IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 20, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724-738-4854

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Alumni Association president earns his sergeant stripes

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Eric Holmes, president of the Slippery Rock University Alumni Association, was recently promoted to the rank of sergeant by the Pittsburgh Police Department. Holmes, a 1993 SRU graduate, has been a city police officer for 10 years, working in the K-9, narcotics and vice divisions.

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl did the swearing in.

"I am living my dream," said Holmes. "I also teach at the Pittsburgh Police Academy and the Allegheny County Police Academy." 

            Holmes interest in public safety goes back to his days as resident adviser at SRU, where he majored in communication. He was also a volunteer firefighter in Penn Hills.

"While at SRU I learned how to communicate with people, how to deal with situations, how to work as a team player, and the importance of giving back to the community. So it was an easy transition from college student to police recruit for me," Holmes said.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania's premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.