Trustee Emeritus and Former U.S. Congressman Bud Shuster passes away at 91

University Communications & Marketing | 04/20/2023

Congressman Bud Shuster

It is with great sadness that Saint Francis University shares news of the passing of retired U.S. Rep. Bud Shuster, an influential national lawmaker with close ties to the University.

"The University community and I are saddened to learn of Bud's passing.  We are grateful for his service as a Congressman for the local area.  Bud was a great friend to Saint Francis University.  We pray for the repose of his soul and consolation of all who mourn his passing.  Providentially, I was blessed to visit Bud at his home a few short weeks ago.  I will treasure the stories he shared with me of public service and the family he loved with all his heart," said the Very Reverend Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R. University President.  

Elmer Greinert “Bud” Shuster (January 23, 1932 – April 19, 2023) represented Pennsylvania’s 9th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives as a Republican from 1973 to 2001. He was best known for his advocacy of transportation projects, including Interstate 99. He served as chairman of the powerful House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee from 1995 - 2000.

Chairman Shuster was a Trustee Emeritus of Saint Francis University, serving on the Board of Trustees from 2003 through 2015. He freely shared his vast knowledge of politics, government, and public service with Saint Francis students as a Visiting Professor of History until his death. 

In 2006, he established the Ann Eppard Memorial Scholarship and Congressional Internship fund in honor of his long-time chief of staff. Ms. Eppard was the first Pennsylvania woman and one of the first women of any state to rise to the position of chief of staff to a member of Congress. The Eppard fund now stands as one of the University’s largest endowed scholarships, and has enabled 20 students over the past 17 years to experience a six-week internship in Washington, D.C., at no cost to them.  

The Saint Francis University Library Margaret M. Tobin Center for Archives and Special Collections is also home to The Bud Shuster Congressional Records, a collection of 197 boxes of archival materials from 1946-2001. The collection consists of manuscripts, video and audio recordings, photographs, newspaper clippings, artifacts, and memorabilia primarily associated with his term in office from 1973-2001.  


Chairman Shuster's obituary and information on services can be found here:

https://www.akersfuneralhome.com/obituary/EGBud-Shuster