Robert McCloskey ’61-67M continues to share his Ship story

Robert J. (Bob) McCloskey is a proud Ship alumnus who has built a successful education and arts career. Born on November 16, 1939, in Paxtang, Pennsylvania, McCloskey’s life began in Dauphin County. He graduated from Central Dauphin High School in 1957 and then attended Shippensburg State Teachers College, now known as Shippensburg University. While at Ship, he earned both his BS and MS in education. 

At Ship, McCloskey was a dedicated student and a great example of a leader. He served as the first recording secretary for the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, formerly known as Phi Sigma Epsilon. This position helped establish the organization’s foundation when it held its inaugural meeting on January 8, 1959. McCloskey was also the co-captain of the track team, which famously tied a Division II undefeated dual meet record of 43 straight victories.

After graduation, McCloskey went on to lead an exceptional 41-year teaching career within the Central Dauphin School District. He initially started as a social studies teacher at Lower Paxton Junior High and quickly began to make an impact, with his civics courses earning three Freedoms Foundation Awards. Among his contributions, he also initiated the district’s inter-school track championship, a tradition that continues to this day.

“I wanted my students to understand not just the facts, but the significance of civic engagement”, he said.

While McCloskey was with the Central Dauphin School District, he also initiated existing clubs. In the early 90s, he initiated Youth and Government at East Junior – an organization that would go on to get important laws passed by the state legislature, such as the Recycling Can Act. Then, while at CD High in the late 90s, McCloskey formed the bowling club, which now is a recognized sport at the school. Even after retirement, McCloskey has served as a substitute at Central Dauphin and Milton Hershey for the past 22 years. 

In addition to McCloskey’s success as a teacher and coach, he was also actively involved in local and state politics, serving as a county committeeman and representative of Dauphin County on the Pennsylvania State Committee for over 36 years. His political engagement included being elected as a delegate to three national presidential conventions, where he represented the 17th Congressional District. Notably, he contributed to George H.W. Bush’s media guide and was a guest at the president’s inauguration. 

In 2002, McCloskey found a calling in the arts. It all started when McCloskey and his wife took an art class, which then transformed into a passion for art and painting. McCloskey’s passion toward American history has always been at the forefront of his artwork. His work is often created on historical parchment reproductions, featuring historical figures like Abraham Lincoln alongside the Gettysburg Address – beautifully blending history and art together. 

 

McCloskey’s artwork has been exhibited in various venues, such as Temple University’s Harrisburg campus and the East Wing of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. He has also won multiple first-place awards at local fairs and art shows, highlighting his impressive acrylic and mixed media displays. He has maintained notable institutions, including the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg.   

An active member in various art associations, McCloskey is well-known throughout the area and the local art community. In addition to his personal achievements, he has mentored aspiring artists and served on the board of Hershey Area Art Association. 

In his life as an artist, McCloskey has been supported by his wife Linda, and daughter, Ann, who are also established artists themselves. The McCloskey family operates an art gallery inside the Millworks – where they have their artwork available for purchase. Check out studio #103 to view McCloskey’s historical artworks, his wife’s paintings, totes, mugs and his daughter’s paintings. 

 

McCloskey is proud to be a Ship alum, stating that whenever he is at the studio he makes sure to rock a Shippensburg University t-shirt. Also, he often encourages young adult visitors  to attend Ship U, offering them a Ship pencil or lanyard – noting its significance as a symbol of learning and knowledge, stating that “it has all the right answers on it” because it features the word “Ship”. 

In McCloskey’s personal life, he connects with someone everywhere that he goes and has met many famous celebrities – including Celine Dion, Arnold Scwarzenegger and many more! He explains his run-ins and connections as “not just stories, but life experiences” and encourages people to put themselves out there and meet as many wonderful individuals as possible.

 

McCloskey’s story is representative of a life full of excitement and passion towards education, history, art and connection. His continued dedication toward expressing his love for history through the means of art is both inspiring and honorable. Not to mention, his continuous gratitude and promotion of Ship U is something the university will forever cherish.