May 1, 2006

Contact: Gordon Ovenshine: 724-738-4854; gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU AQUATICS PROFESSOR ONE OF SIX IN NATION HONORED

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.–For his contribution to aquatic safety on a national level, Slippery Rock University physical education faculty Robert Ogoreuc has received the 2006 National Honor Award from the Aquatic Council of the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation. Five other people nationwide received the award.

“We recognize the contributions you have made to the field of aquatics and for your ongoing support to aquatic education by conducting quality aquatic academic programs at Slippery Rock University,” Tomas LeClerc, chair of the Aquatic Council wrote to Ogoreuc, assistant professor of physical education.

The association noted that Ogoreuc worked on the American Red Cross Water Safety Advisory Group that revised the Water Safety Instructors program in 2004. He also worked as a technical reviewer for the Red Cross’ lifeguard manuals. He has contributed to the YMCA, USLA and StarGuard lifeguard textbooks.

In 2005, Aquatic International Magazine named Ogoreuc one of the 25 most powerful people in aquatics. He has also been recognized for his teaching efforts at SRU by receiving the William Herman Teaching Excellence award in 2002 and 2004.

Ogoreuc was the driving force to creating aquatics minor at SRU and coached men and women’s swimming from 1991-2003. He holds numerous certifications such as American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer, YMCA Open Water Scuba Instructor and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Boating Instructor.

He received his bachelors in health and physical education with an emphasis in aquatic administration at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1989 and a master of education degree in physical education at SRU in 1996.

During summer, he works as training officer for the Ocean City Beach Patrol in New Jersey, where he trains new and lifeguards and the Ocean City Fire Department in surf rescue.

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