Feb. 15, 2005

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

MAGAZINE NAMES SRU FACULTY ROBERT OGOREUC  

ONE OF 25 MOST POWERFUL FIGURES IN WORLD OF AQUATICS

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – International Aquatics magazine has named Slippery Rock University physical education faculty Robert Ogoreuc one of the 25 most powerful people in aquatics, saying he built SRU’s aquatics minor into “one of the most vibrant in the nation.”

The February cover story describes Ogoreuc as a hands-on professor who teaches “everything from water chemistry to facility management.” The story includes a photograph of Ogoreuc teaching swimming at Morrow Field House and notes SRU’s aquatics minor averages 40 students annually.

Ogoreuc, an assistant professor of physical education who received his master’s degree from SRU, directs the minor and teaches six of its courses. “The most important thing is professionalism,” he said. “Professionalism rubs off on students and will help them get jobs and respect.”

He is included with such notables as American Olympic gold medallists Michael Phelps (’04) and Janet Evans (’96), Australian Olympian Ian Thorpe (’00 ’04), as well as other educators, coaches and innovators.

In culling the group, magazine editor Gary Thill said editors looked at accomplishments, awards and lasting impact on the world of aquatics. “In the end, it came down to one key question: Did the person have influence?,” he said.

National influence

The American Red Cross asked Ogoreuc to join its editorial advisory team when it recently revised its Swimming and Water Safety Handbook for the first time in 10 years. The 275-page edition came out in 2004.

 Ogoreuc’s team guided content of the book, including chapters on basic aquatic skills, stroke mechanics, and disabilities and other conditions. He edited the companion Swimming and Diving Manual, the Swimming and Diving Instructor Manual and the organization’s new LEARN-to-swim videos.

An SRU professor for 14 years, he started his aquatic life as a high school swimmer. He coached the SRU men’s and women’s swim teams for several years, including eight-time All American Scott Hendry. During summers, Ogoreuc works as a training officer for the Ocean City, N.J., Beach Patrol.

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