FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2008

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

Charles Curry, SRU vice president, wins Minority Achievement Award

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.– Charles Curry, vice president for finance and administration at Slippery Rock University, will be recognized with a Minority Achievement Award at the 34th Annual Minority Achiever’s Luncheon sponsored by Minority Opinion Magazine.

            “Our goal in sponsoring these awards is to give recognition and show appreciation to minorities who have made outstanding contributions in their professions. By saluting these people, it is our hope that their accomplishments may serve to inspire others. We also use this opportunity to commend their employers for their commitment to diversity, inclusion and the upward mobility of minority employees,” said Luther Sowell Jr., publisher of the magazine.

            Curry joined SRU in 1986 as the assistant vice president for finance. He served in that capacity for 18 months and was then promoted to vice president, where he has served for 19 plus years. He oversees the University’s $142-million budget and the accounting, facilities, purchasing, contracts and human resources areas.

            “It’s an honor to be recognized by Minority Opinion Magazine with this award. I was very fortunate growing up to have had strong parents and mentors who knew the importance of education and made sure I stayed the course. I’ve tried to thank those who helped me succeed by helping others – be that as a good role model, friend, colleague or mentor,” Curry said.

            “Charles is an exceptional administrator who makes a positive difference every day at the University. He is an outstanding role model for all students, but especially students of color. We are extremely proud he is receiving this much-deserved recognition,” said Robert Smith, SRU president.

            Curry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from LeMoyne College and his MBA from Syracuse University. He earned his Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

            He is active in a number of professional associations including the National Association of College and University Business Officers, E-CUBO and the NAACP. He is a former nine-year member of the LeMoyne College Council of Trustees and the Paul Roberson Society. Curry serves on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education health care cost containment and investment committees and is a recipient of a SRU Apple Polishers Award for his work as a minority mentor.

            The Minority Achievers Awards Luncheon is Oct. 17 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Pittsburgh, John Cavanaugh, PASSHE chancellor, will be the keynote speaker.

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.

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