Slippery Rock University

The culminating work of six Slippery Rock University Bachelor of Fine Arts dance majors will be presented in an inspiring, entertaining and passionate showcase of dance. There will be two shows of "Roots to Branches: A Senior BFA Concert," 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., April 26, in the Stoner West Dance Studio. Tickets are $10 for each show and they are available for purchase online at sru.edu/tickets.

Continuing to apply their classroom learning at some of the largest sporting events in the country, students from Slippery Rock University's sport management program worked at the 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four basketball games, April 5-7, in San Antonio, Texas.

Audiences have four opportunities to watch the Slippery Rock University's production of the Tony Award-winning play, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." Based on the popular novel by Mark Haddon, the play is about a brilliant yet socially challenged 15-year-old. The SRU Theatre Department will host shows April 18, 19, 21 and 22 at the Miller Theater in the Performing Arts Center. Show times and dates are 7:30 p.m., April 18, 21 and 22, and noon, April 19. Tickets are $12 for SRU students and $15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased online at sru.edu/tickets or in person at the Performing Arts Center ticket counter up to one hour before each performance.

Slippery Rock University recognized its most accomplished students at its annual Celebration of Achievement awards ceremony, April 1, in the Smith Student Center Ballroom, including the highest honor: the University's nominee for the Syed Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence. Brooke Hamilton, a senior music education major from South Park (South Park HS), is SRU's finalist for the Ali-Zaidi award, which is given to a graduating senior in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education who exemplifies academic excellence and involvement. A selection committee appointed by the State System chancellor reviews all nominees' accomplishments and selects a winner. The winner will receive $1,000 and will be announced later this month. The award was established by Syed Ali-Zaidi, a charter member of the PASSHE Board of Governors.

Noah Suto, a Slippery Rock University senior management major from Parker (Allegheny-Clarion Valley HS), was named an SRU Outstanding Student Academic Leader. These awards recognize students from each of SRU's five colleges based on their outstanding leadership within an academic department or college. Suto is president of the Society for Human Resource Management Chapter at SRU, a member of the College of Business Student Advisory Board, and a member of the SRU Green Fund Advisory Board, where he contributed to student-focused initiatives, curriculum development and sustainability efforts.

Kelli Galbraith, a Slippery Rock University graduate student majoring in secondary education mathematics and science from Gibsonia (Deer Lakes HS), was named an SRU Outstanding Student in Research, Scholarship or Creative Activity. These awards recognize students from each of SRU's five colleges based on their involvement in a variety of research, scholarly and creative projects. Galbraith has been involved with research projects during her 10-week internship at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee that centered on identifying faults in power grids and she was part of a study that was accepted for presentation at the North American Power Symposium, as well as writing a peer-reviewed paper for the conference proceedings.

Jebediah Jorden, a Slippery Rock University senior mathematics major from Wexford (North Allegheny HS), was named an SRU Outstanding Student in Research, Scholarship or Creative Activity. These awards recognize students from each of SRU's five colleges based on their involvement in a variety of research, scholarly and creative projects. Jorden is one only five SRU students in the history of the mathematics program to score a 10 on the International Putnam Exam, and he's passed two professional actuarial exams with international pass rates around 45%.

Kylie Crescenzo, a Slippery Rock University senior dual physics and mathematics major from Greensburg (Hempfield HS) was named an SRU Outstanding Student Academic Leader. These awards recognize students from each of SRU's five colleges based on their outstanding leadership within an academic department or college. Crescenzo, the president of the Physics and Engineering Club at SRU, is active in various open houses, majors-minors fairs, admitted student days, and orientation sessions, while also leading programs such as Science & Math Days and visits by area schools to the planetarium.

Olivia Evans, a Slippery Rock University senior early childhood and special education major from Zelienople (Freedom HS) was named an SRU Outstanding Student Academic Leader. These awards recognize students from each of SRU's five colleges based on their outstanding leadership within an academic department or college. Evans is president of the Council for Exceptional Children, a student organization with 100 members that helps lead sensory-friendly activities in the community, and she's also presented at the Council for Exceptional Children's Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

Chase Decker, a Slippery Rock University senior recreational therapy major from Spring Mills (Octorara HS), was named an SRU Outstanding Student in Research, Scholarship or Creative Activity. These awards recognize students from each of SRU's five colleges based on their involvement in a variety of research, scholarly and creative projects. Decker is involved with research that uses equine-assisted services through a grant-funded project from the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification and she's presented at national conferences while also co-writing a manuscript for publication in the Therapeutic Recreation Journal.

Matthew Deemer, a Slippery Rock University junior exercise science major from Zelienople (Seneca Valley HS) was named an SRU Outstanding Student Academic Leader. These awards recognize students from each of SRU's five colleges based on their outstanding leadership within an academic department or college. Deemer is active in the Pre-Physical Therapy Club at SRU, a student coordinator for the Exercise Science Research Laboratory, lab assistant, peer mentor and president of the Fitness & Wellness Club at SRU, as well as an organizer of a color run for charity and a bodybuilding show.

Cameron Antoniotti, a Slippery Rock University junior dual history and philosophy major from Edinboro (General McLane HS), was named an SRU Outstanding Student in Research, Scholarship or Creative Activity. These awards recognize students from each of SRU's five colleges based on their involvement in a variety of research, scholarly and creative projects. Antoniotti presented or published five papers and posters at national and regional conferences, including "Race, Hate, and Steel" at the Purdue University Graduate Student Association's Biannual Conference in March.

Samantha Toki, a Slippery Rock University senior dual art and strategic communication and media major from Windber (Windber HS), was named an SRU Outstanding Student Academic Leader. These awards recognize students from each of SRU's five colleges based on their outstanding leadership within an academic department or college. Toki, a student graphic designer in the University Marketing and Communication office, oversees the Student Government Association Student Art Gallery and she's helped start events such as the collaborative Make Your Mark and the Art Society travel trip to the Carnegie Museum of Art, while also inviting art professionals to speak on campus and developing special art exhibitions honoring art faculty.

A group of Slippery Rock University marketing students are making their case that they are among the best in the nation. As one of 10 finalists in the American Marketing Association's Collegiate Case Competition, a team from SRU will present business cases and compete against nine other schools at the AMA International Collegiate Conference, April 5, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Two Slippery Rock University civil engineering majors were among six college students recognized and awarded scholarships by the American Society of Civil Engineers, Pittsburgh Section. Amber Maurer, a senior civil engineering major from Cowansville, received the American Bridge Leadership Award. Maurer received a $9,000 scholarship, recognizing outstanding leadership in civil engineering. The scholarship was supported by a donation from American Bridge, a civil engineering company, to the ASCE Pittsburgh Section's Student Awards Foundation.

A Slippery Rock University student can now add "MVP at the Super Bowl" to his resume. Well, it's not what most people might think, but he was among a select few honored for their performance at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans earlier this year. Niko O'Toole, a senior sport management major from Pittsburgh, was named a "Super Bowl Teammate MVP" award winner after working at the NFL's premier event in February.

Emma Lemire knows what brings her joy. "I love helping people," she said, "that's always been my main goal." After coming to Slippery Rock University from her hometown of Groton, Connecticut, Lemire developed a way to achieve that goal through her recreational therapy major, volunteer work with local clientele, and a research project working closely with SRU faculty. Now, as a junior in the recreational therapy program, Lemire is getting recognized for her work on campus and in the community. Lemire was honored as the 2025 Student of the Year for Butler County by the Butler County Health Care Consortium after demonstrating excellence in the health care field.

The dance contest at Slippery Rock University that pairs students with members of the campus community is ready for another go round. The popular "Dancing with the SRU Stars" is 7 p.m., March 27, in Stoner West Dance Studio Theater. Cost is $10 for general admission and tickets can be purchased online at sru.edu/tickets.

Junie B. Jones once said, "Books are my favorite things in the whole world!" Adapted from the popular childhood book series, a musical theater production at Slippery Rock University will offer audiences who favor books, music and theater a world to experience. The SRU Theatre Department will present five performances of "Junie B. Jones, the Musical," Feb. 28 to March 4, in the Stoner East Black Box Theater. Show times and dates are 7:30 p.m., Feb. 28 and March 3-4, and 2 p.m., March 1-2. Tickets are $12 for SRU students and $15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased online at sru.edu/tickets or in person at the Stoner East ticket counter up to one hour before each performance.

Slippery Rock University has announced its dean's list for the Fall 2024 semester. The dean's list consists of SRU undergraduate students who earned an adjusted semester grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, based on a schedule of at least 12 newly attempted and earned credits.

Nearly 50 pieces of artwork created by Slippery Rock University students are on display at the University's Martha Gault Art Gallery as part of its 2025 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition. SRU hosted an awards reception, March 3, and the exhibition is available for public viewing through April 7 at the gallery, located on the first floor of the Maltby Center at 108 Maltby Ave., which is open Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Slippery Rock University will host its 2024 fall commencement ceremony, 11 a.m., Dec. 14, at the Morrow Field House. There are a total of 540 students eligible to graduate and participate in the ceremony. Graduate students and undergraduates from each of SRU's five colleges will receive their degrees in one ceremony. Electronic tickets are required for entry and each graduate will be provided up to four guest tickets. All ceremonies will be livestreamed on sru.edu for those friends and family members without a ticket, unable to attend in person, or who prefer to watch the ceremony online.

The Slippery Rock University Dance Department will present its Fresh Moves Dance Showcase, 7 p.m., Dec. 6, and 2 p.m., Dec. 7, in the Stoner West Dance Studio Theater. The showcase will feature 14 choreographed performances by current SRU dance students. Cost is $10 for general admission and tickets can be purchased online at sru.edu/tickets or at the Smith Student Center information desk.

Slippery Rock University's Theatre Department will present its newest production titled "Alice by Heart" with four shows Nov. 21-24 at the Miller Theater in the Performing Arts Center. Based on a novel by Steven Sater, "Alice by Heart" is directed by Aaron Galligan-Stierle, a SRU assistant professor of theatre.

Slippery Rock University's Theatre Department will present its newest production titled "Astronots" with five shows Oct. 18-23 at the Stoner East Black Box Theater. Show times and dates are 7:30 p.m., Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 22-23, and 2 p.m., Oct. 20. Tickets are $12 for SRU students and $14 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased online at sru.edu/tickets or in-person at the Stoner East ticket counter up to one hour before each performance.

"Hands-on research" is a term often used to describe how college students learn through active participation in laboratory experiments, but one Slippery Rock University student is taking on a project that is even more literal when it comes to the touch of fingertips. Janey Parks, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from New Brighton, is working in the Advanced Manufacturing Lab in SRU's Vincent Science Center this summer to find ways to improve upon the wearable sensors that respond to touch and capture motion.

Slippery Rock University has announced its dean's list for the spring 2024 semester. The dean's list consists of SRU undergraduate students who earned an adjusted semester grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, based on a schedule of at least 12 newly attempted and earned credits.

The Slippery Rock University council of trustees has a new student voice. Charli Severo, an SRU junior dual political science and philosophy major from Albion, has been selected as a member of the council of trustees, the highest governing body of the University. Severo fills the one seat on the 12-member COT designated for a full-time SRU undergraduate student. Severo has the same voting privileges as the other trustees.

Slippery Rock University will conduct its 2024 spring commencement ceremonies, May 3-4, at the Morrow Field House. More than 1,600 students are eligible to be recognized as graduates in the following ceremonies: 6 p.m., May 3, graduate studies; 9 a.m., May 4, College of Engineering and Science and College of Health Professions; noon, May 4, College of Business; and 3 p.m., May 4, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts and Rock Life.

As graduation is approaching at Slippery Rock University, twenty graduating Bachelor of Fine Arts dance majors are proud to announce their final dance showcase titled "Through It All: A BFA Dance Concert" with three unique shows, April 27-28 at the Stoner West Dance Studio Theater. The showcase serves as a culmination of research, dedication and learning for the students, expressed in one final showcase with each performance concluding with a senior dance choreographed by Pittsburgh-based choreographer and artist James Washington Manning. Show times and dates are 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m., April 27, and 2 p.m., April 28. Tickets are $10 for general admission and can be purchased online at sru.universitytickets.com.