The Slate 4-26-22

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College isn’t a business, B1

Accountant to passionate poet, C1

Student artist showcase works, D1

Softball sweeps on senior day, E1

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Reporting truth. Serving our community.

Volume 65 No. 22

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

SGA welcomes 2022-23 officers Adam Beam

As described by former SGA President Riley Brown, “A new era has begun for the university.” Friday brought the swearing in of the campus’ newest leadership. In a public ceremony, the whole of the SGA gathered in the CUB MPR as President-elect Andrew Hare, Vice-President of External Affairs Madison Cole, Vice President of Student Groups Brea Neal and Vice

President of Finance Chase Slenker officially took office in their new roles. The ceremony was kicked off by a call to order and the approval of the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget. The budget was released on Thursday, April 15 by Slenker, following an email sent out on Friday, April 15 announcing that several minor changes would be made. “These revisions are minor and entail a restructuring of the committee to include a more diverse blend of at-

large and SGA Senate members. No financial guidelines have changed at this time,” Slenker said. “Due to declining enrollments and additional reliance on SUSSI reserves to balance the budget in the previous year, the budget and finance committee had to make some very challenging decisions. This year’s budget is designed to reduce reliance on those reserves and reduce our structural deficit,” Slenker said in the email. With no other outstanding

business to attend to, Interim President Charles Patterson took to the stage to applaud the new leadership team as well as give them advice for the following year of success. In addition to the seniors who will be leaving SGA, Barry McClanahan, the SGA adviser has stepped down from his role. McClanahan has served the campus community since 1992 when he served as the director of Greek Affairs. Following some tearful parting words from Riley

Brown and a first presidential speech by Andre Hare, the team had some new business regarding the approval of the members for the Budget and Finance Committee. The ceremony was ultimately closed out by Hare. Once adjourned, members and guests in attendance were able to come together for cake and drinks in the Red Zone. When speaking with Brown following the event, he reflected on his time at Shippensburg University,

as well as handing the reins over to a new team. “This year was the year we had to climb out of the pandemic — the conditions we were in, Brown said. “And I think the new team has the tools necessary to do great things, and I know they will, and I feel very confident in their skills and abilities to do so.”

Andrew Hare

Brea Neal

Chase Slenker

Madison Cole

Kennedy Holt

Rangeline DeJesus

Staff Contributor

Jan Bye to retire after 28 years of service to the SU community Natalie Truman Guest Contributor

A self-proclaimed progressive, feminist pastor, the Rev. Jan Bye has served the Shippensburg community since 1994. Reverend Bye will be retiring this June after 28 years of dedicated service as the United Campus Minister at Shippensburg University. According to its mission statement, the United Campus Ministry (UCM) “takes a progressive approach to Christianity by encouraging open minds, open hearts and open spirits.” Those three tenants along with friendship, faith and fellowship have been vital to Bye’s leadership approach over the years. Bye’s role has filled many needs throughout her time at SU. She runs the programming for UCM, which includes multi-denominational services, Bible studies and retreats. She also serves as the Religious-Life Coordinator on campus. “I’m the resource person for any kind of religious perspective. I help connect [students] to whatever religion they are from. I clearly understand that one size does not fit all when it comes to religion,” Bye said. Bye also helps students in times of crisis with referrals to the counseling center on campus and provides a non-judgmental, safe space for students to be open about their struggles. Starting her college career as an elementary education major, Bye has always had a passion for helping young people. She took a job after graduation as the director of youth and young adult ministry at a large church. “From there, I felt called to ministry,” Bye said. Bye then moved from Colorado with her husband to the Central Pennsylvania area. “I didn’t ever think that I would be here this long, but it certainly hasn’t been a regret. I have loved working here and I loved working with the whole Ship

Rangeline DeJesus named SU student trustee Seth Turner

Staff Contributor

Natalie Truman/The Slate

Log onto theslateonline.com to watch the full-length interview with the Rev. Jan Bye and her time at Shippensburg University. community,” she said. Some of Bye’s favorite memories with United Campus Ministry include the service-learning opportunities that were provided over the years. Before Bye came to SU, there were none. In 2003, UCM took its first international trip to Vietnam. “It was life changing for all the students who participated,” Bye said. Bye also started an alternative spring break program. Every spring break, UCM goes to Louisiana to provide services like hurricane relief or community assistance. UCM has since gone every year except the last two due to COVID-19. SU’s food pantry is also a result of Bye’s hard work. With help from the Catholic Campus Ministry, the food pantry came to life in 2008 after student financial aid was decreased. “People were really struggling,” Bye said. The pantry is open to all students and is made to be accessible to whoever needs it. “It’s all very simple,” she said. “If you’ve got a pot and a microwave you can cook whatever’s in our food pantry.” The pantry runs on donations from

local churches as well as donations from campus departments. Students may also donate. All food should be non-perishable, and toiletries are accepted as well. When asked for farewell words to students, Bye said, “One of the joys of working with young adults is seeing them open to the possibilities of the world around them, not only academically, but spiritually as well. To ask the questions that are important to them, to explore what is it that gives their lives meaning, and to walk with them when they struggle has been a really good thing and I’ve really felt honored to be able to do that.” Bye encouraged students to keep asking questions and to use the support systems that are available. Bye plans on serving part-time in three small United Methodist churches within the community after retirement. To thank Bye for her service here at SU and to congratulate her on her retirement, you can contact her via email at jmbye@ship.edu. To watch the full-length interview with Bye, visit theslateonline.com.

On April 14, it was announced that Rangeline DeJesus will serve as a new Shippensburg University Trustee. Appointed by Gov. Tom Wolfe, the sophomore will be serving on the Shippensburg University Council of Trustees and representing students. The council of trustees acts as a direct line from the campus to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). A trustee’s job is to share trends, convey issues and, in DeJesus’ case, represent the student body. “Rangeline is ready and well-prepared to become the student voice on the Council of Trustees,” said Charles Patterson, SU’s interim president. “While the entire council works to serve and advocate for students, inclusive of underrepresented students, Rangeline’s voice truly represents the diversity of our student body and their needs, interests, and priorities.” DeJesus is majoring in international studies and Spanish, with a political science minor and concentrations in global political relations and Latin Amer-

ica and the Caribbean. DeJesus is also an active student on campus, acting as a residence assistant in Naugle Hall and working in dining services. DeJesus has always had an interest in public service and leadership. “Absolutely, and it started at home. I have served as my family member’s mini representative from a very young age,” DeJesus said. “I took the lead in interpreting for them, filling out paperwork, and helping them find jobs, among other things, and through that, I realized I enjoy serving people in a way that helps them. That transferred over into high school, where I took a big interest in community service and student leadership positions.” At Reading High School, in Reading, Pennsylvania, she spent time in the National Honor Society and held the position of Lieutenant Governor in the Division 13 of Key Club. DeJesus was awarded the Key Club’s Thomas Jefferson Award for Leadership in 2019 and was honored with the Robert F. Lucas Award as a Distinguished Lieutenant Governor in 2020. Read the full story at theslateonline.com.


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