The magazine for alumni and friends of Slippery Rock University TheROCK FAL L 20 07

Helping hands translate theory into action www.SRU.edu 1 VIEW from the ROCK TheROCK Volume 9, Number 1

Council of Trustees: Suzanne A. Vessella, Chairperson Robert S. Taylor, Esq., Vice Chairman Grace O. Hawkins, Secretary Joshua B. Young Richard A. Christopher Nicholas DeRosa Robert Marcus Scott R. McCaskey Dennis E. Murray John A. Hicks John H. Thornburgh Judy G. Hample, Ex-offi cio

President Robert M. Smith

Cabinet Dear friends, • William F. Williams Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs • Charles T. Curry Heraclitus was right on target when he proclaimed, “…the only constant is Vice President for Finance and Administrative Affairs change.” As you read this, our campus is settling in after another successful fall • Barbara Ender opening. And, while much of that tradition was unchanged – the excitement of Vice President for University Advancement • Constance L. Foley move in, the energy of classes starting, and the welcoming of yet another record Vice President for Student Life class – much was new to all of us at The Rock. • Rita Abent We began the year with a great accolade from Consumer’s Digest listing us Executive Director for University Public Relations • Tina Moser as #5 among the “best values for public colleges and universities” in the nation. Assistant to the President What an affi rmation that we provide the right mix of high academic quality at an affordable price! Academic Leadership • Susan Hannam The campus footprint continues to change. The fourth of our new suite style Dean, College of Health, Environment and Science residence halls, opened in August and the fi nal additions to this six-building • Bruce Russell, project are taking shape and will open Fall 2008. Dean, College of Business, Information and Social Science • C. Jay Hertzog The entire campus is buzzing about our new combined ID and RockDollar$ Dean, College of Education card system that utilizes radio frequency technology. We are the fi rst university in • William J. McKinney the nation to employ a contactless card system, thanks to alumnus Barry Welsch, Dean, College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts • James Kushner, of Heartland Payment Systems, who spearheaded the project. Along with their ID, Dean, Lifelong Learning students, faculty and staff also received a “pass and go” tag which can be used on their cell phones to access services and make purchases both on and off campus. Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education The program has been favorably received and garnered the University national Kenneth M. Jarin, Chairman and international media attention. Luigi’s restaurant was the fi rst of our Main Aaron Walton, Vice Chair Street neighbors to join the program and now proudly displays a “RockDollar$ C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni, Vice Chair Rep. Matthew E. Baker accepted here” sign. Marie Conley Lammando All across campus you’ll fi nd improvement projects that are starting, continuing or Paul S. Dlugolecki just fi nishing up. We’ve renovated auditoriums and classrooms, added new technol- Daniel P. Elby Ryan Gebely ogy, new locker rooms and competition space for women athletes, refurbished labs Rep. Michael K. Hanna and spruced up the Gail Rose Lodge. The campus has undergone such great change Sen. Vincent J. Hughes if you haven’t been to Slippery Rock in fi ve years; you haven’t been to Slippery Rock. Kim E. Lyttle Joshua A. O’Brien I invite you to visit and see fi rsthand the investments we are making to Joseph M. Peltzer ensure SRU remains a leader in higher education. Plan now to visit as part of Guido M. Pichini Homecoming activities Oct. 13. You’ll be impressed. Gov. Edward G. Rendell Sen. James J. Rhoades And, I can guarantee once you visit you’ll fully understand why I tell everyone Christine J. Toretti Olson I meet, “it’s a great time to be at Slippery Rock University.” Gerald L. Zahorchak Chancellor, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Judy G. Hample

President

2 TheThe ROCKROCK FallFall 20072007 Contents: Fall 2007

To our readers 8 This issue of the alumni magazine marks a new chapter for the University’s magazine. 8 From backyard camp We have a new look, richer content and a new name, The Rock. to global movement We redesigned the magazine to present a more vibrant and forward-thinking take on 11 SRU researchers life at and beyond The Rock. Our coverage explore role of religion conveys exciting news developments and showcases the outstanding impact of work in parents’ reaction to by students, faculty, staff and alumni. their gay children In this issue we take a look at how 11 Slippery Rock University’s commitment to 13 Biology team “hands on learning” helps students translate theory into action. We also explore how discovers a bug’s life one donor’s gift is helping theater students under winter snow launch new careers. Every redesign is a beginning, not an end. 14 ‘Emma’s Closet’ The Rock will continue to evolve over the 13 months and years to come as information dresses up theater needs evolve. We hope you enjoy the change. opportunities Gordon Ovenshine, ’88 Editor, The Rock 16 Protecting mother nature, saving lives The Rock The Rock is published three times annually by the Offi ce of University Public Relations for alumni and friends of the University. Send address changes to: University Public Relations 201 Old Main 16 1 Morrow Way Sections 14 Slippery Rock, PA 16057 4 Rock Bytes

22 College news Credits Executive Editor: Rita Abent, executive director, 26 Alumni Association report University Public Relations. 30 Class notes Editor: Gordon Ovenshine, senior writer, 32 Rock athletics University Public Relations. 36 Advancement Designer: Sandy Busch, publications manager, University Public Relations. 41 A conversation with… Contributors: Amy Bersett, assistant director, University Advancement; Bob McComas, sports information director; Gordon Ovenshine; and Michael Saraka, alumni director. Photographers: University Public Relations, Alumni Relations, students Joseph Byrd, Tim Jobe and Jared Zagorski.

The Rock is a National Admissions Marketing merit award winner.

Vision Statement Slippery Rock University will excel as a caring community About the cover of lifelong learning connecting with the world. Mary Gall, 7, of Butler, rides “Denada” during SRU’s Camp Shriver therapeutic program for children (page 8). Mary, a quadruplet with cerebral palsy, and her three sisters attended camp. “Our girls loved Camp Shriver because so many differ- Slippery Rock University is a member ent sports were introduced and played,” said Patty Gall, their of the Pennsylvania State System mother. “The camp provides an environment where kids can of Higher Education. be kids…with or without special needs.” www.SRU.edu 33 ROCK BYTES

Consumers Digest rates SRU Slippery Rock University forms as one of USA’s ‘top values’ heart-to-heart bond with transplant patient Consumers Digest has “Thanks for looking and for fi nding me and for all my gifts,” MER ranked SRU as one of 10-year-old John-Paul May wrote in a thank you card after the SU S N the “Top 5 Best Values organ recipient captured the University community’s heart O among Public Colleges C with his bravery. John-Paul was at a campus jazz festival when and Universities.” In police interrupted the show to announce a heart was waiting BEST VALUE T the magazine’s 100 “top for him at Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh. S DIGE values” in American John-Paul got through the surgery with fl ying colors and higher education, SRU is recuperating at home in Harrisville. He recently met with was ranked #5 among public the police offi cers who intervened, including state police colleges and universities. and Offi cer Tyler Gray of the University police department. The magazine analyzed approximately “We are so grateful to Slippery Rock University, the state police and doctors 3,800 institutions of higher learning. at Children’s Hospital,” Sue May, his mother said. The rankings were based on attributes that University offi cials were so moved by John-Paul’s ordeal they sent him a post-op care validate or defi ne the institutions’ academic package. President Robert Smith sent a note, an SRU baseball cap and CD of the SRU prowess factored against annual cost of Jazz Ensemble’s latest recording, “Crossing Borders,” produced by Stephen Hawk. Hawk tuition and room-and-board. Rankings is associate professor of music at SRU and organized the jazz concert. He sent a card and were derived from a formula that blended Jazz at the Rock T-shirts. the academic excellence of fi rst-time fresh- “This is such an incredible story,” Hawk said, noting the audience of 500 jumped to man at a school (standardized test scores, its feet and applauded the boy as he left campus for the surgery. high-school rank, grade-point average) with Phillip May, John-Paul’s father, said he the institution’s educational quality (4- and wasn’t surprised that SRU would reach out to 6-year graduation rate, student-to-faculty the family. As a food service manager at SRU ratio, percentage of faculty holding a Ph.D.). from 1989 to 1995, he knows fi rst hand that people care about one another at SRU. Family celebrates John-Paul’s story appeared in more than fi ve-generation legacy 40 newspapers across the U.S. and around the world as well as on television, radio and Internet stations. People Magazine published a story, as did the International Herald-Tribune.

Outstanding class of ’07 topples graduation record Slippery Rock University broke a record during spring graduation when it awarded diplomas to 1,130 graduates under a sun so hot tan lines emerged on foreheads. It was When Emily Watson received her degree the largest class ever and one of the most academically accomplished in memory. this spring, the elementary education and Forty students received their doctor of physical therapy degree; special education major became the fourth 100 received master’s degrees and 990 received generation in her family to graduate from bachelor’s degrees. SRU – just like her father, mother, grand- Graduates pumped their fi rsts in the father and great-grandfather before her. air, kissed love ones and walked out of Her great-great-grandfather was a N. Kerr Thompson Stadium prepared to University founder. “Get A Life” (the title of the commencement Watson said she attended SRU because address.) Graduation also saw the commis- of the strong reputation of its College of sioning of nine Army second lieutenants. Education, as well as the family factor. “It really is fun to think of all of the Watsons who have attended Slippery Rock University,” she said. Watson graduates with SRU degrees in clude her father Robert Watson, ’70, mother Karen McKeag Watson, ’73, grandfather John Watson, ’40, and great- grandfather Grove Watson, ’13. Founding father John Watson was not a grad. 4 The ROCK Fall 2007 ROCK FILE

SRU taps Heartland for unique ID program

SRU’s 9,500 students, faculty and staff received a new offi cial campus ID card this fall that capitalizes on two well-established trends: the popularity of cell phones and the desire for a contactless, or tap-and-go, payment system. The fi rst-of-its-kind college campus solution in the United States was devel- oped by Heartland Payment Systems, (NYSE: HPY), a leading provider of Joette Miller, ’73, and Michael Steele credit/debit/prepaid card processing, pay- roll and payment services. Home: Just outside Pittsburgh. The new systems include an ID card Age: Miller will soon be 55; Steele turned 60 on “Tax Day.” and a contactless token for cell phones. Using either the card or the phone, users Profession: Steele, retired Pittsburgh City School System principal, can make payments at on-campus loca- but returned to work at SRU serving as a student- tions as well as participating merchants in teacher supervisor. Miller, retired English teacher and the surrounding community. The technol- vice principal from the Pittsburgh City Schools. ogy enables data to be read without physi- Hobbies: Miller: Gardening. Steele: Weightlifting and working cal insertion into – or contact with – a out – gave up marathons after knees gave out. card reader. Thus, it is more convenient and secure than prior payment options. Great accomplishment: Our marriage. By design, the phone must be held in close Why I give: I donate because I owe everything that I am to SRU. proximity – no more than 2 inches – to an I would not be where I am today without Slippery Rock approved contactless reader for communi- University. I fi rst donated by joining the SRU Alumni cation to occur. Association. The lifetime membership fee was $10. A Campus vending machines, laundry few years later, when we were established in our careers, facilities, photocopiers and printers were we were asked to donate and have been doing so ever outfi tted with dual technology readers to since to support the Miller and Steele Student Teachers enable contactless payments. Scholarship. I’m excited because we are just short “This new product launch allows us to of Sapphire Club membership [$100,000] in SRU’s showcase our next generation of micro-pay- Lifetime Giving Club. ments technology at a well-known school led by an innovative administration,” Robert O. Carr, chairman and chief execu- tive offi cer of Heartland Payment Systems University Cycling Club rolls out Green Bike Initiative said. “We are excited to partner with Students, faculty, staff and visitors to SRU have a “greener” way to get around campus Slippery Rock University to help launch the these days thanks to the efforts of the Cycling Club. The club launched a Green Bike next generation of campus card programs.” Initiative during spring, which makes loaner bicycles available to whomever needs one. “Since it’s inception in 1889, Slippery The concept behind the Green Bike Initiative is simple, said Dan Wilson, club presi- Rock University has been on the leading dent. “Get some bikes, paint them green to identify them as part of the program, then edge of educational innovations,” Robert put them around campus where people who need them can use them,” he said. “A per- Smith, president of the University, said. son rides the bike to his or her destination and then leaves it for another rider – no ques- “We are excited to partner with Heartland tions asked.” Payment Systems to implement this new Fall marks the second semester for the program. The club received two additional donated technology and know that it will deliver bicycles over the summer, bringing its total to 10, but hopes to have 15 by homecoming. a level of speed and convenience our stu- If you’d like to donate a bike, email: the [email protected]. dents demand.” www.SRU.edu 5 ROCK BYTES

Dance professor earns Hannam named dean of College of Health, Environment, Science national educator award President Robert Smith has named Susan Hannam to fi ll the dean’s position following a national search. She had been interim dean since 2005. “She was clearly the best candidate to fi ll the post,” Smith said. “She is certainly qualifi ed and has the vision to head this expanding college on our campus.” “I have enjoyed serving as interim dean and look forward to additional growth and challenges as we move forward,” Hannam said. The college serves 2,268 graduate and undergrad- uate students in the departments of biology; chemis- try; exercise and rehabilitative sciences; geography, geology and the environment; health and safety; Combine spirited movement, a mathematics; nursing; parks and recreation/ passion for mentorship and arts educa- environmental education; physics; psychology; tion and you’ve captured the world of and the School of Physical Therapy. Thom Cobb, SRU associate professor of Hannam received her bachelor’s degree from dance and winner of the 2007 “College/ Acadia University, and her master’s of science in University National Dance Educator of physical education and her doctor of health and the Year Award.” safety degree from Indiana University. She joined Cobb received the award from the SRU in 1987 as an instructor in allied health. National Dance Association. The associa- tion cited his creative teaching methods, Antarctica expedition provides a ‘Rock Solid’ learning experience promotion of dance as an art form and Michael Zieg, assistant professor of geog- more than most people. Zieg spent two- mentorship with students. raphy, geology and the environment, knows weeks on a research expedition in Antarctica, “I consider myself an evangelist for the the meaning of a “Rock Solid” education where he collected 150 rocks he and SRU arts,” Cobb said. “Many studies show geology majors will analyze to learn more that the fi ne and performing arts promote about the separation of continents. cognitive development, including cre- Zieg was selected as one of nine ative-thinking skills.” geologists, eight from America and one Cobb joined SRU in 1978 and was from Poland, for the National Science instrumental in launching the dance Foundation Offi ce of Polar Programs proj- major in 1987. He teaches “Dance ect. The project hopes to shed light on the Fundamentals,” “Introduction to rifting of Antarctica from Australia. Creative Dance,” and “Modern Dance “My students and I will be able to deter- and Jazz.” mine how the sills formed and cooled and learn more about the development of Bookstore stocks plush igneous intrusions,” Zieg said. “I see a new friend number of educational opportunities for Slippery Rock University students.” Soft. Snuggly. Fun. Rocky, pride of The Rock, SRU’s mascot, is now avail- Finance majors win national Ameriprise case competition able as a plush toy from the bookstore. He Three fi nance majors captured fi rst place costs just $10 and makes a perfect gift. in the case component of the national “We expect him to Ameriprise Financial Planning Invitation be one of our better competition in Minneapolis for their work sellers,” bookstore developing a comprehensive fi nancial plan manager Joe Flynn for a fi ctitious couple. Judges lauded the said. Rocky, the new team’s entry for its strong, clear language offi cial University and detail. mascot was intro- Jeff Geibel of Prospect, Troy Sharbaugh duced during of Altoona and Craig Stokan of Hollidays- Finance majors Troy Sharbaugh (left), Craig Stokan basketball season. burg competed against teams from seven and Jeff Geibel won a national competition. Click on other fi nalist universities, including Texas for a couple planning to retire when they www.sgabook- Tech and Virginia Tech. The SRU students reached age 62 in 2014. store.com to won the case stage of the competition. Judges described their work as “very learn more about The case competition required teams strong” and praised their “excellent and clear Rocky and other to develop and present a fi nancial plan language that easily leads clients to action.” SRU items. 6 The ROCK Fall 2007 Art department draws approval of national UNIVERSITY BOOKSHELF accrediting body New books by SRU faculty and alumni The art department has been granted associate status in the National Association of Schools of Art and Design following an on-site visit that resulted Alumna’s book conveys for students in grades six through eight. in high praise for the department’s aca- Pittsburgh’s heart of steel The series combines age-appropriate health advice with healthy lifestyle demic programs. Joanne G. strategies, including tips for combating NASAD, founded in 1944, is an orga- Sujansky’s coffee table childhood obesity and type II diabetes. nization of schools, colleges and universi- book “Pittsburgh Will “Hardly a day goes by without media ties with approximately 248 accredited Steel Your Heart: coverage about children and adolescents institutional members. It establishes 250 Reasons to Love being overweight or obese,” Cleary said. national standards for undergraduate and Pittsburgh” captures graduate art education. the city’s people, “This is indeed an honor for the entire colorful language, English professor publishes University and especially the art depart- architecture and sports Best of Boggs ment and the College of Humanities, achievements. “Greatest Hits: Fine and Performing Arts. As our faculty, Sujansky, ’72, ’74, education, col- 1970-2000” chronicles staff and students know, Slippery Rock lected “word snapshots” from residents the best of English University continues to methodically and interspersed them with photographs Professor William increase its national accreditations as a to convey the city. The 101-page book, Boggs’ poems. The way of increasing the value of a Slippery published by Pittsburgh Professional rural heritage and Rock University education,” President Publishing, is available at Borders, townspeople of Boggs’ Robert Smith said. Barnes & Nobles, amazon.com and youth thematically www.PittsburghWillSteelYourHeart.com. unify the poems. Boggs grew up on a English graduate releases rural Erie County RRockock ‘Something Familiar’ farm until 1968. Pudding House published the 22- Solid Kat Ricker, ’04, Numbers page volume after inviting Boggs to master of arts in submit poems he felt resonated with lis- 262 English, has released offi cers the Slippery Rock Army ROTC Battalion teners during readings over the years. has commissioned since its inception. her fi rst book of short stories and poems, 1,130 Elves, animals and knights degrees conferred at the May 2007 commence- “Something Familiar.” ment – the largest graduating class in the Amazon reviewer populate book’s magical pages history of the University. Rebecca Johnson Todd McClimans, 28,029,214 described the debut ’01, elementary edu- amount of gifts and pledges as of 6.30.07 for as “One of the top 10 cation and creative the Campaign for Slippery Rock University – 85 percent of goal. books you should read in your lifetime.” writing, has written Ricker, of Portland, Ore., said the 72- “The Elf Prince,” his 143 Board of Governor’s Scholars for Fall 2006 – page paperback contains material culled fi rst published novel. an increase of 16.2 percent from 2003 from the last 14 years. Published by The story takes young 210 Trillium Press, “Something Familiar” is readers into a magical number of students who presented at state, available at Amazon.com world of elves, talk- regional, national and international professional ing animals, knights, conferences in 2006-07. Textbooks present strategies for kings and queens. 21,204,888 McClimans teaches fi fth-grade in the value of the Slippery Rock University combating childhood obesity endowment as of 6.30.07. Las Vegas. Michael Cleary, “The Elf Prince,” published by 99 SRU professor of Publish America, is available at professional development programs offered by health and safety, Human Resources during 2006-07. barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com recently completed and publishamerica.com, as well as 157 a major revision to SRU athletes who attained PSAC “Scholar- www.theelfprince.com. Athlete” status for 2006-07– 36 percent of “Teen Health,” a those participating. three-volume textbook series he co-authored www.SRU.edu 7 Frombackyard camp to global movement

8 The ROCK Fall 2007 Special Olympics founder recruits SRU to revive Camp Shriver program

There are students who cheer at football Shriver’s team asked Arnhold to Sports Camp for children with blindness games and there are students who shout develop Camp Shriver’s curriculum and visual problems. approval when they see excitement in the and methodology for assessing the abil- eyes of special athletes. “I want to be that ity level of campers. Special Olympics Students show team spirit individual who can make a difference in selected SRU because of its long tradition The high-profi le preparation at Shriver’s the lives of people with intellectual dis- of providing adapted sports education, house was a highlight of the student- abilities,” Alicia Dixon, an exercise science Arnhold said. faculty collaboration, students said. SRU major from Cresson, said. “Camp Shriver Camp Shriver provides opportunities students arrived early to set up sports has given me this opportunity.” for children with intellectual disabilities stations for bocce, soccer, basketball Camp founder Eunice Kennedy to swim, play soccer, basketball, bocce, and kickball. About 40 campers from Shriver, a sister of the late President and kickball. Unlike the competitive Washington, D.C., area schools attended. John F. Kennedy, keeps no tally of nature of Special Olympics, the program continued on page 10 wins and losses on the fi eld of play. But focuses on skills development, fun and the famous daughter of privilege has friendship building. received credit for starting one of the The camp methodology includes fi ve most remarkable movements in all of guiding principles: sports–Special Olympics. So when she • Pick a skill appropriate for the child and her team of advocates needed a part- • Demonstrate and explain it properly ner to help revive Camp Shriver world- • Get the children focused and moving wide, they chose a recognized leader: • Provide feedback Slippery Rock University. • Record outcomes on paper “This is an extraordinary partnership for us,” said Robert Arnhold, SRU profes- Arnhold’s selection to lead the col- sor of exercise and rehabilitative laboration came as no surprise to Susan sciences. “Of the past several initiatives Hannam, SRU’s dean of the College of that Special Olympics has launched Health, Environment and Science. – Best Buddies, Healthy Athletes – they “Dr. Arnhold is well-known nationally Camp Shriver, which SRU enhanced are all internationally implemented and for his advocacy for physical activity for over the summer, is a Special Olympics known worldwide. Maybe the one we’re persons with disabilities, and it comes initiative focusing on sports skills leading, Camp Shriver, is next in line.” as no surprise that he was selected to development and friendship building. Special Olympics asked SRU to head help rebuild and expand Mrs. Kennedy Special Olympics serves 2.5 million the Training-the-Trainers Project compo- Shriver’s dream,” Hannam said. “It is a athletes and their families in more than nent of Camp Shriver. Six SRU students real honor to have our faculty and stu- 160 countries. traveled to Shriver’s Potomac, Md., home dents play an integral part of such a well- Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 86, founded to teach coaches from across the country, known and important event.” Special Olympics in 1968, fueled by Haiti and the U.S. Virgin Islands how to Wendy Fagan, SRU instructor of exer- anger over the treatment of those with train camp volunteers. cise and rehabilitative sciences and Betsy mental disabilities and the struggles “Our students trained the directors of 35 Kemeny, project coordinator for of her older sister Rosemary who was camps, who then went back to their camps The Center on Disability and Health and challenged. She started Camp Shriver this summer and trained their volunteers,” Adapted Physical Activity Program, also in her backyard in 1962 but it remained inactive for many years. SRU is helping Arnhold said. “The volunteers implemented attended the training session at Shriver’s to revive the program. the curriculum with their children.” house. Fagan heads SRU’s annual VIP www.SRU.edu 9 Supporters sought to continue camp Special Olympics provided $10,000 to start the Camp Shriver program at SRU. Its continuance depends on contributions and volunteers, said Robert Arnhold, SRU professor of exercise and rehabilita- tive sciences and camp director. “They gave us the money to get the ball rolling, now we’re on our own,” he said. “We do not charge any campers to attend. Several campers came from group homes and residential facilities and absolutely would not be able to Robert Arnhold (above left), attend if it cost money.” SRU professor of exercise and rehabilitative sciences, has Contributions will help to rent tents, pay met with Eunice Kennedy for lifeguards, meals and T-shirts for camp- Shriver several times to ers. Camp Shriver provides a two-week strengthen the international Camp Shriver program. sports camp experience for children with Shriver is a sister of the late and without disabilities and opportunities P r e s i d e n t J o h n F . K e n n e d y . for SRU students to work hands on putting theory into action. More than 50 children attended SRU’s Camp Shriver this summer. Support can impact the lives of chil- Students used a strategy best summa- see what we are doing,” Chris Kropf, dren by helping to assure the camp car- rized as pat and push. They encouraged a health and physical education major ries forward. but also pressed campers to work hard for from Pittsburgh, said. “This was a great “With 100 people involved, lunches their own advancement. experience to organize and implement alone cost about $6,000 if they are not Mrs. Shriver, (as everyone called her) our curriculum. I was able to be a pro- donated,” Arnhold said. “We desperately waved from the balcony and sat on the fessional advocate for our program and need donations, because we are commit- back porch with her husband Sargent a leader.” ted to providing this opportunity for our Shriver, the fi rst director of the Peace “Camp Shriver is important to me students and the children who benefi t Corps. Shriver’s son Timothy, chairman because it provides the opportunity for from Camp Shriver in so many ways.” of Special Olympics, attended as well. athletes with an intellectual disability Aside from fi nancial support, Camp Students said they appreciated the to go to a sports camp,” Amanda Shriver could use alumni to help run the opportunity to work with Mrs. Shriver’s Snider, an exercise science major from camps, especially those who graduated team members, especially because they Mercersburg, said. “Everyone should be with degrees in physical education, exer- deployed skills learned at SRU. given the same opportunity to establish cise science and therapeutic recreation. “I thought it was very important friendships, develop skills and create To help, call Arnhold at 724.738.2847. for other Camp Shriver directors to lasting memories.”

10 The ROCK Fall 2007 Researchers explorerole of religion in parents’ reaction to gay teenagers Coming out as a teenager is not kid stuff, especially telling your parents. “My mom broke down and cried, and I started crying,” recalled Candi Soper (left), an SRU student from Wysox who “came out” at 18. “But it felt good because I didn’t want to hide it anymore.”

www.SRU.edu www.SRU.edu 11 exploreResearchers

Today’s teens are coming out in an era when more “I was surprised how much of a Americans consider homosexuality acceptable than earlier force religion played on acceptance,” generations, studies show. But how parents deal with such said researcher Natalie Boulier, a grad- news, especially when parents have strong religious convic- uate counseling student from Grove tion, remains less known. City. “I took the gay and lesbian class. Five SRU students and Catherine Massey, assistant profes- I got involved in the research because sor of psychology, spent the past two years researching the I thought it was an interesting topic infl uence of faith on emotional reaction to a child coming that affects youth.” out. The team surveyed more than 200 SRU students, ask- Still, some parents would rather ing them to fi ll out questionnaires as if they had just learned swallow glass than have a gay teen- their teenage son or daughter was gay. ager. Nationally, 20 to 40 percent of According to Massey, women of deep religious conviction homeless youth are gay, lesbian or “As a heterosexual, I was surprised how much of a accepted the news better than men, who reacted according to transgendered, said Jason Cianciotto, force religion played on their level of homophobia. Men with strong convictions that research director of the National women’s acceptance of gay homosexuality is always wrong found it hardest to accept gay Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy teenagers,” said graduate counseling student Natalie teens, she said. Institute in New York City. Boulier. Boulier studied “In a nutshell, females, if they had low “Youth are coming out at earlier issues related to “coming homophobia and had made religion the ages than ever before,” he said, “but out” as part of a research project with Catherine center of their life and worldview, gave they’re not in a position to fend for Massey, assistant professor more accepting emotional responses,” said themselves, especially if parents have of psychology. Massey, who teaches a gay and lesbian a negative response and kick them out identity class and does research on lesbian of the house, which happens to many, and gay issues. “We predicted that level of including me.” shame and guilt would be related to paren- tal reaction but, surprisingly, religious ori- University fosters support for all students entation was the main factor in how females SRU fosters a welcoming and supportive campus for lesbian, reacted to their imagined gay child.” gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) students, staff and Researchers used four vignettes to place Catherine Massey, faculty. It sponsors a Safe Zone program, developed and coor- assistant professor students in the role as parent. They gauged dinated by Massey, a student organization for LGBT students of psychology fi ve levels of positive and negative emotions, and allies and a peer mentorship program. In addition, the from warm acceptance to shock and anger. University has launched the President’s Commission on LGBT “Over time, most parents come around and become Issues and recently approved a new inclusiveness statement. accepting of their child,” Massey said. “But the initial reac- Aside from Stocker and Boulier, students Morgan Rizzardi tion was absolutely varied, from straightforward hate, dis- of Warren, Katherine Piscopo of Beaver and Stephanie gust, anger, and disappointment to acceptance and pride.” Bowers of Genesee, participated in the research project. The student-faculty team presented its fi ndings during Results help students accept diverse populations the University’s Symposium for Research, an annual event “I do agree with the results. Guys are stereotyped in the showcasing dozens of student-faculty collaborations, as well way that they’re raised,” said Ryan Stocker, a 24-year-old as at the annual conference of the Association for Women in SRU researcher and former Marine from Ross. “Guys are Psychology in San Francisco. supposed to be more masculine, and they don’t really accept things as openly as females do.” The research helped Stocker overcome his own typecasts. The “Safe Zone” symbol is a message to gay, lesbian, bisexual, questioning “I came here after two combat tours in the Marines. I was a and transgendered students and typical male person. The research opened me up and made colleagues. The message is that a per- me more accepting of different people,” he said. son displaying this symbol is one who will be understanding, supportive, Soper, 22, said her mother confronted her about her sexuality and trustworthy if a gay, lesbian after overhearing another parent at the grocery store talking. bisexual, questioning, or transgen- “I am the oldest child and the only daughter,” she said. dered student needs help, advice, or just someone with whom she or he “When girls are born, the parents dream about a wedding and can talk. how they want their daughter’s life to be and how she’ll meet the man of their dreams. And when they fi nd out they can’t The symbol is displayed in front of many SRU offi ces. have all of it, it’s tough.”

12 The ROCK Fall 2007 oo many bugs around? They love ’em in frogs freeze and revive, the team members exposure on the life cycle progression Tbiology, where a student-faculty research hope their work will yield clues on discov- in caterpillars. She freezes some insects team is studying the chilling winter ering a means for freezing human organs for two days, others for two weeks, and behavior of caterpillars. for transplants. alters the temperature. It turns out the Isabella tiger moth If doctors could fi nd a way to freeze “We’re testing to see whether caterpillars caterpillar survives winter with a heart- and thaw human organs, it could extend pupate (make a cocoon and then turn stopping strategy. The insect freezes, the shelf life of organs and make trans- into moths) and fi nish their life cycles becoming so solid its heart stops, but it plants available to more people. after they’ve been frozen in our lab,” said thaws back to normal in the spring to “I am very open to involvement of Leszczynski, who plans to become a cocoon into a moth and reproduce. undergraduate students in meaning- physical therapist. “These insects can with- “I’ve been spending four and fi ve hours ful research,” said Layne, whose work stand harsh freezes for one to two weeks in the lab at times but the outcome of the has been featured in the National or longer and be fi ne.” research is really interesting,” Christine Geographic and Washington Post. Most freeze-tolerant animals control Leszczynski, a senior biology major from “Students learn fi rsthand how new the extent of tissue freezing by adding Perkasie, said. knowledge is gained in the discipline. chemicals to their body fl uids, Layne Jack Layne, SRU biology professor and In addition, there is the opportunity to said, enabling them to hibernate but an expert in the “freeze tolerance” of cat- refi ne skills involved in data collection, not die. erpillars and frogs, leads the student-fac- analysis and interpretation.” “My research program will involve inter- ulty research in his Vincent Science Hall Leszczynski is doing a promising ested undergraduate students well into the laboratory. By studying how insects and study on the effects of repeat freeze future,” he said. Biology team discovers a bug’s life under winter snow

www.SRU.edu 13 T

ʻ dresses up EEmma’smmatheater’s ClosetCloset’ opportunities

14 The ROCK FallFall 20072007 heater majors are gaining valuable learning opportunities and career preparation thanks to Emma Guffey Miller, the late University trustee and prominent political fi gure. Miller donated a treasure trove of antique clothes to SRU before her death. The garments, up to 100 years old and too fragile to use as costumes, have become tools for research and historical provenance. TStudents are collaborating with theater faculty member Rebecca Morrice to preserve and catalogue the contents of “Emma’s Closet” in Miller Auditorium. They are examining fabrics, pattern making and recreating some pieces for a possible exhibition. They are also struggling with where and how to stage such an exhibition. Space is a problem. “Slippery Rock University is part of a rather exclusive group. We are one of a The late Emma Guffey Miller (left), a major supporter of very small number of regional public universities that have received accreditations SRU theater, was prominent in local and national politics from all four national arts accrediting bodies,” William McKinney, dean for decades. The University named Miller Auditorium of the College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts, said. “Now that all of after her. She’s seen here with Eleanor Roosevelt. our degree programs in art, dance, music and theater are nationally accredited, our next step is to provide our students, our faculty and our region with a state- Emma Guffey Miller of-the-art performing arts venue. Emma Guffey Miller (1874-1970), a Democratic political leader, was a huge sup- “I can think of no better tribute to “Emma,” than to have the porter of Slippery Rock University and theater artifacts that are her legacy highlighted in a new performing arts education. She donated clothes, more than 40 acres of land and years of service as a venue that carries the arts at SRU into the next half-century.” University trustee. – William McKinney, “She was infl uential not only as a trustee dean of the College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts but also in the suffragette movement and local and national Democratic politics,” Rebecca Morrice, SRU assistant professor of “A new performing arts center on the SRU campus would not only provide the theater, said. “She corresponded with Eleanor proper stage for our nationally recognized arts programs, but also provide our Roosevelt and is often listed as the fi rst region with a cultural resource that is consistent with our commitment to serving woman to ever be nominated as a candidate the commonwealth,” he said. for the presidency.” Miller (1874-1970) was a four-time Pennsylvania delegate to the Democratic Miller, a graduate of Bryn Mawr College National Convention. Although no one is sure exactly how many items Miller left and mother of four who lived in Slippery with the theater department, the antique collection includes shirts, dresses, a wed- Rock, was a long-time University trustee and ding dress, a shawl, a man’s jacket, shoes and other accessories. Miller wore some past president of the trustees. of the items herself. Slippery Rock students in several fi elds “Having the actual antique garments is one of the best learning tools you can continue to benefi t from her generosity. Aside have,” said Kelly McBane of McKees Rocks, a theater major who aspires to a from donating the contents of “Emma’s career as a costume technician. “I am learning how antique clothes were made, so Closet,” in 1963 Miller deeded 42 acres that we can pattern them to create costumes for actors to use today, all because of of wooded land to the state for use by the ʻ this woman. She’s the one who helped build Miller Auditorium as well. She’s our ’ University. The land extends one-half mile theater champion.” Emma’s Closet along Wolf Creek and provides the setting Morrice sees long-term benefi ts as well. “Most theaters and academic theater for environmental studies. departments have a collection of vintage garments,” she said, “but our project will A scholarship in Miller’s name also pro- help us teach other theaters and departments how to preserve their collections for vides tuition assistance to women political years to come.” science majors. Active politically since her college days, Miller began campaigning for Democratic candidates in 1920. In 1924 she was elected as a delegate to the national convention, where, in a seconding speech for Alfred E. Smith, she Theater faculty member Rebecca Morrice (left) examines one of the antique garments from appealed for religious tolerance and denounced “Emma’s Closet” in Miller Auditorium. the Ku Klux Klan. As a result, she received half She and theater majors Aaron Thurston, of a vote for the presidential nomination. Homer City, and Kelly McBane, of McKees Rocks, are cataloguing the dresses, shirts and In 1932 she was elected Democratic National shawls left to the University by the late theater Committeewoman from Pennsylvania, a benefactor Emma Guffey Miller. post she maintained until her death. She died Feb. 23, 1970. www.SRU.edu 15 ProtectingProtecting MOTHER NATURE Saving LIVES

16 The ROCK Fall 2007 Many people wait their whole life to equipment in the mile-deep expanse. SRU park management graduates visit the place Anne Callanan Petersen “This profession requires you to populate the parks system. calls “the offi ce.” Petersen, ’03, is a park become a jack-of-all-trades and demands “We have graduates at Death Valley, ranger at Grand Canyon National Park the ability to think on your feet for all Yosemite, The Badlands, Mount in Arizona, the crown jewel of America’s different types of situations,” she said. Rushmore and Antietam Battlefi eld,” park system and a monolithic gorge of “But I love it. My morning commute said John Lisco, SRU professor of parks excitement and danger. involves hiking into one of the seven and recreation/environmental education. “I’ve had experiences many people only natural wonders of the world.” “We’ve got them all over the country, but read about,” she said. Petersen is stationed in the Backcountry Anne is certainly one of the stars. Usually On any given day, Petersen is District, where she patrols below the they don’t get slung from a helicopter.” involved with search and rescue, fi re- canyon’s two rims. She works eight con- “She was well trained by Slippery fi ghting, crime investigation and medi- secutive days, followed by six days off. She Rock University and I’m extremely cal emergencies. She participates in responds to emergencies from hikers and proud of her,” mother Janice West backpacking patrols; helicopter, repel- boaters using the Colorado River. Callanan, a ’69 SRU graduate, said. ling and swift-water training sessions; “She’s doing something that’s so spec- and doubles as a confi dante to worried tacular. She’s in nature helping people hikers who feel they cannot survive the “Never is my day through education. She’s also working in hike out of the canyon. monotonous” law enforcement. She’s doing what she She also fi nds quiet time for herself. loves to do.” “Routinely, I’ll catch the sunrise over a distant butte with only the California If hikers experience a medical condors as my company,” she said. emergency and cannot continue their “There is a magical silence that often trip, search and rescue organizes a res- overwhelms me while I backpack. Never cue by helicopter, a mule “drag out” is my day monotonous.” or sends another ranger with medical Petersen, 26, graduated with a degree capability to their assistance. It’s not in park and resource management and always easy to fi nd people: The Grand went through SRU’s Park Ranger Law Canyon encompasses 1,904 square miles Enforcement Training Program – the and is larger than Rhode Island. only one of its kind in the state. After “In the unfortunate circumstance that graduation, the Monroeville native a person goes missing (or worse) while launched her career at the Chesapeake in the canyon, search and rescue takes and Ohio Canal National Historical Park the lead on gathering the resources to lo- in western Maryland. cate the person and bring them back to She joined the Grand Canyon National the rim safely,” she said. “Sometimes, we Park staff in 2005. “SRU not only gave are not successful in this endeavor.” me a road map towards my current posi- An inherent level of danger exists for tion, but it also paved the way and gave rescuers and park visitors. me personal direction throughout the “I end up seeing people on what may be journey,” she said. their worst day,” she said. “Suicide, mur- A teacher who shares her knowledge ders, violence, tragedy and foolishness all Anne Callanan Petersen, ’03, works as a park ranger of the park environment and a counselor occur in national parks. Fortunately, there at Grand Canyon National Park. She rescues injured who assists families in need following a is a family, a brotherhood, that exists. Even or lost park visitors, maintains trails and investigates traumatic event, Petersen also fi xes trails, with the diffi culty, being a park ranger is crimes. Her training includes (from top left) rigging, fl ight medic and swift-water rescue drills. rehabilitates campsites and repairs broken an amazing experience.”

www.SRU.edu 17 Instant message it: Rock students adopt latest technology

Ask a Slippery Rock University student to use his or her computer and you have a 98 percent chance the student has one; ask to use his or her cell phone, and you have a 96 percent chance. Sixty-three percent say they have a digital camera, 53 percent a fl ash drive or jump drive in their pocket, and 57 percent have an MP3 player or iPod at the ready. Combined, the statistics clearly show SRU students are technologically con- nected, according to an on-going research project undertaken by Mark Chase, SRU associate professor of communication, and Meghan Herrod of Pittsburgh, an English graduate student. Their 75-question survey was completed recently as part of a “College Student Equestrian Center fundraiser Behaviors and Attitudes Toward Technology on Campus” research project. “Students have become more reliant on technology for education and to benefi t students, clients personal use,” Chase said. “They continue to own and purchase more technol- Ever seen the look of excitement on a child’s ogy and respond they are more satisfi ed with their relationships to face when he or she rides a horse for the fi rst these technologies.” time? It’s priceless, but it comes with a price. The campus survey involved 432 students in 2005, and 498 students in 2006. To help defray that cost, SRU’s Storm Harbor The results show students with a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher were most Equestrian Center is hosting a fundraiser likely to own a computer (99 percent), but those in the 2.0 to 2.49 grade range were Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. to expand therapeutic only slightly less likely to own a computer (95 percent). The difference between cell riding services for children with disabilities and phone ownership and higher or lower grades was insignifi cant. boost educational opportunities for students. Chase said the research did show an unusual and unexpected technology/ Alumni and University friends are invited. grade-point link he is yet to explain. The higher the grade-point average, the Proceeds from the “Sunset Serenade higher the digital camera ownership level, or vice versa. Seventy-fi ve percent of Celebration” will be used to build an endow- those reporting 3.5 or higher grade averages said they owned a digital camera, ment for expanding services and providing while only 57 percent of those in the 2.0 to 2.49 grade-point average reported scholarship assistance for SRU students and similar ownership. community riders. The complete survey is available at: http://srufaculty.sru.edu/mark.chase – “There are a lot of the children and adults then click on the research project. who cannot afford to ride without scholar- ship support,” said Amy Bersett of SRU’s Offi ce of Advancement. “If given the chance, riding could be a life-changing experience for those individuals.” SRU students run equine-assisted recre- ation programs for 30 children and adults with disabilities weekly as part of their class curriculums, gaining valuable career prepara- tion. Riders gain a number of health benefi ts, including better balance and self-esteem. Generosity is what made the 12-acre facility possible in the fi rst place. The late Ethel Carruth contributed $250,000 to help build the center. She was the mother and mother-in-law of retired SRU professors Carolyn Carruth Rizza and Paul Rizza, who are also major donors. Carolyn Rizza is on the Storm Harbor Advisory Board. Mark Chase, SRU For more information, call SRU’s Offi ce associate professor of of Advancement, 724.738.2004. communication, and English graduate student Meghan Herrod col- laborated on a project to assess the extent of tech- nology18 use The by students. ROCK Fall 2007 ‘Lost boy of Sudan’ fi nds home at Slippery Rock University

Gabriel Ajang walked 1,000 miles across Sudan this journey,” he said. “The majority of us were between the ages to escape the hostility and violence of civil war. By age 9, he had of 8 and 18, and I was within that age range.” already witnessed his parents being butchered and his village being His parents and fi ve siblings perished; two siblings survived. uprooted by violence beyond belief – citizen against citizen. In 1998, the U.S. government and the United Nations moved “My playful childhood life was cut off,” said Ajang, one of the to give the lost boys refugee residency status in the U.S., he “Lost Boys of Sudan” who were forced from their homes in the said. Ajang relocated to Pittsburgh in 2001 and enrolled at the 1980s due to ethnic confl ict. Community College of Allegheny County. Ajang, 28, took another walk recently – across Fluent in Dinka and knowing a little Arabic, he the stage at Slippery Rock University – to receive his persevered with his studies and transferred to SRU in degree in community health. He graduated with a 2006. He lived in Kraus Hall, where he liked to listen 3.3 grade-point average, 3.7 in his major. to music and read the Bible in his native language, “Both mental and physical scars remain as per- although he reads and speaks English as well. manent marks and are unforgettable,” he said of his “A year ago, when I decided to come to Slippery ordeal, “but Slippery Rock University has prepared me Rock, I was uncertain of how things would be. But to the point where I ask myself, ‘What will I return to having a friendly learning environment, small classes, the community here and in southern Sudan?’” friendly classmates and faculty members who care led The Lost Boys of Sudan are a group of refugees who me to appreciate my decision to choose SRU,” he said. walked across Sudan to Ethiopia to escape one of the worst civil wars “Gabriel has lived the very essence of community health – in history. Ajang, who began the passage in 1987, said more than learning of the absolute necessity for clean water, shelter and food 30,000 boys and girls fl ed. Thousands died or were killed. during a disaster,” said Wendy Stuhldreher, SRU professor of The group clung together and trekked through the sub- health and safety. “He has seen the ravages that result from lack Saharan heat and wilderness, forced to fend for themselves to of adequate public health – malaria, TB, AIDS, parasitic diseases obtain basic needs such as water and safety. and more. All of those maladies we study in international health, “The walk was roughly two to three months,” Ajang recalled. Gabriel has lived.” “We covered hundreds of miles and faced gunfi re, lion and “Graduation marks the next stage of my journey,” Ajang said. crocodile attacks, and disease.” “It was not easy and it will never be easy to stay for days without Ajang spent three years in Ethiopian refugee camps before food, or not knowing where one will be for the days to come. It being forced in 1991 to fl ee yet more gunfi re. Chased by tanks is horrible to be separated from friends, relatives and parents and armed militia, “We frantically tried to cross the River Gilo whether alive or dead. It was painful to see a relative and friend between Sudan and Ethiopia, where thousands drowned, were dying. Now I move on.” eaten by crocodiles or shot,” he said. Ajang said he wants to attend graduate school, perhaps Arcadia Those who survived the crossing, including Ajang, settled in a University, and plans to work in health care. He says there is a refugee camp in northern Kenya in 1992. “Some 10,000 survived 50/50 chance he’ll return to the Sudan. www.SRU.edu 19 The other Tour de Force Sophomore goes the distance in fi ght against cystic fi brosis Brian’s Ride Brian’s

20 The ROCK Fall 2007 Brian McCandless pedaled up the fi nal on the mind. Plus, it was 100 degrees with Steve Roberts, SRU director of Outdoor hill of his 2,000-mile bicycle trip to Florida high humidity.” Adventures, accompanied Brian on the and back, raised his fi sts in the air and let “Quitting never crossed my mind,” the fi nal leg of his trip. out a whoop. “Amazing,” he said. West Sunbury resident quickly added. “He’s not letting the disease inhibit him It was time to party. And party his Cousin Jake Gray and SRU student Ben in any way,” Roberts said. “He’s one of the friends and family did. Gahr of Franklin, who also has the disease, most remarkable students I’ve had.” More than 100 family, friends and sup- shadowed Brian in a van. They hauled porters converged recently at Rider Lutheran gear, including spare bicycle tires. Church near Slippery Rock to give the soph- The Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the omore a hero’s welcome after he completed a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation endorsed “Brian’s once-in-a lifetime bicycle trek to raise aware- Ride,” as did a number of community ness of cystic fi brosis. Diagnosed as an infant groups. Residents and community groups with the life-threatening genetic disease, donated $16,000 to the ride, and Brian Brian pedaled to inspire hope. donated $14,000 of it to the Cystic Fibrosis “I wanted others to see that I haven’t Foundation. The rest covered expenses. allowed cystic fi brosis to win,” Brian said. The Pittsburgh media covered Brian’s “The life expectancy used to be 13 or 14. launch from Children’s Hospital, and Now it’s 37. We don’t have to let this Brian stopped en route several times for beat us.” prearranged interviews. Cystic fi brosis is an incurable respiratory “Brian is the ultimate example of what illness affecting 30,000 Americans. Its suf- a person with CF can accomplish and a ferers often struggle with lung infections and testament to the benefi ts of exercise for to maintain a healthy body weight, because these patients,” said David Orenstein, the body is unable to break down certain MD, director of a cystic fi brosis center compounds such as mucous. at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and Brian has always defi ed odds. During his Brian’s personal physician. trek, he overcame four fl at tires, a virus in Brian conceived of the trip after his doctor Tennessee and campground sleeping accom- asked him to speak to a family whose child modations every other night. He met his had just been diagnosed with cystic fi brosis. goal, traveling 100 miles a day for 26 days, “I understood that my doctor wanted so that he could return on his 20th birthday. the distraught parents to see that I have “Georgia was the toughest because it’s a not allowed CF to control my life,” he said. long state and it’s fl at,” the physical educa- “I told them their child should not feel tion major said. “You’re just kind of star- limited by the diagnosis. A person with ing at the horizon all day – eight or nine this disease can do extraordinary things.” hours just pedaling along. It can be tough Brian’s father Bruce McCandless and

Brian’s mother Debbie McCandless (top left) and sister Nicole Skarbek, ’03, wept as Brian departed Sophomore Brian McCandless launched his 2,000-mile bicycle trek to Florida for cystic fi brosis awareness on his 2,000 -mile bicycle journey. Supporters, from Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Local television stations interviewed Brian, and his parents Bruce including Nicole’s infant son James, donned “Brian’ s and Debbie McCandless. Brian met the press with his physician, David Orenstein. Ride” T-shirts. Bottom photo: Brian fi nishes his trip.

www.SRU.edu 21 Social Work Program continues 25 years of growth internships at regional agencies and receive hands-on experience; seniors receive fi nancial assistance. At graduation, interns are guar- ust as those involved in delivering social services often work for anteed positions in a Pennsylvania child welfare agency. change, Slippery Rock University’s Social Work Program has under- “Today, social workers must be prepared to show their interven- J tions are successful. They have to do research, and they have to gone constant change and growth in its fi rst 25 years, said Michael Stowe, associate professor of the newly named social work, criminol- be technologically savvy in handling case management computer ogy and criminal justice department. programs,” Stowe said. By updating client cases on computers, SRU’s undergraduate program, accredited by the Council of information is instantly shared with physicians, courts and others Social Work Education, recently celebrated its 25th anniver- involved in delivering client services. sary with an all-day Internship Supervisor Certifi cate Program A major area of growth at SRU includes diversity. “Our pro- and Workshop. Nearly 50 students and staff gathered to hear gram has embraced racial, ethnic, sexual orientation diversity and opportunities for women across the board,” Stowe said. “Our College of Business, Information and Social Sciences Information Business, of College Stephen Marson, social work professor at the University of North Carolina/Pembroke, deliver the keynote address. SRU’s Katherine classes routinely deal with these issues, and our students partici- Hardesty and David Champion, both assistant professors in the pate in professional conferences.” department, along with Stowe, also lectured. “Our program has grown in many ways, but among the most Stowe joined SRU in 1982 and helped steer the program important is our extensive internship program. SRU social work through its initial CSWA accreditation. He recalls, “The process students undertake 540 hours of on-site observation and participa- required more than two years and allowed us and outside experts tion. This gives them a solid foundation when they are ready for to evaluate and improve our existing program – and set the plan employment,” Stowe said. for constant change.” SRU has maintained accreditation by con- Thomas Bechard (left), chair of the newly named social work, criminology and crimi- tinually updating and evaluating its programs and by incorporat- nal justice department, is joined by Janice Rash, a social work intern and major from ing ideas that better prepare students, he said. Pittsburgh, and Michael Stowe, recently retired associate professor in the department, for a series of class presentation as part of summer classes. “Early on, the emphasis was on social welfare and child welfare. Today, probably because of the aging baby boom generation, we are seeing more gerontology work,” Stowe said. From the Dean: Student interest continues to grow. “We started with approxi- I am very pleased with the faculty participation in student learning mately 65 majors, then boomed to 170 in the 1990s. Enrollment outcome assessment and the continuous improvement process. The leveled off, holding steady near 125. Across the board, the empha- quantity and quality of faculty and student scholarship has resulted sis in on the bachelor of social work degree. The B.S. is the basis of in numerous national and international presentations as well as employment in a number of social service agencies, and we are see- signifi cant scholarly publications. This year the School of Business ing increased demand for graduates with work and study in child initial accreditation plan was approved by the AACSB International welfare,” Stowe said. accrediting agency; the criminology, criminal justice degree was SRU partners with the Pennsylvania Department of Children approved, and a new degree completion major in professional studies and Youth Services allowing social work majors to complete was created. 22 The ROCK Fall 2007 – Bruce Russell College of Education

Online special education courses offer teachers a convenient option new, online College of Education special education program Aat Slippery Rock University is drawing the attention of teachers across the state, as well as those in India, Australia and Canada. those interested in teaching students with disabilities or those needing The new Internet program offers courses leading to special skills in teaching special needs students in their class. We also offer a education certifi cation or a master’s degree is designed for those master’s program in special education supervision,” Fair said. juggling work schedules against college classes and those who The master of education in special education can be completed in don’t want to give up weekends traveling to classes. one year. The non-degree certifi cate, available to those with an ele- “Teachers are seeing an increased need for special education mentary education teaching certifi cate, requires 27 additional credits. certifi cation and are turning to Slippery Rock University to meet “We are seeing teachers join online for the certifi cation, then elect- those needs,” said Dennis Fair, chair of the special education depart- ing to continue for the full master’s degree program,” Fair said. ment and graduate coordinator for the master of education degree. “While we are certainly concentrating on Pennsylvania teachers, the “Inquiries and registration has been strong across Pennsylvania and online program is open to teachers anywhere. During fall and spring letters of interest have come from around the world.” we had students from Colorado and Arizona enrolled,” Fair said. “We have added or expanded 15 special education Internet “I have heard from a number of recent graduates who realized courses to help those already teaching meet the increased having special education certifi cation or a master’s degree in special demands of inclusion education in their classrooms. Inclusion education would make them more employable, so they returned to education means students with special needs are mainstreamed the classroom via the Internet to earn the necessary skills,” Fair said. as much as possible during the school day,” Fair said. Kelly Lynne Foust, an SRU graduate student taking one of SRU offers three distinct programs to meet varying needs of Fair’s online courses and working as a primary learning support teachers seeking to expand their special education skills. classroom aide, has high praise for the program. “I was just asked “The University offers a master of education degree in special to be part of an autistic support team and had some things to education for those who already have an undergraduate teacher offer that I learned from the ‘Developmental Disability’ class. I education degree. We also offer a non-degree teacher certifi cate for have people asking me all of the time for information from my classes…this whole program has done wonderful things for my From the Dean: career and for my students.” Amy Mathesius, a special education high school teacher from As part of the College of Education’s effort to reach out to SRU alums Kremmling, Colo., is a Pennsylvania native who discovered SRU’s and other educational professionals, the department of secondary online courses while looking for ways to complete her master’s degree. education has developed four new master’s degrees in social studies “I have taken two of SRU’s online courses and fi nd I can do a lot of and English (for initial certifi cation and advanced degrees). In addition, the coursework on weekends, especially when I’m not working and departments within the college are offering online courses with the my daughter is not at home. I like working on my own schedule.” department of special education being the fi rst to have its master’s “More than 80 students are already participating in the online degree totally online. Finally, the COE has begun investigating a doctoral special education courses. We expect to see continued growth as degree with Youngstown State University in Educational Leadership for demand by school districts increases,” Fair said. school leaders. – C. Jay Hertzog www.SRU.edu 23 Hard work plus intelligence add up to international math awards; No other Pennsylvania university received an Outstanding Award, and only one other institution received a Meritorious ranking. Slippery Rock University team SRU’s Outstanding Award trio concluded that the current

College of Health, Environment and Science Environment Health, of College boarding system used by most airlines, continuously boarding ranks with Harvard, Duke and MIT from the rear of the aircraft to the front, is no more effi cient than boarding passengers in random order. Students said leaving a buffer of several rows of seats between each group of passengers being boarded could decrease the board- ing time by 40 percent. ake teams representing 949 institutions from around the SRU math majors Emily Hendrickson of Conway, Stacey Reynolds Tworld, give them a tough mathematics problem to solve and what of Pittsburgh and physics major Adam Brant of Berlin earned a do you get? Well, if you’re Slippery Rock University, the answer is Meritorious Award in the competition. Math majors Tyler Druschel having one of your teams win one of only 14 Outstanding Awards of Lyndora, Robert Rifenburgh of Greensburg, and Michelle George presented internationally, another team win a meritorious award, of Kittanning, earned an Honorable Mention. Physics majors Dustin another win an honorable mention and a fourth be recognized for Hemphill of Butler, Duayne Rieger of Cherry Tree and Scott Rager successful participation. of Johntown were recognized as Successful Participants. “This is an extraordinary accomplishment. To compete in an Athula Herat, assistant professor of physics, and Richard Marchand, international competition and have this type of success is a real assistant professor of mathematics, coached the SRU students. testament to the quality of our students and their teachers,” said Robert Smith, SRU president. Physics majors Eric Hardin of Leetsdale, Kevin Sobczak of Wampum and Brad Kirkwood of Kittanning brought home top honors in a mathematics competition. They created an SRU’s teams out-performed every institution in Pennsylvania optimal procedure for boarding and deboarding airplanes. and most in the world in the 23rd annual Mathematical Contest on Modeling. The international competition, sponsored by the Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications, drew teams From the Dean: from 949 universities in 12 countries. The College of Health, Environment and Science continues to place The team of Eric Hardin of Leetsdale, Brad Kirkwood of a high priority on increasing the number of students participating in Kittanning and Kevin Sobczak of Wampum, all physics majors, national/international research and in the acquisition of student/fac- brought home top honors for their mathematical modeling solution ulty research funding. By offering cutting-edge and innovative pro- for creating an optimal airline-boarding and deboarding procedure grams, the college continues to increase student enrollment. We are for planes with 85 to 800 passengers. Only 14 Outstanding Winners, also honored through the efforts of Robert Arnhold to host and be a 1 percent of the competition, were selected. Among the other 14 part of Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Special Olympics Camps. designees were Harvard, Duke, MIT and three universities in China. – Susan Hannam 24 The ROCK Fall 2007 College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts

Exiled Chinese poet paints freedom message lthough they came from different backgrounds – hailing from AChina, Illinois and Pennsylvania – the crowd that recently gath- ered near the Slippery Rock town pavilion shared a common in Slippery Rock bond. All appreciate art that celebrates freedom. University leaders and dissident Chinese artist and poet Huang Xiang met behind Images Unlimited Photography to dedicate three new pro-democracy paintings by Xiang, who was Xiang, 66, worked two 12-hour days and a third six-hour day imprisoned in China several times for his pro-democracy work. to complete the calligraphy paintings of his poetry. He began “His art shows the emancipatory power of the arts,” said writing in the 1950s but was imprisoned for 12 years in China William McKinney, dean of the college of Humanities, Fine and for counterrevolutionary activities. He fl ed in 1997 and is cur- Performing Arts. rently resident artist for City of Asylum/Pittsburgh, a non-profi t Xiang’s “Dry Bones,” “A Promise to Meet in This Life” and organization that supports exiled artists. “Sky” were done as part of the college’s Kaleidoscope arts festival. “His art refl ects his suffering when imprisoned as well as his The college expanded the festival this year to include the town celebration of his newly experienced artistic freedom,” Rachela of Slippery Rock, advancing the University’s status as a regional Permenter, SRU professor of English and arts festival chair, said. center for the arts. Thousands attended concerts, dances, sculp- SRU Provost William Williams said Xiang’s “art celebrates ture exhibits and a children’s day reading by R.L. Stine, author the ideas of democracy and challenges all people to consider the of the “Goosebumps” and “Rotten School” series. importance of human rights.”

Alumni Tim Leary, ’70, ’74, owns Images Unlimited Photography in Slippery Rock and wore a huge grin as artist Huang Xiang dedicated a new calligraphy painting on the back- side of Leary’s studio. “I want people to see that this is a sleepy little town with an interna- tional connection,” Leary said. “His work is interesting and his life and art speak volumes.” From the Dean: As dean, I am proud of all of our students’ and faculty members’ accomplishments, but in this space, I would like to highlight the sixth annual Kaleidoscope regional arts festival. This year, for the fi rst time, Kaleidoscope had a signifi cant off-campus presence. “Kaleidoscope on Main,” with its cultural events held in cooperation with the Slippery Rock Business Association, was a great success. Our college continues in its commitment to serve as a cultural resource for our region. – William McKinney www.SRU.edu 25 Alumni ReportAssociation

Distinguished alumnus earns SRU Alumni Association Alumni Association’s top honor names outstanding Gargantuan is the only way to describe Thomas young alumni Zaucha’s 40 years of loyalty to Slippery Rock They are physical therapists, teachers University. Since graduating in 1967, Zaucha has and accountants. All of them used their served on numerous boards, participated in hundreds Rock Solid education to launch successful of activities and he’s even donated the largest gift careers. Now the Slippery Rock University ever to the School of Physical Therapy. In honor of Alumni Association has honored them as his remarkable legacy, SRU’s Alumni Association 2007 Young Alumni Award recipients. has named Zaucha the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Physical therapist Scott Wise, ’90, Award recipient. ’93, ’05, music teacher Jason Kush, ’04, He received the award at the association’s annual education consultant Miecha Galbraith, awards dinner at the University Club in North Hall. ’96, and accountant Charles Gottschalk, “Tom has had a profound impact on this University ’90, were recognized at the association’s and embodies what SRU graduates are all about,” said annual awards dinner. Thomas Zaucha Michael Saraka, director of alumni relations. “The recipients were nominated by Zaucha, partner/vice president of Benchmark alumni, faculty and staff,” said Michael Medical Inc. and the former president and CEO of Keystone Rehabilitation Systems, Saraka, alumni relations director. “I am committed $100,000 to support graduate education in physical therapy through The very proud of this year’s winners.” Campaign for Slippery Rock University, a 10-year fund-raising initiative. A Rock The alumni association created the Society member and former SRU Foundation, Inc., board member, he played football as award in 2005 to honor high-achieving a student and graduated with a degree in health and physical education. alumni who have graduated within the He later received a degree in physical therapy from the University of Pennsylvania and past 20 years. The award goes to one a master’s degree in health care management from the University of Pittsburgh. recipient from each of SRU’s four aca- A long-time health advocate, Zaucha developed Keystone Rehabilitation Systems into demic colleges: Education; Humanities, a $28-million enterprise and the largest provider of physical therapy services throughout Fine and Performing Arts; Business, Pennsylvania from its headquarters in Indiana, Pa. In 1995, he sold Keystone to publicly Information and Social Sciences; and held Northstar Health Services. Health, Environment and Science. Zaucha then served as president and CEO of Northstar for fi ve years. Northstar Health Services in 2000 was sold to private investors. The resulting company was About the recipients Scott Wise Benchmark Medical Inc. where Zaucha currently serves as a partner and vice president. (College of Health, Zaucha is a member of several professional organizations including the American Environment and Science) owns Wise Physical Therapy Association, National Athletic Trainers Association and American Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine in College of Sports Medicine. He also serves as vice chairman of the Pennsylvania State New Castle and Grove City. He received Board of Physical Therapy. His community involvement includes service as a member his doctor of physical therapy, master of of the Indiana County Airport Authority, Chamber of Commerce (Indiana County), physical therapy and bachelors of science Lifesteps corporate board and the Indiana Borough Mayors Cabinet. degree in health science from SRU. He has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, including He is active in the community serving Health Care Entrepreneur of the Year – Western Pennsylvania in 1992; Civic Leader of as the Mercer County Pine Township the Year – Indiana County in 1996; the Benjamin Rush Award in 1999; and the IUP supervisor, as director of sports medicine Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. Zaucha has served as chairman of the annual Keystone services for the Slippery Rock Area School Rehabilitation Golf Tournament. During the nine years of the tournament, more than District and as a member of the American $150,000 was raised for various service organizations in Indiana County. Physical Therapy Association and other organizations. Jason Kush (College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts) received his bachelors of science degree in

26 The ROCK Fall 2007 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION REPORT

and “manufacturing company” a bold move that resulted in cumulative savings in excess of $3 million. This methodology has become standard in NASCAR. The 2005 recipients were: • Andrew Wozniak, ’98, College of Health, Environment and Science • Ursula Payne, ’92, College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts Scott Wise Jason Kush Miecha Galbraith Charles Gottschalk • Michelle Shatto, ’98, College of Education • Norman Gottschalk, ’88, College of music education in ’04 and a master of is currently working as a consultant for Business, Information and Social Sciences music degree in jazz pedagogy from the the National Education Association con- Frost School of Music at the University of ducting research and lesson plan develop- The 2006 recipients were: Miami in ’06. He is enrolled in the doc- ment for various grant projects between • Angela Hollis, ’99, College of Health, tor of musical arts program in saxophone the National Education Association, Environment and Science performance at Frost. Health Information Network and the • Sally Sherman, ‘99, College of He has performed with Andrea Bocelli Environmental Protection Agency. Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts for an audience of more than 7,000 fans Charles Gottschalk (College • Thomas Burton, ‘87, College of Education and recorded an album with the Henry of Business, Information and Social • James Pezzone, ‘02, College of Business, Mancini Institute Orchestra, which was Sciences), is a certifi ed public accoun- Information and Social Sciences nominated for two Grammy Awards. tant in Gibsonia. He graduated with “I owe much of my success to the honors with a bachelor of science degree The Outstanding Young Alumni supreme faculty at Slippery Rock in accounting in ’90 and remains active Award recognizes one stellar graduate University with whom I had the pleasure with his alma mater and serves as an offi - from each of SRU’s four academic col- to study, particularly Terry Steele and cer of the SRU Business School Advisory leges – Education; Humanities, Fine and Stephen Hawk,” he said. “These profes- Board. He also serves on the SRU Performing Arts; Health, Environment sors signifi cantly impacted my life and Foundation, Inc., board and is a member and Science; and Business, Information have continued to provide crucial men- of the Amethyst Lifetime Giving Club. and Social Sciences. torship as my career progresses.” He is chief fi nancial offi cer for Chip To be nominated, alumni must have Miecha Galbraith (College of Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) where graduated within the past 20 years from Education) received her bachelors of sci- he is responsible for all aspects of the SRU. They must have demonstrated a commitment to success in their personal ence degree in elementary education with audit, tax, fi nance, risk management and professional life and excellence in a minor in special education in ’96. She and legal functions. Gottschalk’s ideas their career since graduation. received her masters of science degree and fresh approach have branded him To nominate an outstanding young in educational leadership from Nova a dynamic leader and garnered him the alumni, please contact the Offi ce of Southeastern University in ’98. She has respect of many within the racing indus- Alumni Relations, at 1.800.GET.ROCK or certifi cation and endorsements as Nevada try. For example, he developed a method [email protected]. Deadline for nomina- School Administrator, K-12; Teacher, for dividing his company’s NASCAR tions is Dec. 31, 2007. K-12; and Substitute Teacher, K-12. She operations into “operating company”

Presented by the SRU Alumni Association.

Join us for a wonderful day of golf at Olde Stonewall Golf Club, Ellwood City, PA.

Friday, October 12, 2007 10 a.m. Shotgun Start $130/golfer or $520/foursome

Contact Mike Saraka at 1-800-GET-ROCK Alumni Association award recipients were treated to dinner and an evening of accolades celebrating their for more information. many accomplishments. www.SRU.edu 27 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION REPORT

Association names Outstanding Senior Woman and Man for 2007 Since 1969, the SRU Alumni Association International, and provided leadership in has annually recognized a senior female the development of this year’s Darfur Week and male student who has demonstrated Program and the Darfur Summit. excellence in leadership, academics and Travis Anderson service to the University. All candidates Outstanding Senior Man are nominated by campus faculty and Ford City administrators and voted on by the Travis Anderson was members of the association’s Scholarship nominated by Patrick Awards Committee. Top winners in each Burkhart, associate category are named the Outstanding professor of geography, Senior Woman and Man of the Year. geology and the envi- A Celebration Michelle Scanlon ronment and Colleen Outstanding Senior Woman Cooke, John Lisco and of the Monroevillle Dale Stewart, all associ- At alumni weekend this year the hugs were Michelle Scanlon ate professors of parks, recreation/envi- plentiful, the memories fresh, the weather per- was nominated by politi- ronmental education. fect, and the laughs and smiles abundant. The annual event brought 200 alumni back to cam- cal science department Cooke describes Anderson as “a young pus to renew their past friendships and their faculty members Mark professional, behaving in mature and connection with Slippery Rock University. Daniels and Heather responsible ways, and always exhibiting The “Back to the Fifties” theme helped to Frederick. highly ethical and moral behavior.” create a festive atmosphere. Special events Daniels wrote, Anderson is a park resource man- included a picnic and dinner and dancing “Michelle is one of the agement major with a 3.9 grade-point under the stars in the North Hall courtyard. rare students who is enjoyable in the average. He was honored as the parks Other activities included the annual golf classroom setting, but also brings an and recreation/environmental educa- scramble benefi ting women’s athletics, campus exponential growth to activities outside tion department’s Outstanding Junior tours and a lot of embellishing on stories from the classroom.” in 2006. He received the Bruce Witek the past. The weekend’s organizers, Regis Scanlon is a political science major with Scholarship in 2004 and the Joe Sheibel and Peg DeMucci, wanted to recreate “a time when life was simpler and so much fun.” a 3.9 grade-point average. She has been Kolodski Memorial Scholarship in Each person attending the weekend received active in Model United Nations and Model 2006. He participates in the Park a “dink” to wear and was required to wear a North Atlantic Trade Organization. She is a Ranger Society, Judo Club, Geography/ sign around their neck like they did when they member of the University Honors Program, Geology Club, Outing Club and Leave were freshmen. Honored at the reunion lun- Phi Kappa Phi honorary society and the It Green. He has worked as a lifeguard cheon was Jeanne Furrie, ‘45, who received political science honorary, Society Pi at the Robert N. Aebersold Student the SRU Alumni Association’s Past President’s Sigma Alpha. She is president of Amnesty Recreation Center. Service Award. The award is given each year to the alumnus who demonstrates outstanding service to the Alumni Association. As a gift to the University, the class of 1957 also increased their endowed scholarship to more than $24,000. Each class member Save received a commemorative Golden Graduate pin and certifi cate for reaching this milestone. this date:

28 The ROCK Fall 2007 Class of 1957

NOTE: Alumni Weekend 2008 is scheduled for May 17-18 and will include the President’s Scholarship Gala May 17 at the Marriott at Cranberry Woods.

www.SRU.edu 29 Editorial Information Please note that “Class Notes” lists the year alumni received their undergraduate degree from Slippery Rock University. To submit “Class Notes,” simply contact us at [email protected] or go to http://rockalumnicafe.com with your information. You can also call 1-800-GET-ROCK or fax us at 724.738.4784. It is our policy not to publish engagements or pregnancies; however, we publish marriages and births. Class (M) - Denotes master’s degree, (F) - Denotes faculty member, (FR) - Denotes friend of the University Please note that the editorial staff makes every effort to publish the information given to us by alumni as it is received. Due to Notes space restrictions in the magazine we sometimes have to edit the information. We are proud of all our alumni and regret having to make any revisions.

Charles J. Kreinbucher, ’68, retired Bruce A. Shields, ’80, was promoted Shannon Kiley, ’96, is an events 1940s as principal of Meridian Elementary to associate professor at Daemen administrator for the Association for Iron Dr. Edwin B. Cottrell, ’43, a 2003 School after 39 years of service in the College, where he teaches special and Steel Technology. Butler Area School District. He and his education. SRU Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, will Vickie Dellaquila, ’97, published the get together with friends at Slippery wife, Mary Kreinbucher, ’89, reside Tree Gottshall, ’83, works for the book, “Don’t Toss My Memories in the Rock Sept. 27-30. Cottrell earned three in Butler. National Park Service and resides in St. Trash – A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping varsity letters in football, basketball and Lynn Decker Vuocolo, ’68, and hus- Simons Island, Ga. Seniors Downsize, Organize and Move.” tennis and was also a member of The Dellaquila is a professional organizer band, Rick Vuocolo, ’70, are enjoying Mary Kay Sed Petrini, ’83, owns Rock’s club baseball team from 1939- and owner of Organization Rules, Inc. retirement, but haven’t entirely left the her own promotional products busi- 43. Following graduation, he played – www.organizationrules.com. semi-pro baseball and football in the fi eld of education. Rick is president of ness, PetrinisPromos, www.petrinis- Pittsburgh area. Cottrell was inducted the Penn Hills School District Board of promos.com. Shawn Gini, ’98, is a manager into the Golf Coaches of America Hall Education, and Lynn is working with trainee for Penske Truck Rental in Christopher Hildebrand, ’85, is a of Fame in 1991, received the Don Rossi babies (birth to 3-months) who have Baltimore, Md. security manager in the integrated Award from the Japan Society of Golf vision impairments. systems sector of Northrop Grumman Philip Mackey, ’98, is in charge of Science in 1993 and was an educa- in Hollywood, Md. Hildebrand received Title V and major source permitting pro- tional consultant for the National Golf a master of arts degree in security grams in Clark County, Nev. Foundation (1974-93) and National Golf 1970s management from Webster University Foundation, Far East (1990-94). He also John G. Platt, ’71, is a pilot for FedEx in 1999. Amber McGarvey, ’98, is a teacher served as tournament director of the Express. Based in Memphis, Tenn., Platt in the Fort Worth, Texas area and is Collegiate Players Tour from 1994-98. is a DC-10 fi rst offi cer, second offi cer Travis Brannon, ’86, is warehouse looking to help organize an alumni event and second offi cer instructor in the supervisor of the distribution center for there. Interested alumni may contact her Jeanne Powell Furrie, ’45, received FedEx Flight Training Center. He also is a T.K. Holdings in Piqua, Ohio. at [email protected]. the 2007 SRU Alumni Association’s volunteer pilot for ORBIS International, a Past Presidents’ Service Award at the non-profi t organization dedicated to the Charles “Chuck” Sanders, ’86, is Andrew Seder, ’98, earned second annual luncheon during alumni weekend prevention of blindness worldwide. Platt president of Urban Settlement Services, place for investigative journalism for June 16. The award has been given out resides in Collierville, Tenn. LLC, a company providing title insurance, his story on a declining police comple- annually since 1987 to the alumnus who appraisals, closings, title reports and ment for Pike and Wayne counties, even demonstrates the most service to the Charles Cerny, ’74, after a long career vendor management counseling. Sanders though population and crime have con- SRU Alumni Association. in pharmaceutical sales, went back to was featured in the March-April issue of tinually increased. Seder is a journalist school and received a bachelor of sci- the Pittsburgh Business Times. for the Weekly Almanac and covers the William S.E. Coleman, ’49, received ence degree as a registered nurse. He Poconos and northeastern Pennsylvania. the 2006 James Sunwall Prize for New Jennifer Cline Leonard, ’87, is a works as an operating room nurse at Seder and his wife, Marissa, reside in Comedies for his play “The Morning third-grade teacher at Christ the Divine Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. His Lehigh Township. After the Night Before.” Teacher School. She and her husband, wife, Maureen Banky Cerny, ’74 and Kevin, reside in Latrobe. Keith Walkowiak, ’98, received a Jean Aleski Prumer, Ruth Jean ’82, is a nurse clinical specialist at the master of education degree in educa- Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Julie Straith Dana, ’88 (M), published Kimmell Chalfant, Sara Jane tional leadership from Old Dominion in Pittsburgh. They say “Hello” to their the book “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Scullion Johnson, Donna Johnson, University and is the sixth-grade assis- friends from Alpha Xi Delta, the gymnas- Staging Your Home to Sell.” Dana owns Thelma Scott Dankmeyer, Helen tant principal at Louisa County Middle tics team and apartment 132 Keister. The HomeStylist.com, which educates Scott Miller, Theresa Bonito School in Virginia. homeowners on why home staging or Lindway, Lorraine Fisher Gardner, Evelyn Hopf Madison, ’74, received a decorating your house to sell is critical in Matthew J. Lautman, ’99, joined master of divinity degree from Wesley Hazel Kistler Vukmir, Arthur “Buzz” today’s competitive real estate market. Houston Harbaugh as an associate in Theological Seminary in Washington, Grindel, Virginia Kelly Grindel, the litigation department. Prior to joining D.C., and was commissioned as a member Michele Stefanka McGleish, ’88, Lorraine Fisher Gardner and Ruth the law fi rm, he worked for a small civil of the Central Pennsylvania Conference has qualifi ed to represent the United Podbielski, members of the class of defense fi rm in Pittsburgh, concentrat- of the United Methodist Church. States in the Short Course Duathlon ‘54, met for lunch recently at Schenley ing his practice in the areas of insurance World Championships in Gryor, Hungary. Gardens in Pittsburgh. The event was Christine Renfro Rosenquist, defense litigation, coverage litigation, hosted by Emily Vukmir Pavlovic. The ’74, retired in January from the U.S. Robert M. Latsko, ’89, received a bad-faith litigation and defense of a class has been getting together annually Department of State after 27 years of master of education degree from Grand utility company in large loss explosions. since graduation. government service. In that time, she Canyon University in August 2006. He Lautman received his law degree from also worked for the Voice of America is a high school teacher and head golf the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. 1960s and lived in Germany, Iraq, Kazakhstan, coach at Mohave High School. Latsko the Netherlands, Monrovia and Liberia. resides in Laughlin, Nev. 2000s Marian D. Sutter, ’65, retired from the Dr. Debra Berkey, ’76, professor Pennsylvania Department of Education and chair of health, physical education 1990s Jerritt Park, ’00, is head of commer- after 19.5 years of service, most and recreation at Western Michigan cial fi nance for the Michigan region of recently as the chief of professional University, received the American Terry A. Shulsky, ’90, is a creditors’ Dailmer Chrysler. development. Sutter spent 42 years in Alliance for Health, Physical Education, rights and insolvency lawyer with Dana Flowers Rizzo, ’00, was education, including public school teach- Recreation and Dance’s Honor Award Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. Shulsky named water quality educator by the ing, intermediate unit curriculum devel- which recognizes meritorious contribu- was promoted to shareholder with the Westmoreland Conservation District opment and college instruction. tions to the fi eld of physical education at law fi rm. and Penn State Cooperative Extension, Susan Hopper Owens, ’66, par- the national conference in Baltimore, Md. Debra S. Pylypiw, ’91, received a Westmoreland County. ticipated in a roundtable discussion at fellowship from the Turkish Cultural Jay D’Ambrosio, ’02 (M), teaches Oxford, England, about teaching music Foundation and the International Affairs ancient history at Seneca Valley Middle to at-risk learners. Owens retired after 1980s Council for a study tour of Turkey. School and has written his second book a 40-year career in teaching, most Frank C. Reigelman, ’80, is national Pylypiw is a fulltime educator at White “Rethinking Adolesence: Using Story to recently at Glennallen Elementary director of camping and conservation for Oak School District in Jacksonville, N.C. Navigate Life’s Uncharted Years.” School in North Port, Fla. the Boy Scouts of America.

30 The ROCK Fall 2007 CLASS NOTES

Anne Callanan Petersen, ’03, was for the Rutgers University Division of selected by the National Park Service to Intercollegiate Athletics. serve as part of the NPS Ranger Honor Susan Harry, ’04 (M), is a senior tax In Memory Guard. The honor guard represents the associate at Grossman Yanak and Ford, park service and its employees and Frances Leighner Alvung ’25 Matthew Rausch ’49 LLP, in Pittsburgh, and earned her the families at funerals of employees killed S. Ellen Reese Gadsby ’25 Julia Hundagan ’49 certifi ed valuation analyst credential. in the line of duty. Catherine Reed ’26 Cornell Kaluger ’50 Brant R. Leyden, ’05, is serving in Alice Schu Dolheimer ’27 Richard Kepple ’50 Kirk Sander, ’03, organized an alumni the U.S. Army as a fi rst lieutenant. Edith Hovis Hoffman ’27 Lois Volk Wick ’50 event in May in the Tampa area that Leyden, a transportation corps offi cer, is Lula Campbell McClure ’27 Calvin Giles ’51 drew more than 25 alumni. Alumni in Kirkuk, Iraq, serving with the 2/6 Cav, Lucille Sproull Snyder ’27 William Kemmler ’51 interested in helping Sander orga- assigned to the 25th Infantry Division Twila Robson Brazel ’28 Stephen Shremshock ’51 nize future SRU events and a Tampa from Schofi eld Barracks, Hawaii. He has Rose Keddie Cain ’28 Eugene Strosser ’51 alumni chapter may contact him at been serving with Operation Enduring Mary Sowa Fleckenstein ’28 Alice Palmer Chapman ’53 [email protected]. Freedom since July. Mildred Galloway Martin ’28 Kathryn Kelly ’53 Brian Warcup, ’03 (M), has been Loretta Rogers ’28 Robert Murphy ’53 named director of eligibility service Claire Galloway Book ’29 Lois Donaldson Nava ’53 Hazel Seaton Gilson ’29 Donald Kather ’54 Kathryn King McConnell ’29 Albert Volz Jr. ’56 Shirley Holbrook Bowman ’30 Sara Long ’57 Sarah Fleeger Cross ’30 Joseph Milnes ’59 Cornelia McAuley Hieber ’30 Mary McBride Hanby ’60 Weddings Lois Murtland Humphrey ’30 Evelyn Craig West ’61 Grace Acheson Jacobs ’30 Mary Snaman Jensen ’62 Jessica L. Hill, ’05, married 1LT Martha Mattocks Kachis ’30 Nicholas Mascaro ’62 Robert Kistler ’30 Emma Host Nemec ’62 1990s Ryan T. Stidum, ’05, Aug. 29, 2006. Melava Marjanovich Radovic ’30 Ruth Bundy ’63 Stidum is serving in the U.S. Army in Francine “Frankie” Buda, ’99, mar- Hulda Morrison Schulz ’30 Danielle Burns D’Angelo Cartmell ’65 Iraq with the 2-32 Field Artillery unit ried Matt Hogan Dec. 30, 2006. They Margaret Stiffl er ’30 Robert Depp ’65 reside in Charlotte, N.C. from Ft. Riley, Kan. Frances Cook Wilson ’30 C. Kent Wyndham ’66 Traci Stahl, ’95, and Derek Jason Jenny Lee Mihalik, ’05, married Ted Bertha Davis Wright ’30 Gerald Perdue ’66 Smith were married June 20, 2004. Wright, ’04, in Slippery Rock July 12. Margaret Eliason Ott ’31 Mildred Allison ’67 Bonita Richards ’31 Barbara Goll Bricker ’67 Ashlea Novalis, ’05, and Steven Mary Beatty ’32 Jeffrey Conners ’67 2000s Barron, ’05, were married in Butler Elizabeth Elrick Keppke ’32 Wanda Fry Reigleman ’67 July 14, 2006. The couple reside in Agnes Bell Stemmerich ’32 Sandra Glew McMonagle ’68 Amy Baverso, ’01, and Michael Weiherhammer, Germany, where Barron Elizabeth Drylie Thomas ’32 Mary Bicek Meier ’68 Walter, ’07, were married in Pittsburgh is an infantry offi cer in the 2nd Cavalry Edward Vail ’32 Richard Winger ’68 Aug. 10. (Stryker) Regiment. Eileen Brown Barnes ’33 Deanne Riddle ’69 Lee Roy Miller ’33 Rebecca Decapua Tokar ’69 Erin Nagle, ’02, and David Courtney Stiles, ’06, married Elizabeth Cuthbert Murphy ’33 Susan Loutsenhizer Ross ’70 Hornberger, ’02, were married Nov. 18, 2LT Brian Smedick, ’05, Dec. 27, Ruth Henry Myers ’33 Robert Provan ’71 2006. They reside in Spotsylvania, Va. 2006. Smedick is serving in Iraq in Caroline Flocco Sabella ’33 Mark Valecko ’71 Sarah Clark, ’03, married Daniel the U.S. Army. The couple resides in Marian Bartkus ’34 Cindy Wise ’71 Hendess in Winter Park, Fla., July 21. Fayetteville, N.C. Edith Reed Ferrando ’34 Linda Turner Cobb, ’72 Genevieve Seanor Stonis ’35 Richard Hildebrand ’72 Angela Peiffer, ’04, married Sean Harp Milan Tatala ’35 Kathy Pittman Wright Thompson ’72 Nov. 4, 2006. Robert Boozer ’36 Gary Watson ’72 Laura Cowmeadow Ambrose ’37 Catherine Zugay ’72 Pauline Weikal Hobaugh ’37 Kathleen Severa Bauer ’73 Pauline Kosak Bland ’38 Jean Bryan ’73 Sophie Pochyba ’38 Susan Mooney ’73 Betty Lawrence Sagulla ’38 Gary Belan ’74 Elizabeth Bigger ’39 Doris Freed Shiderly ’74 Ruth Eckley ’39 James Willkow ’74 Births Ruth Long ’39 William Brownley III ’75 Sibylla Naismith Rea ’39 Janet Kolish ’77 Curran, March 6, 2006. Nicole is a Lucille Adsit Shane ’39 Joy Ward Smith ’77 1980s Spanish teacher at Baldwin High Mary Jane Hoffman ’40 Thomas Haines ’78 Lisa McCullough Holmes, ’88, and School, and Wade is an elementary John Kaufman ’40 James Pegan ’80 husband, Mike, announce the birth school librarian with the Franklin Jane Morrison ’40 Barbara Wiles ’80 of their third child, a daughter named Regional School District. John Brich ’40 Phillip Creasy ’81 Megan Ann, March 29. Clyde Scheidemantel ’40 Frances Hays Allen ’81 Katharine Sacare Voliva ’40 Kathy Steindal ’82 2000s Charles Burch ’41 Ellen Rice Renstrom ’84 1990s Jamie Himmelberger, ’00, and Alice D’Andrea ’41 Leo O’Neil ’85 Lois Anderson Mayer ’41 Joan Bell ’86 Heather McKinnis Himmelburger, Jennifer Alexander, ’95, announces Ethel Walker Schmidt ’41 Cynthia Leach Anton ’87 the birth of her son, Alex Joseph ’99, announce the birth of their daugh- Elizabeth Ellis Gill ’42 Timothy Schaffer ’87 Dietrich, Jan. 30. ter, Shayla Erin, April 20. Jean McCracker McIntire ’42 Constance Robison Green ’88 Carrie McNorton Hemmerlin, ’97, Marsha Belt Radkowski, ’00, and Helen Kondrick Cisek ’44 Sara-Jane Stackpole ’88 Elizabeth Vaughan McGarvey ’44 Laurie Faison-Dorsey ’89 ’04, and husband, Michael, announce husband, Matthew, announce the birth of their daughter, Lily Josephine, Nov. 6. Victoria Carrara August ’46 Bradley King ’89 the birth of their daughter, Michaella Robert Lewis ’46 Sharon Randolph Relyea Buckingham ’91 Jane, March 1. Stephanie Burkert Palochak, ’02, Mary Skegas Mills ’46 David Bega ’92 Nicole Piontek Burtch, ’99, and husband, Tim, announce the birth Annabelle Snyder ’46 Deirdre Brown ’94 and William Wade Burtch, ’98, of their second child, Ella, born Aug. Ralph White ’48 Bonnie Appugliese ’99 announce the birth of their son, Oliver 20, 2006. Arthur Grindle ’49 Mark Sloan ’01 Harold Handchen ’49 Christopher D’Emilio ’02

www.SRU.eduwww.SRU.edu 3131 ROCK Athletics

Five spring student-athletes earn All-America status

Jennifer Hansen Andi Rose Jeff Weiss Matt Adams M.J. Parsons

Five members of Rock spring sports the 100m and 400m hurdles races at the national competition. She also had an programs earned All-America status national track and fi eld championships. eighth-place national fi nish to her credit, during the 2007 season. Rose concluded her collegiate career Sophomore distance specialist Jeff Heading the list of honorees was with six All-America citations, three of Weiss (Avella/McGuffey HS) earned sophomore women’s pole vault specialist which came via third-place fi nishes in the fourth All-America citation of his col- Jennifer Hansen (Charleston, W.Va. legiate career when he placed fourth in Capital HS), who garnered a national the 10,000m run at the national outdoor runner-up fi nish in the NCAA Division II track and fi eld championships. Outdoor Track & Field Championships Weiss also fi nished fourth in the in mid-May in Charlotte, N.C. Hansen’s 10,000m run at the 2006 national meet set a new Pennsylvania State Athletic and has garnered two All-America hon- Conference record with her best vault of ors in cross country competition. 12 feet, 9½ inches. Freshman catcher/designated hit- Hansen now owns a pair of All- ter Matt Adams (Philipsburg/ America citations; she tied for fourth Philipsburg-Osceola HS) was named to place in the pole vault at the 2006 third-team All-America honors by the national championship meet. National Collegiate Baseball Writers Senior hurdles/sprint specialist Andi Association, while junior outfi elder M.J. Rose (Wheeling, WV/Wheeling Park Parsons (Hyndman/Hyndman HS) HS) earned two All-America honors this earned honorable mention All-America spring with sixth-place fi nishes in both Jennifer Hansen practices her pole-vaulting skills. status from the NCBWA.

Buddy Rose receives Sportsmanship Award Rock men’s A sophomore decathlete from Houston, track and field Pa., Rose was honored for showing student-ath- exemplary sportsmanship during the lete Mike 2006 PSAC Outdoor Track and Field “Buddy” Championships, when he was initially Rose was one credited with a javelin throw distance that of the featured was well beyond his personal-best effort. guests at the 2007 Despite the fact that Rose could have ROCKY, AT&T National increased his standing in the decathlon Buddy Rose Sportsmanship and perhaps his team’s standing for the The Pride Awards banquet hosted in mid June by the championship, he insisted on making sure of Slippery Rock St. Louis Sports Commission. the incorrect mark would not stand. University, was That honor came on the heels of Rose His honesty “cost” Rose one spot in being recognized last August as the winner the standings and The Rock one point in unveiled during of both the men’s Division II and overall 2006 the team competition, but was lauded by basketball season. NCAA Sportsmanship Award. everyone involved as the right thing to do.

32 The ROCK Fall 2007 ROCK ATHLETICS

Track program adds to its trophy collection Fall sports at THE ROCK

FOOTBALL Aug. 30 SETON HILL 7 p.m. Sept. 8 MILLERSVILLE 3:15 p.m. Sept. 15 at Bowie State 1 p.m. Sept. 22 KUTZTOWN 7 p.m. Jennifer Harp Chris Warning John Papa (SRU Hall of Fame Day) Sept. 29 INDIANA, PA 6 p.m. The Rock track and fi eld program named as the PSAC women’s outdoor Oct. 6 at East Stroudsburg 1 p.m. solidifi ed its status as the premier pro- Field Athlete of the Year in recognition of Oct. 13 CLARION 2 p.m. gram in the Pennsylvania State Athletic her fi rst-place fi nish in the pole vault. (Homecoming) Conference this winter and spring by Freshman distance special- Oct. 20 at Shippensburg 1 p.m. hauling off a truckload of hardware. ist Jennifer Harpp (Highland Oct. 27 CALIFORNIA, PA 1 p.m. The women’s program collected the Heights, OH/Mayfield HS), was Nov. 1 at Lock Haven 5:15 p.m. team championship trophy in both the named as the PSAC women’s outdoor Nov. 10 at Edinboro 1 p.m. PSAC indoor and outdoor competition. track and field Rookie of the Year Nov. 17 NCAA playoff The indoor title was the fi rst ever won by after she garnered third-place fin- fi rst-round games a Rock squad, men’s or women’s. The out- ishes in both the 3,000m and 5,000m Nov. 24 NCAA playoff door title, on the other hand, was the sec- runs at this year’s PSAC meet. 2nd-round games ond straight won by SRU and the fourth in The Rock men, led by Jeff Weiss, Dec. 1 NCAA quarterfi nal games the last fi ve seasons. fi nished third in the team competition at Dec. 8 NCAA semifi nal games Hand-in-hand with the outdoor team this year’s PSAC outdoor meet. Dec. 15 NCAA championship game championship came several notewor- Weiss fi nished fi rst in the 5,000m run thy individual honors for Rock female at the conference championships and FIELD HOCKEY student-athletes. was named as the meet’s Most Valuable Aug. 28 SETON HILL 4 p.m. Andi Rose was named as the Track Athlete. He later added the confer- Sept. 1 BELLARMINE 5 p.m. championhip meet’s Outstanding Female ence’s outdoor Track Athlete of the Year Sept. 5 at Bloomsburg 4 p.m. Athlete and honor to his collection. Sept. 8 C.W. POST Noon Outstanding Teammate Chris Warning Sept. 11 at Shippensburg 4 p.m. Female Track (Monroeville/Gateway HS) earned the Sept. 15 at Millersville 9 a.m. Athlete after conference’s outdoor track and fi eld Sept. 19 INDIANA, PA 4 p.m. she won both Rookie of the Year award with a fi rst- Sept. 22 at East Stroudsburg Noon the 100m and place fi nish in the discus throw title at Sept. 25 MANSFIELD 4 p.m. 400m hurdles the PSAC meet. Sept. 29 BLOOMSBURG Noon races and ran a Rounding out the list of honorees Oct. 3 at Kutztown 4 p.m. leg on the win- was Rock head coach John Papa, Oct. 6 SHIPPENSBURG 2 p.m. ning 400m and who received a PSAC Coach of the Year Oct. 7 KUTZTOWN 11 a.m. 1600m relays. honor for the 13th time in his 20-year Oct. 9 MILLERSVILLE Noon Jennifer head coaching career. Papa was named Oct. 12 at Indiana, Pa. 4 p.m. Hansen was as the conference’s top women’s coach. Oct. 14 EAST STROUDSBURG 11 a.m. All-America performers head Hall of Fame Class of 2007 roster Oct. 17 at Mercyhurst 4 p.m. Oct. 20 at Mansfi eld 1 p.m. A trio of All-America performers head- selection and longtime collegiate athletic Oct. 26 PSAC semifi nals lines the list of six honorees included in the administrators/coaches Jan Forsty Oct. 27 PSAC fi nals Class of 2007, the 24th group of inductees (’75, ’89) and Joe Walters (’68, ’72). Nov. 3 NCAA playoff into the Slippery Rock University Athletic Induction ceremonies will be fi rst-round games Hall of Fame. Saturday, Sept. 22, prior to The Rock’s Nov. 9 NCAA semifi nal The trio includes football standouts home football game vs. Kutztown games Tony Emanuele (’83) and Chad University (7 p.m. kickoff). Nov. 11 NCAA championship Vogt (’97) and women’s track and fi eld With the induction of the Class of game stalwart Judith Whalen-Geist (’91). 2007, the SRU Athletic Hall of Fame’s The Class of 2007 will also include roster will include 150 former student- Laurie Flynn Cortazzo (’95), a athletes, coaches, administrators and HOME EVENTS IN BOLD TYPE (continued on page 35) two-time Pennsylvania State Athletic contributors. The fi rst class was hon- Conference volleyball “Player of the Year” ored in 1984. www.SRU.eduwww.SRU.edu 3333 ROCK ATHLETICS

Alumni needed to support Rock student-athletes

Alumni can help hundreds of Rock stu- director. “Since we rely on private permanently mounted in Gail Rose Lodge, dent-athletes earn their degrees by join- funding sources for athletic scholar- which is undergoing a major renovation ing The Rock Athletic Club, a value added ships and many of our operational and décor change. Improvements include scholarship program that assists men and improvements, each gift will provide a new ceiling, fl ooring, thermopane win- women student-athletes in all sports. much-needed fi nancial support.” dows, a new entrance ramp and painting. The athletic department revamped the SRU athletes certainly personify the For more information about The former Rock Athletic Fund to create vari- scholar-athlete ethic. SRU athletics Rock Athletic Club, contact Major at ous giving levels and membership ben- placed third of 14 PSAC schools in the 724.738.4279. efi ts. Contributions go directly to provid- annual Dixon Cup standings awarded ing scholarships and operational support to the most competitive program on Rock Athletic Club for the University’s 450 student-athletes. the fi eld. That’s the best in SRU his- membership levels “In order for us to continue and tory, Major said, and nearly 80 percent • President’s Society: $30,000 over improve athletic excellence, we need of players on all teams averaged a 3.0 fi ve years or less you to join our team by making a contri- grade-point average or higher during • Coaches Division: $5,000 plus bution to the Rock Athletic Club,” said the 2006-07 year. • Champion’s Division: $2,500 plus Andy Major, assistant to the athletic The Rock Athletic Club costs $100 • Rock Division: $1,000 plus to join and contributors can give an • Captain’s Division: $500 plus unrestricted gift of any amount or • Green Division: $250 plus designate which athletic program they • White Division: $100 plus wish to support. A planned gift involves a contribu- Benefi ts include free tickets to football and basketball games, Rock Chester Glenn tion through the President’s Society of of facilities $30,000 payable over a fi ve-year period. athletic gear, window decals, a mem- installs new With this gift, members receive a fully bership card and an endowed schol- ceiling tiles arship for President’s Society givers. at Gail Rose endowed scholarship, full coaches divi- Lodge. sion benefi ts and a plaque of appreciation Call Andy Major 724.738.4279.

Hansen, Rose, Pieces of The Rock Weiss receive academic honors In addition to their athletic honors, Jennifer Hansen, Andi Rose and Jeff Weiss were each recipients of a PSAC “Top Ten Award.” Rose received her honor during the winter sports season, while Hansen and Weiss were honored in the spring season. The Top Ten Awards, selected by the Laura Handy Courtney Vincent Terry Watters PSAC’s sports information directors, rec- ognize student-athletes who distinguish Laura Handy, a freshman from West softball Rookie of the Year and themselves in the classroom, as well as Pittsburgh (Upper St. Clair HS), was earned fi rst-team All-PSAC-West hon- in competition. The Rock has had at least named as the PSAC-Western Division ors. … Terry Watters (’73) retired one student-athlete named to PSAC Top women’s tennis Rookie of the Year. in January 2007 after serving 34 years Ten honors in 12 of the 13 academic years She, along with sophomore teammate as a teacher and coach in the Laurel in which the award has been presented. Kayla Blackburn (Alum Bank/ School District. During her career, she Hansen, who owns a perfect 4.0 GPA Chestnut Ridge HS), was also named served as head coach of the girls bas- as an exercise science major, was also to fi rst-team All-PSAC-West honors ketball, track and fi eld and volleyball named this spring to ESPN The Magazine as both a singles and doubles player teams. She recorded more than 100 Academic All-District honors by the … Freshman outfi elder Courtney wins in all three sports and led her vol- College Sports Information Directors Vincent (Slippery Rock/Wilmington leyball team to the 2000 WPIAL Class of America. Area HS) was named as the PSAC- AA championship.

For the latest news on Rock sports, go to www.rockathletic.com or call The Rock Sports Hotline at 724.738.2962.

34 The ROCK Fall 2007 2006-07 achievements ROCK ATHLETICS • SRU Athletics placed 3rd of 14 PSAC schools in the annual Dixon Cup standings. Fall sports at THE ROCK (continued from pages 33) The cup is awarded to the most competi- tive overall athletic program on the fi eld. WOMEN’S SOCCER Nov. 30 NCAA semifi nal matches The fi nish was the best in SRU history. Aug. 19 KENT STATE 1 p.m. Dec. 1 NCAA championship match • SRU had 157 PSAC scholar athletes with Aug. 22 ROBERT MORRIS 3 p.m. [1] PSAC crossover at Millersville a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher Aug. 26 EAST STROUDSBURG 2 p.m. [2] PSAC crossover at California, Pa. • Nearly 80 percent of all teams averaged Aug. 29 CALIFORNIA, PA 6 p.m. a 3.0 GPA or higher Sept. 1 SHIPPENSBURG 1 p.m. MEN’S SOCCER • SRU awarded scholarship funds to Sept. 3 at Clarion 7 p.m. Aug. 19 at Mercyhurst 1 p.m. nearly 400 student-athletes Sept. 6 EDINBORO 4 p.m. Aug. 23 at Dowling Noon • PSAC Champions – Rock Women’s Sept. 8 at Kutztown 2 p.m. Aug. 26 EAST STROUDSBURG Noon Aug. 29 CALIFORNIA, PA 8 p.m. Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field teams Sept. 12 LOCK HAVEN 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at Mansfi eld 1:30 p.m. Sept. 1 BLOOMSBURG 3 p.m. • PSAC Playoffs and NCAA Regional Sept. 20 INDIANA, PA 7 p.m. Sept. 5 SALEM INTERNATIONAL 4:30 p.m. Tournaments – Baseball, W-Soccer, Sept. 22 MILLERSVILLE 3 p.m. Sept. 8 at Kutztown 11:30 a.m. Volleyball, W-Tennis Sept. 26 at California, Pa. 4 p.m. Sept. 12 LOCK HAVEN 4 p.m. • Rock Women’s Tennis won a school Sept. 29 at Edinboro Noon Sept. 15 at West Chester Noon record 23 matches Oct. 6 at Bloomsburg 4:30 p.m. Sept. 17 SHIPPENSBURG 3 p.m. • Rock Softball team won a school record Oct. 10 at Indiana, Pa. 4 p.m. Sept. 22 MILLERSVILLE 1 p.m. 26 games Oct. 13 CHARLESTON 3 p.m. Sept. 26 at California, Pa. 2 p.m. • Head Football Coach George Mihalik Oct. 15 WHEELING JESUIT 3 p.m. Sept. 29 at East Stroudsburg Noon became SRU’s all-time victory leader Oct. 18 CLARION 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at Bloomsburg 2 p.m. with 127 wins Oct. 20 WEST CHESTER 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at Wheeling Jesuit 7 p.m. • Head Baseball Coach Jeff Messer won Oct. 24 at Lock Haven 3 p.m. Oct. 13 KUTZTOWN 1 p.m. his 700th game and is the state’s 2nd Oct. 30 PSAC quarterfi nal games Oct. 16 at Shippensburg 1 p.m. all-time leader in victories Nov. 2 PSAC semifi nal games Oct. 20 WEST CHESTER 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Lock Haven 1 p.m. • PSAC Coaches of the Year – John Papa Nov. 4 PSAC championship game Oct. 27 at Millersville 2 p.m. (Indoor Track & Field), Laurie Lokash Nov. 9 NCAA fi rst-round games Nov. 11 NCAA second-round games Oct. 31 PSAC semifi nal games (Volleyball) Nov. 16 NCAA quarterfi nal games Nov. 3 PSAC championship game • Women’s Water Polo Coach Jim Nov. 29 +NCAA semifi nal games Nov. 8 NCAA fi rst-round games Yeamans became the school’s all-time Dec. 1 +NCAA championship game Nov. 10 NCAA second-round games leader with 265 wins + in Orange Beach, Ala. Nov. 17 NCAA quarterfi nal games • Women’s Lacrosse and Field Hockey Nov. 30 +NCAA semifi nal games programs began varsity play VOLLEYBALL Dec. 2 +NCAA championship game Aug.25-26 at Shepherd (W. Va.) Ram Rumble + in Orange Beach, Ala. SRU hosts two pro teams Aug. 31- at California, Pa. tournament The myth that “There’s nothing to do Sept. 1 CROSS COUNTRY in Slippery Rock” was notably refuted Sept. 7-8 at Indiana, Pa. tournament Aug. 25 ALUMNI RACE in the summer of 2007 when SRU served Sept. 11 CLARION 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Anchorage Invitational Sept. 15 at Indiana, Pa. Invitational as the host site for two professional Sept. 15 at Edinboro 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at Lock Haven 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at Juniata Eagle Invitational sports franchises. Sept. 25 CALIFORNIA, PA 7 p.m. Oct. 6 SRU INVITATIONAL The Slippery Rock Sliders of the Sept. 28 [1] Kutztown 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at Penn State National Frontier Baseball League played their Sept. 29 [1] Cheyney 10 a.m. Invitational inaugural season’s home Sept. 29 [1] at Millersville 4 p.m. Oct. 27 PSAC Championships games at Jack Critchfi eld Oct. 2 at Indiana, Pa. 7 p.m. in Kutztown Park, while N. Kerr Thompson Oct. 5-6 at Wheeling Jesuit tournament Nov. 3 NCAA Division II Stadium served for the Oct. 9 at Clarion 7 p.m. East Regional in Lock Haven second successive season Oct. 12-13 at Tiffi n (Ohio) tournament Nov. 17 NCAA Division II as the home of the New Oct. 16 EDINBORO 7 p.m. National in Joplin, Mo. Castle Thunder of the North Oct. 19 [2] East Stroudsburg 5 p.m. American Football League. Oct. 20 [2] Shippensburg 10 a.m. WOMEN’S TENNIS Oct. 20 [2] West Chester 4 p.m. Sept. 12 ALLEGHENY 5 p.m. The fact that two pro fran- Oct. 23 LOCK HAVEN 7 p.m. Sept. 15 MILLERSVILLE TBA chises have chosen SRU as Oct. 24 POINT PARK 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at West Chester TBA its home “says a lot about our University Oct. 30 at California, Pa. 7 p.m. Sept. 22-25 ITA Eastern Championships and facilities and what we have to offer,” Nov. 3 INDIANA, PA 2 p.m. in Bloomsburg Rock Athletic Director Paul Lueken Nov. 9 PSAC quarterfi nals Sept. 27 at West Liberty State 3:30 p.m. said. “The Thunder and Sliders brought Nov. 9 PSAC semifi nals Oct. 6-7 PSAC Individual Championships a lot of people to SRU and the Slippery Nov. 10 PSAC championship in Bloomsburg Rock community, which gave us tremen- Nov. 15-17 NCAA playoffs fi rst Oct. 11-14 ITA Small College National dous exposure, plus it helped our schol- and second-round games Championships in Mobile, AL arship program and the local economy.” Nov. 29 NCAA quarterfi nal matches www.SRU.eduwww.SRU.edu 35 Advancement News Barbara Ender brings new leadership to University advancement

During her tenure in higher education, Barbara A. Ender has learned a lot about the value of building strong relationships with university constituents and fostering a “culture of giving.” Now she is looking forward to using those skills to benefi t Slippery Rock University as the new vice president for University advancement. “She is an experienced leader and fundraiser,” Robert Smith, University president, said. “I am confi dent her style will serve the institution well as we strive to create the strongest advance- ment division possible.” Ender, who arrived in Slippery Rock this summer, was most recently vice president for development at Morehead State University, where her efforts resulted in a 10 percent increase in annual gift income and a 3 percent increase in alumni participation. Morehead’s foundation assets increased from $15 million to $30 million under Ender’s leadership during six years in Kentucky. “I came here because Slippery Rock University has a fi ne reputation and the president is committed to building a strong advancement program,” Ender said. “My goals are to assess the current strengths of the program and build on those strengths to increase support for the University. In addition, I’ll want to expand our development efforts to involve more alumni in the progress of the University.” Collectively, alumni can make a huge difference in the lives of students, Ender said. Currently, 95 percent of University sup- porters give less than $1,000 each year. Barbara A. Ender “We need to increase both the number of donors and the level of giving in order to achieve our goals,” she said. “Every gift Alumni relations was recently moved into the advancement divi- makes a difference.” sion, because their efforts to engage alumni are an integral part of the division’s mission. ‘I came here because Slippery Rock University has Ender has held a number of leadership positions in higher education. She began her career in advancement in 1991 at a fi ne reputation and the president is committed Indiana University of Pennsylvania as director of corporate and to building a strong advancement program.’ foundation relations. She then became executive director of the foundation at IUP from 1997 – 2001, where she managed a When most alumni attended SRU, the state funded more than $25-million endowment and led development efforts as the half of their education costs. Diminishing support from the state senior development offi cer. makes private contributions more crucial than ever, she said. Ender received a bachelor’s in education with majors in Today, students and their families have to absorb more than 60 English and speech from West Virginia University, a master’s percent of the cost. That’s a signifi cant shift in educational sup- degree in education counseling and student personnel from port, Ender noted, and said that is one of the reasons 80 percent the University of Akron and has 15 hours of doctoral credits in of the students graduate with an average debt of $20,000. higher education administration from the University of Georgia. “Private support can help SRU students realize their dream of She was selected to participate in Harvard’s Institute for the getting a college education,” Ender said. “And that is especially Management of Lifelong Education. important for universities such as Slippery Rock where two-thirds “I am excited about working with President Smith, the leader- of the students are the fi rst in their families to attend college.” ship team at the University, and our advancement staff to attract At SRU, Ender currently manages a staff of 12, which includes higher levels of private support for the many exciting things hap- development, the SRU Foundation and alumni relations. pening at Slippery Rock University,” she said.

36 The ROCK Fall 2007 Giving to SRU is a FAMILY

John Reed aaffairffair

The Campbell, Manchester, Conway and Harper fami- Dorothy “Dot,” ’46, and Duane “Jake,” ’56, Conway lies share a belief that Slippery Rock University changed have maintained close ties to Slippery Rock University their lives and that they can improve the lives of students and the friends they made on campus. The couple met now and in the future through gifts to the University. in Slippery Rock while Dorothy, whose maiden name Each family gave $20,000 or more this year to endow is Book, was a student. “Because of the war, the cam- scholarships, and each family found a way to make a gift pus was down to about 100 students, and I was study- that worked for their particular fi nancial situation. ing to be a teacher,” Dorothy Conway said. Grateful Anne Reed Campbell, ’46, and her husband, Robert to the GI Bill for making Duane’s education possible, Campbell, wanted to make sure the Reed Family the couple created the Duane and Dorothy Conway Scholarship, an annual scholarship they established Scholarship to help future generations. The Conways Anne and Robert Campbell in 2005 through yearly $1,250 gifts, would become endowed the scholarship with a $25,000 gift. an endowed scholarship and a permanent reminder of “We did it because we love the University,” Dorothy the Reeds’ strong ties to SRU. More than two-dozen Conway said. “It was a great place to earn a degree. It Reed family members have attended or graduated from was a lot of fun – and it is all family. I am very proud SRU. The Campbells made a $50,000 gift to the SRU of my Slippery Rock University connections.” Foundation, Inc., to fund a charitable gift annuity. The Conway family tradition of supporting the mis- The annuity provides them with income during their sion of Slippery Rock University extends to Duane lifetime and will endow the scholarship as a legacy gift. Conway’s brother and sister-in-law, John and Kathryn “With so many family members benefi ting from Conway. John Conway is a longtime member of the Slippery Rock University, we thought it was the right SRU Foundation board. The couple established the thing to do as a way of giving back. The scholarship is John and Kathryn Conway Music Scholarship in 1998. Ron and June Manchester open to anyone,” said Anne Reed Campbell. “We also In December 2006, the two made a $10,000 gift to saw this as a fi tting way to carry on the family name.” grow the scholarship and contributed $30,000 to the Ron, ’53, and June Manchester used a charitable planned Performing Arts Center at SRU. IRA rollover provision of the federal income tax law to Howard, ’52, and Jeanne Reed Harper, along with make their $21,000 gift to establish an endowed schol- their son, David, now an ophthalmologist in North arship in memory of their daughter Sue Manchester Carolina, funded the Dorothy K. Caster and Myrtle K. Hunt who died in 2001. Wilson Scholarship at SRU in memory of two beloved “Sue was a talented, intelligent, compassionate and women in their family. The endowed scholarship was beautiful person who loved music. As a tribute to her created with a $20,000 gift to the University. passion, we designed Sue’s scholarship to assist a student Howard Harper attended SRU on his way to becoming studying voice or instrumental music at Slippery Rock,” an English professor at the University of North Carolina. Dorothy and Duane Conway Manchester said. In addition to Ron Manchester, While studying at SRU, he met his wife-to-be, then a stu- the couple’s son Sidney and his wife, Martha Sekerak dent at Jamison School of Nursing in nearby New Castle. Manchester, are both 1976 SRU graduates. Dorothy K. Castner, Jeanne Harper’s mother, had “We were both helped with $500 scholarships back in graduated from SRU during its days as a Normal ‘I am very 1948. It was a big help. We always thought we would like School and had taught in the Donora area before mar- proud of my to help a student in the same way, and when the IRA roll- riage and children. She returned to SRU to work in the over opportunity became available we took advantage of Grille and later in Maltby Library. Her sister, Myrtle Slippery Rock it,” Manchester said. Both he and his wife are now retired K. Wilson, also graduated from the Normal School and spent time this summer traveling Europe. and taught in one-room schools and in the Sligo area University The charitable IRA rollover provision used by the until her retirement at age 65. “It was a family of teach- Manchesters only remains in effect until Dec. 31. The ers,” said Jeanne Harper, who also said her mother and connections.’ tax change permits those ages 70½ and older to make a aunt were “dedicated to students.” gift from an IRA withdrawal used to fund the gift to be It is fi tting that their legacy continues through a schol- counted toward the minimum required distribution. arship at SRU to help future generations of SRU students.

www.SRU.edu 37 SRU Foundation Donor Report

Alumni and friends of Slippery Rock University annually pro- the University reports more than 6,400 alumni and friends con- vide charitable gift support allowing the University to remain at tributed nearly $2.1 million. the forefront of higher education. These fi nancial gifts provide The following report covers those who contributed $1,000 tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship support for deserving or more between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. The entire and talented students. Scholarship support allows SRU to con- University community appreciates and benefi ts from the leader- tinue to attract academically gifts students. A substantial portion ship and commitment of its donors and supporters. of gift donations goes to help purchase instructional materials, Those interested in learning more about making contributions lab equipment and computers and software as well as support to Slippery Rock University are urged to contact the Offi ce of student international travel. Some gifts help students and faculty University Advancement at 724.738.2004. attend and participate in academic specifi c conferences. Each donor of $1,000 or more is listed individually where Slippery Rock University is proud to publicly acknowledge its possible. charitable support as part of The Rock magazine. For 2006-07,

$200,000 + Pamela Joan (Minoski) Runac `69 Irene Watson Ramona Smith Anonymous (1) Gayle Shiner Wise Physical Therapy and Sports Robert M. Smith J. William Shiner Medicine Barbara Springer SRU Student Government Janet Wise Michael R. Springer $50,000 - $99,999 Association, Inc. Scott Allan Wise `90 State Farm Insurance Company Anonymous (1) James Michael Stracka `80 Richard M. Wukich Champ R. Storch Anna Mary (Reed) Campbell `46 Ronda Sue (Romesburg) Stracka `81 Marjorie L. Storch Robert B. Campbell Tiger Interest I LP K. James Strickland DSF Charitable Foundation $3,000 - $4,999 Kathleen M. Strickland Frederick W. Vincent Jr. `80 Anonymous (4) FISA Foundation Carol Taylor Kathleen Vincent AVI FoodSystems, Inc. Snyder Charitable Foundation Cynthia Rae Taylor `78 Boschele, Inc. Dennis Snyder Robert S. Taylor `78 Kristoffer M. Boschele `98 Kathy (Veronesi) Snyder `71 $5,000 - $9,999 Susan H. Tritt `72 Dacia Charlesworth The Buhl Foundation Rita E. Abent Verizon Gary V. Charmel `86 Allen & O’Hara Development Company Barbara Walwik Jennefer Charmel `86 Barbara B. Blackstone Theodore J. Walwik $25,000 - $49,000 Donna Couillard-Getreuer `74 Michael J. Cleary Jerome F. Bejbl `63 Sheila I. Drohan `74 Exxon Education Foundation Kathleen T. Bejbl `63 General Electric Company Lionel Galway $2,500 - $2,999 Dorothy B. (Book) Conway `46 H. J. Heinz Company Foundation Charles A. Gottschalk `90 Anonymous (2) Duane Lonsdale Conway `56 Eleanor Ruth (Cottrell) Hartzell `39 Donna Gottschalk William O. Boggs Kathryn Conway Herbert F. Hartzell `35 Grove City Medical Center Kim Rene (Vardaro) Coffaro `96 John W. Conway James C. Hughes C. Jay Hertzog Rob J. Coffaro `97 May Emma Hoyt Foundation Judith Hughes Pamela Hertzog Coffaro’s Pizza, Inc. Carolyn C. Rizza Herbert W. Hunt `67 Betty Hess Crawford Counsulting Services Paul F. Rizza Sally J. (Jackson) Lennox `59 Darrell James Hess `54 Jack B. Critchfi eld `55 Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation William C. Lennox `59 William F. Lindgren Mary Critchfi eld The Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust Dean A. Logan `49 ** Maureen Lowe Davic, Inc. Watson Family Frances Logan Jannet E. (Mayer) McCollum `52 Barbara C. Davis `65 Karen J. (McKeag) Watson `73 Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV McDonald’s of Slippery Rock Robert A. Davis Robert J. Watson `70 Mistick/Bridges Construction Carl Thomas McGary `83 DeLysa Descutner Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. William J. McKinney David Nesbit Descutner `74 $20,000 - $24,999 Robert Murray `71 Toni McQuaig Eaton Corporation Community Foundation of Western PA Paul Nolan Minnesota Mining and Edward Jones Grove City and Eastern OH Peter J. Oesterling Sr. `78 Manufacturing Foundation, Inc. First National Bank of Pennsylvania Ronald L. Manchester `53 Louis Pappan Laurel B. Murphy First National Insurance Agency, Inc. June Manchester Patty Pappan National City Bank Karen Ann (Reidmiller) Freed `76 Bonnie A. (Gangone) McElhaney `63 John K. Peterson Jr. of Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh Wayne Herbert Freed `75 North American Society Mary Peterson Nationwide Mutual Insurance Gilbert’s Insurance & Consulting for Sport Management Run for Roch Company Daniel Patrick Gillen `78 Janet L. (Westerwick) Sargert `63 Claire R. Schmieler `87 Michele Phillips Monique Gillen Laurice F. Sargert Susan E. (Newell) Schmitt `68 Ranbar Technology, Inc. Highmark William J. Schmitt `65 Rotary International Foundation Bonnie Luckock H. Charles Shultz `54 Barbara Russell Harry Kenneth Luckock $10,000 - $19,999 Constance K. Smith Randall L. C. Russell `66 Bill Matesich David K. Harper G. Warren Smith S Rock Development LLC Carol J. Matteson `68 Howard M. Harper `52 Stackpole-Hall Foundation Jane Scott-Cleary Eric M. Minoski Jeanne Harper Beverly L. (Lauffer) Suhr `52 Student Government National Network Digital Schools McKesson Foundation, Inc. Henry B. Suhr Jr. Association Bookstore Glenn Nelson Therese (Hudacek) Phillips `52 SunTrust Charles H. Sheetz `74 Ramona Nelson PPG Industries Foundation The Triangle Tech Group Gail Sheetz PepsiCo

38 The ROCK Fall 2007 Sources of Gift Income

Associations Quality Aggregates, Inc. Roger L. Oberlin Slippery Rock University Foundations Cecilia O’Hare Alumni Association Corporations G. Patrick O’Hare `65 A. Lee (Hauer) Williams `91 Faculty and Staff Jerome F. O’Malley William F. Williams Theresa O’Malley Friends WTW Architects Joyce L. Patterson `76 Alumni Mindy Pedacchio $2,000 - $2,499 Patrick Pendergast Associations $ 139,027 7% Rebecca (Henderson) Pendergast `88 Anonymous (4) Foundations $ 331,101 16% Nancy Aebersold Joyce Penrose Corporations $ 447,579 21% Pepsi Bottling Group Robert N. Aebersold Faculty and Staff $ 108,006 5% M. Kate Brennan Mary Hulton Phillips Friends $ 333,680 16% P.I.A.A. District 10 Joanne Carothers Alumni $ 734,422 35% Raymond E. Carothers `73 Dean Piccirillo `89 David O. Cashdollar `74 Monica Piccirillo Michael Kelly Bachuchin `76 Julea Partners L.P. Nicholas Jon Pici `96 Kathleen Cashdollar Deborah A. Baker Richard David Julian `80 Linda Cohen Fred B. Roby `53 Eliott G. Baker Kenneth Joseph Kanfoush `79 Mary (Pavlich) Roby Mark J. Cohen Elizabeth Ann Berkely `70 Dianna L. (McCandless) Kelly `73 Dobson Communications Corporation Ann Marie Rotge Paula G. Brestensky Donald Shields Kelly `56 Larry R. Rotge Vincent Furtkevic `73 Bernice G. Brown Keystone Real Estate Group Janis Hall Gail Sabanosh `76 Butler County Symphony Karen Kiefer John Anton Samsa `83 Terry L. Hall `71 Association, Inc. Samuel M. Kiefer `79 Carol L. (Grolemund) Holland `86 Charles Samuel Sanders `86 Dean Vansant Camp `80 Barbara R. (Rich) Kimball `75 Elisa Sanders ING, Inc. Diane Camp Jean Klein Phyllis A. Kendziorski Maureen M. Saraka Carol Catanese Melvin L. Klein `49 Michael Peter Saraka `89 Stanley Kendziorski August J. Catanese `66 Alicia Stackhouse Kopp `86 Marcy J. Leeds Blase S. Scarnati Wilma J. Cavill `52 Kevin R. Kopp Mary Scarnati Henry Lenz Timothy Chase The Landon Family Foundation Linda L. Lenz `92 Regis I. Schiebel `57 Joan C. Condravy Carl L. Laughner `49 Mark A. Shotwell Harry Liederbach Dennis P. Cousins `69 Norma A. (Watson) Laughner `48 Donna Lowry `60 Slippery Rock Bartramian Audubon John H. Cummings Jr. `84 Ann Lueken Society Robert A. Lowry `48 Julia Cummings Marilyn Lueken Michael H. Sharp & Associates P.C. Specialized Staffi ng, Inc. Gerald Davis Paul A. Lueken SRU Math Department Catherine Miller Mimi Davis Matthew David Maritz `98 Joette L. Miller `73 Bonnie Steel Cynthia Ann Dillon `96 David J. Marki `80 Mack J. Steel Wayne L. Miller `71 Amy Dixon Tina Marki Patrick R. Mooney `60 Elaine M. Sullivan `74 David D. Dixon `76 Lillian Grace Martin `46 Barbara Szymanski Virginia Mooney The Dolan Group, LLC Susanne L. (Lyons) Maxey `57 Jessie K. Padchonga Andrzej Szymanski Heather Dunlap Allen W. McClymonds Sandra L. (Rosser) Thomas `72 PJAS Region 9 Roger A. Dunlap `94 Melissa McClymonds David A. Sabolcik `98 Caryn S. Trapp David Ernes BJ McCombs Hallie Trautman Kristin Sabolcik Lynne Marie (Gorse) Ernes `78 Darlene McCommon Clara C. Settlemire Timothy Trautman `73 Wealtha Mae (Adamosky) Flick `57 Mark Andrew McCommon `78 Vance Wright Adams Michael Howard Sharp `83 Raymond Richard Flickner `56 Regina M. McDonald `73 Slippery Rock Giant Eagle & Associates, Inc. Florida Corporate Realty George F. McDowell `82 Venango Center Creative Development South Rock/Stonecrest Apartments George T. Force Joanne L. McKeag `55 Michael D. Steele Jon Vichich Gamma Sigma Sigma Bruce McKim `86 Naomi N. (Neilson) Vichich `70 Jane Teague David L. Geesey `56 Ellen McKim Norman B. Teague The Wachovia Corporation LaVonne Geesey Douglas McMullen Wal-Mart Foundation Nick P. Trombetta `76 George M. Geissel Linda McMullen Ed Tursic `62 Donald F. Walter `57 Roberta Geissel Barbara M. McNeal Pauline R. (Riffl e) Walter `57 Jeffrey William Wangler `81 UBS Foundation USA Thomas M. McPherson Iris Wilcox Judith Weber Pamela Grigg Gertrude Meixner Michael Stephen Weber `85 Kenneth L. Wilcox `89 Gulati Family Foundation Trust Zane R. M. Meixner `49 Marvin L. Wilenzik J. Kenneth Willison Jr. `62 Lori A. (Way) Gulati `91 Howard E. Meyer Betty Ann (Heny) Wingard `61 Nancy L. (McCracken) Wilenzik `65 Howard E. Hammonds Jr. `68 Norma Meyer Judith L. Zarenko `71 Harold Wingard `60 Susan E. Hannam Richard H. Minehart `61 Arthur C. Wodiska Barbara J. Hannan Laurie Mollenhauer Carol Lee (Anderson) Woodward `61 $1,000 - $2,999 Robert W. Hannan `61 Robert J. Mollenhauer Richard Woodward Anonymous (4) Virginia K. (Lengyel) Haupt `57 Joseph Monteleone Amanda A. Yale Nancy Allenbaugh Francene E. Haymon Mario Edgar Moreira `84 Mark Yale William G. Allenbaugh II `90 Annette Heinz Seeme (Baqai) Moreira `85 Janet Yeckley American Society of Safety Kurt Raymond Heinz `76 National Foundation, Inc. Robert Quentin Yeckley `74 Engineers S. Donald Hindman `57 New Castle High School Mark Thomas Young `80 Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Rose Hindman North Country Brewing Company Rosie Young John Nicholas Anderson `69 Patricia A. Hladio North Pittsburgh Telephone Systems Donald Zapien Autism Opportunities Network Karen Hunt Harry A. Norton `85 Jennifer Zapien of PA, Inc. Ronald J. Hunt `73 Nancy Norton Patricia Zyroll Maria A. (DeMarino) Bachuchin `76 Patricia Jargiello Jarrett Mary Oberlin Samuel Zyroll Jr. `78 www.SRU.edu 39 ROCK FILE

GENERATION NEXT: Young donors make an impact For two recent Slippery Rock University graduates the path to helping support their alma mater began with years of student involvement in campus organizations and sports. For David Sabolcik, a ’98 SRU graduate and former Rock football player, and his wife, Kristin, the need to “give back” was clear. Likewise for Brad Kovaleski who received his undergraduate degree in Spanish in 2001 and his master’s degree in student personnel in ’03. Lillian Martin, ’46 The Sabolicks began their fi nancial sup- port in 2004, then, following the death of his Home: New Wilmington. brother John Boucher last August, the family Age: Will be 83 later this year. saw the need to bolster its University support through a scholarship named in John’s mem- Profession: Retired after 38 years as a faculty member ory. Thus far they have provided more than Kritstin and David Sabolcik at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. $3,225 to help support University programs, Hobbies: Gardening, sewing, traveling in the com- including matching funds offered through munity and keeping in touch with a group Kristin Sabolcik’s employer. of fellow SRU graduates. “Because I had the good fortune to go through college on an athletic scholarship, I Great Learning to drive an automobile – am very grateful for that opportunity. I wanted accomplishment: something that was primary in my early to return that opportunity for other young life. Then earning my teaching certifi cate. men and women,” Sabolcik said. He is execu- Why I give: I don’t remember when I started donating tive director of fundraising for the local club to SRU, but it has been more than 20 years, of the athletic department at the University of and it is a way to help the next generation. New Mexico. I set aside a private annuity ($35,000) to The Sabolciks also participated in the “Locker Brad Kovaleski help launch the Legacy Society. Room of Champions” project that provided new football locker facilities at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium. Kovaleski, involved in numerous campus activities as a stu- Mark Your Calendar dent, is assistant dean of students at Franklin and Marshall • October 13, 2007...... Homecoming, “Rockopoly” College working with a 2,000-member student body. • October 13, 2007...... “Sunset Serenade Celebration,” “I started donating my fi rst year out, 2004, by becoming Storm Harbor Equestrian Center’s fi rst a lifetime member of the SRU Alumni Association. I joined fundraising event dedicated to building because I had been involved in planning homecoming and I an endowment for the Center saw the benefi ts. I also saw how happy alumni were when they returned to campus...and how involved they were,” he said. • November 17, 2007 ...Celebration of Giving Since graduation he has contributed regularly and has returned for homecoming nearly every year. In addition to his homecoming connections, Kovaleski was The President’s Scholarship a community assistant, a member of the University Program Gala is scheduled for Board and served as a vice president in the Student Government May 17, 2008, at the Association. As a master’s student, he was the graduate assistant Pittsburgh Marriott for UPB. North in Cranberry. He sees SRU and his current work as “mirrors…I was sur- This upscale event will help prised at the similarities, not in traditions, but in the growth on deserving students attend SRU. campus and the work to improve the quality of education and The Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc., is the sponsor. the quality of students.” The evening will include a recep- Kovaleski, who recently took up skydiving, said, “At my cur- tion, dinner, dancing and remarks rent institution, alumni have a strong tradition of giving back, by special guests. and I guess some of that has already rubbed off on me challeng- ing me to support my alma mater.”

40 The ROCK Fall 2007 A CONVERSATION WITH …

A Conversation with… Thomas Gordon Thomas Gordon, professor of elementary education/early childhood, joined SRU in 1992. Q A He teaches early childhood classes and supervises student teaching programs, including those & in Ireland and Mexico. His master’s and doctoral degrees are from the University of North Carolina/Greensboro. His undergraduate degree is from Duquesne University. He is the proud father of three children, two of whom are teachers.

Q: Slippery Rock University has trouble keeping up with my students’ is, will our society be better off with always excelled at teacher preparation. technological knowledge. more teachers or more lawyers? What quality must every great teacher possess and how does SRU inspire Q: More and more schools require Q: What gives you the most satisfac- excellence? teachers to have master’s degrees or tion as an educator? other advanced training. Do you sup- A: In elementary and early childhood, port this trend? What about veteran A: My students. I think we’re lucky to the qualities of warmth, caring, enthu- teachers: Should they be required to be in education at SRU. Many of our siasm and skill in the art of teaching continue their education beyond Act students have wanted to be teachers are crucial. At SRU, our highly skilled, 48 requirements? since they were young. They’re com- expert faculty strive to inspire excellence mitted to the profession, are bright, through caring and the high standards A: Yes, education is so crucial and hard working and ethical young people. that we set for students and self. We are change so rapid that we must commit Honestly, I feel confi dent with the committed to working with individual to lifelong learning. In my experience, future in their hands. students. teachers continue their growth and learn- ing whether it’s required or not. Q: What would people be surprised Q: Why did you become a teacher? to learn about you? Q: Maintaining student achievement A: I really enjoy being around young while coping with funding cutbacks is A: Things that I can’t mention here. people and feel that as a teacher I can a major challenge for all schools. How help guide their development. Our soci- can our schools maintain quality? ety needs committed, compassionate and competent citizens, and I get a sense of A: We should never accept funding meaning by contributing to their growth. cutbacks to education. If we hope for a bright future for our society, educa- Q: What is the most important issue tion funding should be one of our top confronting teacher education today? priorities. At all levels, from preschool to universities, schools are suffering from A: The issues all relate to providing a lack of adequate fi nances. As we fund equality in education. All children schools through local property taxes, the deserve a system that is responsive to lack of funds is the worst in the poorest their needs. Closely related, No Child areas. So, we have created a system where Left Behind (NCLB) is massively harm- the children who need the most get the ing education through the reliance on least. It’s really very shameful. tests as a sole measure of progress. Q: Are teachers over or under paid? Q: How has SRU kept up with the technology boom? A: The comparison should be with other highly demanding, skilled professions. A: In the College of Education, we As an example, lawyers right out of law infuse technology into our classes. Thus, school can go to the large fi rms and earn we not only teach the technology skills at least twice as much as a top teacher but also demonstrate how to use them with more education and 18 to 20 years in the classroom. But, honestly, I have experience. And, of course, the question

www.SRU.edu 41 SNAPSHOTS

DEMOLITION OF Founders Hall Going, going, gone… but not forgotten Founders Hall, where thousands of students discovered communal living, late night study sessions and group antics, has faded into his- tory. “I remember the walls of the seventh fl oor being painted to match the Monopoly board,” recalled Gerry Stebbins, a ’90 SRU graduate and Founders resident hall director. Cranes and heavy machines rolled in to demolish Founders recently as part of the $130-million campus residence hall replacement project. Founders opened in 1974 and housed 600 students a semester. Over its 30-year history, some 18,000 students lived there. “There was a big social space in the basement. They did a pie-in-the face of an RA a couple times a year to raise money for charity,” Stebbins said. “I remember students just hanging around, and I remember all the fi re alarms, it seemed like there were more there than other halls.” “I remember late-night antics on the fl oors and in the rooms. I had one friend who used to stay up all night and then sleep until 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. He’d begin his day by going to dinner at Boozel, ” said Duane Wilson, ’85, communication and business. “I remember the ROTC boys always falling asleep in the lounge area after returning from P.T. in the morning,” said student Christine Leszcaynski. The SRU Offi ce of Advancement salvaged bricks and is engraving them with the Founders name. The keepsakes are available for $100. Call 724.738.2004 for more information.

42 42 The The ROCK ROCK Fall Fall 2007 2007 Slippery Rock University is proud to present the 2007-08

• Golden Dragon Acrobats Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, 7:30 p.m. Mixing breathtaking acrobatics and stunning aerial feats with spectacular costumes and contemporary theatrical techniques, the Golden Dragon Acrobats present a show for all ages that is both thrilling and spellbinding. • Maureen McGovern Saturday, December 1, 2007, 7:30 p.m. Called the singer with the “Stradivarius voice,” McGovern’s brilliant career has spanned 35 years. She has received ac- colades from critics everywhere. This stunning perfor mance will include her classic hits as well as holiday tunes. The SRU Concert Choir will add to the evening’s festivities. • Philadanco Friday, February 8, 2008, 7:30 p.m. These highly skilled dancers perform innovative works by American choreographers. “Sheer pleasure radiates from this modern-dance troupe,” says the New York Times. • Five Guys Named Moe Saturday, March 29, 2008, 7:30 p.m. An international sensation, this tribute to composer Louis Jordan will keep your toes tapping to songs like “Let the Good Times Roll,” “Caldonia,” “ Choo Choo Ch’Boogie” and many more. SPECIAL EVENT FOR FAMILIES • Charlotte’s Web Friday, May 23, 2008, 7 p.m. TheatreworksUSA’s production is based on E.B. White’s lov- ing story of the friendship between a pig and a little gray spider. This treasured tale explores bravery, selfl ess love, and the true meaning of friendship. (Approx. one-hour in length) All performances are in Miller Auditorium on the SRU campus. Tickets sell quickly. Buy your subscriptions early. For details regarding these events call Slippery Rock University’s Offi ce of Public Relations, 724.738.2091 or visit our Web site at www.SRU.edu and click on Fine and Performing Arts Calendars.

www.SRU.edu A member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education www.SRU.edu 43 TheI ROCKam Jason Kush, ’04, music education, music teacher, performer and doctoral candidate in saxophone performance at the University of Miami

DAY JOB: I teach saxophone at the University of Miami and lead two quartets.

MOONLIGHT: I perform at a wide variety of South Florida venues and have accom- panied The Temptations and O’Jays. I play all styles: jazz, rhythm and blues, big band, pop and classical.

NOTEWORTHY: I play nine instruments, including the unwieldy, rarely used bass saxophone. It takes a lot of air but it produces the most haunting sounds.

SRU INFLUENCE: I owe much of my suc- cess to the supreme faculty at Slippery Rock University, with whom I had the pleasure to study, particularly (music faculty) Terry Steele and Stephen Hawk. These professors signifi cantly impacted my life and continue to provide mentor- ship as my career progresses. I received several music scholarships. I am a member of the Alumni Association and contribute to the SRU Annual Fund. I believe in SRU and what is going on in the music department.

1 Morrow Way Slippery Rock, PA 16057-1326 rock solid education www.SRU.edu