The phrase “Ship happens” caught Katie Booth’s eye when she was looking at colleges. Then she learned Shippensburg University had an exercise science program.

“I was sold,” Booth said.

Now a 2020 graduate of Ship’s exercise science program, Booth can look back on quite a bit that happened over her collegiate career.

“Ship exceeded my expectations and I am so proud to stand with my fellow alumni now saying, ‘I went to Ship,’” Booth said.

Upon graduating from Council Rock North High School, Booth entered a new environment with plenty of opportunities. And she took full advantage of them. She joined the Cycling Club, the exercise science honors society, the Exercise Science Club and the Ski and Snowboard Club. This was all in addition to her commitments to the track and cross country teams as well as her time as an exercise science student representative for Student Government Association.

“I have made amazing memories and can share thousands of stories because of Shippensburg,” Booth said.

While she’s certainly thankful for so many experiences and networking opportunities outside the classroom, Booth notes the importance of her time with her professors.

“I will always have a faculty member I can turn to if I need help in life. It does not matter how far down the road I would need them. I know that they will always be there for me if need be,” Booth said. “That’s the kind of people they are. They would give the shirt off their back for any of their students.”

These close-knit relationships were primarily formed in a key location that Booth believes made her academic experience truly unique.

“I was always hands-on in the lab. I learned most of what I know by applying it to our labs. Our classes were never just lectures,” Booth said.

Booth completed minors in both biology and psychology to complement her degree in exercise science.

Read more stories from the Class of 2020.