Slippery Rock University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Slippery Rock University (SRU), formally Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, stands as a public university with a rich history. Founded in 1889 as Slippery Rock State Normal School, its initial mission was to train teachers. Over the years, SRU has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering a wide array of programs, with 51 holding national accreditations. This commitment to quality has earned SRU recognition as one of the U.S. News & World Report's Best Regional Universities for 15 consecutive years. This article explores the lives and achievements of some of SRU's most notable alumni, individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Criteria for Recognition

Slippery Rock University recognizes alumni achievements based on several key criteria:

Personal and Professional Achievement: This encompasses the use of traditional or innovative approaches to enhance personal and professional growth. Factors considered include personal recognition, the balance between personal and career development, professional recognition, accomplishments, and significant contributions to the nominee's profession.
Community Service: The scope and breadth of service provided by the nominee, as well as the impact of their actions in various service initiatives within the community, are evaluated. This includes involvement in civic organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, United Way, and city councils.
University Service: This criterion focuses on the nominee's support of University initiatives, involvement in University programs, and service on University boards, committees, or project teams.

Read also: SRU Football History

Distinguished Alumni

Slippery Rock University has a long tradition of producing successful graduates who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. The university celebrates these accomplishments through awards such as the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Rock Solid 10 Under 10.

The 2021 Slippery Rock University Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented at the Smith Student Center Ballroom, Oct. 15 and 16.

"We have an amazing group of alumni who have achieved tremendous success and exemplify what people can do with an SRU education," said Kelly Bailey, director of alumni engagement. "They come from a wide range of careers and experiences that touch on a variety of areas across the world and right here on campus."

Craig Fraser

Craig Fraser, a 1986 business graduate, is the CEO and president of Windtree Therapeutics, a publicly traded global biotechnology and device company. During his 29-year career, Fraser has demonstrated leadership in product development, commercial operations, and building biopharmaceutical and device businesses for both startups and larger companies.

George Mihalik

George Mihalik, a 1974 bachelor's and 1976 master's degree holder in health science education, is a former SRU football player and coach, professor, and a key figure in the development of SRU's safety management program. He served as The Rock's head football coach for 28 seasons, compiling a school-record 197 wins and winning eight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division Championships.

Read also: SRU Tuition and Fees Explained

John Ligato

John Ligato, a 1971 and 1974M graduate, served in the Marine Corps as a basic rifleman. He was nominated for a Silver Star for his valor during the Tet Offensive, among other military decorations. After the war, he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at SRU while working at Butler County ARC, where he initiated the first group home in Pennsylvania. He later joined the FBI and was assigned organized crime cases, spending eight years in deep cover with the Italian mafia before receiving the Attorney General's Award.

Rear Admiral Linnea Sommer-Weddington

Rear Admiral Linnea Sommer-Weddington, a 1981 and 1996M graduate, served in the Navy before she graduated from SRU and served in national cryptologic operations. After completing her enlisted service in 1986, she was commissioned as a Navy Reserve cryptologic ensign in 1989 and was recalled to active duty in 2002, becoming deputy chief of staff-cryptology for commander, Naval Air Reserve Force, with several command tours between 2005-13. Forces-Afghanistan director of information operations in Kabul. Strategic Command.

Karen Perry

Karen Perry, a 1979 and 1980M graduate, has been an active member of the SRU community since she enrolled at the University in 1975 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education and a master's degree in community leisure recreation. She was part of the first staff of SRU's Office of Campus Recreation in 1999 and retired in 2020 as the director of the Aebersold Recreation Center.

Notable Alumni Across Various Fields

Slippery Rock University's alumni have made their mark in a diverse range of fields, including sports, politics, business, and academia.

Sports

Matt Adams: A former professional baseball first baseman who played in MLB for several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals. He was drafted out of SRU.

Read also: Explore Justin Chesarek's Jazz Career
Lou Trivino: A professional baseball pitcher currently in the San Francisco Giants organization. He previously played for the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees.
Brandon Fusco: A former professional football guard selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2011 NFL draft.
Cheryl Bailey: The former executive director of the National Women's Soccer League and former general manager of the United States women's national soccer team.
Al Jacks: A former American football coach who spent 19 years as the head football coach at Clarion State College.
C. Vivian Stringer: One of the most accomplished coaches in women's basketball history, she was the head coach of the Rutgers University women's basketball team from 1995 until her retirement in 2022.
Stanley Joseph Dziedzic Jr.: An American former welterweight freestyle wrestler.

Politics and Public Service

Richard Schweiker: Served as the Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Ronald Reagan and as a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania.
Victoria Clarke: An American communications consultant who has held positions in several private sector firms and Republican presidential administrations, notably as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.
Stephen Bolles: A former U.S. Congressman from Wisconsin.
Tom Foerster: A Democratic politician from Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
Gary L. Lancaster: A United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Keith M. Givens: A retired United States Air Force Brigadier General who served as the Commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI).

Academia

Joseph Gallian: A mathematician and professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Lawrence Reed: President emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE).
M. Richard Rose: Former president of Alfred University and the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Arts and Entertainment

David Batra: A Swedish stand-up comedian and TV actor.

Health Care Administration

Graduates of Slippery Rock University's HCAM (Health Care Administration and Management) program have found success in various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes networking opportunities and innovative projects to prepare students for their careers.

HCAM alumni have expressed gratitude for the program's guidance and the opportunities it provided:

"I cannot thank SRU and my HCAM professors enough! Not only did they offer advice at every step of the way, but the department truly went out of their way to give us the best networking opportunities and innovative projects to prepare us for a future in health care. Even though my education at SRU occurred during COVID-19, the professors turned those unique challenges into great learning opportunities that I would not have received elsewhere."
"During my time at Slippery Rock University, I made so many great memories, built lasting relationships, and was able to grow both personally and professionally. Thanks to the Health Care Administration program and staff, I was able to start my career shortly after graduation with great confidence."
"My experience at SRU helped me grow professionally and as an adult to be able to start my professional career. The HCAM program gave me the knowledge to have success landing a job in the health care industry."
"I credit my early success to the education I received through the HCAM program. The move from college to career came as easy as it could with the knowledge gained from my professors."
"The education and experience that the HCAM program at SRU provided prepared me for a career in health care administration."
"At SRU, I gained independence and was given the tools I needed to excel in life."
"The advice and guidance the professors gave to me at SRU was a huge influence in the career path I chose."
"Slippery Rock empowered me to take ownership of my life, both professionally and personally. The opportunities provided, exposure to diverse people, and life experiences taught me freedom. I know if it wasnât for a degree in Healthcare Administration and professors that cared about my success, I wouldnât be where I am in life. Slippery rock opened up the world for me and showed me a new way to look at it. Thanks to Dr. Jordan and the trip to Italy alone, I learned that my background does not define me & amazing things lie on the other side of fear. I now think and dream bigger. I am forever grateful for all that I gained at Slippery rock, the Rock Solid education, the professors, the network, and the life lessons beyond the classroom."
"I am proud and honored to say I graduated with an HCAM degree from SRU. The HCAM program helped prepare me for a successful career in the healthcare industry."

Slippery Rock University: Rankings and Reputation

Slippery Rock University is consistently recognized for its academic quality and value. EduRank places Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania at 2044th in the world, 700th in North America, and 658th in the United States based on aggregated alumni prominence. SRU is also listed among the "Best Mid-Atlantic" Colleges in The Princeton Review's Best Colleges Guide.

tags: #slippery #rock #university #notable #alumni