History, accomplishments of SRU recognized
SLIPPERY ROCK — Much has changed at Slippery Rock University since it opened on March 26, 1889.
SRU President Cheryl Norton said the Slippery Rock Normal School had 168 students on its first day. Now, it has 8,300 students and many programs.
Norton spoke at SRU's Founders' Day celebration on Wednesday as a part of the university's 125th anniversary.
“It is a very special occasion,” Norton said of the event attended by about 80 people.
Bob Watson, interim vice president for student affairs and the author of “Slippery Rock University: The Legend Behind the Name,” said the residents of what is now Slippery Rock decided in 1887 to build a school in the community that would educate beyond the eighth grade.
To raise money, 48 people from 22 families bought nearly 200 shares of stock at $100 per share at a time when the average income was less than $500 per year.
“It was the desire for something better for their sons and daughters,” Watson said.
He said that men and boys crushed stones to build a road to campus, women sewed carpets, bedding and draperies for the dorms and girls gathered cream and eggs to sell at ice cream socials that raised $1,500.
In 1889, representatives from Gov. James Beaver's office came to inspect the campus to be considered a state normal school. Beaver approved the campus, and community involvement was a big reason.
“They were doing something worthy of acceptance,” Watson said.
Watson's great-grandfather, John, was an original stockholder and was the construction supervisor on West Gym. Watson said the gym was considered the best physical education facility in the state when it opened in 1906.
Five generations of Watsons have been involved in SRU.
And he noted that at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, his grandson was born in Kansas. Watson said he hopes that his grandson represents a sixth generation of SRU alumni.
Butler County Commissioner Bill McCarrier, who is on SRU's council of trustees, said the university contributes millions of dollars to the economy and creates thousands of jobs.
“Butler County is blessed to have the university,” McCarrier said.
He said he is not an SRU alumni, but he did some graduate work there while he was a teacher at Moniteau High School. His mother and two aunts attended SRU.
McCarrier also noted that many of the names of the SRU founders are in his family, but not directly related to him.
State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-10th, congratulated the work of Norton and former President Bob Smith in challenging times. He said he wants to see SRU continue to flourish.
Slippery Rock Mayor Ron Fodor graduated from SRU and met his wife in the library. His two daughters also went to SRU.
Paul Dickey, a Slippery Rock Township supervisor, noted that his great grandfather was one of the original stockholders and said SRU has a positive economic impact with leadership and work force development.
Following the program, a “Birthday Bash” took place in the Robert M. Smith Student Center.
The events were part of SRU's yearlong 125th anniversary celebration. The next event will be “An Evening of the Arts” on Friday at the student center ballroom. The ticketed event will celebrate the talent and contributions of SRU students and faculty.
More in Local News
