IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:

Office: 724.738.4854

Cell: 724.991.8302

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Music professor receives United Way’s Red Apple Award 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Stacey Steele, a Slippery Rock University music faculty member and recipient of the University’s 2007 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, has received a Red Apple Award from the United Way of Butler County. The award recognizes her leadership and dedication to students and the community.

              “Stacey Steele shows that extra amount of caring,” said Kathleen Treme, AFL-CIO community service liaison for the United Way. “Children are our future, and this is our way of honoring those who give so much of themselves.”

            The United Way names one Red Apple recipient annually from each of the seven school districts in Butler County, as well as one from SRU, Butler County Community College and Butler County Area Vocational Technical School. 

            Steele teaches all of the flute courses at SRU and directs the Flute Choir and Chamber Flutes. Students and alumni have repeatedly cited her as a professional and personal role model.         Steele’s commitment to music education extends beyond the campus. She has arranged for flutists to perform at numerous dinners, church services and community events and has worked as a music volunteer for Head Start, YMCA and preschool programs.

Steele also brought Liz Shropshire of the Shropshire Music Foundation, which teaches children about peace through music, to campus twice. “These efforts open the eyes of our students to volunteerism possibilities at home as well as the ever-shrinking world in which we live,” Steele said.

            Steele has served as principle flutist with the Butler Symphony and founded the Symphony Wind Quintet. She is active in the National Flute Association and served on its national pedagogy committee. She has performed across the U.S. and in Canada, Spain, Japan and India, including a solo recital at the Bangalore School of Music.

“She is a very valuable and revered member of our music faculty,” said Maribeth Knaub, SRU music department chair. “Her caring attitude toward her students, whether it’s teaching them  music or life lessons, is well known.”

            Steele received her master’s degree in flute performance with a minor in music education from the University of North Texas. Her undergraduate degree is from Wichita State University. 

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.