Eric Berdis ‘13
Eric Anthony Berdis (Erie, PA) is an artist and educator whose practice strives to celebrate DIY collectivity and play for themself and his students. All while reflecting on the ghost of queer history and activism. This year has been honored by the Amos Lemon Burkhart Foundation and awarded the Lydia McCain Artist Fellowship. This October a solo exhibition is opening at Waterloo Arts in Cleveland, Ohio.
He has had solo exhibitions at The Marlin and Regina Miller Art Gallery as the Artist in Residence at the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, the University Galleries of Illinois State University, Project 1612 (Peoria, IL), Practice Gallery (Philadelphia, PA), and Bunker Project (Pittsburgh, PA). They have exhibited work at Iridian Gallery (Richmond, VA), Stay Home Gallery (Paris, TN), the Erie Art Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. His work has been published in Teaching Artist Podcast, Emergency Index Annual Performance Publication, and New American Paintings. Eric received his BFA from Slippery Rock University in 2013 and his MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2020.
Eric’s awards and accolades in teaching are seen in the classroom daily. This year at Boro Little Learners, Eric’s class of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds put on a class-written performance of “Track Happily Ever After.” A play about an Ogre who falls in love with a Princess who also turns into an ogre…perhaps you heard of another version. After a month of writing, practicing, and making backdrops and costumes with the students in his class. The play ran a show time of 10 minutes and was performed for families on a Thursday afternoon …without an intermission. This play was a student-led initiative that was quite the undertaking for 15 preschoolers; instead of saying… “Oh, I wish we had time for that, Eric says, we will make time.”
Eric Anthony Berdis (Erie, PA) is an artist and educator whose practice strives to celebrate DIY collectivity and play for themself and his students. All while reflecting on the ghost of queer history and activism. This year has been honored by the Amos Lemon Burkhart Foundation and awarded the Lydia McCain Artist Fellowship. This October a solo exhibition is opening at Waterloo Arts in Cleveland, Ohio.
He has had solo exhibitions at The Marlin and Regina Miller Art Gallery as the Artist in Residence at the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, the University Galleries of Illinois State University, Project 1612 (Peoria, IL), Practice Gallery (Philadelphia, PA), and Bunker Project (Pittsburgh, PA). They have exhibited work at Iridian Gallery (Richmond, VA), Stay Home Gallery (Paris, TN), the Erie Art Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. His work has been published in Teaching Artist Podcast, Emergency Index Annual Performance Publication, and New American Paintings. Eric received his BFA from Slippery Rock University in 2013 and his MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2020.
Eric’s awards and accolades in teaching are seen in the classroom daily. This year at Boro Little Learners, Eric’s class of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds put on a class-written performance of “Track Happily Ever After.” A play about an Ogre who falls in love with a Princess who also turns into an ogre…perhaps you heard of another version. After a month of writing, practicing, and making backdrops and costumes with the students in his class. The play ran a show time of 10 minutes and was performed for families on a Thursday afternoon …without an intermission. This play was a student-led initiative that was quite the undertaking for 15 preschoolers; instead of saying… “Oh, I wish we had time for that, Eric says, we will make time.”
Zach Cunningham, ‘13
After graduation from Slippery Rock University, Zach started his professional career with the Walt Disney Company as a Resort Guest Service Attendant and Trainer. Zach was offered this role specifically due to his time as a Pride Guide at Slippery Rock. Following his time at Disney, he was offered three roles in the sport industry without applying for a single role, but through connections he made during his time at the Mount Union Sports Sales Workshop during his junior year at SRU. Zach has been able to use what he learned during his four years at SRU to work his way up in the sport industry to a leadership role with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Zach was awarded the 2018-19 ECHL Sales Professional of the year during his time with the Orlando Solar Bears. Zach has also won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Zach continues to volunteer in the community for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay since he moved to Tampa, FL in March of 2020. Zach also spent time volunteering at the Lancaster SPCA during his time in Lancaster, PA. Zach has helped plan two events with the alumni association during his time in the sport industry. The first event was supposed to take place in Orlando with the Solar Bears in 2020, but COVID shut down this event. Zach recently helped put on an event at a Tampa Bay Lightning game during a Florida alumni SRU event against the Penguins. Zach also has spoken with multiple sport management classes when Dr. Crow needs alumni assistance. Zach appreciates the opportunity to be nominated for the Rock Solid 10 Under 10! Zach wouldn't be in the position he is today in the sport industry without the guidance of Dr. Crow, Dr. Higgs and Dr. Abney in the sport management department!
After graduation from Slippery Rock University, Zach started his professional career with the Walt Disney Company as a Resort Guest Service Attendant and Trainer. Zach was offered this role specifically due to his time as a Pride Guide at Slippery Rock. Following his time at Disney, he was offered three roles in the sport industry without applying for a single role, but through connections he made during his time at the Mount Union Sports Sales Workshop during his junior year at SRU. Zach has been able to use what he learned during his four years at SRU to work his way up in the sport industry to a leadership role with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Zach was awarded the 2018-19 ECHL Sales Professional of the year during his time with the Orlando Solar Bears. Zach has also won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Zach continues to volunteer in the community for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay since he moved to Tampa, FL in March of 2020. Zach also spent time volunteering at the Lancaster SPCA during his time in Lancaster, PA. Zach has helped plan two events with the alumni association during his time in the sport industry. The first event was supposed to take place in Orlando with the Solar Bears in 2020, but COVID shut down this event. Zach recently helped put on an event at a Tampa Bay Lightning game during a Florida alumni SRU event against the Penguins. Zach also has spoken with multiple sport management classes when Dr. Crow needs alumni assistance. Zach appreciates the opportunity to be nominated for the Rock Solid 10 Under 10! Zach wouldn't be in the position he is today in the sport industry without the guidance of Dr. Crow, Dr. Higgs and Dr. Abney in the sport management department!
Aleta Heard ‘15
Upon graduating, Aleta started her career in Human Resources Talent Acquisition, onboarding technical recruits, which inspired her career shift. She transitioned into more technical roles, configuring network switches both remotely and physical server rooms; she held roles as a Senior Systems Analyst, improving and creating micro-services and APIs, as a front-end and back-end developer, Infrastructure Analyst, IT Field Technician, Global Commerce Support Engineer, and she is currently a Certified Agile Product Owner.
Her educational background includes receiving a Business Management certificate and Associate of Science degree in Business from Community College of Allegheny County, a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration and Management with an Information Systems minor, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Slippery Rock University, and a master's degree in information systems from Duquesne University. Aleta’s education empowered her to accelerate her career.
Aleta is an award-winning leader throughout Pennsylvania and in her technical profession. She has been recognized as the 2022 Pittsburgh Young Athena winner, a “Woman of Excellence” by the Pittsburgh Courier in 2018, “30 under 30” by Pittsburgh Business Times in 2020 and nominated for Tomorrow’s Promise - PA Bankers award. Aleta is also a renowned public speaker, delivering keynote speeches, serving as a panelist, moderator, and guest speaker at many distinguished events.
Outside of her technology career, Aleta has always been passionate about community outreach and women’s empowerment. She founded Masters of Maternity (M.O.M.), a multi-sided maternal directory that integrates technology as a solution into the motherhood journey to increase access to maternal resources and decrease the maternal mortality and morbidity rates. She is also a Founding Mother and Vice-president of the Pennsylvania Doula Commission, recognizing, promoting, and protecting the doula profession throughout PA. Lastly, Aleta sits on Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, advancing the maternal and infant improvements from an employer perspective.
Aleta is currently leading Global strategies for custody applications at BNY Mellon. She also leads Diversity & Inclusion gender and racial initiatives within the Asset Services Division Line of Business and co-chairs a Diversity & Inclusion External Connections Committee within BNY Mellon. During her time at PNC Financial Services Inc., Aleta also held several leadership roles within PNC’s employee business resource groups, planning and leading various workshops and events on networking, professional development, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career advancement and advocating for minorities in technology. As a global change agent, Aleta has found her purpose and new passion in the advancement of women using technology to reshape the trajectory of maternal health throughout the motherhood journey.
Upon graduating, Aleta started her career in Human Resources Talent Acquisition, onboarding technical recruits, which inspired her career shift. She transitioned into more technical roles, configuring network switches both remotely and physical server rooms; she held roles as a Senior Systems Analyst, improving and creating micro-services and APIs, as a front-end and back-end developer, Infrastructure Analyst, IT Field Technician, Global Commerce Support Engineer, and she is currently a Certified Agile Product Owner.
Her educational background includes receiving a Business Management certificate and Associate of Science degree in Business from Community College of Allegheny County, a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration and Management with an Information Systems minor, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Slippery Rock University, and a master's degree in information systems from Duquesne University. Aleta’s education empowered her to accelerate her career.
Aleta is an award-winning leader throughout Pennsylvania and in her technical profession. She has been recognized as the 2022 Pittsburgh Young Athena winner, a “Woman of Excellence” by the Pittsburgh Courier in 2018, “30 under 30” by Pittsburgh Business Times in 2020 and nominated for Tomorrow’s Promise - PA Bankers award. Aleta is also a renowned public speaker, delivering keynote speeches, serving as a panelist, moderator, and guest speaker at many distinguished events.
Outside of her technology career, Aleta has always been passionate about community outreach and women’s empowerment. She founded Masters of Maternity (M.O.M.), a multi-sided maternal directory that integrates technology as a solution into the motherhood journey to increase access to maternal resources and decrease the maternal mortality and morbidity rates. She is also a Founding Mother and Vice-president of the Pennsylvania Doula Commission, recognizing, promoting, and protecting the doula profession throughout PA. Lastly, Aleta sits on Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, advancing the maternal and infant improvements from an employer perspective.
Aleta is currently leading Global strategies for custody applications at BNY Mellon. She also leads Diversity & Inclusion gender and racial initiatives within the Asset Services Division Line of Business and co-chairs a Diversity & Inclusion External Connections Committee within BNY Mellon. During her time at PNC Financial Services Inc., Aleta also held several leadership roles within PNC’s employee business resource groups, planning and leading various workshops and events on networking, professional development, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career advancement and advocating for minorities in technology. As a global change agent, Aleta has found her purpose and new passion in the advancement of women using technology to reshape the trajectory of maternal health throughout the motherhood journey.
Jamaur Law ‘ 13
Jamaur Law, B.S.B.A., is the founder and Executive Director of the Board of the Jamaur Law Foundation. He began his educational journey in the Aliquippa School District and completed it at Rochester Area High School in Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.
Jamaur was fortunate enough to gain athletic scholarships to compete on a collegiate level. The experiences he gained by doing so enabled him to connect with the students and understand what it takes to be a successful student-athlete. In addition to being a student-athlete, he learned important skills, such as leadership, time management and how to effectively work with others toward a common goal.
In 2014, he moved from Pennsylvania to Fort Washington, Maryland, and took a job in the finance department of a public relations firm in Washington, D.C. After three years at the firm, Jamaur decided to pursue his passion for education. He spent his first two years teaching in the Prince George’s County school district and the last six years in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his main occupation for the last eight years, Jamaur works for the National Football League in the instant replay department as an assistant replay official. He was a college football official for the past six years, officiating on all levels of collegiate football.
At the core of Jamaur's career is his untiring efforts to help others who have not been as fortunate as him. Jamaur recognizes his integral role in shaping students for educational success, which ultimately affects the surrounding school district and communities. As such, he was compelled to launch the Jamaur Law Foundation Financial Literacy program as a way of giving back to students, educators, families and the community.
He firmly believes that achievement of financial independence will empower impoverished communities, and their residents, to become catalysts of generational wealth. His mission is to educate and teach people about the power of financial literacy, removing obstacles that prevent individuals from attaining a secure financial future.
Jamaur is a proud SRU alum and funds two scholarships in the memory of his mother through the SRU Foundation.
Jamaur Law, B.S.B.A., is the founder and Executive Director of the Board of the Jamaur Law Foundation. He began his educational journey in the Aliquippa School District and completed it at Rochester Area High School in Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.
Jamaur was fortunate enough to gain athletic scholarships to compete on a collegiate level. The experiences he gained by doing so enabled him to connect with the students and understand what it takes to be a successful student-athlete. In addition to being a student-athlete, he learned important skills, such as leadership, time management and how to effectively work with others toward a common goal.
In 2014, he moved from Pennsylvania to Fort Washington, Maryland, and took a job in the finance department of a public relations firm in Washington, D.C. After three years at the firm, Jamaur decided to pursue his passion for education. He spent his first two years teaching in the Prince George’s County school district and the last six years in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his main occupation for the last eight years, Jamaur works for the National Football League in the instant replay department as an assistant replay official. He was a college football official for the past six years, officiating on all levels of collegiate football.
At the core of Jamaur's career is his untiring efforts to help others who have not been as fortunate as him. Jamaur recognizes his integral role in shaping students for educational success, which ultimately affects the surrounding school district and communities. As such, he was compelled to launch the Jamaur Law Foundation Financial Literacy program as a way of giving back to students, educators, families and the community.
He firmly believes that achievement of financial independence will empower impoverished communities, and their residents, to become catalysts of generational wealth. His mission is to educate and teach people about the power of financial literacy, removing obstacles that prevent individuals from attaining a secure financial future.
Jamaur is a proud SRU alum and funds two scholarships in the memory of his mother through the SRU Foundation.
Bobby Maggio ‘15
Since graduating SRU in 2015 with a degree in Political Science, Bobby has established a career in electoral politics and government; primarily with Pennsylvania’s newest US Senator, John Fetterman.
Bobby started at an entry level position in Fetterman’s initial race for US Senate in 2016, then was promoted to the role of Political Director for his historic 2018 Lieutenant Governor race. He spent two years as Lieutenant Governor Fetterman’s Chief of Staff in Harrisburg from 2019-2021, then resigned the position, in order to be Fetterman’s Campaign Manager for his successful 2022 US Senate Primary. After winning the Primary election in May 2022, he then transitioned to a role as Senior Advisor to Fetterman for the US Senate General Election. Following Fetterman’s successful election in November, Bobby was appointed to and serves as Senior Advisor to the Senator and is currently based in Pittsburgh.
Bobby feels that the professional achievements of being appointed Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor and serving as Campaign Manager for one of the biggest political races in the country really does exemplify those standards of SRU. This field tends to be dominated by graduates of bigger schools, Ivy Leagues, etc., and to be able to "have a seat at the table" with a degree from Slippery Rock University is such a symbol of pride. The time spent at SRU, along with the education and experiences he received, helped prepare him to be successful in this field. Bobby now gets to highlight those experiences in rooms within our government and political worlds, which positively reflects on the prestige of SRU.
Bobby is a proud member of the LGBTQ Community and found SRU to be an extremely welcoming community during his time there; which is an ever-growing important qualification of a college campus in these current times. He serves on the local Democratic Committee, which helps make our community aware of upcoming elections, etc. He is very interested in getting more involved in local community development programs, and plans on spending time in 2023 looking for those opportunities.
Being in senior positions, in high level rooms, and able to speak proudly of his SRU degree is an honor that Bobby is proud to have. In the 7.5 years since his graduation, Bobby has been able to forge a successful career in his field of choice, and the education he received and relationships he made played a huge role in that success.
Since graduating SRU in 2015 with a degree in Political Science, Bobby has established a career in electoral politics and government; primarily with Pennsylvania’s newest US Senator, John Fetterman.
Bobby started at an entry level position in Fetterman’s initial race for US Senate in 2016, then was promoted to the role of Political Director for his historic 2018 Lieutenant Governor race. He spent two years as Lieutenant Governor Fetterman’s Chief of Staff in Harrisburg from 2019-2021, then resigned the position, in order to be Fetterman’s Campaign Manager for his successful 2022 US Senate Primary. After winning the Primary election in May 2022, he then transitioned to a role as Senior Advisor to Fetterman for the US Senate General Election. Following Fetterman’s successful election in November, Bobby was appointed to and serves as Senior Advisor to the Senator and is currently based in Pittsburgh.
Bobby feels that the professional achievements of being appointed Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor and serving as Campaign Manager for one of the biggest political races in the country really does exemplify those standards of SRU. This field tends to be dominated by graduates of bigger schools, Ivy Leagues, etc., and to be able to "have a seat at the table" with a degree from Slippery Rock University is such a symbol of pride. The time spent at SRU, along with the education and experiences he received, helped prepare him to be successful in this field. Bobby now gets to highlight those experiences in rooms within our government and political worlds, which positively reflects on the prestige of SRU.
Bobby is a proud member of the LGBTQ Community and found SRU to be an extremely welcoming community during his time there; which is an ever-growing important qualification of a college campus in these current times. He serves on the local Democratic Committee, which helps make our community aware of upcoming elections, etc. He is very interested in getting more involved in local community development programs, and plans on spending time in 2023 looking for those opportunities.
Being in senior positions, in high level rooms, and able to speak proudly of his SRU degree is an honor that Bobby is proud to have. In the 7.5 years since his graduation, Bobby has been able to forge a successful career in his field of choice, and the education he received and relationships he made played a huge role in that success.
Mallory Manz ’18
Upon graduation with a degree in Public Relations and Business Administration, Mallory pursued a career in Higher Education. Mallory began at Carlow University as an Enrollment Counselor and was then promoted to Assistant Director of Admissions. While working at Carlow, she also achieved a Master’s in Business Administration in 2021. Mallory is currently a University Recruiter for First National Bank. Ever since graduating from SRU in 2018, Mallory has been in constant communication with the COMM department. Whether it’s assisting students with resumes or coming back to present, Mallory always wants to pay back credit to her alma mater for allowing her to succeed in the career she has today. Mallory has been a consistent member of the SRU alumni organization since graduation. Mallory has assisted, attended, and promoted events to younger alumni to showcase the wonderful benefits SRU has to offer. It is amazing to have a full-cycle experience as an alumnus helping younger individuals achieve their goals and find a career they enjoy.
While Mallory was at Carlow, she served on the conduct board and was secretary of the Staff Council group. On the conduct board, Mallory was a panelist with other staff members for conduct board hearings making ultimate decisions based on a student’s behavior. As secretary of staff council, Mallory and other staff members held monthly meetings to create a healthy retaining experience for new and existing staff. By being on staff council, she was able to negotiate new policies with the president of university and work towards having a higher salary increase. While at First National, Mallory passed the Certified Diversity Recruiter exam enabling her to move further in her career and create a dynamic recruiting experience for all new interns and seasonal positions hired at FNB. Even though she is new to FNB, Mallory has developed procedures and created memorandums of understanding to establish new partnerships with universities thus enhancing school partnerships by over 50% since last year. By doing this it enables not only career growth at FNB, but also attracting more early talent at SRU and increasing the school’s image. Mallory believes these characteristics are a step in the right direction towards integrity and character of SRU’s prestige. Through her educational career at SRU, her coursework has provided her with opportunities to continuously grow in her field today and enable her to move quickly through the different recruiting positions at a young age.
After graduation, Mallory served on the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Pittsburgh chapter as a board member with another SRU alum for two years. During those two years, they created networking events in the Pittsburgh area for young professionals and hosted virtual information sessions with different PR agencies in Pittsburgh. After Mallory served on the PRSA board, she volunteered through various events at Carlow through their Mercy Service days where you take a group of students and serve in the communities of Pittsburgh. At First National, Mallory is a part of the Young Professionals group where they volunteer for various organizations in Pittsburgh. Aside from recruiting, Mallory has been able to volunteer in local high schools by completing mock interviews with students, presenting to them about resume building, and how they can apply themselves when applying for internships in college.
Upon graduation with a degree in Public Relations and Business Administration, Mallory pursued a career in Higher Education. Mallory began at Carlow University as an Enrollment Counselor and was then promoted to Assistant Director of Admissions. While working at Carlow, she also achieved a Master’s in Business Administration in 2021. Mallory is currently a University Recruiter for First National Bank. Ever since graduating from SRU in 2018, Mallory has been in constant communication with the COMM department. Whether it’s assisting students with resumes or coming back to present, Mallory always wants to pay back credit to her alma mater for allowing her to succeed in the career she has today. Mallory has been a consistent member of the SRU alumni organization since graduation. Mallory has assisted, attended, and promoted events to younger alumni to showcase the wonderful benefits SRU has to offer. It is amazing to have a full-cycle experience as an alumnus helping younger individuals achieve their goals and find a career they enjoy.
While Mallory was at Carlow, she served on the conduct board and was secretary of the Staff Council group. On the conduct board, Mallory was a panelist with other staff members for conduct board hearings making ultimate decisions based on a student’s behavior. As secretary of staff council, Mallory and other staff members held monthly meetings to create a healthy retaining experience for new and existing staff. By being on staff council, she was able to negotiate new policies with the president of university and work towards having a higher salary increase. While at First National, Mallory passed the Certified Diversity Recruiter exam enabling her to move further in her career and create a dynamic recruiting experience for all new interns and seasonal positions hired at FNB. Even though she is new to FNB, Mallory has developed procedures and created memorandums of understanding to establish new partnerships with universities thus enhancing school partnerships by over 50% since last year. By doing this it enables not only career growth at FNB, but also attracting more early talent at SRU and increasing the school’s image. Mallory believes these characteristics are a step in the right direction towards integrity and character of SRU’s prestige. Through her educational career at SRU, her coursework has provided her with opportunities to continuously grow in her field today and enable her to move quickly through the different recruiting positions at a young age.
After graduation, Mallory served on the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Pittsburgh chapter as a board member with another SRU alum for two years. During those two years, they created networking events in the Pittsburgh area for young professionals and hosted virtual information sessions with different PR agencies in Pittsburgh. After Mallory served on the PRSA board, she volunteered through various events at Carlow through their Mercy Service days where you take a group of students and serve in the communities of Pittsburgh. At First National, Mallory is a part of the Young Professionals group where they volunteer for various organizations in Pittsburgh. Aside from recruiting, Mallory has been able to volunteer in local high schools by completing mock interviews with students, presenting to them about resume building, and how they can apply themselves when applying for internships in college.
Mikayla Moretti ‘ 17
Mikayla Moretti ‘ Mikayla graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication and Media in 2017. After graduating, she joined Butler County Community College as the Director of Special Events for the BC3 Education Foundation. Her role includes leading BC3 fundraisers, celebrations, recognitions and rentals. She also takes a leadership role with the BC3 Pioneer Food Pantry that supports over 600+ campus community members and their families per year.
Mikayla’s impact in Butler County began to extend beyond campus during her time with the Butler County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Butler Country program (Class of 2020). Since completing the program, she has joined the board of the Butler County Young Professionals and the board of Butler Downtown.
As a member of the Butler County Young Professionals Board, Mikayla has consistently added value to the group by attending monthly mixers, inviting new professionals to events, and volunteering time to the Ghouls for Good program. Ghouls for Good is pop-up Halloween costumes shop where children in need can pick their costume at no charge. As a member of the Butler Downtown Board. Mikayla brings exceptional ideas and executes them in a way that blows her colleagues away. She is known to follow through with action, is admired for her accountability and has acquired several sponsorships for new BDT events like Bowl for Butler and Sips in the City which has been vital to the organization’s success. In 2022, she received the Butler Downtown Volunteer of the Year award.
In 2023, Mikayla graduated from Point Park University with a Master’s in Business Administration.
Mikayla credits her accomplishments to her family, friends and colleagues who have supported, welcomed, and encouraged her because “nothing worth doing is done alone”. Mikayla's experience distinguishes her as an alumnus of SRU and she demonstrates her Rock-Solid education in her life every day. Mikayla is a committed and passionate leader driving real impact in her community and is a pure representation of SRU.
Mikayla Moretti ‘ Mikayla graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication and Media in 2017. After graduating, she joined Butler County Community College as the Director of Special Events for the BC3 Education Foundation. Her role includes leading BC3 fundraisers, celebrations, recognitions and rentals. She also takes a leadership role with the BC3 Pioneer Food Pantry that supports over 600+ campus community members and their families per year.
Mikayla’s impact in Butler County began to extend beyond campus during her time with the Butler County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Butler Country program (Class of 2020). Since completing the program, she has joined the board of the Butler County Young Professionals and the board of Butler Downtown.
As a member of the Butler County Young Professionals Board, Mikayla has consistently added value to the group by attending monthly mixers, inviting new professionals to events, and volunteering time to the Ghouls for Good program. Ghouls for Good is pop-up Halloween costumes shop where children in need can pick their costume at no charge. As a member of the Butler Downtown Board. Mikayla brings exceptional ideas and executes them in a way that blows her colleagues away. She is known to follow through with action, is admired for her accountability and has acquired several sponsorships for new BDT events like Bowl for Butler and Sips in the City which has been vital to the organization’s success. In 2022, she received the Butler Downtown Volunteer of the Year award.
In 2023, Mikayla graduated from Point Park University with a Master’s in Business Administration.
Mikayla credits her accomplishments to her family, friends and colleagues who have supported, welcomed, and encouraged her because “nothing worth doing is done alone”. Mikayla's experience distinguishes her as an alumnus of SRU and she demonstrates her Rock-Solid education in her life every day. Mikayla is a committed and passionate leader driving real impact in her community and is a pure representation of SRU.
Kaitlin Mueller ‘ 13
After graduating with honors at SRU in 2013, Kaitlin worked for 5 years as a recreational therapist in sub-acute care at Menorah Park continuum of care retirement community, focusing on rehabilitation. She earned distinction in her MS in Public Health program at Indiana University and graduated in May 2022 with a PhD from Clemson University in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a specialty in Recreational Therapy. Kaitlin has a number of peer reviewed publications in both recreational therapy and other health related journals including aging populations and yoga therapy. She has created and validated an assessment to support the transition of older adults in assisted living facilities, called the Mueller Assessment of Transition (MAT). She is currently an Assistant Professor of Recreational Therapy at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina.
She not only earned a PhD from the best program in the country for doctoral work in recreational therapy, but she also chairs the advocacy initiative for the profession's national organization: the American Therapeutic Recreations Association (ATRA). She works directly with the lawyer for ATRA and creates infographics to explain to the ATRA members about the importance of advocating for clients served through recreational therapy services.
Kaitlin has presented at least 4 times (and attended more) at the annual SRU Recreational Therapy Workshop since graduation, including as a keynote speaker. She has taken multiple SRU students as interns in a mentoring role through their 14-weeks of required fieldwork. She is extremely proud of her "Rock Solid" SRU education and joins a great community of alumni who support SRU wholeheartedly.
After graduating with honors at SRU in 2013, Kaitlin worked for 5 years as a recreational therapist in sub-acute care at Menorah Park continuum of care retirement community, focusing on rehabilitation. She earned distinction in her MS in Public Health program at Indiana University and graduated in May 2022 with a PhD from Clemson University in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a specialty in Recreational Therapy. Kaitlin has a number of peer reviewed publications in both recreational therapy and other health related journals including aging populations and yoga therapy. She has created and validated an assessment to support the transition of older adults in assisted living facilities, called the Mueller Assessment of Transition (MAT). She is currently an Assistant Professor of Recreational Therapy at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina.
She not only earned a PhD from the best program in the country for doctoral work in recreational therapy, but she also chairs the advocacy initiative for the profession's national organization: the American Therapeutic Recreations Association (ATRA). She works directly with the lawyer for ATRA and creates infographics to explain to the ATRA members about the importance of advocating for clients served through recreational therapy services.
Kaitlin has presented at least 4 times (and attended more) at the annual SRU Recreational Therapy Workshop since graduation, including as a keynote speaker. She has taken multiple SRU students as interns in a mentoring role through their 14-weeks of required fieldwork. She is extremely proud of her "Rock Solid" SRU education and joins a great community of alumni who support SRU wholeheartedly.
Zachary Webb ‘14, '15
After graduation from SRU with his Masters, Zachary was a police officer with the Pittsburgh Police Department for five years. During his stellar tenure there, he worked in a special unit, received a Medal of Valor, and received a Bureau Citation for superb service. His exemplary work led to his current position as a Narcotics Agent in the Gun Violence Section at the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. His work in this current position serves Pennsylvania's families and communities who are impacted by narcotics and violence. His choice of career and demonstrations of exceptional service illustrate the community-oriented character of SRU's graduates. Additionally, his career success is an example of the quality career preparation that SRU provides its students. While these accomplishments demonstrate Zach’s outstanding ascent in the criminal justice field as a dedicated and highly competent professional, his continuing service to the SRU department is also noteworthy.
Zach has consistently shown his commitment to his community at SRU as an undergrad (CRIM Club President, Alpha Phi Sigma Vice-President, Office of Student Conduct Hearing Board), as a grad student (bringing in guest speakers from his internship), as an alumnus (Guest Speaker, CJAB with leadership roles), as a Pittsburgh resident serving his city, and as a Pennsylvanian serving his state (working on a taskforce to reduce gun violence and illegal narcotics). Zachary routinely volunteers to help students and the department for over nine years. His commendations and movement on the career ladder illustrate that this service and contributory orientation is also part of his professional life. Zachary Webb represents the best of our CRIM alumni, not only in his professional development but his overall devotion to the betterment of the citizens he serves.
After graduation from SRU with his Masters, Zachary was a police officer with the Pittsburgh Police Department for five years. During his stellar tenure there, he worked in a special unit, received a Medal of Valor, and received a Bureau Citation for superb service. His exemplary work led to his current position as a Narcotics Agent in the Gun Violence Section at the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. His work in this current position serves Pennsylvania's families and communities who are impacted by narcotics and violence. His choice of career and demonstrations of exceptional service illustrate the community-oriented character of SRU's graduates. Additionally, his career success is an example of the quality career preparation that SRU provides its students. While these accomplishments demonstrate Zach’s outstanding ascent in the criminal justice field as a dedicated and highly competent professional, his continuing service to the SRU department is also noteworthy.
Zach has consistently shown his commitment to his community at SRU as an undergrad (CRIM Club President, Alpha Phi Sigma Vice-President, Office of Student Conduct Hearing Board), as a grad student (bringing in guest speakers from his internship), as an alumnus (Guest Speaker, CJAB with leadership roles), as a Pittsburgh resident serving his city, and as a Pennsylvanian serving his state (working on a taskforce to reduce gun violence and illegal narcotics). Zachary routinely volunteers to help students and the department for over nine years. His commendations and movement on the career ladder illustrate that this service and contributory orientation is also part of his professional life. Zachary Webb represents the best of our CRIM alumni, not only in his professional development but his overall devotion to the betterment of the citizens he serves.
Calahan Young ‘17
Calahan’s professional experience is so tightly ingrained in Slippery Rock University because it was through the University’s Adaptive Physical Activity minor that Calahan was introduced to goalball and adaptive sports prior to ever being enrolled. Calahan was able to learn and take part in adaptive sports due to how the APA program brought in local Western Pennsylvania youth with varying disabilities to participate in sports beginning when he was in school at Norwin School District. His love of sports and interest continued to grow through this participation and became a monumental factor in deciding to attend the University. This allowed him to expand his education to join a career in Recreational Therapy to create the same sport and recreational programs that were life changing for himself. Every step of the way, Calahan has represented SRU as he has traveled the country and the world teaching goalball and adaptive sports.
Calahan began training with Team USA men’s goalball team while enrolled at SRU with hopes of reaching the sports’ highest stage, the Paralympics. After winning his first national championship, Calahan attended his first international goalball tournament with Team USA in 2017 and his next accomplishments came shortly after by winning a silver medal at the 2019 Para Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and officially helping Team USA qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Calahan was selected with the incredible honor to be Captain of Team USA by his teammates and coaches for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. This shows that Calahan reflects incredible character to represent his family, his university, his teammates, his coaches, and his fellow community of the blind and visually impaired across the world.
Since graduating, Calahan has made several trips back to SRU to lead programming with local youth who are blind or visually impaired as well as help teach current undergrad students. He has spoken about how adaptive sports impacted his life professionally and personally in various classes for recreational therapy and the Adapted Physical Activity Council. He continually comes back to campus in the summers to teach at Envision Blind Sports Camp, which he has been a part of for over 12 years.
Calahan understands how crucial volunteerism is to the mission to build adaptive sports in the United States. He has traveled to many non-profits and schools for the blind across the country to teach goalball, including one of the largest recreational camps in the country for people who are blind, Camp Bloomfield and Los Angeles non-profit, Angel City Sports. He has even gone on international trips as am ambassador to teach goalball, adaptive sports, and disability advocacy while representing SRU as an undergrad himself including Russia in 2015. Calahan has also been elected as a board member for the United States Association of Blind Athletes in 2018. He constantly advocates and helps create policies for athletes who are blind at the highest national level. Even as the Captain of Team USA and a training Paralympian, Calahan continues to make this work a priority for any group or organization with the goal to grow the Paralympic movement.
Calahan’s professional experience is so tightly ingrained in Slippery Rock University because it was through the University’s Adaptive Physical Activity minor that Calahan was introduced to goalball and adaptive sports prior to ever being enrolled. Calahan was able to learn and take part in adaptive sports due to how the APA program brought in local Western Pennsylvania youth with varying disabilities to participate in sports beginning when he was in school at Norwin School District. His love of sports and interest continued to grow through this participation and became a monumental factor in deciding to attend the University. This allowed him to expand his education to join a career in Recreational Therapy to create the same sport and recreational programs that were life changing for himself. Every step of the way, Calahan has represented SRU as he has traveled the country and the world teaching goalball and adaptive sports.
Calahan began training with Team USA men’s goalball team while enrolled at SRU with hopes of reaching the sports’ highest stage, the Paralympics. After winning his first national championship, Calahan attended his first international goalball tournament with Team USA in 2017 and his next accomplishments came shortly after by winning a silver medal at the 2019 Para Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and officially helping Team USA qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Calahan was selected with the incredible honor to be Captain of Team USA by his teammates and coaches for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. This shows that Calahan reflects incredible character to represent his family, his university, his teammates, his coaches, and his fellow community of the blind and visually impaired across the world.
Since graduating, Calahan has made several trips back to SRU to lead programming with local youth who are blind or visually impaired as well as help teach current undergrad students. He has spoken about how adaptive sports impacted his life professionally and personally in various classes for recreational therapy and the Adapted Physical Activity Council. He continually comes back to campus in the summers to teach at Envision Blind Sports Camp, which he has been a part of for over 12 years.
Calahan understands how crucial volunteerism is to the mission to build adaptive sports in the United States. He has traveled to many non-profits and schools for the blind across the country to teach goalball, including one of the largest recreational camps in the country for people who are blind, Camp Bloomfield and Los Angeles non-profit, Angel City Sports. He has even gone on international trips as am ambassador to teach goalball, adaptive sports, and disability advocacy while representing SRU as an undergrad himself including Russia in 2015. Calahan has also been elected as a board member for the United States Association of Blind Athletes in 2018. He constantly advocates and helps create policies for athletes who are blind at the highest national level. Even as the Captain of Team USA and a training Paralympian, Calahan continues to make this work a priority for any group or organization with the goal to grow the Paralympic movement.
