July 29, 2003

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854; e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU RECEIVES SECOND $20,000 GRANT FROM CHRISTOPHER REEVE FOUNDATION

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – For the second consecutive year, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation has awarded a grant to Slippery Rock University to fund scholarships for five students with spinal cord injury. The students are in SRU’s adapted physical activity minor, a program that prepares graduates for work with children and adults with mental and physical disabilities.

           SRU received a $20,000 “Quality of Life Grant” from the Reeve Foundation for 2003-2004. The grant will fund the second year of tuition for the five students. Last year, SRU received $23,265, the second highest grant in the country.

           SRU’s Dr. Robert Arnhold, professor of exercise and rehabilitative sciences, heads the adapted physical activity minor – the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania.

           “Receiving this competitive grant for a second year is a real testimony to Dr. Arnhold's commitment to, and success in, advocating for the disabled,” Dr. Susan Hannam, chair of exercise and rehabilitative sciences, said. “It also endorses  the strength of our adapted physical activity program.  Because of Dr. Arnhold's efforts, several spinal-injured students now have an opportunity to attend SRU and be supported financially as they complete their degrees.”

           Students in the 24-credit minor work in a variety of settings, including equestrian therapy, aquatics physical education and fitness. The program builds leadership skills, advocacy and professionalism.

          The Quality of Life Program was conceived by Dana Reeve, wife of the actor, to support programs that improve the daily lives of people living with disabilities, especially spinal cord injuries. The foundation is based in Springfield, N.J.

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