Rep. Kelly Honors Slippery Rock University’s 125th Anniversary on House Floor
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives this afternoon in honor of the 125th anniversary of Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. An official statement of commemoration by Rep. Kelly was inserted into the congressional record earlier this week.
Statement by Rep. Kelly:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Slippery Rock University, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
“In 1887, the citizens of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania saw the need for affordable and accessible higher education in their community. In less than 18 months, land was purchased from my good friend and colleague Jim Gerlach’s family, to whom it belonged for three generations.
“On that land was soon established ‘Slippery Rock State Normal School.’ It opened to 168 students on March 26, 1889 with its ‘ultimate object … to make the student … an educator.’ It was purchased by the Commonwealth in 1926, and was granted university status in 1983.
“After 125 years, Slippery Rock University has nearly 80,000 proud graduates. It offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,000 students, and is consistently recognized as a great place to learn and work.
“For as long as this impressive institution remains standing, Slippery Rock’s commitment to intellectual development, leadership, and civic responsibility will endure.”
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