SRU welcoming Rooney and Duru for virtual presentation Sept. 14

Jim Rooney and Jeremi Duru will speak to the Slippery Rock University community at a virtual presentation titled “The Leaders’ Role in Equity, Race and Opportunity,” 7 p.m., Sept. 14.

Sept. 8, 2021

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — The topics of leadership, equity and race can be approached from many angles in different topics. Two experts in these areas are using sports as an example to bring a conversation to Slippery Rock University. Jim Rooney and Jeremi Duru will share a message with the SRU community, 7 p.m., Sept. 14, via Zoom, in an online event titled "The Leaders' Role in Equity, Race and Opportunity," sponsored by the SRU's President's Commission for Race and Ethnic Diversity, the Office for Inclusive Excellence and the Office of the President.

Rooney, son of the late Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, is an author, speaker and consultant who helps organizations enhance culture and build strong teams. Duru is an author and professor of law at American University who has worked as a counselor for professional athletes and organizations. In addition to discussing leadership, equity and race, they will address diversity in sports organizations and analyze the impact of the Rooney Rule, the NFL policy named for Dan Rooney that requires teams to interview ethnic-minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations jobs.

The event will include a presentation by Rooney and Duru, followed by a live Q&A session. Members of the SRU community can register through CORE, SRU's online platform for campus organizations and events.

"This is a great opportunity to engage members of the SRU community in diversity and inclusion discussions using sports as a catalyst," said Marjorie Riddell, SRU payroll manager, who helped organize the event as a member of PCRED. "Our commission recognizes that Jim and Jeremi's messages are valuable for our students, faculty and staff. We're grateful to have them share their knowledge, challenge assumptions and deliver messages that will strengthen and reinforce our University's commitment to cultural competence and inclusivity."

More information about the event and a link to register are available on the event's CORE page.

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