I hope that everyone has had a great fall 2025 semester so far. Thanksgiving is almost here and there are a lot of amazing things that have been happening on and off campus, representing Shippensburg University well.

Before I address the recent Council of Trustee meeting, I’d like to highlight some accomplishments.

First, congratulations to the men’s cross-country team for their recent win at the regional championship race. All of Shippensburg is rooting them on as they prepare to go to Wisconsin to compete at the national championship meet.

This year’s Homecoming parade and celebration was a great success, and it is always inspiring to see all the alumni come back to support SU. The SU campus honored Diane Jefferson by renaming the Multicultural Student Affairs organization in her name. Her legacy will continue to make a strong and positive impact here at SU.

Also Alison Dagnes hosted another great “Political Speed Dating” event at which students were able to interact with those who had different opinions. They discovered we all have a lot more in common and it forced students to think critically about their positions. This is such an important and impactful event.

The Shippensburg University Raider Battalion Ranger Challenge team competed at the annual 2nd Brigade Ranger Challenge competition at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, proudly representing SU against nearly every ROTC program in 2nd brigade, which spans from Pennsylvania to Maine.

All the cadets of the Raider Battalion have been working hard this semester, waking up early, embracing the educational labs, and pushing themselves to be all they can be. It is also important to recognize Cadets Joseph Kunsman, Aidan Brenize and myself for being named Distinguished Military Graduates, ranking in the Top 20 percent of all Cadets in the nation.

On Nov. 14, the Council of Trustees held its quarterly meeting, and trustees were updated on many of the great initiatives taking place and the work being done to ensure a continued bright future for our university.

From updates on the Kriner Hall renovations, the Shippensburg University Foundation continued success because of very generous donors supporting students, financial updates on the university, and the opportunity for trustees to ask questions and voice concerns.

With the recent passage of the Pennsylvania State budget and U.S. Federal budget, PHEAA and FASFA will begin processing funding requests, which should bring some relief to students.

It was a great meeting that demonstrated the continued support and essential role that trustees play to help guide SU in the right direction. Please continue to voice your questions or concerns to me at ca6053@ship.edu or just stop me if you see me around campus.

The next public Council of Trustees meeting will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Please consider attending. It truly is an honor and privilege to serve as your student trustee. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas! 

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