The Slate 4-29-25

South Mountain wildfires spark wave of community support for first responders

As wildfires burned nearly

3,000 acres of Michaux State Forest this past week, Shippensburg area residents rallied to support both first-responders and one another.

The Thompson Hollow and Hammonds Rocks fires, which began Wednesday and Thursday respectively, prompted evacuations in Southampton Township and drew hundreds of emergency responders from across South Central Pennsylvania and beyond.

The fires, fueled by dry conditions and high winds, taxed local fire companies beyond the scale of normal operations — and the community responded in kind.

“We’re appreciative that in times of need, we know that the community is going to pull together,” Vigilant Hose

Chief Bryon Coy said. “Between the food, the non-perishable items, the water, the Gatorade — I know that it’s been impactful for all the stations in the area.”

“You can’t put a price tag on a volunteer. ”

Chief James White West End Fire & Rescue

In the days since the start of the fires, a wave of support has flooded into local fire stations. Over a thousand cases of bottled water were dropped off by residents, businesses and local organizations, along with fresh food, energy drinks, snacks and supplies. Within hours of a Facebook post advising residents where to drop off donations,

local fire companies were overwhelmed by the quantity of donations that they had to ask for a temporary pause to sort and distribute them.

“We’ve kind of exceeded our storage area here,” Coy said. “We are looking to store some of these items even at some of our township facilities.”

West End Fire & Rescue

chief James White noted that the duration of the fire required a much greater volume of supplies than a typical house fire call. To him, the community certainly answered the call. “They did a great job supporting us,”

White said.

Many businesses also stepped up to provide support to the firefighting effort. White noted that Orrstown Bank and other local businesses made large donations.

One such business was Taco Trap House, a food

Faculty grapple with turnover and potential department mergers

Design Department.

Shippensburg University faculty are navigating a period of administrative and academic uncertainty as the university faces budgetary challenges, potential department mergers and the departure of Provost Darrell Newton earlier this month.

Newton’s exit was announced by SU President Charles Patterson on April 8. Since then, very little has been said.

Apart from an email announcing Newton’s resignation that was sent to faculty and staff, no public announcement of Newton’s departure has been made as of April 28.

The timing of Newton’s departure was not coincidental.

Patterson’s decision to announce the transition in April rather than over the summer was made to avoid looking suspicious, according to SU Professor Charles Dudley Girard.

Meanwhile, faculty remain concerned about the future of several academic departments amid the university’s budgetary strains.

According to a university budget presentation earlier this year, the revised 2024-25 fiscal year budget projects a surplus of $1.06 million. However, according to Girard, that is likely to be revised down to a deficit.

While the university has reserves, years of deficit spending have drained them substantially. While the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is likely to see a 6.5% increase in state appropriations, Girard noted that it will likely be insufficient to keep pace with rising costs.

Because state funding only accounts for around 30% of the university’s budget, that 6.5% increase ends up being closer to a 2% increase, which is quickly eclipsed by increasing insurance costs and inflation.

To manage this shortfall, the adminis-

tration’s deficit reduction plan primarily relies on the attrition of faculty and staff.

While the plan targets 10 retirements per year over three years, the approach is made more complicated by the uneven spread across departments.

All four tenured faculty in the art and design department are set to retire at the end of the academic year.

Art professors Steve Dolbin and Michael Campbell described a stressful situation for students, who have expressed concerns about course availability and program stability.

“There’s going to be a little bit of a bumpy road,” Campbell said. “So, we just kind of sit tight and work through it.”

Potential departmental mergers are another source of stress.

While currently on hold following Newton’s departure, at least two such mergers were being discussed.

truck, which went up to the fire to feed first-responders for free.

White and Cot said that the magnitude of the fire reflected the fire’s uniquely high visibility. Unlike a house fire or small brush fire, the Thompson Hollow and Hammonds Rocks fires were visible across the Cumberland Valley, and saw a good deal of media attention.

Support was not limited to donations of food and money. Volunteers from other fire departments and retired firefighters came out to help by staffing stations, answering phones, cleaning rigs and supporting things behind the scenes.

Across Shippensburg and its surrounding areas, community members also found ways to support one another.

Rocky future for art department

Ian Thompson News Editor

Shippensburg University’s Department of Art & Design is preparing for a major transition — all four of its tenured faculty members are retiring at the end of the semester.

Professors Steve Dolbin, Ben Culbertson, Michael Campbell, and William Whiteley will step away this summer.

The changes to the department come amid broader challenges facing academics departments at Shippensburg University. Earlier this month, SU’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Darrel Newton stepped down after just nine months on the job.

That departure, paired with budget pressure and declining enrollment,

have caused a lot of stress for administration, faculty and students.

Rumors of the art department departures caused alarm among the student body, especially art students who were left unsure of their academic future.

Ethan Cornell, a graduating art student, said that a lack of communication caused a lot of anxiety and frustration.

While Dolbin and Culbertson’s retirements were well known, Campbell and Whiteley’s came as a surprise.

“It was the timing of all of it. Kinda pulling the rug out from under us,” Cornell said.

Despite these concerns, faculty and university administration seem optimistic about the department’s future.

Kathryn Keely, the

department’s remaining adjunct professor, will likely be joined in the fall by a mix of adjuncts and short-term contract hires.

“We’ve put together a really great list of wellknown artists and educators,” Dolbin said. “We can have a bit of a renaissance”

Dolbin also noted that the change presents an opportunity to bring in art professionals from diverse backgrounds and of a younger generation that reflects the student body.

“I’m 66 and I’m one of the youngsters,” Dolbin said.

The department currently has about 70 students, according to Dolbin. A large portion of those students are enrolled in the art education program, which he led efforts to create. More developments are expected over the summer, as Interim Provost Nicole Hill settles in her role. In a statement to The Slate, Hill said that the university remains “deeply committed to our art programs as we navigate retirements of our faculty in Art and Design and across other areas.”

SU Director of Communications and Marketing Megan Silverstrim said that the university “will be delivering the coursework that is necessary for student progression and are already addressing staffing in response to the retirements.”

SGA election turnout remains low

Ian Thompson News Editor

Despite a six-fold increase in turnout for the spring 2025 SGA officer elections, turnout for last week’s senator elections did not recover from last-year’s record low. The results for Shippensburg University’s Student Government Association senate elections were announced on April 18. Only 63 votes were cast, compared to 301 in the officer elections and 61 for last year’s senator election.

Of the 14 positions up for grabs, only five were filled.

Ryan Mills was elected as the senator representing the College of Arts and Sciences. Mills, who has not

previously served in SGA, stands out as the newcomer. The other four winners were re-elected to seats they currently hold that represent academic class years. Kenny Tran and Kyle Marzullo will continue to represent the Class of 2026 and 2027, respectively. Each class has two seats in the senate, but currently Tran and Marzullo are the sole senators for those years. The Class of 2028 senator positions did have both seats filled, with Chase Garrison and Matt Jones being re-elected.

Only four candidates submitted petitions to be placed on the ballot prior to the election. Each of them, running unopposed, won their respective seats. Only

one write-in candidate, Jones, secured the necessary five votes to win as a write-in. One additional seat was filled via write-in votes, but the winner declined the position.

Lillian Sellers, the current SGA president, received enough votes for the Graduate Student Senator position, but declined according to SUSSI Office Manager

Allie Rippeon. Sellers explained that while she is thankful for those who decided to write her in as a candidate, it is time for her to step away from SGA. She described her journey from class senator to SGA president as fierce and one that has tested her and helped her grow.

Your World Today

Commentary: Fleeing the ship

Connor Niszczak Editor-in-Chief

I hate clichés.

Time flies. Opposites attract. And around here, one cliché reigns supreme — Ship Happens. So, in my final column, a reflection on all the Ship that has happened to me and a warning for the future.

Since Aug. 19, 2021, SU has been my home. McCune Hall gave me my best friends and the support I needed to become a Student Ambassador and Resident Assistant. Seavers Hall helped me become a mentor, and Lackhove taught me how to step away from an unhealthy environment.

Spending four years in the communication, journalism and media department has been spent with the most underappreciated and passionate group of academics around. I will miss the lessons I have learned in and out of the classroom, particularly from the old man himself, Dr. Michael Drager.

But some of my proudest moments have been showing off everything our campus has to offer. I have given over 100 campus tours and worked three summers of orientation. I have not just taken advantage of what SU has to offer; I have prioritized supporting our next generation of Raiders.

But my love for SU has always driven my persistence to criticize it when necessary, and I have concerns.

I have seen a president who praises a transparent administration but refuses to provide the student body any information about the sudden resignation of our provost.

I have seen desperately needed faculty searches fail because of administrative incompetence and feet dragging.

I’ve seen a member of our administration ask me not to contact them again for using direct quotes in a story.

I’ve seen students take on excessive responsibilities because of incompetence in their administrative supervisors.

I’ve seen entire departments make policy decisions based on so-called student needs while ignoring the voices of students they employ.

But the cracks are deeper than our administration. As I wrote back in November 2023, this campus is overrun with apathy.

We have an SGA president elected by 49 votes and saw a ballot just this month that included seven positions without candidates. Years of SGA members cycle in and out, making claims about what they’ll improve, only to leave while the norm remains. Far too much of our student body is simply not invested in the institutions that preserve our campus culture.

Our Activities Programming Board has scaled back its large-scale events, and Housing and Resi dence Life has en couraged Resi dent Assistants to cater events to build con nection on a more intimate scale.

Some of these changes are meant to align with a post-Covid student body, but only so much can be done to connect with students who simply do not care. Far too many of my peers use anxiety as a defense mechanism to stay in their rooms, avoiding any environment where they may feel temporarily uncomfortable.

Your World Tomorrow

Commentary: Everything happens for a reason

Jayden Pohlman Incoming Editor-in-Chief

Throughout my college career, “everything happens for a reason” was the mantra I adopted to soften disappointment’s harsh blow.

All institutions deal with fluctuating admin and staff, but the students are consistently the lifeblood of a campus and its culture, especially here at SU — ignore the bureaucracy and “BS” to keep Ship Happening.

Shippensburg University has changed my life, but it is far from ideal.

I keep thinking of 2024’s Alumni Weekend, when I met dozens of former Raiders, many celebrating 50 years since graduation. I wish I was leaving this institution with hopes of someday returning for my own 50year anniversary, but I’m not. I’ll be shocked if we make it to 20.

I repeated the phrase to myself when I drifted apart from my best friend from high school, when my car was towed sophomore year and when I didn’t leave Australia engaged to Robert Irwin. No matter what obstacle got in my way, this cliché consistently helped me look at the bright side, and I began to view every hardship as a minor setback in the grand scheme of life.

On the surface level, this may seem like a good outlook to have.

The ability to recover quickly from difficult situations is an admirable skill. But I began to look at misfortune as a foe to be conquered. A battle to be won. And I created an illusion that things would always work out the way I wanted.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to live for 20 years without experiencing tragedy. I consider myself extremely privileged.

But reality eventually catches us all, and she came crashing down on me at the end of last year.

Christmas is undeniably my favorite time of the year. Even though my black heart yearns to favor Halloween, the nostalgia of Christmas fills me with an unimaginable joy that triumphs every other holiday.

Following a practically perfect Christmas, my life was at an all-time high, and I

Student journalism and finding purpose

Commentary: Reflecting on how

The Slate changed the trajectory of my career

Unlike many of my colleagues here at The Slate, I am not a communication, journalism and media major. When I walk the stage next Saturday, I will be receiving a degree in political science (well, an empty folder with an IOU for one).

I have never been certain of what my future holds. In high school, I attended Franklin County Career and Technology Center for culinary arts. I wanted to be a chef. After working in a restaurant for a few months, I knew that was not for me. When I entered college, I had a vague idea of working in Harrisburg or Washington, D.C. Whether as a Congressional staffer, lobbyist,

consultant — I did not know specifics, but that was the gist.

I definitely had no intention of being a journalist. Yet here we are.

My first experience with The Slate was as a guest contributor. I had read an opinion piece from a staff contributor that I disagreed with so passionatedly that I felt I had to respond.

I submitted my response, and it got published. I did not know it at the time, but that would be the start of a journey.

I kept writing. Sporadically at first; just a guest contribution here and there. But then I joined as a staff member. I started writing more. Every week, I was writing an article, if not multiple. I branched out of the opinion section and started covering news, campus events and more.

During that time, I was approached by The Slate’s management. They encouraged me to apply to be an editor. I was hesitant at first and declined for a long time. I knew that editors were responsible for designing page layouts in InDesign, a program with which I had zero experience. Yet the encouragement persisted. Elizabeth Peters, the editor-in-

was subconsciously planning a classic endof-year post on Instagram to highlight how amazing my 2024 had been — that post never happened.

On Dec. 27, my father unexpectedly passed away. It was the worst day of my life. After I lost my dad, the five words that got me through so many hard times felt like a massive slap in the face. Everything happens for a reason?

What possible reason could there be to explain this?

The past four months have been a train wreck, to put it mildly.

I never expected that I would have to learn how to navigate life without my dad at age 20.

In all honesty, one of the hardest things for me was returning to Shippensburg in January after my world had shattered a month prior.

In the beginning, I was constantly fighting an internal battle. One moment, I was perfectly content to live in denial of my dad’s death. The next, I wanted to scream about it.

It took me a while to finally open up about what happened. Saying it out loud still is not easy.

But I will be forever grateful to all of the people who took time to listen, cried alongside me and continue to support me through the darkest time in my life. Thank you, truly. As I look ahead to the fall, I feel hopeful because I know I have an amazing support system at Shippensburg.

I look forward to my new role as Editor in Chief at The Slate and to spending my last semester with the people I care about.

But there will always be something missing from my life. My dad is not going to be there to see me take on this new role.

He will not be at my college graduation. He will not be at my wedding. And it is just not fair.

With all that said, I leave you with a revision to my former mantra: everything happens.

There does not always have to be a reason or a benefit to the hardships we face in life. But everything happens, and we have to find a way to keep moving forward despite it.

passionate about both subjects, as anyone who has met me in person or read the opinion section of The Slate can attest.

chief at the time, gave me an offer: I would be promoted to assistant news editor and she would help with InDesign. I edited stories and found things to cover, and she handled layouts.

Over time, I begrudgingly learned how to find my way around the terrifying labyrinth that is Adobe InDesign. I am no expert, but I have learned how to do the layouts myself and have been able to help my colleagues with their own InDesign-induced headaches. Later that year, I was promoted to News Editor. Since then, the

See you Slater: Feeling hopeful for the future

Before I was born, The Slate was

For

over 60 years, there have been hundreds of people who have created content for The Slate. It is now 2025, and all I have been able to tell myself lately is how lucky I am to be one of those hundreds. I began as a staff contributor for The Slate. Throughout my journey within this organization, I have truly realized the power behind this publication. The Slate — from a university perspective — publishes content from any

major, and I think this is one of the most important attributes that any newspaper could have. Regardless of who you are or what you believe, you have a space to express your thoughts (within reason, of course). I was offered the managing editor position in the spring semester of 2024, alongside the outgoing editor-in-chief Connor Niszczak. The two of us have done a number of things this year, but in

addition to us, The Slate — as a whole — has had incredible accomplishments. There have been immense strides taken by each and every member of this organization regarding the understanding of administration, politics, silliness and consistency. The year was full of challenges, but each challenge ended with a success. And success does not always mean a physical victory; sometimes, it is simply just the knowledge that you

amount of time I have dedicated to The Slate seems to grow exponentially.

Last year, I added a CJM minor to my degree. I took Basic News Reporting with Professor Witmer. I took Media Law with Professor Lohrey. I learned that PR was not my forte.

Over the last few months, my job searches have looked much more like “journalist” than “congressional staffer.”

That is not to say that I am abandoning my political science major or history minor. I remain

learn along the way and the people who you share an experience with.

While I, patiently, await the final days of the 2024-25 academic year, I wanted to bring The Slate’s legacy to the forefront. The Slate is, has always been and always will be, a place for integrity, responsibility, accountability, service and education. With this, those who work for The Slate are aware of its mission.

“Our mission: Since 1957, The Slate has strived to serve the Shippensburg Universi-

But I have found a new passion that in my view, compliments both of those fields — journalism.

For a while now, my answer to the everpresent question “what is your plan after college?” has been “something in politics that deals with media or something in media that deals with politics.”

That remains true, but I am evermore leaning to the latter. At The Slate, I have had the opportunity to cover breaking stories, interview Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and to turn all the boring meetings that no one attends into news.

Those meetings very rarely get the attention they deserve, both from the public and the media. But in my role, I have been able to be exceedingly annoying for SGA and university administration.

I cannot overstate how much The Slate means to me. It is not just another student group or club.

The Slate is an institution. It is a body that demands accountability from SGA and the university. It is a group of people devoted to the truth.

I am so glad to have had the opportunity to contribute to that mission. It has changed my life in so many amazing ways.

ty community with vital news and entertainment. We provide real-world experiences for students to build their skills in journalism and communication that they can take with them to the job market.”

Even when I am no longer a student at SU, I will continue to watch in amazement of the work that The Slate staff produces. For as long as it has existed, it will continue. And even longer.

This student-run newspaper has the ability to move mountains. Being a part of the or-

ganization has changed my life for good, and I will use the skills, motivation, determination and experience that I have gotten forever, even when I am a part of the “real world.”

There is always a fear to know something so well and, one day, not be a part of it anymore. However, I know the upcoming staff for the 2025-26 academic year will be a pivotal group for The Slate’s reputation.

To all of those people — good luck, and I’ll see you slater.

Deportation legal challenges entangle Trump’s first 100 days in controversy

Wednesday, April 30, will mark the 100th day of President Donald Trump’s second administration. Since taking office, Trump has unleashed a flurry of executive orders and actions aimed at fulfilling his campaign promises, which have many critics warning of future authoritarianism.

In the past three months, much controversy has arisen over the president’s zealous

immigration enforcement policy. During his 2024 campaign, Trump stated his goal to deport millions of undocumented immigrants each year. He also campaigned on a promise to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to detain and deport suspected gang members without due process. On March 15, the president fulfilled this promise through an action aimed at halting the influence of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that operates

Jose Ricardo-Osorio reflects on two decades at Shippensburg University

throughout the Americas, including the U.S.

While the Trump administration is far from its goals, deportations since January have been extensive. An update on the Department of Homeland Security website states that Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officers made over 30,000 arrests in the first 50 days of Trump’s second administration alone.

These numbers were compared to the over 30,000 arrests made throughout the

2024 fiscal year.

Amid ongoing deportation issues, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has begun to build a database that compiles data on undocumented immigrants from agencies like the Social Security Administration.

The aim of the new DOGE database is to hasten the deportation process by terminating the Social Security numbers of the undocumented to make them “self deport.”

DOGE’s data-collection efforts have not gone without public protests and legal challenges. Many unions and immigrant-rights groups ar-

SGA Corner: End of semester events & new leadership

Nathan Garber Incoming SGA President

After 20 years of service at Shippensburg University, José Ricardo-Osorio is preparing for a new chapter. As the semester comes to a close, so does Ricardo’s time at Shippensburg. Beginning in June, he will serve as dean of the College of Public Service at the University of Houston–Downtown.

Ricardo, by his own admission, is a well-known face around campus. Whether it be from attending one of his classes or his iconic salsa dancing, most of the Shippensburg community has heard his name.

Ricardo has had an eventful and professionally diverse time during his tenure at SU. He started out as an assistant professor. Six years later, Ricardo was elected chair of the Department of Global Languages and Cultures. He continued in this position for nine years.

In 2013, Ricardo took on the role of interim associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. After holding this position for a year, he returned to his role as department chair until 2019. Ricardo was then invited

to join the College of Education and Human Services as interim associate dean. He refers to the beginning of this position as a “christening by fire,” as the COVID-19 pandemic started shortly after he began. Ricardo helped the college enact necessary changes to adjust to online classes.

After two years, Ricardo returned to teaching. However, this would be short-lived, as just one semester later he took on the role of acting dean of the College of Education and Human Services. Ricardo maintained this position for two years, and he is currently an associate professor.

Ricardo values his experience as both a professor and administrator. He explained the difference between the two roles by comparing it to being a painter versus a viewer in a gallery.

“You have a picture, a painting, and you see the painting as the artist... and as someone visiting the gallery,” Ricardo said. “When I was here as professor... I was the one creating the painting, putting together the syllabus, putting together lessons.”

A message from next year’s SGA leadership: As finals week and the end of semester approach, your representatives and Student Government Association want to thank everyone for a great semester and everyone who was involved throughout the campus community.

On April 29, SGA will be handing out various frozen treats at a tabling event in the CUB. We would love to see as many students as possible and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask or take this opportunity to get to know some of the SGA representatives. SGA will have senators tabling from 11-1 so please get some free food and meet your senators.

Additionally, the last public meeting will be held on May 1. If you are a student group, this is the last opportunity to fulfill the requirement to attend one of the public meetings this semester. The representative

of your group does not need to be an officer. There will be a sign-in sheet for those who attend.

This last public meeting will be held in the MPR A and is a great opportunity for students to attend and congratulate the newly elected senators and executives as they are sworn into their positions for the next academic year. After the meeting, there will be a chance for everyone to connect with various representatives, as SGA serves cake to attendees to celebrate the end of semester and the new leadership.

As we look forward to our transition to new leadership, SGA would like to introduce the recently elected executive team.

Nathan Garber was elected as the SGA president and looks forward to moving from his current vice president of finance role into providing leadership and guidance for SGA next year. He is currently a senior and

his focus will be to increase the engagement that the campus community has with SGA and looks forward to seeing more students get involved in the committees and senator positions. Daniel McCleary was elected as the vice president and looks forward to working with the executive team and the senators. Daniel hopes to be more active on social media and improve the student group and SGA relationship by using SGA’s platforms to promote student groups. Additionally, he will be involved in running the internal functions and supporting various senator roles and responsibilities.

Ella Zinn was elected for a second term as vice president of student groups. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the Student Groups Committee and approval of new student groups. Additionally, she is available for questions from students on how to increase their use of ShipLink, their

Weather Forecast

membership responsibilities and creates guidelines for student group officers. She intends to make herself available to all the students and hopes to support collaboration with student groups across campus.

Emily Wojnarski was elected as vice president of finance. Emily looks forward to actively working with student groups across campus to guide them toward financial success. She will also focus on expanding the budget and finance committee to have representation from all campus demographics. After serving as a senator and a member of the budget and finance committee, she is looking forward to a successful budget season next year.

Thank you for your part in making this a successful semester. We hope that everyone has a great summer break, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on campus in August.

Carvers craft custom pieces at PA Chainsaw Festival

Hundreds made their way to the Shippensburg Fairgrounds earlier this month for the Pennsylvania Chainsaw Carvers Festival.

Now in its fifth year, the three-day festival is hosted by the Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce and was held April 17–19. Carvers from across the country attended this year, carving “quick-carves” and a “masterpiece” carving. This year, 28 carvers were invited to Shippensburg to show their skills. The first two nights, carvers had 60 minutes to carve a piece, which then went to auction immediately.

On April 19, the auction featured pieces of the “masterpiece” variety, as well as

additional quick carvings, for more than 50 sculptures. The artworks depicted a range of subjects, including bears, eagles and other wildlife. Other sculptures were of American flags, cartoon characters like Woody from Pixar’s “Toy Story” and several depictions of Sasquatch. One piece, a large sculpture of a buck looking over its shoulder, sold for $2,050. According to Chamber President Wendy Kipe, it was the day’s highest bid. According to Kipe, the Chamber brings the carvers for three nights and pays for their lodging. The funds from the auction are split between the carvers and the Chamber, which then uses the proceeds for two of the events. Those events are the Back to School Family Fun Day

and the Community Christmas Party, both of which are free to the community.

The size of the festival has varied over the years. Last year saw 53 carvers attend, which organizers felt was too many in retrospect. They aimed for 30 this year.

The Shippensburg festival falls the week before the much larger Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous in Ridgway, Pennsylvania.

“It’s a very unique festival where you start with a block of wood and create that,” Kipe said, referring to one of the sculptures. “Not every community has a Chainsaw Festival.”

The Chamber’s Back to School Family Fun Day, where they give away backpacks and school supplies before the school year kicks off, is scheduled for Aug. 9.

Ship Life

‘Voices of Peace’ highlights peace efforts, encourages student action

Megan Sawka Incoming Managing Editor

Have you ever wondered how you can change the world? Students in the Partners in Peace class sought to answer that question by studying past Nobel Peace Prize winners. Voices of Peace, hosted by the Wood Honors College’s Partners in Peace seminar, was hosted in the Tuscarora Room at Reisner Dining Hall on April 14. Voices of Peace was planned by the students in the Honors Partners in Peace seminar. The seminar is part of a larger international initiative created through a collaboration between the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, and the National Collegiate Honors Council.

Shippensburg University’s Wood Honors College was selected as one of 16 inaugural members of the program, which challenges students to “think globally, act locally” by applying the lessons of Nobel Peace Prize laureates to create positive change on their campuses and in their communities.

This spring, students focused their research on Nihon Hidankyo, the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and an organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Their work culminated in the creation of the Voices of Peace event, designed to educate others about nuclear disarmament and the power of individual activism.

Wood Honors College Director Kim Klein opened the program by thanking attendees and introducing the event’s theme. Junior Cole Pearson provided background on Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize and the work of Nihon Hidankyo.

Sophomore Brea Fennick, who had the initial idea for the event, introduced the speakers for the afternoon.

Faculty members Joe Shane, Mark Sachleben and Steven Burg each addressed different aspects of the history and impact of nuclear warfare. Shane spoke about the development of the atomic bomb, while Sachleben discussed the political context of World War II. Burg highlighted the

mission of Nihon Hidankyo and encouraged students to reflect on the power of individual action.

“We can all make the world a better place,” Burg said. “How can you use your voice to do that?”

Between each speaker, attendees participated in activities that reinforced the event’s themes. Participants folded origami cranes, a traditional symbol of peace associated with Hiroshima and the legacy of atomic bomb survivors. They also contributed to a Peace Tree by writing down how they could use their voices to make the world a better place.

Posters around the room provided additional context, featuring historical information about the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, survivor testimonies and details about the ongoing advocacy work of Nihon Hidankyo.

“It’s been incredibly educational, and I’ve learned so much,” said Michael Luzi, SU sophomore and event attendee. “It’s fascinating to study the atomic bomb, its effects and how it impacted

everyone involved.”

The event also featured a Peace Fest, where guests shared a Japanese-inspired meal and reflected on the day’s messages. The event drew students from Shippensburg University, students from Shippensburg Area Senior High School and representatives from the Shippensburg Peace Garden.

“The Voices of Peace event was a fantastic interdisciplinary effort involving the Partners in Peace class and served as our inaugural event,” said Pearson. “We are very grateful for all of the community members who turned out because, of course, the community is the ‘voices’ in Voices of Peace.”

Kevin Dean, director of the Honors Program at West Chester University and founder of the Partners in Peace initiative, closed the event by encouraging students to use their voices to create change. Dean reflected on the importance of storytelling and education in building a more peaceful world, echoing the messages shared by earlier speakers.

Steve Dolbin: “You can always come home”

Ian Thompson News Editor

Long before he was a professor, Steve Dolbin was a “dynamic little AllAmerican lad,” according to the newspaper, a boy who spent his childhood running around the halls of Shippensburg State College.

After a lifetime intertwined with Shippensburg University and 25 years of teaching at SU, Dolbin is stepping away from the classroom.

As Dolbin prepares to retire from SU’s art and design department, he tends to reflect on a long, storied career and his deep roots to Shippensburg.

Dolbin grew up on campus, quite literally. His father, David A. Dolbin, served as the Dean of Men starting in 1963. He became Dean of Students in 1975, where he served until his retirement in 1992. His mother, Margaret, worked as a nurse in Old Main.

“Little Stevie,” as the clipping called him, grew up running around campus. “I could go over to the bio department and play with their snakes, and I could go over to geology and look at fossils,” Dolbin said.

His journey to becoming a professor at SU was not straightforward, though. While he studied art at Shippensburg, his father encouraged him to take some education courses at Kutztown over the summer. It was there he met Robin, who he later married and who serves as director of the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center on campus. His two sons also attended SU.

At the time, Dolbin did not want to be a teacher, but rather a “famous artist.”

“Maybe you could be a high school teacher and a football coach,” Dolbin recalled his father saying.

“He just wanted security, you

know?” Dolbin said.

After graduating, Dolbin taught some art courses at Cedar Cliff High School in Camp Hill. That would not last though, as he aspired to go to New York to be an artist. There, he studied at the Pratt Institute, while his wife pursued a successful career in fashion design.

After the couple’s time in New York, they moved to Connecticut. There, they

Dolbin has made his impact. During his time as the art and design department’s chair, he was instrumental in the remodeling of Huber Art Center. The renovation upgraded the historic building which once served as the university’s library with contemporary design and modern facilities.

that showcases his own art as well as his students’ work.

One piece that was recently added to the trail is titled “River Spirit.”

HBCU Homecoming showcases Black excellence

Jordan Neperud Incoming Ship Life Editor

restored an old train station and turned it into a home and studio. Dolbin taught at the University of Massachusetts and Amherst College, but when a position opened at Shippensburg, he seized the opportunity to return to his roots.

“I thought I could make some contributions to not only the university but the community,” Dolbin said.

He also spearheaded the creation of the art education degree program, which helps students become art teachers. Dolbin boasted that the department has dozens of graduates within a couple hours’ drive that are teaching art across from elementary to high school.

Beyond academics, Dolbin’s artwork has become local landmarks. He collaborated with the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail to create the sculpture path

Destined for a museum in York that is currently under construction, the massive stainless-steel sculpture is covered in petroglyphs found on sites along the Susquehanna River.

Dolbin’s work also extends on to campus. One of his sculptures, “Creative Tools,” is installed outside the Grace B. Luhrs Elementary School.

“I love the idea of work that is outside and accessible for everybody,” Dolbin said. “One of the greatest things is kids playing around the sculptures.”

One sculpture Dolbin is quite proud of is the large stone outside Seth Grove Stadium that athletes touch before games. Likening it to Penn State’s Nittany Lion, Dolbin said he created it in the 1990s before he became a professor at SU.

Dolbin cannot help but feel proud seeing people sitting on it, getting their photos taken for different sports teams, and seeing the football team touch it before running out onto the field.

The fact that dozens of teams have done so for decades is special to him.

“It’s a living thing; it’s not just an object,” Dolbin said.

Noting that sculpting does a number on the body, Dolbin is ready to retire. But he does not do so without reservations. For one, he will sorely miss the students. “Why do you guys have to be so talented?” he asked.

“It’s great really, but it’s time to move on,” Dolbin said. That does not mean Dolbin is off to a cabin in the woods, however, nor does it mean slowing down. He and Robin have a cottage near campus where they plan to continue their work.

Shippensburg’s Elite Modeling Troupe hosted the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Homecoming, a night celebrating Black excellence.

The event was held in Memorial Auditorium and featured music from BOOGZONDABEAT.

The performance began with the models standing in the first five rows of the audience, allowing the crowd to see their dance and modeling skills up close.

The group was all wearing matching red leotards and their iconic six-inch black platform heels.

The troupe disappeared behind the curtains of the stage before a few models stepped back out to perform in a recurring skit called “HBCU Homecoming 101.” The skit featured the models talking about their performance while hyping up the audience. It often served as a transition between the different runway and dance segments. Following the skit, the first runway segment began.

The Elite Modeling Troupe changed into new outfits, consisting of sparkling miniskirts and black tops.

Each model strutted down the stage and was met with cheers and applause from the audience.

Next, the troupe split into two teams — red and silver. Models wore a black jumpsuit, with either red or silver accents to show which team they were on. They performed a dance battle as the stage lights changed to half red, half white.

The lights changed to green as the next runway

segment began. The models walked out wearing camouflage, either as skirts, shirts or jackets.

After the troupe completed their catwalk, the intermission began. Maya Royale danced, prompting even more cheers from the audience.

The Elite Modeling Troupe returned to the stage for their own dance number, this time spotting matching black leotards with glittering sleeves.

Another runway and dance number followed, with the audience openly singing along and dancing to the music. There was an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm that only increased with every performance.

The last performance featured the seniors of the Elite Modeling Troupe being celebrated. The four models had their own moment on the runway before taking a final bow together.

The audience erupted in applause, much like they did during other key moments of the event. It was clear that the event did as intended, which was bringing together people to celebrate Black excellence, along with fashion and dance.

“It represents a small fraction of the campus and it got everyone together, student Layla Duggan said, ” The event concluded with all the models walking down to the audience and inciting everyone to join them in a dance party, once again emphasizing the theme of community and togetherness.

Open Doors, Open Hearts: Inside SU’s

DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship

Megan Sawka and Mara Eberle

Incoming Managing Editor and Incoming PR Director

DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship, one of Shippensburg University’s most active student organizations, has more than doubled in size since 2021 and continues to attract students from all backgrounds interested in exploring faith.

The organization, commonly referred to as DCF, is part of the larger DiscipleMakers ministry, which began at Penn State in the 1980s and now operates on more than 25 college campuses across Pennsylvania. The SU chapter has existed since at least 2011, but its recent growth is unprecedented.

“When I joined in 2021, we had about 40 to 50 people coming to Primetime,” President Joe Wenger said. “Now we’re averaging around 100 each week, sometimes more.”

Primetime, DCF’s main weekly event, takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and includes worship and small group discussions. While it is rooted in Christian teaching, the group emphasizes that all students are welcome regardless of their religious background.

“We’re not assuming anyone is a Christian,” treasurer Carson Benedict said. “You don’t have to believe anything to come. We just want to be open about what we believe and create space for questions.”

That openness is part of what has made DCF so popular. In addition to Primetime, the group hosts more than 10 Bible studies during the week, organizes one-on-one mentorship meetings and provides a free community dinner on Friday nights, often feeding 40 or more students.

“It’s about helping people grow, whether they’re new to faith or just curious,” secretary Makayla Hall said.

Student leaders and full-time DCF staff also engage in

campus outreach events, especially during the fall semester. During Welcome Week, DCF participates in events like Big Red’s Block Party to meet new students.

One student recalled meeting a freshman who identified as agnostic. After a few friendly invitations to events like volleyball and Primetime, the student began attending regularly and later became a Christian.

“It’s probably the most meaningful experience I’ve had in college,” Wenger said.

DCF is staffed by three on-campus staff, supported by additional volunteers and alumni. Staff help lead events and offer guidance to students navigating both faith and college life.

“Sometimes it’s as simple as showing someone how to use Google Calendar,” Vice President Sarah Oiler said with a laugh. “We want to care about people’s whole lives —

spiritually, emotionally and practically.”

As attendance grows, DCF leaders say their biggest focus is on maintaining a welcoming, close-knit community.

“We’ve had to switch rooms multiple times because of capacity,” Benedict said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s a good one. If our only struggle is that we’re growing too fast, that’s a good thing.”

In all of its outreach, students say the goal of DCF is to share the message of Christianity and create a space where students feel known and supported.

“We all feel like Jesus has personally changed our lives,” Hall said. “We want others to experience the joy, hope and peace that comes with that.”

Primetime is held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays in Old Main Chapel. Learn more on their Instagram page @shipdcf.

Minds@Work: A Slate Perspective

“This year at Minds@Work, I had the opportunity to present my senior seminar capstone research. My paper titled “Nuclear Neighbors: Proximity, Policy, and Public Opinion on Nuclear Power” analyzes how proximity to nuclear infrastructure impacts public attitudes toward nuclear energy. By comparing proximity effects across four pairs of cases — France and Germany; Japan and South Korea; Nigeria and South Africa; and Illinois and California — I was able to describe how proximity acts as an amplifying force on preexisting attitudes.

Presenting at Minds@Work gave me the opportunity to share my research with peers and respond to questions. Those questions — along with those I received from presenting at the Pennsylvania Political Science Association Conference at Penn State Harrisburg on April 11 — have helped me address gaps in my research and refine my final paper.”

— Senior Ian Thompson, News Editor

“Getting to present my poster on queer representation in the media at Minds @ Work was such a rewarding experience. Through my research, I wanted to showcase how the LGBTQ+ community has been depicted in various aspects of media throughout history and currently. While a lot of negative representation still exists today, I wanted to highlight some of the important steps that have been made to accurately and authentically represent queer individuals in the media. I firmly believe that a huge part of the reason as to why so many more queer people have felt comfortable coming out recently is due to better media representation of queer people and characters in all the content they are consuming, and I think that trend needs to continue in order to create a more positive and supportive environment for everyone. ”

— Freshman Madison Sharp, Incoming Asst. Multimedia Director

“I presented a poster highlighting how mental disabilities have portrayed in the media over time. I focused on how it was portrayed in the 1940s–70s and from the 2000s to today.

The poster was created primarily using images of newspaper and magazine headlines; magazine titles and covers; and images from newspapers and magazines. I divided the poster in half to distinguish the two different time periods I observed, allowing those looking at the poster to see the change in how the media has portrayed mental disabilities throughout the last 80 years.

This poster was originally a class project for COMM 245, Diversity in the Media; however, the professor of the course offered select students the opportunity to present. Presenting at the conference allowed me the opportunity to showcase my work and knowledge about the topic to a larger audience, and I also learned from my peers about the work and research they have gathered this year in their fields of study.”

— Sophomore Kyra McClister, Staff

Contributor

“During Minds@Work, I got to present at the Career Center Intern Showcase about my marketing and social media internship at Adams County Historical Society. On my poster, I highlighted various aspects of my internship that I completed last spring and summer. During my internship, I created various videos for Instagram and TikTok. I also helped film weekly videos for YouTube for the series “Monument Mondays.” This internship was a fantastic experience for me, as I got to learn about creating video content. I also got to explore various attractions around Gettysburg, both in the town and on the battlefield. I’m glad that I got the opportunity to share my experience as an intern at the Adams County Historical Society. Thank you to the SU Career Center for this amazing opportunity. — Junior Megan Sawka, Incoming Managing Editor

presents

Fashionably Slate: Save your tears for the… cap and gown?

You always know there will come a day.

But when that day comes, it feels like within the blink of an eye, everything is about to change.

Over the last two years, I have had a column called “Fashionably Slate.”

Not only did I consistently write this column, but I fell in love with the ability it gave me to talk about everyday life and feelings — even in

the form of fashion. Think of it as therapy; what you love can apply to anything if you want it to.

As I prepare to move my tassel from right to left in just 11 days, which I cannot believe, I am reminded of all of the memories that I have created — simply from writing about clothes, accessories and my adoration for human expression.

I am feeling sentimental, so I am going to create three outfit ideas with SU’s color scheme — navy blue, red and white.

Navy Blue Navy blue is one of the best colors of all time. It has the ability to capture any emotion — happy, sad, angry or calm. It reminds me of a picnic in the summer sun, but it also reminds me of a rainy day where “Twilight” is the only thing playing on the TV.

As navy blue relates heavily to denim, I am, obviously, going to begin the outfit with a pair of excellent jeans. Often, I do not like to wear

jeans; however, jeans have the ability to take an outfit from usual to spectacular.

For example, with these dark jeans, I would buy a pair that had a large roll at the foot. I am sure you’ve seen them: bell-bottom jeans with a cuff at the bottom. Then, I would get a dark red blazer; the blazer would be sleeveless. It would have gold buttons down the front and a symmetrical, concave triangle formation at the waist. With this, I would wear white kitten heels (the heel under three inches), and I would wear dark red sunglasses with a messy bun to complete the look. The outfit would immediately go from a usual denim outfit to a classy, elegant style that fits any occasion.

Red Red is also one of the best colors — it is not the first color of the rainbow for no reason. It is one of those colors that just makes sense. Now, I like more of a winered; however, regular red is

just as good. Let me tell you why.

I’m picturing a short skirt. The skirt has ruffles, and it looks almost like a bubble skirt. It has white and red gingham pattern, as white and red relate to summer exponentially. With this skirt, I would wear a navy blue short-sleeved top — preferably longer and ribbed. To fit the aesthetic, I would wear white ruffled socks and red ballet flats. It is a perfect outfit that needs no explanation; it is simply incredible.

White White is an innocent color. It is pure and adds a touch to any outfit. White is a shade; black and white have the ability to turn any outfit into a force to be reckoned with.

To style white, I am thinking of a long white skirt that twirls when you turn to say hello to a stranger at a coffee shop.

Next, I am picturing a dark red top. Whichever you have works with the idea. Next, I am imagining a blue

and white, vertically striped button-down — particularly open. On top of that, navy blue shoes, or shoes that obtain navy blue in some way (potentially New Balance 530s), would look excellent. For a full-circle ’50s look, which I adore, I would suggest white, thin sunglasses and curled hair. These would finish the look; nevertheless, do what makes you comfortable.

SU’s colors are a beautiful addition to any outfit. They are also a beautiful way to remember a time period that cannot ever be forgotten — the college experience in which you remember forever. Our experiences may totally differ, but at the end of the day, we are all one. We all love this place for several reasons. If it were not for Shippensburg University, The Slate would not exist in my personal timeline. If The Slate was not a part of me, my life would be significantly different. I would not be who I am, in other words.

My first “Fashionably Slate” discussed recent trends on SU’s campus. It has been truly mesmerizing to see what has changed and what has stayed relevant. Once and for all, it has always been more than just clothing. It is, really, about the way we work cohesively to celebrate our perfect differences. I want to end my final Fashionably Slate with a reminder of how I ended the first — “Keep being unique and live beautifully.”

Puzzles & Ship

Stop the presses! Guess the Slater

Can you guess the source of these quotes?

1. “I just noticed he’s showing armpit in this picture.” ___________

2. “I fell asleep because these ledes are so boring.” _____________

3. “I’m literally the most recessive person.” ___________________

4. “It takes two Germans to figure this out; our German over here could probably build an entire BMW with a Swiss Army knife.” _________

5. “I’m sighing at the universe.” __________________________

6. “Whoops. I got a bit vulgar.” __________________________

Banner artwork completed by Reagan Gardenhour.

Fill in the Blank

The Slate publishes weekly on ______. The Slate was founded in ____. The Slate is a _____-run organization. Meetings for The Slate are on ______. The Slate has _____ primary sections. You ___ join, regardless of your major. “____” are how we show appreciation. The Slate’s adviser is ____________.

The Slate office is located in _______.

Quote-related artwork completed by Elisa Reitman.

A look back: ‘The Search’

We like saying, “Let’s ____ a paper.” Word Bank: Try and find all of the words.

Spot the differences, feat. The Slate staff!

This is the original staff photo.

Take a long look before moving to the altered photo. You can come back to find the rest. Circle the differences, and good luck!

This is the altered staff photo. Notice anything different?

Hint: There are six things different between the photos. Look at faces and arms, in other words.

‘Be Curious, Not Judgemental’

Advice to Grads & Students Alike

Matthew Scalia Opinion Editor

If ever a television show would say something that had depth, it happened in the first season of the Apple TV show, “Ted Lasso,” when the titular character, Ted Lasso, is locked in a game of darts against an antagonist, Rupert Mannion. Lasso tells a story about how he saw a statue of Walt Whitman with the quote “Be curious, not judgmental,” and how it related to his childhood bullies who were not curious because they thought they knew everything and therefore judged everything and everyone.

While the show misattributes the quote to Whitman, its lesson and context remain valuable in life, and I have no greater advice to give our

graduating class and current students.

To be curious is to take the first step in all learning; but learning is not limited to the “book smarts” you receive in school. To be curious is to have a desire to understand life and those who share it with you. It is the first step in understanding and empathy.

Much of the conflict you will face in life will come from misunderstandings, from people unable to process their egos or past traumas.

Navigating those issues with curiosity and understanding is one way to make the world a better place.

Curiosity will also keep you safe in an increasingly cynical world. With institutions such as the media in a weakened state, it is important to verify the world around you. In journalism,

there is an adage that goes, “If your mother tells you she loves you, check it out.” I think it is a lesson that applies to all of us.

Too much of our “knowledge” is fed to us through paid influencers. Too much of our understanding is lost. In a time when tech companies are looking to make AI capable of simulating friendships, we must instead follow our curiosity and drive toward more human connection.

Being curious and empathetic is what drove humanity’s greatness. It propelled us from simple tools to space travel. It is what will truly make us great again and help us to leave the world better for the next generation. So, to the students and graduates out there: be curious, not judgmental.

Remember Britain this summer

Sophia Bartash Staff Contributor

Easter has passed, and now grocery stores are already bringing in their inventory for this year’s July 4 celebration. Every year, we remember our brave rebellion and war for independence against the British. Jokes at the expense of British people abound, which includes putting the word “people” in quotations with the intention to dehumanize. British food, British accents and British teeth are all subject to ridicule.

The common narrative of American independence describes a swift separation of the colonies from a nebulous entity called “the British,” positioning American identity as being in opposition to British identity. Although this tidbit of history is apocryphal, it is often said that Paul Revere’s midnight ride involved him shouting “The British are coming!” suggesting that the 18th-century colonists already saw themselves as an entirely separate people from their British counterparts.

This idea has been reflected in patriotic television episodes and specials. In one episode of the cartoon series the “The Fairly Oddparents,” America magically reverts from resembling Victorian England and Timmy Turner joyfully exclaims “Awesome! We’re not British!”

Let me specify what I, and many others, mean by “British.” Scotland and Wales share the island of Great Britain with England, technically making the Scottish and Welsh British as well. Even Ireland and the Isle of Man are part of the same archipelago called “the British Isles,” making them, in a sense, British as well. The modern nation most associated with the term “British” is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which includes far more than just England. However, the Celtic peoples of the British Isles generally do not refer to themselves as British, reserving the term for the English “invaders” who descend from Germanic tribes from mainland Europe, including the Angles, Saxons and Jutes. Celtic Britons see themselves as the first victims of the British Empire, who had the English language and culture imposed on them. When I, and many others, say “British,” we generally mean English, as opposed to Welsh, Scottish, Irish or Manx. The “British” Empire is most often associated with England, and the spread of the English language. Keep in mind that for some Americans who are descended from a combination of these groups, they may simply say that their ancestry is “British” as a broad, generic label. Pennsylvania was one of

Where’s Your Voice?

Shippensburg University students, staff, faculty, administrators and affiliated people are welcome to submit letters to the editor for publication.

• Letters must be no more than 500 words and may not contain derogatory language or messages of hate or discrimination. The Slate may reject letters for any reason.

• Letters become property of The Slate. Letters without a name and title (affiliation to SU) will not be accepted.

• Letters should be sent to The Slate one week prior to the day of publication. Late letters may be accepted but published the next week.

Disclaimer

and

• The unsigned staff

Connor Niszczak / The Slate

The Slate Speaks: Time to Right the Ship

Shippensburg University’s Class of 2025 graduates in just 11 days — an accomplishment to be proud of for sure — what about everyone else? They will be returning in the fall to a campus that continues to be plagued by issues of convenience, or worse.

the original 13 British colonies, along with our neighboring states of Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia, which was originally part of Virginia. The very roots of our nation are British, which should be made obvious by the fact that most Americans speak English as a native language. An entire sub-region of the northeast is called “New England,” named after the settlers’ homeland. Many U.S. counties and cities, including Pennsylvania’s own Lancaster and York, were named after towns and cities in England. Our founding fathers were inspired by English political philosophers like John Locke, who asserted that government exists to protect the property and natural rights of the governed, and that governments require the consent of the people.

Our British heritage is also seen in our court system, which follows the English Common Law tradition. This is why judges are responsible for interpreting laws, and why decisions made by higher courts are treated with authority, such as with Supreme Court decisions. Our infamous U.S. Customary Measurement System, which uses feet, inches, miles and as units of measurement, is based on the Imperial System used in Britain. We share so much culturally with our siblings across the pond that in

Some of the changes needed to improve the university experience are minor, but others address a shift in the balance between the administrator-student relationship. We have chosen to address the former first, and if you are one of the many students to have woken up and found your car aggressively booted, it will be an all-too-familiar complaint — parking.

It is well past the time to fix the parking issue on this campus. The aggressive ticket-and-boot campaign at the university is more punishing than you will find at almost any other municipality or institution. When it is easier to park at Citizens Bank Park than it is for a class at Rowland Hall, you do not have a functioning system.

Add to this, the fact that if you get a ticket for parking anywhere within a mile of your class, you will be locked out of university services like

online interactions, we often do not notice that someone else is from the other side of the Atlantic until they spell a word differently or reference something regional.

Many Americans proudly identify themselves as having Irish or Scottish ancestry, embracing their Celtic roots. However, few explicitly identify as “English/ British American.” The closest label in common use is WASP, meaning “White, Anglo-Saxon Protestant,” which is usually used as a derogation against a subset of upper-class whites.

It makes sense that Americans would not want to

or

and

registering for classes, and you get the sense that the university is all too willing to punish its customers for using their services. And customers are what we are, and the university would do well to remember that.

The dining hall is another popular complaint. There have been some improvements to the dining experience on campus this year, such as Tuesday’s buildyour-own pasta dish, but it would be nice to see more week-to-week variety with meal options.

There have also been oneday pop-up events in the Ceddia Union Building, such as loaded mac and cheese bowls and fish and chips, but those were announced on such short notice that many remained unaware. If these were planned and announced beforehand, it would add a good change for campus residents.

A sense of community is also sorely lacking. Student-led organizations help, but whether it be the high number of commuter students or some other issue, the administration could do more to improve campus life.

Returning to the topic of communication, we should address the lack of a provost

wear their English heritage with honor. After all, it is an admission that you are a spawn of the largest empire of all time, which exploited and subjugated much of the world for centuries, even though the United States is very much a spin-off of that empire. It is more fashionable to be colonized than to be a colonizer, and the English are deemed to be the ultimate colonizers.

Regardless, the truth is that the linguistic, cultural and legal roots of our country are tied to England. As of 2020, about 46.6 million Americans identified as having at least some English

in the room. The provost’s sudden departure after less than a year of service being completely announced is incompetent. How many students are even aware that this event occurred?

Harkening back to the point that students are customers, we are also investors. We invest in Shippensburg University for its institutional credibility, for that is what a degree says to the world in this increasingly AI-dominated world.

In a time when some universities have come under attack by the federal government, vacancies in top positions send a message of an uncertain future. Students are stakeholders. If they are to make one of the most expensive purchases in their lives, they deserve to know what is happening in the upper echelons of this university. It is improper to treat students as children undeserving of this information. Students were mature enough to borrow thousands of dollars to learn and use Shippensburg’s credibility. The university should recognize this and make it a habit to be more honest and open with students.

ancestry. This could be far less than the actual percentage, since the English first settled America in the early 1600s, and some with mixed heritage may instead identify with more recently immigrated ancestry. America is such an ethnically mixed country that it is reasonable to assume that most of us have at least a little English blood in our veins.

As you grill your hamburgers and light fireworks on July 4, remember our founding fathers, who were, whether we like it or not, quite British.

there should be one more — an “uncomfortable fee,” for a charge of $0. Every single undergraduate student should be made to accept the fact that one of the most important goals we all should set is to get as uncomfortable as possible in our time on campus. Moving away from home, forming new social circles, and facing increasingly difficult academic material are all elements of that, but it is not enough. Go to an event where you are in the minority, whether that be racially, physically or ideologically. It will open your mind

Ask your professor that question or for clarification. Go to the library and pick out a random book and give it a scan. Go down a rabbit hole on Wikipedia, clicking on every link until you can not remember where you started. Be determined in your academic research. Dig deep, sift through journal databases to find the sources you need. As journalists, we have a duty to question things.

Do not sit idly by. Hear a rumor or some juicy gossip? Ask around and a source to go on the record. Connect the dots. Draw some conclusions, but make sure you are right before airing the dirty laundry. Talk to everyone. Make sure people know who you are, and that they

To be a graduating senior feels so surreal. It’s during these milestones in life where I think to myself: What should I be feeling? Relief? Sadness? Nostalgia? It feels like not long ago, I was a first-year student trying to discover where I belonged at this university.

The most valuable lesson I have learned in these last three years is that external validation was not worth everything.

Self-advocacy is the tool that has allowed me to emerge as the strongest and most authentic version of myself as I prepare to graduate.

There were moments in my college career that felt difficult because my path

The Seniors Speak: Words of Wisdom

to the fascinating people and organizations here at SU, and you may discover an interest or passion you never knew you had. Be willing to fail. As a student media leader, I have stressed many times that this is the time to royally screw up. Lean on your peers, colleagues and professors, and learn to take accountability before entering the professional world.

You will reap the benefits later. And never put your anxiety over the chance to have fun.

I take the work I do very seriously, but I have never taken myself seriously.

can talk to you. I cannot tell you how many times I have received a text or email out of the blue that led me down a path that ended in a story.

I promise that no one (YikYak included) cares about you as much as you think they do, and your stupid decisions may lead to lifelong stories — and plenty of giggles. Go to an event alone. Get the extra scoop of ice cream from the dining hall. Take a dip in the fountain — you will not regret it.

Be uniquely you. There is nobody quite like you. You do not have to be like everybody else, and you should not be.

Regardless of where you grew up, what your friends enjoy or how you think you need to be in this life, you are exactly where you need to be.

When I first joined The Slate, I was nervous.

How could one not be nervous?

This organization is more than a club; it is a professional environment — though we enjoy all of the silliness that we can have or create.

To be 21 years old and published is an amazing accomplishment; however, to be 21 years old and find friends of a lifetime is on another level.

I always knew I was made for writing. What you are made for is what you were called to do, and that shows in your abilities.

Keep sharing your talents with others, and do not ever let them dim.

More importantly, do not ever let others diminish your capabilities.

We live in a judgmental society, and we constantly question our passions due to money, relativity, experience or acceptance.

We were born by ourselves, and we each have our own brains and hearts.

Whatever they tell you to do, listen and run.

I promise that this is what life is about.

I love what you do, and you should, too.

Our passions lead us to success and fullness in a way that we will not ever grasp unless we take the leap.

Your leap is your choice, so make it wisely. Your life is worth the world and more.

My advice would be to get involved, but also to give yourself time to settle into your new environment first.

Going to college — especially going to a college on a whole different continent from home where you cannot speak your native language all the time, can be a lot to adjust to.

Take your time to get familiar with your workload and adjust before you go out and get involved. Get involved with different groups and figure out what you like best. At the same time, know how to prioritize your responsibilities.

Get a planner or plan on your phone, but always

Talk to your adviser. Be sure to listen. There may be a few tangents, but those will surround nuggets of advice that are too important to ignore. Remember ethics in everything you do. Learn what “off the record” means, and when it applies. Do not make people regret placing their trust in you. If you burn a source, you will not get more any time soon. Do not be afraid of pressing up against authority. We do not live in a dictatorship (yet, at least). Keep bugging administration, local officials, and of course, SGA. You are the ones responsible for asking questions they do not want to answer.

led me to go against the tide.

External validation can feel great, but living your life to please others will rob you of living your own. What’s there to guide you after the applause dies down?

There is no easy way to jump out of the college bubble and into the abyss that is post-grad, but as a college student, choosing the path that ultimately prioritized my own happiness, well-being and mental health allowed me to discover my own voice and evaluate who I want to become once I receive my diploma.

So to those who are wondering, “what should I be feeling right now?” Take

keep track of what you have to do by when and for whom. As a student-athlete competing in the indoor and outdoor track-andfield seasons and as sports editor for The Slate, life gets busy. Add classes, up to two on-campus jobs, personal life and other campus groups to make it really busy. Only get as busy as you can handle, though. If you are stress-resistant, that is great. If not, then it is also OK. Know what you can and cannot handle, and act accordingly.

Lastly, the biggest part that got me through my four years here at SU is all

Student media is at its best when it acts not as the public relations arm of the university or SGA, but as a check and balance.

the opportunity to become more in touch with yourself. College can be one of the most stressful periods of a person’s life, and it is so important to embrace what brings you peace. Through this, you will be naturally drawn toward the path that is meant for you. Oh – and do not “should” yourself!

of my friends that I have made here. No matter where, find people that make you feel at home. Having people that make me feel at home, even as I am 4,093 miles away from home, was and is a game changer.

I transferred to Shippensburg University in fall 2022, and I had no idea how much this place was going to change me. After taking a gap year after my freshman year in Tennessee, which I know is unusual, I was craving change and moved

My biggest piece of advice is to get involved but find yourself and your passions along the way.

Do not ever be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new, because you never know what you will find or who you will meet. My first year at Shippensburg was rough, to say the least.

If I am being completely

I am a first generation student. Along with navigating life away from home for the first time and a need for academic validation, the pressure of being the first person in my family to graduate college made for an interesting college experience. With that said, the past

back to Pennsylvania. I chose to attend SU like my two older sisters and to study communication, journalism and media. Surprisingly, that was the best decision I have ever made. The opportunities given to me here have changed me forever and I am so grateful. I will always remember how welcoming my first meeting of The Slate was. Our editor-in-chief and managing editor at the time, Piper Kull and Elizabeth Peters, encouraged me to cover my first story — the annual job and internship fair. I had no clue what I was doing, but I jumped into it and then applied to be a section head at the end of the semester.

Since then, The Slate has given me the chance to grow, gain invaluable experience and build a community. I wish I had the full four years at The Slate, but I am so grateful for the three years that I got. My advice, especially for CJM students, is to take advantage of every single opportunity you can get, get out of your comfort zone and never, ever doubt yourself. Change and stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary. However, you never know what will happen if you embrace change and go beyond your personal boundaries. Thank you to my fellow Slaters and Dr. Drager for an amazing three years, and thank you to The Slate — for everything.

honest, I do not think I would be where I am today without my support system and joining The Slate and Women’s Rugby. Looking back, I wish I had jumped in sooner instead of letting fear and uncertainty hold me back.

If it were not for The Slate and covering sporting events, I might never have picked up a camera or found my passion for sports photography. And then there is rugby. The team gave me more than just a sport — it gave me a crazy, passionate, supportive (and, yes, dysfunctional) family.

It gave me a space to just be myself, laugh until my stomach hurt and form friendships that I know

four years have taught me so much, even outside of academia. I have learned so much about myself and others, and I have grown more than I thought I would. Looking back on who I was when I first came to SU makes me appreciate what I have learned and the life that college has prepared me for. If I had to give any advice, it would be this: Step outside of your comfort zone. I am an introvert at heart, so for me, this meant socializing outside of my normal circle of friends — even if doing so made me so nervous and uncomfortable. Despite this discomfort, I have found myself happier,

will last a lifetime. If my 18-year-old self could see me now, I honestly do not think she’d recognize me — in the best way possible. I’ve grown into someone I am proud of, and I’ve learned that it is OK to not have everything figured out. Along the way, I have met some incredible people —and I am truly grateful for each and every one of them. You are more than capable of achieving whatever you set your mind to, do not let your own thoughts and doubts stop you from being you and achieving your dreams.

You deserve to take up space, to chase your dreams unapologetically and to be surrounded by people who lift you up.

made connections and I am not as scared to talk to others. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is vital. It is difficult and uncomfortable; but that is what life will feel like sometimes. The best things in life are often achieved through a challenging process. It takes work; but you will get there. I also recommend taking care of yourself and your mental health as best you can.

College is going to get rough. The best thing you can do is take time to rest without guilt, pick yourself up and keep moving. Have a cry. Drink some tea. Talk to a friend. It will pass, and you will get through this.

Softball, D2

Lewis breaks school record again, track and field shines at home

Gabriel Lewis bettered his own school record in the 100-meter dash to 10.33 seconds and won the event at the

Photo courtesy of Lavar Jackson/SU Sports Info

Victoria Bartholomew won the 3K on Saturday with a new personal best of 10:52.65.

In their largest home meet of the season, Shippensburg University’s track-and-field teams shined in the Paul Kaiser Classic this past weekend. The men’s and women’s teams combined to win 15 events in the meet, with four athletes provisionally qualifying for the NCAA Division II championships.

Sophomore Gabriel Lewis rewrote school history at the meet, breaking his own SU record in the 100-meter dash. His mark of 10.33 seconds was 0.08 seconds better than his old mark, and good enough for first place along with breaking into the Top 25 on the NCAA Division II performance list as of Monday morning. Lewis also placed fourth in the 200-meter dash.

The distance runners on the men’s team had a very successful meet, winning four events. Junior Garrett Quinan triumphed in the 3K at 8:41.00, while placing second in the 5K behind his teammate, freshman Ramon

Urena, who shattered his personal best with a time of 15:11.53.

Sophomore Ben Devine also got a new personal best in the 10K, with his mark of 32:16.73 representing a 1:34 improvement. Graduate Ian Sherlock was also victorious, with his time of 9:02.03 in the 3K steeplechase provisionally qualifying him for nationals.

A pair of athletes won in the hurdles for the Raiders, with sophomore Bernard Bell III leading home senior teammate Jeovaughni Daniel for an SU 1-2 in the 110-meter hurdles. Senior Robbie Hrabosky II was the best of an all-Shippensburg top three in the 400m hurdles, clocking in at 54.97 seconds, followed by redshirt-sophomore Travis Wilk at 54.99 and freshman Josef Book at 55.51.

Both men’s relay teams were victorious in the meet. The 4x100m team of sophomore Lavar Jackson, freshman Jae Galloway, Lewis and Bell III took the top spot at 40.78 seconds. The 4x400m team picked up a dominant

win, with the quartet of Hrabosky II, senior Mason Boyd, junior James Jaisingh and junior Quinton Townsend’s time of 3:18.08 being more than 11 seconds ahead of runner-up Edinboro.

Sophomore Gian Greggo was the star of the men’s field team, with a season best in the shot put of 55 feet, 1.5 inches (16.80m). This gave him first place in the event and was enough to surpass the provisional qualification mark for nationals. He also set a personal best in the discus, joining sophomore teammate Donovan Kitchen in the top three.

The women’s team picked up a pair of wins on the track, including freshman Victoria Bartholomew’s personal best effort in the 3K at 10:52.65. The women’s 4x400m team also won the final event of the meet, with sophomores Emily Calamia, Melanie Barger, Madison Malcolm, and junior Alyssa Wert’s time of 3:57.98 giving them the win by nearly four seconds.

Junior Lauren Bellows got the field events started for the women’s team with a fan-

tastic hammer throw victory on Friday. Her throw of 164 feet, 8 inches (50.19m) was a new personal best by over six feet. She now sits fourth place in the event for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

Senior Sasha Lee grabbed the remaining victory for SU track and field, placing first in the triple jump at 38 feet, 11 inches (11.86m). Other strong efforts in the field included sophomore Carissa Bender improving her pole vault personal best to 11 feet, 9.75 inches for a third-place finish and sophomore Ashley Laukus placing second in the high jump.

SU’s track-and-field teams have one regular season event left before the PSAC Championships, as they will compete in the West Chester Tune-Up on Friday. A start time has yet to be announced as of publication.

SU Athletics hosts Dream Weekend for Ashtyn Gutshall

love to have their college sports dream come true.

After months of searching, Hurn found the perfect one, Ashtyn Gutshall.

Amidst the craziness of Shippensburg’s home sports events this past weekend, a project partnered by the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Volvo finally came to fruition.

At the start of last summer, SAAC adviser Ashley Grimm and officers Eve Nealon, Brooklyn Rupert, Savannah Silvestre and Owen Koch teamed up with Volvo to take on a collaboration project with Dream on 3 and its national program Director Bradley Hurn.

As explained by Hurn, “Dream on 3 is a nonprofit organization that makes sports dreams come true for kids living with life altering conditions between the ages of 5 and 21.”

Hurn oversees the college and universities program, where students at a university partner with the organization to identify a child in their community who would

Gutshall is a 13-year-old girl from Newville, Pennsylvania. She was born with spina bifida and has undergone 16 surgeries throughout her life which have led to difficulties with balance and running.

Despite her challenges, she is a strong and determined young girl with a love for swimming, gymnastics, farming and most of all, watching sports.

She has previously participated with the SU swim team through the Special Olympics.

Her big dream was to spend time with college athletes and be a VIP at a Shippensburg University swim meet and SU was ready to make that happen.

On April 15, Gutshall attended a tennis match with her mom and little to her knowledge, she was about to get some great news.

After the match, Rupert and Nealon, along with the

SU tennis team, brought Gutshall to the locker room in Henderson to show her her very own locker.

She also received fun Ship Swag, goodies and the news that she was selected as SU’s Dream Kid and would be asked to come for a Dream Weekend the following week.

Her festivities started on Friday afternoon when Hurn picked up Gutshall and her family to go to Volvo’s Customer Center in Shippensburg so “Ashtyn could test drive some of their equipment and get a tour of all the amazing work that they do.”

She was able to test out excavators to dig some dirt and

drive a company truck.

Since Gutshall is involved with Future Farmers of America, the experience was a great way for her to get hands-on experience with machinery equipment and create life-long memories.

Following the visit to Volvo, Gutshall and her family finished their first day by meeting Nealon, Silvestre and Koch at a special dinner and dessert.

Saturday was where the real fun started.

Gutshall’s VIP day started bright and early with breakfast at the on-campus Marriott and then a trip to the track meet happening at Seth

Grove Stadium.

She met the SU throwers and took a picture with them.

Her next stop was at women’s lacrosse at Robb Sports Complex.

Assisted by SAAC representatives Anne Rathgeb and Sydney Fowler, Gutshall was taken out with the team for the lineup and then participated in their huddle before the start of the game.

She was able to hang out with the team on the sidelines before heading over to Fairchild Field to see baseball.

Before the start of the baseball game, Gutshall received a Ship baseball jersey and threw out the first pitch with the help of SAAC representatives Ty Sherman and Gio Calamia. She also had the chance to line up with the team for the national anthem.

Gutshall’s next stop was to visit Rupert at her tennis match back at Robb Sports Complex.

“We were lucky to share so much of Ship Athletics with Ashtyn,” said Grimm. “It was a true collaboration that would not have been possible without each and everyone’s contribution”

Furthermore, Nealon said, “We were delighted to host Ashtyn and her family and act as the liaison with Dream on 3 to support such a great initiative. Our athletes will treasure it as a rewarding experience and a testament to the difference we can bring to peoples’ lives through sports” Grimm and Nealon both extended huge “thank yous” to everyone who was able to make the event possible.

She was able to be a part of the Senior Day ceremonies and even received her own flowers before the match began. To complete Gutshall’s busy day, she was brought to Heiges Field House for a surprise pool party with SAAC representatives, swim team members, friends from Special Olympics and her family. Grimm, on behalf of the Department of Athletics, expressed “how exciting it was to team up with Dream on 3 and Volvo to help create an amazing Dream weekend for Ashtyn.”

Softball clinches spot in conference tournament

Shippensburg University’s softball team went 5-1 this past week to close out their regular season play and clinch a spot in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) tournament.

SU played three sets of double headers. The Raiders swept Mansfield on Tuesday, swept Lock Haven on Friday and traveled to Kutztown on Sunday where they split a pair of games with the Golden Bears.

Sunday was the team’s last regular season game, and SU will face IUP in the PSAC tournament. The team finished regular-season play with a 30-18 overall record and a 19-13 conference record.

The Raiders took both games in a home doubleheader on Tuesday against Mansfield. The first game resulted in a 6-2 victory for SU.

On the mound, senior Alicia Ball pitched a complete game only giving up two runs on five hits while also striking out two batters. On offense, the Raiders scored two runs in the first inning, another two in the fourth and one run in each the fifth and sixth innings.

During the second game against the Mountaineers, the Raiders posted seven runs to secure the win as freshman Dani Hayward pitched her first of three complete games this past week. In this outing, Hayward gave up four hits, struck out nine batters and produced zero earned runs.

At the plate, SU posted runs in the second, third and sixth innings. Mansfield’s only run came unearned in the third inning on a sacrifice fly to right field.

The home games on Friday were pushed up one hour due to rain. Despite the weather, the Raiders continued to give

it their all on the field, and they swept their second series of the week against the Lock Haven Bald Eagles. In the first match against the Bald Eagles, the game was scoreless until the seventh inning.

In the top of the seventh, Lock Haven scored the first run. The Raiders immediately answered in the bottom of the inning when junior Emilee Sullivan singled to left field.

Katelyn Minney replaced Sullivan on the bases as a pinch runner and advanced to second after a bunt from freshman Gianna Cimino. With two outs, junior Caitlyn Martell tripled to right field to tie the game, sending it to extra innings.

In the top of the eighth, the Bald Eagles failed to score again, but the Raiders continued to fight at the plate in the bottom of the inning. Sophomore Sarah Sabocsik was hit by a pitch at the start

“I like to scream a lot” Corinne Markovich on serving success

Connor Niszczak Editor-in-Chief

Corrine Markovich likes to yell a lot.

“During matches, I scream and yell a lot,” Markovich said. “I’m pretty vocal out on the court.”

When I nervously met Markovich on the court during an especially warm April afternoon last week, that vocality was on full display as she wailed serve after serve across the net.

“I scream after every point I win — my freshman year, I would’ve never done any of that stuff like at all,” Markovich said. “The more I played in college, the more confidence it gave me, and my coaches back at home, they always tell me to be aggressive.”

Markovich has been serving on the court since coming to SU from Central Cambria High School in 2022, sitting in the No. 1 singles spot for her three years on the team.

In her first ever match as a college player, Markovich

remembers the “rude awakening” that came when she realized the intensity of being highly ranked at the start of her collegiate career.

“I remember my first match, freshmen stuck at number one singles, hadn’t played a college match a day in [my] life, and I’m going up against a girl from Spain,” Markovich said. “I just got my butt whooped.”

That experience on the receiving end of a dominant opponent has shaped how Markovich assesses pressure during high stakes-matches.

“After that, going into my matches, I don’t really have that much pressure on me unless it’s a match, like against a school that’s not as good,” Markovich said.

“Majority of the time, all the pressure’s on the opponent that I’m playing. I don’t really let the pressure of things really affect me that much because at the end of the day it’s, we’re, we’re playing tennis. And we’re doing something that we love.”

of the bottom of the eighth. Following a flyout, backto-back singles from junior Rilee Ehrlacher and Minney, pinch hitting, loaded the bases. Sullivan retuned to the plate and walked it off with a single to right field, scoring Sabocsik.

After the game, Sullivan shared how it felt to secure the walk-off win. “I’ve been waiting so long to get a hit and just to do it for my team,” she said. “It felt amazing.” Friday’s second game was another thriller, as Hayward went six innings without giving up a hit and she also assisted the team on offense. Hayward, herself, produced two hits and had an RBI. Going into the top of the seventh inning, Shippensburg was up 5-0.

However, Lock Haven had a small spark with its last couple of batters, where they earned one run and three hits resulting in a 5-1 final score.

Hayward said, “I didn’t re-

ally care if I got a no-hitter at that point as long as we won the game because I knew that was the most important part.”

Initially scheduled for Saturday, the weather impacted the time of play again. Rain pushed the away doubleheader at Kutztown to Sunday, where Shippensburg lost the first game and won the second.

In Sunday’s first game, the Raiders lost by one run to the Golden Bears. Kutztown scored two runs in the second inning, holding the Raiders off until the sixth when they put two on the board to tie the game. The tie score did not last long when the Golden Bears answered with the winning run in the bottom of the sixth, resulting in a 3-2 final.

In their last game of the regular season, the Raiders won 3-2 when Hayward pitched her third complete game of the week.

The Golden Bears scored early again, producing two runs in the first, but Hayward shut them down for the rest of the game.

The Raiders scored one run in three consecutive innings: the fourth, fifth and sixth.

Reflecting on the season, head coach Alison Van Scyoc said, “We’ve put a really good season together. For the most part, we have achieved at a really high level, and I’m really proud of where they’re at right now.”

Ending the regular season as the fifth seed in the PSAC East, the Raiders travel to Quakertown on Wednesday for their first game in the PSAC Tournament. They will face IUP, the No. 4 seed in the PSAC West. After playing IUP, the team will have its second game in the tournament against an opponent that has yet to be determined.

Jaxon Dalena says farewell to SU baseball

This year, some of that pressure has shifted to the team, which is having its best season in 24 years.

Markovich side stepped any claims of her being the cause for that success and highlighted the strength throughout the team.

I think it’s like more of a dynamic of the team. Tennis is like an individual sport, but you need a strong lineup for your team to pull through on these matches to get to seven,” Markovich said.

“We’re 8-11 right now, which is the most we’ve won in 24 years. So it’s exciting to see that the program is progressing in an upward direction,” Markovich said. “ We’re executing points. We’re, you know, not playing timid. We’re going out there giving it our all.”

Markovich has been giving it her all for the last 16 years, since her mom, Stephanie, took her to a free tennis clinic when she was in second grade.

Read the full story at theslateonline.com.

Corinne Markovich competes in a match

In the heart of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, was the stomping ground of Shippensburg University senior baseball player Jaxon Dalena. This is where his dream took flight: to be a college baseball player. Dalena has been playing baseball since he was a child, but did not know the true potential it could bring. What truly sparked his baseball journey was Hall of Fame pitcher and Williamsport native, Mike Mussina. Williamsport and Montoursville are just 10 minutes apart. Dalena and Mussina spent years together perfecting his craft as a pitcher. Dalena said, “Coach Mussina always said, just because you are a small-town kid does not mean you will be overlooked.” If you have the talent, coaches will find you. Currently, Dalena is the top pitcher for SU baseball and one of the best pitchers in the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference), having reached 100 career

strikeouts in just his second year of pitching. He also earned “All-Region Pitcher” honors in his first year of pitching.

“Lots of hard work in the weight room and consistent training room sessions,” Dalena said to credit his success. “I also watch tons of film of myself and the opposing team with my coaches to figure out the best strategy to be successful. I adapted the mindset that I am better than anybody else that I face”, Dalena said. The experiences from being a college athlete is something that lasts with you forever. “Playing baseball here has been an amazing opportunity and I am grateful for Shippensburg bringing me in and treating me like family,” Dalena said.

The job is not finished. The Raiders are currently 25-19 on the season and have five games left until the PSAC Championships. The goals to end the last stretch of the season are simple.

“I want to make it to the

College World Series. I also want to win the PSAC tournament. Personally, I want to be regarded the most dominant pitcher in the PSAC,” Dalena said. As his college career is ending, Dalena said, “I want to enjoy every moment because I know I will not be able to rewind and get it back.” His plans after school is to be a professional baseball player.

If that does not work out, Dalena wants to be a fish and game officer or a hunting and fishing guide. Outside of baseball, Dalena’s interests consist of outdoor hobbies such as fishing or hunting. living along the Susquehanna River, Dalena is surrounded by this lifestyle.

“It has been a journey, and I am blessed by the time I have spent here,” he said.

From the small town of Montoursville to being a Division II baseball player in one of the best conferences in the country, he is proof that if you have the talent and work ethic, you will be found.

An evening with Josh Turner at Luhrs

Editor

Josh Turner returned to the Luhrs Performing Arts Center to tour his latest album “This Country Music Thing” on Thursday night.

Turner’s opening act, Grace Asbury, got the crowd ready for what was to come.

Asbury played new songs from her debut album that was anticipated to release

on Friday called “Couples Therapy.” The album includes seven country songs about struggling love. Asbury sang “Rain In The Desert,” which is a metaphor for the hardships in a relationship; love can survive rain and dry seasons. Asbury closed with her song “Saving You Saved Me.” The lyrics were powerful and went well with Asbury’s vocal range.

After Asbury’s set, she told

the crowd they could meet her out in the lobby at the merchandise table.

Thunder and lightning noises struck the stage, followed by weather emergency warnings. This stage introduction startled the audience at the first thunderous sound, some people even screaming. Turner opened with his song “Whirlwind,” which was about being crazy in love.

Turner shared the story and inspiration behind “Unsung Hero.” His grandfather was a war veteran, and Turner learned about his time in the service long after he passed away. The lyrics are a tribute to his grandfather and all the other veterans out there who do not get recognized for their service. “We had the privilege of playing this song on the Today show last year

The ‘Reflections’ of a lifetime

“I like working from nature … it’s [kind of] a big part of the content that I’m working with — and how the impressionists used that has been a really big inspiration for me,” Naomi Bard said.

Bard is a junior art education major at Shippensburg University, and she currently has her artwork featured in the Brindle Gallery of Huber Art Center at SU.

Her collection, which is open until May 1, is titled “Reflections.”

The gallery is made of nine pieces of artwork. They include “Threads of Thought,” “Portrait Study with Skull,” “Hand Study,” “Joy in Pots” and five others that are untitled, three of which were made with charcoal, graphite or marker, and two that were made with watercolor.

“It’s a look back on everything that I’ve done and some of the pieces that have been the most influential and pivotal in my art career,” Bard said. “Doing some of these artworks and seeing what I’ve accomplished has really boosted my confidence and choosing to do this.”

From a young age, Bard realized that she had an artistic side, as she was always drawing and creating. Additionally, she loved to work with children, so she decided to enter a career path that would allow her to do both.

“I wanted to combine the two and become an art teacher to share the love that I have with other people,” she said.

Her favorite piece in the “Reflections” collection is called “Hand Study.” The artwork was originally a class assignment, and now it is being shown in the Brindle Gallery. It is a graphite-pencil piece in which there are three drawn hands, each of them enacting a different pose or motion.

“Hands are probably one of the most difficult pieces of the body to draw, so I took a lot of time doing this one,” Bard said. “I’m really proud of the way it turned out. Actually being

able to accomplish this drawing was really self-fulfilling.”

When explaining her favorite elements of artwork, Bard said she primarily enjoyed creating art with a traditional graphite pencil. She also said that she enjoys realisticstyle work; however, she is currently working with more abstract forms of artwork.

“I would love to do more abstract work now. I really try to just push myself to let loose, and it doesn’t have to be perfect, and I can accept that,” Bard said.

In addition to finding new areas of enjoyment within art, Bard explained her fascination with watercolor.

This was the element used with her painting “Joy in Pots,” which she cherishes due to her love of plants.

The painting features the plants in cool-color combinations, such as blues and greens, and the background

encapsulates a warm-toned atmosphere with variations of red, orange and pink.

“My watercolor class was very eyeopening and game-changing to me because I realized I really like working with colors; I love the depth that you can create with them and all of the different techniques,” Bard said.

After discussing inspiration behind her personal work, Bard said that one of her favorite painters is Vincent van Gogh, and her favorite time-periods of artwork are the impressionism and post-impressionism era.

Her favorite painting by van Gogh is titled “Sower at Sunset,” which was completed in 1888. She also admires his paintings “Olive Trees” and “Green Wheat Fields, Auvers.”

“This exhibition serves as a reflection, looking at where I started, to how far I’ve come,” Bard said.

on Veterans Day, so that was an honor,” Turner said. Throughout the show, Turner was the comedic relief cracking jokes amongst his backing band.

Other songs played were “Me and God” and a cover rendition of Hank Williams’ “I Saw The Light.” “I Saw The Light” got the crowd singing with Turner and clapping their hands.

Turner said that he got

to perform “Two Steppin’ On The Moon” for NASA astronauts in space. He described it be a once-in-alifetime kind of performance that he got to do. Its catchy beat and title of the song was a perfect choice for a space song.

Turner’s “This Country Music Thing” tour is continuing to tour in the United States throughout the year, into late October.

The Slate staff put together a playlist that is dedicated to the seniors in this organization. Thank you for your loyalty and constant dedication.

Mystery solved: ‘Murder on the Orient Express!’

Shippensburg University

Acting Group (SUAG) brought “Murder on the Orient Express!” to campus last week with four showings. Memorial Auditorium was buzzing on Saturday, April 19, for the play adapted from Agatha Christie’s murder mystery novel.

The Orient Express is the train owned by Monsieur Bouc, played by Daniel Wintersgill. He brought laughter to the theater with his portrayal of the stressedout train owner. Samuel Ratchett, a wealthy American businessman played by Chase Garrison, is killed in his train car, but slowly the audience learned about his character’s dark past and the motives of the killer.

A standout performer was Lyman, who delivered hard

The production was directed by Seamus Landis and Stephen Good. The plot is a classic “whodunit,” a murder mystery on a train with the detective Hercule Poirot, played by Lydia Lyman, piecing together the crime.

hitting interrogation scenes and brought intensity to the stage. Wintersgill provided the comic relief, and Lyman’s intensity took the audience on a roller coaster of emotions, making the duo a great fit together on stage.

The cast of suspects were all excellent. Each character had a connection to the victim that makes them all tied into the overarching story. If SUAG continues with performances like this, it will not be long before they perform on bigger stages with bigger productions.

‘InZOI’ vs. ‘The Sims 4’

“The Sims” franchise has new competition.

“InZOI,” a new upcoming indie game on Steam, is turning heads of Simmers. While other games like Paralives and Vivaland have grasped Simmer’s attention, making some noise as potential competition, nothing has held a candle to the talk of “InZOI.”

“The Sims” community is debating whether to make a switch to a better game, causing a stir on social media such as YouTube, TikTok and Reddit. “InZOI” may be something to consider switching to, as it has more fruitful gameplay.

Electronic Arts, owner of “The Sims” franchise, decided to make “The Sims 4” a free to play game on Steam. This was most likely done to combat the upset reviews of people who also think the expansion packs are lackluster. Every Simmer and even people outside of the Simmingsphere are aware of the expansions and extra downloadable content of Electronic Arts. Adding up all the downloadable content (DLC), it would cost players about $1,200. While most of the purchasable content is mostly cosmetic and a few fun usable items, many of the expansion packs for the game include parts that should already be in a game about simulating life. For example, players must purchase weather components, funerals or restaurants.

It does not make sense as to why players would need to purchase so much of this content for a life simulation game. At this point, “The Sims 4” may be more of a cash grab than a game created with passion. Not only that, but the DLCs are slow and laggy. Many simmers complain about their $40 DLCs not functioning correctly.

In the Simming world, there are two “art

style” approaches to the game. One is called “Maxis Match,” and the other is called “Alpha.” Maxis Match refers to the style of the game in “The Sims 4.” Its clay cartoony look is very appealing to those who want a more lighthearted experience.

Maxis Match is a good route to go when downloading CC, because it fits in with the aesthetic of the game without looking like it sticks out too much. Alpha CC, however, looks very different and realistic, almost having a resemblance of the art style in “The Sims 3.” I did not find the aesthetics enjoyable at all, and quite honestly, it gave me a headache and nausea more than anything.

The main important thing to me and one of the main drawbacks to “InZOI” is the simple fact that I do not find this art style appealing. I, among many, agree that the art style is headache inducing, too realistic, and loses the charm that “The Sims 4” has. They’re colorful, abstract, cartoony, but not so much in a way where you cannot make a more serious, alluring sim.

All in all, “InZOI” seems like a very possible contender to “The Sims.” The game is being created by the new and upcoming gaming company KRAFTON. As of right now, it is only on the gaming software Steam for $39.99. (about the price of one Sims expansion) and all DLC’s are going to be included until full release. A person who is debating on playing either “InZOI” or “The Sims” might be very tempted to pick “InZOI,” as the reasons I have listed.

I thought “InZOI” on its own, not compared to “The Sims,” is pretty. However, I got bored very quickly as there was just not that much substance yet. I think a price point of $40 is insane, especially considering it is only the beta version and not much is out there. Only time will tell what the developers add to the game.

TLOU Season Two: The Lodge Scene

*Spoiler Alert* “Joel, get up.” Those words continue to ring in my head after watching the latest episode of Season 2 of “The Last of Us” on HBO. The first video game, “The Last of Us,” was released in 2013, then the TV adaptation’s first season releasing 10 years later in 2023. The second game, “The Last of Us Part II,” was released in 2020.

With the immense success of the first season due to the incredible accuracy of the show adapting all the great things fans loved about the game, hype was built in anticipation for the second season. However, fans who played the second game knew what was coming.

Those who have played the game knew the pain of Joel’s death all too well, and it went on to shape Ellie for the remainder of the story. She had a strong relationship with Joel built from the first game, and the connection they had felt largely like a father-daughter relationship. This death created a hole in Ellie that would only be filled by vengeance. Fans were hoping for a similar gut punch from the show that they received in the game, and they got it.

The biggest difference in Joel’s death sequence in the show was the attack of Jackson from the army of undead, and the lack of Tommy, Joel’s brother, witnessing his death. While some think that the Jackson sequence took away from the build up of the death, I felt the opposite.

The parallel tension between Jackson and the lodge kept me out of my seat. Before the attack, it seemed that Jackson was almost impenetrable, with its massive walls surrounding the town, and guards stationed along it. However, when one of the guards sees the thousands of undead running full steam ahead towards the walls, I knew that they would not hold. As Joel entered the lodge, he saw Jackson on fire, right before he was shot in the knee by a shotgun and brutally beaten and stabbed to death.

Joel’s death would not have had the impact it did without the incredible portrayal of the main antagonist Abby by actress Kaitlyn Dever.

Dever’s character is so easy to hate, and those intense feelings are only conjured by great performance. The other integral part of the lodge scene is Ellie’s reaction to Joel dying. It is important to note that Ellie and Joel’s relationship in the first

episode and beginning of the second episode was fairly strained. Ellie was growing older and becoming more independent and angsty. Therefore, she became increasingly standoffish toward Joel.

For me, as someone who knew his death was approaching, it made me so much more nervous. Were they going to resolve their petty grievances before he passed? The answer to that question is actually no. They did not have an on-screen conversation and that made Ellie’s reaction to his death so much more impactful. On top of that, the scene played out slightly differently.

After Joel was killed, Ellie crawled over to his body and just lay on top of him, trying to lift him up while sobbing over his body. She knew he was dead and was still trying to get him up anyways, which was heartbreaking.

Overall, this episode was fantastic. The faithfulness to the original sequences in the game, plus the addition of new stories made it a heartbreaking, stress filled experience. All the feelings in this episode are due to the performances by the talented cast. You can watch “The Last of Us” on HBO, with new episodes of the second season releasing every Sunday at 9 p.m.

Our Year in Review

The Slate staff was able to cover some amazing things this year. As this academic year quickly comes to an end, enjoy this look back with some of The Slate’s best photos from each section from the fall and spring semesters.

News

Our News section broke news on campus and across the community and covered local political rallies, among other events.

Pictured top to bottom is a photo of Kamala Harris from a rally in Harrisburg, a photo of students and faculty participating in SU’s March for Humanity and a photo of MSA director Diane Jefferson leading a group in song after unveiling the MSA quilt.

Ship Life

Ship Life has shown us what life was like on campus this year.

Pictured top to bottom is a DC Hula Girl performing at the AAPIO Extravaganza this year’s relay for life, a student enjoying fall welcome week and Dr. Shari Horner during her lecture on the Medieval Lives of Woman Saints .

Photos courtesy of Hanna Atkinson, Elisa Reitman and Madison Sharp

Arts and Entertainment

The Arts and Entertainment section kept readers entertained this year with reviews of new movies, albums and even live performances.

top to bottom are photos from

Sports

Rain or shine, reporters for the Sports section covered it all. They were there for the record-breaking wins and the tough lossses of the Shippensburg Raiders athletics.

top to bottom is

and

Special thanks to these members of the mulimedia staff of The Slate:

Hanna Atkinson

Patrick Crean

Quehanna Coble

Grace Harbour

Hayden Highlands

Jayden Pohlman

Madison Sharp