Archives: Impact Stories

My name is Elizabeth Karper, and I’m a proud alum of Shippensburg University and the Wood Honors College. I graduated in 2017 with degrees in Marketing and Supply Chain Management. Currently I work as an IT Specialist in the Naval Supply Systems Command for the US Navy. I’m a member of the material management team, and I focus on supporting procurement for the Navy.

It’s hard to believe that just three years ago I was speaking to you all at this exact same event as a senior in college. I love this university so much I just can’t stay away for too long! But in all seriousness, I do care immensely for this university, its students, its faculty and staff, and its alumni and I was inspired by you all, so I decided to start paying it forward at a young age. I am a founding member of the Wood Honors College Advisory Council and have served since the fall of 2017. I hope to one day establish a scholarship for undergraduates as well as continue serving on university boards and councils.

I can say with 100% certainty that I am where I’m at in my life and career thanks in huge part to my benefactors in college. I received numerous scholarships and worked hard and became involved in college to ensure that I stayed eligible to receive those scholarships. Through studying very hard and applying myself in the classroom, at my internship at Volvo Construction Equipment, and at my job as alumni coordinator the Honors College, I ensured I was ready to take on the real world. That is why I believe I was able to graduate with a job offer and begin full time employment right away. My experiences in college gave me unique talking points during interviews and showed that I had developed both professionally and personally.

I decided to pay it forward because having recently graduated, I know how challenging completing an undergraduate degree can be. Tack on a job, or two, plus an internship and involvement in clubs or Greek life, and it’s a very busy and at times stressful, four year experience. And of course, you’re probably supposed to check in with mom or dad every now and then, and maybe even have some fun too! So I decided to give back what I can, to help alleviate some of the financial burden for students. For lots of students receiving a scholarship means they can take a few less hours at their job and focus on studying for that final. Or, it could mean funding an experiential learning opportunity that otherwise they wouldn’t be able to afford.

I was once that student. I attended national conferences and participated in an experiential learning opportunity in the Dominican Republic thanks to your support. Without your generosity, I wouldn’t have had these experiences to shape me into who I am today, or talk about in my interview for what became my first full time job. I am certain that my experiential learning opportunity in the Dominican Republic is what put me over the bar over other candidates for that job. As an alum I made the decision to pay it forward, just as you all did for me, because I know how the support can be life-changing.

I also know numerous other young alumni who are already giving their time, talent, and treasure to the university and its current students. You all impacted us so much as undergraduates that we were inspired to continue the circle, and continue to give back. We’re hoping that this cycle continues for years to come. Your charitable gifts aren’t just supporting the students who directly receive the scholarships. Your gifts are a link in a chain of continuous giving. Generation after generation of support, inspired by those who came before them. So thank you all for your continuous generosity and support to this university and its students. Together, we are shaping the future.

 

Thank you.

 

The combination of a scholarship and commuting from Chambersburg made Shippensburg a very attractive prospect for Emily Frieban, a pre-med biology major. During the fall of her freshman year, chemistry was Emily’s favorite subject. In fact, she excelled in the course. After a professor pointed out that she could still pursue medicine with a chemistry degree and participate in research, getting to work one-on-one with the professor, and receive hands-on training in advanced laboratory techniques that she would not otherwise learn, Emily became a chemistry major with a biochemistry concentration. It helped that her grandfather was a chemist with three patents to his name.
Emily conducted research with Dr. Frielle each semester and every summer after that, a project that evolved and changed direction over the years. “I enjoyed the nature of the project, Dr. Freille’s mentoring, the advanced laboratory skills used daily and, in particular, the higher-order thinking skills associated with the project,” Emily said. “My love of biochemistry and this research experience led me to change my pathway in life from originally wanting to be a doctor to now attending graduate school for a Ph.D. in pharmacology where I can combine my love of chemistry with my interests in medicine.”

Jacob Gillespie, Class of 2018, recieves the Lynn G. and Evelyn R. Walck Scholarship and the Albert A Mason, Sr. Journalism Scholarship

Jake was attracted to ‘Ship’ for the highly respected and accredited Communications/Journalism Department.  Now a junior, Jake has taken full advantage of the many opportunities available to him.  He is the executive producer of SUTV, a student in the Honors Program and goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team. Last summer, Jake was nominated for a collegiate Emmy from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, as part of a live events crew that covered the SU men’s basketball game.  He also volunteers for the food recovery program which takes left-over food from Reisner Dining Hall and distributes it to those in need in the local community.   Jake appreciates your support which has helped him gain invaluable experience for a future career and allowed him to be so involved on campus.

The Richard W. Tomlinson Football Scholarship    Since his days at Shippensburg University, Rick Tomlinson ’73-’85M has enjoyed a career in higher education in Central Pennsylvania, serving in a wide range of faculty and executive administration positions. Rick credits his undergraduate and graduate education at the University for preparing him to thrive in roles in higher education for which a terminal degree would normally have been required.

Throughout the years, Rick has also been an avid fan of Red Raider athletics, regularly attending home and away football, basketball, and baseball games. “After I joined the Raiders Club Board of Directors, I became more aware of the need for athletic scholarship funding. That was the motivating factor for me to establish a scholarship for talented student-athletes.” The Richard W. Tomlinson Football Scholarship also has a preference for members of the football team who are enrolled in the John L. Grove College of Business or in a Psychology degree program at Shippensburg University.

MAKE A GIFT

For fourteen years, Mary Jane Stewart was a well-known and beloved figure around the Shippensburg University campus, cheerily delivering mail to administrators and staff in Old Main. Her favorite part of her job was in the mailroom. Although Mary Jane had special needs, she always inspired others to seek ways to overcome their personal challenges. At home, one of her lasting joys was watching Tom Selleck as Magnum P.I.. Selleck’s character embodied qualities she admired: integrity, loyalty, kindness, and camaraderie. Plus, she loved Magnum’s mustache!

The Stewart family has a long history with Shippensburg University. Mary Jane’s parents, John and Mary Stewart, were professors at Ship; her brother, Thomas, received an MA in English; and her sister, Frances, completed her MEd in special education and teaching certification, both at Ship. Her other siblings, William and Campbell, attended many cultural events and activities at the university.

This scholarship recently was established by Frances Steggles Stewart. “It is in memory of my sister who was an example of perseverance, optimism, and self-assurance,” she said. “It is also a way of giving thanks to Shippensburg University and Magnum, P.I. for enriching Mary Jane’s life. The scholarship will help students with disabilities with demonstrated need to achieve their academic and personal goals.”

MAKE A GIFT

For many years, a highlight in Dora Addam’s week has been visiting the Fashion Archives and Museum at Shippensburg University where she uses her considerable talent helping to conserve the vintage clothing.  Dora has also been an outstanding benefactor through her many gifts to the SU Foundation, designated to the Fashion Archives endowment, which will help preserve and expand the one-of-a-kind collection and enable the Museum to attract and mount new exhibits. On March 29, 2016, the Fashion Archives celebrated its relocation to the Davis House, adjacent to campus, with a ribbon cutting event.  During the program, Joel Zullinger, Esq., Chairperson, SU Foundation Board of Directors, named the exhibition gallery the Dora Green-Addams Gallery, in honor of Dora and her exceptional philanthropy.

“The study of costume,” said Dora, “offers us a glimpse of what was happening in our history and society over the years.  I believe it plays an important role in our understanding of our civilization and culture.”  Dora should know because she has been observing different fashion trends for over nine decades now.  “Volunteering at the Fashion Archives has given me countless hours of pleasure as well as many friendships. So it gives me great joy to support this unique museum and help secure its future so that others can enjoy it years from now.”