FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2007
Contact: K.E. Schwab
724-738-2199
karl.schwab@sru.edu

Slippery Rock University honors outstanding minority students

            SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – More than a dozen Slippery Rock University students were honored for their academics, commitment and leadership when the Office of Intercultural Programs hosted its annual Spring Graduation and Award Ceremony.

            In addition, 19 graduating seniors were recognized as part of the annual event.

            Rashad Brown, an exercise science major from Aliquippa, and Emelda Jones, an Americans with Disabilities major from Pittsburgh, were presented the Dwight E. Greer Legacy Award. The award is presented to students who have made unique contributions to the campus and surrounding communities by presiding over an organization or program that made a significant contribution to students of color and the community at large. The award honors the former director of SRU’s intercultural programs.

            Four Black Caucus Awards went to Maria Pierre, marketing major from Trinidad, Jamar Scales, social work major from Olmstead Falls, Ohio, Brown and Jones.

           In the Diversity Awards portion of the program, Krista Haidle, an athletic training major from McKeesport, was honored for her volunteer efforts and work in support of cultural diversity and multicultural education throughout the year. She was cited for her efforts to become knowledgeable of other cultural perspectives and for continuously striving for unity throughout Slippery Rock University.

            The Senior Diversity Award went to Amber Johnson, a communication major from Monroeville,  and Jewelle Motley, a social work major from Pittsburgh; the Junior Diversity Award was presented Diana Riley, an undeclared major from Pittsburgh; the Sophomore Diversity Award went to Sade Battle, a communication major from Philadelphia; and the Freshman Diversity Award went to Adam Bell, a biology major from Butler. The diversity awards honor students who have become integral parts of campus life and displayed tireless commitments to the projects and programs of the Office of Intercultural Programs and the University.

            Barbara Britt, a communication major from Hazelwood, received the Perseverance Award for her outstanding efforts to successfully fulfill her educational goals. SRU’s Building Bridges organization was named Student Organization of the Year for its unique contributions to the campus, student of color and the community at large through creative  programming, community service and membership initiatives.

            SRU’s Jump Start Mentor Program named Calvin Jackson, a sport management major from Pittsburgh, the “Mentee of the Year” for his efforts to successfully meet his educational goals, and Elizabeth Byars, a social work major from Pittsburgh, was named “Peer Mentor of the Year” for her leadership and work in supporting the academic success, leadership development and social adjustment of her mentee.

            DaNine J. Fleming, director of the Office of Intercultural Programs, was given the Commitment Award for her work as a resource to students, efforts in promoting diversity, multiculturalism and social justice, and her support for projects and programs sponsored by the Office of Intercultural Programs.

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