Shippensburg University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, despite its relatively modest ranking of 2279th in the world and 741st in the United States, boasts a vibrant network of over 70,000 alumni making significant contributions across various fields, both domestically and internationally. These graduates exemplify the impact of a Shippensburg education, leaving their mark on their professions, communities, and the world at large. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and contributions.
Distinguished Alumni
Each year, Shippensburg University recognizes outstanding alumni through various awards. For example, in 2025, ten individuals were recognized for their achievements: three as distinguished alumni, three as outstanding young alumni, one for cultural impact, one for lifetime achievement, and two for exceptional service to the university. While the specific names of the 2025 award recipients are not listed here, this annual recognition underscores the university's commitment to celebrating the accomplishments of its graduates.
Political Leaders
Shippensburg University has produced a number of influential figures in the political arena, including senators, representatives, and government officials.
Jeanne Shaheen: A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Shaheen has served as the senior United States Senator from New Hampshire since 2009. A member of the Democratic Party, she also served as the 78th governor of New Hampshire from 1997 to 2003, making history as the first woman elected to that position.
John Kline: Graduating with a Master in Public Administration in 1988, Kline served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Minnesota's 2nd congressional district from 2003 to 2017. As a Republican, he chaired the House Committee on Education and the Workforce from 2011 until his retirement.
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Lisa Baker: Currently serving as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from the 20th District since 2007, Baker chairs the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee.
Richard Alloway II: A former Republican member of the Pennsylvania State Senate and a lawyer. He was elected to fill the seat of retiring senator Terry Punt.
Todd Stephens: Served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 151st District from his election in 2010 until 2022.
Cindy Adams Dunn: The current Pennsylvania Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, nominated for the position in June 2015 by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.
These alumni demonstrate the impact of a Shippensburg education in shaping leaders who serve at the state and national levels.
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Military Leaders
Shippensburg University has a strong tradition of producing leaders in the military, with many graduates achieving high ranks and making significant contributions to national defense. Many of these individuals pursued advanced studies in public administration at Shippensburg, enhancing their leadership and management skills.
Jay Montgomery Garner: A retired United States Army lieutenant general, Garner was appointed as Director of the Office for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance for Iraq in 2003 following the invasion of Iraq. He served as the de facto head of state of Iraq before being replaced by Ambassador Paul Bremer.
Sidney Shachnow: A Jewish American Holocaust survivor, Shachnow attained the rank of major general in the United States Army. He retired in 1994 after nearly 40 years of active service.
Dell L. Dailey: A retired United States Army lieutenant general and former head of the State Department's counterterrorism office, serving from July 2007 to April 2009.
John C. "Doc" Bahnsen Jr.: A United States Army brigadier general and decorated veteran of the Vietnam War.
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John William Foss: A United States Army general and commander of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command.
John William Shannon Sr.: Served as United States Under Secretary of the Army from 1989 to 1993.
James Houston Johnson Jr.: A retired lieutenant general in the United States Army. He had over 33 years of active military service, culminating as Commanding General of the First United States Army, responsible for 325,000 soldiers, from 1991 to 1993.
Andrew Phillip Chambers: A lieutenant general in the United States Army. An alumnus of Howard University, he was a commanding general of the VII Corps and the United States Army Central in the 1980s. He received an M.S. degree in communications from Shippensburg State College. He and his brother, Lawrence Chambers, are the first black siblings to hold flag ranks in the United States Military.
Roger C. Schultz: A retired United States Army lieutenant general who served as director of the Army National Guard.
Evelyn Patricia Foote: A retired United States Army officer who served from 1959 to 1989, rising to the rank of brigadier general in 1986, and holds many firsts for women in the United States Army.
Clyde A. Vaughn: A retired United States Army Lieutenant General who served as Director of the Army National Guard.
Michael D. Rochelle: A retired United States Army lieutenant general, who served as deputy chief of staff, G-1 in the Department of the Army.
John McPherson LeMoyne: A retired United States Army Lieutenant General.
John Herman Corns: A lieutenant general in the United States Army who served as commander of United States Army Pacific from 1991 until 1993.
Herbert Ralph Temple Jr.: A Lieutenant General who served as Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
James W. Crysel: A retired United States Army officer who attained the rank of lieutenant general. He was notable for his command of Second United States Army and the 25th Infantry Division.
William Anthony Cugno: A Major General who earned a master's degree in public administration from Shippensburg University in 1991.
Ira Charles Owens: An officer in the United States Army who served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Headquarters, Department of the Army.
Robert Laurence Schweitzer: A lieutenant general in the United States Army who served as Chairman of the Inter-American Defense Board from 1982 to 1987. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in Vietnam in 1966.
Andrew M. Schuster: A retired brigadier general in the National Guard of the United States and former Assistant Adjutant General of Readiness and Training in Wisconsin.
Vincent Eugene Falter: A retired major general in the United States Army who served as Commanding General of the United States Army Military Personnel Center.
These distinguished military leaders exemplify the values of service, leadership, and dedication instilled at Shippensburg University. Their careers reflect a commitment to protecting and serving the nation.
Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders
Shippensburg University has also fostered a spirit of entrepreneurship, with many alumni launching successful businesses and making significant contributions to the business world.
Lance Hines-Butts: A Shippensburg University alumnus who has built a successful career as an entrepreneur. He is the owner of LHB Clean Team, a full-service cleaning company that services property management companies and professional offices throughout Central Pennsylvania. Hines-Butts also owns real estate and plans to become a real estate developer.
These entrepreneurial alumni demonstrate the power of a Shippensburg education to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the business world.
Arts and Entertainment
Shippensburg University alumni have also made their mark in the arts and entertainment industry.
Chris Raab: An American television personality known as a former member of the CKY crew featured in the MTV series Viva La Bam and Jackass.
Justin Jordan: An American comics writer, known for co-creating The Strange Talent of Luther Strode and writing for Green Lantern: New Guardians.
Don Falcone: An American producer and multi-instrumentalist, and the guiding light behind the Spirits Burning space-rock collective.
These alumni showcase the diverse talents and creative spirit fostered at Shippensburg University.
Athletes
Shippensburg University has a rich athletic tradition, with many alumni going on to successful careers in professional sports.
Rob Davis: Played for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. He was also the first Red Raider to play in a Super Bowl.
Joel Gamble: Spent the 2010 preseason with the Cleveland Browns and time on the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans.
Brent Grimes: Played 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), most recently for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Trevor Harman: Entered the 2015 season looking to capture a roster spot with the Arizona Cardinals. He holds career school records of 321 receptions, 4,249 receiving yards and 61 receiving touchdowns.
Jake Metz: Signed a contract with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL) in April 2017. He was named the 2016 AFL Defensive Lineman of the Year.
Zach Zulli: The 2012 Harlon Hill Trophy winner, attended rookie mini-camp in May 2014 with the Seattle Seahawks.
Robert âTinyâ Adams: Drafted in the ninth round of the 1954 National Football League (NFL) Draft by the Baltimore Colts. He was the first football player in Shippensburg history to earn first team All-American honors.
Bob Chubb: Drafted in the 25th round of the 1951 National Football League (NFL) draft by the Washington Redskins.
Steve Ecker: A punter, kicker and quarterback at Shippensburg University who was drafted in the 14th round of the 1966 National Football League (NFL) draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
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