SRU’s BFSA to host inaugural networking event

   CRAVEN

Feb. 10, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University's Black Faculty and Staff Association will host its inaugural networking event beginning at noon, Feb. 13 in the Alumni House.

The BFSA was formed for the purpose of facilitating the development of an environment that is conducive for the academic growth and well being of all SRU African-American students, faculty, staff and administrators.

According to Lorraine Craven, BFSA secretary and SRU director of first-year and transfer student experiences, the goal of the event is for current students to make connections and forge bonds with faculty, staff and alumni, while discussing future employment or graduate school plans.

"We didn't know what to expect when we first reached out to everyone," said Craven, "but the response has been great. We're expecting 50 alumni and 50 current students, so we're very excited."

Following the noon meet and greet session, attendees will take part in a campus tour and reception hosted by SRU Provost Philip Way, before taking in SRU's basketball doubleheader versus Indiana University at Morrow Fieldhouse.

"We have alumni coming in that haven't seen the campus since 1974," said Craven. "So providing them with a complete picture of where we are as an institution now is important. A lot has changed since the last time they were here."

Craven said the BFSA is hoping to make the affair an annual event.

"All options are on the table," said Craven. "We'll see what everyone thinks afterward and adjust accordingly. As this is our first time putting on such an event, we'll want to know if we chose the right time of year, if we had enough activities and if everyone felt as though they benefitted from taking part.

"We didn't want to pack the day too tightly or be too formal. Since it's about getting to know one another and sharing stories and ideas, we felt it best to provide plenty of 'mix and mingle' time."

The BFSA is open to any faculty, staff or administrator at SRU that shares in the vision of developing and sustaining a culturally-aware and inclusive University community, especially as it relates to the minority population of black faculty, staff and students.

For additional information, contact: Lorraine Craven at 724.738.4470 or lorraine.craven@sru.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robert.king@sru.edu