4/14/2004

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199; e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU TO DEDICATE NEW ‘ROCK PLAZA’ WITH CEREMONY ON APRIL 21

              SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University, known around the world as “The Rock,” will dedicate its new 15-ton “Rock Plaza” on the main quadrangle outside Bailey Library at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday [April 21].

          “Since we are ‘The Rock,’ Student Government Association could think of no better way to symbolize the Slippery Rock name than by placing three huge rocks into a signature sculpture that will expand ‘rock pride’ across the campus community,” says Josh Young, a graduating senior majoring in political science and speaker of the senate for SGA. “For the last several years, Slippery Rock University has promoted ‘rock pride,’ and SGA thinks this plaza will reinforce that concept.” He says the latest beautification project is one of several involving rocks planned for the campus.

          The dedication ceremony will include special thanks to Quality Aggregates, a Pittsburgh-based surface mining and land reclamation company, that donated more than $1,500 worth of boulders and moved them to campus to create the special area on an east-west pathway across campus. The Student Government Association project was underwritten as a way of helping further beautify the campus.

          The dedication will be held at the plaza, including presentation of a commemorative plaque.

          The project required more than six months of planning and included review by numerous students who considered various designs – and various rocks -- for placement.

          “Quality Aggregates is to be commended for its donation. This successful project is testament to what can be accomplished when students reach out to the community,” explained Amy Bersett, assistant director of university advancement.

PN, PgN, WPN, PR, PT