Mar. 11, 2005

Contact: Ross C. Feltz --- 724-738-2919,  cell: 724-679-1376, e-mail: ross.feltz@sru.edu

MAJOR CONSTRUCTION TO START IN MAY, SRU TRUSTEES TOLD

                SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Saying that it “will forever change our campus,” Slippery Rock University President Robert M. Smith reported to the university’s council of trustees that construction of replacement residence halls is scheduled to start in May.

               “Arguably the largest single construction in Butler County history, this project will forever change the way the campus looks and the way it develops our students as leaders,” Smith told the trustees gathered for their regular quarterly meeting. The estimated $110-million project will replace and renovate much of SRU’s student housing complex.

               “Quality faculty and facilities are key to our appeal to the brighter and talented students,” he said.  Smith further noted that of new freshman expected this fall, “The average SAT score is up 30 points to more than 1000 and the mean grade-point average is up to 3.34.”

Trustees action

               Trustees  reviewed and approved contracts, fixed assets, and service and supply purchase orders. In other action, they approved undertaking a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education financed capital project up to $450,000 for the installation of an automatic sprinkler system at the McKeever Environmental Learning Center in Sandy Lake, which Slippery Rock University administers.

Council also approved a 5-percent increase in university-owned residence hall fees primarily to accommodate increased personnel costs required by collective bargaining agreements and to fund health benefit cost increases.  Also approved was an average 3-percent increase in dining hall meal plans.

Council approved a capital budget request for fiscal year 2005-06 to be submitted to the system board of governors for funding of three proposed projects: $2.9 million for phase three of the Central Boiler Plant renovation; $25.9 million for a new performing arts center to replace Miller Auditorium; and $13.8 million for the Morrow Field House renovation.

Retirements

                Trustees acknowledged the following retirements:

               Dr. Peter Grierson, associate professor, School of Business, of  Aliquippa, with 17 years of service; and

Dr. Alan Rusnak, associate professor, counseling center, of Slippery Rock, with 25 years of service.

 Professor Emeritus

            Trustees were informed that professor emeritus status has been granted to the following individuals:

               Stephen Banjak, physical education and sport management, of Slippery Rock, who had been employed for 34 years.

               Dr. Barbara Blackstone, communication, of Cranberry Township, who had been employed for 34 years.

               Dr. Willam Chapman, geography, geology and the environment, of Slippery Rock , who had been employed for 32  years.          

               The next meeting of the council will be 1:30 p.m., June 10, 2005.

 PN, WPN, PT,