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Building Trust(ees)
This year, Shippensburg University welcomed two new members to the Council of Trustees, but they are no strangers to Ship. Moriah Hathaway ’19 and Ashley Loper ’14 were appointed as trustees by Governor Josh Shapiro and both are excited to put their unique experiences and skill set to work for their alma mater.
Hathaway serves as executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women where she works with commissioners, stakeholders, and legislators from across the state to advocate for women and girls at the executive level. She previously served as the special assistant to the Secretary of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as the executive assistant to Governor Wolf’s Regional Directors.
Her experience in advocacy and a passion for giving back to the place that gave her so much is what she said will drive her work as a trustee. Hathaway is committed to Ship’s culture of inclusion and belonging and empathizes specifically with the challenges women and members of the LGBTQ+ community face.
“As a young alumna and a queer woman, I bring a perspective to the council that will allow me to continue to foster relationships and build upon the great work that is currently happening while also voicing the need for improvement,” said Hathaway.
Hathaway has served the university since graduating with a degree in political science, in a variety of ways, including the Alumni Board and the Wood Honors College Alumni Advisory Council. She currently resides in Harrisburg with her wife, Bailey Welch ’18, and son, Emerson.
Much like Hathaway, Loper is honored to give back to a place that gave her a “top-notch” education and a strong sense of community. As a graduate of the John L. Grove College of Business and a finance professional, Loper also hopes to utilize her experience by prioritizing budgeting and fiscal management.
Loper is a senior manager of customer finance for The Hershey Company. She previously worked for Public Financial Management (PFM) where she spent time supporting local governments, school districts, and nonprofits in Pennsylvania with their investments.
Just like the campus community she will now represent as a trustee; Loper dedicates her time to service as well. She is active in various organizations such as Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine, LCBC Church, and she volunteers for individuals with special needs as well as in her church’s ministry.
Within all areas of Loper’s life, she puts equity first and plans to do so at Ship as well.
“I believe we need to promote unity in our culture, remembering we all uniquely contribute to America’s beautiful melting pot,” said Loper.
Together, Loper and Hathaway bring fresh perspectives and commitment to Shippensburg University’s Council of Trustees.
Meet the New Student Trustee
History major and ROTC cadet Colin Arnold is the new student representative to the Shippensburg University Council of Trustees. At Ship, Arnold serves on the Student Government Association Constitutional Committee, is a member of Phi Alpha Theta, a professional society for historians, and hosts his own radio show “America the Beautiful” on Ship’s studentrun radio station WSYC 88.7.
Appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro, Arnold brings a long history of service to his new role as trustee. As a student at Gettysburg Area High School he founded the Flags Across Adams County for Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc. He also worked with the Adam’s County Historical Society and spent his time working on the family farm.
As he works toward his degree at Ship and a commission as an officer in the US Army, Arnold looks forward to enhancing his leadership skills.
“I’m very humbled and honored to be selected as the next student Trustee of Shippensburg University and look forward to representing the student body on the Council of Trustees. I take great pride in being a part of Ship’s inclusive community and aim to continue to better the university during my term,” said Arnold.
