Past Featured Donors
Robert Aebersold
Our Slippery Rock family is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Robert N. Aebersold, a dedicated teacher and administrator of 30 years, who passed away at the age of 83. President emeritus Aebersold joined the faculty at SRU in 1968 and was appointed the 13th president on July 1st, 1985. During his time at Slippery Rock, President Aebersold was a leader of the Commission of Presidents of the State System of Higher Education and the executive council for the 14 state-owned universities of Pennsylvania. With a commitment to international education, President Aebersold was honored in the presentation of an honorary doctorate by Hungarian University of Physical Education in Budapest in 1994. Along with a focus of international promotion, at his home campus, he expanded on-campus housing and planned the construction of a student recreation complex. Built in 1998, students chose to name the complex the Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center. Following his retirement as president in 1997, a scholarship in his name was established to reward excellence both inside and outside of the classroom. It was the University’s first four-year renewable scholarship to reward excellence. A celebration of President Aebersold’s life occurred on November 2nd in Slippery Rock. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert N. Aebersold Scholarship.
Our Slippery Rock family is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Robert N. Aebersold, a dedicated teacher and administrator of 30 years, who passed away at the age of 83. President emeritus Aebersold joined the faculty at SRU in 1968 and was appointed the 13th president on July 1st, 1985. During his time at Slippery Rock, President Aebersold was a leader of the Commission of Presidents of the State System of Higher Education and the executive council for the 14 state-owned universities of Pennsylvania. With a commitment to international education, President Aebersold was honored in the presentation of an honorary doctorate by Hungarian University of Physical Education in Budapest in 1994. Along with a focus of international promotion, at his home campus, he expanded on-campus housing and planned the construction of a student recreation complex. Built in 1998, students chose to name the complex the Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center. Following his retirement as president in 1997, a scholarship in his name was established to reward excellence both inside and outside of the classroom. It was the University’s first four-year renewable scholarship to reward excellence. A celebration of President Aebersold’s life occurred on November 2nd in Slippery Rock. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert N. Aebersold Scholarship.
Wilma Cavill
After over 60 years of service to the University, Rock Nation said goodbye to the woman lovingly known as Slippery Rock University's "elder statesperson", as Wilma Cavill died at the age of 88. Her contributions and service to the students of the University are immeasurable and will not be forgotten. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wilma J. Cavill Endowed Scholarship.
Posted: 5/20/2019 - 1/30/2020
After over 60 years of service to the University, Rock Nation said goodbye to the woman lovingly known as Slippery Rock University's "elder statesperson", as Wilma Cavill died at the age of 88. Her contributions and service to the students of the University are immeasurable and will not be forgotten. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wilma J. Cavill Endowed Scholarship.
Posted: 5/20/2019 - 1/30/2020
Dr. Michelle McCollin
There are people who are world-changers, impact-makers, people who transform the world in everything that they do. Michelle McCollin was one of these people.
Dr. McCollin was a Special Education professor at SRU from 2004-2018. She was invested in her students and believed that she should, must, live by example to teach her students how to make this earth a better place. She lived this in and out of the classroom.
In 2012 she founded Eyes4Africa which, with Dr. McCollin at the helm, delivered more than 5,000 prescription eyeglasses to Nigeria. Eyes4Africa also conducted eye clinics and provided school supplies to the country. Dr. McCollin would share pictures with her SRU students in order to give them a global perspective on helping others, and instill in them that teaching goes beyond the school building.
On campus, she was active with the Black Faculty and Staff Association, even serving as its Vice President. According to a Letter of Declaration by the group, her involvement “was a major influence on the organization’s forward progress.” She was a consistent contributor to the Black Faculty and Staff Association Scholarship (formerly the African American Caucus Scholarship) which led to its endowment in September 2017. For this reason, in spring of 2018, following her unexpected death, the name of the scholarship was changed to the Dr. Michelle McCollin Memorial Scholarship. This was to honor all that she had done.
In fall 2011 Dr. McCollin told Rock Magazine, “I believe that thoughtful, committed people can change the world.” In her lifetime, she showed that this is absolutely true.
There are people who are world-changers, impact-makers, people who transform the world in everything that they do. Michelle McCollin was one of these people.
Dr. McCollin was a Special Education professor at SRU from 2004-2018. She was invested in her students and believed that she should, must, live by example to teach her students how to make this earth a better place. She lived this in and out of the classroom.
In 2012 she founded Eyes4Africa which, with Dr. McCollin at the helm, delivered more than 5,000 prescription eyeglasses to Nigeria. Eyes4Africa also conducted eye clinics and provided school supplies to the country. Dr. McCollin would share pictures with her SRU students in order to give them a global perspective on helping others, and instill in them that teaching goes beyond the school building.
On campus, she was active with the Black Faculty and Staff Association, even serving as its Vice President. According to a Letter of Declaration by the group, her involvement “was a major influence on the organization’s forward progress.” She was a consistent contributor to the Black Faculty and Staff Association Scholarship (formerly the African American Caucus Scholarship) which led to its endowment in September 2017. For this reason, in spring of 2018, following her unexpected death, the name of the scholarship was changed to the Dr. Michelle McCollin Memorial Scholarship. This was to honor all that she had done.
In fall 2011 Dr. McCollin told Rock Magazine, “I believe that thoughtful, committed people can change the world.” In her lifetime, she showed that this is absolutely true.
Past Featured Scholarships
Stan Kendziorski(Left) and Mengqi Wang(Right)
Phyllis and Stan Kendziorski International Student Scholarship
Mengqi Wang is from Urumqi, China. She spent the year at Slippery Rock University. Living and studying overseas can be challenging but a scholarship like the Phyllis and Stan Kendziorski International Student Scholarship can help. “Thank you so much for donating this scholarship for me. This scholarship encouraged me to work harder and harder; gave me courage when I met difficulties; and also reminded me that I never give up.” Those were the words from Mengqi as she thanked the benefactors of her scholarship.
Mengqi had an opportunity to meet Stan Kendziorski at the 2017 scholarship luncheon. The scholarship, named in his honor, was established through the generosity of anonymous donors, alumni, friends, faculty and staff. Kendziorski served as Director of International studies from 1980 to 1998. The scholarship is intended to recognize and reward a well-rounded international student who contributes significantly to the university in both academic and student life.
This year, Mengqi conducted research with her biology professor and attended a conference to present her work. She plans to continue with research while she is here at Slippery Rock and will apply for graduate school.
Posted: 8/25/2017 - 11/1/2017
Mengqi Wang is from Urumqi, China. She spent the year at Slippery Rock University. Living and studying overseas can be challenging but a scholarship like the Phyllis and Stan Kendziorski International Student Scholarship can help. “Thank you so much for donating this scholarship for me. This scholarship encouraged me to work harder and harder; gave me courage when I met difficulties; and also reminded me that I never give up.” Those were the words from Mengqi as she thanked the benefactors of her scholarship.
Mengqi had an opportunity to meet Stan Kendziorski at the 2017 scholarship luncheon. The scholarship, named in his honor, was established through the generosity of anonymous donors, alumni, friends, faculty and staff. Kendziorski served as Director of International studies from 1980 to 1998. The scholarship is intended to recognize and reward a well-rounded international student who contributes significantly to the university in both academic and student life.
This year, Mengqi conducted research with her biology professor and attended a conference to present her work. She plans to continue with research while she is here at Slippery Rock and will apply for graduate school.
Posted: 8/25/2017 - 11/1/2017
Michael J. Estocin
Michael J. Estocin Memorial Scholarship
Michael Estocin was one of only a few Navy pilots trained and qualified to counter North Vietnam’s surface-to-air missile (SAM) defenses. During the Vietnam War, he led several air strikes against targets in Vietnam until, on one mission, his aircraft was damaged by a missile and disappeared in April 2016. Lieutenant Commander Estocin was promoted to commander and then Captain before his status was changed to “killed in action” on November 10, 1977.
He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. The Navy has further recognized and honored Mike Estocin by naming an Oliver Hazard Perry Class guided missile frigate the USS Estocin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Estocin_(FFG-15)
Family and friends established this scholarship in his memory. While at Slippery Rock, Mike majored in health and physical education and minored in geography. He was a well-liked individual whose warmth and perpetual grin made him quite popular – a great person to be around. A fierce competitor in sports, Mike demonstrated an unusual maturity in that he easily separated sports competition from the fellowship of daily living. Upon completion of his college studies in 1954, he entered the U.S. Navy as an aviation cadet and received his aviator’s wings in 1955. Through this scholarship, the name and sacrifice of Captain Michael J. Estocin will live as a reminder that the freedoms we as Americans take for granted sometimes come at a great cost.
Posted: 8/25/2017 - 11/1/2017
Michael Estocin was one of only a few Navy pilots trained and qualified to counter North Vietnam’s surface-to-air missile (SAM) defenses. During the Vietnam War, he led several air strikes against targets in Vietnam until, on one mission, his aircraft was damaged by a missile and disappeared in April 2016. Lieutenant Commander Estocin was promoted to commander and then Captain before his status was changed to “killed in action” on November 10, 1977.
He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. The Navy has further recognized and honored Mike Estocin by naming an Oliver Hazard Perry Class guided missile frigate the USS Estocin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Estocin_(FFG-15)
Family and friends established this scholarship in his memory. While at Slippery Rock, Mike majored in health and physical education and minored in geography. He was a well-liked individual whose warmth and perpetual grin made him quite popular – a great person to be around. A fierce competitor in sports, Mike demonstrated an unusual maturity in that he easily separated sports competition from the fellowship of daily living. Upon completion of his college studies in 1954, he entered the U.S. Navy as an aviation cadet and received his aviator’s wings in 1955. Through this scholarship, the name and sacrifice of Captain Michael J. Estocin will live as a reminder that the freedoms we as Americans take for granted sometimes come at a great cost.
Posted: 8/25/2017 - 11/1/2017
Joe(Left) and Ramona(Right) Marks
Marks Secondary Education Teaching Scholarship
“We are both very comfortable here. The town has become our home.” That was the response Joe Marks gave when asked why he and his wife Ramona decided to start a scholarship at Slippery Rock University. The Marks recently established the Marks Secondary Education Teaching Scholarship which will assist students to become certified to teach math at the secondary level.
Joe Marks taught and served at SRU for over 30 years until his retirement in 1991 and Ramona was a nurse at SRU’s infirmary when it was in North Hall. They’ve seen many changes over the years. Joe was registrar at the University in the early 1970s when online student registration was started. According the Spring 2011 Rock Magazine, there were six registration terminals on campus at the time which, “were connected by a single telephone wire to the mainframe computer.”
Posted: 8/25/2017 - 12/31/2017
“We are both very comfortable here. The town has become our home.” That was the response Joe Marks gave when asked why he and his wife Ramona decided to start a scholarship at Slippery Rock University. The Marks recently established the Marks Secondary Education Teaching Scholarship which will assist students to become certified to teach math at the secondary level.
Joe Marks taught and served at SRU for over 30 years until his retirement in 1991 and Ramona was a nurse at SRU’s infirmary when it was in North Hall. They’ve seen many changes over the years. Joe was registrar at the University in the early 1970s when online student registration was started. According the Spring 2011 Rock Magazine, there were six registration terminals on campus at the time which, “were connected by a single telephone wire to the mainframe computer.”
Posted: 8/25/2017 - 12/31/2017
Rob Knowlton Agar
Robert Knowlton Agar Scholarship
“Thunderfoot.” That was the nickname Rob Knowlton Agar earned while playing soccer for the Worcester Tech varsity soccer team. A nickname bestowed because he had the hardest shot on the team. He could keep a soccer ball in the air indefinitely without the use of his hands. With this skill, he won a tournament at a Pittsburgh Spirit indoor soccer game half-time competition when he was 16 years old. At the age of nine, he made attempted to set a Guinness record for continuous pogo stick jumps. After 6 plus hours and over 17,000 jumps, he was forced to stop due to the pogo stick failure.
In 2009 the Robert Knowlton Agar Scholarship was established in his memory by his sister Julie Agar and her husband Rodney. Robert, who passed away at age twenty in a high-speed motorcycle accident, was well rounded and well loved. Though his academic interests involved math and science, he was equally gifted in art. Rob was fascinated with the unknown and was challenged by anything difficult to accomplish. His topic of conversation ran from black holes to speed records, and he held a general fascination with the Guinness Book of World Records.
Dr. Julie Agar taught in Slippery Rock University’s Art department for six years. Since both Rodney and Julie come from soccer families, this scholarship seemed a great way to honor Robert’s memory.
Posted: 11/1/2017 - 2/20/2018
“Thunderfoot.” That was the nickname Rob Knowlton Agar earned while playing soccer for the Worcester Tech varsity soccer team. A nickname bestowed because he had the hardest shot on the team. He could keep a soccer ball in the air indefinitely without the use of his hands. With this skill, he won a tournament at a Pittsburgh Spirit indoor soccer game half-time competition when he was 16 years old. At the age of nine, he made attempted to set a Guinness record for continuous pogo stick jumps. After 6 plus hours and over 17,000 jumps, he was forced to stop due to the pogo stick failure.
In 2009 the Robert Knowlton Agar Scholarship was established in his memory by his sister Julie Agar and her husband Rodney. Robert, who passed away at age twenty in a high-speed motorcycle accident, was well rounded and well loved. Though his academic interests involved math and science, he was equally gifted in art. Rob was fascinated with the unknown and was challenged by anything difficult to accomplish. His topic of conversation ran from black holes to speed records, and he held a general fascination with the Guinness Book of World Records.
Dr. Julie Agar taught in Slippery Rock University’s Art department for six years. Since both Rodney and Julie come from soccer families, this scholarship seemed a great way to honor Robert’s memory.
Posted: 11/1/2017 - 2/20/2018
Susan Changnon
Michael J. Changnon Memorial Art Scholarship in Photography
The Michael J. Changnon Memorial Art Scholarship in Photography was established in 2002 after he passed away from a long fight with cancer. This scholarship was one of Michael’s wishes. In his own words, “This scholarship is for the photography student that shows promise and exhibits creative potential in the field of photography. Special attention will be given to student work that takes a personal risk and pushes traditional boundaries.”
According to his wife, Susan Changnon, Michael found his true home at Slippery Rock University. Here, he was responsible for the design of the darkroom in Art Building I and the start of the photography department. According to a fellow professor and close friend, Glen Brunken, “He was the first photography professor and started teaching in the bathroom of a house behind the Ed building.” He went on to say, “Even though Michael’s passing was not completely unexpected, he is sorely missed. It is hard for me to imagine our department without him. Michael was a great man, a master artist and terrific teacher.” Professor Brunken told The Rocket, “(Changnon) believed in the power of art to change the world and to change people.”
His work is in the permanent collection of the Westmoreland Museum of Art in Greensburg, PA and is included in the collections of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the Westinghouse Corporation and the Pittsburgh Public Schools. He is well-known for his colorful and witty pastel drawings. His work, “Tulips,” is displayed in the Fireplace Lounge at the Smith Student Center.
Posted: 11/1/2017 - 1/30/2018
The Michael J. Changnon Memorial Art Scholarship in Photography was established in 2002 after he passed away from a long fight with cancer. This scholarship was one of Michael’s wishes. In his own words, “This scholarship is for the photography student that shows promise and exhibits creative potential in the field of photography. Special attention will be given to student work that takes a personal risk and pushes traditional boundaries.”
According to his wife, Susan Changnon, Michael found his true home at Slippery Rock University. Here, he was responsible for the design of the darkroom in Art Building I and the start of the photography department. According to a fellow professor and close friend, Glen Brunken, “He was the first photography professor and started teaching in the bathroom of a house behind the Ed building.” He went on to say, “Even though Michael’s passing was not completely unexpected, he is sorely missed. It is hard for me to imagine our department without him. Michael was a great man, a master artist and terrific teacher.” Professor Brunken told The Rocket, “(Changnon) believed in the power of art to change the world and to change people.”
His work is in the permanent collection of the Westmoreland Museum of Art in Greensburg, PA and is included in the collections of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the Westinghouse Corporation and the Pittsburgh Public Schools. He is well-known for his colorful and witty pastel drawings. His work, “Tulips,” is displayed in the Fireplace Lounge at the Smith Student Center.
Posted: 11/1/2017 - 1/30/2018
Brandon Berns
Brandon Berns Scholarship
Have you seen Rocky, Slippery Rock University’s mascot? He is well known at sporting events and activities around campus. Brandon Berns, who played Rocky when he was at SRU, recently created a scholarship awarded to student who dons the Rocky gear. “It’s important for me to give back, to continue on the tradition of excellence established at Slippery Rock,” said Berns when asked why he gives to SRU. “Rocky’s role is a vital cog in the University wheel; not only from an athletic standpoint but also within the community at large.”
Brandon, who was homecoming king in 2005, has a die-hard passion for Slippery Rock University and plans to support SRU in years to come. He frequently visits Slippery Rock and stays highly engaged in what happens on campus. He tries to make it back for homecoming frequently.
Brandon graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2007 with a degree in Sport Management. He now works for Highmark Health as a Senior Community Affairs Analyst where he led the 2017 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community to an all-time record high in funds raised.
Posted: 1/1/2018 - 3/1/2018
Have you seen Rocky, Slippery Rock University’s mascot? He is well known at sporting events and activities around campus. Brandon Berns, who played Rocky when he was at SRU, recently created a scholarship awarded to student who dons the Rocky gear. “It’s important for me to give back, to continue on the tradition of excellence established at Slippery Rock,” said Berns when asked why he gives to SRU. “Rocky’s role is a vital cog in the University wheel; not only from an athletic standpoint but also within the community at large.”
Brandon, who was homecoming king in 2005, has a die-hard passion for Slippery Rock University and plans to support SRU in years to come. He frequently visits Slippery Rock and stays highly engaged in what happens on campus. He tries to make it back for homecoming frequently.
Brandon graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2007 with a degree in Sport Management. He now works for Highmark Health as a Senior Community Affairs Analyst where he led the 2017 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community to an all-time record high in funds raised.
Posted: 1/1/2018 - 3/1/2018
Marjorie Stephenson
Marjorie Stephenson Scholarship
Marjorie Stephenson was a professor and librarian at Slippery Rock University from 1971-1978. She was a reference librarian with emphasis in the humanities and she was always known to be an advocate for students. She loved to travel and she was also known to be a bit eccentric. While traveling in Russia before the wall came down, she left her hotel one night, slipping past guards, to explore. When apprehended, she feigned dementia, and was returned to the hotel without arrest. She had received a BA from the University of Denver and a MA from the University of Colorado. In her will she left her estate to establish an undergraduate scholarship and her wishes were for priority to be given to female African-American library science majors. The first recipient in 1987 was indeed such a candidate named Tracy Barber.
When the library science program at SRU was discontinued, the scholarship guidelines were modified to give highest consideration to female students of color with majors in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and education. For the last forty years this scholarship has been awarded in the spring, and for several years up to seven scholarships were awarded annually.
The current Marjorie Stephenson Scholarship Committee is chaired by librarian Allison Brungard. Applications are generally due March 15th of each year.
Posted 1/30/2018 - 7/9/2018
Marjorie Stephenson was a professor and librarian at Slippery Rock University from 1971-1978. She was a reference librarian with emphasis in the humanities and she was always known to be an advocate for students. She loved to travel and she was also known to be a bit eccentric. While traveling in Russia before the wall came down, she left her hotel one night, slipping past guards, to explore. When apprehended, she feigned dementia, and was returned to the hotel without arrest. She had received a BA from the University of Denver and a MA from the University of Colorado. In her will she left her estate to establish an undergraduate scholarship and her wishes were for priority to be given to female African-American library science majors. The first recipient in 1987 was indeed such a candidate named Tracy Barber.
When the library science program at SRU was discontinued, the scholarship guidelines were modified to give highest consideration to female students of color with majors in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and education. For the last forty years this scholarship has been awarded in the spring, and for several years up to seven scholarships were awarded annually.
The current Marjorie Stephenson Scholarship Committee is chaired by librarian Allison Brungard. Applications are generally due March 15th of each year.
Posted 1/30/2018 - 7/9/2018
Charlotte H. Shapiro
Dr. Charlotte H. Shapiro Endowed Scholarship
Charlotte H. Shapiro was a genuinely dedicated educator who recognized Slippery Rock University’s mission and vision for the future. She was proud to have played a role in its rise to prominence among national liberal arts universities.
Her role in SRU’s rise to prominence began when she was appointed to Slippery Rock University’s (then Slippery Rock College) Council of Trustees by Governor Milton Shapp in 1975. Her admiration and respect for the University prompted her to establish first, a memorial scholarship for her husband Leo Shapiro and then later, the Dr. Charlotte H. Shapiro Endowed Scholarship. Since her passing in 2004, her daughters honor their mother through additional contributions to this scholarship.
Throughout her life, Dr. Shapiro demonstrated a long standing involvement and commitment to education. She began her professional career with an A.B. from the University of Pittsburgh as a family case worker and supervisor for the Department of Public Assistance during the Depression. She later completed her M.A. and Ph.D. which led to positions as school psychologist and later, principal, with the Pittsburgh Public Schools. She was also a demonstration teacher with the University of Pittsburgh.
Posted: 2/20/2018 - 8/30/2018
Charlotte H. Shapiro was a genuinely dedicated educator who recognized Slippery Rock University’s mission and vision for the future. She was proud to have played a role in its rise to prominence among national liberal arts universities.
Her role in SRU’s rise to prominence began when she was appointed to Slippery Rock University’s (then Slippery Rock College) Council of Trustees by Governor Milton Shapp in 1975. Her admiration and respect for the University prompted her to establish first, a memorial scholarship for her husband Leo Shapiro and then later, the Dr. Charlotte H. Shapiro Endowed Scholarship. Since her passing in 2004, her daughters honor their mother through additional contributions to this scholarship.
Throughout her life, Dr. Shapiro demonstrated a long standing involvement and commitment to education. She began her professional career with an A.B. from the University of Pittsburgh as a family case worker and supervisor for the Department of Public Assistance during the Depression. She later completed her M.A. and Ph.D. which led to positions as school psychologist and later, principal, with the Pittsburgh Public Schools. She was also a demonstration teacher with the University of Pittsburgh.
Posted: 2/20/2018 - 8/30/2018
Corrine Savena(Left) and Fran Hensler(Right)
Fran Hensler Rock Catholic Scholarship
Commitment to education and faith, these are the values that Fran Hensler wanted to accentuate and reward when he created the Fran Hensler Rock Catholic Scholarship in 2013.
Fran spent his entire career at Slippery Rock University in the Information Technology section. Here, he developed friendships and a fondness for the University that made him want to give back to the institution that had given him so much during his 50 plus years of employment.
Yet, there was more than affection for SRU driving Fran. He was and continues to be very involved with St. Peter’s Parish in Slippery Rock and met many SRU students who chose to worship there while attending college. For these reasons, he decided to establish a scholarship which awards to an undergraduate student who is an active member of the Rock Catholic Club at Slippery Rock University who also demonstrates financial need.
His scholarship is unquestionably changing lives. Corrine Savena, the 2016-17 recipient wrote, “As someone who grew up in a middle class family, college was never a sure thing for me, and it continues to be a year-by-year thing for me in a family where money can be tight at times.” Fran is pictured with Corrine who he met during the Spring 2017 scholarship luncheon.
Posted: 3/1/2018 - 8/13/2018
Commitment to education and faith, these are the values that Fran Hensler wanted to accentuate and reward when he created the Fran Hensler Rock Catholic Scholarship in 2013.
Fran spent his entire career at Slippery Rock University in the Information Technology section. Here, he developed friendships and a fondness for the University that made him want to give back to the institution that had given him so much during his 50 plus years of employment.
Yet, there was more than affection for SRU driving Fran. He was and continues to be very involved with St. Peter’s Parish in Slippery Rock and met many SRU students who chose to worship there while attending college. For these reasons, he decided to establish a scholarship which awards to an undergraduate student who is an active member of the Rock Catholic Club at Slippery Rock University who also demonstrates financial need.
His scholarship is unquestionably changing lives. Corrine Savena, the 2016-17 recipient wrote, “As someone who grew up in a middle class family, college was never a sure thing for me, and it continues to be a year-by-year thing for me in a family where money can be tight at times.” Fran is pictured with Corrine who he met during the Spring 2017 scholarship luncheon.
Posted: 3/1/2018 - 8/13/2018
Leo(Left) and Charlotte(Right) Shapiro
Leo I. Shapiro Memorial Scholarship
Leo I. Shapiro was a noted attorney in Pittsburgh who earned his undergraduate degree at The University of Pittsburgh and attained his law degree from Harvard School of Law. He was an authority on Labor law and served for many years as General Counsel for the Allegheny County Labor Council. Additionally, he was appointed Assistant Solicitor for the City of Pittsburgh and a Deputy Attorney for the State Labor Relations Board. He served as legal counsel and arbitrator for many Western Pennsylvania Labor Unions and was active with the State Minimum Wage Board
Mr. Shapiro strongly espoused equal higher education for women as well as men. One of his proudest achievements was that, in the nineteen fifties, he was able to educate all three of his daughters to degrees beyond baccalaureate.
After passing, and because he believed that lifelong education was achieved through reading and travel and academic pursuits, his wife, Dr. Charlotte H. Shapiro, established the Leo I. Shapiro Lecture Series. This program was designed for undergraduate liberal arts students. The Series evolved into a scholarship to recognize an outstanding student in the field of History or Political Science to perpetuate Leo Shapiro’s zeal and enthusiasm for higher education and advanced learning.
Posted: 7/9/2018 - 9/17/2019
Leo I. Shapiro was a noted attorney in Pittsburgh who earned his undergraduate degree at The University of Pittsburgh and attained his law degree from Harvard School of Law. He was an authority on Labor law and served for many years as General Counsel for the Allegheny County Labor Council. Additionally, he was appointed Assistant Solicitor for the City of Pittsburgh and a Deputy Attorney for the State Labor Relations Board. He served as legal counsel and arbitrator for many Western Pennsylvania Labor Unions and was active with the State Minimum Wage Board
Mr. Shapiro strongly espoused equal higher education for women as well as men. One of his proudest achievements was that, in the nineteen fifties, he was able to educate all three of his daughters to degrees beyond baccalaureate.
After passing, and because he believed that lifelong education was achieved through reading and travel and academic pursuits, his wife, Dr. Charlotte H. Shapiro, established the Leo I. Shapiro Lecture Series. This program was designed for undergraduate liberal arts students. The Series evolved into a scholarship to recognize an outstanding student in the field of History or Political Science to perpetuate Leo Shapiro’s zeal and enthusiasm for higher education and advanced learning.
Posted: 7/9/2018 - 9/17/2019
Beverly(Left) and John(Right) Butch
The John and Beverly Butch Second Chance Scholarship
Second Chances: John Butch and his wife Beverly believe in second chances. John, himself, is living proof of what a second chance can do for someone. During his first years at Slippery Rock University, he struggled, eventually leaving SRU with a less than acceptable GPA. He was drafted into the US Army and served in Vietnam. After returning home as a veteran, John was given a much appreciated “second chance” by Al Schmittlein, a Vice President of the University, to continue his education at The Rock.
Upon graduation, John was hired by the SRU Computer Center as a Systems Analyst and earned an MBA from Youngstown State University. He then went on to a long career in Information Technology.
Because someone gave him second chance, John and his wife Beverly, who is also an SRU grad, are passionate about doing the same for others, especially for veterans returning to finish their careers at SRU. For this reason, in 2018, John and Beverly created the Veteran Readmit “Second Chance” Scholarship. This scholarship is for an Honorably Discharged US Military Veteran who has been readmitted to SRU after military service.
John and Beverly love that their donation is directly impacting a student. “Another student, in a similar situation to me, will get their second chance to go onward to greater levels of achievement in their life and their career,” said John. “Without that second chance to get my degree, I would not have accomplished what I have done in my career.”
Beverly and John were both freshmen at SRU in 1966, but began dating in 1969 when they met in Pittsburgh while John was attending computer school and Beverly was student teaching. The couple now looks forward to hearing new stories of second chances from the students awarded this scholarship, maybe stories not too different from their own.
Posted: 8/13/2018 - 7/1/2019
Second Chances: John Butch and his wife Beverly believe in second chances. John, himself, is living proof of what a second chance can do for someone. During his first years at Slippery Rock University, he struggled, eventually leaving SRU with a less than acceptable GPA. He was drafted into the US Army and served in Vietnam. After returning home as a veteran, John was given a much appreciated “second chance” by Al Schmittlein, a Vice President of the University, to continue his education at The Rock.
Upon graduation, John was hired by the SRU Computer Center as a Systems Analyst and earned an MBA from Youngstown State University. He then went on to a long career in Information Technology.
Because someone gave him second chance, John and his wife Beverly, who is also an SRU grad, are passionate about doing the same for others, especially for veterans returning to finish their careers at SRU. For this reason, in 2018, John and Beverly created the Veteran Readmit “Second Chance” Scholarship. This scholarship is for an Honorably Discharged US Military Veteran who has been readmitted to SRU after military service.
John and Beverly love that their donation is directly impacting a student. “Another student, in a similar situation to me, will get their second chance to go onward to greater levels of achievement in their life and their career,” said John. “Without that second chance to get my degree, I would not have accomplished what I have done in my career.”
Beverly and John were both freshmen at SRU in 1966, but began dating in 1969 when they met in Pittsburgh while John was attending computer school and Beverly was student teaching. The couple now looks forward to hearing new stories of second chances from the students awarded this scholarship, maybe stories not too different from their own.
Posted: 8/13/2018 - 7/1/2019
Elmer B. Cottrell
Elmer B. Cottrell Memorial Scholarship
Anatomy, physiology, statistics… these are the names of classes that strike fear in the hearts of students. These were some of the classes that Dr. Elmer B. Cottrell taught when he worked for Slippery Rock University. Yet, he also taught gymnastics and lifesaving. In fact, Dr. Cottrell was a diverse and talented man who wore many hats while a faculty member on campus. He served as assistant football coach, assistant basketball coach and head gymnastics, tennis, golf, and swimming coach.
Dr. Cottrell drew up plans for the East-West Gym swimming pool which was the first swimming pool on campus and then started the competitive swimming program. In 1970, posthumously, he was elected into the Pennsylvania Swimming Hall of Fame.
This tireless man worked at SRU for 25 years from 1923 to 1948 and then retired to work for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Director of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He served in that position until his death 11 years later in 1957.
Dr. Cottrell was also founder of PSAHPERD, The Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, which is having its 97th convention this year. Each year PSAHPERD gives out 16 Awards including Teacher of the Year Awards and Athletic Director of the Year. The highest award that this organization gives is the Elmer B. Cottrell Award to recognize exceptional service and leadership to PSAHPERD and the profession.
In 2004, his children, Eleanor Cottrell Hartzell ’39 and Dr. Edwin Cottrell ’43, decided to pay homage to this amazing man by establishing a scholarship in his name. The scholarship is a tribute to their father’s life-long commitment to the advancement of health and physical education.
Posted: 8/30/2018 - Present
Anatomy, physiology, statistics… these are the names of classes that strike fear in the hearts of students. These were some of the classes that Dr. Elmer B. Cottrell taught when he worked for Slippery Rock University. Yet, he also taught gymnastics and lifesaving. In fact, Dr. Cottrell was a diverse and talented man who wore many hats while a faculty member on campus. He served as assistant football coach, assistant basketball coach and head gymnastics, tennis, golf, and swimming coach.
Dr. Cottrell drew up plans for the East-West Gym swimming pool which was the first swimming pool on campus and then started the competitive swimming program. In 1970, posthumously, he was elected into the Pennsylvania Swimming Hall of Fame.
This tireless man worked at SRU for 25 years from 1923 to 1948 and then retired to work for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Director of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He served in that position until his death 11 years later in 1957.
Dr. Cottrell was also founder of PSAHPERD, The Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, which is having its 97th convention this year. Each year PSAHPERD gives out 16 Awards including Teacher of the Year Awards and Athletic Director of the Year. The highest award that this organization gives is the Elmer B. Cottrell Award to recognize exceptional service and leadership to PSAHPERD and the profession.
In 2004, his children, Eleanor Cottrell Hartzell ’39 and Dr. Edwin Cottrell ’43, decided to pay homage to this amazing man by establishing a scholarship in his name. The scholarship is a tribute to their father’s life-long commitment to the advancement of health and physical education.
Posted: 8/30/2018 - Present
Dr. Michelle McCollin
Dr. Michelle McCollin Memorial Scholarship
There are people who are world-changers, impact-makers, people who transform the world in everything that they do. Michelle McCollin was one of these people.
Dr. McCollin was a Special Education professor at SRU from 2004-2018. She was invested in her students and believed that she should, must, live by example to teach her students how to make this earth a better place. She lived this in and out of the classroom.
In 2012 she founded Eyes4Africa which, with Dr. McCollin at the helm, delivered more than 5,000 prescription eyeglasses to Nigeria. Eyes4Africa also conducted eye clinics and provided school supplies to the country. Dr. McCollin would share pictures with her SRU students in order to give them a global perspective on helping others, and instill in them that teaching goes beyond the school building.
On campus, she was active with the Black Faculty and Staff Association, even serving as its Vice President. According to a Letter of Declaration by the group, her involvement “was a major influence on the organization’s forward progress.” She was a consistent contributor to the Black Faculty and Staff Association Scholarship (formerly the African American Caucus Scholarship) which led to its endowment in September 2017. For this reason, in spring of 2018, following her unexpected death, the name of the scholarship was changed to the Dr. Michelle McCollin Memorial Scholarship. This was to honor all that she had done.
In fall 2011 Dr. McCollin told Rock Magazine, “I believe that thoughtful, committed people can change the world.” In her lifetime, she showed that this is absolutely true.
Posted: 7/1/2019 - Present
There are people who are world-changers, impact-makers, people who transform the world in everything that they do. Michelle McCollin was one of these people.
Dr. McCollin was a Special Education professor at SRU from 2004-2018. She was invested in her students and believed that she should, must, live by example to teach her students how to make this earth a better place. She lived this in and out of the classroom.
In 2012 she founded Eyes4Africa which, with Dr. McCollin at the helm, delivered more than 5,000 prescription eyeglasses to Nigeria. Eyes4Africa also conducted eye clinics and provided school supplies to the country. Dr. McCollin would share pictures with her SRU students in order to give them a global perspective on helping others, and instill in them that teaching goes beyond the school building.
On campus, she was active with the Black Faculty and Staff Association, even serving as its Vice President. According to a Letter of Declaration by the group, her involvement “was a major influence on the organization’s forward progress.” She was a consistent contributor to the Black Faculty and Staff Association Scholarship (formerly the African American Caucus Scholarship) which led to its endowment in September 2017. For this reason, in spring of 2018, following her unexpected death, the name of the scholarship was changed to the Dr. Michelle McCollin Memorial Scholarship. This was to honor all that she had done.
In fall 2011 Dr. McCollin told Rock Magazine, “I believe that thoughtful, committed people can change the world.” In her lifetime, she showed that this is absolutely true.
Posted: 7/1/2019 - Present
Keith(Left) Lawton
Lawton Family Scholarship
This isn’t the life you want: Keith Lawton’s father made him work during the summer from the time he was sixteen. It was hard and difficult work. This summer work instilled in Lawton the exact message that his father wanted him to learn. Manual labor isn’t the life you want. College is the way to go.
Lawton’s parents didn’t attend college but they wanted a better life for their son. Lawton was a first generation college student and, to this day, he has a passion for those who are the first in their family to pursue higher education. For this reason he recently created the Lawton Family Scholarship for full-time first generation college students.
Lawton himself says that he was never an amazing student at school but education opened doors for him that otherwise would not have been possible. For his first job interview, the employer asked, “Do you have a college degree?” Lawton said, “Yes.” and got the job on the spot.
Lawton loved his time at SRU. He was a student manager for the track and cross country team and bonded with the athletes. He has fond memories of Coach Bill Lennox and had the opportunity to work with a handful of All American athletes. During his time on campus he was “always busy” and “never bored.”
The Lawton Family Scholarship had its first recipient in 2018-19. The recipient, Noah Klingensmith, wrote, “The money from my scholarships has helped my pay for essential items for college, such as textbooks and other school materials. I am extremely thankful to have received this generous and thoughtful gift.”
Posted: 9/17/2019 - Present
This isn’t the life you want: Keith Lawton’s father made him work during the summer from the time he was sixteen. It was hard and difficult work. This summer work instilled in Lawton the exact message that his father wanted him to learn. Manual labor isn’t the life you want. College is the way to go.
Lawton’s parents didn’t attend college but they wanted a better life for their son. Lawton was a first generation college student and, to this day, he has a passion for those who are the first in their family to pursue higher education. For this reason he recently created the Lawton Family Scholarship for full-time first generation college students.
Lawton himself says that he was never an amazing student at school but education opened doors for him that otherwise would not have been possible. For his first job interview, the employer asked, “Do you have a college degree?” Lawton said, “Yes.” and got the job on the spot.
Lawton loved his time at SRU. He was a student manager for the track and cross country team and bonded with the athletes. He has fond memories of Coach Bill Lennox and had the opportunity to work with a handful of All American athletes. During his time on campus he was “always busy” and “never bored.”
The Lawton Family Scholarship had its first recipient in 2018-19. The recipient, Noah Klingensmith, wrote, “The money from my scholarships has helped my pay for essential items for college, such as textbooks and other school materials. I am extremely thankful to have received this generous and thoughtful gift.”
Posted: 9/17/2019 - Present