139113 SRU Mag Back NEW - Slippery Rock University

A Regal Day
The Inauguration of Dr. Robert M. Smith, 15th President of Slippery Rock University
It was an impressive gathering.
The oldest university in the western world, the University of
Bologna–founded in 1088, was represented by SRU faculty member
Dr. Bruno Borsari, who holds a doctorate from that institution.
The newest chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest
multidiscipline honor society, was represented by Dr. Ronald
Johnson, northeast regional vice president who had installed the
charter members of the SRU chapter the night before.
International students represented 41 countries and other
students represented 28 academic departments, 67 student
organizations and all 23 varsity sports. More than 100 universities
and colleges were represented.
Together they formed a remarkable site as they donned colorful
academic regalia and marched from North Hall, down a new
pedestrian walkway marked with solid rock symbolism, diagonally
across the quad, past the new Rock Waterfall and into the
University Union.
To those who hadn’t visited The Rock in a while, or were new to
it, the place shined of newness. Finishing work was still obvious in
the downtown renovation. The construction site for the new
Science and Technology Building filled in the last open part of the
“lower” quadrangle. All in all, participants saw a campus that fills
SRU people with RockPride.
When they arrived at the door of the Union, they were greeted
with a banner proclaiming: It’s a Great Time to be at Slippery Rock
University.
Our guests could tell that statement was true.
A student-centered event
“It would be impossible to describe the many ways in which
faculty, staff and students came together to make this inauguration
such a special day,” said Bob Watson, vice president for student life
and chair of the inauguration committee. “The most important
ingredient was that President Smith wanted the day to truly have a
student centeredness to it. As much as possible, we wanted to
involve students.”
LaRoche College Provost Howard
Ishiyama signs in with Kathy Jack,
Office of Advancement.
Grand Marshal Wilma Cavill
(left), and Laurel Dagnon
wonder whether the weather will
permit an outdoor procession.
2 The Rock Winter 2005
Bob Watson says “No problem. We’re marching outside.”
Being chair of the event meant being chief
weather forecaster.
Preparation
The
John Bonando, student life, gets instructions
from Maryanne King, assistant
dean, college of Health, Environment
and Science, while Barb Massella, Office
of the President looks on.
All the behind the scenes work is done and
some of the staff stand and wait for the
start of the ceremony.