Letter from Shelley
Friends and Colleagues,
Friday was an exciting day in Shepherdstown where I had the honor of participating in the inauguration ceremony for Dr. Suzanne Shipley, Shepherd University’s new president. The House was also busy last week as we passed another agreement on SCHIP and considered legislation to include Harpers Ferry in a new National Heritage Area.
New President at Shepherd University
Shepherd University officially inaugurated its new president on Friday in Shepherdstown. I had the privilege of speaking at the ceremony to congratulate Dr. Suzanne Shipley on her new role as the university’s first woman president. She is an incredibly impressive leader and will be a great asset to the Shepherd community.
The small liberal arts college has undergone a great deal of growth in recent years, and Dr. Shipley joins the ranks of a number of successful Shepherd presidents. I was proud to note that my husband’s great-grandfather – Thomas C. Miller – served as the university’s ninth president.
SCHIP Re-Authorization
Last week, the House also considered and passed a second compromise on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The revised legislation included provisions to address concerns about eligibility requirements for higher-income families and illegal immigrants. The measure did not pass by a margin large enough to override a presidential veto, but since last week’s vote Democrats and Republicans have been slowly working toward a workable bipartisan agreement on this important program.
Harpers Ferry Could Join National Heritage Area
Under a bill that passed the House last week, Harpers Ferry would be included in the new Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. Working with my congressional colleague Frank Wolf, I co-sponsored the original bill to create the heritage area. Last week, the legislation passed the House as part of a larger public lands bill.
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area would encompass a 175-mile region that includes famous Civil War landmarks like Antietam, Gettysburg, and Harpers Ferry, along with other historic places such as Monticello. Under this legislation, Harpers Ferry would be eligible to receive federal assistance to help maintain and protect historic landmarks, while also aiding regional economic development.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
|
Capito Congratulates New
Shepherd University President
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV, October 26, 2007 – Rep. Capito spoke at the inauguration ceremony for new Shepherd University President Dr. Suzanne Shipley. Rep. Capito congratulated Dr. Shipley, noting that she is the first woman to lead the liberal arts college. Shipley has served as president since July, but was officially installed in a ceremony Friday afternoon.
___________________________________________
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
New Shepherd University president officially takes reins
Hagerstown Herald-Mail
By Matthew Umstead
October 27, 2007
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.VA. - The 15th president of Shepherd University wanted the people who attended her inauguration Friday to leave the academic tradition-drenched ceremony with “a burst of energy.” The recessional — an unannounced jazzy performance of “When the Saints Go Marching In” by the Shepherd University Brass Quintet — seemed to accomplish just what Suzanne Shipley had in mind.
The band’s deft transition from staidly chords to the well-known hymn prompted clapping and a little swaying to the music among well-wishers at Shipley’s formal installation at the Frank Center Theater.
For the former vice president and dean at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, the job she started in Shepherdstown, W.Va., in July is a dream come true.
“Our energies match,” Shipley said while making her way to a public reception in the Butcher Center.
“We’re going to go places together. I’m ready to go.”
Her installation as the University’s first female president was a point of emphasis in Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito’s greeting on behalf of the 2nd Congressional District she represents.
Capito shared her own personal connection to the liberal arts school, noting that her husband’s great-grandfather, Thomas C. Miller, was the college’s ninth president.
“I’m very proud of that,” Capito told the crowd of close to 400.
Capito was joined at the ceremony by state lawmakers John Unger, John Yoder, Clark Barnes, John Doyle, Locke Wysong, Walter Duke and John Overington. State trial court judges Gina Groh and Christopher C. Wilkes also attended.
In remarks given on behalf of Shepherdstown, Mayor Lance Dom said he had met with Shipley three times and was optimistic about addressing the community’s challenges, such as parking. “I feel I have a partner in furthering town-gown relations,” Dom said.
Student Government Association President Adin J. Ray said he believes Shipley truly cares about the students. “I wasn’t just another number to her,” Ray said of a discussion he had with the president.
In her remarks, Shipley said she was grateful to be faced with the challenge of growth.
“How can we continue to effectively serve the growing number of students who want a Shepherd education and a close place to park?” Shipley said, causing a ripple of laughter. “We must anticipate the needs of traditional students who want to make this idyllic campus their home and enjoy our residential experiences, as well as nontraditional and commuting students.”
To read the full text of this story, click here.
|
