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Alumni Association, Shepherd Success Fund donate $70k for new band uniforms

The Shepherd University Alumni Association recently presented a $35,000 check for new band uniforms to Dr. Scott Hippensteel, associate professor of music and director of bands. Pictured (l. to r.) are Sandy Sponaugle ’95, Alumni Association president; Hippensteel; and President Mary J.C. Hendrix ’74. The inset on the right shows an artist’s rendering of the new uniforms.

Shepherd’s Ram Band will soon be sporting new uniforms thanks to $70,000 in donations from the Shepherd University Alumni Association and the Shepherd Success Fund, each of which provided $35,000 to purchase the uniforms.

The new uniforms from Stanbury Uniforms, Inc., will have blue pants, a white and blue coat with an embroidered ram’s head, gold sash, gold gauntlets, and a white hat trimmed in blue and gold with a plume on top.

“As musical ambassadors of Shepherd University, new uniforms really energize our Ram Band by updating our visual appeal with an excellent quality product that keeps us looking great and represents the forward thinking mindset of Shepherd,” said Dr. Scott Hippensteel, associate professor of music and director of bands.

The 105 uniforms the band currently wears were purchased in 1998. They will be replaced with 130 new uniforms. Hippensteel said having more will give the band better sizing options to fit every member. He said the new uniforms will be made with breathable material, which will make them more comfortable and easier to clean.

“The new uniforms include a garment bag and a hard plastic hat box to protect the uniforms during the season,” Hippensteel said. “There will also be stadium coats with our school logo that will protect us in rainy or cold weather games.”

The uniforms are expected to arrive just after Thanksgiving.