FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2008
Contact: K.E. Schwab
724.738.2199
karl.schwab@sru.edu

Sargert, SRU alumna, is 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Janet L. Sargert, a 1963 Slippery Rock University graduate and longtime supporter of her alma mater, including service as chair of the Slippery Rock University Foundation Inc., has been named recipient of this year's SRU Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award. 

The award, presented by the SRU Alumni Association, honors individuals who have graduated from Slippery Rock University and have translated their SRU experience into distinguished service in public, business, professional, educational, or service and philanthropy to their university. Sargert will receive her award at the President’s Scholarship Gala May 17 at the Marriott in Cranberry Woods.

Recipients also must have distinguished themselves by reaching the highest level of accomplishment and possess the highest standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of Slippery Rock University. To be eligible, nominees must have graduated from or attended Slippery Rock University at least 20 years ago. 

A selection committee comprised of SRU alumni, faculty and staff choose the recipients. The SRU Alumni Association recognizes the accomplishments of its alumni and acknowledges their personal, professional and community contributions. Nominations for the honor are solicited from alumni, friends, family members, faculty, administration and students. 

Sargert received a bachelor of science degree in education and her juris doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Her employment history includes chief executive officer of Sargert Consulting Services; partner with Meyer, Unkovic & Scott, LLP; adviser on American Laws for Nishimura & Partners; clerk with Wallace, Chapas & Associates and Mobay Chemical Corp.; and English teacher in the Baldwin Whitehall School District. 

She has been published in several business and trade publications and been the keynote speaker at universities and businesses throughout the world. She has held several leadership positions on both for-profit corporations and not-for-profit corporations as a board member. Some of these include T&M Consulting Group, Inc. the SRU Foundation Inc.; Asian Studies Center, University of Pittsburgh; Executive Women's Council of Greater Pittsburgh; Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania; and was co-founder and president of Women Initiating Regional Economic Development in Western Pennsylvania.

Among her awards and honors are the Pennsylvania Honor Roll of Distinguished Women; Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business; The President's Award for Excellence in the Law from SRU; Leadership Award in the Professions, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh; Women's Business Advocate of the Year; and Western Pennsylvania Women in Business Advocate of the Year, Honorable Mention, from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

At her alma mater, she established of the Laurice and Janet Sargert Endowed Scholarship, served as chair and chair of the executive investment committee of the SRU Foundation, and was recently named director emeritus. She also serves as a board member for the President's Scholarship Gala Committee and is a Lifetime Member of the SRU Alumni Association.

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.