MSA celebrates the legacy of the Rev. Diane L. Jefferson in a “March in Remembrance”

Shippensburg University celebrated the life and legacy of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) Director Diane Jefferson this homecoming through several public events.

A “March in Remembrance” of Jefferson was held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. The march proceeded from Gilbert Hall across campus to the Ceddia Union Building (CUB), where biodegradable balloons were released in her honor.

Saturday’s march was attended by students, alumni and members of the community whose lives were impacted by Jefferson, whom many affectionately refer to as Ms. Di. The percussion of the march was performed by the Philadelphia-area student drummers of Mad Beatz Philly.

Prior to the march, opening remarks were given by Assistant Vice President of Inclusion, Belonging and Social Equity Manuel Ruiz, who introduced the audience to Ms. Di’s daughter Shanda Jefferson.

“[Today] is a celebration of her life. It’s a march in remembrance, and y’all know how she loved to march,” Shanda Jefferson said, drawing amusement from the audience. “Every year she would do the March for Humanity … It didn’t matter rain, sleet, snow, wind, how cold it was, she would march for her principles.”

Shanda Jefferson spoke on the connection her mother had with students, regardless of the color of their skin, national origin, sexuality or religion.

“She walked that walk, and so today we’re walking that walk,” she said. “We’re marching for her. We’re marching in her footsteps today.”

Following Shanda Jefferson’s speech, the Mad Beatz Philly marching band and dozens of attendees joined in the march across campus. Outside of the CUB, the marching band finished its performances and balloons were released as the audience exclaimed their love for Ms. Di.

Ruiz and Shanda Jefferson provided additional comments on the significance of Saturday’s march and the importance of Diane Jefferson’s impact on the Shippensburg University community.

According to Ruiz, Shanda Jefferson followed her mother’s legacy, as she was the first Black woman to earn her doctorate in counselor education from Shippensburg University.

Shanda Jefferson spoke further about the love her mother showed to the community during her 40-year career at SU.

“She loved human beings, especially young people. She loved students. She loved Shippensburg University … she worked here for many years and then she created the Multicultural Student Affairs center,” she said. “Today is really about celebrating that legacy, celebrating her loves, her passions and just remembering her. It’s just for all of us to come together because we are her living legacy.”