President’s Scholarship Gala raises monies for SRU student scholarships

April 19, 2018

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc. will host its biannual President's Scholarship Gala from 6:30-11 p.m., May 19 in the Smith Student Center.

Launched in 2006, the event has generated more than $750,000 in scholarship dollars for Slippery Rock University students. This year's event has a goal of generating $125,000 in scholarship aid.

"SRU has long adhered to the principle that motivation and desire, not financial capacity, ought to distinguish its students," said Ed Bucha, executive director of the SRU Foundation. "The President's Scholarship Gala is a highly-visible effort to increase resources devoted to support the educational aspirations of deserving students who otherwise would be unable to earn a college degree. Scholarships make a difference. They help change lives, and they help students fulfill dreams."

Among the various activities planned for the evening are:
-Silent auctions featuring gift cards to various restaurants, hotels, movies and theatres, fitness, salon and recreational venues; various gift baskets; SRU clothing and faculty-written books; works of art from SRU faculty, faculty emeriti, students and local artists; home goods; jewelry; and numerous lawn and garden items.
-Mystery envelopes where participants can purchase a sealed envelope for $20 with the gift inside guaranteed to be worth at least $20.

According to Bucha, food is always a big draw at the gala, and this year will be no exception.

The evening's menu will include a variety of appetizers: global cheese, figs, fruit and honey; assorted spreads with a variety of breads; wild mushroom terrine; pork tenderloin raisin bread crostini; shrimp scampi shooter; and tomato-vodka cucumber bite.

Salads and pastas include: beet-goat cheese sphere and marcona almonds; peeled asparagus and parmesan; peas, prosciutto and beans; and handmade ricotta gnocchi with assorted sauces.

A carving station will include: espresso-peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin; rack of lamb; arctic char; and buttermilk polenta and roasted heirloom carrots.

For dessert, there will be: miniature terrariums; tartlets; shortbread cookies; assorted macarons; chocolate covered strawberries; and petite hummingbird cupcakes

The SRU Jazz Ensemble will provide music for the evening with photos available from Sharp Image Studios.

The event planning committee includes:
-Nora Ambrosio, professor of dance.
-Deb Baker, director of special events.
-Eliott Baker, former executive director of academic records and summer school (retired).
-Joe Balaban, resident district manager for AVI.
-Michael Boone, University technical director.
-Ed Bucha, executive director, SRU Foundation.
-Chris Cole, Smith Student Center director.
-Dallas Cott, assistant director for campus services, facilities and planning.
-Diana Dreyer, professor emeritus of English.
-Jodi Hensel, executive staff assistant in University Advancement.
-Judy Hughes, community liaison.
-Christina Malak, a senior art major from New Kensington.
-Nick McIntire, director of advancement services and administrative systems development.
-Doug McMullen, chair of the SRU Foundation, Inc.
-Tina Moser, chief of staff, president's office.
-Sharon Patterson, director of operations for AVI.
-Deb Pincek, executive director for academic and student affairs resources.
-Tina Proper, assistant to the vice president of finance, administrative affairs and advancement services.
-Kelli Rensel, administrative assistant, president's office.
-Kathleen Strickland, professor emeritus of English.
-Samantha Swift, director of development for the SRU Foundation.

Tickets, priced at $125, are available by calling 724.738.2004.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robb.king@sru.edu