IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724-738-4854
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Rock graduates continue philanthropic spirit 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Jim and Ronda Stracka, 1980 and 1981 Slippery Rock University graduates, have given $15,000 to support the Jim Stracka Scholarship in Computer Science and the Richard “Chip” Shearer Baseball Scholarship. The gift was made as a portion of a pledge to endow both scholarships at $25,000 each.

            Jim Stracka was one of the first graduates of the SRU’s computer science program. His mentor was Sharadchandra Joshi, professor of computer science, for whom he has much respect.

            Stracka began his career as a programmer with Gulf Oil in Houston. He later developed a software security firm that grew to employ 300 and is currently starting a business in the golf industry called The Stracka Line. 

            In 2003, Stracka was invited to serve on the University President’s Advisory Council. He and Ronda have been recognized for their generous lifetime giving and with this gift move to the Aquamarine Club Lifetime Giving Club (above $25,000). The Strackas live in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., and have two children.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.