FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2007
Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199
 karl.schwab@sru.edu

Two Slippery Rock University trustees honored for service

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Veteran Slippery Rock University trustees Kenneth B. Blair of Sarver and Orvan B. Peterson of Butler were honored today with resolutions proclaiming their outstanding service to the university.

           Blair and Peterson, whose trustee terms have expired, both served two, six-year terms and were appointed to the vice chair and chair leadership positions during their service.

           Replacement names have been submitted to the Pennsylvania Senate by Gov. Edward Rendell and are awaiting confirmation. That confirmation is expected before council’s regular June meeting.

           The resolution honoring Blair cited him as a “valuable and dedicated member” of the council and noted his faithful and enthusiastic devotion of time, energy and talent throughout his tenure. Blair also served as the trustee’s representative to the Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc.

           An experienced leader in education, health care and recreation, Blair’s professional experience in these fields spans four decades. He is also a volunteer at the YMCA. He formerly owned and operated the Fair Winds nursing home in Sarver and served 10 years as a junior high social studies teacher with the Oakmont School District. 

           He earned his master of education degree in secondary education from the University of Pittsburgh, his bachelor of science in education degree from Penn State University and his associate degree in nursing from Point Park College. In 1998, Blair was honored with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Eberly Award for Volunteerism.

           Peterson’s resolution cited him for supporting “the mission of Slippery Rock University through his dedication and valuable long-time service.”

           A lifelong leader in education, Peterson served five years as a member of the executive board of the Pennsylvania Association of Council of Trustees, including one year as secretary, one year as vice president and two years as president. He has also been involved in numerous Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education activities. He was thanked for his serve on council’s finance and audit committee and for providing effective counsel to SRU’s finance and administrative division.

           A resident of Butler, Peterson served as assistant dean of instruction, director of instructional development and professor of humanities at Butler County Community College before retiring in 1995.

           Peterson earned his doctorate in higher education degree from Penn State University, his master of arts in English degree from the University of Missouri and his bachelor of arts degree from Dana College.

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.

PN, PGN, WPN, PR