FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 16, 2007

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724-738-2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU makes ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ twice in month

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. –  One wonders if ABC’s “Good Morning America” should consider a branch news desk at Slippery Rock University after airing reports involving a professor and an incoming freshman in less than two weeks.

            Robert Ammon, professor of sport management, was before the cameras June 18 in a Pittsburgh link to the New York City-based morning news show when asked to discuss the importance of providing quality crowd safety at sports events following the death of six spectators and injury to 18 others at a Tennessee drag race event.

            Ammon, author of “Sport Facility Management” and an expert in crowd management, told viewers that by pre-planning and attention to detail, accidents such as the one June 17 in Selmer, Tenn., where a race driver lost control of his vehicle during a stunt and rammed into the crowd killing six spectators could be prevented. “A lot of times it takes something along the lines of this kind of incident before they really do something about it,” he said. Ammon also cautioned parents taking children to such events to be aware of the potential dangers and to ensure family members watch from a safe distance.

            June 29, show co-host Robin Roberts interviewed 18-year-old Dana Kiger, an incoming SRU freshman in the news for her rare form of amnesia. Roberts’ five-minute report with Kiger and her mother, Jill, examined the rarity of amnesia and its effects on Kiger and her family. 

            The Cincinnati soccer player was knocked out at age 16 during a routine game. When she awakened, she found the blow had knocked out much of her memory. Doctor’s believed she would quickly recover, but after more than two years, she has not yet been able to remember her past. She has no memory of her family, her childhood or her young life. She and her family have worked to build new memories, still hoping the old memories will someday return. 

            Kiger was recruited by SRU, offered a scholarship and will join the team with the opening of fall semester. She plans to eventually go into physical therapy.

            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