SHIP :: Faculty Focus

Getting better at doing things

Immediately after retirement, Thomas Colley built two automobiles—unusual for someone who had just spent 23 years in the speech and theatre arts department. It took him more than 700 hours to build a replica of a 1935 Mercedes Benz and in nine years of owning it, he spent less time driving it than he did building it. Learning to fly came next.

In a switch from the usual progression, the former director turned actor. “I directed plays the entire time I was on the faculty,” Tom said. “I was so proud of Antigone. Then there was Arsenic and Old Lace, Godspell, and I was very proud of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – those seven boys were just flat out good.” His memories are enriched by the front row seat he had watching students grow and become aware of their abilities.

“I’ve done some acting at the Totem Pole (in Fayetteville) but the highlight was in a show with students here at Ship.

Tom was referring to That Championship Season where he played Coach. “It was a great experience and the kids were so good to me. It was work I was proud of. And I would love to more!”

Tom takes pride in knowing he played a role in having a quality performing arts center as part of Shippensburg University.

He might not be acting as much as he wants, but Tom is part of the reason why good acting and good performances will be coming to campus. For fourteen years, Tom has been actively involved in the planning and implementation of the newly opened H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center.

A member of the original design committee, Tom later became the chair for the Performing Arts Center Advisory Council. “I was asked to put together a list of potential members. The talent and commitment of that group is just amazing.

“At the first meeting, I told them it might be different from other advisory boards they were on. This was going to be a working council and the expectation was they would be making a real contribution. They bought into that and do such fine work.”

In speaking about the future, Tom is emphatic about staying deeply involved with the Luhrs Center. But he has other plans as well. He and his wife Susan will continue their travels up and down the East Coast in their motor home, with frequent stops at beaches. They are talking about traveling abroad with New Zealand and China as possibilities.

And then there are the Senior Games. “I took up swimming for exercise and I thought I was pretty fast. As a test, I entered the Senior Games and realized I must be fast, I medaled in every event I entered.” In 2004 he qualified for the 2005 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh, but had to pass due to heart surgery.

“I find a lot of enjoyment in swimming,” Tom said. “I’ll be back in the games in 2006 and if I qualify for nationals, I’m going.”

In a more reflective moment, Tom speaks of the philosophy he tries to follow now. “I believe it is a matter of getting better at doing things. At my age, the world has already been conquered, the statements made, now it is a question of continuing to improve.”

And when he gives examples, it seems easy. “I golf, but I work on getting better. I’m working on being a better guitarist, a better swimmer…well, you get the idea.”




			Getting better at doing things Immediately after retirement, Thomas Colley built two automobiles—unusual for someone who had just spent 23 years in the speech and theatre arts department. It took him more than 700 hours to build a replica of a 1935 Mercedes Benz and in nine years of owning it, he spent less time driving it than he did building it. Learning to fly came next. In a switch from the usual progression, the former director turned actor. “I directed plays the entire time I was on the faculty,” Tom said. “I was so proud of Antigone. Then there was Arsenic and Old Lace, Godspell, and I was very proud of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – those seven boys were just flat out good.” His memories are enriched by the front row seat he had watching students grow and become aware of their abilities. “I’ve done some acting at the Totem Pole (in Fayetteville) but the highlight was in a show with students here at Ship. Tom was referring to That Championship Season where he played Coach. “It was a great experience and the kids were so good to me. It was work I was proud of. And I would love to more!” Tom takes pride in knowing he played a role in having a quality performing arts center as part of Shippensburg University. He might not be acting as much as he wants, but Tom is part of the reason why good acting and good performances will be coming to campus. For fourteen years, Tom has been actively involved in the planning and implementation of the newly opened H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center. A member of the original design committee, Tom later became the chair for the Performing Arts Center Advisory Council. “I was asked to put together a list of potential members. The talent and commitment of that group is just amazing. “At the first meeting, I told them it might be different from other advisory boards they were on. This was going to be a working council and the expectation was they would be making a real contribution. They bought into that and do such fine work.” In speaking about the future, Tom is emphatic about staying deeply involved with the Luhrs Center. But he has other plans as well. He and his wife Susan will continue their travels up and down the East Coast in their motor home, with frequent stops at beaches. They are talking about traveling abroad with New Zealand and China as possibilities. And then there are the Senior Games. “I took up swimming for exercise and I thought I was pretty fast. As a test, I entered the Senior Games and realized I must be fast, I medaled in every event I entered.” In 2004 he qualified for the 2005 National Senior Games in Pittsburgh, but had to pass due to heart surgery. “I find a lot of enjoyment in swimming,” Tom said. “I’ll be back in the games in 2006 and if I qualify for nationals, I’m going.” In a more reflective moment, Tom speaks of the philosophy he tries to follow now. “I believe it is a matter of getting better at doing things. At my age, the world has already been conquered, the statements made, now it is a question of continuing to improve.” And when he gives examples, it seems easy. “I golf, but I work on getting better. I’m working on being a better guitarist, a better swimmer…well, you get the idea.”