Run to work, attend class, complete homework, socialize with friends — repeat. College students have to become masters of this multitasking routine, but there are ways to lighten the load.

Scholarships are a godsend for some students, and the annual Spirit of Generosity Scholarship and Loan Dinner is a way to recognize scholarship recipients and their benefactors.

Tuesday, March 24, the Tuscarora Room in Reisner Dining Hall was packed to the brim with people for the scholarship event.

The Shippensburg University Foundation partnered with the university to present a night of gratitude to those who have supported students through scholarship.

John Clinton, CEO and president of the SU Foundation, told the crowd how scholarship endowments are increasing. Fundraising through the SU Foundation surpassed its goal of $45 million by $17 million, and 20 new scholarships were formed since 2007.

“They truly help students dream big and truly change lives,” Clinton said of the university’s benefactors.

After a dinner of steak and potatoes, catered by Chartwells, three seniors rose to the podium to speak about their scholarship experiences.

Joe Bucher, who is graduating from the early childhood education major, benefits from the Anthony F. and Valerie Ceddia Leadership Scholarship. Like many students, Bucher works to pay his way through school.

He said his scholarship helped him to cut back on the hours spent at his three jobs, allowing him more time to focus on his studies.

Bucher left SU after his first year to try out another state school, then decided to return. Volunteering at the Grace B. Luhrs Elementary School helped Bucher discover that he wants to be a teacher.

Bucher is also a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, involved in the Big Buddy program at the lab school and is an orientation leader. He currently student-teaches at the kindergarten level.

After a round of applause, Lisa Robbins replaced Bucher on stage to share her experience from the John L. Grove College of Business. Robbins will graduate with a double major in accounting and finance. She is a recipient of the Michael and Nancy Pinkowicz Business Scholarship and the Shippensburg University Foundation Scholarship.

The accredited business program and the instant connection she felt with campus attracted Robbins to SU.

Since starting out as an eager freshman, Robbins has completed the number of credit hours required to take the Certified Public Accountant exam in just four years — a statement met with gasps of surprise from the audience.

Robbins is the president of the Investment Management Program (IMP) at SU, which manages the Wisman Fund, totaling $140,000. At this level, members of IMP can now start to use the fund to award scholarships to students.

After graduation, Robbins has a job lined up in her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Robbins attributes part of her academic success to the support of her benefactors.

“I know you truly make a difference in our lives, because you have made a difference in mine,” Robbins said.

Representing the College of Arts and Sciences, Ryan Spangler stepped up to share his accomplishments and gratitude. Spangler benefits from the Biology Senior Scholarship.

Being a member of the cross-country and track-and-field teams, as well as a biology major, Spangler knows what it is like to manage a hectic schedule.

Thanks to his scholarship, Spangler has been able to spend more time conducting undergraduate research the past three semesters.

In high school, Spangler never went above and beyond, but when he came to SU he decided to seize the opportunity.

“Over time, I would find that SU had a great deal more to offer me,” Spangler said.

The reputation of the track-and-field team originally drew Spangler to SU, and he credits the team as being the glue that held him together over the years.

“I’ve gotten more than my money’s worth here at Shippensburg University,” Spangler said.

Now that graduation is approaching, Spangler is applying to medical school.

While he waits for acceptance letters, he will be working on Alzheimer’s disease research at Johns Hopkins.

Marian Schultz, former dean of academic programs and services and library and multi media services, provided a benefactor’s perspective.

Schultz shared her love for SU as both an employee and a parent —her three children are SU alumni.

After an evening of many speeches, SU President George “Jody” Harpster brought the event to a close, praising the students and thanking the benefactors.

“This university has earned a great reputation because of our students,” Harpster said.

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