SRU welcomes back Elise Michaux for Feb. 5 Alumni Speaker Series event

Jan. 27, 2020

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Elise Michaux is the director of student leadership and involvement at Seton Hill University, but that doesn't deter her from jumping at every opportunity to get involved with her alma mater, Slippery Rock University. That's why she's coming back to SRU as part of the Alumni Speaker Series, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 5, at the Russell Wright Alumni House.

The event is free, open to the public and accessible.

Michaux, who earned a bachelor's degree in English literature in 2011 and a master's degree in student affairs in higher education in 2013, will share a motivational message titled "Our Attitude Determines Our Altitude." She will address overcoming obstacles and maintaining a positive mindset.

"Life is a journey and we will certainly be met with obstacles along the way, but how we deal with those obstacles determines how far we'll go," Michaux said. "I work with college students every day, so I understand that their schedules and their limited time can sometimes put them in a funk. Many of them come to college being high achievers, getting straight A's through high school, and then they get to college and it's an adjustment. How do we keep a positive mindset, so that no matter what obstacles we may face, we can still find a way to succeed?"

Michaux will help attendees answer that question and more during her presentation, as well as share her experience at SHU, where she is responsible for creating leadership programs and supervising more than 60 student organizations.

"I learned about leadership and keeping a positive mindset at SRU, so it's important to me to give back to the students that came after me. I think it's important to share with them that someone who is not too far removed from where they are now, still understands (what they're going through)," Michaux said. "It is always my pleasure and an honor to come back and be a part of helping to make SRU students and grads stand out. I am where I am today because of the experiences that I had at The Rock, so if I could be a part of somebody's experience and encourage them, that's a positive."

Michaux returns to SRU after being recognized by the SRU Alumni Association last spring at its Annual Awards and Recognition Banquet.

For more information about the Alumni Speaker Series, as well as to recommend a future alumni speaker, contact Kelly Bailey at 724.738.4223 or kelly.bailey@sru.edu.

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