Wendy ’81-’83M and Larry ’79-’84M Rotz received their Exceptional Service Award from President Harpster.

The quality of an institution can be measured by the quality of its volunteers. With that said, Shippensburg University can stand proudly among quality institutions as we honored this year’s Exceptional Service Award recipients during Alumni Days.

Larry ’79-’84M and Wendy (McCrory) ’81-’83M Rotz have not let distance stand in their way of doing what they can to help their alma mater. Many who attend Alumni Days each year have experienced the Rotz’s commitment to the Alumni Days committee. Wendy and Larry frequently travel from their home in State College to Harrisburg for the committee meetings where they offer their input. SU-related golf tournaments also benefit from the Rotz’s expertise. They serve on the committee for the Lady Raiders golf fund-raiser and volunteer on the day of the event, doing whatever needs done. The Rotz’s commitment has withstood and continues to withstand the test of time while SU benefits.

Richard Forsythe ’59 is a familiar face at campus events, but few realize just how much time, energy, and work he does as a volunteer for SU. A small list of his service includes the Alumni Association Board of Directors (and its committees), the Alumni Regional Council, the College of Education and Human Services Advisory Board, and helping with various aspects of the student teaching/practicum program. For the last decade he has been an active participant in the SU Foundation’s efforts to raise funds, from phonathon volunteer to committee roles for the capital campaign and special projects, to name but a few. He continues to be a generous donor in every way he can for the sustained benefit of his alma mater.

Jody Harpster congratulates Exceptional Service recipient Richard Forsythe ’59 right and Regional Council Leadership Award honoree Jerome Dean ’82, left.

Regional Council Leadership Award

This is the first year for the alumni award that is presented in recognition of the direct impact the recipient has on the success of a particular regional council or the regional council program and the goal of helping reconnect SU alumni with the university. Candidates are expected to have made the commitment of time and energy plus exhibit leadership in planning events and activities to further the growth of an individual council.

Setting the standard for this award is Jerome M. Dean ’82, a member of the Philadelphia Council. Books for the A.B. Day Elementary School project is just one small example that shows just what Jerome brings to a project. Not only did he collect books, he visited the school, took time to read to the students, sponsored some of them at a ’76ers game SU alumni were attending, and when the students decided their class trip would be to Shippensburg University, Jerome was on the bus telling them they too could attend Ship. He gives this kind of dedication to each of the Philadelphia Council activities. In addition, Jerome is chair of the student outreach committee of the Alumni Board, a role he takes quite seriously underscoring his belief in the importance of mentors. He is a familiar face at many campus events as well. SU is not the only recipient of Jerome’s dedication: in September he often bikes the 150 miles to the Jersey shore and back on behalf of multiple sclerosis.

Shippensburg definitely benefits from the efforts of Larry, Wendy, Richard, and Jerome. Thank you for a job well done.