Slippery Rock University publicly unveiled a $35 million fundraising campaign on Tuesday. “Because this is The Rock” is made possible by alumni donation and focused on strengthening SRU.
The campaign is based on SRU’s current strategic plan. SRU’s current strategic plan is focused on propelling SRU as a first-choice institution and centered on commitments to inclusivity, academic growth, community impact and sustainability
The campaign has remained private for two years, generating close to $20 million dollars. Now public, they are looking to generate the full $35 million by 2028.
The campaign has four main priorities: academic excellence and innovation, scholarships, athletics and a Presidential Priority Fund. The funds are dispersed between the 4 categories to total $35 million dollars.
$15 million dollars have been allocated to academic excellence and innovations. These funds provide for student research, new programs and facilities. Innovation can be more than technology, associate professor Allison Peiritsch explained. “It also might mean internships, partnerships, experiences,” she said.
Approximately 85% of SRU students receive financial aid.
During the 2024-2025 academic terms SRU provided over $10 million in scholarships. 53.9% of those scholarships were based on student needs.
$12 million dollars have been allocated to scholarships within the campaigns. “Because this is The Rock” prioritizes scholarship to break down affordability constraints for students. Secondary education major Maria Spedaliere commented.
“The scholarships give me the opportunity to where I am not like, ‘I have to work go at the outlets, I have to do this.’ It gives me that freedom to get to be a student,” she said.
$5 million dollars are designated for athletic funding. This funding will go towards matrix-ing athletic scholarships as well facility upkeep and improvement. SRU currently has the highest student-athlete GPA in the entire PSAC division. “Because this is The Rock” looks to continue this success and recognize the leadership role student-athletes play at SRU.
Finally, the final $3 million dollars will be reserved for the Presidential Priority Fund. The Presidential Priority Fund is a backup reserve pool designed to cover last minute funding for projects. The fund aligns with SRU’s innovation goals, creating a resource that can easily be used for new projects.
Slippery Rock Alumni have already made an impact with their donations. Elliot Haverlack, class of 1980, donated $5 million earlier this year, the largest donation in SRU history. Haverlack returned to SRU in 2026 to pursue his master’s in business administration and spoke at fall’s commencement ceremony.
President Karen Riley encourages all alumni to donate and give back to SRU. Riley explains this campaign allows SRU to advance lasting excellence and invest in the peoples and programs that will shape SRU.
