$5 million gift to Slippery Rock, largest in university history, names business school

A $5 million gift to Slippery Rock University — the largest in its 136-year-history — will fund scholarships, faculty research and add opportunities in Slippery Rock’s business program, officials say.

Slippery Rock officials announced Thursday the university had received the donation from Rhonda and Elliott Haverlack, of Estero, Fla. Elliott is a 1980 graduate.

The donation will establish the newly named Haverlack College of Business, according to Slippery Rock.

A dedication ceremony will take place in April. It will include an unveiling of new facility signage and showcase of student and faculty achievements.

“We never imagined we’d have this opportunity,” said Rhonda Haverlack. “Slippery Rock will always be home for Elliott, and it’s become a special place for both of us. Our hope is that every student who walks through these doors knows that the opportunities available to them are limitless.”

Elliott Haverlack graduated from Slippery Rock with a degree in environmental science. He returned to the university this year to pursue his master’s in business administration and will be this fall’s commencement speaker.

In 2019, the Haverlack family donated $1 million to establish the Frank and Margaret Haverlack Good Citizen Scholarship, named in honor of Elliott’s late parents.

Slippery Rock President Karen Riley said the university is “profoundly honored by the Haverlack family’s extraordinary generosity.”

“The newly named Haverlack College of Business will strengthen the college’s solid foundation of ingenuity, leadership and entrepreneurial excellence,” Riley said. “This gift is more than philanthropy, it is a legacy of vision, purpose and enduring impact that will empower future generations to learn, lead and succeed.”