FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2009

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU readies for two commencement ceremonies

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The count stands at 1,357 for Slippery Rock University’s May 2 commencement ceremonies, which will be staged at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Morrow Field House.

            “Graduates and their parents seem to like the idea of two ceremonies, and the fact they won’t be outside in N. Kerr Thompson Stadium,” said Linda Quidone, commencement coordinator. The two ceremony plan was implemented to allow graduates to invite more guests.

            “We are inviting all of the graduates to a commencement reception planned for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We are asking those graduating in the morning to join us after their ceremony, and we are asking those graduating in the afternoon to join us before their ceremony. It will be a chance for all of the graduates to get together,” Quidone said.

            Graduate students and graduating seniors from the College of Health, Environment and Science and the College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts and will receive diplomas at the 10:30 a.m. ceremony. Those in the College of Business, Information and Social Sciences and the College of Education will graduate at the 2 p.m. ceremony.

            Commencement rehearsal for all graduates will be at 1:30 p.m. May 1 in Morrow Field House. “All graduates should attend this event,” Quidone said. “If there are any remaining tickets, they will be distributed from my office, 122 Bailey Library, immediately following rehearsal,” Quidone said.

            Even with two ceremonies, ticket demand has been high. “We will open the Russell Wright Alumni House and Conference Center so guests may watch the ceremony on television,” Quidone said. No speaker is planned, however, Robert Smith, SRU president, will offer remarks outlining the classes’ accomplishments during their years at the University.

           Both ceremonies will be videostreamed via the Internet allowing anyone with an Internet connection and computer to watch the ceremony by visiting the SRU homepage (www.sru.edu) and then clicking on the commencement link. The site will begin streaming approximately 15 minutes before the ceremony opening.

           There will be reserved parking for faculty in the Strain Behavioral Science Parking Lot.

           Additional details are available at the SRU commencement Web site: http://www.sru.edu/pages/15497.asp.

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.