Shippensburg University senior Frank Grumbine is the 2017 recipient of the William Pencak Prize. The award, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical Association, recognizes excellence in undergraduate research and writing about Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic history. It is named in honor of the late William Pencak former editor of Pennsylvania History and Penn State University professor.
According to Dr. Steven Burg, professor of history and department chair, Grumbine’s paper tells a fascinating account of Hurricane Agnes and the storm’s impact on Central Pennsylvania. The paper demonstrates the storm was not merely a natural disaster, but a watershed event in state and national flood management policy.
“He spent countless hours researching through original papers and documents at the Pennsylvania State Archives and the State Library of Pennsylvania. This was more than a great paper—it was an important piece of original historical and policy scholarship,” Burg said.
The award consists of a certificate, cash award of $150 and the publication of Grumbine’s paper in Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies. Grumbine also will be invited to speak at the upcoming association conference.
“Winning the Pencak award symbolizes many years of doubt and determination, defeat and success, and finally confirms that my goals are never out of reach,” Grumbine said.
Grumbine also presented his paper as part of Ship’s “Diggin’ History!” series.
