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Forged in Community and Education
Honoring Jeff Coy ’73
His legacy is quietly present across Shippensburg University’s campus. It’s in the memory of where he met his wife, Jo Anne (Rasmussen) Coy ’73, as a student in Memorial Auditorium. It’s in the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Art Center, a project made possible with his legislative support. It’s in Heiges Field House and Seth Grove stadium where he spoke powerful words during past commencements and inaugurations. And now, it is visible for all who enter Shippensburg University with the dedication a new university archway that bears the name of Jeff Coy ’73 and his vision for his much-loved alma mater.
Coy graduated from Shippensburg University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in government administration and devoted the next 37 years to public service. Twenty-two of those years were in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives, representing the 89th District. He passed away in June of 2018.
A legacy of service
As Jo Anne Coy reflected on her husband’s life during the archway dedication, she settled on two consistent themes, local and education.
“Jeff was born in Shippensburg, he earned his education in Shippensburg, and he never left,” she shared.
But Coy’s work and impact reached far beyond his hometown and the world of education.
A quick scan of the 22-years of legislation sponsored by Coy highlights his efforts to protect the environment, provide safe drinking water, support veterans, create accessible public transportation, and fund volunteer fire companies, but his passion for education was undeniable.
“It didn’t matter the age level, the building, or the district. If it was education, Jeff wanted to help,” she added.
He secured countless grants for local school districts, sponsored legislation to end sexual violence on college campuses and routinely visited local schools to ensure he would see first-hand the needs of area educators and students.
“Their questions and concerns also offered me inspiration and the chance to take back that information and put some of their ideas into practice,” Coy once said following a visit to Chambersburg Area School District.
He served for 20 years as a member of the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and promoted the value of higher education for the people and the economic prosperity of Pennsylvania.
“Jeff spent his entire career increasing access to higher education. Through his service as a representative, a member of various board and organizations, and as a member of our very own Council of Trustees, Jeff, along with his wife Jo Anne, have been an important part of education in Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Charles Patterson, president of Shippensburg University.
With much attention today on the need to fill critical workforce gaps and provide new pathways for students, Coy was ahead of his time as he led the charge for increased funding for scholarships throughout his career.
As colleges and universities across the commonwealth work to increase the number of graduates entering the fields of science and technology, they do so on the groundwork laid by Coy. In 2003, he spearheaded the New Economy Technology Scholarship Program that provided financial support for students pursuing careers in these critical areas.
“We are working very hard to prepare our students to meet the challenges of the new economy,” Coy said. “These scholarships lend a financial helping hand and encourage those to stay in Pennsylvania after graduation.”
He didn’t think it was his job, he thought it was his responsibility. He believed deeply in the notion of what this institution did for him, Jo Anne, and countless other students.
Dr. Anthony Ceddia
A local legacy
As Jeff worked to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians across the state, Jo Anne’s reflection on his commitment to his local community and education was ever present.
Coy served on Shippensburg University’s Council of Trustees, providing valuable leadership to the institution as it navigated many changes within the higher education landscape. Before his service as a trustee though, his contributions to Ship were already advancing his alma mater.
One of those contributions would positively impact the path of university for more than two decades. During the archway dedication, President Emeritus Dr. Anthony Ceddia, shared that it was a promise from Jeff Coy that inspired him to become president of Shippensburg University.
Unsure after his experience with the state board interviewing him as a candidate, Ceddia went to bed in his hotel the evening following his interview believing Ship was not the place for him. At 1:00am, he received an unexpected phone call from Jeff Coy, asking him to meet him in the hotel lobby.
“He was trying to convince me to stay in the race for president. But then he talked about the vision for the university system. He talked about the potential and promise of what the peoples’ colleges would have for the state of Pennsylvania. I accepted the job, primarily based on what he was telling me. And you know what? He didn’t lie,” shared Ceddia.
Years later, it was another late-night phone call from Coy that delivered the funding needed for the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center.
With the state budget at an impasse over funding for baseball and football fields in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Coy called Ceddia after a late meeting at the Governor’s Mansion.
He shared with Ceddia that they didn’t have enough votes for the field projects.
“I said, ‘oh, too bad’, because there was no money in it for us,” joked Ceddia.
Coy quickly responded “But I’ve got good news. I met with Governor Ridge. I guaranteed some votes and now we’re getting the money for the performing arts center, and Philadelphia and Pittsburgh will get their fields.”
The deal secured $9.927 million dollars for the building of the Luhrs Performing Arts Center.
“That’s how it happened. He didn’t think it was his job, he thought it was his responsibility. He believed deeply in the notion of what this institution did for him,Jo Anne, and countless other students,” said Ceddia.
In 2003 he secured $299,000 in state funding in support of the renovation of Roland and Shearer Halls. The funding allowed for the updating of the 60-year-old academic buildings and offered new state-ofthe-art learning environments for students and enhanced technological capabilities.
“Investments like this help keep Shippensburg University a leader in higher education. This will allow us to proceed with this renovation project as part of our continued commitment to provide our students an education nationally recognized for its excellence,” said then president, Dr. Anthony F. Ceddia.
Beyond financial support, Coy was a staunch advocate for faculty and staff during his time in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, including during contract negotiations.
“He wanted this school to have the best and most qualified people,” shared Jo Anne.
The legacy continues
Coy’s legacy was honored on May 3 with the dedication of the new archway with a crowed filled with his friends, colleagues, and the “best and most qualified people” higher education has to offer.
During the ceremony, President Patterson shared the symbolic importance of the archway as a place that embodies tradition and heritage. It serves as a reminder of the countless individuals who have passed through the university leaving behind their own special mark.
“It is also a reminder of the vast opportunities that await our students. And as we see here today, it is a gathering place for our community, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to a unified place,” said Patterson.
Most importantly, Patterson shared “it immortalizes Jeff’s service at the very place we wish to inspire students to begin their own journeys.”
“This space will forever recognize Jeff Coy’s achievements, but more than that, it’s his spirit, and his unwavering personal commitment to what this institution means to all of us and students yet to come,” said Ceddia.
With the dedication of the Shippensburg University Archway, Coy’s legacy is now present for all to see.
