A Stepping Stone for Life
Keith Hess' 54 remains among the top scorers in the history of Rams' basketball. His scholarship in support of student-athletes involved in the men's basketball program was created with an annuity established through the Shepherd University Foundation.
Keith Hess '54 is a sports aficionado. But athletics are far from just a hobby for the retired teacher, coach, and officiator - they are a lifestyle.
Keith began his career at Fannet-Metal High School in Willow Hill, PA, where he initiated the school's basketball program, before taking the role of assistant basketball coach at Shippensburg University. He also enjoyed a long and distinguished career officiating basketball, soccer, and volleyball at the high school and college levels with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), who recognized him for 50 years of service in 2012.
While Keith's love of sports - basketball in particular - began in middle school, it wasn't until he began attending Shepherd that his basketball career took off. "I really blossomed at Shepherd," said Keith, who at one point was the 10th top scorer in the history of Shepherd basketball and remains among the Rams' top scorers of all time.
Keith chose to show his appreciation for everything Shepherd gave him by creating the Keith L. Hess Scholarship through an annuity established through the Shepherd University Foundation. It's just one of the many ways Shepherd's alumni and friends may honor the University through an estate or other planned gift.
Keith chose to designate his named fund in support of student-athletes involved in the men's basketball program. "I fell in love with Shepherd," he explained. "I just felt it was a step stone for what followed in my life. It opened up so many opportunities that I wouldn't have had available otherwise. It pleases me to know that other students with a love for athletics will benefit from receiving this scholarship."