier ’88m, Carlisle, photographed the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl for the fifteenth year in a row. He has been a sports photographer at Bucknell University for fifteen years. The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is played in Jacksonville, FL, in the home stadium of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Michele (Gegg) Legge ’88, Harrisburg, was named Rotarian of the Year in sincere appreciation and recognition of distinguished service, loyalty and devotion to the ideals of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park 2019-2020. Traci A. Lower ’88’96m, Gettysburg, writes fiction under the pen name Jessica James, won the 2020 John Esten Cooke Award for Fiction for her latest novel, Lacewood, which is also a finalist in the Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers Best Award and the HOLT Medallion contest (Honoring Outstanding Literary Talent). Lori Smeigh ’88, Bellefonte, joined Penn State University and WPSU at Penn State, the NPR radio and PBS TV member stations for Central, West Central and Northern PA as a Business Support Representative in July 2020. Thomas L. Knepper ’89, Chambersburg, principal of Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School in Chambersburg which was recently named a “Title I Distinguished School” by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Daniel W. Miers ’89, Riverside, IL, is part of the team that recently published what is currently the #1 new release on Amazon’s Consumer Behavior category, Don’t you forget about Gen X: One generation’s crucial role in Healthcare. The book explores why Generation X is healthcare’s most important generation now and for the next ten to fifteen years. It digs into attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, especially related to healthcare, and provides practical advice for engaging this generation. Lori (Cannon) Moran ’89, Carlisle, was named Penn State Health’s regional director of Marketing and Communications for the West Shore in November 2020 when Holy Spirit Health System was acquired. She began her career at Holy Spirit in 1998. Nicole (DeWoolfson) Muller ’89, Orlando, rejoined Westminster Communities of Florida as vice president of sales and marketing. She will lead the organization’s overall sales and marketing effort and support its vision to enhance and grow the mission to serve seniors throughout the state.
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90s Sherri (Glunt) Blum ’90, Carlisle, voted Best Interior Design Company in Cumberland County for 2020. Tina (Hillen) Verrelli ’90, Devon, Tina’s cookbook, Homemade Made Easy, debuted on QVC on a Sunday in October 2020 and sold out! Tina was the 2012 grand prize winner of the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest, the runner up on Food Network’s America’s Best Cook, and since 2016 has been representing KitchenAid on QVC. She has been creating and publishing her own recipes since 2013. Katie (Paxson) Hammaker ’93, Mechanicsburg, has joined the staff of the United Way of the Capital Region as its chief grant writer. In this position, she will work to secure funding for the United Way’s efforts to improve lives in Cumberland, Perry, and Dauphin Counties in central Pennsylvania through programs in four core areas: basic needs, access to health care, workforce development, and school readiness. Victoria (Gimmi) Wright-Conner ’93, Hagerstown, MD, started at Diakon Senior Living Center in Hagerstown, MD as the unit manager of the Long Term Care Unit and the Wound Care Manager. Daniel Besch ’94, Bellefonte, earned an EdD from California University of PA in August 2020. He is an elementary principal in the Bellefonte School District. Lane Bradley ’94, Pottstown, named Sr. specialist water utilities maintenance for Merck. Previously Bradley spent twelve years at Exelon Generation working in fossil, hydro and wind generation. Bradley worked in several states including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas, Michigan, and Alabama. He served in positions including operations, engineering, safety, and as shift manager responsible for operations of two powerplants. Jennifer (Swanson) Burrier ’94, Thurmont, MD, completed a Master’s of Nursing in Education from Aspen University in Denver, Colorado. Burrier has served as a Registered Nurse at Frederick Health Hospital for ten years. Ravindra Dankanikote ’94m, Chantilly, VA, was named senior vice president of Business Development for the company’s
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Defense and Civilian Sector at Science Applications International Corp (SAIC). Dankanikote is responsible for all aspects of the sector’s business development life cycle activities, including demand creation, shaping, capture, proposal execution, and campaigns.
resources to provide immediate aid to food banks on the front lines. She pursued solutions to different challenges in the earliest weeks of the crisis, helping to ensure food banks received resources and rule waivers to meet the COVID-19 hunger crisis.
Dr. Khalid N. Mumin ’95, Reading, superintendent of the Reading School District, has been selected as the 2021 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA).
Gerald “Gerry” Dincher ’99 and wife Nathalie, Hope Mills, NC welcomed a son, Leo, in March 2020.
Patrick Robert “Rob” Strickler ’96, Elizabethtown, was named executive vice president of Business Development and Marketing at Quandel Construction. Rob’s primary responsibilities include oversight of business development staff, client and proposal strategies and marketing. Daniel C. Miller ’97m, Herndon, VA, has joined the firm, Hall Booth Smith, PC, as partner. Caryn (Long) Earl ’98, Chambersburg, alumni board association immediate past president was named a 2020 Central PA Food Bank Hunger Hero. For the past thirteen years, Caryn has served as the director of the Bureau of Food Assistance for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. In her role, she advocates on behalf of Pennsylvania’s food banks. During the pandemic, her work took on even greater importance. Caryn leveraged state and federal
Sovanna Mam ’99, Harrisburg, accepted a position as head of production for Avatar-Dimension in Ashburn, VA. Avatar-Dimension is one of five Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture Studios in the world that focuses on volumetric videos for enterprise solutions.
00s John D. Suhre ’02, San Francisco, CA, wrote a book for young readers, Bullies and Peeps addressing the social issue of bullying. Lena (Minervini) Wasylyk ’02, East Stroudsburg, was promoted to the director of Instructional Technology in Hackettstown School District. Lena was formerly a high school assistant principal in the district. Among various other responsibilities, she now provides professional learning for teachers K-12 on how to meaningfully and purposefully integrate technology into their classrooms to increase student achievement. Jennifer Cruver Kibi ’03, Carlisle, has been named partner at Maher Duessel CPA. Jennifer directs engagements with a wide range of clients in the
ALTERNATE PLANS 3 Grant Ofenloch ’10, Matt Groseclose ’10
and Scott Hershberger ’07 normally reunite at Shippensburg University’s Alumni weekend each year. With COVID-19 altering everyone’s plans in 2020, the friends decided to go camping at Cowans Gap State Park instead, followed by a nostalgic walk across campus. The three hope to get together again at Alumni Weekend 2021.
SHIP’S LOG governmental and non-profit sectors including municipalities, cities, local authorities, county entities, human service agencies, and foundations. Katie (Duncan) Sinclair ’03-’06m and husband Tim, Saint Leonard, MD, welcomed a son, Walter Andrill, in June 2020. Big sister Eleanor loves her baby brother. Laura (Donnelly) Waldo ’03 and husband Thomas, Centre Hall, welcomed a daughter, Juniper, in December 2019. Lt. Col. Barbara B. Cross ’04m, Carlisle, Received the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award from Chatham University, Pittsburgh. Liz (Vargo) Kemmery ’04 joined the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) as the new director of communications in September 2021. She recently earned her Digital Marketing Professional Certification through the Digital Marketing Institute and the American Marketing Association. She and husband Mark ’02 live in Carlisle with their three boys. Brent O. Killinger ’04, Carlisle, recently promoted from enforcement officer to conference/ probation officer through the Domestic Relations Office, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Michael E. Lynch ’04, Boiling Springs, winner of the 2019 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Award for Biography for his book, Edward M. Almond and the US Army: From the 92nd Infantry Division to the X Corps. Sara (Meisenhelter) Strayer ’04, York, graduated in May 2020 with a PhD in social work from Widener University. She is currently a faculty member of Chamberlain University as a social work professor. Delyan M. Dimitrov ’05, New Canaan, CT, was promoted to the position of counsel at Gibson Dunn, New York City. Dimitrov also teaches advocacy course for international moot courts at Columbia School of Law. Christopher Sorge ’05, Mt. Holly Springs, was accepted into a graduate program for software development with Marysville University. Kim (Testa) Alvarez ’06, York, recently named vice president, Donor Relations at United Way of York County.
Tyler P. Miller ’06-’10m, Chambersburg, has been promoted to associate director of strategic marketing and communications at Mercersburg Academy, a coed boarding and day school in Mercersburg. In this new role, Miller will oversee communications for the three external relations offices: admissions, advancement and alumni relations, and summer programs. Stacy C. Morris ’06 married Travis Miller on June 19, 2020 in Harrisburg. The couple lives in Mechanicsburg. Krista Parker ’06, Tampa, FL, recently promoted to senior managing consultant at Berkeley Research Group. Parker is part of the Healthcare Analytics Practice and specializes in litigation consulting, compliance, in-network and out-ofnetwork payer/provider disputes, and Medicare Risk Adjustment audits and investigations. Jessica (Cichocki) Weible ’06, Brookville, published a book with Sunbury Press called Dead Letters: Delivering Unopened Mail from a Pennsylvania Ghost Town. Learn more about her book at jessweibleauthor.com. Kate (Laux) Emberg ’08-’10m and husband Josh B. Emberg ’08, Sewickley, welcomed a son, August Emberg. Jonathan A. Fritsch ’08, Temple Hills, MD, Office of Communications for NASA was working on the Mars Rover Perseverance mission, that was set for a July 2020 launch. Dr. Kathleen M. Henley ’08, Frankford, DE, The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians named Henley it’s 2020 Young Osteopathic Physician of the Year. Kristen (Eaton) Ives ’08, Chalfont, promoted to associate director, Institutional Reporting & Decision Analytics at Arcadia University. Scott C. Kelly ’08, New Cumberland, recently accepted a new position as the vice president of Lawn and Garden Sales at Crownstone Equipment. They have equipment dealerships throughout PA and MD. Cailin (Bush) Kerch ’08, Northport, AL, earned her PhD from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and is now a clinical assistant professor in the College of Education at The University of Alabama.
signal us …about your change of address, new job or promotion, advanced degrees, marriage, or births/adoptions. Please limit submissions to 100 words or less.
Name_______________________________________ Address_____________________________________ City____________________State______ Zip________ Year of Grad._________________________________ Phone (H)________________ (W)_______________ Phone (Cell)_________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________ Maiden Name_______________________________ Your Occupation_____________________________ Name, Address of Employer___________________ ____________________________________________ Recent News for Classnotes___________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Mail: Alumni Relations Shippensburg University 1871 Old Main Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299 E-mail: alumni@ship.edu
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Denver R. Martin ’08, Chambersburg, was recently hired at SEK, CPAs & Advisors. With more than twelve years of experience, Martin is an integral part of the firm’s Accounting Services and Tax Department. He primarily works with closely held businesses in a variety of industries, including construction, healthcare, financial services, and the manufactured beverage industry. His expertise includes general business consulting, QuickBooks consulting, individual and business tax preparation, and financial statement preparation. Benjamin Bostic ’09, Fayetteville, was promoted to director at Boyer & Ritter CPAs and Consultants.
Seth Ambrose ’10 and wife Amy Ambrose, York, had a son, Brayden Carl, in November 2020. Sarah (Myers) Bressler ’10 and husband Josh Bressler ’10, Willow Street, had a son in September 2020. Jocelyn (Broskey) Hauer ’10, Hagerstown, MD, has been appointed the new director of community impact and investment at The United Way of Washington County. Jessica (Barkley) Lorance ’10 and husband Cody Lorance, Nipomo, CA had a son, Sawyer, in November 2020. Michael Talley ’10 and wife Aspen Talley, Atlanta, GA, had a son, James Guy, in April 2020.
Michael Conklin ’09 and wife Amanda (Swank) Conklin ’11, Fairless Hills, had a daughter, Pepper Ada, born in June 2020. Benjamin J. Destefan ’09, DuBois, has been named the new editor of The Courier Express. Christopher L. Farrands ’09, Newville, voted best CPA in Cumberland County and Cohick & Associates voted best in Cumberland County. Alison L. Maurice ’09 married Tyler J. Beach ’08 on October 11, 2019. The couple lives in Carlisle. Paul M. Miller ’09m, Mechanicsburg, promoted to assistant professor of Media Studies in November 2019 at Central Penn College. Miller was awarded the Todd A. Milano Faculty Excellence Award. This Central Penn College award signifies the Faculty Member of the Year for the college academic year 2019-2020. Sarah (Leahey) Palazzi ’09, Altoona, successfully defended her dissertation titled, “The Role of Motivation and Engagement in a Fourth Grade English-language Arts Title 1 Classroom” at the University of Pittsburgh. She will graduate in August with an Education Doctorate (EdD). Casey Snyder ’09 married Jessica Swarr on April 3, 2020. The couple lives in Lancaster. Mark Welliver ’09, Mechanicsburg, promoted to manager at McKonly & Asbury a regional accounting and business advisory services firm. 44
Paige Drucker ’11 married Lewis Miller on August 24, 2019 in Philadelphia. Ship alumni in attendance from L-R: Kevin May ’13, Rachel Sherpinsky ’11, Rachael Blacker ’15, Mike Romano ’14, Abbie (Wahl) O’Brien ’11, Krista Manoppello ’12, Jeffrey Gowman ’93, Jon Collins ’06, Alyssa Pantalone ’11, Will Zook ’14, Andrea (Alesi) Zook ’11, Paige (Drucker) Miller ’11 (bride), Allison (Ross) Scott ’03, Lauren Voorhies ’11, Sarah (Mombourquette) Hoffman ’11, Melissa (Gordon) Nguyen ’11, Josh Nguyen Scott W. Fraser ’11m, Mechanicsburg, Upper Allen Township’s assistant manager since 2009 was recently named township manager by the board of commissioners. Kelly (Degroff) Garbinski ’11, Waynesboro, was promoted to manager at SEK CPA’s & Advisors, Hagerstown, MD office. She specializes in nonprofit taxation and individual taxation for sole proprietorships, single-member LLCs, farms, rentals, and investment income. Kelly also works on audits for governmental and non-profit clients. Beau A. Hoffman ’11 and wife Brette (Keeley) Hoffman ’12, West
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Milton, had their first child, Park Ellis, born in November 2019. Emily K. Parkins ’12, Harleysville, was promoted to assistant commissioner for championships and business operations for the Patriot League. Parkins joined the League office staff as director for Championships and Sport Management in January 2017. She coordinates the planning and administration of twenty one of the Patriot League’s twenty-three championships in addition to handling the League’s financial and business operations. Evan M. Wabrick ’12-’13m, Shiremanstown, Tax Manager at SEK, CPA’s & Advisors, has been voted Best Accountant Runner-Up in the Best of Cumberland County awards for 2020. Ashley (Elder) Hershey ’13-’16m, New Oxford, recently named one of Central Penn Business Journal’s 2020 Forty Under 40 award recipients. Ashley has over seven years of public accounting experience with extensive experience in financial statement services, tax services and consulting services. She specializes in performing financial statement services ranging from audits to preparation engagements for local governments, non-profits, and closely held companies. Lauren Cappuccio ’13 married Brandon Kauffman on October 31, 2020. The couple lives in Carlisle. Jennifer Katz ’13 married Jason Groller ’09 on August 24, 2019 in Elizabethtown, PA. Christian M. Pascuzzo ’13, Manheim, recently obtained certified financial planner (CFP) designation. He’s a wealth advisor for RKL Wealth Management in Wyomissing. Julie Brown ’14 married Sawyer Lubold ’14 on April 19, 2019. The couple lives in York. Jacqueline (Maguire) Campbell ’14 and husband Daniel S. Campbell ’14, Carlisle, welcomed a daughter, Hannah Joelle, in May 2020. Justin Eberly ’14, Mechanicsburg, named Harrisburg’s Top 20 in their 20’s in Harrisburg Young Professional’s (HYP) annual roundup. Honorees are “rising stars in business, culture, and civic life who are making a meaningful impact in their communities and workplaces.”
Deanna Bridge Najera ’14m, was recognized as one of The Baltimore Sun’s “25 Women to Watch for 2020”. Samantha Barnes ’15 married Adam Kreider on September 5, 2020 in Claysburg. The couple lives in Roaring Spring. Joseph R. Bucher ’15-’19m, Mechanicsburg, appointed as a town councilman to the Borough of Mechanicsburg. Councilman Bucher is the youngest of the seven active members of Borough Council and his term will run through the end of 2021. Cody Gehman ’15, Lebanon, named Harrisburg’s Top 20 in their 20’s in Harrisburg Young Professional’s (HYP) annual roundup. Honorees are “rising stars in business, culture, and civic life who are making a meaningful impact in their communities and workplaces.” Mary Oliveira ’15m, Enola, has been appointed as chief membership officer at The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. Stephanie A. Reynolds ’15-’18m, Muncie, IN, started her PhD in Educational Psychology at Ball State University in Fall 2020. Raymond Bossert ’16m, Port Edwards, WI, was hired as village administrator/city manager in the Great State of Wisconsin following a thirty-five year military career. Robyn M. Collette ’16 married Carl J. Seils ’16-’18m on July 11, 2020. The couple lives in NY. Rebekah (Elbel) Harriger ’16, Akron, named Harrisburg’s Top 20 in their 20’s in Harrisburg Young Professional’s (HYP) annual roundup. Honorees are “rising stars in business, culture, and civic life who are making a meaningful impact in their communities and workplaces.” Isaac Wickenheiser ’16m, Harpers Ferry, WV, accepted a permanent position as a Park Ranger at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in December 2019. Alan G. Ennis ’17’18m, Harrisburg, promoted from staff accountant to senior staff accountant at the Camp Hill office of Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz. Rebecca (Gross) Frye ’17-’18m, Dover, joined regional accounting firm, Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz, as
SHIP’S LOG an Internal Accountant at the Camp Hill office. Jordan P. Hurrell ’17, Fannettsburg, promoted to senior associate at SEK, CPAs & Advisors, Chambersburg office. Jordan specializes in providing audit services to governments, non-profits, and financial institutions. In addition to his client responsibilities, he is a member of SEK’s Emerging Professionals Committee. Benjamin L. Hursh ’18, Enola, promoted to senior associate at SEK, CPAs & Advisors, Camp Hill office. Ben primarily focuses on providing tax compliance and planning services to small businesses and individuals. In addition to his client responsibilities, he serves as treasurer for Harrisburg Area Performing Arts Center and is a member of SEK’s Emerging Professionals Committee.
Moriah N. Hathaway ’19 married Bailey B. Welch ’18 on October 10, 2020 with Dr. Sharon Harrow from the English Department officiating the ceremony. The couples’ love began at Ship and they got engaged in Lackhove Hall. Jodie N. Meglio ’19, Loysville, promoted to senior associate at SEK, CPAs & Advisors, Carlisle office. Jodie works on non-profit, governmental, healthcare, and affordable housing audits.
Noah D. Anders ’20, Belleville, and Anders family just opened 5-OH Creamery in Selinsgrove where Noah is the general manager. The shop offers soft-serve and handdipped ice cream, gelato, milk shakes, frozen coffee, smoothies and more.
In Memoriam Alma (Pike) Duncan ’40 Margaret (Rebuck) Wolf ’44 Helen (Smith) Alleman ’48-’68M Maralee (Sowers) Wetzel ’48 Janet M. Black ’49 Robert E. English ’49 Herman L. Gordon ’49 Francis J. Korkuch ’50 Shirley (Cooper) Leverentz ’50 Charles B. Mills ’50 Martha (Martin) Klinger ’51 Anna (Varnes) White ’51 James R. Heckler ’52 Pauline (Cutchall) Kopec ’52 Marie (Pheasant) Park ’53 Donald L. Defibaugh ’54 Robert L. Fisher ’54 Rev. William C. Kercheval ’54 Robert M. Shaeffer ’56 Harry B. Verdier ’56 John M. “Jack” Connor ’57-’68M Vincent R. Moloney ’57 Donald E. Clary ’58-’70M Phyllis (Raffensperger) Crimm ’58 Martha (Drawbaugh) Gomer ’58 Richard M. Houser ’58-’61M James L. Sieber ’58 Larry Beidel ’59 Samuel E. Harvey ’59 James H. E. Imler ’59 Philip R. Lively ’59 Robert L. Aumiller, Jr. ’60 John T. Cassel ’60 Rev. Paul E. Claycomb ’60 Jack L. Gahres ’60 Coralie (Baker) Osman Johnson ’60 Marie K. Matteucci ’60 Jean (Kough) Wible ’60 Richard I Bauer ’61 John E. Baughman ’61-’64M Michael D. Esch ’61 William T. George ’61 Philip Gruich ’61 James M. McNaul ’61 Anne (Sohland) Richards ’61 Richard L. Wagner ’61-’64M JoAnn (Wible) Skinner Wain ’61 Jack N. Beil ’62-’64M Parker C. Coble ’62 Lytton R. Croft ’62 Thomas D. Gray ’62-’65M Bonnie (McCracken) Jolly ’62 Duane C. Saufley ’62 Fred A. Stauffer ’62 Richard R. Brickley ’63-’68M Gary L. Eckenroth ’63 Mary (Markle) Gray ’63M Dorothy (Layton) Akers ’64 Sandra K. Covert ’64-’69M Melvin R. Eaton ’64 Josephine (Mowery) Henry ’64-’86M
Richard A. Aeppli ’65M Kenneth D. Allison ’65 Larry J. Bair ’65-’69M William T. Darling ’65 Dennis L. Gotshall ’65-’68M Susan (West) Mowen ’65 Kenneth M. Spangle ’65 Marjorie Elaine (Rudisill) Bryson ’66 Gene P. Spory ’66 Jeffrey C. Barnett ’67 Linda (Jacobi) Duffie ’67M L. Ann (Schmitt) Eynon ’67 John F. Homan ’67M Bruce D. Shellenberger ’67M Bertha (Koziol) Decker ’68M Susann (Fridinger) Posey ’68-’86M Gerald A. Groce ’68-’71M Gerald G. Holmes ’68M Thomas E. Long ’68 Sally (Weidenmeyer) Mowrey ’68-’69M Samuel J. Peters ’68M Josephine (Mariani) Vasquez ’68 Harry Roger Acton ’69M Ben F. Van Horn Jr. ’69M Joseph D. Martin ’69M Charles D. Mowry ’69M Barbara A. Neumann ’69M Christina (Diehl) Sollenberger ’69M Judith (Croft) Tyson ’69 Harold O. Bricker Jr. ’70 Paul Donald “Don” Chapman ’70M Stephen S. Fehr ’70-’71M Jennifer (Jones) O’Neil ’70-’72M Patricia (Crunkleton) Parks ’70M Carol A. (Hartman) Baker ’71 George K. Ennis ’71 Thomas A. Kerstetter III ’71-’74M Linda (Howison) Migliaccio ’71 Mary (Reese) Shriner ’71-’76M Albert L. Stambaugh, III ’71 Alan D. Williams ’71 Brig. Gen. Robert M. Wilson ’71M John Elensky III ’72M Col. George V. Ellis ’72M Linda (Hess) Stolte ’72 John R. Banyas Jr. ’73-’79M Karen (Mazzanti) Diamond ’73 Jane (Strevig) Guyton ’73M Patricia (Frank) Lambert ’73 Mark D. Nickelson ’73 Gail (Davis) Santana ’73 Lucinda (Ecelberger) Thomas ’73 Donald L. Weldon ’73-’80M Rev. Joy (Shank) Zepp ’73 Gregory B. Abeln ’74M Col. Hugh B. Harrison ’74M John T. Kostoff ’74 Loretta (Vance) Krogstad ’74M Kenneth L. Peek Jr. ’74M Thomas J. Manning ’74M Richard B. Scott ’74 Harvey Eric McDonald ’75M
Philip J. Minnich ’75M Karen (Bath) Whitenight ’75M Robert J. Barton ’76-’83M Col. Robert M. Brumback ’76M Robert M. Fisher ’76M Jeffrey P. Franklin ’76 Naomi J. Sollenberger ’76 Gerald L. Brenneman ’77 Col. Harvey R. Fields ’77M Darlene (Mossett) McAlisterWiggins ’77 Michael R. Aumiller ’78 William R. Simons Jr ’78 James E. Zimmerman ’78 John M. Blacksmith ’79 Margaret (McConnell) Wohlfarth ’79-’85M Michael F. Grego ’80M Brian E. Paul ’80 Jean (Geisel) Rieck ’80-’90M Lynette (Henry) Ware ’80 Charles D. Brayford ’81M Richard D. Kitch ’81 George P. Bluhm Jr. ’82M R. Daniel Frederick ’82 Luanne I. Skurka ’82 Roger C. Traver ’82M Emily (Tarr) Clemmer ’83M Steven A. Morrison ’84 Sister Marian Russo ’84M Timothy A. Shepley ’84 David S. Briggs ’85M Ann S. Cook ’85M Cheryl L. Hull ’85 Barry K. Fichtner ’86 Joseph M. Vasco ’86M MaryAnn Fields Bert Russo ’87 Troy A. Nipple ’88 Mark D. Brown ’89 Betty Rae Kingsley ’89M Alice (Rexroth) Musser ’89 Mary (Amicone) Rine ’89M Tamara (Gordon) Metz ’90 Col. Robert G. Osborne ’90M Philip W. Speck ’90M Elizabeth (Schwartz) Kovasckitz ’91M Dennis J. Kolumber Jr. ’94 William “Bill” G. McArthur ’95 Matthew S. Bryda ’97 Heath E. Rhoads ’97 Jeffrey C. Huber ’98M William C. Hollar Jr. ’99 Edward C. Ruth ’00 Tracey M. Waters ’00M Susan (Tomlinson) Coover ’02 Dennis J. Little II ’03 Sharif D. Sligh ’14 Stephen E. Stefan Jr. ’14M Christopher S. Ritter ’15 Brandon K. Moist ’16 Paul R. Dascher ’16 Sam Sobczak, honorary alumni
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photo album
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b b Gavin Donley (center) was pinned by his parents Mark ’05 and Cari (Kiner) ’05 Donley and grandparents Patrick ’71 and Janice (Hawley) ’71 Donley during the virtual alumni legacy family pinning program. c Hopefully you were one of the lucky 300 who purchased a limited edition Ship Happens 2020 tumbler as part of the 2020 HOCO to GO! d In lieu of an in-person tailgate, Ship AKAs met via Zoom the Saturday afternoon of Homecoming 2020. Joining the call were JoAnn Baldwin ‘81-’89m, Jayne Downing ‘79-’81m, Stacye (French) Blue ‘80, Charlotte (Williams) Watkins ‘81, Yonise Roberts Paige ‘91, Carmen (Malone) Hughes ‘80, Kathy Brooks, Andrea (Caitlin) Williamson ‘86, Cynthia (Jones) Murray ‘80, Patricia Pettis ‘79, and Toni (Gwinn) Fisher ‘80. e Watch out world! Our 80+ year old alumni from the Class of 1960 are becoming Zoom experts. Some of the Class of 1960 spent the afternoon catching up with one another during a virtual 60th Class Reunion. Pictured: Carolyn Klinger, Lori Smith, Alumni Director, Phyllis (Schaffer) Gump, Mae (Latsha) Sobczak, Janet (Rankin) Getz, Carol (Halder) Hamm, Gary and Diane (Riddell) Wetzel, Jorene (Moore) Lightfoot, James Seibert, Don Manahan, Kate (Spaid) Conard, and Ginny (Weills) Schucht. f Spencer Burnheimer, Class of 2024 was pinned a legacy by his grandparents, Chuck & Louise (Magaro) Burnheimer, both from the class of 1954 and his father, Tom Burnheimer ‘87m. The photo held by Spencer is of his maternal grandparents, Tom ‘55 and Vera ‘54 (Staub) Manning. g Delta Sigma Theta Sorority: The Alumnae Deltas of Shippensburg University host monthly calls. This past fall they played Delta Bingo and spent time catching up virtually. h Lucy Kauffman ‘15, Madison Scarr ‘18, and Brooke Sheibley ‘18 shared tips and wisdom to members of the field hockey team for an alumni professional development night. i Phi Sigma Sigma Virtual Reunion: Sherri (Glunt) Schuchart ‘90, Paula (Biesecker) Alcock ‘92, Linda (Swackhammer) Miller ‘90, and Michele (Gegg) Legge ‘88 rely on video technology for catching up with one another— even sporting Ship gear for the video chat!
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planned giving INSPIRED TO GIVE Don Grell graduated from Shippensburg in 1977 learned about them at the SU Foundation’s annual with a BS in Political Science and in 1992 with a financial planning seminars. “I subsequently master’s degree in Public Administration. While discussed these annuities with my financial working on his master’s degree, he met library planner. I was perfectly willing to contribute to the faculty member Caryn Carr. They went for a walk SU Foundation, and the income stream from the over her lunch break and they have been together annuity allowed me to make a larger contribution ever since. than I would have guessed. A couple years later I After graduation, Don enjoyed a 35-year career wanted to make another contribution beyond my as a Research Analyst and the committee director annual gift, and it seemed perfectly logical to do in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the same thing.” retiring in 2013. Reflecting on his time at Ship, Don and Caryn have invested in multiple Don Grell ’77, ’92m and Caryn Carr Don says that, “between the courses I took and charitable gift annuities over multiple years; the assistance I received in getting key internships, Shippensburg this “laddering” of charitable gift annuities on a periodic basis was instrumental in my career in government. I am so pleased (i.e. once every 5 years) realizes even greater returns since the that after all these years I still see a few of my former professors investment return is based on the age of the donor. occasionally.” His education and experiences at Ship also prepared Their CGA’s will benefit the Unrestricted Fund. Caryn noted, him to serve for 25 years on volunteer boards and commissions in “we thought giving to the unrestricted fund would allow the Carlisle, including four terms on borough council. University to use our funds for its most needed purposes. My Caryn, a 1977 graduate of Edinboro State College and a hope is that our contributions will further the mission of the 1982 graduate of Case Western Reserve University also had University and continue providing to current and future students a 30-year career in State service, including Shippensburg the excellent education which Don received.” For Don, his University, Lock Haven University, Director of the State Library inspiration for giving back is that he was a first-generation college of Pennsylvania, Department of Education, Health and Welfare. student and his parents thought college or technical skills were Besides meeting Don, Caryn says, “I also met some terrific important. “It is my simple desire to help someone who deserves students, faculty, and staff while at Shippensburg University.” to be in college but cannot afford it. With the blessings I have Don and Caryn’s fond memories of Ship inspired them to had, and the role Shippensburg played in my success it seems establish several charitable gift annuities (CGA) after Don first appropriate to help another group of Shippensburg students.”
How a Charitable Gift Annuity Works CURRENT SAMPLE RATES FOR CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES
1. You transfer cash or securities to the Shippensburg University Foundation. 2. The Shippensburg University Foundation pays you, or another beneficiary you name, fixed income for life. 3. The remaining balance passes to the Shippensburg University Foundation, for the benefit of Shippensburg University, when the contract ends at the passing of the last beneficiary.
One Life Ages Rate 50 3.3
Two Lives Ages Rate 50/55 2.7
65 70 75 80 85 90+
65/70 70/75 75/80 80/85 85/90 90/95
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Benefits
• Receive a dependable fixed income for life in return for your gift to you (one life) or you and your spouse or loved one (two lives) • In many cases, increase the yield you are currently receiving from stocks or CDs • Receive an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of your gift • A portion of your annuity payment will pass back to you tax free
3.9 4.2 4.7 5.4 6.5 7.6 8.6
60/65
3.7 4.0 4.3 4.9 5.8 7.1 8.4
*CGA rates fluctuate and are adjusted periodically by the American Council on Gift Annuities. The above scenario is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in the example on this page are based on current rates at the time of printing and are subject to change. References to estate and income tax included federal taxes only; individual state taxes may further impact results.
Shippensburg University Foundation 500 Newburg Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257 Phone: (717) 477-1377 • Fax: (717) 477-4060 Visit us on the web at SUFoundation.org. Like us on F d The SU Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is the official gift-receiving entity for Shippensburg University.
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SHIPCHAT #ShipIsIt
3 With no spring break, Raiders took a short break on two Raider Rest Days. Ð @shippensburgU
#RAIDERSHIPMATE # This Valentine’s Day, alumni shared the love by sharing their #RaiderShipMate stories. Ð @shippensburgU
#APRILSNOWSHOWERS 3 It wasn’t April Fool’s
Day, but this late spring snow shower on campus was no joke! e /ShippensburgUniv
Continue the conversation with Ship and our more than 30,000 friends online. We’ll be looking for your contribution. Who knows— your Ship-related posts, tweets, and pics could be shared in ShipChat!
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