Slippery Rock University Magazine TheROCK WINTER 2013

Color My World Kaleidoscope Arts Festival April 16-28 VIEW from the ROCK TheROCK Volume 15, Number 1

Council of Trustees: Eric L. Holmes, Chairperson John A. Hicks, Vice-Chairperson Robert Marcus, Secretary Courtney Baker-Schroat Thomas Breth Grace O. Hawkins Dennis E. Murray Robert S. Taylor Suzanne A. Vessella Joshua B. Young President Cheryl Norton Cabinet • Philip Way Dear Friends, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs • Charles Curry February may be the shortest month of the year, but it certainly was a great month for Vice President for Finance and Administrative Affairs ‘gifts’ to the University. • Barbara Ender In early February, after nearly two years of negotiations, the Pennsylvania State Vice President for University Advancement System of Higher Education and APSCUF, the union representing the faculty system- • Constance Foley Vice President for Student Affairs wide reached a tentative agreement that averted a potential job action. As I write this, • Rita Abent the contract must still be ratified by the Board of Governors, but I am encouraged a Executive Director for University Public Relations settlement is within reach and there should be no interruption in classes. • Tina Moser A major contributor to the negotiation process was our own William Williams. Bill Assistant to the President retired in February as provost and vice president for academic affairs but not before Academic Leadership helping to bring home a contract as a member of the bargaining team. One might say • Kurt Schimmel Dean, College of Business, Information and Social Sciences it was his parting gift to PASSHE, APSCUF and SRU. A story in this edition of the • Keith Dils magazine chronicles his 32-year SRU career. With Bill’s departure, the University wel- Dean, College of Education comed Philip Way as our chief academic officer. Philip comes to us from the University • Susan Hannam Dean, College of Health, Environment and Science of Alabama at Birmingham. You’ll have the opportunity to meet him at a variety of • Eva Tsuquiashi-Daddesio events this year and I’m sure you’ll agree he is the right person to help us build upon our Dean, College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts current strengths to achieve new heights. Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania On the heels of the tentative agreement, Gov. Tom Corbett announced his proposed State System of Higher Education budget included “flat funding” for the 14 state-owned and four state-related universities. Guido M. Pichini, Chairperson This was certainly good news compared to the past two years when higher education Marie Conley, Vice-Chairperson appropriations were cut. Nearly 75 percent of the revenue that pays for the operation of the Aaron A. Walton, Vice-Chairperson Sen. Richard Alloway II University now comes from students. This is a burden that many of our students and their Rep. Matthew E. Baker families are finding hard to bear, and one of the reasons why we continue to ask each of Governor Thomas W. Corbett you to remain generous in your support of Slippery Rock University. We must insure that Sara Dickson this, and future generations, always have access to The Rock. Rep. Michael K. Hanna Those of you who’ve been around the commonwealth much longer than I under- Ronald G. Henry Laura Ellsworth stand much can happen between the time the Governor proposes a budget and one is Bonnie L. Keener finally passed. During this period, it’s important for you to share your SRU story with Jonathan B. Mack your legislator. Alumni success demonstrates a return on investment of state dollars Joseph F. McGinn legislators understand. Harold C. Shields Robert S. Taylor Speaking of alumni success, another gift I received this month was the privilege of Sec. Ronald J. Tomalis welcoming Robert Stevens, ’76, back to campus. Bob, currently the executive chairman David Wolfe of Lockheed Martin, grew up the son of a steelworker and was the first in his family to Sen. John T. Yudichak attend college. He used that opportunity and personal initiative to become one of the Peter H. Garland, Acting Chancellor, most accomplished business leaders in the world. Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education During his visit, he spoke to students about leadership and the importance of hon- esty, integrity and character. He had the standing-room-only crowd mesmerized when he told them, “leadership potential resides in everyone. But more than the potential, I believe it is everybody’s responsibility to find those moments in time where your leader- ship, and only your leadership, will be essential to what outcomes you can achieve.” Finding one’s moments. A message we all need to embrace.

Cheryl Norton President 2 The ROCK WinterWinter 20132013 www.SRU.edu 3 To our readers When I enrolled at Slippery Rock University Contents: W inter 2013 in 1985, my favorite professor was a bearded, often-smiling English professor who taught Shakespeare, George Orwell and Robert Frost. It was Bill Williams. A profile in this edition of The ROCK pays tribute 10 Adieu to Williams’ important influence on the institution he’s called home for 32 years and reveals a lot about the man. Williams retired in February after 16 SLAB: serving as professor, English department chair, union leader and provost. As his favorite bard said, here today, “parting is such sweet sorrow.” here to stay Rock alumni, especially baby boomers, share a common childhood memory – summer camp. The experience sure has changed. SRU offers a diverse range of camps, including those of an 20 ‘In my heart forever’ academic vein, for campers ages 13 to 70. It’s the uber publication for student liter- ary enthusiasts – Sound and Literary Art Book 21 Slippery Rock (SLAB) magazine. You will read about the 200-page publication that gives students a University enters chance to work with professional writers and New Era publish their own fiction, poetry and visual art. We also invite you to learn about University supporters like Anita Rathburn, who made an important contribution to Storm Harbor 25 d on’t you Equestrian Center, and learn about the commit- dare call it ment of others who care so much about the University. ‘Camp Rock-O-Kwee’ Thank you for your interest in The ROCK. Gordon Ovenshine, ’88 Editor, The Rock [email protected]

The ROCK The ROCK is published three times annually by the Office of University Public Relations for alumni and friends of the University. Send address changes to: University Public Relations 201 Old Main 1 Morrow Way Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Credits Executive Editor: Rita Abent, executive director, University Public Relations. Editor: Gordon Ovenshine, senior writer, University Public Relations. Designer: Sandy Busch, publications manager; Aaron Moore, graphic designer, University Public Relations. Contributors: Bob McComas, sports information direc- tor; Jon Holtz, assistant sports information director. Photographers: University Public Relations; Alumni About the cover Relations; SRU alumni. Jessica Keeley, an art major from The Rock is an Educational Advertising, Collegiate Advertising and CUPRAP (Cuppie) award winner. New Castle, created this palette knife University Vision Statement painting in the art department’s Slippery Rock University will excel as a caring community “Synthesis Painting 206” class. of lifelong learners connecting with the world. “Encouragement” will be displayed Slippery Rock University is a member during Slippery Rock University’s of the Pennsylvania State System April 16-28 Kaleidoscope Arts Festival. of Higher Education

2 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 33 ROCK bytes

SRU earns College New provost leads way of Distinction honors Philip Way, who has extensive experi- Four Distinctions, a com- ence in academics, strategic planning pany dedicated to higher and student success, joined the Slippery education, has named Rock University family Feb. 4 as the SRU a 2012-13 College provost and vice president for academic of Distinction. SRU was affairs. He replaced William Williams, the only public university who retired in February after a 32-year in Pennsylvania to garner career at SRU. the honor, and one of only Way will provide guidance for all 294 nationally. aspects of academics, including cur- “These schools are among the very riculum, faculty and deans, academic best in North America. Each school goes enterprise, enrollment management and above and beyond the Four Distinctions technology. that really make an undergraduate Way had been associate provost education: Great Students, Engaged for undergraduate programs at the Teaching, Vibrant Communities and University of Alabama at Birmingham. Successful Outcomes,” said Tyson He earned his master’s degree and doc- Schritter, executive editor of the torate from the University of Warwick Colleges of Distinction eGuidebook. in the United Kingdom. He earned his Colleges and universities are nomi- bachelor’s degree from Selwyn College, Cambridge University. nated for participation in Colleges of “This new position represents a big move, not only in relocating, but also in Distinction through high school counsel- bringing new ideas and new directions to the quality academic program that ors’ recommendations as well as quanti- already exists at Slippery Rock University. I have spent my entire professional tative research. career preparing for just such a move. I look forward to meeting the faculty, staff and students and then working together to build on their ideas to further enhance the outstanding programs and academic reputation of the University,” Noreen Herlihy earns Way said. ‘Coach of Year’ honors Noreen Herlihy, head women’s soc- cer coach, was named Pennsylvania State Wind power reduces carbon footprint Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Herlihy, now in her 18th season at the SRU has signed a contract that guarantees 25 percent of the electricity used on helm of the program, earned her third campus this year is generated by wind power. PSAC Coach of the Year honor and her “This year, we invested in a Renewable Energy first since 2003. She has guided the pro- Certificate that is linked to wind energy,” gram to 17 consecutive winning seasons said Paul Scanlon, special with 10 or more wins, which is the eighth- assistant to the president best streak in Division II history. for sustainability planning and operations. “The REC cost us a premium of less than a tenth of a penny per Kwh or 1.7 percent of our normal cost, due to the surge in wind energy installations in the past few years and the rel- atively low demand for elec- tricity in a slow economy.” This program will reduce SRU’s indirect carbon emissions by almost 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide during the year, Scanlon said.

4 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 5 ROCK bytes

Three join Council of Trustees Robert Marcus, ’61, a leader in edu- Pittsburgh cation and business for 40 years, has in 1988. been reappointed to the SRU Council Breth prac- of Trustees for a six-year term ending in tices primarily 2018. Also appointed to the council were in the areas Thomas Breth, esquire, and Courtney of education Baker-Schroat, an accounting, finance law and labor and health services administration major law. He cur- from Pittsburgh. rently provides Robert Marcus, ’61 Thomas Breth Courtney Baker-Schroat, ’16 Breth is a partner in the Butler County legal services law firm of Dillon McCandless King as solicitor, labor counsel, special counsel as the student trustee, is vice president Coulter & Graham, LLP. He received his and/or special education counsel to numer- of the Finance and Economics Club and Juris Doctorate from Capital University ous school districts in western and central secretary of the Future Healthcare Leaders and Law Center in 1992; and a bachelors Pennsylvania. His term expires in 2018. at SRU. Her term runs through Nov. 9, of science degree from the University of Baker-Schroat, who joins the council 2016, or until she graduates.

‘Ms. Math’ earns doctorate at age 77 Rachel McAnallen, ’58, a mathemat- Slippery Rock ics teacher for 54 years, describes math University as “a language to be spoken, an art to be seen, a music to be heard and a dance to By the Numbers be performed.” Called “Ms. Math” by 178 The number of student-athletes who attained Director of her students, McAnallen recently received Athletics Honor Roll status with a 3.5 or higher GPA during her doctorate in educational philosophy fall 2012. Fifty-six student-athletes had a 4.0 GPA and 348 had a 3-3.49 GPA. with an emphasis on gifted from the University of Connecticut. She plans to 817 Total number of residence hall students who earned a 3.5 keep teaching. or higher GPA for the fall 2012 semester. Of these students, “Mathematics is probably one of the 205 earned a 4.0 GPA. hardest subjects for students to learn and 946 Students taking classes during Winter Session 2013, an understand. It is not the fault of the sub- increase of 515 students (+119 percent) compared to last ject itself but the way it is taught,” said year. Winter Session generated 2,821 credit hours. This represents an increase of 1,563 credit hours (+124 percent) McAnallen, who has taught all age groups. compared to the prior year. 1,037 Students requesting tutoring during fall 2012, an increase of 9 percent compared to the prior year. University improves black student graduation rates 2,700 SRU’s success in improving black student graduation rates placed it eighth in Total number of students who provided volunteer service the nation among public institutions showing substantial gains, according to The through the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership during fall 2012. Forty SRU students participated in the Education Trust. SRU’s six-year black student graduation rate was 25.7 percent in CSIL’s first International Care Break, travelling to Jamaica 2004 but improved to 44.1 percent in 2010, an improvement of 18.4 percent. to serve more than 500 citizens. “Our success in this area is primarily due to having a clear set of goals, building a 6,000 Contact hours of tutoring provided by 66 tutors to individu- campus culture focused on improving student als and groups. Freshmen and sophomores submitted learning and success and using data and nearly 75 percent of all tutoring requests. meaningful assessment information to 49,658 drive decisions which help us to reach the Grant dollars awarded to Timothy Smith, school of physi- cal therapy, from the National Science Foundation for a goals. Our recruitment and retention efforts research project, “Collaborative Research: A histological are guided through a campus community and and CT Study of Mid-facial Growth Trajectories in Sub-adult Primates.” culture, which cares about improving student 158,170 learning and success. No single individual, Contributions and pledges to the Campus Family Cam- initiative, effort or department brings paign, an increase of 3 percent compared to last year. Overall participation increased 4 percent compared to last these results about alone. It takes year. a community with a vision for 1,436,801 improving overall student learn- Gifts received by the SRU Foundation for FY 2012-13 as of Dec. 31, 2012, a 23.6 percent increase compared to the ing and success,” said Amanda previous year. Yale, associate provost for 19,791,433 enrollment services. The combined dollar value of the SRU Foundation and SRU Alumni Association “endowments. 4 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 5 ROCK FILE

Therapeutic recreation earns prestigious accreditation SRU’s therapeutic recreation program has joined an elite group of only three other institutions in the United States to earn accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The accreditation runs through Jan. 31, 2018. “Slippery Rock University is proud and pleased to be among the first programs accredited by the CAAHEP. It is another qual- ity accreditation to add to our already lengthy list of accredited academic programs. I’m proud that the academic programs at our University are meeting and exceeding national standards, a step that indicates the quality and leadership of our faculty. Such accreditation sends a clear message to cur- rent and potential students, their parents and post-graduate employers that the academic work undertaken by Slippery Rock University students is indeed top quality,” said Cheryl Norton, SRU president. SRU’s Boliver receives Computer science team Ken Winterhalter, ’86, Recreation Association award takes honors finance A five-member team of computer science majors was awarded the Home: “Best Interview” title at the recent Bradenton, Fl. Supercomputing Conference hosted in Profession: Salt Lake City. The award is given to Chief executive officer for National the team demonstrating to a panel of Envelope, the largest privately held judges the most thorough comprehen- envelope manufacturer in North sion of parallel computer architecture America. and programming. The team, which spent two-and-a- Great accomplishment: half months preparing for the confer- The birth of my children and being the ence’s cluster competition, included: best father I can be for my three boys, Carter Danko of Canfield, Ohio; Alexander, 11, Nolan, 8, and Gavin, 6. Robert Lindenberg from Delmont; Kyle Hobbies: Messner from New Bloomfield, James Bruce Boliver, SRU assistant professor Fishing and golf. Mullen from Franklin; and Michael of parks and recreation, has received the Tasota from Monroeville. David What Slippery Rock University 2012 Resort and Commercial Recreation Valentine, SRU professor of computer means to me: Association Fellowship Award. Boliver is science, accompanied the team. Slippery Rock University is one of the only the sixth person and the first since major pillars upon which my founda- 2008 to receive the award in the 32 years tion is built. Educationally, I believe it it has been in existence. prepared me for the business world and The award, the highest given by the asso- for further education. This is only part ciation, recognizes an individual who is one of it, though. I believe SRU prepared of the top professionals in the field and who me for life. The benefit I received from has contributed to the success of the associa- Greek life (TKE), the on-campus activ- tion. Boliver served as past association presi- ities and all SRU has to offer rounded dent and has been a member since 1984. out my experience and provided a step- “I’m really humbled because of the few ping-off point for the real world. number of recipients and the quality of the recipients who have received this in the past,” Boliver said. Boliver, an SRU professor for 36 years, accepted the award at the Trade Winds Island Grand Resort in St. Petersburg, Fla. More than 35 SRU students majoring in resort recreation management/tourism and 10 alumni attended. “I accepted this on behalf of students and alumni,” Boliver said.

66 The The ROCK ROCK Winter Winter 2013 2013 www.SRU.edu 7 ROCK bytes

Arnhold receives grant to expand teaching program Robert Arnhold, SRU professor of physical education, received a five-year, $1.25 million renewable grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help certi- fied physical education teachers expand their skills in teaching children with disabilities. The grant, which will be paid in $250,000 increments over the five years, will provide scholarship support for nine students annu- ally enrolling fulltime in SRU’s adapted physical activity graduate program. Lori Way Gulati, ’92 Before and beyond the dream Sport management team Home: “Ritualistic Objects,” a solo exhibit captures first Collegeville, Pa. of ceramics and mixed media sculptures A four-member student sport manage- Profession: by Sherif Bey, ’98, was one of a ment team took first place in the inau- After a brief stint as an educator, I’ve number of events offered as part of gural Sports Entertainment and Venues been a stay-at-home mom for the last SRU’s Black History Month. The Tomorrow Conference Case Study 18 years. In addition to raising four Sankofa Village of the Arts kicked off Competition hosted by the University of children, I currently spend a lot of my the celebration by performing West South Carolina. time volunteering for various commu- African rhythms on drums. Other SRU’s team of Kristopher Nolt of nity events and organizations. activities throughout the month Stevens, Kyle Heiden of Reading, Michael included: lectures and panel discussions, Great accomplishment: Perhosky of Scott Township and David My greatest accomplishments revolve a poetry slam, cultural immersion trip, Riederer of Cranberry Township beat fashion show and community outreach around my family. Being able to over- teams from South Dakota, Liberty come the challenges of raising three projects. The celebration concluded University and the University of South with an Ebony Ball. boys and a daughter is a monumental Carolina to bring home the honor. feat for any mom. When it’s all said and done, my greatest hope is that my influence on my children will allow them to become responsible, happy and successful adults. Why I give: I am very fortunate to be in a position to give back. The experience I gained as a student athlete at SRU has helped to shape the person I am today. Sponsoring two annual scholarships for women’s lacrosse players is my way to share the Slippery Rock University experience with other deserving women student athletes. GOING GLOBAL: Eleven new international students joined the SRU community spring semester. They are (from left) Muhammad Momen, a health administration major from Pakistan; Dongeon Kim, a chemistry major from South Korea; Da-Nim Kim, an econom- ics major from South Korea; Yichong Wang, a communication major from China; Na Yeong Kim, an English major from South Korea; Dong-Wook Kim, an economics major from South Korea; Teagan Kenny, a sport management major from Australia; Jordan Schiller, a graduate student in computer science from Canada; Caitlin Boag, a communica- tion major from Scotland; Mina Ko, an economics major from South Korea and Shefali Gupta, an exercise science major from India.

6 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.eduwww.SRU.edu 77 ROCK bytes

Stringer Child Development Center earns accreditation The C. Vivian Stringer Child Development Center in Beaverton, Or., has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The center is named for Vivian Stringer, a 1970 and 1973 SRU graduate and current head women’s basketball coach at Rutgers University. Nike opened the Center in 2008. Stringer named the toddler wing “The Rock” in honor of her years at SRU. NAEYC accreditation means the center meets the highest national stan- dards for quality childcare programs and that the center offers an effective curriculum guided by caring, well- trained professionals. The NAEYC, a professional organiza- tion with more than 90,000 members, promotes excellence in early childhood education.

Doctoral student runs Student athletes score high marks in ‘Styles’ SRU student-athletes met or exceeded the Kara Styles, a doctor of physical therapy national average in 22 of 26 categories of the student from Windber, was named the Division II Academic Success Rate report Champion Scholar of the 2012 Pennsylvania released by the NCAA. Rock student-athletes’ State Athletic Conference Women’s Cross graduation rates on the ASR were 10 or more Country Championships for the second percent higher than the national average in four time. She also captured PSAC Fall Top 10 of a possible five men’s sports, and seven or more honors for her excellence in the classroom percent higher than the national average in six of and field of competition. a possible eight women’s sports. She had a perfect 4.0 grade point average as an undergraduate and maintains a 4.0 as a doctor of physical therapy student. POWERFUL FORCE: Brandon Fusco, ’11, (No. 63) started for the Minnesota Vikings in a National Football League playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings drafted Fusco 172nd overall in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. A Cranberry, Pa., native, Fusco was the highest drafted player from SRU in school history and the first to be invited to the Senior Bowl. (Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings)

8 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 9 ROCK bytes

I’ll buy an S – R – U …

University BOOKSHELF New books by SRU faculty and alumni

English professors examine storytelling English professors Nancy Barta-Smith and Danette DiMarco edited and contributed essays to “Inhabited by Stories, Critical Essays on Tales Retold.” The book expands the traditional understanding of intertextu- ality, which customarily has been seen as the shaping of stories’ meaning by other texts. The SRU professors focus on the lived experience that is created by telling and retelling stories. Barta-Smith’s research and teaching include intertextuality and the intersections of literature, science, philosophy and the environment with critical theory and rhetoric. DiMarco researches and teaches courses on intertexuality, compo- sition and British literature. She is an expert on Canadian author Margaret Atwood. The professors’ book is available on Amazon.com.

James Joseph, ’12, of Pittsburgh said Alumna shares cancer story competing on Wheel of Fortune was an Kimberly McCormick, ’87, an ovarian cancer survivor, has incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. written a memoir, “Wrapped in His Arms of Love.” Joseph, who auditioned in Pittsburgh McCormick shares how her faith in God sustained her fam- but taped his episode on the show’s set in ily through dark times. “At some point during my five months Culver City, Calif, described “the wheel” of chemotherapy, I realized I was going to survive this ‘silent as heavier than expected. He finished in killer’,” McCormick said. third place and won $1,000. Joseph was McCormick said she is donating book proceeds to the American surprised when Pat Sajak, the show’s host, Cancer Society and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. joked about Slippery Rock’s mascot. The “Wrapped in His Arms of Love, published by World episode aired earlier this year. “It was a Association Publishing, is available at wordassociation.com. blast, it’s probably the coolest thing I’ve done,” Joseph said. Alumna pens environmental thriller Norene Moskalski, ’70, has written a novel, “Nocturne, Opus 1: Sea Foam.” The story takes place on the Delaware coast. The plot tracks two researchers at a Delaware University who secretly work as agents for an environmental group. They discover that a rogue scientist is introducing a bacterium into the water that is killing young adults and determine to stop the scientist before more people die. Moskalski, who has an earned doctorate in University admin- istration, also speaks to students and book clubs about environ- mental issues and her writing. Her novel is available at Amazon.com

MOUNTAIN MEN: (From left) Ethan Geisler, an environmental geoscience major from Slippery Rock, and Patrick Burkhart, professor of geography, geology and the envi- ronment, plant SRU’s colors in Argentina during a winter session trip. They traveled to the Andes Mountains to examine the extent of glacial ice and glacial meltdown into rivers. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists recently named Burkhart the 2013 recipient of the Division of Environmental Geosciences Public Outreach Award.

8 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 9 If people remember me, I’d like them to remember me as “someone who left the institution a little better than it was when I came – that I had a positive influence and helped make the University a better place to be.”

William Williams sits in his Old Main office SRU is a community of students, faculty and staff from all cheerfully talking about his 32-year career at walks of life. Collectively, they represent a movable core – rea- Slippery Rock University. He is 67, fit from sonable people looking for reasonable strategies to advance stu- dent success and the academic reputation of the University. daily workouts and wearing a white shirt and W Williams spoke to those people and has done as much or his trademark thin necktie. He’s a thoughtful more than anyone to advance the mission, vision and direction conversationalist, instantly likeable – and funny. of the institution. “So…what do I have to do to achieve sainthood?” Williams “He was very astute in steering the University in a very positive asks puckishly. way through troubled situations, especially when it came to the It’s hard to say. budget or implementing some new policy from the state system,” If the U.S. News and World Report ranked academic leaders said Jace Condravy, a recently-retired professor of English. “He has for skill, intelligence, humor and commitment to student suc- been a person who has been very good with numbers, and I believe cess, he would be at the top of the list. Williams, who joined he has been able to use them to Slippery Rock’s advantage.” SRU in 1981 as an instructor of English and served in a number Condravy described Williams as loyal, dedicated and clever, of leadership roles, retired Feb. 8 as the University’s provost and especially during contract negotiations with the Association vice president of academic affairs. Few could claim a comparable of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties union. legacy of teaching, service and leadership at the same institution. Williams served as union president and showed skillful tact Yet Williams remains humble about his influence. with colleagues. “If people remember me, I’d like them to remember me as “Something he is very good at is reaching out and maintain- someone who left the institution a little better than it was when ing contact,” Condravy said. “He values individuals and was able I came – that I had a positive influence and helped make the to make people feel that they were valued, liked, and that their University a better place to be,” he said. work was valued and being noticed.”

1010 The ROCK WinterWinter 20132013 www.SRU.edu 11 The SRU Council of Trustees recently honored Williams, noting, Williams, who has a master’s degree from Youngstown State “He has served as a valuable member of Slippery Rock University University and a doctorate in English literature from Indiana throughout his [32] years of outstanding service, providing expert University of Pennsylvania, demonstrated characteristic humor leadership, advice and counsel to the University community.” about his career in academia. “I was too lazy to get a job so I “What Bill did particularly well in my opinion is he provided stayed at the University; I walked into college at age 18 and never balance. He didn’t put any of the colleges ahead of the others,” left,” he said. A literary critic and Shakespeare expert, Williams said Jack Livingston, associate professor of geography, geology was equally comfortable talking about the social construction of and the environment. human relationships and jesting with students. While showing a strong commitment to science, technology, “I’ve always loved our students,” Williams said. “They come here. engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, Livingston They are serious. They believe that they can make a change in their

“He has served as a valuable member of Slippery Rock University throughout his [32] years of outstanding service, providing expert leadership, advice and counsel to the University community.” – SRU Council of Trustees

said the provost excelled at growing curriculum in all areas and own lives here. They’re willing to work and engage. They’re not showed a forthright professionalism. cynical or just waiting to get out of here so they can be rich.” “As chair, I always felt, even if I did not like the answer, he As provost, Williams provided guidance for all aspects of always told me what was going on,” Livingston said. “He used academics. He oversaw programming, faculty and deans, humor to always put things in perspective. When there was a the academic enterprise, enrollment management and tech- tense situation, Bill was always able to defuse the situation.” nology purchases.

10 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.eduwww.SRU.edu 1111 Williams said the University has grown and When you have to tell somebody they have changed for the better in terms of facilities, new opportunities, it’s not pleasant and it is size and academic quality of students since emotionally trying.” he joined the SRU community. Enrollment Ursula Payne, professor of dance, said What I really increased from 6,200 to 8,500. SRU is now a Williams displayed support for the arts. top-performing institution that has received “One of the things I always appreciated “like about the recognition from academic, military and about his commitment was that he supported greening organizations. The academic profile the arts not just by his words but by actually job is I like of students has risen as well. attending our events,” Payne said. “It meant a - “We recruit better students. We’re more selec- lot to our students to have someone at his level the people. I tive,” Williams said. “Slippery Rock University of administration come to their concerts and is a good place. I appreciate the opportunity to shake their hands and speak to parents. He’s like to interact that I’ve had at the University that has allowed been really consistent with his support.” me to be a productive citizen and do things that Williams recognized the arts as a form of with people I think have been reasonably positive. I don’t go scholarship and provided grants for student- home and say, ‘that damn place.’ I really like the faculty research, diversity initiatives and com-

and be in institution. It’s been good for me.” petitive performance opportunities. His achievements are many. When “All of my interactions with him have been relationships Williams became provost in 2003, criminol- extremely pleasant,” Payne said. “I’ve appreci-

ogy and criminal justice was just a track in ated how he has encouraged me personally and talk with sociology. He helped it become a stand-alone and professionally. He always had kind things major and its own department. He launched to say about my creative scholarship and what a master’s degree in criminal justice, grew the I was doing on a professional level.” -people to help exercise science and liberal studies programs, In a career of many accomplishments, things move and laid the foundation for the upcoming Williams said the University’s recent Middle launch of a master’s of business administra- States Commission on Higher Education forward. tion and physician’s assistant programs. accreditation stands out for him as a milestone. Williams scrubbed the University’s aca- Middle States, which defines and promotes aca- ” demic offerings to eliminate outdated or demic excellence nationwide, gave SRU a glow- underutilized programs in favor of programs ing report and granted continuing accreditation that promoted job opportunities for gradu- following their comprehensive examination. ates. He showed a tireless commitment to The group’s report noted, “Since it’s last open dialogue with campus constituents. Middle States accreditation review a decade “What I really like about the job is I like ago, Slippery Rock University has made enor- the people. I like to interact with people and mous progress toward its goal of becoming a be in relationships and talk with people to premier residential university. By almost any help things move forward,” Williams said. significant measure, the institution is much “What I don’t like are personnel problems. better now that it was then. The current pres- ident (Smith) and provost (Williams) have worked together as a The double name honors the family’s Welsh ancestry. team for seven years and have provided steady leadership that has “When the Anglo-Saxons came over to the British Isles in circa guided this remarkable transformation.” 400, the organization of power was around tribes and families,” “That is their language,” Williams pointed out. “We got as Williams said. “A family would be the power structure and the high and as strong a review as you can get.” Anglo-Saxons would try to take control of the power structures.

When I started here, I thought, well, I’ll be here about three years and then “ I’ll go get a good job, a real job. Three years later I didn’t think much about leaving. It was a good fit for me.” Simple beginnings Families, to reinforce the family identity, started to double name Abraham Lincoln said it was a mistake to make anything of their children. A lot of people in the U.S. who came from Wales his childhood, because it boiled down to “the short and simple understand when they hear my name that I am Welsh.” annals of the poor.” As a high school student, Williams said he liked science and Williams can relate to those words. A western Pennsylvania math and expected to pursue a career in chemical engineering. native, he grew up simply on an 80-acre family farm in “I did chemistry for a while and I decided it wasn’t very excit- Greenville, Pa. “As long as I can remember, the one thing I knew is I did not want to be a farmer,” Williams said. “There is no money, a ton of work, bad hours. You have to milk the cows in the morning. You have to milk the cows in the evening. My parents were very hard working people, and they needed the children to help out.” Williams has not forgotten his roots and said he empathizes with students from similar backgrounds. “People who grew up on farms and in blue collar families need somewhere to improve their lives, and education gives them that ability,” he said. Williams’ late father, William Francis Williams, also worked for the Greenville Steel Car Co., which manufactured railroad cars. “He was a line foreman. He bossed people around, it was a good job and somebody had to do it,” Williams said with a smile. His late mother Blanche, who graduated valedictorian of her high school, was a homemaker. Williams has an older brother and a younger sister. The couple gave their second son the family name of William Frederick Williams. Williams’ grandfather and great grandfather were also named William Williams. ing,” he said. “I did math for a while, and there weren’t any Despite his rapid advancement up the academic chain, his life girls in the math classes. You know there are lots of girls in the has not been without trials. Married twice, Williams suffered a English classes. I decided to take a couple English classes. I liked serious heart attack at 38. He was transported via helicopter to it, and I just stayed with it.” the Cleveland Clinic where his heart actually stopped beating. A baby boomer and child of the 1960s, Williams began his “It’s cliché, but it actually was a life-changing moment,” teaching career at a community college in West Virginia. Growing Williams said. As part of his recovery, he changed the way he ate tired of the long commute from New Castle, Pa., Williams applied and started a daily exercise program, a regime he continues to for a temporary English instructor’s position at SRU and got the this day. job. He started in 1981 and has never looked back. “When I started here, I thought, well, I’ll be here about three Humorist years and then I’ll go get a good job, a real job,” Williams said. Those who know Williams enjoy his intellect and engaging, “Three years later I didn’t think much about leaving. It was a funny personality. He has quoted Woody Allen at academic assem- good fit for me.” blies and often has a one-liner to dispel tension or promote syn- “Bill joined the English Department in the fall of 1981 as a ergy. Williams said humor helps people realize that in the big pic-

Bill’s one of the smartest people I know, well read and schooled not only in “ research, theory and practice in language and literature, but in other areas as well, experience and knowledge readily equipping him to serve SRU and PASSHE highly effectively. ” – Diana Dryer, retired professor of English (part-time, I think) temp, a standing I also held, then in my ture, most of us are no more significant than a cork on the ocean. second year at SRU,” recalled Diana Dryer, a retired professor of “One of the things that humor does is it builds community,” English. “We bonded over our shared low person on the totem Williams said. “When you do your job, you take your job very seri- pole status and common views on language acquisition and ped- ously, but you forget to look out there and say in the great scheme agogy, continuing this friendship over the years as he quickly— of things, I just don’t matter that much. We all hate to know that, and then I a year or so later – attained tenure track positions. In but there it is. If you look historically, how many names do you 1995, the department elected Bill as chair, when he then chose remember – Jesus, Genghis Khan, Caesar – you know there are just me to ‘serve at his pleasure’ (CBA wording we joked about) as his a few that have stood the test of time. Humor helps people not take assistant chair. We’ve often over the decades engaged in amusing themselves so seriously, and it helps them engage in relationships banter regarding our shifting positions and who had to answer to with each other and build a stronger community.” whom, Bill for the most part holding top dog status, I his under- A wine connoisseur and woodworker, Williams lived “green” ling, a relationship of mutual respect and support as far as I’m before it became a movement. He does his laundry at a local concerned, a view I believe Bill shares.” Laundromat because he researched washer and dryer usage and “Bill’s one of the smartest people I know, well read and determined the Laundromat offered a more sustainable option. schooled not only in research, theory and practice in language His love of restoring antique furniture demonstrates a respect and literature, but in other areas as well, experience and knowl- for renewing and reusing everything you can. Although he’s also edge readily equipping him to serve SRU and PASSHE highly quick to point out with a laugh that “too many friends would say effectively,” Dryer said. it’s just because I’m cheap.”

14 The ROCK Winter 2013 Williams said his heroes are “the great Anne Frank wrote that despite her chal- writers” he admires, such as Shakespeare, lenges, she believed people are fundamen- Stephen Crane and Kurt Vonnegut. tally good. Williams, the newly minted “They present a view of what it means retiree, retains an academic bent on the to be human, how cultures work and nature of human relationships and edu- I think cultures how you should be in the world that cre- cation. He said people construct values “ ates the value structure for what is good within a cultural framework. create value and what is evil and what is behavior- “There isn’t any real good and real ally appropriate,” he said. “For the most evil, they’re all culturally defined,” he structures, and part, they did what they did because said. “I think cultures create value struc- within that they were driven to do it, not for money tures, and within that culture people - or fame.” behave in ways that are culturally affirm- Shakespeare is his favorite writer. In ing or culturally negating.” culture people his office, Williams kept a framed copy Those who bid Williams adieu would of himself being profiled for a “Read” agree his time at SRU was culturally behave in ways poster. He posed with “The Complete affirming and might borrow the words Works of Shakespeare.” of his favorite bard, “Parting is such that are cultur- “Shakespeare defines how we under- sweet sorrow.” stand literature in the English language,” ally affirming Williams said. “It’s an amazing collec- tion of work – whoever wrote it. There is or culturally always controversy whether Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare.” negating. Williams, who is married to Lee ” Williams, SRU professor of elementary education, said he hasn’t made specific retirement plans. His wife intends to work four of five more years, but the couple might purchase a second home outside the area. “What I want is to get away from the job long enough to create a space where I can create new patterns of liv- ing and have more time,” Williams said. “One day you get up and don’t go to work, then you never go back, then suddenly you have to recreate who you are and what you’re doing.”

15

SLAB: here today,

here to stay One of Slippery Rock University’s many success stories is the student-managed Sound and Literary Art Book (SLAB) maga- zine. The 200-page publication showcases on-the-cusp writing and gives students the chance to work with professional writers and publish their own fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry and visual art. It’s offbeat. “SLAB is an excellent way for students to gain real-world experience and is by far my best memory from Slippery Rock University,” said Amy Choate, a 2010 English graduate from It’s smart. Pittsburgh who served as database manager, assistant managing editor and poetry editor of the publication during her under- It’s poetic. graduate years. “I was communicating with people from all over It’s … SLAB literary magazine.

16 The ROCK WinterWinter 20132013 www.SRU.edu 17 the world – we began receiving international submissions while I stressful situations. Starting from the bottom and working my way was on staff. I talked to publishers, artists and writers, constantly up, I feel that I learned all aspects that go into magazine production. It learning new things while perfecting my professionalism.” helped guide my career choices and brought me to where I am today.” Close to 30 students edit, write and manage the annual magazine, Choate, a substitute teacher and librarian in Pittsburgh, published in the spring and funded by the Student Government recently received her master’s degree in library and information Association. Aspiring writers and editors find their niche and science from the University of Pittsburgh. Other SLAB alumni accomplish the back-of-the-house work of publishing a journal with teach at the college or university level. Many are enrolled in grad- national and international writers. They sort through submissions uate and doctoral programs. such as “God Classifies the Fox,” “The Last Blood Maple” and If the litmus test for quality is recognition, SLAB is spot on. It “Worm,” to discover new writers and support established writers by recently won the National Program Director’s Prize for under- publishing the creative voices of communities, including those from graduate-run magazines from The Association of Writers and underrepresented communities. They also run translated works Writer’s Programs association. The association provides support, from writers in China, Spain, Singapore and Mexico. advocacy, resources and community to nearly 50,000 writers, 500 “Working for SLAB was no college and university creative writing programs, and 125 writers’ walk in the park; there were a lot conferences and centers. of late nights when the deadlines Elise Blackwell, author and associate professor of English at were closing in,” Choate said. “As the University of South Carolina, who served as a contest judge, a member of SLAB, you really said, “SLAB manages to combine a cohesive editorial vision with learn how to work with people in diversity of content, favoring language-conscious prose and poetry that take risks of one kind or another. The journal publishes a strong mix of emerging and somewhat more established writers, offer- ing a venue for interesting work that falls just outside the purview of some better-known publications.”

It’s … SLAB literary magazine.

16 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 17 Faculty mentors lead way like we agree with every single piece that’s in SLAB. I think it is really important that the content is selected by students.” The guiding force behind SLAB are advisers Danette DiMarco, SLAB launched in 2006, replacing Ginger Hill, which featured SRU professor of English, and Mark O’Connor, SRU associ- only student writing. SLAB takes a broader approach by accept- ate professor of English. They mentor budding writers, gener- ing global submissions. The magazine operates a website ate enthusiasm and lead students to conferences offered by The (http://academics.sru.edu/slablitmag/) and emphasizes the pro- Association of Writing and Writing Programs. They hunt down duction side of the magazine and trying to get it to be as national interesting cover artists. Sometimes the artists are local, some- as possible, O’Connor said. times they’re nationally known. Writers electronically submit their poetry, fiction, nonfiction DiMarco and O’Connor said they do not meddle in the selec- or graphic-based work entries via the website. tion of content, allowing SLAB also places ads in Poets and Writers students to follow an editorial and The Writer’s Chronicle magazines. review process to determine Contributors do not get paid. the final product. “Each year we’re out there builds on the “SLAB is the most fun previous years’ work,” O’Connor said. “The part of my job,” O’Connor 45 writers we publish list us on their web said. “I see students. They pages and tell friends, so we are known, and are not getting paid, and each year it gets better and better.” they’re not getting course DiMarco said SLAB helps undergraduates credit. And yet, I see them develop confidence. working hard and diligently “We’ve watched some of our students as professional editors, which who have been a little more shy come right they are, and doing this really out of their shells and blossom – they come good work. And then they out of their little cocoons,” DiMarco said. see the great cover. It’s “It’s extremely exciting to watch them get like a kid on a birthday. confidence and to do things they would They’re really proud to never do. The fact that they can sit down have such a distinguished and write an email professionally and product.” make a phone call that they might not have SLAB copyrights original been able to do prior to their experience writing in four categories: with SLAB.” fiction, poetry, creative non- fiction and text and image. Alums value SLAB Students pursue edgy, contem- porary writing, including flash Alumni who worked for SLAB said it was a highlight of their undergraduate education. Aaron Lefebvre, a 2011 English graduate from Sparta, served as database manager and fiction editor. He organized reader groups to SLAB is an excellent way for students pour over fiction submissions and rate them on a scale of 1-3. “For submissions with good scores among the readers, we to gain real-world experience and is would read them, proofread them and make edit proposals to the “by far my best memory from Slippery managing editors who would then contact the author if a serious Rock University. edit was required before publication,” Lefebvre said. While SLAB publishes around 10 fiction pieces per edition, –Amy Choate, ’10 many more writers get turned away. “Sometimes it felt like there were so many submissions to sort ” through. I realized how important it was that an editor love read- fiction and graphic novel elements. The 2012 edition contains ing more than editing,” he said. “I’ve spoken with other editors, more than 50 pieces, including a fiction essay titled “The Dog from small magazines up to big name publishing houses, and Whisperer’s Wife” and poetry titled “Tease” and “No Clue.” they often come off as reading-lovers above all else.” Conventional it is not. Nor does SLAB pander to the e-reader. Lefebvre, who finished a master’s degree in creative writing Aside from the cover, SLAB includes no color, and 90 percent of from Rutgers University in the fall and is writing a novel that the magazine consists of unadorned text set in Helvetica typeface. explores the impact of natural gas fracking in southwestern “We are not interested in stories about your parents getting Pennsylvania, said SLAB was a great experience. divorced when you were 15. We’ve seen that story a thousand “I liked being part of a team and collaborating among dif- times,” O’Connor said. “Students know that. They’re 18, 19, 20, ferent levels of staff and working really hard, often to the last so they’re interested in cool, emerging, weird work. And it’s not minute, spending hours in the SLAB office to make deadlines so

18 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 19

we could get the magazine published on time,” he said. “And for those who were writers, it served as a great venue for talking about our own theories of craft, which I believe improved my writing dramatically.” Matt Godissart, a 2009 English graduate from Fishertown who is working toward a Ph.D. in administration and leadership SLAB: studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, worked as produc- tion manager for SLAB. leaders “Essentially, I took all of the editing that had been done on the original pieces and input them into the manuscript for SLAB,” Godissart said. “It was a pretty intense process. I would attend 2006 2010 meetings where we would all be sitting in a room, editing each Managing Managing individual piece, then after all the pieces were edited manually editors editors by hand, I would take those manual edits and put them into our Teresa Pershing Amy Choate digital manuscript. We did that process probably three to five Mike Goodwin Caitlin Svetahor times for each piece submitted. Mostly, it was to catch spelling and grammatical errors.” Godissart, who works as a librarian but hopes to enter aca- 2007 2011 demia after receiving his doctorate, said the magazine continues Managing Managing to improve. editors editors “I’m very proud of the work I put into SLAB when I was Autumn Moss Paul Cunningham Francine Maitland Tristina Marx

SLAB was useful to learn how 2008 2012 to communicate with faculty Managing Managing “in a relationship other than editors editors Francine Maitland Paul Cunningham teacher-student. Kim Galvin Tristina Marx –Teresa Pershing, ’06 ” 2009 2013 Senior Managing there, and every time I get to come back and visit, I’m always managing editor editors impressed to see how much they do that is new and exciting,” he Jason Fialkovich Sheena Carroll said. “SLAB is still one of my favorite things to reminisce about Steve McGouldrick from my college years.” Managing Teresa Pershing, a 2006 English graduate from Greensburg editors and one of two managing editors during SLAB’s first year, is cur- Francine Maitland rently a fifth-year Ph.D. student at West Virginia University. She Erica Powell said her dissertation explores British Romantic literature’s repre- sentations of gender and sexuality, themes she discovered under DiMarco’s tutelage. “SLAB was useful to learn how to communicate with faculty in a relationship other than teacher-student,” Pershing said. “As my mentors, advisers and teachers, Dr. O’Connor and Dr. DiMarco prepared me for changing dynamics and SLAB taught me a lot about speaking plainly and making con- faculty: they serve as examples of my own practices as a teacher nections with people to understand what they want out of an and mentor.” Pershing teaches British literature and rhetoric experience,” Goodwin said. “And that’s really where the connec- at WVU. tion is to the way I teach. My student evaluations are very good Mike Goodwin, who graduated from SRU’s master of arts every semester, and I credit a lot of that positive feedback to in English program in 2010, teaches three English courses at being able to directly communicate with my students.” Point Park University. He said the overall experience was great, No doubt the current editorial staff will soon join their alumni especially working closely with O’Connor and DiMarco. colleagues in pursuing successful careers. Right now they are too “Though it seems to be a stretch to directly link SLAB to busy putting together the 8th edition of SLAB, which will be teaching experience, I can say that helping run the magazine released this spring. Copies of SLAB can be ordered online at: showed me how to manage peoples’ expectations; that is, SlabLitMag.org.

18 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 19 ‘In my heart forever’ When Alicia Kopp, a 1986 Slippery Rock to Wynnewood to be closer to Children’s University graduate, runs marathons or goes Hospital of Philadelphia, where Alex hiking, she wears a bracelet in memory of a received treatment. Kopp lived nearby, little girl who touches her heart to this day. and their children went to school and par- The bracelet reads, “In my heart forever.” ticipated in karate together. The jewelry honors the late Alexandra “At the time we met, my oldest son, “Alex” Scott, the courageous “Alex’s Alex, was in the same grade as her and my Lemonade Stand” girl who had cancer younger son was only one year younger and inspired others to help children with so they were friends with Alex and her cancer. While Alex (1996-2004) did three brothers,” Kopp said. “Alex truly not get the chance to live a long life, she was a determined young girl. I remember stirred many others, including Kopp, to many days where I would go to visit her look at the world in a new way. family at their home and Alex would be An alumna with a big heart, Kopp Kopp, of Wynnewood, Pa., was present resting on the couch, after having returned said various members of her family sur- when Alex set up a front yard lemonade home from the hospital for treatment. Her vived cancer, but none so young as Alex. stand in Wynnewood in 2001 and has mom Liz and I would be talking “Loving a child with cancer breaks your been a family about something related to plan- heart. No child should ever have to go friend, staff ning her Alex’s Lemonade Stand, through what Alex went through,” she said. member or vol- or the phone would ring and “I must add that all of them were adults unteer with the someone would ask Liz a question and the difference is that childhood can- Alex Lemonade about something related to Alex’s cer is devastatingly underfunded and as Stand Foundation Lemonade Stand. Alex would a result, the treatments for children are for Childhood chime in giving her point of more toxic, more invasive and historically Cancer since 2002. view. She was always the one in the results are not as successful – since “I did know charge of her stand even up until research funding is funneled primarily Alex personally the very end.” toward adult cancers,” she said. and my family “I never heard her complain,” Kopp, who majored in psychology at and I loved her,” Kopp said. SRU, said her professors helped instill a love Kopp said. Alex, “Alex’s tenacity and vision of the counseling profession and the desire diagnosed with for something positive remains to help others. As a result of her positive neuroblastoma, a with me each and every day,” Kopp said. experience, Kopp and her husband, Kevin childhood cancer, opened a lemonade “If a little girl with cancer, whom I loved, Kopp, sponsor the Alicia Stackhouse Kopp stand in her hometown of West Hartford, can get through a day without complaints Scholarship at SRU. It is given annually as Ct., in 2000. In her lifetime, Alex raised then I certainly can spend each of my days $1,000 in tuition aid for students in need. more than $1 million for childhood can- with the same positive attitude.” “We encourage others to support not only cer research, and her example evolved Kopp said she learned more from Alex worthwhile charities like Alex’s Lemonade into a national fundraising movement. than Alex learned from her, and that she Stand Foundation but also their alma maters The foundation that was named for her, volunteers with the foundation to help like SRU, to support continuing education Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for other children and their families. and support education for those that need Childhood Cancer, ALSF has raised more “One of the most rewarding parts of financial support,” she said, challenging than $60 million to fight cancer to date. being involved in the foundation is read- SRU students, faculty and the surrounding “Alex provided others with a very spe- ing the beautiful letters that come into the community to get cific, easy and uplifting way to make a foundation,” Kopp said. “Many are from involved with the difference,” Kopp said. “So now children, children along with pictures that they charity that is close to adults, schools, communities and busi- draw and maybe a note to Alex. Some are her heart. For more nesses from all over the world get involved letters written to Liz and Jay and their information, go to: in a variety of ways, simply due to a little family sending their love, but all are sent alexslemonade.org. girl who wanted to have a stand to help from people who care and who want to her doctors find a cure for other children.” help other children so that they can live Kopp said she befriended the Scott a long full life.” Some of the letters can family in 2001 after Alex’s parents, Liz be read on the Alex’s Lemonade Stand and Jay Scott, moved from Connecticut Foundation website under mailroom.

20 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 21 Cheryl Norton, a nationally recognized academic leader and tireless advocate for student success, made history fall semester when she became the first woman president of Slippery Rock University. Norton was inaugurated as the University’s 16th president Sept. 28, 2012. Guido Pichini, chair of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education board of governors, Peter Garland, executive vice chancellor for PASSHE, and Eric Holmes, chair of the SRU Council of Trustees, participated in the formal investiture ceremonies. More than 400 delegates, faculty, staff and students participated in a procession from the upper portion of campus to the inaugural site in the Quad. In her address, Norton said SRU “is an institution with a tradition of excellence and a future of unlimited potential.”

SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY ENTERS New Era

20 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 21 SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY ENTERS New Era

22 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 23 22 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 23 24 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 25 Don’t you dare call it ‘Camp Rock-O-Kwee’

Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh. Here I am at Camp Granada. Camp is very entertaining. And they say we’ll have some fun if it stops raining.

Is there a baby boomer alive that doesn’t smile while remembering the words to Allan Sherman and Lou Busch’s iconic novelty song about life at summer camp? If you ever attended summer camp, doesn’t matter which kind – religious, social, agency, adventure or even band camp – the senti- ment summed up in those few lyrical minutes capture the essence of camp…hate it, (miss you), hate it, (want to come home), hate it, (why did you send me here)…oh, I’m making new friends, learning new stuff, having fun…love it (I don’t ever want to come home). “Sometimes that is the first time a person will hear about camp, because of that song,” said Peg Smith, chief executive officer of the American Camps Association, a national organization work- ing to preserve, promote and enrich the camp experience. “Oh, I am familiar with it. My grandmother was a Girl Scout leader, so was my aunt. That song was not only enjoyed at camp, it was very much a part of my house.” Baby boomers who went to camp enjoyed lazy days with can- teens, kayaks and calamine lotion. They ate soggy peanut butter 24 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 25 sandwiches and ing. There are football teams. You ice cream with “We welcome everybody. We’re here. hear the whistles. You hear the wooden spoons, We’re part of the community, and we pads hitting each other. It’s a great spied on the girls want the community to use us.” experience. For a lot of these camp- (or girls spied on – Lisa Weinzetl, director ers, college is not something they of the Office of Conference Services boys) and passed a thought they could do.” test so they didn’t Before Weinztl joined SRU in have to stay in the shallow water. April 2009, camps were run by a part-timer who worked one How things have changed. Slippery Rock University has diver- hour a week offseason. Since 2009, Weinztl has provided full- sified the camp experience to offer specialized programs for camp- time leadership. The University rebranded the office, printed ers ages 13 to 70, in summer and year-round. Camp remains a T-shirts for staff and provides name tags. place where children can go outdoors and acquaint themselves Weinzetl said SRU’s facilities, especially the Robert M. Smith with the natural world, but it is also a place where senior citizens Student Center, enable Conference Services to offer camps and play volleyball, athletes hone their field hockey and cheerleading conferences year-round. The camps also provide opportunities for skills and high school whiz kids learn about computer graphics. campers to meet SRU admissions counselors and make connec- Academic and religious-focus camps are also in demand. tions for future enrollment as students. “We welcome everybody. We’re here. We’re part of the “The mission of the Office of Conference Services is to provide community, and we want the community to use us,” said Lisa a welcoming environment, dynamic facilities and quality customer Weinzetl, director of the Office of Conference Services. “We service to each event. A commitment to excellence, professional- want our guests to have a great experience. So we offer profes- ism, high standards and attention to detail assure an enjoyable and sionalism and commitment to excellence. We have high standards positive experience. All participants are served in an environment of and pay attention to detail. Anybody that comes to campus for a equality, dignity and mutual respect,” Weinzetl said. camp or conference has a great, rewarding experience.” Camp fees go toward student scholarships, and the camps also The Office of Conference Services, which also works to infuse money into the local economy, because campers and their promote the University, will offer 10 internal and 30 external families spend money when they’re in the area, said Jack Cohen, camps this summer. They include athletic, band and cheerlead- director of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau. ing camps, a new computer academy, a Slovak Catholic Sokol, a “There is no question that any camp program that the University yearbook academy, a sports camp for those with visual disabilities is running is an economic win for Butler County,” he said. and a fire-school training camp. Forget about cabins with spiders. The Convention Bureau uses the dollar figure of $125 per day SRU campers will stay in modern, spacious residence halls with spent locally when visitors spend the night in a hotel. Even if they Internet connections, private bathrooms and air conditioning. don’t reserve a hotel room, “they all eat. They all shop, and they They will have access to heated pools, well-maintained fields and all need gas,” he said. will eat in Boozel Dining Hall, which offers traditional and spe- The Erie-based Intense Tennis Camps, a program for ten- cialty cuisine such as gluten free, vegan and diabetic menus. nis players ages 11-18, has been offering its camps at SRU since With 11,000 bed nights expected this summer, organizers 2004. More than 2,200 tennis players have participated, many expect plenty of excitement. returning for multiple weeks, director Andy Findley said. “We joke in the office that on a normal day in the summer, it’s “Our camps fully use SRU’s extensive facilities, including air- the autobahn,” Weinzetl said. “You walk around campus, there conditioned, residential suites and the state-of-the art cafeteria,” are tennis camps going on. You hear four different bands practic- Findley said. “We assemble a first-class, well-trained staff to host

TBA O N L SCH EN IS O L RLEAD E O E I R O T F E N I L H G F C

T R P A C I M AM P NI CA C C NG AM P AM P

2626 The ROCK WinterWinter 20132013 www.SRU.edu 27 D CAM COMP N ER U A P T B M I N

M G

U S

ACADEMIC C 3 SPORTS AM 01 CAMPS 2013 P 2 2013 camp

the magic of camp encouraging campers’ growth in an educa- Smith said college campuses like Slippery Rock provide a tional, fun and safe environment. The Intense Tennis Camps “wonderful way” to combine academics and fun. focus primarily on tennis, but we use SRU’s vast resources for “Many camps are getting very good at blending experience cross-training activities.” learning with academics,” she said. “It’s giving kids a relative Deborah Whitfield, SRU professor of computer science, will experience that is not just the sort of traditional recall of facts, but conduct the brand new “Summer Computing Academy.” She it’s about actively involved learning.” expects up to 80 high school sophomores and juniors to partici- pate. The three-day camp will offer classes in computer forensics, Repeat customers hard drive data recovery, Lego robotics and programming graph- Westinghouse High School, a predominately minority school ics and gaming. in Pittsburgh, sent its football team to Slippery Rock last sum- “There is an idea out there that computing is all about writing mer. Monte Robinson, a 2001 SRU graduate and Westinghouse code,” Whitfield said. “We want to show people that’s not what graduate, coaches the team. computing is about. You can do so many different things.” “When I took a visit up there and saw all the changes since I left, I loved it,” he said. “The cafeteria has been redone. The practice fields American experience are great. I figured it would be somewhat of a different experience for Smith said the summer camp experience originated 150 years our players.” ago, gaining momentum first in the Northeast. The camp went so well Westinghouse is coming back this sum- “The camp experience is really part of the fabric of America,” mer, and Robinson hopes some she said. “It came about with industrialization and because kids of his athletes attend SRU. were living in urban areas. People wanted to be sure that young “It was a good experience. It people would experience the out-of-doors.” gave them an idea of what Early on, camp was a homogeneous experience – no electric- college life will be like and SRU CAMPS ity, no running water, no air conditioning and outdoor bathing. let them see different people Smith said the essence of the camping experience evolved with who don’t necessarily look like “A lot of people may the modernization of America. them,” Robinson said. “They not be familiar with It eventually became “universally popular” because camp offers one loved it, it was a breath of fresh Slippery Rock, but of the few oasis in which young people can “experience being young.” air.” once they see us, they “Camp is a community that has structured boundaries around John Papa, SRU head track it,” Smith said. “It’s experiential. It’s intergenerational. The fun and field and cross country know they will be part of it is the feeling you get when you’re learning. It promotes coach, who is involved with comfortable here.” development.” camps, said he is not surprised The camp of 2013 serves many purposes, Smith said. In many by the repeat attendees. places, children don’t arrive home and jump into their play clothes “Camps have turned into big business, and I and run out and play. Camp has become their playground and recess think a lot of parents are telling their kids that time. It also promotes important initiatives such as sustainability. camps will improve their chances of obtaining a “It is more important than ever that we create a legacy for sav- scholarship and all that stuff,” he said. ing the planet. That will take imagination and innovation, and it “We use camps as a recruiting tool,” he will take an understanding of the natural world,” Smith said. “I added. “A lot of people may not be familiar believe the camp experience is an ideal environment for learning with Slippery Rock, but once they see us, they imagination and innovation.” know they will be comfortable here.”

26 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 2727 College of Business, Information and Social Sciences (Tax) season of giving Tax season is upon us. As tough as the process can be for many Doctker stressed that the tax service is open to anyone who Americans, it can be even harder for low-and moderate-income meets the eligibility guidelines, not just Butler County residents. families because they don’t know how they can afford to hire a Students, staff members, faculty and individuals in the com- tax professional. munity and the surrounding area can utilize the service. Anyone The School of Business at Slippery Rock University is stepping wishing to make use of the service will be pre-screened to ensure up to become a tax-time friend to these families. The department they meet the qualification. There are no fees, service charges or is partnering once again with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service loan interest charges because no loans are involved. to offer VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. “We can’t even accept donations,” he said. VITA provides free income tax preparation to families, singles The Slippery Rock site, which opened Feb. 8, will operate and seniors with incomes of less than $50,000 a year. The pro- Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturdays gram helps students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until April 15, the deadline for filing fed- to “real-life” situations. eral tax returns. Last year, the Slippery Rock VITA office part- Several SRU accounting majors will volunteer and complete nered with an office in Butler. This year, it will work with new internships, helping to prepare tax returns. offices in Cranberry and Kittanning. “In respect to our students, it will give them good intern- The VITA program is offered in conjunction with the IRS, ship opportunities, especially for those who may not be able to but the Center for Community Resources in Butler operates the travel outside the area,” said DuWayne Dockter, SRU associate program. The CCR provides the training along with the IRS professor in the School of Business. “It’s good for the University and manages, supervisors and supplies offices in Butler, Slippery in terms of the outreach to the community. Taxpayers who nor- Rock, Cranberry and Kittanning. mally wouldn’t be able to pay for the service, or wouldn’t be able Dockter, who will man the Slippery Rock office on Saturdays, to do it for themselves, are able to utilize the service.” has taught in many areas of business, accounting and geography, Dockter, who joined SRU in 2012 and has been a VITA tax most recently at Washington State University in the Tri-Cities. preparer volunteer for 26 years, is coordinating SRU’s program. Taxpayers who want help with their taxes can call for an It will be offered in SRU’s Extended Learning Center at 165 Elm appointment at one of two phone numbers, 211 (In Butler St., Slippery Rock. County) or 724.431.3748 or by visiting www.ccrinfo.org.

28 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 29 College of Education

College of Education sponsors autism conference Stereotypes about children on the autism spectrum are many… Keith Dils, dean of the College of Education. “This is a huge chal- they don’t fit in, they can’t socialize, they are angry. lenge to our schools. As a University with a very strong special educa- Mike Monfore, Slippery Rock University associate professor of tion department with a focus on autism, we are in a unique position special education, rejects these notions. Her 15-year-old son Paul has to contribute to the conversation and do what we can to help.” Asperger’s syndrome and there is nothing stereotypical about him. Dils said the conference would include 50 sessions and “He talks. He interacts. He’s in all regular classes, he is an A-B dynamic speakers. student and on the swim team,” she said. “Paul is not a disability. “We’re in the game; this is our specialty,” he said. “We’re going He is an individual.” to have an intense conversation about what works, best practices, The College of Education’s third annual “Autism Awareness and then we’ll be talking about how we can partner with those on Conference”on April 3, will examine the autism spectrum from the frontlines to make a difference.” a different perspective. Instead Open to teachers, researchers, students, parents and those on of looking at the condition as a the autism spectrum, the program will be offered from 8:30 a.m. disorder that needs to be “fixed,” to 4:30 p.m. in SRU’s Smith Student Center. More than 600 conference speakers and advo- attended last year’s conference. cates will put the focus on accom- Maureen Ziegler, an autism education and intervention specialist plishment and the potential for who teaches at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, will pro- living full, successful lives. vide the first keynote: “Looking at the Autism Spectrum Differently.” “We’ll be looking at transition programs that focus on moving Zack Sechrist, who is on the autism spectrum and a doctoral outside of high school to employment, college and community student at the University of Kansas, will offer a closing keynote, involvement,” Monfore said. “Successful Adult Living on the Autism Perspective.” SRU, which offers a graduate program in special education Monfore said 1 in 88 people are on the spectrum. “It’s really with a focus on autism, is a leader in addressing challenges associ- important to me to know that SRU is providing this to the com- ated with the spectrum. munity,” she said. “This is a huge commonwealth need. It’s in the news almost on a Register at: http://www.sru.edu/academics/colleges/education/ weekly basis about how the autism spectrum is on the increase,” said pages/autismawarenessconference.aspx

28 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 29 College of Health, Environment and Science ‘Sensory trail’ enhances equestrian experience Ah, the learning potential of the great outdoors. Some of activities. Horseback riding promotes balance, confidence and the best opportunities occur at Slippery Rock University’s physical fitness. Storm Harbor Equestrian Center, where a horseback-riding trail Gramlich said the sensory trail would target underserved high will soon provide special-needs riders with educational and life- school students as riders. The trail starts at the opening in a fence skills training. near the equestrian center and circles the property. The center is using a $20,000 Alcoa Foundation Grant to con- “More than 220 individuals with autism and other sensory dis- vert an existing trail into a “sensory trail” with activity stations, orders will use the trail to promote sensory integration and social- educational signs and specialized cushioning. Once completed, skill acquisition while decreasing negative emotional behaviors,” the new facility will be called the “Alcoa Foundation Transition Gramlich said. Trail” and used for horseback riding, walking and biking, prin- An on-going concern for the counties surrounding SRU is the cipally by people with disabilities. Users will be able to touch, lack of opportunities for community-based job training for young explore and interact with vegetation and other natural features. people with disabilities, Gramlich said. More than 295,000 Signage describing plants and wildlife will be added along with Pennsylvania children are enrolled in special education, a 7 per- signage showing the trail. cent increase in five years, Gramlich said. “The area was reclaimed many years ago and has native vegeta- “Increasing the programming capabilities for people with dis- tion on it already,” Courtney Gramlich, equestrian center direc- abilities at the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center will help adoles- tor, said. “We are not proposing to remove any vegetation but to cents with disabilities learn to develop the life and professional add more in a few areas. We are going to set up stations along the skills that will enable success,” Gramlich said. trail to explain the vegetation allowing participants to smell, feel, Storm Harbor submitted a Land Use Project Request Form to look and learn about the items.” construct the sensory trail. The request form process, called for by Storm Harbor provides equine-assisted activities to chil- SRU President Cheryl Norton, assures that University and stu- dren and adults with disabilities. SRU students gain valuable dent projects utilizing land preserve green space and maximize the teaching experience by leading many of the equestrian-related conservation of natural and educationally relevant resources.

30 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 31 College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts Honors Program students earn trip to Europe Dan Gladis is a Slippery Rock University history major from teaches us to rely on ourselves and let our confidence to handle Aliquippa. Jessica Sears is a secondary English education major from ourselves in new situations.” Springville, N.Y. Although they chose different majors, they share Students will earn six Honors Program credits by taking study- a common academic honor: They are the only two SRU students abroad courses called “Global Media and Society” and “Topics in invited to participate in a summer honors program trip to Europe. Western European Music.” Students will do preliminary work at Gladis and Sears will represent SRU during the Pennsylvania Bloomsburg University and continue their work while traveling State System of Higher Education Summer Honors Program. in Europe. Every summer, two students from each of the 14 PASSHE insti- “Global Media and Society” will focus on how European coun- tutions participate in an overseas educational program. Students tries communicate and interact with the world through media. receive a full scholarship covering the cost of tuition, room and Students will enhance their media literacy by using multi-media board, travel and required field trips. technologies, by visiting the BBC in London and through select “I have always had a passion for studying other cultures, how readings, online sources and multi-media based products. their histories and traditions have influenced my own and how For “Topics in Western European Music,” students will tour America is now influencing other countries,” Sears said. “The trip the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg and go on a Sound of Music is going to be the highlight of my life and of my education.” excursion. In Vienna, they will visit the Beethoven Pasqualatihaus Students will be in Europe June 2-16, visiting London, Salzburg, museum and attend a performance at the Vienna Opera House. Vienna, Venice and Rome. The program complements SRU’s “The PASSHE Summer Honors Program is a great opportu- 300-student Honors Program, which is housed in the College of nity for the students selected to participate,” said Brad Wilson, Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts. Gladis and Sears are mem- SRU professor of philosophy and director of SRU’s Honors bers and said they are excited about the European opportunity. Program. “It brings together many of the goals of the Honors “I feel that traveling to Europe is such a vital experience for Program: interdisciplinary courses, international travel and expe- someone to have while young,” Gladis said. “It opens perspec- riential learning. All of this is combined into what will undoubt- tives that one perhaps hasn’t considered, and it makes us realize edly be a life-changing experience for our students.” that while we are small in a large world, we are not weak – travel 30 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 31 ALUMNI AssociationEditorial report Information Please note that “Class Notes” lists the year alumni received their undergraduate degree from Slippery Rock University. To submit “Class Notes,” simply email 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. We do not publish engagements or pregnancies, but we do publish marriages and births. Class (M) – Denotes master’s degree, (F) – Denotes faculty member, (FR) – Denotes friend of Slippery Rock 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.

House. Anyone with any information is recently became the first recipient of 1950s asked to email [email protected] 1990s a new section award presented by the Ohio Association of Elementary School Rachel McAnallen, ’58, recently Regan Koontz Jones, ’77, was recog- Tim Stoops, ’93, recently received Administrators. obtained her doctorate in mathematics nized as the 2012 Warren County (Va.) his doctorate in education from from the University of Connecticut. Public Schools Elementary Teacher of Youngstown State University. His Alan Morrison, ’00, Seventy-five and a lifelong learner, the Year. She has been a first grade dissertation was entitled “The Belief sport management, McAnallen has been teaching mathe- teacher in Virginia for 35 years. and Practices of Alternative Education has been appointed matics for more than 50 years, working Principals.” He has since presented the special projects gift Peter Malich, ’78, recently retired at every grade level. results of his research at local, state officer in the Office from the Pennsylvania Air National and national conferences. He works of Institutional Barbara Boyts Hutchison, ’59, Guard as master sergeant. He served 22 as director of alternative education for Advancement at recently won eight gold medals and set years in the 171st Air Refueling Wing in the Millcreek Township School District the Rose-Hulman new records in shot put and discus in Pittsburgh and is an Operation Desert in Erie, Pa. Institute of the Senior Olympics. The multi-sport Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom Technology. He was Olympics, launched in 1987, is for veteran. He was also deployed in sup- Rebecca Emberger, ’94, Spanish, also elected last fall to serve in the adults 50 or older. port of Operation Southern Watch and recently obtained her master’s degree in Indiana House of Representatives. Northern Watch. He currently works marital and family therapy from Capella 1960s as a corrections activities specialist University. She resides in Marietta, Ga. Keith Tagliaferri, ’03, has enjoyed an with the Pennsylvania Department of Gregory Taranto, ’95, exercise sci- exciting career in the field of combating Robert Marcus, ’61, secretary of the Corrections in Somerset. ence, was recently named the 2012 cyber crime for the past nine years. Slippery Rock University Council of Tagliaferri’s career has taken him Deborah Stern, ’78, is currently the Pennsylvania Middle Level Principal Trustees, has been re-appointed to a all over the United States, Romania, director and instructor for the Sarasota of the Year by the Pennsylvania six-year term following recommendation Belgium, the Bahamas, to the White Music Center in Sarasota, Fl. Stern has Association of Elementary and by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett and House and the Pentagon, and he has an extensive background in profes- Secondary Principals. Taranto serves confirmation by the Pennsylvania Senate. worked with more than 100 Fortune sional performance and is now teach- as principal of the Canonsburg (Pa.) His term will run through Oct. 15, 2018, or 500 companies, more than a dozen ing. While living in Nashville, she sang Middle School. The award put him in until a successor is appointed. government agencies, international as a back-up vocalist for Loretta Lynn. the running for the MetLife/National partners and federal law enforce- Rebecca Barton, ’67, recently She has performed at many venues, Association of Secondary School ment. He is the senior vice president received the 2013 Outstanding Alumnus written numerous songs and done Principals Principal of the Year Program. of operations at Tiversa, a leading Award from the University of Tennessee countless studio work. Greg Bergamasco, ’95, special College of Dentistry Alumni Association. peer-to-peer intelligence and security education, has been named principal company based in Pittsburgh. Ronald Wasilak, of Gamble Rogers Middle School, part ’62, second- 1980s of the St. Johns County (Fla.) School Jason Varnish, ’03, master’s degree ary education, Deborah Feather, ’84, physical District. Bergamasco had served as in sport management and head of the and Patricia education, has been inducted into the assistant principal at Ponte Vedra (Fla.) Consol Energy Center’s box office, Wasilak, ’62, Octorara Area School District’s Sports High School since 2009. is sharing his expertise by teaching Hall of Fame for her contributions to one of the nation’s only college-level physical educa- Dan Bickel, ’95, environmental educa- the school’s athletics program. Feather, courses on ticketing for entertainment tion, celebrated tion and a park manager at Moraine a health and physical education teacher events. Varnish, who was featured their 50th wedding State Park in Butler County, was in the district, was one of four inducted in a Venues Today article, teaches anniversary on the honored recently with a Lifesaving at recent ceremonies as part of the dis- his elective course at Point Park island of Maui, Hawaii. Award from the Pennsylvania Fish and trict’s homecoming celebration. University in Pittsburgh. Tom Murdoch, ’68, is the direc- Boat Commission. He rescued a father tor of the nonprofit environmental Sheila Gealey, ’87, nursing, has and son who were overtaken by an Jason Hunsicker, ’04, communica- group “Adopt a Stream Foundation” received the inaugural Gealey Nurse unexpected cold front when they were tion, captured third place from the in McCollum Park in Everett, Wash. Practitioner Award created by the fishing on the park’s Lake Arthur. Missouri Press Association in Best Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse News or Feature Series for his “Barber Murdoch has worked on 400 stream Alexandra Nuttall-Smith, ’96, is restoration projects, taught groups all Practitioners and named in her honor. Trial” stories. A reporter for the working at a Darfur United Soccer Kirksville Daily Express, Hunsicker over the Northwest how to care for Michael Wolf, ’88, political science Academy in Eastern Chad Africa. The creeks and rivers and has co-written worked for The Rocket student news- and a former member of the SRU organization she works for is setting paper at SRU. manuals on stream stewardship and Council of Trustees, has been named up a pre-school in the camp called restoration that are used in curriculums acting secretary of the Pennsylvania Little Ripples. More information can Marcy Yonkey-Clayton, ’05, around the United States and Canada. Department of Health. As secretary, be found on www.darfurunited.com communication, has received the He has also taught thousands of chil- Wolf is the commonwealth’s top health and www.iactivism.org. Individual Arts Fellowship in Dance dren and adults about the relationship regulator and is responsible for carry- Choreography Award from the South Rachel Abbs O’Malley, ’99, recently between streams, fish and people. ing out the health department’s mission Carolina Arts Commission. Yonkey- earned her master’s of science degree to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent Clayton was one of the three artists in exercise science from California injury and disease and to assure the honored by the state with this presti- University of Pennsylvania. O’Malley 1970s safe delivery of quality health care for gious award for her work at Columbia started a consulting business, Rock Bonnie Thiel, who attended SRU all Pennsylvania citizens. College, where she is an assistant from 1971-1973, admits it is a “shot in Solid Mental Skills Training, to help professor in the dance program. Kimberly Kline, ’89, associate profes- the dark” but wonders whether alumni young athletes achieve their athletic This award is only given once every sor of higher education administra- have any information on an antique goals. She lives in Cleveland. four years and selected by a panel tion at Buffalo State University, was necklace that disappeared from her of out-of-state judges in their recently named a Fulbright Scholar Rhodes Hall room in 1971-72. Thiel said respected fields. and will serve in Kyiv, Ukraine. The she noticed the long, gold pendant with 2000s Fulbright Scholar Program provides Andrea Kessler, ’05, doctor of physi- small seed pearls and red oval stone Robyn Fette, ’00, elementary edu- merit-based grants for international cal therapy, has been named director missing after she returned to her room cation and an assistant principal at exchange for students, scholars, teach- of rehabilitation services at Titusville from a routine trip to Morrow Field Hubbard Elementary School in Ohio, ers, scientists and artists. Area Hospital. She will oversee all

32 The ROCK Winter 2013 inpatient and outpatient physical ther- Jermaine Truax, ’08, master’s degree Josh Rizzo, ’10, communication, Librarian Scholarship by the Theatre apy and occupational therapy services in sport management, has been pro- received a first place honor for his Library Association. The Brooks as well as cardiac rehabilitation. moted to assistant athletics director story on concussions in the Best McNamara Performing Arts Librarian Colin McGuire, ’07, communica- for compliance at Bowling Green State Sports Feature Story category from the Scholarship acknowledges the out- tion, won two first place awards from University. He had served as director Missouri Press Association. He works standing professional accomplishments the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press of compliance and certification since for the Kirksville Daily Express. As an of promising students currently enrolled Association. McGuire works for the arriving at Bowling Green in 2010. He SRU student, Rizzo served as editor in in training programs specializing in Frederick Post-Gazette. The awards recently received the Rising Star Award chief of The Rocket newspaper staff. performing arts librarianship. were in the online commentary or blog from the National Association For Alexandria Heller, ’11, exercise sci- Brandon Fusco, ’11, and the headline categories for newspa- Athletics Compliance. ence, was recently named Professional started for the pers with 30,000-75,000 circulations. of the Month by Plus One Health Minnesota Vikings in a Dara Salley, ’08, chemistry, recently 2010s Management for her support of the ide- National Football presented her research at the 2013 New als of the Plus One mission statement, League playoff game York Water Environment Association’s Eric Avila, ’10, ’12, athletic training values, core operating strategies and against the Green Bay 85th Annual Meeting in New York City. and masters in adapted physical activity, qualities of a professional outlined in Packers. The Vikings She presented on MONITOR, a remote has been hired as an assistant athletic the company’s PRIDE program. Heller drafted Fusco 172nd controlled water sampler device. Salley trainer by the Atlanta Falcons of the serves as an exercise specialist/group overall in the sixth took first place in the 12th Annual National Football League. A New York fitness coordinator for Plus One at the round of the 2011 draft. Student Paper Competition. She is the City native, Avila was the first person in Westinghouse Corporate Center at Fusco was the highest daughter of Colleen Cook, SRU associate his immediate family to earn a college Cranberry Woods. drafted player from SRU degree. Avila cited Bonnie Siple, assis- in school history and the professor of parks and recreation, and Emily Lisbeth Wells Pratt, ’11, tant professor of exercise and rehabilita- first to be invited to the is in graduate school for environmental theatre and English, recently received tive sciences, as his SRU mentor. Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine. chemistry at SUNY-Syracuse. the Brooks McNamara Performing Arts Births and Adoptions In Memory

birth of their son Herbert Hartzell, ’35 Sandra (Sankey) Good, ’66 2000s Tyler George Florence (Agnew) Forte, ’40 James McDowell III, ’66 Anne Parise Drissler, ’00, and Wright, born James Cornelius, ’40 Henry Cooper, ’67 Matthew Drissler welcomed their first Nov. 27, 2012. Julie (Kroll) Boyd, ’41 Doris Williams, ’67 child, Thomas Matthew, born July 21, He weighed Marion (Johnston) Washington, ’41 Susan Benner, ’70 2012. He weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 8 pounds 10 Jane (Solomon) Chanan, ’41 Helen Airgood, ’71 21 inches long. The family resides in ounces and is the grandson of George Doris (McConnell) Woodall, ’43 Virginia (Cogswell) Reiff, ’72 Butler, Pa. Mihalik, ’74, allied health, and Laura Michael Macaluso, ’48 Thomas Pence, ’72 (Lanich) Mihalik, ’76, elementary Willis Saunders Jr., ’49 Edward Margie, ’73 Sarah Riggenbach, education. Hugh Watson, ’52 Pamela Cousins, ’84 ’02 and ’07, and Marilynn Smart, ’53 Michael Jeeves, ’90 Kristy Zielinski, Josh Riggenbach Robert Crawford, ’54 Walter Patterson, ’91 ’06, and Christopher welcomed their first Lois (Hanshumaker) Cousins, ’55 Zielinski, ’06, wel- child, Mollie Ruthann Edwin Orris, ’55 Charles Godlasky, retired faculty comed their first child, Riggenbach, born Nov. Lawrence Brunner, ‘58 and football coach Kendall Bree Zielinski, 1, 2012. She weighed Joseph Szul, ’59 Kathleen Paul, retired employee born Oct. 10, 2012. 9 pounds 12 ounces and was 20.5 inches Susan (Dambaugh) Murtland, ’62 John Sample, retired faculty She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and long. The family lives in Forestville. Stephen Zera Jr., ’62 Darla Shields, faculty was 20 inches long. The family resides Katherine (Killeen) Lenz, ’63 Joseph Stahlman Sr., retired employee Kara (Barto) Eakin, in Pittsburgh. ’05, and her husband Michael Crist, ’63 Donna Tiche, retired employee Len Eakin, ’03, wel- Mallory Neubert Irene Walters, ’65 comed their first child, Kercher, ‘08, and a baby girl named Glenn Kercher wel- Olivia Catherine comed their first child, Eakin, born Nov. 11, Owen John Kercher, 2011. The family lives in Custer, S.D born Dec. 2, 2012. He SRU Alumni Association weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was Teddy Wright, ’04, management, and 20.5 inches long. The family lives in board members: Jenny Lee (Mihalik) Wright, ’05, Reading, Pa. therapeutic recreation, announce the Executive Committee • Marcie Popek, ’96 • Kimberly Hudak Jones, ’96, • Bruce Russell, ’72 president • L. Michael Ross, ’77 Weddings • Don Huddart, ’87, treasurer • Dominic Williams, ’88 Derek Dickey, ’07, married in Lancaster, Pa. The couple resides in • Bonnie McElhaney Lukasik, ’63, • Linda Gordon Williamson, ’73 Nichole Kemp, ’08, July 28, 2012, in Oxford, Pa. immediate past president • H. Keith Warcup, ’75 Wildwood, Pa. The couple resides in Brad Hall, ’08, and • Lisa McCullough Holmes, ’88, • Larry Young, ’66 Slippery Rock. Michelle Caughey, secretary Other Voting Members Katie Barto, ’09, married MA1 ’08, married July 23, • Richard Manning, ’73, acting • Ben Addison, ’87, past president’s Brian Necaise, United States Navy, 2011 in Ellwood City, president-elect July 14, 2012. Katie Barto completed Pa. Brad Hall is a representative her master’s of exercise science at software developer Board Members • Sam Zyroll, ’78, honorary board California University of Pennsylvania and Michelle Hall is • Brian Cashman, ’71 member in December. The couple lives in the a secondary special • Mike Crum, ’11 Ex-Officio Washington, D.C. area. education teacher. • Brittany Donatelli, ’11 • Cheryl Norton, president Carolyn Przegon, ’06, and Jeffrey Kevin Jury, ’00, and Kristen Antoline mar- • Kenneth Hanby, ’63, ’72 • Kelly Bailey, director Fonock, ’07, married Oct. 13, 2012 ried May 25, 2012, in New Brighton, Pa. • Mike Maurer, ’11 • Marce Pancio, ’86 www.SRU.edu 33 34 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 35 A ticket to ride: Alumna’s gift provides year round opportunities

torm Harbor Equestrian Center recently received a in the cold winter months to ensure that riding continues major boost from donors Anita Rathburn, ’72, and through temperatures below 30 degrees. It is hard her husband Gary Rathburn. Through their phil- for riders and volunteers to continue programming Santhropic support, the Rathburns helped to equip when the temperature reaches 30 degrees or below. the indoor riding arena with a radiant heating Many of our riders do not have physical activities system. Prior to the Rathburns’ gift, riders could other than riding, so for them, stopping lessons not participate in lessons when temperatures in the winter is a really hard thing to do.” dipped below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The The radiant heating system is attached to the Rathburns, who understand that warmth is a ceiling and runs the entire length of the riding matter of the heart and not just the thermostat, arena. Radiant heat is eco-friendly and needs saw an opportunity to help. to be turned on just prior to and during riding The Rathburns’ initial interest in Storm lessons to take the chill off the arena. Gramlich Harbor was sparked when Anita Rathburn described the effect as making the riders “feel like received a call at their Tulsa, Ok. home from a the sun is radiating down on them.” SRU student calling on behalf of the Annual Fund Storm Harbor provides equine-assisted activities to Phonathon. During the conversation, the student caller 85 riders each week. Equine assisted activities promote recognized Anita Rathburn’s interest in special education and balance and help with gross motor, language, social and self-help shared news of a University initiative that might be of interest: the skills, as well as build confidence in the riders. In addition to provid- Storm Harbor Equestrian Center, and its positive impact on chil- ing invaluable experiences for riders, the center provides experience to dren with disabilities. Storm Harbor’s mission is to provide equine- SRU students who work alongside the professional instructors and see assisted activities for individuals with disabilities. firsthand the benefits that equine assisted therapy has While Rathburn had contributed to the Annual We toured Storm for participants. Fund Phonathon in past years, this conversa- Thanks to the Rathburns, riders like SRU’s Patty tion inspired her to make a $1,000 gift to Storm Harbor and I Hladio, director of financial aid, now can saddle “thought it was a Harbor to support its life-altering work. up even during the coldest months of the year. Not long after the Phonathon conversation that great program and Previously, Hladio rode once a week but had to piqued her interest, Rathburn contacted Courtney great facility. It also forego lessons in frigid conditions. Gramlich, director of the Storm Harbor Equestrian has great people “I find it very exciting to be both physically and Center, to arrange a tour. Gary Rathburn, senior heading it up. mentally challenged,” she said. “Even though I have vice president for Alliance Resource Partners, a an irreversible, progressive muscle disease, it has been diversified coal producer and marketer, made regu- amazing to see how horseback riding has strength- lar trips back to the Pittsburgh area. Anita Rathburn decided to join ened some” of my core muscles, which has made it easier to perform him on a trip and reconnect in person with her alma mater. some basic day-to-day activities.” “We toured Storm Harbor and I thought it was a great program “I am so appreciative to the donor who thought about the need and great facility,” she said. “It also has great people heading it up. to heat the barn in the winter,” Hladio added. “I get so much When we realized that the facility could not be used during the benefit from riding, but when the temperature is exceptionally colder months, I was disappointed because I know how important low, my body doesn’t tolerate the cold and I end up canceling the constant repetitive practice can be.” lesson. With the heated barn, I’ll be able to ride year round.” “We were very interested to find out that a heating system had been Ryan Campbell, now 15 years old, began riding at Storm talked about but that financial support wasn’t in place,” Rathburn Harbor when he was 9. Campbell was diagnosed with autism said. “This was the opportunity that Gary and I were looking for, and spectrum disorder at the age of 3 and had very poor gross motor we were pleased to jump in and make it happen. I am very pleased skills when he first came to the center. He had a difficult time and feel very blessed to be able to do this. It would be very exciting to running and sitting upright in a chair at school. After beginning see this program grow and become available to more people.” weekly riding lessons at Storm Harbor, the change in his physical Gramlich said, “The radiant heating system will help tremendously state was almost immediate. “It was often difficult for Ryan to continue his riding during Photo at left: Ryan Beunier with Smooch. the winter months,” said his grandmother Kathleen Strickland. Photo top center: Gary and Anita ’72 Rathburn. “The arena was so cold classes were often canceled, and even

34 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 35 Pittsburgh artist donates sculpture to Storm Harbor Equestrian Center

The radiant heaters run the length of the arena, providing warmth from overhead. when the temperatures were above freez- While Storm Harbor is close to their ing, Ryan had difficulty in the cold due to hearts, the Rathburns’ philanthropy extends sensitivity in his hands and feet, and it was beyond the stalls of the center. They support often just too difficult to ride and hold the several other charities that help children and reins. The heated indoor arena will be a those with special needs. They have helped to fund research for juvenile diabetes and also In April 2012, artist Tim Kaulen took part wonderful addition, permitting the riders in the James Myford Sculpture Invitational to continue their therapy and practice for support kidney research surrounding the use at Slippery Rock University and discov- Special Olympics year round.” of an artificial pancreas. ered a campus gem: the Storm Harbor Now in ninth grade, Campbell leads a The Rathburns’ gift caps a banner year for Equestrian Center. confident, physically active life. “Not only is Storm Harbor. As word spreads regarding “Once I saw the facility and began he able to ride horses, he is now able to run, the center’s tremendous impact on the lives to learn more about the mission of the finishing his third year on the Slippery Rock of many in the community, the center has equestrian center, it became pretty clear Area School District Cross Country team. been sought out by people and organizations that it would be a good fit for my sculpture In fact, Ryan even lettered for the first time wanting to support its positive work. ‘Iron Horseman’ and would provide a good this year. None of this would have been pos- Storm Harbor celebrated the sixth year home,” Kaulen said. sible if Ryan had not been able to improve of its annual fundraising event, The Sunset Kaulen was pleased to be able to support Serenade, in October 2012. Both attendance the center’s mission by donating the welded his gross motor skills and build up strength steel sculpture for permanent display. in his legs,” Strickland said. “Iron Horseman,” which Kaulen worked Anita Rathburn, an eastern Pennsylvania on for nine months, stands nine feet tall native who earned an elementary education and weighs 1,500 pounds. It depicts a horse degree from SRU, said her interest in help- and rider in a rearing position and includes ing children with special needs started to cages for hanging plants. develop when she was in grade school. She Kaulen said his inspiration for “Iron befriended a neighbor girl who had a severe Horseman” came from old-fashioned tin intellectual disability. toys. He uses recycled steel from a former “My neighbor couldn’t come out and Pittsburgh brewery smokestack and materi- play with the rest of the kids and no one als from scrap yards for his pieces. “What intrigues me as an artist is I besides me knocked on her door to play,” generally like to identify interests that will Rathburn said. “She really enjoyed that propel me to complete a work,” he said. “I and it made me feel very good. That began like the idea of exaggerating small objects to progress into more story and poem read- Ryan Campbell atop Casper. into larger forms. I think this sculpture is ing and then actually interacting with each very dynamic, and it has a great site and it’s other about the story. Her favorite was and gift income was at a record high this very complete. I feel lucky that it captured ‘The Night before Christmas.’ That is how year: more than 350 guests joined in the fun the interest of the equestrian center.” I learned how gratifying it can be to help and contributed just over $73,000 to benefit And SRU is proud to have caught someone with special needs.” the center. Kaulen’s eye. Named Pittsburgh Artist Rathburn said she chose to attend SRU The Alcoa Foundation granted $20,000 to of the Year in 2009, Kaulen is known for because it was known for special education Storm Harbor to convert an existing riding creations that have become landmarks of the region. From his 18-foot sculpture titled and she admired Jack Dinger, the late SRU trail into a “sensory trail” with activity stations, “The Workers” that graces Pittsburgh’s professor and special education pioneer. educational signs and special cushioning. South Side to his 20 foot tall heron “One The Rathburns’ generosity is an exten- Private financial support ensures riders Great Blue” that greets guests at the sion of their helping spirit and will ensure like Hladio and Campbell won’t be bash- Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Kaulen’s that riders can get out of the house and ful about galloping about in winter. And it work is imaginative, accessible and meant enjoy the benefits of equine-assisted activi- will guarantee that students have access to for the public to enjoy. ties all year long, without interruptions. important learning opportunities. 36 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 37 Worth its

ikeWEIGHT many former Slippery Rock University athletes, Bret Geishauser, coach with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and was head strength coach at ’96, understands the importance of being fit and conditioned and Duquesne University. While at Duquesne, he worked with the football L how those characteristics translate to success on the playing field. team that won the 2003 I-AA Mid Major national championship. So when he became aware that Rock student-athletes had been wait- Geishauser has worked for fitness equipment dealers as well as ing for a few pieces of equipment that would give them an edge on large manufacturers such as Nautilus, Stairmaster and Schwinn. the competition, he decided to do something about it. He founded Academy Performance & Exercise to provide better Geishauser made it happen. sales and service to his customers, he said. The successful alumnus and owner of Academy Performance A Rock football player under head coach George Mihalik, & Exercise (APEX), an exercise equipment business in Altoona, Geishauser said the weight training equipment to which he had recently partnered with Jerry Bejbl, ’63, to equip the Jerry Bejbl access as a student wasn’t the greatest. Weight Training Center in Mihalik-Thompson Stadium with “It was pretty outdated as far as equipment goes,” he said. “The new strength-training equipment. weight room was under the bleachers of Geishauser, a former All-American cornerback at The Rock, the stadium. It was a long and narrow said the new equipment gives student-athletes in all sports the room, very tight quarters. It was very dif- I always say it is chance to work out using the latest fitness gear. ficult to train as a team there. Everything sad when a person On a recent visit to campus, Geishauser talked about the func- had to be done in small groups. It was forgets where they tion and form of APEX equipment. “These are sports performance not very efficient. It also wasn’t the high- came from, Bret racks,” Geishauser said. “They are designed to train teams of ath- light of the recruiting trip.” Geishauser has letes in exercises that promote speed, strength and power. They are Mihalik, a standout Rock quarter- never forgotten. multifunctional, which allows multiple exercises per station.” back in the 1970s, said the old weight – George Mihalik Geishauser said the equipment improves workout effectiveness room was “a closet”. Mihalik spoke dramatically and also provides a “very valuable recruiting tool of Geishauser’s investment as making because of the ‘wow’ effect. One of the top reasons a student- an impact in many ways, particularly with regard to an athlete’s athlete chooses a school is for the facilities.” potential for size and speed. The five new racks incorporate bench presses, power racks with “It allows athletes to enhance and develop their strength, which extended height bars, dumbbells, weight plates and circular plates. translates into better performance on game day,” Mihalik said. “The new equipment is state of the art,” he said. “It is designed “The other benefit is in recruiting. When potential student-ath- to help teams train more efficiently by being multifunctional.” letes see this, it’s going to be an eye-popping factor.” Geishauser, an exercise science graduate who also went on to Mihalik said Geishauser is a trendsetter because he recognizes earn a master’s degree in sport management from SRU, certainly the emphasis in strength and conditioning with current athletes. showed prowess in competition. As a member of The Rock’s “I always say it is sad when a person forgets where they came from,” 1997 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-Western Division Mihalik said. “Bret Geishauser has never forgotten. The main point championship and NCAA Division II playoff-qualifying team, is that he has made the weight room renovation possible. This would Geishauser earned All-American and all-conference honors and a not have happened without Bret’s desire to give back.” berth in the Snow Bowl Division II all-star game. Photo: Bret Geishauser, ’96, among the new equipment in the Jerry Bejbl Following graduation, Geishauser served as an assistant strength Weight Training Center. 36 The ROCK Winter 2013 W www.SRU.edu 37 Green and White Society honors memory of J. Tyler Stufflebeam In September 2011, the Green and White Society lost one of its members due to a tragic accident that took the life of Slippery Rock University senior J. Tyler Stufflebeam. His passing inspired mem- bers of the student ambassador organization to preserve his memory through the creation of an endowed scholarship that will assist a stu- dent who embodies Stufflebeam’s spirit for life and his dedication to the SRU community. Thus far, $33,425 has been raised for the J. Tyler Stufflebeam Memorial Scholarship. This spring will mark the first time that a stu- dent will receive the J. Tyler Stufflebeam Memorial Scholarship award. Ty Stufflebeam, back row, second from right with fellow members of the Green Stufflebeam served as vice president of alumni affairs for the and White Society. Green and White Society, a student organization whose members develop programs and activities meant to instill a sense of pride scholarship. We hope while doing so that they were able to grieve, to and tradition in the student body. remember, and to laugh because this is the way that Ty would have “Few ambassadors have embraced and lived this mission as wanted it. There is great comfort knowing that people are remember- Ty did,” said Grace Evans, a mathematics major from Apollo ing him, and taking a little bit of him and putting it into their lives. and president of the Green and White Society. “The J. Tyler We have started an annual Ride for Ty canoe trip that takes place in Stufflebeam Scholarship was created not only to remember Ty as Ty’s hometown of Warren, PA in July around his birthday as our way the dedicated and fun-loving student that he was, but also with of remembering what Tyler loved best - good friends, good times, the hope that it will encourage others to perpetuate his enthusiasm and living life in the moment. The 2nd Annual Ride for Ty will take and his joy in celebrating Slippery Rock University.” place this year on July 20th. We will continue to donate a portion of The Stufflebeam family expressed their appreciation for the the proceeds to the J. Tyler Stufflebeam Scholarship at SRU.” Green and White Society’s work to honor Ty’s legacy. By combining their efforts, Ty’s family and friends achieved “The outreach of support that we have received from The Green the $25,000 goal required to endow the scholarship in less than a and White Society, staff, and friends upon the loss of our son Ty is year. With ongoing gifts and pledges, they have continued to grow more than we could have ever imagined,” said Chris Greene, Ty’s the scholarship account, strengthening the scholarship’s impact mother. “The Green and White Society is a truly dedicated group of for future SRU students. young men and women who take pride in all that they do and they For more information about supporting the J. Tyler do so with immense integrity. Ty would have been so honored by Stufflebeam Scholarship and scholarships in general, call the how hard they have worked in such a short time to raise funds for this University Advancement Office at 724.738.2004.

Alumni Association honors distinguished alumni ◆ Garry Benford, ’77, physical education, a personal fitness and wellness director at the Physical Therapy & Performance Center at the Cardinal Orthopedic Institute in Columbus, Ohio. He is a recognized leader in personal fitness and con- ditioning and oversees personal training for 120 patients at Cardinal Orthopedic. ◆ Mary Jo Geyer, ’73, physical education, who directs the Legs to Stand On program at the American Leprosy Missions in Greenville, S.C. Geyer has taught and practiced physical ther- apy for many years and is a board-certified specialist in wound and lymphedema management. ◆ John Hicks, ’62, secondary education, who served for 30 years in SRU’s College of Education and is a member of the SRU Council of Trustees. He is the co-founder of the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators and represented STANDOUTS: (from left) Andy Major, ’88, Garry Benford, ’77, Mary Jo the U.S. at the Association of Teacher Educators Europe in Geyer, ’73, and John Hicks, ’62, were named Distinguished Alumni by the Bruges, Belgium. Alumni Association. ◆ Andy Major, ’88, communication, currently vice president of The Slippery Rock University Alumni Association has honored event operations and guest experiences for the National Football four highly accomplished SRU graduates with Distinguished League’s Buffalo Bills. He oversees event operations and market- Alumni Awards. Honored for their outstanding contributions to ing, guest services, parking and access and staffing divisions. He their communities and professions were: serves as a volunteer coach for several youth athletic leagues.

38 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 39 Alumni Association launches online directory Looking to get in touch with a former classmate? Wondering what your former roommates are doing these days? The new Slippery Rock University online alumni directory could be just the key to help you reconnect. The comprehensive directory is accessible to all SRU alumni who are registered users of the online community, www.rockalumnicafe.com. Join us for these exciting events “We are excited to offer this feature for our alumni, as we often get requests from alumni who are searching for their former class- SRU celebrates mates,” said Kelly Bailey, director of alumni engagement. “I hope 124 years of MARCH that this will make it easier for alumni to reconnect with each success and other and maintain lifelong friendships that started at The Rock.” tradition with a variety of The directory is a great resource for personal and professional campus activities. networking and an easy way to keep up to date on fellow alumni, 26 she said. This searchable directory contains profiles and contact FOUNDER’S DAY information for more than 58,000 alumni. Alumni can determine precisely what, if any, of their personal and professional contact information will be available for other APRIL Grab your brooms, rakes and alumni to see. shovels and join the campus As it is self-managed, alumni are encouraged to register with and community as we polish The Rock and Village during the website and periodically review their own Rock profile to this annual day of service. ensure accuracy and completeness. Alumni can use the update feature to send any address, business or academic changes to the 6 Campus CLEAN-UP Day Office of Alumni Engagement. “This is an easy way to provide your alma mater and fellow alumni with current personal information and professional or Kaliedoscope APRIL academic accomplishments,” Bailey said. One of the region’s premiere music and arts festivals returns to The Rock for 14 days of non- stop entertainment for folks from ages 4 to 104. This year’s festival 16- features the Missoula Children’s Theatre and the incredible Hunt family of multi-instrumentalists. 28

SRU’s commitment to sustainability APRIL and the efficient use of natural resources is highlighted during a week-long series of programs and activities. Take the energy pledge and be part of the solution to 22- reducing our carbon footprint. 24 Earth Week CLASS OF 1937 VALEDICTORIAN: (From left) Dorotha SRU’s Class of 2013 will “Dot” Anderson, ’37, and Cheryl Norton, Slippery Rock be inducted into the Alumni MAY University president, recently met for lunch to celebrate Association during Spring Anderson’s 75th anniversary as a Slippery Rock alumna. commencement ceremonies. Graduates from CHES and CHFPA Anderson, who graduated valedictorian, was a teacher until and Graduate Studies take the stage she met her late husband, Orville Anderson. Together they at 10:30 a.m. Graduates from CBISS launched Anderson Coach and Travel, a charter bus service in and COE are center stage at 2 p.m 18 Greenville that employs 200 people. Commencement 38 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu www.SRU.edu 39 Senior leaders put Slippery Rock back on the map When looking back at the 2012 Slippery with a special passion for the game,” said 2010 marked the beginning of the Rock University field hockey season, you Kasnevich, a member of the SRU Athletic turnaround of the program. In addition will notice the national rankings, the Hall of Fame. “You can see that spark to Banks joining the team, Slippery Rock increased win total, the close games and the and a renewed passion and commitment hired Julie Swiney to take the reigns as head national spotlight that was shed on the pro- with the current team.” coach. Swiney, who was serving as the head gram. Missing from those thoughts is the Malishchak and Bathurst were two coach at American International College, Whistorical significance of what was accom- of the six freshmen that would join the seemed like the perfect fit to turn the pro- plished by the 2012 squad and its team squad in 2009 and the only two to see it gram around, and she has not disappointed. leaders, accomplishments that can’t be seen through to their senior year. They were Slippery Rock University got better in when simply looking at the team’s record. joined in 2010 by redshirt sophomore 2010, and for the first time in more than Entering 2009, the freshman seasons for Ally Banks, who completed the class of a decade, The Rock began to make noise Gabrielle Malishchak and Grace Bathurst, leaders that would take the team to levels in the conference. The team posted six Slippery Rock was coming off a 2-16 season the program had never seen before. wins that year, a drastic improvement, that included no wins in the Pennsylvania There were growing pains and lessons to and finished the year at 6-14 overall State Athletic Conference. The team was be learned along the way. The 2009 team and 3-5 in the PSAC West. The year outscored by a 67-19 margin and outshot finished just one win better than the 2008 was capped by a season-ending win over 392-151. Prior to that, Slippery Rock was squad, posting a 3-16 overall record and fin- Indiana, giving Slippery Rock a sweep of outscored by 67-19, 87-11 and 88-5 margins ishing with nearly the same numbers, being its rival on the season. the three previous years. The Rock hadn’t outscored 52-19 and outshot 331-169. The numbers got better too. SRU was managed a scoring deficit of less than 47 Still, there were highlights. Malishchak outscored 46-33 that season, marking the goals in nearly a decade. led the team in scoring and was named to smallest deficit since a 68-21 margin in Those squads were a far cry from the the All-PSAC team, giving Slippery Rock 2005. The 33 goals scored and the 2.29- 1987-88 teams coached by Jan Kasnevich some credibility in a conference dominated team goals against average were both that won 23 games in two years, includ- by nationally ranked teams. Bathurst made significant improvements on the numbers ing a school record 13 wins in 1987. “The 18 starts and established herself as a key to over the previous decade. teams I had the privilege to coach played the defensive turnaround that would come. Malishchak continued to lead as an

40 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 41 underclassman, tallying six goals and ing Shippensburg 8-4 and not allowing the handing out two assists. She earned her Raiders a single shot on target in the period. second consecutive All-PSAC honor for Three days later, The Rock was back her efforts. Banks started every game of in a dogfight, this time with the No. the year and handed out three assists in 2 team in the country on the road at her first campaign, and Bathurst remained Bloomsburg. The Huskies, who had a key to the defensive unit. beaten Slippery Rock 4-0 the year before, Entering 2011, Swiney’s second at the couldn’t score. Slippery Rock’s defense helm, the goals were simple: keep build- smothered the second-ranked team in ing, improve, and make the playoffs. All the country and held them scoreless for three of those goals would be met. regulation, sending the game to overtime. The team finished the year with six wins Bloomsburg found the winner in the again, none bigger than an upset of sixth- first extra session, but Slippery Rock had ranked Indiana in the final game of the reg- made its mark. Little did the team know, ular season, in overtime, that clinched the but the rest of the nation was watching. first PSAC playoff berth for Slippery Rock The next day, SRU had to travel to No. since Kasnevich’s 1987 team. It’s no surprise 6 Millersville for its third game in a span of that the game-winning and playoff clinch- five days against top-ranked teams. As in ing strike came off the stick of Malishchak, many of those situations, the legs weren’t who would go on to be named to her third there. The Rock couldn’t find the cage, consecutive All-Conference team. despite finishing with eight shots on target, Slippery Rock suffered a 2-0 setback and the Marauders earned a 2-0 edge. just days later in the opening round of the What happened the Tuesday after playoffs to finish the year with six wins the Millersville game proved that oth- again, marking the first back to back sea- ers around the nation had recognized sons with at least six wins since 1997-98. the change in Slippery Rock as well.

The team also finished with a 5-5 PSAC Gabrielle Mali s hchak The National Field Hockey Coaches

West record, marking the first .500 finish in the conference standings since 1991. Entering the fall of 2012, with Malishchak, Banks and Bathurst set to begin their senior seasons, the goals were set again: keep building, improve, get back to the playoffs. Those goals would be blown away by what the team would go on to accomplish. The Rock tore out of the gates with three straight wins in convincing fashion. Although the official records will never show it, the team was poised to be 4-0 t before a lightning storm canceled a game s against Mercy College that Slippery Rock was dominating, 4-0 in the first half. Then came the first real test of the season, a road trip to No. 1 Shippensburg, a team

that had beat Slippery Rock by combined s scores of 9-1 in two games just a season ago. Not this time. The Raiders scored two first half goals to lead 2-0 at the break, but weren’t prepared for what would happen ank the second half. SRU didn’t back down like in previous years, the team came out attacking. Kelsey Gustafson cut the lead in half with nearly 11 minutes to play and the top-ranked team in the nation was on its heels. The tying goal never came, but Slippery Rock finished the half outshoot- Grace bathur Grace ALL Y B

40 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 41 Swiney’s colleagues took note as well, nam- ing her the PSAC West Coach of the Year. They also honored Malishchak with a first team All-PSAC honor, making her the first four-time All-Conference player in SRU his- tory. She would add All-America honors after the season, becoming the first player at SRU to be named a Division II All-American. The team finished the year with eight wins, the most since 1998, and just the sixth time in history the program has won at least eight games. Slippery Rock finished the year ranked No. 9 in the nation and was ranked for seven weeks in a row, a school record. It will be no surprise to anyone in Association released its weekly Division II made the save. the Division II field hockey world to see national rankings, and sliding into the poll In 2009, Slippery Rock was shutout Slippery Rock ranked among the top 10 in at No. 10 was Slippery Rock. It marked in 10 games and beaten by three or more the 2013-preseason rankings. the first time since 1987 that the team was goals on eight occasions. The scoring mar- “I want to thank Julie,” Kasnevich said. ranked and the first time the program was gin was 52-19. “She is dedicated and committed to Rock ever ranked as a Division II institution. In 2012, Slippery Rock finished the year field hockey, and she has rekindled that Slippery Rock reeled off three straight outscoring opponents 32-27 and allow- spark in this program. It is wonderful to wins and then put defending national ing just 1.48 goals against average. Those see Slippery Rock return to this level.” champion and No. 1-ranked West numbers are miles away from anything the While the team will bid farewell to three Chester on the ropes Sept. 28. The Rock program has seen in more than 10 years. of the best players to ever wear the uniform, led 2-1 with 15 minutes to play before the Eight of the team’s losses were against teams hopes will remain high with a talented group Golden Rams rallied with two late goals ranked in the top six in the nation, and seven of new leaders set to assume the captain’s to score the win, only posting an 11-8 of those were against teams that saw at least roles, and a skilled group of underclassmen advantage in shots on goal. a No. 3 ranking during the year. that includes seven returning starters that The season roller coasted with four There is a team effort to be credited will be sophomores or juniors. one-goal losses and back to back wins over for the success, no doubt, but looking at When Malishchak, Banks and Bathurst Seton Hill and Mansfield that earned SRU the numbers you can’t help but notice the began their careers at Slippery Rock its second consecutive postseason berth, importance of the senior leaders. Banks had University, the team was circled on oppo- where it would face No. 4 Indiana on the a career year. She finished with four goals nents’ calendars as an easy win, a sure road for the second time in three days. and six assists. Bathurst started in every thing. They end their careers with Slippery In the regular season finale, Slippery game and led a defensive unit that allowed Rock standing as a national contender, Rock scored to lead 1-0, but two late goals less shots on goal and less scoring than the one that no team is excited to see on the from IUP gave the Hawks a 2-1 win. team has allowed in a decade. Malishchak’s schedule, and one that is capable of winning Slippery Rock battled Indiana to what scoring declined in her senior season, but not every time it steps on the field. Their story could have been a scoreless draw in the without reason. With an influx of goal scor- is the ultimate display of dedication, loyalty opening round of the PSAC playoffs. Both ing and forwards now on the roster, she was and perseverance to accomplish goals, and teams were flying up and down the field, able to change her game for the betterment for that, they will find themselves etched in generating chances, and even earning pen- of the team. the program’s history forever. alty strokes. Indiana’s stroke found the net with nearly 20 minutes to play. Slippery Rock didn’t drop its head or shy away from the challenge. The Rock was in no mood to settle for a 2-0 defeat in the playoffs like they had a year ago, so they pushed the pace. They backed the Crimson Hawks into the defensive zone and just when it looked like they had scored the tying goal, a whistle stopped play at the exact moment the clock ran to 0:00. The call, a penalty on the IUP defense for handling the ball. The result, an untimed penalty stroke for Slippery Rock. Banks took the shot. Brittany Varacallo

42 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 43 Kaleidoscope Arts Festival April 16-28, 2013 On the campus of Slippery Rock University • Opening Celebration, April 18 • Children’s Day, April 20

42 The ROCK Winter 2013 www.SRU.edu 43 rock solid education www.SRU.edu Slippery Rock, PA 16057-1326 1 Morrow Way NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT #1715 U.S. POSTAGE PAID

I am TheROCK Roberta Page, ’88, physical education DAY JOB: I am the director of championships at the NCAA and have the opportunity to plan, organize and implement national championships for Division I, II and III programs nationwide. BACKGROUND: After working in high school and college-level athletics, I was blessed to have the opportunity to work at the NCAA, which I joined in 2009. My doc- torate in education is from Duquesne University, and I have worked as an athletic director at Shippensburg University and Gettysburg Area and Boiling Springs high schools. The Rock remains my first love. INFLUENCE OF SRU: Ever since high school in Greensburg, Pa., I wanted to be involved in athletics and always dreamed of attending Slippery Rock University. As an undergraduate, I always felt a strong connection and comfort level with the campus community. What I appreciated most was the influence of faculty and staff on my development both inside and outside the classroom. Faculty and staff always made me feel important and went out of their way to assist me in any way. Their example stays with me: I try to act similarly on a day-to-day basis. I stay positive, respect individuals and want others to feel they are important and paramount to my work. I attribute my ethic to what I learned from my time at The Rock.