Shippensburg University will celebrate the accomplishments of graduate students during its spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Luhrs Performing Arts Center.
The ceremony will feature remarks from Debbie Urso ’00-04M, elementary Title I instructional specialist for the Chambersburg Area School District.
Debbie has worked in the Title I Reading Department for 18 years, which has given her the opportunity to teach reading and writing to elementary students, collaborate with teachers, and work with families to improve literacy practices in schools and homes. Prior to this, she taught first, second, and third grades in Chambersburg. She is also an adjunct professor at Shippensburg University, where she teaches courses in the Teacher Education Department.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and master’s in reading from Shippensburg University. As a graduate student, she was encouraged to join a literacy organization, which led to her becoming an active member in both the state and local literacy associations. She serves as secretary and families and reading chair for the Keystone State Literacy Association and co-president of KSLA Franklin County. Both organizations provide professional development for educators and literacy-focused community outreach opportunities. Urso is also a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, Rho Chapter, an educational sorority that completes altruistic projects in the area.
In her spare time, Debbie enjoys reading adult fiction best-sellers, baking cookies, and cheering for her favorite field hockey players. You may also find her sitting on her patio sipping a hot chai and enjoying her backyard flower garden.
