SRU Foundation launches online fundraising farewell to Norton

Friends and supporters of Slippery Rock University will have the opportunity to say goodbye to retiring President Cheryl Norton when they donate to the University via an online campaign June 16-30.

June 15, 2017

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Students, alumni and friends of Slippery Rock University will have the opportunity to wish President Cheryl Norton farewell prior to her July 21 retirement by sending her an online message when they donate a gift to the University.

The SRU Foundation, Inc. will stage its "Farewell to President Norton Campaign" June 16-30 at https://raise.sru.edu/project/6719. The goal of the campaign is to raise $10,453 which would represent one dollar for every student who graduated from the University during Norton's five-year tenure.

"That's a meaningful number because student success is what I reflect on most as my time here at Slippery Rock University comes to an end," Norton said. "I appreciate the tremendous support from the SRU community and these contributions will continue to advance the institution's strategic initiatives after I'm gone."

While donors can designate a specific area of SRU to receive their gift, Norton has requested that all non-designated donations for the campaign support the Norton Undergraduate Research Scholarship. The scholarship assists up to two undergraduate students each year in their pursuit of academic research or creative activity. A committee selects the recipients, who must be either a sophomore or junior, submit an application and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA cumulatively in the major in which the research will be conducted.

The foundation has already started to receive farewell messages for Norton, including one from Annie Custer, a senior psychology major from Erie: "Dear Dr. Norton, Thank you for your past five years of commitment, growth and pride in SRU. You have truly made a difference on this campus for students and alumni by keeping the students' best interest in mind and always doing what is best for the University. Enjoy your retirement!"

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu