SRU to host Alumni Weekend June 22-24
Slippery Rock University is hosting Alumni Weekend, June 22-24, with three days of activities for alumni of all ages and their families.
June 5, 2018
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Summer vacation. It's a time when most people schedule weekend getaways to a lake, an amusement park or even a visit to grandma's house. But why not a fun-filled weekend with friends and family at their alma mater? With activities ranging from classroom learning and tours to food-tasting, arts, games and themed parties, Slippery Rock University's June 22-24 Alumni Weekend is a sure bet to add to your summer "to do" list.
"It'll be like going to summer camp," said Kelly Bailey, SRU director of alumni engagement. "There will be a wide variety of programs that appeal to all generations, young and old. We tried to build a weekend of activities so alumni can interact with professors, reconnect with friends, see the campus and just have a good time."
Alumni Weekend was organized by SRU's Office of Alumni Engagement to, well, engage alumni, but in a way that may be more conducive for alumni's schedules than the University's annual Homecoming Weekend in the fall. According to Bailey, people are typically less busy and willing to travel in June rather than October, and, because residence halls are available with students away on summer break, the University can provide overnight accommodations. Another reason is the ability to consolidate resources to serve alumni groups who are already interested in returning to campus.
"We have a number of reunions throughout the year and if we bring everyone back during the same weekend, we can offer more programming and everyone can have a great experience," said Bailey, who anticipates between 200-250 attendees, many of whom are from alumni groups including Greeks, soccer, international and the equestrian center, as well as the classes of 1993 (25th anniversary) and 1978 (40th anniversary).
"Alumni Weekend is about highlighting the University for our alumni community and giving them a chance to come back," said Bailey. "There's something about when you go back to your alma mater; it's just a great feeling. Everyone should get a chance to reminisce that way."
Three 75-minute "Alumni Campus" sessions are planned when attendees can participate in programs such as canvas painting, dance instructions, nature and campus tours and updates from each of SRU's four colleges. There will also be a Greek Olympics, with competitive games for all ages; a 5-kilometer race; horseback riding at the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center for children; an alumni soccer game; and food-tasting events that are uniquely "Slippery Rock," like Moonlight Breakfast at Boozel, a tour of the North Country Brewing Company canning facility and a soccer alumni and friends lunch at Bob's Subs.
There will also be special receptions for alumni groups, such as recognition of alumni who have already celebrated their 50th reunions, and decades-themed alumni parties, during which there will be a "Little Rocker Party" for children ages 5 and older. Additionally, the SRU Admissions Department is hosting a campus visitation day June 23 so alumni can learn about enrolling their high school-aged children at SRU and become a legacy family.
"Alumni Weekend is family friendly and we want people to come back no matter which stage of life they're in," Bailey said. "We've developed a program that will highlight the changes to the campus and showcase who we are as a University. We want our alumni to not only remember what it was like when they were here but also know who we are now and where we're going."
Because registration for events is "a la carte," attendees only have to pay for those programs that interest them or just attend the free events. According to Bailey, discounts are available for members of the Slippery Rock Alumni Association and only events that require supplies, food or other resources have a fee. Discounted housing rates will be available on campus at Building F as well as discounted rates being offered at area hotels.
To register and to learn more, contact Bailey at 724.738.4223 or kelly.bailey@sru.edu. For a complete list of the weekend's events, click here.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu