Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

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Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University Logo
Established 1889
Type Public
Endowment US $11.4 Million
President Dr. Robert M. Smith
Staff 867
Undergraduates 7,157
Postgraduates 691
Location Slippery Rock, PA, USA
Campus Rural
Mascot None
Website www.sru.edu

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (also known as The Rock or SRU) is a public, doctoral-level university, and is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. It is located in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, which is approximately 52 miles north of Pittsburgh. The university has one of the largest campuses in western Pennsylvania, occupying 611 acres (2.4 km²).

Contents

[edit] History

Main article: History of the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Main article: Architectural History of the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

[edit] The Beginning (1888-1893)

The Founding Fathers:
J. T. Bingham, C. W. Bard, Rev. Robinson, J. E. Bard, J. N. Watson, J. M. Covert, F. P. Bingham, Dr. A. M. Patterson, J. H. Christley, J. C. Kerr, J. P. McQuiston, N. Christley, T. S. Coulter, A. J. Bard, W. Kaufman, W. H. Wilson, R. McCoy, Hon. J. M. Greer and J. M. Galbreath.

The Three Original Buildings of Slippery Rock Normal School

  • THE CHAPEL *NORTH HALL *SOUTH HALL

The three original wood buildings consisted of two dormitories and a main school building. The dormitories were 40 by 232 feet and three stories in height. They contained 150 rooms plus a reception room, dining hall, kitchen and store rooms. The main building was located between the two dormitories and was 60 by 100 feet with the first floor devoted to recitation rooms. The second floor was an assembly room containing 800 opera chairs, and a gallery with 200 additional seats. The buildings were heated by steam, lighted with natural gas and supplied with pure, soft water. Arrangements were made for the following improvements during summer vacation: stone walks, bathrooms, a laundry, and ornamentation of the grounds

[edit] (1920-1950)

THE LOWRY CENTER - 1928
This structure was constructed as the private residence of Professor Howard Headland. Following the purchase of this house by the college, it housed the offices of the director of development and alumni affairs. Presently, the Lowry Center houses the dean of academic services, graduate studies and research, and continuing education. This house was dedicated in 1988 in honor of Dr. Robert Lowry, a 1948 graduate of Slippery Rock. Mr. Lowry was the first director of admissions at Slippery Rock in 1957, and in 1968, was appointed acting president.

McKAY EDUCATION BUILDING/SECONDARY EDUCATION* - 1929/1938
By 1929, student enrollment had increased to the point that the college was desperately in need of a new teacher training facility. This building was constructed of brick in two phases. The education building was originally a combined college building and Slippery Rock community school. Now it is used almost exclusively for the College of Education. In 1979, the education building was dedicated in honor of Miss Maree McKay, registrar.

EAST GYMNASIUM - 1930
President J. Linwood Eisenberg persuaded the council of trustees to approve the construction of the East Gymnasium. This building was adjoining to the existing West Gymnasium and is built of matching yellow brick. Today the buildings are known as the East/West Instructional Complex and include a swimming pool, two gymnasiums, exercise physiology labs, a computer lab and classroom and office space.

THE HUT - 1930
The Hut was the recreational center for the college. This wood-frame building contained a completely furnished lounge with a fireplace. Chestnut beams and paneling surrounded the large stone fireplace and the lumber came from the College woods. On the ground floor were three bowling alleys, ping pong tables and pool and billiards tables. The Grill adjoined The Hut and was owned and operated by Student Cooperative Activities. As the social center for the college, The Grill contained a snack bar with all the latest equipment for serving ice cream, sodas, soft drinks and sandwiches. Tables and benches surrounded the floor area that was used for dancing to music from the jukebox.

MALTBY LIBRARY* - 1939
Maltby Library was designed rectangular in shape and consisted of a main floor and basement. Large windows were placed in the structure allowing for the greatest possible illumination of the reading and reference rooms. Maltby Library has a colonial doorway exactly in the center and a gracious cupola tops the peak of the slate roof. Expansion of the Maltby Library was completed in 1960. Today, Maltby Center houses Information Technology, Career Services, Admissions and other administrative support services. This building was dedicated to Dr. Albert E. Maltby, principal from 1890-1916.

NORTH HALL* - (after the fire of 1937) 1938
The current North Hall was constructed in 1938 after a devastating fire destroyed the original North Hall on October 16, 1937. The fire consumed all the women residents’ personal belongings, but no one perished in the fire. The town rallied to help these students replace their belongings and provided lodgings until the new dormitory was built. Designed in Early Colonial architecture, North Hall today is the university’s oldest residence hall. The first floor is the social hub of the university, which includes the University Club, the Pennsylvania Room, and the Lillian Yartz Fireplace Lounge.

STRAIN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE BUILDING* - 1938
This red brick building housed the physical and chemical science departments with eight large and four small, well-equipped laboratories, four full-size classrooms, a library, an herbarium, an animal room, and a greenhouse. Considered an outstanding feature of the science hall was the large general lecture room located to the rear of the main floor. This building was dedicated to geography Professor Dr. Warren G. Strain. Dr. Strain brought academic fame to Slippery Rock State College and served as chairman of the geography department where he raised the status of that department to one that was nationally recognized.

PRESIDENT’S RESIDENCE* - 1939
The President’s Residence is a spacious, red brick colonial home located on a hill behind Maltby Center just below the baseball stadium. The house has a sloping slate roof featuring dormer windows, chimneys at opposite ends of the house, windows with shutters and a central doorway and hall. The president’s residence is open to thousands of students, parents, alumni, and university friends for receptions and dinners.
*These buildings represent the largest construction project ever undertaken at one time in the history of Slippery Rock University.

[edit] (1950-1990)

MILLER AUDITORIUM - 1958
Dedicated to Mrs. Emma Guffey Miller, a former trustee and past president of the council of trustees, this building is home to the theater department and the site of numerous cultural events. The auditorium has a designed seating capacity of 892. University trustees have recently approved a plan to demolish and replace Miller Auditorium with a new performing arts center.

MORROW FIELD HOUSE - 1962
This complex is one of the largest buildings on campus and one of the most heavily used. Morrow Field House is dedicated to James E. Morrow, principal from 1889-1890. This facility supports the departments of health, physical education and recreation. Annexed to this building is the Jack C. Dinger Special Education Building. Constructed in 1962 it is dedicated to Dr. Dinger, a former chairperson of that department and a significant educator in the field of special education.

WEISENFLUH DINING HALL - 1962
This dining hall was built in 1962 and is dedicated to Dr. Norman Weisenfluh, president from 1956-1964.

VINCENT SCIENCE HALL - 1968
This round building houses classrooms, laboratories, offices and a planetarium. Dedication of this facility was in honor of Dr. Arthur P. Vincent, former science professor and chairperson of the science department from 1923 to 1940.

SPOTTS WORLD CULTURE BUILDING - 1969
This classroom facility was named for Dr. Carle B. Spotts, one of the most versatile and respected faculty members ever to teach at Slippery Rock. Dr. Spotts was chairperson of the English department for 25 years. He built major programs not only in English, but also in speech and debate.

EISENBERG CLASSROOM BUILDING - 1970
Eisenberg Classroom Building was dedicated to Dr. J. Linwood Eisenberg, president from 1917-1934.

BAILEY LIBRARY - 1971
The new library (which replaced Maltby Library), houses approximately 500,000 volumes, and an extensive Instructional Materials Center. In 1997, the Friends of Bailey Library, for both studious and recreational reading, furnished a comfortable, quiet Reading Room. Also housed in this building are user services and the academic support services departments. The building was dedicated to Dr. Matilda Bailey who was a very popular English professor at Slippery Rock.

UNIVERSITY UNION - 1971
The University Union houses several departments and is a very busy center for student activities. In 1994, the union, requiring extra space, completed a new addition housing the Student Government Association bookstore. In 2000, the university expanded Rocky’s Grille, located on the lower level, for students’ convenience. The current union will be vacated and replaced as a part of an ongoing campus renovation.

BOOZEL DINING HALL - 1971
Boozel Dining Hall is dedicated to Mr. George Boozel who may hold the record for active service, 50 years, to the university. It was said that Mr. Boozel helped make Slippery Rock one of the only two colleges that still cooked student meals on campus at the time. Boozel also houses a lovely private dining room called "Le Zoob." In mid-2006, university trustees approved an over $6 million renovation to the facility.

N. KERR THOMPSON STADIUM - 1972-73
This stadium is dedicated to N. Kerr Thompson, who for more than 30 years, had been a coach at Slippery Rock College. That the name Slippery Rock is now so widely known, is largely because of his success as a football coach. Coach Thompson was head coach from 1920-1942 and the season of 1945. During Coach Thompson’s years, his team records are 126 games won, 58 games lost and 11 ties. The Gail L. Rose Stadium Lodge was constructed in 1975 and dedicated to Mr. Rose in 1982. Mr. Rose worked for Armco in Butler for 42 years as the director of public relations and services and was recognized as a leader in education at both the state and local levels. The Jerry Bejbl Weight Training Center was dedicated in 1998 to Dr. Jerry Bejbl, Class of 1963, who is a board member of the Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc. Dr. Bejbl is a distinguished alumnus who is president of the Armoloy Corporation and past president of the university’s Alumni Association.

SWOPE MUSIC HALL - 1979
Swope Music Hall is dedicated to Mr. Clair Swope, former chairperson of music department. In the beginning, Slippery Rock University did not certify music teachers. Mr. Swope struggled for 24 years to bring a music program to the university. This building contains classrooms, practice rooms and a recital hall. In 1982 a new pipe organ was installed in the recital hall.

RESIDENCE HALLS:

Patterson Hall 1958 -
A men’s residence hall dedicated to Mr. Lewis Patterson who donated the land on which the three original buildings of the university were built. This building is currently slated for demolition.

Rhoads Hall 1961 -
A coed residence hall dedicated to Dr. Margaret Rhoads, dean of women in 1948 and a professor of mathematics at Slippery Rock for 33 years.

Harner Hall - 1965
A women’s residence hall dedicated to Lois V. Harner, former dean of women. This building is currently slated for demolition.

Kraus Hall - 1966
Originally constructed as a privately owned facility known as “Riviera.” The building was officially received as a donation from Stanley Kraus to the university on July 1, 1984. Mr. Kraus was a member of the Slippery Rock University Foundation Board and the President’s Advisory Council and longtime friend of Slippery Rock University.

Bard Hall - 1968
A co-ed residence hall dedicated to the Bard family, which was among the original founders of the Slippery Rock Normal School. This building is currently slated for demolition.

Dodds Hall - 1969-2007
A co-ed residential hall dedicated to Archie Dodds former athletic director, professor and administrator at Slippery Rock State College. The seven story building was vacated in fall of 2006 and will be demolished in early 2007.

Founders Hall - 1974-2006
A co-ed, high rise, residence hall dedicated to the original founders of the Slippery Rock Normal School. The eight-story building was abandoned in summer 2006 and was demolished in December of that year.

THE ROBERT A. MACOSKEY CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS EDUCATION AND RESEARCH - 1987
The center honors the work and dedication of the late Dr. Robert A. Macoskey who served as a Slippery Rock University philosophy professor and department chair from 1971 until his death in 1990. The center includes a newly constructed strawbale and timberframe barn, garden sites and a compost site. Dr. Macoskey envisioned the facility, formerly known as Harmony Homestead, and was instrumental in its creation. The center promotes permaculture, sustainability and sustainable living technology. This specialty environmental program includes Slippery Rock University’s master’s program in sustainable systems.

THE HICKORY CORNER SCHOOLHOUSE - 1988
This one-room school (that once stood at the intersection of Hickory Corner and Unionville Roads in Franklin Township) was moved to the Slippery Rock University campus. The schoolhouse was built before 1860 and was closed in 1963. Mr. Joseph and Miss Sara Jane McCandless purchased the schoolhouse and donated the structure to Slippery Rock University in honor of their father, Dr. G. W. McCandless. A formal dedication was held in 1989. In March, 1998, the one-story wood frame building was relocated to a new foundation on the front lawn of the McKay Education Building and rededicated in September, 1998 during the community’s fall Heritage Festival. The Schoolhouse celebrates our roots in teacher preparation.

PHYSICAL THERAPY COMPLEX - 1988-2001
The Physical Therapy Complex was a temporary multi-unit modular classroom, laboratory, and office complex. During the May 1998 commencement ceremonies, the physical therapy department awarded its first doctoral degrees. Presently, plans are underway for the construction of a permanent home for the program in the quad area adjacent to Vincent Science Hall.

[edit] (1990's)

ART BUILDING I - 1996
Formerly known as ‘‘The Hut,’’ this rectangular, non-descript beige building with a standard pitch roof was replaced with a multi-sided, multi-colored, multi-texture, modern two story building. The new Art Building became known as a “transition piece” between the older buildings on the upper campus and the newer ones. The design architects were careful to blend the old portions of the building, including a large stone wall and chimney, with modern glass windows to help establish a sense of history. The original fireplace from The Hut is now in one of the classrooms.

THE ROCK APARTMENTS - 1997
Slippery Rock University’s new on-campus apartment complex provides yet another unique living-learning environment for our students. This 188-bed facility gives them the opportunity to learn about apartment living - including cooking, cleaning, and working with others - while still enjoying the convenience of living on campus.

THE RUSSELL WRIGHT ALUMNI HOUSE - 1998
It had long been a dream of alumni that the Alumni Association would have a “home on campus.” In 1998, construction was completed on a 5,000 square foot building that would house alumni affairs and be a welcome center for visiting alumni. The building also includes a large reception room for 250 and a memorabilia room. Nearly 2,000 alumni and friends donated funds for construction and furnishings. Gifts ranged from $5 to the naming gift of $100,000 from Dr. Russell Wright, Class of 1923. On Homecoming Day, October 3, 1998, the building was officially dedicated.

THE ROBERT N. AEBERSOLD STUDENT RECREATION CENTER -
1999 Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on December 11, 1997. This 82,000-square-foot facility includes five gymnasiums offering wood-floor basketball and volleyball courts and space for aerobics and floor hockey. A natatorium provides areas for lap swimming, aqua-aerobics, water basketball, polo and volleyball. A 44-foot climbing wall and sun deck are also focal features. The Center includes a 200-meter indoor running track with an artificial surface, locker rooms, and lounge areas. Named for Slippery Rock University President Emeritus, Robert N. Aebersold, the recreation center is funded by the Student Government Association. Dr. Aebersold was a member of the university family for 30 years serving as a physical education professor, athletic coach, provost, and president

[edit] Alumni

  • The SRU Alumni Association was created at the turn of the last century and exists to this day as an independent organization from the University. It is an organization run by alumni for alumni.
  • The purpose of the Association shall be to promote the welfare of Slippery Rock University and to keep its graduates informed of alumni and university activities:
  • By initiating and/or participating in fund-raising drives to provide scholarship assistance and the financing of special projects for the benefit of the university or its personnel;
  • By providing alumni publications to inform alumni of the activities of the Association and the university community;
  • By assisting the University to maintain a current record of graduates;
  • By sponsoring educational and social activities for its membership;
  • By encouraging and developing individual and group interest in the University;
  • By cooperating with the University in the establishment and implementation of programs for alumni; and
  • By recognizing student, faculty, staff and alumni excellence through appropriate publicity and/or awards.

[edit] Accreditations

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education
  • Programs (for Athletic Training)
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools
  • National Association of Musical Therapy
  • National Association of Schools in Dance
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • National League for Nursing, Inc.

[edit] Athletics

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania competes in the NCAA Division II and is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

Men's Teams

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Track

Women's Teams

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Field Hockey
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Track
  • Volleyball

(Note that on January 30, 2006, it was announced that following the 2005-2006 academic year, Slippery Rock would no longer field teams in field hockey, golf, men's and women's swimming, men's and women's water polo, men's tennis and wrestling. This was purportedly due to budget constraints.)

[edit] Greek life (fraternities and sororities)

SRU Greek Community
Established 1961
Location Slippery Rock, PA, United States of America

The Office of Greek Life is located in the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership in the University Union. Current campus Greek organizations are:

Interfraternity Council Fraternities:

Panhellenic Association Sororities:

Pan-Hellenic Council Organizations:

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
  • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
  • Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

SRU Campus Faculty and Administrators that are Greek Include:

Administration -

  • Dr. Robert Smith (University President) - Beta Theta Pi
  • Dr. John Bonando (Assistant V.P. for Student Life)
  • Dr. Paula Olivero (Assistant V.P. for Student Life) - Phi Sigma Sigma
  • Dr. Christopher Cole (Director for Center for Student Involvement and Leadership)
  • Dr. Shane McGoey (Assistant Director for Center for Student Involvement and Leadership) - Alpha Chi Rho
  • Ms. Cathie Sadler (Coordinator of Student Organizations) - Alpha Sigma Tau
  • Mr. Tony Caldarelli (Center for Student Leadership) - Pi Kappa Phi
  • Mr. Michael Vigliotti (Coordinator of University Union Operations) - Pi Kappa Phi

Faculty -

  • Dr. Jeffrey Taylor (Biology) - Pi Kappa Phi
  • Dr. Simon Beeching (Biology) - Pi Kappa Phi
  • Dr. Charles Tichy (Modern Languages) - Pi Kappa Phi

[edit] Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Facts

  • Slippery Rock's unofficial mascot is Rocky the lion, technically the university has no official mascot. "Rocky" and "Rock Pride" are initiatives of the Student Government Association.
  • In 1936, the argument was made that Slippery Rock's football team ought to have been ranked #1 in the country ahead of Pitt and Minnesota.
  • The late-night talk show Gettin' Later originated from Slippery Rock University.
  • Slippery Rock University was originally named Slippery Rock State Normal School.
  • SRU was previously known as Slippery Rock State Teacher's College and Slippery Rock State College.
  • SRU has over 60 majors from which to choose.
  • Average class size is 20 students.
  • The announcement of Slippery Rock's football scores is a tradition at University of Texas Longhorn football games. Longhorn fans cheer for Slippery Rock. The tradition was started by Memorial Stadium Announcer Wally Prior.

[edit] External links


Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Schools: Bloomsburg • California • Cheyney • Clarion • East Stroudsburg • Edinboro • Indiana • Kutztown
• Lock Haven• Mansfield • Millersville • Shippensburg • Slippery Rock • West Chester

See also: Dixon University Center • Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
Universities and Colleges in the Pittsburgh Metro Area
Universities Carnegie Mellon | Duquesne | University of Pittsburgh | Penn State Beaver | Penn State McKeesport | Penn State New Kensington | Slippery Rock | Pittsburgh-Bradford | Pittsburgh-Greensburg
Colleges Art Institute of Pittsburgh | Carlow | Chatham | Community College of Allegheny County | Geneva | La Roche | Saint Vincent College | Seton Hill | Pittsburgh Theological | Point Park | Robert Morris | Trinity Episcopal | Westminster College
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