Early professional development is a hallmark at Slippery Rock University, and with the launch of a new photobooth on campus, students now have a seamless outlet to elevate their professional presence.
Funded by the Slippery Rock Student Government Association, an Iris Booth was recently installed in the Campus Success Center. Iris Booth is a self-serve photo booth and software platform that captures studio-quality professional headshots in about three minutes.
The resource became a reality thanks to Holden Longacre, a senior dual cybersecurity and corporate security major from LaGrange, Ohio (Keystone HS), alongside consistent support from SRU President Karen Riley and the SGA.
The idea for a functional photobooth on campus first came to Longacre during his internship search last spring.
“I was networking a lot, and I realized just how prevalent headshots are within that space,” Longacre said. “I thought it to be something that could better set up my professional profile and expand different opportunities. I see it as something so small that can really make a huge difference.”
Recognizing the gap between students and accessible high-quality headshots, Longacre decided to take initiative. He contacted Riley, who supported the recommendation and encouraged Longacre to involve SGA.“She agreed that it was a good idea that can help set up students for success, not only for internship searches, but even postgraduation as we’re stepping into the job market,” Longacre said.
This moment marked a major turning point in the project, moving it from just an idea into a real opportunity.
Longacre watched the campus community quickly unite around the proposal with additional support from John Rindy, assistant vice president of career education and development, and Connor Pavlicko, the president of SGA.
SGA contributed $54,600, covering the costs to purchase the unit and the first three years of software subscription and maintenance.
“It was really awesome to see the administration and student government rally behind this idea,” Longacre said. “I was really grateful for them to be super hands-on and attentive toward this request.”
Now fully operational inside the Campus Success Center, the self-service Iris Booth offers studio lighting and digital retouching, delivering high-resolution headshots straight to students’ inboxes at no cost.
“It really is an investment into the future of the students, faculty and whoever else wants to use the booth,” Longacre said. “The biggest thing I took away from this is how much the campus community stepped up to help and get the ball rolling.”
Longacre is using his professional headshot to strengthen his personal brand, adding it to his LinkedIn profile and incorporating it into his job search materials as he is applying for jobs.
