SHIP :: Around Campus

Dear Editor,

Thank you for the well-written summer 2005 edition of Shippensburg University Magazine. I truly enjoyed reading about President Ceddia’s family, his passion for the Shippensburg community, and his distinguished career as an educator. I am so honored to have attended Shippensburg from 1989 until 1993, and to have served as a senator and vice president of the Student Senate during his tenure. I had the privilege to know not only Dr. Ceddia, but also Dr. Robert Orndorff, former vice president for student affairs, and Mr. Timothy McFeely, former director of the Cumberland Union Building. How fitting it is that the Orndorff Theatre and McFeely’s Coffeehouse are now located in the recently named Ceddia Union Building. I was fortunate enough to attend the farewell party for President Ceddia given by the current Student Association. I was however, disappointed not to see any pictures of this wonderful event in the magazine.

Thank you again for a great tribute to a great President!

Sincerely,
Nicole Roop
Class of 1993

TO OUR READERS:

One goal of Ship Magazine is to reflect what’s happening on campus as well as provide information about faculty, students, and alumni. Since the first issue, our stories have featured a wide range of topics and your response has been enthusiastic.

Our last issue featured a story about the growing trend not only here at Ship, but in society in general—tattoos. The article, written by one of our students, presented a look at the topic and addressed the common question of why someone would get a tattoo or many tattoos.

The article drew strong reaction from some readers about the content as well as the cover photo. What follows are several representative edited letters and/or e-mails that voiced opposition. You also expressed your opinions in personal contacts with the editors or members of the university's administration, including the president. We did, also, get some support.

The response shows you do read the magazine and you have very strong feelings for, and pride in, your university. We do, too, and in no way did we want to diminish those feelings as the article did for some. To those we offended or embarrassed, we apologize and promise that in planning future issues of the magazine, we will keep your feelings in mind and will do our best to produce a magazine that more positively reflects Shippensburg University and reinforces the justifiable pride you have in Ship.

We welcome your comments—positive or negative—on what we do in the magazine. Please keep those cards, letters, e-mails, and telephone calls coming.

The editors

Now just what was the educational point of that “Tattoo U.” article in SHIP?

The real travesty are the five pages—plus cover—the editors devoted to this topic in what must have been, generously, a lapse of editorial judgment. And the falsehood is that since tattooing has been done from centuries past, it is good to be doing it with gusto today. SHIP has bought into the fiction that it is just a reporter of the American collegiate scene, rather than an arbiter of social and cultural discourse. Two columns on the subject in the back of the book would have been sufficient coverage.

I can hardly wait for the body piercing issue to come out. After all, it’s only about self-expression, isn’t it? We’ve come from the “Me” decade to the “See Me” decade, the writer says perceptively, to what has become “It’s all about me” generation. Now that’s ignorance—which will take more than four years of a college education to correct. The culture—and now my university—tells us that “it’s okay, you’re just not being tolerant,” and we keep buying into it. Shame on us.

Ronald E. Keener ’62

What were you thinking? What made you think it would be appropriate or well received to have a cover and major article on tattoos? You state the magazine is published for alumni, parents, friends, and associates of Shippensburg University. Did you really think this is a topic we want to read about in a university publication? It is sandwiched between such appropriate fare as the PA Senior Games and “The Magic of Books”.

I am an alumna and faithful reader of the Shippensburg Magazine. I enjoy the faculty updates, calendar of upcoming events, and reports on the many ways I can be proud of my alma mater. I do think you goofed in your editorial decision-making on this one.

I suppose you have the right to print such an objectionable article. I also have the right to withhold my Annual Fund donation as my form of protest.

Mary Schellenberg Kratzer, ’70-’73M

I am an alumna of Shippensburg University and I was appalled at your cover story. What message are you trying to send—that tattoos are ok? Tattoos are the most interesting thing going on at my old school? I think it is disgusting to try to promote the spread of tattoos to kids under 21 at college. Many people I know, and I am 40, REGRET having tattoos and have to go through very expensive and hurtful techniques to remove them

If my daughter used my money or a credit card to get a tattoo while I was supporting her education at Ship, I would be livid. I think your article was very irresponsible and enlightening about the culture at Ship. I will be sure NOT to send any of my three kids to Shippensburg.

Thanks for eroding the reputation of a once fine school.

Who is responsible for this piece of garage journalism anyhow?

Please let me know.

Sue (Barnard) ’87

Your fall issue, which glorified tattoos with a front cover spot, shows me that your magazine just doesn’t get it. Apparently you think the people who support you and send their money and their kids to your school are interested in reading about this scourge. My opinion, you say? Lets look at some hard-core facts here. Tattooing is a frequent source of disease transmittal and infection control is very lax in many tattoo parlors. Are you familiar with the burgeoning hepatitis epidemic in the US today? There is also a very real social stigma associated with tattoos. Do you know that many employers won’t hire someone who has a visible tattoo? And I’m talking about all types of employers, not just professional or white collar types. Maybe a young person who was “on the fence” will now be motivated to get a tattoo because of the article. You were irresponsible and have alienated at least these supporters.

Michael and Teresa Youtz

I wish to tell you how much I enjoyed your fall issue. The article on tattoos really “caught my eye.”

At age 55 I recently got my first tattoo. I must confess it really makes me feel younger. Thanks to your story, I may just get another one.

John Matthews
Class of Dec. 1972

P.S. I have been trying to find a copy of the 1971 Shippensburg Yearbook. Could you be of any help?

Reunions

I just got the package with all the copies of the magazine. Thank you! I have gotten some positive feedback about the article. I even had one of Jim Hughes’ roommates who hasn’t talked to Jim in years contact me for Jim’s address. He has been looking for Jim for years.

Thank you for the opportunity to share our lives with others. Very cool!

Sheri Cohen ’86-’88M

Thanks so much for the article you wrote about the “Dead Ends.” Everyone I have talked to has been pleased with the article. Even my granddaughter (her dad is an SU alum) recognized me!

Thanks again,

Barbara DeShong ’64