Slippery Rock Students Visit Mercer

On Feb. 26, Slippery Rock University's Criminal Justice Professor Sarah Kuehn and 20 of her students toured SCI Mercer. Superintendents Assistant Nicole Franz, assisted by Activities Manger April Harvey, conducted the tour with the group.

After a security briefing, the students proceeded to A Block, Mercer's Intake Unit, where Unit Manager Randy Rickert and the Unit Officers described the daily operations of the housing unit and the institution. From there they progressed to the chapel where Chaplain Program Director Joe Kosarek explained the wide variety of religious services provided to the inmates and how his department fits into the overall function of the facility. While at the Chapel, they were informed of the history, demographics and available programs of the institution.

The last stop was on the Veteran's Service Unit, where VSU Counselor Aaron Diaz explained the advantages of being housed on the unit, along with the programs and services available to the inmates on this unit including Mercer's Guardian Angel Medical Service Dog program. The highlight of the afternoon came when the students were able to meet Guardian Angel dog Brock, his handler and an inmate peer assistant. Inmate Jason spoke about how the Guardian Angel program has made a huge impact in his life, and Inmate Peer Assistant Edward spoke about the programs that run on the block and the impact the VSU has had on him. Students were actively engaged throughout the entire tour and asking well thought out questions.