SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — More than 550 Slippery Rock University students graduated Saturday and began the next chapter of their lives.

SRU held its fall commencement ceremony in Morrow Field House where officials awarded 446 undergraduate and 110 graduate degrees.

SRU President Cheryl Norton congratulated the students on their success and noted that by completing a college degree they have joined an elite demographic.

Norton said she was optimistic the graduates will go on to do great things and have continued success.

“Along the way you have already made a difference on this campus, in the community and in the world,” she said.

Mary Jo White, chairwoman of the SRU council of trustees, said, “This is a difficult world you're going into, but I know you've been prepared well by the faculty at this institution.”

Many of the students graduating in December either completed their degree program in less than four full years or stayed at the school an extra semester after changing majors or transferring from another college.

Sam Walker of Butler said she is working toward her goal of getting a job as a counselor at VA Butler Healthcare.

After serving in the U.S. Army for four years, she enrolled at Indiana (Pa.) University at Northpointe where she earned as associate degree. She then transferred to SRU where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.

“I love SRU, honestly. It was such a positive experience,” she said.

Walker hopes to come back to SRU for graduate school, but will take the emergency medical technician certification course at Butler Community College this spring to potentially work for a volunteer ambulance service.

Jenna Kaylor of Butler earned a bachelor's degree in education, specializing in early childhood and special education.

She hopes to substitute teach in the Butler, Slippery Rock and Moniteau school districts while looking for a full-time position.

Kaylor said she was inspired to become a teacher after having some great teachers in the Butler School District.

“I love when a child learns something and their face lights up. It's the best feeling,” she said.

Education major Megan Scott of Harmony also specialized in early childhood and special education and is seeking a full-time teaching job.

“It was an amazing experience filled with memories,” she said about going to SRU.

Holly Clark of Chicora earned a bachelor's degree in education, specializing in mathematics.

She said she will substitute teach in the Karns City School District starting this week, while looking for a job in the area.

Clark said she appreciated the help of SRU's faculty.

“I had so many opportunities to receive help. It felt like a group effort, the teachers were wonderful,” she said.

Alyssa Sherrieb of Buffalo Township earned a bachelor's degree in safety management. She said her classes and a summer internship prepared her well for the workforce.

“Everything I learned I actually used in my internship,” she said.

She said she will start a job Monday as a safety consultant for a company in Wexford.

Natalie DeFrancisis of Buffalo Township also earned a bachelor's degree in safety management and is moving to Boston to start a job at CentiMark, a roofing and flooring company.

DeFrancisis said SRU wasn't initially her first choice of college, but she ended up having a great experience.

“If I had to do it over again I would definitely still come here,” she said.

In addition to graduating, two ROTC students, Matthew Cullen and Garrett Mille, took an oath of enlistment from professor of military science Lt. Col. John Donlin, inducting them into the Army as second lieutenants.

Also at the ceremony, Norton awarded an honorary doctorate of public service to Wilma Cavill, an assistant professor of safety management.

As the longest tenured faculty member, Cavill served as the ceremony's grand marshal for the final time Saturday before she retires after 57½ years of teaching at SRU.

Cavill, who turns 85 this month, thanked Norton and the administration for the recognition.

“It has been my pleasure my entire life to serve these students,” she said.

Cavill was received with a standing ovation.