Dr. Donald Kelly (1930-2025), taught in Slippery Rock University’s History Department, specializing in Native American studies. Kelly had a true Slippery Rock education: he attended Slippery Rock High School on the campus grounds and was taught by Slippery Rock College graduates.

After serving in the Korean War, Kelly completed his undergraduate studies in History, returning later to head the Department of History. He was instrumental in starting both the History master’s degree program and the Slippery Rock University Archives. During his time at SRU Kelly wrote two books on local history and managed the Old Stone House. He was the first ex-faculty member on the Board of Trustees.

Mel Klein (born 1927), a World War II veteran, graduated in 1949 from Slippery Rock State Teachers College with a B.S. in Education. During his years at Slippery Rock, Klein played on the basketball team, was a sports writer for the college newspaper, and was a member of the education honor society, Kappa Delta Pi. He was an announcer for college football games and had a Saturday morning radio show for WBUT Butler.

After graduation, Klein taught high school math and coached basketball before becoming a principal and then a superintendent. His athletic accomplishments are featured at two Pennsylvania sports halls of fame, and he was named Superintendent of the Year in 1995. Klein’s campus recollections include playing bridge at the president’s house, the Rocketman, and meeting his wife at Slippery Rock.

Dr. Manuel Irwin (Irv) Kuhr (1928-2008), joined the Speech Department at Slippery Rock University in 1961, retiring from the Communication Department in 1991. Kuhr was the first president of SRU APSCUF, the faculty union, and was also president of the Pennsylvania Communications Association. He was a founder of the Institute of Learning and Retirement where he lectured and took classes for many years.

Kuhr talks about the evolution of his department, the early years of the faculty union, and presidents and interim presidents of the University. He also recalls the campus of the 1960s and 1970s, along with personal stories about Emma Guffey Miller.