Rev. Diane Jefferson, director of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) at Shippensburg University, died Saturday, June 21, at age 72.

Heading into the Fall 2025 semester, MSA has drawn up its plans to honor Jefferson’s memory.

Ms. Di, as she was often affectionately called by students and faculty alike, was a first-generation college student, graduating from SU in 1976. She was an early member of the Afro-Am Organization and Harmonic Voices of Truth while at SU. She also held a master’s degree from the University of Iowa and a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary in Ohio.

After working as a counselor at Dickinson College in Carlisle, she joined the staff at SU in the 1980s and was named director of MSA when the organization was founded in 1989.

“Ms. Di supported, mentored and educated thousands of students during her time at Ship,” SU President Charles Patterson said in an email announcing Jefferson’s passing to the campus community. “From alumni to staff and faculty, she was more than a resource to students, she was a leader and a change agent for our entire campus community. Her loss is felt deeply across generations of Raiders.”

A service was held on June 28 at Luhrs Performing Arts Center for Jefferson. A visitation preceded the service. The memorial was held in the Luhrs Performing Arts Center. 

Marquis Lupton and Sean Hearn, both 2007 alumni of SU, hosted a Facebook Live on June 25 to commemorate Jefferson’s life and impact at SU. During the more than 90-minute program, they read comments and accepted live calls from the public.

“This is a really, really big emotional time. She meant so much,” Lupton said.

“Everybody has those special memories of being at Ship with Ms. Di,” Hearn added. “No matter when you came in, everybody has one.”

Lupton and Hearn endorsed renaming Gilbert Hall, the home of MSA, in Jefferson’s memory for her many years of service and contributions to SU.

Contributions to honor Jefferson’s memory may be made to Bethel Cito AME Church in McConnellsburg and a fund established in her name at the Shippensburg University Foundation. More information is available in her obituary online.

Shippensburg University has plans to honor Jefferson’s life and service to the community during homecoming this October. Additionally, a piece about her will be run in the Shippensburg Magazine.

Following homecoming, there are plans to name Gilbert Hall 100, the location of the MSA office, after her.

For MSA leadership going into the Fall 2025 semester, offers have not yet been sent out to fill the Associate Director and Director positions. MSA is awaiting approval from the Shippensburg University Human Resources Office to begin the interview process.

On Aug. 15, the university opened a job posting to fill the role of director. The anticipated salary is $75,000 annually with benefits on a full-time, permanent position.

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