This past week, Shippensburg University welcomed students to campus by kicking off the start of the semester with fun and informative events.
First-year students moved into university housing on Thursday, Aug. 20, while returning students moved in Aug. 22-23. The week provided students with opportunities to settle into campus life, connect with their peers and prepare for the start of the fall semester.
Students were brought together on Aug. 20 to celebrate their school spirit with a Pep Rally, followed by New Raider Night, where first-year students had the opportunity to connect and get to know the campus community.
On Aug. 21, Convocation was held at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center. The day also included Big Red’s Cookout, where Ship students gathered outside for a grill-out and participated in a variety of fun activities such as basketball, volleyball, dancing, a dunk tank and more. Later in the evening, students were invited to dance the night away at the Glow Party.
One of the highlights from the week was a keynote presentation by global motivational speaker Frederick “Freddy” Shegog, who encouraged new students to make smart choices and take advantage of the resources available to them at Shippensburg and beyond.
Shegog urged students to lead themselves down a positive path by focusing on their studies, uplifting others and steering clear of alcohol and other substances that can get in the way of their success.
He also encouraged students to make full use of campus resources, including the Raider Wellness Resource Center, office hours with their professors, networking events and professional development opportunities – which can be found at the Center for Career and Workforce Development.
Shegog’s overall message was informed by his own life experiences. A decade ago, he was experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia, where he battled addiction and panhandled as a means of survival. His life changed when a stranger saved his life, looking him in the eye and saying, “Brother, you ain’t dying today.”
That moment motivated Shegog to seek treatment. Through recovery, he eventually met his wife, Kim, and returned to school and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s in communication studies, and later a Master of Public Administration.
Today, he speaks at universities, national conferences, health institutions and events involving legislators and policymakers. Shegog has also had his story featured and published on news platforms such as The Philadelphia Inquirer, CBS, ABC and more.
His signature message, “What is your legacy?” continues to be the driving force behind his work as a motivational speaker and role model.
“College didn’t only change my bank account. It changed my soul,” Shegog said.
As students start the semester, Shegog’s message of perseverance and leading a life guided by intention and purpose provided an encouraging tone for incoming students.
Classes began on Aug. 24, marking the official start of the fall 2026 semester.
On Sept. 2, students can attend “Welcome Back! Fall 2025 Semester Kick-Off” in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB). The Center for Career and Workforce Development will host a table where students can reconnect and learn more about upcoming opportunities.
With students joining and returning back to campus, Shippensburg University looks forward to more upcoming events and activities centered around bringing students together and making the most of their college experience!
