Governor Raymond Philip Shafer

RAYMOND PHILIP SHAFER was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania and graduated from Allegheny College and Yale University Law School. He was a U.S. Navy PT boat commander in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1945. Following World War II, he served as District Attorney in Crawford County and was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate as well as Lieutenant Governor of the state before winning the governorship. As governor, Shafer made significant achievements in education, transportation, environmental conservation, human relations, fair housing, and long-term budget planning. He modernized the state’s constitution and reorganized its judicial system; introduced efficient management and sound fiscal planning; and established progressive programs for economic development, ecology, education, mental health, and the disadvantaged. During his tenure, Shafer served on the National Governors Association’s Executive Committee in 1968 and 1969. A long-time member and former chairman of Allegheny College’s Board of Trustees, Shafer was elected the college’s 18th President in 1985, a position that he held until 1986. He maintained a law practice in Meadville until his death on December 12, 2006.