To our readers Dear Readers: So long, friend, and thanks for the legacy. This edition of The ROCK celebrates the contributions of Robert Smith, 15th president of Slippery Rock University, who retired in February. You can’t walk from one building to another without noticing the campus transformation that Smith conceived and led. New construction, building renovations, academic gains and greening initiatives such as campuswide tree plantings are just some of the hallmarks of his tenure. The SRU Council of Trustees honored Smith recently by naming the new student union after him. You will read about the three-story Robert M. Smith Student Center on Page 14. It turns out that one of the most popular television shows, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, is accurate when it comes to conveying the importance of forensic science in solving crimes and finding missing persons. You will read about Chuck Heurich, ’87, who was honored recently for helping to develop a national database containing tens of thousands of files on missing persons, and SRU’s criminology and criminal justice program. Alumni know that SRU connections are deep and lasting. You will read about the late Elmer Cottrell, the physical education professor and coach who pioneered aquatics education at SRU. His children, both SRU graduates, recall his influence on the University and their lives. As always, I appreciate hearing from you. Gordon Ovenshine, ’88 Editor, The Rock gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu
The ROCK
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The ROCK is published three times annually by the Office of University Public Relations for alumni and friends of the University. Send address changes to: University Public Relations 201 Old Main 1 Morrow Way Slippery Rock, PA 16057 Credits Executive Editor: Rita Abent, executive director, University Public Relations. Editor: Gordon Ovenshine, senior writer, University Public Relations.
Contents: Winter 2012 8
8 Life on the
investigative edge
11 University clues
into criminology
14 Centered on students
11
Robert M. Smith Student Center prvides new direction
17 Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
egacy of L Leadership
The tenure of President Robert M. Smith
29 Tag, she’s it
14
Celebrating a
17
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Designer: Sandy Busch, publications manager, University Public Relations. Contributors: Bob McComas, sports information director; Jon Holtz, assistant sports information director; Tom Nugent. Photographers: University Public Relations; Alumni Relations; SRU alumni; Mariia Berezina. The Rock is a National Admissions Marketing merit award winner. University Vision Statement Slippery Rock University will excel as a caring community of lifelong learners connecting with the world. Slippery Rock University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
About the cover Robert Smith, on the Old Main grand staircase, retired as 15th president of Slippery Rock University in February. He increased academic quality and shepherded a campus renaissance.
www.SRU.edu 3 www.SRU.edu