Meet the Pride Guides

The Pride Guides are an important asset to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Pride Guides assist with office tasks and help with admission events throughout the year. They share their SRU experiences and love for SRU on their campus tours.

LIV BANKOSH

Hometown: Claridge, PA
Major: Human Resources Management
Minor: International Affairs
Campus Involvement: Alpha Sigma Tau, Line Dancing Club, Jumpstart, Society for Human Resource Management
Why I Chose SRU: “I chose SRU because the campus was perfect. Not too big, not too small, and the feel of a small community!"

BRADY DOMINGOS

Hometown: Harrisburg, PA
Major: Theatre, BA - Concentration in Theatre Arts Management
Campus Involvement: Honors College, Orientation Ambassador, Jump Start, Arabic Club, Black Action Society, Kings Org, International Club, Student Nonprofit Alliance, Rock Solid Investment Club
Why I Chose SRU: “I chose SRU because of the affordability and the commitment to student success."

SAMANTHA FETH

Hometown: Bellevue, PA
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minor: Global Education
Campus Involvement: International Club, Japanese Club, Aquatics and SCUBA Club
Why I chose SRU: "I chose SRU because the Education Department stood out right away, and the staff and students I met during my tour made me feel supported and excited to be part of this community!"

NINA FOX

Hometown: Warminster, PA
Major: Sport Management
Minor: Strategic Communication and Media
Campus Involvement: Women in Sport and Events, Sport Management Alliance, Tri Sigma, The Rocket, University Program Board
Why I chose SRU: "I chose SRU because of the amazing Sport Management program and the countless opportunities to get involved on campus. There is truly something for everyone!"

Colin green

Hometown: North Hills, PA
Major: Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy
Minor: Economics
Campus Involvement: Honors College, Musical Theatre Society
Why I chose SRU: "I chose SRU because I took a tour here in my senior year of high school and I loved the campus!"

MCKENZIE KUTH

Hometown: Leechburg, PA
Major: Secondary Education Math and Science
Campus Involvement: Math Club, ARHS, Honors College, SRSGA, Math Tutor
Why I chose SRU: "I chose SRU because I love how the campus felt like a second home and had a strong sense of community. They are also known for their education program, and I want to go into teaching."

Riley Lecker

Hometown: Oakdale, PA
Major: Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy (3+3)
Minor: Gerontology 
Campus Involvement: Exercise Science Society, Pre- Physical Therapy Club, Honors College, National Society of Leadership and Success, Group Fitness Instructor, Peer Tutor
Why I chose SRU: "I chose SRU because of the established Exercise Science and Physical Therapy Programs as well as the gorgeous campus! It is the perfect size and has so many great ways to get involved while in college!"

ALLIE MAHONEY

Hometown: Erie, PA
Major: Middle Level Math Education
Minor: Special Education
Campus Involvement: SRU Young Life, Club Tennis, Honors College, The Harbor, Delight, Council for Exceptional Children, Pre-Service Teachers of Mathematics
Why I Chose SRU: “I chose Slippery Rock University for its strong education program, affordability, honors college opportunities, leadership experiences, location, community involvement, and welcoming atmosphere."

COOPER MATTHEWS

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Major: Secondary Education History
Campus Involvement: Pride Guide
Why I Chose SRU: “I chose SRU for the strong and inclusive sense of community, and its incredible education program."

KARLEE NOLAN

Hometown: Fairview, PA
Major: Middle-Level Education Social Studies
Campus Involvement: Council for Exceptional Children, Black Action Society, Jump Start
Why I Chose SRU: "I chose SRU because the first time I visited campus, it truly felt like home. I immediately felt welcomed by how friendly and supportive everyone was, and I could see myself building a future here. What made me really like  SRU was not only the strong sense of community, but also the endless opportunities to grow through academics, campus involvement, and experiences that will prepare me for my future career."

KAITLYN NOVAK

Hometown: Monroeville, PA
Major: Psychology - Developmental Concentration
Minor: Music and Well-Being
Campus Involvement: Marching Pride, Flute Choir
Why I Chose SRU: "Out of the schools I looked at, SRU had the best Psychology program and accommodated my love of music. The friendly faces and welcoming environment made me feel right at home."

aubrey oknefski

Hometown: State College, PA
Majors: Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy
Campus Involvement: Orientation Ambassador, Exercise Science Society, Pre-PT Club
Why I Chose SRU: “I chose SRU not only for their Physical Therapy program, but also because I saw myself within this community."

LANDON OLSZEWSKI 

Hometown: Edinboro, PA
Majors: Political Science (Pre-Law)
Campus Involvement: Debate Club, Law Society, MMA Club, Flag Football
Why I Chose SRU: “I chose SRU because I fell in love with the campus. It immediately felt like a place where I could grow academically and personally."

EMMA PFUNDSTEIN

Hometown: Solon, OH
Major: Recreational Therapy - Pre-Occupational Therapy
Campus Involvement: Recreational Therapy Club, Pre-OT Club, SPARK
Why I Chose SRU: “I chose SRU because the minute I stepped onto campus for a tour, there was a sense of home about SRU that you can’t find anywhere else!"

KENDALL RINEWALT

Hometown: Boyertown, PA
Major: Psychology
Minor: Criminology
Campus Involvement: Psi Chi Club
Why I chose SRU: "When looking for a college I knew I wanted to adventure outside of my hometown. When touring colleges on the western side of PA, I stumbled upon SRU. And after stepping foot on campus, and exploring the area I knew this was the place for me."

RYAN SCHMIDT 

Hometown: Leechburg, PA
Major: Homeland Security 
Minor: Organizational Security 
Campus Involvement: ARHS, Honors College, University Program Board
Why I chose SRU: "I chose SRU because of its stunning campus and wonderful community. The beautiful surroundings and relatively modern infrastructure create a great learning environment. The inclusive campus community also stood out to me, making it the perfect fit for a well-rounded college experience."

CHRYSTAL SIRCELY

Hometown: McKees Rocks, PA
Major: Music Education, Percussion Performance
Minor: Chamber Music Performance
Campus Involvement: SRU Choirs, Percussion Club, BIPOC-PAVA, Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Why I Chose SRU: “I chose SRU because it is a smaller college with that big college feeling. You are guaranteed a hands-on approach for anything you can think of that will stick with you for life!"

JILLIAN STAHL

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Major: Safety Management
Minor: Leadership
Campus Involvement: ROTC, American Society of Safety Professionals
Why I Chose SRU: “I chose SRU because I immediately felt comfortable here and could see myself being very happy on campus."

KASEY WALTER

Hometown: Aurora, OH
Major:  Public Health - Pre-Physican Assistant
Minor: Psychology 
Campus Involvement: Pre-PA Club, MEDLIFE, Honors College, Group Fitness Instructor
Why I Chose SRU: I chose SRU for its small size, the personal feel, and the strong exercise science program with the opportunity to continue at Slippery Rock for my master’s program. Slippery Rock has a lot to offer and has definitely been the right decision for me!"

KATHERYN WEINER 

Hometown: Levittown, PA
Major: Early Childhood and Special Education concentration in International Educations
Campus Involvement: Honors College, Kind Closet, Early Childhood Club, Student Non-Profit Alliance, Special Olympics Club
Why I Chose SRU: “I chose Slippery Rock University not only because of its outstanding education program, but also because of the diverse opportunities it offers outside the classroom. SRU allows me to continue my passion for community service while also pursuing hobbies like orchestra. Additionally, the university's unique outdoor adventure program is a rare and exciting opportunity that sets it apart from many other institutions." 

REESE ZANDER

Hometown: Quarryville, PA
Major: Music Therapy
Campus Involvement: Marching Pride, University Choir, Concert Choir, Music Therapy Club
Why I Chose SRU: "I chose to come to Slippery Rock because it is a very safe, beautiful campus. I immediately fell in love with the community here, and after meeting my professors I was hooked! I was excited to come to school here, and I'm loving it so far!"