11/9/2004
Contact:
K.E. Schwab -- 724-738-2199; e-mail:
karl.schwab@sru.edu
For
photo of President Smith, CLICK
HERE (other photos of the ceremony may be downloaded from
the SRU homepage)
SLIPPERY ROCK
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA INAUGURATES NEW PRESIDENT –
DR. ROBERT M. SMITH
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Before a packed house of
750, Dr. Robert M. Smith became the 15th president of
Slippery Rock University, then used the occasion to tout the
University’s stature in an arena of higher education and
share the spotlight with those who share the responsibility of
continuing to build the institution.
During
his 12-minute address in the University Union, President Smith used
humor and philosophy to share the importance of the day.
“Today’s successful university is not a hierarchy, but
a pluralistic enterprise with multiple centers of influence and
interest held together by a shared vision and shared values.
Despite the appearance of chaos, the university is a purposeful
community highly reliant on the individual dual talents and
motivation of its faculty, staff and
administration.”
He
added, “This is especially true today at Slippery Rock
University. We are where we are in the 116th year of
Slippery Rock University because we got here together. Because we
care about what we do. We have already demonstrated the power we
have when we work together.”
Smith
was appointed to the post last May following a national search and
had previously served SRU as provost and vice president of academic
affairs, before being named interim president during the
search.
The
newly inaugurated president thanked his parents for imparting their
values and his wife of 40 years for her devotion. He also
acknowledged his many friends who traveled to join in the ceremony
and those representing Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest
all-academic honorary, which installed a chapter at SRU last
Thursday. Smith pointed to the honorary as an “affirmation to
the academic community we are building at Slippery Rock
University.”
In
continuing his building theme, the president said, “Our
vision is clear, and we are focused to achieve it. Put simply, we
are building an engaged intellectual community. We have staked our
future on strengths shaped over the past 115 years: a residential
educational experience.”
In
the hour-long ceremony, Smith was praised for his leadership, his
humor, his understanding and his vision by those who took the
podium to bring greetings from various constituent groups. Speakers
included Max Speight, longtime personal friend, who delivered the
invocation, and Jude Butch, president of the Slippery Rock
University Student Government Association, who spoke on behalf of
students, calling Smith “a student’s president”
and thanking him for his cooperation in SGA initiatives. Dr. Jace
Condravy president of the Association of Pennsylvania State,
College and University Faculty, Lt. Kevin Sharkey, of University
Police, representing the American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees, the State College and University Professional
Association, Security, Police, Fire Professionals of American and
the Office of Professional Employees International Union, welcomed
the president, and Dr. Charles T. Curry, vice president for finance
and administrative affairs, represented SRU’s
administration.
Also
taking the podium were William Kirker, president of the SRU Alumni
Association, Alan B. Offstein, chair of the Slippery Rock
University Foundation, Inc., Dr. Kenneth Harris, mayor of Slippery
Rock, Dr. Frank G. Pogue, Jr., president of Edinboro University of
Pennsylvania, representing all of higher education, Dr. Robert
Marcus, SRU Council of Trustees chair, and John K. Thornburgh,
representing PSSHE in bringing well wishes to the new
president.
More
than 150 delegates representing colleges and universities from
around the world joined in as did a contingent of SRU students
representing student organizations. A group of international
students also participated in the cross-campus procession, many
wearing clothing indicative of their homeland
culture.
The
oath of office was conduct by Dr. Judy Hample, chancellor of the
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, who cited her
30-year friendship with Smith and praised both his leadership and
educational vision. The university medallion, designed by Robert
Bruya, professor of art, and SRU art students, was presented by
Marcus.
Wilma
J. Cavill, the university’s most-veteran faculty member,
served as grand marshal and presented Smith with the university
mace, and music was provided by Dr. Colleen Gray Neubert, assistant
professor of music, the University Choir, under the direction of
Kevin Smith, assistant professor of music, and the SRU Brass
Ensemble, directed by Stephen Hawk.
A
public reception followed in Boozel Dining Hall and an inaugural
celebration for 300 invited guests was hosted by the Slippery Rock
University Foundation, Inc., in the newly opened Regional Learning
Alliance at Cranberry Woods. The event included comments from
Chancellor Hample and Offstein, foundation chair, who commended
Smith “for his visionary leadership in developing the
Regional Learning Alliance.” The RLA brings 11 western
Pennsylvania leading education providers together to offer
workforce training and degree programs in the area.
Also
speaking at the event was Dennis Zeitler, chief financial officer
of Mine Safety Appliances and chair of the RLA Foundation,
Inc.
S