Shippensburg University - Cumberland Yearbook (Shippensburg, PA)

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Professor Erma Rolar In September, 1957, a tall, dark-haired boy named Fred Sweikert entered Shippensburg State College along with 329 other humble fresh- men. The same tall, dark-haired boy left Ship- pensburg a little more than a year later. Fred Sweikert will be remembered for many things and in many ways-for the way he walked, and dressed, and spokeg for his athletic prowess, his easy social grace and cheerfulnessg but re- membered mostly because he was a down-to- earth fellow, a friendly sort of person, a regular u . g is we, the class of 1961, receive our diplomas at graduation, we will know he is there too, in the memories and hearts of all his many friends and fellow classmates. In Memoriam A shocked college received word last March of the sudden death of Professor Erma Rolar. During her life Miss Rolar had tirelessly devoted her energy to Shippensburg. She served for sev- eral years as principal of Rowland Laboratory School before assuming her position in the col- lege Social Studies Department. In spite of her busy schedule, Miss Rolar was never too busy to have conferences with her studentsg she made it a point to know her pupils. Student scholastic activities received her enthusiastic endorsement. It seems strange, said a senior, not to see her at her desk. That's one thing about Miss Rolar, though. She was always so much a part of us that she'll always be here. Fred Sweikert ,M I5 ,x

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Dr. Benjamin Nispel discusses a crucial problem with his International Relations class. G.: 1231 6 , :If I 725. f 7 'Cf -in -2,-.-I 4-i'-- I-Xnd Eladly Wnlde He Techs And gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche is the oft-quoted description of the Student in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, but it also describes to a T Dr. Benjamin S. Nispel, Professor of political science. An avid reader, Dr. Nispel is well-versed in many fields besides his own. He draws from his rich background of experiences to make his classes intensely interesting. His dynamic personality, his speaking ability, and his senseof humor command attention and respect simultaneously-respect for his keen mind and his outstanding teaching ability, which provides students with an incentive to seek additional knowledge on their own. But, there is still more that Dr. Nispel offers his students. It is not enough to expound factual materialg he gives his students a practical applica- tion of the facts that they are required to learn. Therefore, his courses are made bases on which to rest future experi- ences. In addition to giving students a practical approach to the subjects which he teaches, Dr. Nispel also seeks to give his pupils a broader view of life. Dr. Nispel is dedicated to his profession. Don't, he once told a student group, ever be ashamed to have the word teacher connected with your name. I am proud to be called teacher. When I look back at former students of mine who have far surpassed me in positions of life, I know that I had some part in shaping their development. That in itself is sufficient satisfaction. It seems that teaching was a long-time goal for Dr. Nispel, greatly influenced by the teaching prowess of his aunt, who taught in a one-room school. Vlfhen he completed his secondary education, he was able to continue his education at Shippensburg State Teachers College after he won a scholarship loan provided by a York industrial firm. Following military service, Dr. Nispel taught in York secondary schools before coming to Shippensburg in 1956. He received his Master of Education degree from Duke University and was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy degree in political science from the University of Pennsylvania. Scholarship is something which is not given enough attention, he emphatically states. An apt scholar himself, Dr. Nispel has a very high regard for the scholarship which his students show, and he is more than Willing to help promising students advance themselves. Last year, he did something about focusing the spotlight on scholarship a little more. In memory of his father, Dr. Nispel established the John J. Nispel Scholarship Honor Award, which is given annually to a graduating senior whose scholarship, character, and professional growth are of highest standard during his four years at Shippensburg. Dr. Nispel's students are not just names in a record bookg they are individuals to him, and for this reason, in addi- tion to his professional excellence, he is highly regarded by the students at the college. The integrity he demands from his students he displays himself. And, his students recognize this fact. Because of his outstanding contributions as a teacher and because of his concern for his students and their schol- arship, the Class of 1961 proudly dedicates this volume to Dr. Benjamin S. Nispel, Professor in the Department of Political Science. Barbara Benner receives the first John J. Nispel Scholarship Award and congratulations from I Ralph E. Heiges, college president, on Awards Day, l960.