SRU commission seeks nominees for ‘Breaking Barriers’ awards

March 2, 2017

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University's President's Commission for Disability Issues is seeking applications for the Second Annual "Breaking Barriers" student and faculty/staff awards. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at 4:30 p.m., March 28 in the Smith Student Center.

Student awards will be presented to "a student who demonstrates advocacy, leadership and/or empowerment in the area of reducing contextual barriers for individuals with disabilities within the SRU community."

Applicants must submit an essay that speaks to what they have done to address barriers in the physical, social or attitudinal environment at the University.

The award winner will receive a $400 scholarship.

The faculty/staff award will be presented to an individual who "demonstrates advocacy, leadership and/or empowerment in the area of reducing contextual barriers in the physical, social or attitudinal environment for individuals with disabilities at the University."

The award winner will receive a plaque recognizing their achievement.

The deadline for student essay submissions and faculty/staff nominations is March 10. Essays and nominations - including a letter that substantiates the nominees work - can be sent to Matthew Erikson, assistant professor of special education at matthew.erickson@sru.edu or David Krayesky, associated professor of biology at david.krayesky@sru.edu, who serve as PDI co-chairs.

Last year's student award winners were: Erminia Spinelli, a special education major from Turtle Creek; Brooke Jedry, a special education major from Mars; and Gina Novario, an exercise science major from Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Wendy Fagan, instructor for physical and health education was honored as the faculty/staff recipient.

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