For nearly two decades, Shippensburg University has been an avid supporter of Ship Shape Day, a community event that encourages volunteers to clean up local spaces and waterways. Ship has partnered with the Shippensburg Downtown Organizations Investing Together (DOIT) group and the greater community for the event on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
“Ship Shape Day is something the university has always rallied behind, said Sean Cornell, associate professor of geology. “Our students, faculty, and staff have been instrumental in organizing and participating for as long as I’ve been here – about 19 years.”
In addition to helping with clean-up throughout the community, Ship also has a long-standing commitment to maintaining clean waterways. Ship students from the Green League, members of the Middle Spring Watershed Association and students of Cornell have all signed up to participate in a stream cleanup effort.
The cleanup is one of the many environmental projects that exist within the community. Another initiative includes the installation of decorative storm drain tiles across the university and throughout the community. These tiles raise awareness about stormwater runoff and its impact on waterways.
“We forget that stormwater is not treated before it ends up in streams,” Cornell said. It’s full of airfall pollutants, petrochemicals from roads and parking lots and other harmful substances. These efforts are about promoting stewardship and protecting our local water resources for future generations.”
Cornell also acknowledged Kim Rockwell, who has helped lead environmental initiatives throughout the university and the community, and has contributed to Ship Shape Day remaining an annual event.
Ship Shape Day continues to bring the university and community together, and highlights the importance of environmental responsibility and the impact that the quality of our environment has on our wellbeing.
For general information regarding the event, location and sign-up, visit the Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce: Ship Shape Day – Spring
