The Rocket

Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Focus

Media Credit: MCT Campus [Click to enlarge]

As most SRU students prepare for summer break, others are preparing for something a little different: graduation.

On May 10, 2008, more than 1,200 students, the largest graduating class to date, will be graduating from SRU and heading their separate ways in life.

But no matter where these students end up, SRU is the common thread that holds them together.

The reasonable cost of SRU is a common reason among graduating seniors as to why they chose the university.

"I chose SRU because not only was it affordable but was one of the top schools for exercise science," said Adam Keplinger, a 22-year-old exercise science major from Seneca Valley. "I also chose SRU because I wanted to go to a school that was local."

Matt Rutkoski, a 22-year-old senior political science major, said he originally decided to come to SRU after not really enjoying the experience he had at another university.

"I originally went to Edinboro University for my first semester of college," Rutkoski said. "I didn't really like it there, so I decided to transfer to Slippery Rock. I had heard good things about the Rock and decided to give it a chance."

Rutkoski also added that he, like Keplinger, decided to go to SRU because it was near his home in Armstrong County and also near his friends.

"Some of my best friends from high school were here and it was close to my house, so that helped me make the decision to come here," Rutkoski said.

As for Abby Carroll, a 21-year-old psychology major, her original desire to be a biology major led her to SRU.

"I chose Slippery Rock initially because I was a bio major," Carroll said. "But I ended up changing my major to psychology as a sophomore."

Even though Rutkoski is graduating this May, he is considering continuing his education post-graduation.

"I might go on to graduate school for history," Rutkoski said. "But I'm at least going to see what kind of jobs are out there for me."

Keplinger also said he is considering going to graduate school but isn't sure at the moment. Even though Rutkoski's and Keplinger's education may continue on, both see graduating from SRU as bittersweet.

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools