Shippensburg University is proud to celebrate Veterans’ Day, honoring those who have dedicated their lives to serving the country. At Ship, student veterans across majors contribute to the campus community through their leadership and dedication to service. Here are a few of the many veterans who continuously inspire the Ship community:
Natalie Konchar
Konchar is a Supply Chain Management major expecting to graduate in Spring 2027. She proudly served 8 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force and continues to serve in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, where she’s been for the past 1.5 years.
Outside of class, Konchar is passionate about helping others and spreading joy values that shine through in everything she does. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in Supply Chain Management, working in the civilian sector or with a government agency. She also hopes to finish her time in the Guard and possibly work overseas again in the future.
Travis Hutchinson
Hutchinson is a dual Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) student at Shippensburg University. He served in the U.S. Army from 2005 to 2017 as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B) and was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Hutchinson has earned multiple commendations, including the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and the Iraq Campaign Media with Campaign Star.
After his military service, he devoted his career to supporting veterans and individuals facing housing instability, substance use and mental health challenges. Currently, Hutchinson serves as a School Certifying Official Assistant and intern with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Veteran Services, helping student veterans navigate benefits and campus resources.
On campus, Hutchinson has championed initiatives like discounted parking for service members, expanding the Veterans Lounge and promoting accessibility through the “How I Thrive” project, a part of Shippensburg University’s Love Your Body Day. Outside of his professional and academic endeavors, Hutchinson is passionate about helping others find stability, purpose and well-being. After graduation, he plans to pursue leadership in veteran services or higher education administration.
Joseph Kunsman
Kunsman is a software engineering major set to graduate in Spring 2026. He proudly served five years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and is also a dedicated ROTC cadet at Shippensburg University.
At Ship, he serves as President of the Programming Team, Secretary of the Video Game Development Club and Treasurer of the Student Veterans of America, Ship Branch. He’s also a member of the Wood Honors College and works as an on-campus tutor.
After graduation, Kunsman plans to work as a software engineer in the defense sector and commission as a cyber officer in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
Jack Vandegrift
Vandergrift is a computer science major expected to graduate in 2029. He proudly serves in the Army National Guard, where he has been enlisted since October 22, 2022.
Outside of his studies and military service, Vandegrift is passionate about reading books and enjoys playing piano and guitar. Those who know him describe him as being a great friend, always willing to lend a listening ear and share great conversation.
After graduation, Vandegrift plans to continue serving in the military and pursue a career within one of the U.S. Defense Agencies, combining his love for technology and his dedication to public service.
Colby Houser
Staff Sergeant General (SSG) Colby Houser is a criminal justice major with a coaching minor, expected to graduate in Fall 2025. Houser has proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve for seven years, where he now works as a Military Police Investigator and Special Reaction Team (SRT) Operator. He has completed numerous missions, including a nine-month deployment to the Middle East.
Outside of the classroom and the military, Houser is passionate about cars and motorcycles, often spending his free time working on or riding them.
After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in federal law enforcement while continuing to serve his country through the U.S. Army, where he will begin training to become a helicopter pilot.
Connor Harig
Harig is a senior Supply Chain major. Before beginning his studies at Ship, he served four years in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Rifleman.
In his free time, Harig enjoys riding his motorcycle, playing paintball and staying active.
After graduation this Spring, Harig plans to pursue a career in distribution, applying his logistics background and hands-on experience to the next chapter of his professional journey.
The student veterans at Shippensburg stand as a reminder of the important role that veterans play in shaping the campus community. Ship honors all veterans across the university and throughout the nation.
