4/28/2005
Contact: K.E. Schwab -- 724-738-2199;
e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu
STATE’S TOP EDUCATOR, SLIPPERY
ROCK UNIVERSITY GRADUATE,
TO ADDRESS MAY 7 COMMENCEMENT AS 1,050
DIPLOMAS ARE PRESENTED
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.
– Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Francis V. Barnes,
once himself a recipient of an SRU diploma, will be the speaker
when the university presents more than 1,050 diplomas at
commencement ceremonies set for 11 a.m. May 7 in N. Kerr Thompson
Stadium.
The ceremony will
see the presentation of 30 doctorate degrees in physical therapy,
while 137 students receive their master’s diplomas. Some 900
undergraduate degrees will also be presented. Tickets are not
required for the outdoor ceremony, but all graduating students have
been issued four tickets in the event inclement weather forces the
ceremony to Morrow Field House.
The spring
ceremony, marking the largest in recent memory, will be led by
President Robert Smith. The event will include presentation of the
national anthem by SRU students Michael Sypien of Pittsburgh, Mark
Erickson of New Wilmington, Christopher Keiper of Beaver Falls, and
Markus Kaiser, an international student from Germany.
Greetings will be
presented by Dr. Robert Marcus, a 1961 SRU graduate and current
chair of the SRU Council of trustees.
Barnes, who earned
his bachelor of science degree in education from SRU in 1971, was
named to lead the state’s education program in 2004 by Gov.
Edward Rendell. He has said his personal mission is, “The
goal remains unchanged: learners of all ages will experience the
economic opportunities, fulfillment and liberty that a quality
education offers. Now, it is time to focus on the means to this
end, so that our attention aligns with our intention. We will
strengthen the foundation already laid by working together as one,
building coherent systems and supports, and leading with personal
courage and great resolve. Continuity of focus, deeper roots,
disciplined implementation, and attention to the common
good...these will be the hallmarks of our stewardship."
He holds his master
of education degree and his doctor of philosophy degree from the
University of Pittsburgh, and holds certifications as elementary
and secondary principals, in health and physical education, as
supervisor of curriculum and instruction and a letter of
eligibility for superintendents of schools. Prior to accepting the
state’s top education post, Barnes had served six years as
superintendent of Palisades School District in Kintnersville,
located in Northern Bucks County, a district serving some 2,200
students. He has served as superintendent at both the Huntingdon
Area School District and at the Hopewell Area School District, as
well as principal at North Allegheny School District and as dean of
students, department chair and teacher for the Pittsburgh Public
Board of Education.
Active in his
profession and community, Barnes is a member of the Pennsylvania
Association of School Administrators, and was president-elect in
2004, a member of the American Association of School Administrators
Governing Board, the American Association of School Administrators
membership committee, the Pennsylvania Association of School
Administrators Board of Governors, he is a Grandview Hospital
trustee, and a member of the Shippensburg Area and Pennsylvania
State School Study Councils, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Citizens
Advisory Board for the State Correctional Institute at Huntingdon
as well as the Huntingdon County United Way education
committee.
The new graduates will be
inducted into the SRU Alumni Association by William G. Kirker, a
1973 SRU graduate and president of the association. A reception for
graduates and guests will follow in the University Union. In
addition 11 Army Reserve Officer Training Corp. cadets will be
commissioned as second lieutenants at the ceremony.
PN, PGN, WPN, PR