Finding Hope in Books

This was first published in the SU Magazine. That’s the impact of Books of Hope, a non-profit organization started by senior special education and early childhood education major José Lopez. “We’re dedicated to spreading the joy of reading by providing new and gently used books to children in hospitals, daycare centers, churches, and other community…

A Call to Service, A Decision to Lead – Interim President Charles E. Patterson

This story first appeared in the Shippensburg University Magazine.  Charles E. Patterson describes himself as a servant leader. It’s a leadership style he says means “never saying no” to serving and willingly supporting the needs of those he leads. So when he was asked to consider the interim presidency at Shippensburg University he said “yes” to a new…

Labor of Love: Ship students mark 10 years of service learning in Haiti

This story first appeared in the Shippensburg University Magazine.  In the midst of a year seemingly full of negative headlines, a group at Shippensburg is celebrating some almost magical news. Six years in the making, students, faculty, and alumni involved in Project Gros Mangles are seeing the fruits of their labor unfold in Haiti. A…

Stewart Hall renovated with alumni support

A version of this story first appeared in the Shippensburg University Magazine.  Stewart Hall, Ship’s iconic building at the entrance to campus, has been restored to its former glory through a major renovation project funded by an alumni giving campaign. As state guidelines allow, the building will function as a welcome center, special events venue,…

Dr. Matthew Fetzer research leads to new book on hate crimes and racial bias

This story first appeared in the Shippensburg University Magazine.  With a background and research interest in hate crimes in America, Dr. Matthew Fetzer, associate professor of criminal justice, works with students to recognize and understand their biases. Fetzer was on sabbatical last semester  working on the now published research book,“The Measurement of Hate Crimes in…

Alumni on the frontlines of a pandemic

This story first appeared in the Shippensburg University Magazine. View a digital copy of the Fall 2020 issue below.  The rumblings of a highly contagious virus in China started making national and international headlines not long after the New Year. On January 29, the CDC launched an agency wide COVID-19 response.   At the Penn…

Calculating the cost of war: Professor applies grant to study of Nazi-Soviet War

This story first appeared in Shippensburg University Magazine. Knowledge and education. These are the keys, said Dr. David Wildermuth, associate professor of German, to understanding the root causes of war and conflict, with the hope for ending world violence. Wildermuth is on a year-long sabbatical in Germany, researching material for the book Ordinary Soldiers? A…