Graduates move on to future from SRU
SLIPPERY ROCK — New graduates were relieved, excited and full of hope on Saturday at Slippery Rock University’s commencement ceremonies.
Bachelor’s degrees were bestowed upon 460 graduating seniors at Morrow Field House and master’s degrees on 130.
A special moment for students, faculty and family members alike came when Allan Dick, an information technology graduate from Slippery Rock, was sworn into the U.S. Army by Lt. Col. Jeffrey Barta, who is a professor of military science at Slippery Rock and the head of the school’s ROTC program.
After Dick was administered the oath, he saluted and hugged Barta as the entire graduating class and family and friends in the bleachers rose in unison to offer Dick an extended ovation.
After the ceremonies, the graduates and their families congregated for a cookies-and-punch reception in the GrassTex area of the Field House.
Master’s degree recipient Maegan Johnson of Evans City received her degree in special education.
She said two of her four children have special needs, and she worked full time while taking classes and keeping her family unit running.
“I feel a sense of relief, but also accomplishment,” Johnson said.
She said she hopes her children take a lesson from seeing their mom attain her degree.
“I hope it teaches the kids that they should be lifelong learners and never give up,” Johnson said. “My favorite part of graduation was hearing them yell ‘Yay Mummy!’”
A full story will appear in Monday's Butler Eagle.
