By Matthew McKeague

Shippensburg University contributes more than $285 million directly or indirectly to the economy of Pennsylvania, according to a recently released study by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

The PASSHE Economic Impact on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 2006 report showed the university had a direct impact of $118.7 million and an indirect impact of $166.9 million for a total impact of $285.6 million. For every dollar invested in Shippensburg by the state, the university returns $9.48 in economic impact. That includes total spending by the university, as well as spending by faculty and staff, students and their families, and other campus visitors.

“Shippensburg has played a major role in the educational and cultural health of the Commonwealth for more than 135 years, and this study shows we have a significant and important impact on the economy,” said Interim President Jody Harpster. “This impact ranges from the goods and services we buy, to purchases by employees and students. With the opening of the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center we expect to make an even more significant impact. We also play a role in the economy through workforce development and such areas as our small business initiative in the Frehn Center.”

PASSHE, the fifteenth largest employer in the state, has a $4.47 billion impact on the economy. According to the study, PASSHE reported more than 12,000 salaried jobs in Fall 2004. Indirectly, the universities are responsible for approximately another 39,000 jobs statewide, from contractors who work on campus buildings to the hundreds of small businesses that operate in campus communities.

“Shippensburg University is a major contributor to the economy of the region with faculty living in the area and with the support personnel working in the area and this adds up to quite a financial plus locally,” said Shippensburg Mayor Bruce Hockersmith. “The university itself generates business because of the people who are brought in to speak, lecture and perform, or students and parents looking at the university. We’re just happy the university’s here and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The current survey updates a similar survey in 1997 by PASSHE. This study was conducted by the Center for Social and Economic Research at West Chester University of Pennsylvania using data from fiscal year 2003-2004. In the 1997 study, the university’s total direct economic impact on Pennsylvania was $127.1 million.

“Without even mentioning anything monetary, the people who live here and work at the university are getting involved with the community, fundraising for local organizations, serving on the chamber of commerce, and acting as a resource here as well,” said Steve Oldt, executive director of the Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce. “Shippensburg University is a tremendous asset not just to the town but the entire Cumberland County.”

Nearby counties are also greatly affected by Shippensburg University. “The impact of a university like Shippensburg is significant,” said Dave Sciamanna, executive director of the Greater Chambersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. “There are community volunteers and Shippensburg students in the work force so there’s not only an economic component, but also manpower and intellectual components. There are a lot of people attracted to the community to look at the school and go to the events so there are many benefits from the greater Carlisle area to Shippensburg to the Chambersburg area as well. It’s a very broad beneficial impact that we garner from the presence of Shippensburg University.”

Among the Shippensburg highlights are: (all dollar figures are in millions)

  • The university has a total impact on Cumberland County of $103.2 with $63.6 direct impact
  • The university has a total spending impact on Cumberland County of $14.5
  • University employees have a total impact on in-state spending of $55.8
  • University employees spend in Cumberland County a total of $14.1
  • University students spend in-state a total of $122.3
  • University students spend in Cumberland County a total of $68.1
  • Visitors to the university have a total impact in-state of $9.9
  • Visitors spend in Cumberland County a total of $6.5
  • Members of the campus community paid a total of $2.6 in sales and income taxes
  • University faculty and staff volunteered an average of 4.96 hours per month.
  • A total of 3,276 jobs statewide are due to the university’s direct economic impact

Matthew McKeague is a graduate assistant in the Office of University Communications and Marketing

Visitors lured to Luhrs

The economic impact study was conducted prior to the opening of the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center. Preliminary information shows the center is already adding to the impact the university has both locally and beyond.

Consider these facts:

  • Tickets have been sold to patrons in West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
  • Within the state, people from Pittsburgh, Johnstown, State College, Williamsport, Lancaster, York, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Hershey, and points in between have enjoyed the offerings at the Luhrs Performing Arts Center. In its first full season, patrons within a 50-mile radius are regularly attracted to the center’s programs.
  • In its inaugural season (January-July 2006), more than12,300 tickets were sold for thirteen performances. More than 14,800 people through various groups used the center. In total more than 27,000 people have visited or attended events at the center.
  • Hotels, restaurants, shops, and service stations have experienced increased business as a result of center events.
  • Approximately 100 people volunteer their time as ticket takers, ushers, coat check attendants, concession stand workers, greeters, etc.

For more information about the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, visit www.Luhrscenter.com.