President Ruud is congratulated by friend and guest speaker Jake Jakubowski, president of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Inset photos (L to R): Executive assistant Robin Maun helps the president into his academic robes; Uncle Ernie and Aunt Jean Kish sit proudly in the family row; and a view of the academic delegates in attendance.

For an inauguration it was understated. Yet it reflected the personality of Shippensburg University’s 15th president who used Homecoming weekend as the means to deflect focus from himself and center it on the institution he has agreed to serve.

Inauguration activities officially began Thursday evening, October 25 with a fundraising gala in conjunction with the lecture by Daniel Tammet, a high-functioning autistic savant who can calculate huge sums in his head and sees numbers as shapes with motion, color, and texture. Daniel is rare in his ability to describe his world to others.

Then on Friday, when Homecoming activities began in earnest, a niche was set aside to welcome our new president.

The ceremony itself was filled with color, pageantry, history, and tradition. The university mace was proudly carried to the stage. The delegates representing institutions of higher learning and Shippensburg’s own faculty wore their academic robes rich with the colors signifying their credentials.

The flags on the stage, in addition to the university, state, and American flags, represented the home states and countries of currently enrolled SU students.

Father Joseph Illo of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church—the Ruud’s Modesto, California parish—personified the bridge between President Ruud’s past and his present. Father Illo, who grew up in Shippensburg, is the son of former English professor John Illo.

From presiding executive vice president Jody Harpster to those who welcomed President Ruud, two themes emerged—change and family, in particular, the Ship family.

Harpster’s opening remarks introduced both themes. He noted the university history of meeting the ever-changing needs of the students, the region, and the Commonwealth. He spoke highly of the spirit of family found on campus and among the Ship community that demonstrates “extraordinary collaboration and cooperation.”

Student Association President Joe Peltzer found our new president has “taken the campus by storm” and has conveyed to students they should “think, challenge, ask questions, and not be afraid to fail.”

Making decisions on what to keep and what to leave behind on a number of levels was the observation of Debra Cornelius, professor of sociology and president of the faculty union. She drew her observations from family facing the fires in California, a situation shared by President Ruud’s family.

Among others who welcomed our new president were Shippensburg mayor Bruce Hockersmith and Lisa Cline, AFSCME president. Cline noted President Ruud had already shown respect for the members of the university staff and looked forward to valuing one another for many years to come. Alumni Association president Edwin Herr offered Ship alumni “stand ready to serve as a resource.” SU Council of Trustees chair, Ken Shoemaker, remarked on the endless energy of President Ruud and with Ruud as “the captain of Ship” there was “no limit to our potential.”

Chair of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors, Kenneth Jarin said organizations succeed because of key leadership, something already observed here at Ship.

Guest speaker and personal friend of President Ruud, Gerald “Jake” Jakubowski, president of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, reintroduced the theme of change. He also gave us a glimpse into the personality of the man chosen to take over the helm of SU. “I would not have missed this for the world,” he said.

The two met at the University of Toledo where Jake was an assistant professor of engineering and Bill, an assistant professor of management. The two hit it off. They shared similar passions and loved to laugh. They also share similar teaching styles and career paths. Thinking about their futures, they made a deal: the first to become president would offer the other a job.

Jake did offer Bill a job when he assumed the presidency at Rose-Hulman in July 2006 but Bill turned him down. “I’m happy he did. He is much better suited to be your president.” He summed up Bill’s credentials with, as Hoosiers say, “He’s just good people.”

Above, moving clockwise: Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Judy Hample extends welcome and support to our 15th president; The ceremony was graced with performances by the SU Concert Choir; Father Joseph Illo, from the Ruud’s home parish in Modesto, California offered the invocation and benediction; Board of Governors Chair, Kenneth Jarin, administers the oath of office.

Change is happening at an unprecedented rate and must be embraced, Jake told the audience. This information explosion underscores the need for a college education. Sadly, the United States is not keeping pace and now ranks tenth in the percent of the population with college degrees. This is the challenge facing university presidents today.

Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Judy Hample, spoke of the need for university presidents to lead, and they needed a broad range of skills and knowledge to meet challenges. Of President Ruud, she said, “He is prepared fully to meet challenges and has begun to shape his vision [for Shippensburg University].”

The investiture by the chancellor was followed by the oath of office administered by Chairman Jarin. As he repeated the oath, President Ruud was all seriousness. Once finished, his big grin flashed out to be met by applause and a standing ovation.

Presented with a medallion of office and the university mace, Hample declared him president to another standing ovation.

It was now time for the new captain to address the crowd.

After acknowledging his family and friends, including his mother- and father-in-law, Lou and Linda Kish, who traveled 2,500 miles and took their third plane ride in 80 years to be there, Bill talked about the changes in higher education.

“We must provide students with the tools to realize something is changing and will continue to change and the skills to adapt to the new environment. If we fail, students will not only fail to solve problems, but they may also miss out on new opportunities.”

Moving the conversation to Shippensburg, Bill also told the audience of what hasn’t changed—the commitment and passion of the Ship family. He listed recent successes of the university, spoke of his role as president, and some of what he hoped the future held for our institution.

He told of the inauguration the students of the Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School had for him. They advised him a president should “be responsible, be positive, be kind, look good, be a good choice maker, have a good smile, and give candy.

“A president is someone who sleeps in a big house on the campus with his dog and wife and somehow makes the world go round.” They also reminded him to brush his teeth and be humble. Not being sure what a president is and does, they concluded he has to be smart because they “didn’t want a president who doesn’t know what he is doing.” They did say they thought President Ruud was doing a good job though.

Turning to Mayor Hockersmith, President Ruud told of a future where a new movie theater, malt shop, bookstore, and clothing outlet were opened in downtown Shippensburg thanks to community support. Mayor Hockersmith smiled and nodded his head in agreement.

In closing, President Ruud quoted Nobel Prize winner George Bernard Shaw, “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.” In accepting the responsibility for the future of Shippensburg University, President Ruud pledged to use whatever wisdom he has gained “to uphold the legacy of this magnificent university.

“We are Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, the university for Pennsylvania!” was met with huge applause and yet another standing ovation. During the ovation, the formally declared president gave hugs to all in the platform party.

The campus community followed the ceremony with an inauguration luncheon. The rest of the weekend was turned back to Homecoming activities where Bill and Judy were frequently sighted.

Below: President Ruud makes a point during his remarks. Directly under: After the ceremony, Judy gets to spend time with her grandniece, Katie Gorczyk, while mingling with the guests. Left: The university cannon was fired in honor of the occasion.

Right: Members of the SU Council of Trustees relax prior to the ceremony backstage at the Luhrs Center. Pictured (L to R): Kim Miller, Deb Gentzler, Charlie Goodhart, Lory Naugle, and Joe Peltzer. Below right: Fellow president, Jake Jakubowski was pleased to honor his friend.

Future SU alums are Ruud fans already as they line up for his autograph. The students at the Luhrs Elementary School offered advice to President Ruud in their inauguration ceremony for him. It was a day for family, too. Niece Kristen Gorczyk, husband John, and daughter Katie get to congratulate Uncle Bill.

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Inaugural Address Excerpts

In 1970, I had the opportunity and good fortune to become a college student. I so loved education that today some thirty-seven years later, I’m still in college, and having a good time. I am so grateful to live in a country that allows each of us to enjoy our respective passion, fulfill our dreams, and serve others with rewarding work.  For me that dream came true when I was chosen President of Shippensburg University in January 2007. 

Higher education has changed significantly since I entered college and in those thirty-seven years we have seen unimaginable and unprecedented change in higher education and our world. Perhaps, no change has and will have a greater impact than technology and its effect on how we teach and learn.

As technology rapidly changes our world we must position Shippensburg University to assist in and lead change for tomorrow’s students. 

Going forward, we must be prepared, and we must prepare those passing through these hallowed halls with an education that helps them deal with and live in this rapidly changing world. First and foremost, we need to provide all qualified and motivated students with the opportunity for higher education, particularly if we want them prepared to compete in a global economy. 

While we can’t foresee what changes technology will bring in the future, we know it will bring change and we as educators must prepare ourselves and our students to embrace this change.

… We must provide students with the tools—to include critical thinking, to realize something is changing and will continue to change—and the skills to adapt to the new environment.  If we fail, students will not only fail to solve the problem, but may also miss out on new opportunities.

At the same time, what hasn’t changed is a shared commitment… to help our students become not only skilled employees and workers, but also good human beings.

What we offer in a college education, particularly at Shippensburg, is imbedded in our commitment to these students – giving things they won’t find in technology and things technology can’t teach them. These things are skills allowing them to deal with each other in this rapidly changing world – skills allowing them to care for and help each other. 

A university campus provides a great opportunity to develop these characteristics and skills.  Here at Ship, students learn this by living and learning together, supporting our athletic teams and our debate teams, celebrating together at graduation, learning through failure, and seeing that at many times, often in some of the challenges we have experienced in recent years, we need to come together to support each other. 

As president, I must lead this effort. A president must use the authority of the office judiciously, wisely, carefully, and always for the betterment of the university. Here at Shippensburg, my ability to do this is enhanced by the depth and breadth of the most caring and dedicated individuals who use their hard work and nurturing spirit to collaborate and cooperate for the good of the university and its students.

It became instantly apparent that the campus community—everyone—enjoys and takes great pride in Ship. In fact, they call themselves a family—The Ship Family!  That’s part of what makes Ship unique. We are lucky, and we owe it to ourselves to maintain those many things that make us proud of Shippensburg University.

It is important to thank my two immediate predecessors, Dr. Tony Ceddia and Dr. Jody Harpster, who through their skilled leadership, foresight and love of this institution, positioned Shippensburg as one of the best universities in Pennsylvania… Their work has made my job easier allowing me to lead from a position of strength.

What also makes every day here enjoyable—and worthwhile—is seeing the many accomplishments of this university and its diverse members. It is impossible not to be impressed with, and thankful to work at, an institution where such people are associated.

In June of this year, during a two-day retreat of the President’s Cabinet , I posed this challenge: The year is 2012; The Harrisburg Patriot-News runs a front-page article celebrating the success of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

What does the article say?   

Our consensus was the story would feature: Shippensburg University increased in size through appropriate enrollment management which allowed it to attract, retain, and graduate outstanding students while maintaining the spirit of family and the crucial student-faculty relationship that is held so dear.

Shippensburg University started new programs in health care, health care management, physical therapy, gerontology, engineering, computer science/software engineering, and industrial distribution.

Major renovations included all new state-of-the-art student housing and upgraded library, academic, and athletic facilities.

Major advancements were made in increasing student diversity, as well as increasing the recruitment, retention and diversity throughout all university employee categories.

Our new movie theatre, malt shop, bookstore, and clothing outlet were opened in downtown Shippensburg thanks to community support.

Will all of those great events happen? I can’t guarantee it, but I invite you to come along for a great ride because we are sure going to try to make this vision happen!

Of course, every organization has its challenges, and Ship is no exception. First among them is funding.

In addition, a predicted reduction in the number of high school graduates in Pennsylvania and beyond beginning in the next few years will dramatically increase the competition for new students. We must ensure potential students and their families learn about the many good things about Shippensburg…

Within our region, our students’ needs will change, businesses, industries, and non-profits will seek individuals with new talents, and citizens of Pennsylvania will demand even more from their state-owned universities. Change is good, but we need to forge partnerships and relationships now so we can meet those changes to benefit all involved.