2 minute read
Ship Heads Down Town
Shippensburg University unveiled the new downtown location for its Centers for Excellence, located at 29 E. King Street, on April 30. A ribbon cutting ceremony marked another step in Ship’s efforts to enhance the connection between the university and the local community. The new space is now the home of the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation, the Mr. and Mrs. Milton K. Morgan III Makerspace and the Center for Land Use and Sustainability (CLUS).
The Diller Center works to improve awareness of entrepreneurship as a career choice for students by creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that allows members to cooperate with and participate in the entrepreneurial projects of the campus community. Throughout the year the center hosts student competitions, guest speakers, mentorship and networking opportunities and seminars, all in the name of inspiring student entrepreneurs.
Supported by Doreen and Milton Morgan III, the center includes a new makerspace aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial experience and resources for students. The makerspace provides access to a computer lab with 3D printing, and the equipment room offers access to hand and power tools; fabrication equipment, such as laser cutter, drill press, band and hand saws; hot press for t-shirt, mug, hat and decal design, sewing machines, graphic design, and more.
“We are truly grateful for the generosity of Mr. Charles Diller and Mr. Milton and Mrs. Doreen Morgan. I believe their support will inspire generations of entrepreneurs who can better our community and our world, one creative idea at a time” Dr. Leslie Folmer Clinton, president and CEO of the Shippensburg University Foundation.
For nearly two decades, CLUS has worked to foster healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities through applied research, experiential learning opportunities for students and interdisciplinary, crosssector partnerships. The new location provides the center greater integration into the region it serves. The center’s new location provides students expanded opportunities to build professional networks and skills to prepare them for their careers or further studies, all while helping to address sustainability challenges.
The move downtown was not just a university initiative, but a long time hope of the greater Shippensburg community. With a renewed effort in recent years to improve the connection between the campus community and downtown, many hope this is just the beginning.
“Embracing these young students is vital for their success and our community. I welcome the centers to the downtown business district and am anxious to continue conversations on additional expansions into our community,” said Shippensburg Borough Mayor Kathy Coy.
A plaque is placed in recognition of Charles H. Diller, Jr.
From left to right, Lani Longarzo, Doreen Morgan, Milton Morgan III and Leslie Folmer Clinton.
—Kathy Coy, Mayor of Shippensburg
Ribbon cutting outside the building, from left to right, Claire Jantz, Antonia Price, Kathy Coy, Laurie Carter, Lesley Brown, Trudy Collier, Duaine Collier (cutting the ribbon), Mike Ross, John Kooti, and Tom Ormond.
Ribbon cutting in the new Makerspace, from left to right, Leslie Folmer Clinton, Mike Ross, Laurie Carter, Doreen and Milton Morgan III (cutting the ribbon), Duaine Collier, Trudy Collier, and John Kooti.
