Gary Wakefield (1944-2013), taught in the Parks and Recreation Department from 1974 to 1988. During his time at Slippery Rock, Wakefield established a working relationship with Camp Whitewood to provide counselor experience to students. He also began the Wilderness Workshop in Colorado, which provided students with a weeklong field experience.

Wakefield developed a cross-country ski trail on the campus grounds, which hosted a major race for the U.S. Ski Team. In 1980 Wakefield was a referee for the Winter Olympics.

Dr. Theodore Walwik (1937-2010), was hired in 1971 in the Speech and Theater Department. During his career that department witnessed the significant expansion and morphed into the Communication Department.

Some of Walwik’s accomplishments include serving as the executive director of Slippery Rock Development, the Dean of Extended Services, and the Director of Planning. He was an early proponent of technology on campus and helped create the Center for Learning Technology.

His recollections include sporting events, the beginnings of APSCUF on campus, various university presidents, and the hiring and wage freezes of the 1970s.

Dr. Robert J. Watson (born 1949), shares stories of his childhood exploits in the village of Slippery Rock; his undergraduate days at Slippery Rock State College, and subsequent graduate work at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pittsburgh; his extensive research on the university’s history; and his 36-year career at Slippery Rock University.

Dr. Watson began his career in the Office of Admissions and Records, retiring as Vice President for Student Affairs in 2006. He returned from retirement to serve in two different interim vice-president roles. Watson wrote Slippery Rock University: The Legend Behind the Name. Watson Hall is named in his honor.

Provost Bill Williams (born 1945), came to Slippery Rock University in 1981 as a member of the English Department, which he later chaired. He served as the president of APSCUF (Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties) for nine years before accepting the position of provost. Williams retired in 2012.

Richard “Dick” Wukich (1943-2025), worked in SRU’s Art Department from 1968 to 2011. He was a major participant in the development of the Art program, including the BFA.

Wukich discusses the beginnings of the faculty union and the influential Martha Gault. Additional topics include his involvement with the Empty Bowls Dinner, the Summer Art Academy, SRU’s exchange program with the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava, and the “People’s Art Gallery.”