The safety management student organization at Slippery Rock University was chosen as the best in the nation. SRU was recognized by the American Society of Safety Professionals with the Outstanding Student Section of the Year award, June 15-17, at the ASSP’s conference in Anaheim, California.
With more than 6,500 safety professionals attending the conference, this recognition marks a momentous occasion for SRU’s safety management program, reflecting the constant effort from students, faculty, alumni and industry partners involved. Representing the ASSP student section at SRU was Jillian Stahl, a junior safety management major from Pittsburgh (Fox Chapel HS), who attended the conference.
“It was awesome to be there on behalf of SRU,” Stahl said. “We have such a strong history of producing great safety professionals. Everyone in the industry knows about SRU, so it’s great to be a part of this award and this program.”
Stahl recently completed her first year as a member of ASSP’s chapter at SRU and will be stepping into the role of secretary in the fall. For Stahl, safety in the workplace comes first, and that comes from a motivation to protect, support and care for those around her. Her perspective is one that is mirrored by other safety management students at SRU.
“At SRU, we all have the same mindset of wanting to protect our workforce,” Stahl said. “During my internship, I was telling one of my coworkers about how I love talking with workers and learning the trades. I told her that I really value my family, and I’m sure that all of the workers out there have family and friends that they value too. I want to make sure that those people can go back home to their families every single day. We want to keep our workforce safe and constantly show them the respect they deserve.”
It is this mindset that promotes the safety management program at SRU as one which consistently prioritizes the wellbeing of others. Because of these students and their predecessors, the University has built a legacy around those values, and the recognition received from the ASSP not only confirms such a legacy but also encourages future students to follow in that direction.
Joining Stahl at the conference to accept the honor was the ASSP, SRU section, faculty adviser Cindy Medford, assistant professor of safety management. Medford noted that the award speaks volumes about the character and drive of the student body.
“The Outstanding Student Section Award reflects much more than a successful student organization,” Medford said. “It recognizes their demonstration of sustained commitment to leadership, service, professional engagement and student development. It affirms that our students are actively contributing to the safety profession long before they graduate.”
Stahl is a prime example of early professional engagement. She is currently working hands-on as a safety intern for PCL Construction on-site at the Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel in San Diego. Her ability to jump directly into a major project reinforces the program’s reputation for producing career-ready graduates.
The ASSP student section at SRU, which last won the ASSP Outstanding Student Section Award in 2021, has more than 130 members. The ASSP at SRU received a $5,000 stipend for its recognition that will be applied to the organization’s budget for next year. The organization’s mission is to offer leadership, networking, community service, research and other opportunities to students looking to enter the environmental health and safety field.
Established in 1911, the global ASSP association provides support for professionals across the safety industry, working to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The association also provides education, advocacy, professional development and community to members worldwide.
More information about safety management at SRU is available on the program’s webpage. More information about ASSP at SRU is available on CORE, SRU’s online platform for student organizations. More information about ASSP is available at assp.org.
