SLIPPERY ROCK — Anne F. Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne's Inc., franchiser of the world's largest mall-based pretzel franchise, is the commencement speaker for Slippery Rock University's winter commencement.

Beiler is the aunt of Burnell Smucker, a SRU student receiving a diploma at the Dec. 17 event. A total of 475 degrees will be presented at the 1:30 p.m. commencement at Morrow Field House.

Tickets are required and all graduating seniors and graduating master's degree candidates may get up to five tickets when ordering their cap and gown at the SGA Bookstore in the University Union.

Beiler, a Lancaster County native, launched her successful business in 1988 by selling fresh-baked pretzels at a farmers' market in Dowingtown. The company has grown to more than 250 franchisees and 850-plus locations worldwide.

Auntie Anne's generated more than $250 million in sales in 2004 and provided more than $1 million to charitable organizations.