Nov. 25, 2003

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

CINCINNATI’S LAUREN KINKER CROWNED 2003 HOMECOMING QUEEN AT SRU

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Cincinnati’s Lauren Kinker recently became the first Ohioan crowned homecoming queen at  Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. A senior with dual majors in dance and exercise science, Kinker has a 3.8 grade-point average and aspires to career in healthcare.

           Kinker (McNicholas High School) is the daughter of Michael and Joanne Kinker of Anderson Township.

           “It is hard to put into words how I felt the moment I was crowned SRU’s homecoming queen,” she said. “I felt as though students were thanking me for all the time and energy I have devoted to the university during my last three and a half years at The Rock.”

           Kinker plans to pursue a career in childhood healthcare and eagerly awaits a summer internship  at Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital, where she will research pediatric obesity.

           Earlier this year, Kinker received SRU’s Shelia L. Drohan Scholarship as the top exercise science student. Other activities include the Student Alumni Relations Board. Student Government Association, Exercise Science Club, Freshman Leadership Program, Sigma Delta Rho (dance honorary), member of the Newman Club (a Christian organization) and former captain of dance team.

           Slippery Rock, 50 miles north of Pittsburgh, is a comprehensive institution offering more than 60 majors, with an enrollment of 7,800.

--By Courtney Pack

###Cincinnati Post, Cincinnati Enquirer, Forest Hills Journal, McNicholas High School