summer 2011 - cal u review

FAMILY TIESUniversity pride spans generations

CALUREVIEW SU

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CALUREVIEW

F R O M T H E P R E S I D E NT

SUMMER

2011

The California University of Pennsylvania MagazineCAL U REVIEW Vol. 39 - No. 3The Cal U Review is publishedquarterly by the Office of Marketing and University Relationsand is distributed free. Third classpostage paid at California.

One goal of our Cal U for Life initiative is to forge lifelong relationshipsbetween California University and its alumni.

We ask our graduates to stay connected with their alma mater throughthe years and to tell others about their own positive experiences at Cal U.

Some alumni start by creating Cal U connections at home. A student’senthusiasm for campus life might impress a brother or sister. Alumni parents,or even grandparents, may share their Vulcan pride with a younger generation. For certain families, attending Cal U becomes a family tradition.

I am always happy to learn that an alumnus or alumna has recommendedCal U to a family member. Such endorsements are priceless, and we workhard to earn them. We want our alumni to believe in Cal U’s mission ofbuilding character and careers — and to feel that we offer a college experience that’s worth repeating.

I am equally pleased when a first-generation college student chooses to enroll here. Students who are the first in their family to attend collegequickly find that our University can be a “home away from home.” Like true family members, we go out of our way to provide all students with the caring support they need to achieve success.

We welcome the parents of our students as active partners in the educational process, whether they are veterans of campus life or new to the college scene. An online Parent/Family Portal, a special Facebookpage and a new Parent Leadership Council are designed to help them find their own place at Cal U.

Of course, alumni will always be a valued part of our family circle, too.As a new academic year gets under way, I look forward to seeing you atcampus activities, Vulcan sports events or our 2011 Homecoming festivities.Please remember that you — and your family — are always welcome here.

With best wishes,

Angelo Armenti, Jr.PresidentCalifornia University of Pennsylvania

CHANCELLORDr. John C. Cavanaugh

BOARD OF GOVERNORSGuido M. Pichini, chairmanMarie Conley Lammando, vice chairAaron Walton, vice chair Leonard B. Altieri III (student member)Rep. Matthew E. Baker Jennifer Branstetter (designee for Gov. Corbett)

Gov. Tom Corbett Sarah C. Darling (student member)Rep. Michael K. Hanna Ronald G. HenrySen. Vincent J. Hughes

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIAPresidentDr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.

Geraldine M. Jones, provost and vice president for Academic AffairsDr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for Student AffairsDr. Charles B. Mance, vice president for University Technology ServicesRon Huiatt, vice president for University Development and Alumni RelationsRobert Thorn, interim vice president for Administration and FinanceCraig Butzine, vice president for Marketing and University Relations

COUNCIL OF TRUSTEESRobert J. Irey, chairLawrence Maggi ’79, vice chair Peter J. Daley II ’72, ’75James T. Davis ’73Annette GanassiAutumn Harris (student trustee) Leo Krantz

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORSTim Gorske ’62, presidentLorraine Vitchoff ’74, vice presidentBarbara (Williams) Fetsko ’75, ’83, secretaryDeanne (Sovich) Zelenak ’79, treasurerHarry Serene ’65, immediate past presidentRoger M. Angelelli ’64Colleen (Murphy) Arnowitz ’75, ’97Mary Jo (Zosky) Barnhart ’84Rosemary (Rich) Bucchianeri ’69Joseph Dochinez ’51Kimberly (Mahaffey) Fahey ’97, ’99Brian Fernandes ’99, ’00Christina (Kost) Fosbrink ’01, ’03Josh Fosbrink, ’01, ’03Paul Gentile ’62Alan James ’62Len Keller ’61Marc Keller ’94Anthony Lazzaro ’55

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSDr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., presidentGeraldine (Johns) Jones ’71Ron HuiattLeo Krantz

STUDENT MEMBERSCourtney CochranJosh Giffin

STUDENT ASSOCIATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORSDavid MutichKevin McEnvoyWalter HarrisBonnie KeenerMichael WagnerShane Speicher

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSDr. Lenora Angelone ’89,’92,’97 Dr. Nancy Pinardi ’95, ’96, ’98Leigh Ann Lincoln Larry Sebek

FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF DIRECTORSLinda H. Serene ’64, presidentDr. David L. Amati ’70, vice presidentMichele M. Mandell ’69, secretaryPaul Kania ’87, treasurerRoger Angelelli ’64William R. Booker ’74Thomas Crumrine ’64 Nathaniel W. DixonWilliam R. Flinn ’68Richard C. Grace ’63

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSDr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., presidentTraci GerberTim Gorske ’62

EDITORChristine KindlWRITERSWendy Mackall Lindy KravecBruce Wald ’85 Colleen C. DerdaJeff BenderPHOTOGRAPHERSGreg Sofranko S. C. Spangler

Annette M. Kaleita ’55Gary Kennedy ’58Robert Lippencott ’66Lawrence Maggi ’79Michael A. Perry ’63Dr. Saundra L. Stout ’72Steven P. Stout ’85Dr. Lorraine G. Vitchoff ’74Ben Wright

Ron HuiattDenise L. Smith ’88, ’89

Jenna TerchanikRobert IreySam Jessee ’90Jim Lokay ’02Marc Roncone ’03Dr. Donald Thompson

Walter HarrisCory Stoner

2 CAL U REVIEW � SUMMER 2011

Jim Lokay ’02Lawrence Maggi ’79Don Martin ’89Dante Morelli ’02Michael Napolitano ’68George Novak ’55Melanie (Stringhill) Patterson ’82, ’88Fred Retsch ’62, ’66Dolly Rozzi ’64James Stofan ’71Lynne (Moltz) Stout ’94Tim Susick ’76, ’78Judy (Durko) Zilkowski ’77, ’83

Amy (Gardner) Lombard ’01Linda (Hootman) Serene ’64Dr. Michael Slavin ’74

Kenneth M. Jarin Bonnie L. Keener (student member)Jonathan B. MackJoseph F. McGinn C.R. “Chuck” PennoniSen. Jeffrey E. Piccola Harold C. ShieldsRobert S. TaylorRonald J. Tomalis, secretary of education

Christine J. Toretti

Michael Napolitano ’68Gwendolyn SimmonsJerry Spangler ’74Aaron Walton ’68The Hon. John C. Cavanaugh,

chancellor, ex-officio

i n S i d e

School ColorsHydrants painted red and black tell visitors‘The Class of 2011 Was Here.’

Puttin’ On the RitzA record-setting crowd attends the 18th annualPresident’s Gala, the University’s premierfundraising event.

Commencement 2011‘Tweets’ tell the story as this year’s graduating seniors step up to receive their diplomas.

Construction UpdateBehind striking windows and glass curtain-walls,workers are putting the finishing touches on the Convocation Center.

Smart MovesShaka Smart ’01 reflects on the ‘March madness’that put him and his team in the spotlight.

FeaturesDepartments

COVER STORY:Teri Naus Dunn ‘80

and her daughter, Amy, say the Cal U experience is one worth repeating.

Page 4.

SUMMER 2011 � CAL U REVIEW 3

Alumni CAlendAr 18 – 19

Alumni Spotlight 20 – 21

CAmpuS ClipS 22 – 23

SportS roundup 28 – 29

mileStoneS 31 – 34

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California University of Pennsylvania has beennamed the world’s first FranklinCovey LeadershipUniversity in recognition of its efforts to incorporateleadership principles into teaching, learningand campus life.

The designation by FranklinCovey was announcedat The Leader in Me Global Education Summit,presented Aug. 3-4 at Cal U.

For more than a decade, Cal U has offered train-ing in Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of HighlyEffective People to all students, faculty and staff.A number of professors voluntarily incorporate7 Habitsprinciples into their teaching. And Cal U’sCharacter Education Institute provides FranklinCovey courses to local businesses; in return,those businesses establish endowed scholarshipsthat benefit Cal U students.

FranklinCovey

LEADERSHIPLEADERSHIPUNIVERSITY


s the Cal U experience worth repeating?Ask our University families, and you’ll hear a resounding, “Yes!”

Some Cal U families include two or eventhree generations of loyal alumni, along withbrothers and sisters who share their Vulcanpride.

“I’m not surprised to see applications thatmention the fact that a parent, sibling or otherfamily member has attended Cal U,” says Dr. William Edmonds, dean of Admissionsfor the University.

“Cal U offers a high-quality education, andit’s a good value, too. When a family memberhas a great experience here, word spreads.”

For three families — the Martiks, the Dunns and the Difilippos — the road to highereducation leads straight to Cal U.

Cal U pride spans generations

The Martik family: (front row, from left) Anna ’11,twins Maria and Vanessa,and Emily; (back row) Sarah, Deanna ’84, Greg ’82 and Ben.

The MartiksGreg ’82 and Deanna ’84 Martik, who live on

a hill overlooking campus, delight in the growth at California University of Pennsylvania.

“It has changed so much — night and day,” says Deanna Martik, who works for an insurance company. “When I started, it was Cal State, and then it becameCalifornia University.”

Their lives have grown, too,since the day they met in ProfessorGeorge Novak’s computer class.

The Martiks now have six children — Anna, Emily, Sarah, Benand twins Maria and Vanessa —and are surely doing their part togrow the Alumni Association.

Anna Martik ’11


MEET ThE MaRTikS

Armenti has done a great job with hisvision for the campus. I am proud of what the college has become.”

“I just knew it was the right road,”Emily says. “How’s it going so far? Ijust want to wax ecstatic about Cal U!”

See what the martik family has to

say about Cal u and the scholarships

that have helped their children

attend the university. Visit

www.calu.edu/news, click on

“Cal u review” and look for

“As seen in the review.”

Anna, 22, graduated summa cumlaude in 2011 with a bachelor’s degreein liberal studies and worked at theUniversity this summer.. Emily, 20, is acommunication studies major with aminor in political science. Sarah,19, is a secondary education major with concentrations in Spanish and communications, and a minor in theater. And Ben, 18, is an incomingfreshman who will be studying business and economics.

It’s possible that Maria and Vanessa,14, might choose a different college.But in this family, which oozes Vulcanpride, you have to think the odds areagainst it.

“We are huge supporters of Cal U,”Deanna Martik says. “We are always encouraging others to attend.”

The family has spent a lot of time atthe University over the years, startingwith on-campus preschool, where allthe children began their education.

“President Armenti attended all the pre-K graduations,” Deanna Martikrecalls. “He always said to the kids,‘We’ll see you here when you come to college,’ and it’s been true!”

Greg Martik, who played baseball at Cal State, has enjoyed attendinggames at the University.

“I like the sports here,” he says.“You don’t have to travel to a biggercollege to see good athletics.”

The children have participated in a variety of other activities on campus, as well.

“They each learned to swim by taking lessons in either Herron orHamer,” Deanna Martik says, and theyall have participated in various camps.

For the past three years, Maria andVanessa have appeared in A ChristmasCarol, the holiday production presentedby the Department of Theatre andDance.

Greg Martik says Cal U has done a great job of reaching out to the community through sporting events,camps, shows and other activities, andhe has noticed something else, as well.

“It’s gotten better educationally,” he says. “Ben was in the NationalHonor Society in high school, andmany of those members are going toCal U this fall.”

Cal U also has remained a more affordable option, says Greg Martik,who is a financial planner.

“It’s close to home, and it’s a nice atmosphere,” Anna adds. “It’s definitelya win-win.”

The sisters’ lists of activities at Cal U have been long.

The highlights: They all have heldwork-study jobs, as will Ben. Anna was active with campus tours and marketing projects, including one for the Pennsylvania State System ofHigher Education. Emily is in the Honors Program and edits its newsletter,and she plays clarinet in the marchingband. Sarah, also in the Honors Program,was the assistant stage manager for the Theatre Department’s production of Cabaret last spring, and she worked at the theater over the summer.

“We are very proud,” Deanna andGreg Martik agree. “They make it veryeasy to be parents. And President

In addition to being a mentor or coach for theirstudent, parentscan play anotheractive role at Cal U through the Parent Program.

The program gives families of current and former Cal U students three mainways to partner with the University,says Randi Minerva ’98, coordinator of Parent and Alumni Relations:

• Families can work with Career Servicesby attending networking events or by offering internships or other job-shadowing opportunities.

• Families can attend annual events such as Family Weekend, open housesand off-campus activities that intro-duce freshmen and their families to the University before the start of the academic year.

• Parents can join the Parent LeadershipCouncil (PLC), whose members serveas University ambassadors to enhancethe Cal U experience for students and their families.

The PLC works with Cal U to welcomeparents of first-year students, plan parentevents and communications, encourageparent giving, thank parent donors, and host or attend University events intheir area.

“Similar to Cal U for Life, the Cal UParent Program aims to build a sense offamily and partnership,” Minerva says.“Through a variety of programs acrossmany campus departments, we want tosupport our students’ character-buildingeducation.”

Families are invited to campus Sept. 23-25for Family Weekend, which is “a great wayto showcase the University,” says Minerva.“Last year was the first time we had eventsall weekend instead of one day, and we had 200 more people who participated.” For a schedule of events and to register for Family Weekend, visitwww.calu.edu/events/familyweekend.

For more information about the Parent and Alumni Relations Program, includingupcoming events, visit www.calu.edu/ families-parents, or look for “Informationfor … Parents & Families” at the top of theCal U homepage, www.calu.edu.

continued on page 6

Working together:Parents become active partners

The DunnsTeri Naus Dunn ’80 revels in her

memories — silly and serious — ofCalifornia State College.

“I remember we used to plantflowers in the urinals in Clyde Hall,” she says of the former campusbuilding that had become a women’sdormitory.

The fun times included takingweekend trips to a camp in Jumonville,Fayette County, and meeting lifelongfriends Nancy Schnatterly Clements’79 and Joy Vlanich Dunmire ’78through the Christian Fellowshipgroup.

“They were each my roommate at one point,” Dunn says. “Nancy’smother introduced my husband, Dennis, and me, and I was in both of their weddings. Now all three ofour children are students at Cal U.”

But most of all, the Chambersburg,Pa., native who now lives in Bridgeville,Pa., received “a wonderful education.”

“I got a great foundation in communications, but also in business,” she says, crediting speechprofessors Marcella Blout, Patrick

Miller, Corine Flemmings and RobertCowles.

Dunn currently provides leadershipand sales training to various clients,and she is retired from her position asvice president of marketing for GlobalImaging Systems after a career as abusiness owner.

At Cal State, Dunn was a memberof the forensics team, which wascoached by Blout and Miller. “They set high standards and goals of beingthe best you could possibly be.”

To show her appreciation, Dunnestablished a scholarship in theirhonor. It is given each semester to a junior communications major.

Over the years, Dunn kept intouch with Cal U. She occasionally returned to campus to speak inMiller’s classes, and she received the Professional Excellence Award,given to outstanding alumni, in 2002.

Now that their daughter, Amy, attends Cal U, both Dunn and herhusband have joined the Parent Leadership Council.

“I can talk to parents about being a student many years ago, and also

now about having a child at Cal U,”she says.

Amy spent the summer on campus, taking classes, working in the Welcome Center and giving toursto prospective students. And she isvery excited to be leading a Cal U for Life session at new-studentorientation.

“My mom always talked about the school,” she says. “She’d bring me here for the scholarship awarddinners, and we would sit with students.”

Amy has a dual major, in earlychildhood education and special ed. She also is busy with a variety of activities at Cal U: Habitat for Humanity, Ski Club, Kappa Delta Pi,Alpha Lambda Delta, Peer Mentoring,the Council for Exceptional Childrenand Best Buddies.

“She didn’t even apply anywhereelse,” Dunn says.

“We could have sent her any-where, but this was her choice. She wanted to go to Cal U, and she loves it.”


Amy Dunn, who is studying early childhood and special education,takes a walk across the Quad with her mom, Terri Naus Dunn ‘80.

FAMILY TIEScontinued from page 5

As a Cal U Ambassador, Amy Dunn (left) takes a prospective studenton a campus tour.

The DifilipposFor Genevieve Difilippo ’89, graduating

from Cal U was a dream delayed — by amarriage, four children and more than30 years. “All I ever wanted to be was ateacher,” the 75-year-old says.

She graduated from high school in 1954 and took a few courses at California State Teachers College. But then she married John Difilippo Sr.and immediately started a family.

They live in California, Pa., and havefour children, all Cal U alumni: Philip’77; Terri ’80, ’85; John Jr. ’88; and Gennifer ’93.

Philip’s son Jon, the oldest grand-child, will be a freshman in 2011.

Genevieve Difilippo worked at theG.C. Murphy store in California for years,until it was sold in 1985. By then her husband had been laid off from J&L Steel and was working at Cal U, in thePhysical Plant Department.

“I wanted to see if there was anythingleft in my head,” Genevieve Difilipposays of her decision to pursue a degree. “I took an evening class and got a goodgrade! I was so happy. I earned an associatedegree in early childhood education, but I wanted to do something more.”

So in 1989, at age 53, Genevieve Difilippo graduated with a bachelor’sdegree in elementary education.

She acknowledges the challenges of being a nontraditional student.

“I remember sitting in my classes and looking around. There weren’t manyolder than me,” she says with a smile.“But the younger ones took me undertheir wings. It’s a good school; I felt I had a good education.”

Genevieve Difilippo did her student-teaching in the Brownsville School District. She worked as a substituteteacher in Brownsville and CaliforniaArea schools before being hired as a first-grade teacher at California Elementary

School in 1993.“I will never forget that moment,”

she says. She retired in 2006. “I knew I

wasn’t going to get 35 years of teachingin, so I had to make another goal. I decided I would retire when I was 70.”

Like his grandmother, Jon has onlyever had one career goal — to work inradio or TV broadcasting. A 2011 graduate of California Area High School,he will be a communications major at Cal U.

He’s been preparing for years: Jon was the public address announcer for basketball, football and baseball games at his high school, and he plans to continue announcing at high schoolfootball and basketball games while incollege. He worked on the TV broadcastsof school board meetings and was thesound technician for his high school musicals.

A recent winner of a one-year, full-tuition scholarship to Cal U from the Valley Independent newspaper, he’s also in the disc jockey business, playingtunes as “Jonny D.”

When he’s not behind a microphone,Jon competes as a member of theSmokin’ Guns youth sporting clays team at the California Hill Gun Club. The shooting team is coached by hisdad, Philip.

Recently, Jon was chosen to be one of two youth ambassadors for the national Scholastic Clay Target Program, promoting the sport, and gun safety, around the country.

Yet given his family’s many ties to the school, Jon says, Cal U was an obvious choice. “It’s close, and I’m carrying on a tradition. And I know people who go there and work there.

“Why go anywhere else?” �


Genevieve Difilippo ‘89joins her grandson Jon Difilippo in Manderino Library. Jon, who plans tomajor in communications,will begin his freshmanyear at Cal U this fall.

DiRECT COnnECTiOn:portal links families to Cal u

Cal U understandsthat families play an important role in student success.

So when Mom, Dad or other family members need information, they canvisit the Parent/FamilyPortal, a new feature of the Cal U website.

Dedicated solely to the needs of parents and families, the portal provides key datesand deadlines, links to campus resources, and answers to questions about the Cal U experience, from academics to campus life.

“When a child goes off to college, the familydynamic changes,” says Cynthia Young, manager of the portal. “Instead of calling all the shots, the parent moves into the role of mentor or coach.

“As a coach, you may not be on the field, but you’re still in the game. We recognizethat parents are still very much in the game,and we welcome their engagement.”

In addition to the website, Young maintains a Facebook page where parents can interact.She answers individual questions through e-mail or by phone, and she meets parentsat campus events.

Young describes herself as a liaison betweenfamilies and the University.

“As the mom of two recent college graduatesand a family services professional, I understandwhat college parents care about. I also knowwhat’s important for them to know aboutwhen it comes to navigating the University,”she says.

“Our partnership with parents is rooted inshared goals — the success of their sons anddaughters, enjoyment of the college years,career preparation and timely graduation,and a lifelong relationship with Cal U.”

To access the Parent/Family Portal, visitwww.calu.edu/families-parents, or look for “Information for … Parents & Families” at thetop of the Cal U homepage, www.calu.edu.To find the Facebook page for Cal U parentsand families, visit facebook.com/CalUParentsandFamilies.

CALU

Cynthia Young

By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U


By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

StudentS, AlumniConneCt by phone

When alumni hear from theCal U Call Center, they getmore than a telephone

solicitation. They get a chance to make a connection.

Alumni who answer the phone call are not burdened with monotone, staged requests. Instead, they are greetedby current students — future alumniwho are, in many ways, younger versions of themselves.

One of many campus areas the Call Center serves is the University’s Annual Fund.

“The Annual Fund raises money forstudent scholarships by asking alumnifor gifts every year,” says manager Cathy Connelly ’95, ’96.

Such a gift may reflect the donor’s interest by supporting a specific academicdiscipline or a favorite athletic team, or itmight be used where the need is greatest.

“While we obviously want to raisemoney, we make calls because we alsowant to build alumni participation andget them involved with the University as much as we can,” Connelly says.

“Students can reach more alumni ina given day then I possibly could, andthey can speak to alumni about their experiences right now, compare storiesand form an instant connection.”

Every student hired to work at theCall Center goes through an intensive interview process, says Brad Steadman,the center’s director.

Candidates answer basic questionsabout their experience and why they want the job. Then Steadman asks eachstudent to tell him a story based on random details he supplies.

“I am interested in their communica-tion skills and how they think on theirfeet,” he explains. “Even a phone messagethey leave can tell me quite a bit.”

The Call Center students are excellentambassadors for Cal U, Connelly says.

“It takes a certain type of individualto talk to people of many different ages

on the phone, and to be able to handlerejection, as well. Oftentimes the studentcaller and the alumnus have had thesame professor or the same major. It’seasier for an alumnus to say ‘yes’ to astudent than to someone who has noties to this place.”

Between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Mondaysthrough Thursdays, students fill the 25stations at the Call Center, using back-ground information and various scriptsto spark conversations.

In addition to supporting the AnnualFund, they also may reach out toprospective or current students regardingtopics such as food service, student housing or financial aid.

In all, Steadman estimates that250,000 phone calls are made from theCall Center each year.

Among the student callers is seniorTom Sobocinski, a criminal justice major.Now a shift manager, he began workingat the Call Center when he was a

sophomore. His older brother, Matt ’10,also worked at the center.

Sobocinski, who aspires to work forthe state police, finds that most alumniare genuinely interested in hearing about the University.

“You’re talking to more than 150people a day, so you’re always enhancingyour people skills,” he says.

“This will definitely help me in thefuture, when I’m dealing with citizens or settling disputes. And I’ve also learned a lot about Cal U.” �

Call CEnTER wORkERS PlaY a kEY ROlE in FUnDRaiSing

The annual FundCal u relies on annual support from

alumni and friends of the university to

fund academic programs, endowed chairs,

special research projects and other

initiatives. to learn more about the

Annual Fund, and about other ways of

giving to Cal u, visit www.calu.edu/giving.

Who’s calling? The Call Center employs students (front row, from left) Halie Gill, Samantha Mitchell,Stephanie Haney, Deana Polselli, Whitney Wilson and Kerri Franks; (back row, from left) KevinNewlin, Matthew Pagan, Thomas Sobocinski, Brad Davoli, Tyler Negley, Andrew LeFever, TiwandaRussell, Lora Davis and Blair Messinger.

The Class of 2011 has left its mark on Cal U.

Fire hydrants across campus are sporting red and black paint in a variety of designs, the result of the inauguralLeave Your Mark project for graduatingseniors.

About two dozen students took part in the project, which was organizedthrough the Cal U for Life initiative andthe Office of Alumni Relations. A teamfrom Facilities Management cleaned and primed the hydrants before the student artists took over.

The project was intended to let seniors change the look of the campusone last time before graduation, and toraise awareness of the Senior Gift Drivecampaign. Organizers hope it will become a campus tradition.

Leave Your Mark opened with a sign-in event, buffet supper and concert featuring the Cal U Jazz Ensemble, CalSingers and a cappella groups Vulcanizeand Acappella Stella. Student artists were assigned specific hydrants and givenone week to complete their designs.

Each of the hydrants has been photographed, and the images willbe kept in the Kara Alumni House.


school colors

Student Rachel Fletcher paints a hydrant outside South Hall.

Student Cory Stoner applies acoat of red paint to a hydrant as part of the Leave Your Markproject for seniors.


a

record-setting crowd of 340 University friends, alumni, faculty, staff and students had

a grand time “Puttin’ On the Ritz” June 4 at the 2011 President’s Gala.

The 18th annual black-tie event,held at the Omni William Penn hotel in Pittsburgh, capped off the AlumniWeekend celebration by raising funds for student scholarships.

As state funding for public higher education has declined, private supporthas become even more important for Cal U students, said President Angelo Armenti, Jr., who hosted the event withFirst Lady Barbara Armenti.

“We extend a very sincere ‘thankyou’ to each and every one of you forjoining us and helping us raise much-needed scholarship dollars for our deserving students,” he said.

The President’s Gala has raisednearly $1.4 million since its inceptionin 1994. Over the years, net proceeds of more than $750,000 have providedscholarships for deserving Cal Ustudents.

Honorary chairs for the gala wereRobert Lippencott ’66 and his wife,Suzanne. A retired Secret Service agent —and a former Cal U scholarship recipienthimself — Lippencott is a member of the board of directors for the Foundationfor California University.

“We know that each of you feels the way we do about our University andour students, and that ‘paying it forward’is a concept that all of us understand,”he told the guests. “Through your generosity, we will be able to providemuch-needed support for our students.”

Award presentationsThe clink of crystal gave way to a

warm round of applause when PresidentArmenti introduced the faculty awardwinners for 2011.

Dr. Christine Patti, a professor in theAdministrative Program for Principals,was honored for excellence in teaching.Dr. Robert S. Whyte, of the Departmentof Biological and Environmental Sciences,was recognized for his research, and Dr. Ralph Belsterling, of the Department

BLACK-TIE PARTY RAISES SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

First Lady Barbara Armenti and President Angelo Armenti, Jr. take a turn around thedance floor.

Honorary co-chairs Robert Lippencott ’66 and hiswife, Suzanne.

Faculty award winners (from left) Dr. ChristinePatti (teaching), Dr. Robert Whyte (research)

and Dr. Ralph Belsterling (service) with President’s Emeriti Faculty Award winner

Professor Marsha L. Nolf.

Above, John Heintz (left), Leslie Curt and James Lokay celebrate a win at charity blackjack.

Above right, sisters Emily and Anna Martik enjoy the fun.

At right, Dr. Michael Serene (left) and Professor George Novak take their chances in the casino room.

Below, Joan and Jim Foutz hit the dance floor.

Left, Patti and Dan Simmons of the Monongahela Valley Hospital.

Above, students Lena Danka and Daeshawn Ballard.

Right, Scott Bush andDr. Emily Sweitzer.

of Communication Disorders, acceptedthe award for service.

Professor Marsha L. Nolf receivedthe President’s Emerita Faculty Award.Before her retirement in 2008, she fillednumerous roles at Manderino Library —including “the goddess of information,”she quipped in a videotaped acceptancespeech.

The President’s Emeritus FacultyAward was presented to Dr. Donald J.Thompson, who closed a 37-year careerat Cal U when he retired in 2007 asprovost and vice president for AcademicAffairs.

Gwendolyn Simmons, a longtimemember of the University’s Council ofTrustees, received a standing ovationafter accepting the Lillian M. Bassi CoreValues Award. A leader in numerouscivic organizations, especially in theMon Valley, she has been a generousUniversity benefactor and a strong advocate for Cal U and its students.

Top hats and rosesAfter dinner in the Omni’s Grand

Ballroom, where tabletop arrangementsof roses were accented with ritzy tophats and feather boas, the crowd adjourned to enjoy a dessert bar, casinogames and dancing to the Benny Benack Orchestra.

Guests also placed bids on morethan 50 silent auction items, includingvacation stays and themed gift baskets.

Among the most popular itemswere helmets autographed by PittsburghSteelers players James Harrison andZiggy Hood, and a football signed bySuper Bowl MVP Hines Ward. The Pitts-burgh Penguins also provided enticingauction items, including a jersey auto-graphed by Mario Lemieux and a helmetsigned by the 2010-2011 Pens.

Proceeds from the silent auctionadded to the scholarship fund, as well.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy gettingdressed up and attending a fancy, fun-filled event,” said Craig Butzine,vice president for Marketing and University Relations.

“But the real winners are the Cal Ustudents who will receive scholarshipdollars raised at the gala — an eventthey can look forward to attendingthemselves once they’ve establishedtheir own careers.” �

By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U SUMMER 2011 � CAL U REVIEW 11

gala glamourto see photos from the 18th annual president’s gala,

visit www.calu.edu/news, click on “Cal u review”

and look for “As seen in the review.”

2011 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD WINNERS – ESTEEMED HONORS RECEIVED AT THE PRESIDENT’S GALA

Award winners Dr. Christine Patti, Dr. Robert S. Whyte, Dr. Ralph Belsterling,Professor Marsha L. Nolf and Dr. Donald J.

Thompson pose with Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.at the 2011President’s Gala.

GWENDOLYN SIMMONSLillian M. Bassi Core Values Award

For more than five decades GwendolynSimmons’ kindness, coupled with her tireless commitment to community service,has exemplified California University’s corevalues of integrity, civility and responsibility.

Simmons currently is serving her third, six-year term as a member of California University’s Council of Trustees.

A lifetime member of the NAACP, she is anex-officio member of the board of directorsfor the United Way of Mon Valley, where shewas the first female president. She also serveson the boards of South Western PennsylvaniaHuman Services, the Mon Valley YMCA,Bethel A.M.E. Church Lay Organization, theWashington Community Foundation and theMonongahela Area Revitalization Corp.

She is a sponsor for the Ladies Activities forFun (LAFF), a cultural enrichment club forteenage girls.

A resident of Monongahela, Pa., Simmons ispast president of the Washington County Historical Society and the Ringgold-CharleroiPTA Council. She is a former member of theboard of directors for the Multicultural ArtsInitiative of the Pittsburgh Foundation and forMon Valley Community Services. She also isa past chair of the Washington County Hospital Authority.

She has been depicted in “Women of a NewTribe,” an exhibition of photographs commissioned by the African Cultural Centerof Greater Pittsburgh.

DR. CHRISTINE PATTIPresident’s Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Christine Patti has been a professor inthe Administrative Program for Principalsat California University of Pennsylvaniafor the past six years.

She has worked in the public school systemfor more than 25 years. Her administrativeexperience includes 19 years as an elementary principal for three Pittsburgh-area school districts.

Her last principal’s position was in the Mt.Lebanon School District, where her schoolwas awarded a No Child Left Behind BlueRibbon for high academic achievement.She also has experience as a middle schoolassistant principal and an elementaryteacher in grades K-5.

A certified online instructor and a certifiedQuality Matters Peer Reviewer for onlinecourses, Patti has made numerous presentations, including a series of talks atCal U: “Tips and Pointers for Successful Future Teachers,” “Meeting the Needs ofAll Learners,” “What Makes You Stand Outfrom the Rest as a Teacher Candidate?” and“A Principal’s Perspective.”

Patti holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Duquesne University and aMaster of Education in curriculum and supervision, a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility, and a doctorate in administrationand policy studies, all from the Universityof Pittsburgh.

DR. ROBERT S. WHYTEPresident’s Faculty Award for Excellence in Research

Dr. Robert S. Whyte is an associate professor in the Department of Biologicaland Environmental Sciences. Curator ofthe John F. Lewis Herbarium at Cal U, healso oversees activities at the Arboretumat California University.

For almost 25 years, the main focus ofWhyte’s research has been our nation’swetlands and lakes. He has provided GreatLakes coastal resource and wetlands managers with information necessary tomaintain and re-establish native flora andthe natural integrity of these coastal wetlands. He also investigates the impactof changing water levels on aquaticmacrophyte communities, in particular assessing the impacts of the invasive grassPhragmites australis.

Whyte has received funding for his research from the Ohio Department ofNatural Resources, the National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration, the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, and the Faculty Professional Development Committee at Cal U.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries and wildlife from MichiganState University, a Master of EnvironmentalScience from the Institute of EnvironmentalSciences at Miami University of Ohio, and a Ph.D. in botany, also from MiamiUniversity.


DR. RALPH BELSTERLINGPresident’s Faculty Award for Excellence in Service

Dr. Ralph Belsterling is an associateprofessor in the Department of Communication Disorders, president of the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association and clinical director of the Pennsylvania SpecialOlympics Healthy Hearing program.

He specializes in audiological assessments,hearing aids and hearing conservation.Belsterling has worked extensively withthe Special Olympics Healthy Athletesinitiative, which aims to improve accessand health care for Special Olympicsathletes. A Special Olympics internationalvolunteer and health care trainer, hehas participated in the USA NationalGames in Ames, Iowa; the Healthy Athlete Global Health Conference inMiami, Fla.; and the World WinterGames in Boise, Idaho.

As clinical director of the SpecialOlympics Healthy Hearing program inPennsylvania, Belsterling coordinatesthese events with audiologists and college students from around the state,including Cal U. He also provides audiometric screenings as part of his audiology diagnostics classes, testing thehearing of hundreds of school-age children in southwestern Pennsylvaniaeach year.

Belsterling received his undergraduateand graduate degrees in speech pathology from California State College,his master’s degree in audiology fromClarion University, and his doctorate inaudiology from the University of Florida.

MARSHA L. NOLFPresident’s Emerita Faculty

Award

For more than 20 years, associate professor Marsha L. Nolf provided awealth of information to patrons ofManderino Library.

Nolf served as the library’s public services coordinator until her retirement in June 2008. In that role she supervised and coordinated activities in the library’s public services area, including the circulation and referencedesks, bibliographic instruction and interlibrary loans.

She developed information literacyprograms at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and through theFirst- Year Seminar program provided library instruction to more than 3,000 library patrons every academic year.

A member of the University Honors Program Board of Advisors, Nolf alsotaught a three-hour honors course, Information Literacy, each semester.

She was chair of the Library Departmentfrom May 2003 to May 2008, and she isthe founder of the Manderino LibraryBook Club. She was granted emerita status in July 2008. Nolf now serves onthe board of directors for the GreeneCounty Library System, the FlennikenPublic Library and Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services Inc.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Englishfrom Waynesburg (Pa.) University and a master’s degree in Library andInformation Science from the Universityof Pittsburgh.

DR. DONALD J. THOMPSONPresident’s Emeritus Faculty

Award

After a distinguished 37-year career atCalifornia University of Pennsylvania,Dr. Donald J. Thompson retired asprovost and vice president for Academic Affairs in January 2007.

His tenure at Cal U spanned fivedecades, and he served under threeuniversity presidents — Drs. George H.Roadman, John P. Watkins and AngeloArmenti, Jr. A former geologist,Thompson began his career at Cal Uby teaching in the Department ofGeography and Earth Science.

He served as interim dean of the College of Science and Technology, associate dean of the College of LiberalArts, and interim dean of the School ofGraduate Studies and Research. Hethen held various interim posts withinthe Office of Academic Affairs beforebeing named provost in 2004.

Thompson earned a bachelor’s degreein geology from Monmouth (Ill.) College, a master’s degree in earth science from Indiana University Bloomington, and a Ph.D. in earth science from Washington University inSt. Louis, Mo.

For his numerous accomplishments asa scholar, educator and administrator,Cal U awarded Thompson the degreeof Doctor of Public Service, honoriscausa, in December 2006. He wasgranted emeritus status in May 2007.

RITZPUTTIN’ O N THE2011 President’s Gala


FACULTY THANKSTo see the 2011 President’s Gala faculty award winnersaccept their awards, visit www.calu.edu/news, click on“Cal U Review” and look for “As seen in the Review.”


Students in caps and gowns tapped messages into

their smart phones, using Twitter to connect with

friends and family as they waited for California

University’s 172nd Commencement to begin.

Four years of college education have all come down to this. Let’s do this!

Today Is Our Day. Congratulations Class Of 2011!

At rehearsal, the soon-to-be graduates had received a card urgingthem to share their thoughts about Commencement in 140-character“tweets” on the popular social media site.

As the students assembled under gray skies at Roadman Park,members of the campus community followed their messages, with the keyword #calucomm, through Twitter or the Cal U website. University staff joined the conversation, too.

Getting in number order. The day is here!

On May 7, graduating seniors filed into Adamson Stadium, where Commencement was held for the second consecutive year. Skies were gray, but even a brief drizzle couldn’t dampen the spirits of the families and friends in the bleachers.

Dry the seats? Check! We’re ready for you, #Classof2011!

And the processional begins… #chills

Before students received their diplomas, graduating senior TaylorWilliams, chair of the Senior Gift Drive Committee, presented a checkfor more than $6,700 to University President Angelo Armenti, Jr.

This was the second year for the Senior Gift Drive, a Cal U for Life initiative. In recognition of the generosity of seniors and their families,President Armenti and First Lady Barbara Armenti contributed $1 foreach student donor and $2 for each family who contributed to the drive.

So far, the Senior Gift Drive has raised more than $14,000 for an endowed scholarship.

New graduate Amanda L. Martinak celebrates after receiving her diploma.

Heather Slattery, 23, a human resources and businessmajor, is congratulated by her mom, Rebecca.

Corey James give a thumbs-up before receiving his bachelor’s degree in athletic training.

Sweet ‘tweets’ at Commencement 2011Students use social media to share theirthoughts on graduation day

See Moreexcerpts from the Spring 2011 Commencement addresses are reprinted on

pages 16-17. to see the ceremonies in their entirety, visit www.calu.edu

and search for “Commencement videos.” or visit www.calu.edu/news select

“Cal u review” and look for “As seen in the review.”

President Armenti honors the moms in the crowd! Happy Mother’s Day weekend!

Three distinguished alumni shared their thoughts with graduates in a more traditional format. On May 6, banking industry executiveDaryl Zupan ’77 addressed nearly 300 master’s degree candidates who received their academic hoods and their diplomas in Hamer Hall.

On May 7, Provost Geraldine Jones introduced Charles S. Pryor ’73,who offered remarks after he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Raymond Milchovich ’71, a leader in the energy industry, delivered the Commencement address to undergraduates.

Then, one by one, the students stepped up to receive their diplomas,shake President Armenti’s hand and walk off the stage as Cal U alumni.

In all, nearly 1,200 students were eligible to receive master’s, bachelor’s or associate degrees.

I don’t know how they do it with all those names. #calucomm I know they’d hate me for messing it up.

When President Armenti handed me my degree package he said,“Oh wow, 2 degrees? Nice job!”

“I invite you to return often and to keep in touch,” the President told the University’s newest alumni. “Be sure to let us know about your life after you leave here.

“Please know that Cal U is extremely proud of you and your accomplishments.”

Wyndorah_08 Has officially graduated. I am an alumna of CalU ofPA! Yay!

I am legit!!! I graduated!!

Now the sun comes out! Oh, well. Great grad pics :)

Twin grads shared their Cal U experience

The Keefe sisters have a lotin common.

Identicaltwins Kristin andKaylee bothgraduated May 7with bachelor’sdegrees in socialwork. Both areworking at Kennywood amusement parkin West Mifflin, Pa., while they prepare totake their civil service tests.

Both attended the same university before transferring to Cal U after their firstsemesters — although Kristin did start hercollege career as a nursing major andcame to Cal U as a liberal arts major.

“We had separate friends because westarted out in different majors,” Kayleesays. “A lot of people didn’t know wewere twins. So I would have people waving at me, but had no idea who theywere.”

“We’re pretty close,” Kristin says. “It’sjust us. We’re the only siblings. We arguea lot, but at the same time, we are alwaystogether. It feels like I’m arguing with myself sometimes.”

“It was a lot easier to go to schoolwith a sibling because you always hadsomeone you knew,” Kaylee says. “Wecould look out for each other.

“And we could share books!”


Christina Tolfa, who received a degree incommunication disorders, adjusts her cap.

Graduating senior Taylor Williams presents a gift from the Class of 2011 to President Angelo Armenti, Jr.


When I first stepped foot on to thiscampus in the summer of 1969,

there was a very unpopular war ragingin Southeast Asia, the economy was flatand the unemployment rate was especiallyhigh. Sound familiar?

But the country survived and flourished and will do so again becauseof you, the new leaders for the 21st century.

The only thing I had going for methat year was a pretty impressive battingaverage — and a not-so-impressivegrade-point average. But Hall of Famecoach Mitch Bailey found a way to getme into college. … He said, ‘Charlie,here is an opportunity. What you dowith it is up to you.’

People helping people — that’s whatwe do here.

(For instance) Hall of Fame coachCharles Gismondi … was my wife’s professor and mentor in her chosen profession … helping children withspeech impairments become productive

and confident adults. And Lou Lignelli, a public servant of

the highest quality and my very goodfriend, never said no when I asked forhelp for Cal U or anything else, for thatmatter. …

So don’t forget the people who have helped you along the way — the administrators and professors, the game-day crew, the coaches and custodians.They are all a part of your success.

Give back to this institution. Giveback in service and financial support.… I promise you it will make you feelgood and it is the right thing to do.

Words cannot express my appreciationto the President, the First Lady and theCouncil of Trustees for this honorary degree. … I accept it in the name andspirit of all who have helped me standbefore you today. …

As you leave here today to beginyour journey, opportunities will presentthemselves to you. What you do withthose opportunities will be up to you.

The ‘dot-edu’ within youDaryl Zupan ’77 is president and CEO of the largest and oldest company financing property andcasualty premiums in North America under three brands. The company’s U.S. brand, AFCO, andits Canadian brand, CAFO, recently were joined by an affiliate, Prime Rate Premium Finance Co.

Zupan is a member of the senior leadership team at the companies’ parent, BB&T Corp., one of the largest financial services holding companies in the United States. He addressed master’s degree candidates May 6.

I do have a couple of observations thatI hope will prove useful to you. … The first is that calu.edu is a valuable address to remember. … The second isthat just as “dot-com” changed theworld, using the “dot-edu” within youcan change how you deal with whatgreets you along life’s path.

This is what I mean by “edu”:E stands for education. … Long

before it came to mean teaching someonesomething, the word “educate” meant to lead out from inside, or to coax outwhat was intrinsic within a person. …

Each of you faces the challenge ofcoaxing the best out of your students, or your clients, or your employees. And you will achieve this by continuingto draw the best out of yourselves. …

D stands for determination, a qualitythat has served me well in my life. …

One semester I was in an automobile

accident, which hurt my GPA. But I hadbecome determined to succeed, and I gotright back into working long and hardfor excellence. …

That is what building character is allabout: You start with something that youvalue or admire and want for yourself,and then you work hard at it, using theresources around you.

Then there’s U, which stands for theunexpected. … I have lost count of thenumber of unexpected situations thatconfronted me … but there is one thatstands out as the most memorable.

As events earlier this week have reminded you, this year marks the 10thanniversary of 9/11. … When the firstplane struck the North Tower of theWorld Trade Center, my employees inNew York … were located just four blocksaway. … Nothing had prepared us forthis event. …

Over the following six weeks, I managed a team working remotely in borrowed office space, or from theirhomes, all of us sharing information and learning together as we went along.Effectively, the New York office was partially up and running within 48 hours and operating satisfactorily bythe following Monday. …

Nothing had prepared me, or any ofthem, for this situation. But the valuesthat are promoted right here at Cal U certainly came into play that day, and in the weeks that followed. And I knowthese same values will underpin your actions when you face the unexpected,as inevitably you will.

Don’t forget that address: calu.edu. It has served you well up to this pointand will continue to do so far into the future.

ÔÔ

Ó

Ó

‘it’sup toyou’

CharlesPryor ’73wasawarded aDoctor of

Humane Letters, honoris causa, on May 7.The vice president of business developmentfor L.R. Kimball, he is responsible for business development and cross-divisionalsales for the firm’s architecture and engineering, civil and environmental,transportation, and communications technology divisions.

At Cal U he earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts while playing baseball forthe Vulcans, winning three varsity lettersand serving as team captain in 1973.

ÔÔ

‘This is your life’

Raymond Milchovich ’71 retiredlast year as chief executive ofFoster Wheeler AG, a 116-year-old global engineering and construction firm. Before joiningFoster Wheeler, Milchovichworked for Wheeling PittsburghSteel and Wisconsin Steel Corp.He then spent more than 20years with Kaiser Aluminum Corp., where he progressedfrom operations management to chairman of the boardand chief executive officer. He delivered the under-graduate Commencement address May 7.

Over 40 years, I’ve lived and worked in eight locations, for four companies. I traveled to the

four corners of the world more than once, and I believe I’ve learned a great deal. …

I’ve reduced that learning into four key themes,but before I start, I want to warn you that this is notrocket science, because I don’t believe success in life isrocket science. I’ve said a number of times, ‘This isn’tcomplicated; it’s just really, really hard work.’

Theme No. 1: Have a plan. Set objectives. Holdyourself accountable and take ownership. This is not adress rehearsal; this is your life. And before you knowit, you’re going to be like me, looking back over thelast 40 years. …

What I would suggest is that you set objectives,enjoy your successes and learn from your failures, andalways be in the process of renewing yourself.

Second, be yourself. You win or you lose in lifeplaying your own game. … The sooner you get comfortable with who you are, the values by whichyou’ll live your life, the values by which you’ll treatothers … the sooner you’ll begin to realize your fullpotential in your adult life.

Third, embrace and confront failure. I will guaranteeyou, you’re going to suffer setbacks, you’re going tosuffer adversity, you’re going to have a series of failures.We all have. I think the key is to enjoy our successes,but more importantly, learn from our failures and improve ourselves every day of our lives.

Finally, at the risk of sounding like a dinosaur in today’s electronic-communication age, form relationships, get to know people, treat people theway you would want to be treated. … I would suggestthat it is impossible to live your life, to have a successfulcareer, without doing so. …

I believe that southwestern Pennsylvania is aunique part of this world. It’s populated by honest,hardworking, caring people. … Use that edge to youradvantage. Start tomorrow. Don’t waste a day. Andbegin building the life that you’ve always imagined.

Delivering balloons and a handful ofconfetti, Dr. Michael Slavin, chair ofthe Department of Theatre and Dance,congratulates graduate Kristin Ross, a theatre major.

Theatre major Cat Hoefler waitsfor Commencement ceremoniesto begin.

Commencement ceremoniesat Adamson Stadium.

Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research,vests graduate student Khaldun Ahmad in his academic hood.


ÔÔ

ÓÓ

ALUMNI N E W S


Thank you!

GREETINGS FROM THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS & ANNUAL FUND!

the 2010-2011 Annual Fund drive wrapped up

June 30. on behalf of Cal u students, thank you

to all the generous alumni who donated this year.

each year the Cal u Annual Fund works to raise

much-needed scholarship dollars for Cal u students

in need. When your phone rings, please answer our

call. Cal u Call Center students will be conducting

our annual thank-a-thon, simply calling to say

“thank you!”

For the most up-to-date information, read ‘Under the Towers,’ the official e-newsletter from the Office of Alumni Relations & Annual Fund. To sign up, log on to www.calu.edu/alumni.

Your University has continued tothrive and expand over the past

several years under President Armenti’svision, and the Alumni Office has grown,too.

Traditionally, alumni outreach focusedsolely on our graduates. Recently, however,we’ve recognized that our students, parents,families and friends also have a great desireto forge a lifelong relationship with California University. With that in mind,

we have created new opportunities for involvement through theAlumni Office.

We strive to remain connected and earn the loyalty of our entire Cal U community from the moment our prospective students and their families set foot on campus, through their student years to Commencement, and on throughout their lives.

We offer many opportunities for engagement. In addition toour Alumni Association board of directors, geographic chaptersand affinity group societies, we have added a Senior Gift DriveCommittee for students, a Young Alumni Advisory Council and a Parent Leadership Council, all under the umbrella of Alumni Relations.

The aim of each of these groups is to develop and maintainmutually beneficial relationships that ultimately lead to helping ourstudents attend college without an undue financial burden.

But don’t take my word for it! Instead, please take a momentto read these comments from parents:

“As a parent of (a student in) the newest graduating class of 2011atCal U, I found it important to give back to the university that gave somuch to my son over the last four years. Joe not only gained the knowledgein the classroom that has prepared him for a career, he was surroundedby a staff and faculty that nurtured his ability to grow as a person. As aparent that means a lot — so much so that Joe’s sister has chosen Cal Uas her college choice, and she will be an incoming freshman in the fallof 2012. I could not be more excited. “

— SHARON A. DENARDO

“My husband and I decided to support the 2011 Senior Gift Drive inhonor of our daughter, Danielle, Class of 2011. Cal U impressed us from ourfirst walk on campus, when Danielle was an incoming freshman, untiltoday. We had the pleasure of attending the football games to not onlyhear and watch our daughter perform with the outstanding band, but tobecome Vulcan football fans and to also witness firsthand the pride andbond between sports and the arts. It was gratifying to see President Ar-menti at each of the games, a dedication and faithfulness that were notmissed by us, or our daughter. Congratulations on your successful drive!”

— RENEE AND DAVE STOCKEY

The next time a student calls you to give you an update about Cal U, or to ask for your support of the Annual Fund, pleaseconsider making your gift for the future of our University.

See you on campus this fall at Homecoming, on Oct. 22!

Amy LombardExecutive Director, Alumni Relations & Annual Fund

alumni events

Above, Armand ‘74 andDickey Balsano hostedthis alumni gathering in Atlanta, Ga.

Left, President AngeloArmenti, Jr. meetsguests at an alumnigathering in Tampa, Fla.

S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

C O L L E G E O F E D U C AT I O N A N D H U M A N S E R V I C E S

Optimizing educatiOn Researchers explore online teaching and learning

FOCUS ON

California University of Pennsylvania

Greetings,As we begin the 2011-2012 academic year,

I welcome you to this edition of Focus On, featuring the College of Education andHuman Services. Exciting stories in this publication highlight just a few of the greatthings happening in the College.

The ubiquity of technology applications at Cal U is evident in the most recent additionto the professional golf management (PGM)program. A highly sophisticated simulator for analysis of the golf swing is in place at thePGM facility in Gallagher Hall. This equipmentis able to record a clear picture of the exactinstant a golf ball is struck, so golf pros canoffer swing and impact analysis.

Research continues in the College, withtwo groups conducting research on teaching.

• One project is part of a nationwide examination of the simSchoolsoftware package. With support from a federal grant, Cal U is partneringwith EdMedia and the University of North Texas to use and evaluate simSchool software in their teaching.

• Another project concerns questions about online teaching and the effect of different types of feedback available in the online teaching environment. More specifically, the research intends to answer questionsabout the efficiency and effectiveness of feedback in forms other than written notes.

Dr. Mary Hart, director for the gerontology program, traveled to Cuba with a group of educators to study the services provided to theaging population there. She has incorporated the knowledge gained from that experience into the gerontology curriculum at Cal U.

Within the College we continue our work to maintain accreditationfrom NCATE, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. We are preparing our reports to numerous learned societies for program re-accreditation. These reports are due on March 15, 2012,and our NCATE “site visit” occurs two years after that.

Accreditation assures students and their potential employers that our programs meet recognized quality standards. We are proud that allprograms in the College that are seeking national accreditation haveearned it.

In this edition we also showcase faculty members who are engaged in important or unique professional activities. Their hard work and accomplishments bring recognition to Cal U.

Welcome to another academic year at Cal U and the College of Education and Human Services.

Sincerely,

Kevin A. Koury, Ed.D.Dean, College of Education and Human Services

overviewof the COLLEGE OF EDUCATIONAND HUMAN SERVICES

Dean:

Dr. Kevin A. Koury

Associate Dean:

Dr. Daniel Engstrom

Department Chairs:

Ms. Christine S. CrawfordAcademic Development Services

Dr. Barbara Bonfanti ’69Communication Disorders

Dr. Jacqueline Walsh ’94Counselor Education and Services

Dr. Kevin LordonEducational Administration and Leadership

Dr. Caryl Sheffield ’73Early, Middle, Special Education

Mr. Jeffrey HattonExercise Science and Sport Studies

Dr. Tom WestHealth Science

Dr. Keith Hepner ’76Secondary Education

Dr. Pamela TwissSocial Work

Directors:

Ms. JoAnn Rodriquez-Naesar ’75Student Support Services

Mr. Gary SeelyeUpward Bound Program

Dr. Michael BrnaLibrary of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Program

Dr. Daniel EngstromStudent Teaching

Dr. John KallisTechnology Education

F R O M T H E

Dean

When Cal U’s gerontology program moved from the Department of Social Work to

the Department of Health Science in 2004,program director Dr. Mary Hart saw anopportunity to redesign the curriculum.

“The move presented an excellent opportunity to tailor the program so ourstudents are better prepared to work witha growing aging population,” Hart says.

One addition to the program is an 18-credit Aging Specialist Certificate, designed both for people who are working with older adults and for under-graduate students in a variety of majorswho might benefit from learning aboutseniors and programs to assist them.

“The aging population will continueto increase until 2050 due to the aging of the baby boomers, the first of whomturned 65 this year,” Hart says.

“Just about every discipline will haveto reach out to the elders at some point,and this certificate gives our students acompetitive edge when they are search-ing for employment or graduate schools.”

According to the Department of Healthand Human Services’ Administration onAging, the United States had 40.2 millionresidents over the age of 65 in 2010. That number will nearly double, to 72.1million, by 2030.

Many students at Cal U are noticingthis trend and trying to position them-selves as specialists on aging within theirfield of study.

“It is amazing to see the breadth ofstudents who go through this certificateprogram,” says Hart. “I have studentswho are studying physical therapy, socialwork, business and even history.”

Gerontology classes are designed to teach students about issues related to aging and care for older adults.

Many students — especially thosewith an eye on health and health-relatedcareers — have told Hart that thesecourses helped them with graduateschool admissions.

They believe the certificate sets themapart from other candidates and showsthey are serious about their careers andthe future of health-related professions.

The United States is not the only nation struggling with questions about how to provide care for its aging population, Hart says. She believes that many countries will face similar issues as the number of seniors grows.

To better understand how other countries care for their elders, Hart traveledto Cuba in December with a group fromthe National Council on the Aging.

Although poverty is a concern amongCubans, their life expectancy rivals that of U.S. residents.

“I believe it is because they have very basic, but free, health care providedby their government,” Hart says.

“Every neighborhood has its ownclinic with a physician and nursing staff.Whether you are an older adult or a pregnant mother, you receive good basic health care in Cuba.”

Hart frequently incorporates issues related to elder care in different culturesinto her courses. She hopes to use whatshe learned in Cuba in some of herclasses.

This knowledge may be needed asemployment opportunities for studentsin gerontology increase domestically and in foreign countries.

“The increasing aging population isn’t just a reality in Pennsylvania or the

United States,” Hart says.

“Aging is a global phenomenon, and students who receive anAging SpecialistCertificate will bebetter positionedto work with older adults inany field.” �

gerOntOlOgy certificate prepares students in many fields tO wOrk with a grOwing pOpulatiOn Of seniOrs

aging studies cross disciplines

By Jeff Bender, PR and Web writer at Cal U

Dr. Mary Hart, director of the gerontology program, works with an aging populationthat is growing worldwide.

Dr. Mary Hart (left) met with older adults inCuba, where she traveled with a group fromthe National Council on the Aging.

3

The online teaching and learningenvironment has become an integral part of higher education.

Beginning this fall, faculty in the College of Education and Human Serviceswill conduct two research projects withinthis promising educational realm.

Look or listen?One project will examine how

professors provide feedback to their students online.

“Even traditional face-to-face coursesmay have online components,” says Dr. Kevin Koury, dean of the College.

“This type of teaching is both time-and labor-intensive. We are looking atfeedback mechanisms and asking how we can make them more efficient for the instructors and more effective for our students.”

Over the summer, faculty members inthe research group practiced using soft-ware to attach written notes and briefaudio recordings to electronic files.

Beginning with their fall 2011 classes,they will utilize both written and audioformats to provide feedback on studentwork submitted through Desire2Learn(D2L), the online learning managementsystem used across campus.

Researchers later will survey studentsto determine whether they prefer writtennotes or comments delivered in the instructor’s voice.

A separate survey will ask professors inthe group to compare the efficiency andeffectiveness of written vs. recorded messages.

“In the online environment, especially,students expect immediate feedback,”says Dr. Deborah Farrer, who teachesboth traditional and online courses. “Weare exploring what we can do to makethat feedback more personalized and pertinent.”

Sometimes, she explains, an electronicmemo or “sticky note” conveys the instructor’s words, but not the intendedtone. On the other hand, a lengthy

commentary can be tedious for a teacherto write and a student to read.

“One element of quality feedback isthat you make it personal,” says Dr. HollyDiehl, another project participant. “That’sharder to do in an online environment.”

Dr. Joseph Zisk, director of the Masterof Arts Teaching program, has shared hisinstructional technology background withthe group. The researchers are workingwith software such as Adobe Acrobat Professional, which can attach audio comments to PDF files, and Jing, a freeprogram that lets users capture “screenshots” and add narration.

Data will be collected in the upcomingfall, spring and summer semesters, thenanalyzed by the group.

“Online teaching is exciting, but it’stime-consuming,” says Farrer. “Still, Ienjoy it. I get to know my online studentsbetter than I thought I would. And it’sforced me to step outside my own comfort zone and make my classes moreinteractive and engaging.”

4

Researchers explore online teaching and learningONE gROUp lOOks AT fEEdbACk mEChANisms,

ANOThER AT A ClAssROOm simUlATiON fOR TEAChERs

Dr. Holly Diehl (left) and Dr. Deborah Farrer are among the faculty involved in research projects within the College of Education and Human Services.

Classroom simulationDiehl also is involved in research

aimed at recruiting and retainingprospective teachers by helping them become more competent and confidenteducators.

She and other Cal U faculty will takepart in a national Next Generation LearningChallenges project that exploressimSchool software as a tool for preparingpre-service teachers.

The project is funded by a Bill andMelinda Gates Foundation EDUCAUSEgrant and supported by the Associationfor the Advancement of Computing inEducation (AACE) and the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE).

“The simSchool program is like aflight-simulator for pre-service teachers,”explains Diehl, who works closely withstudent-teachers. “It lets them experiencesituations they might face in an actualclassroom.”

The program is reminiscent of thepopular SimCity computer game, whereplayers’ actions have immediate consequences.

In the virtual simSchool classroom,every illustrated “student” has a uniquelearning style and pattern of behavior. Asa teacher-in-training assigns tasks, triesvarious teaching strategies and practicesclassroom management skills, the “students” respond as they might in real life.

The goal is to help prospective teachersbuild confidence by letting them practicetheir craft in a realistic but safe environment.The virtual students’ statements, actionsand even body language make it plainwhen a lesson is engaging — or when theclass is slipping out of control.

“Ultimately, the program helps participants learn to think like a teacherand manage a classroom,” the softwarecompany says.

Different simSchoolmodules presentvarious scenarios, challenges and puzzles.For example, pre-service teachers mighttry to identify a special-needs child, createa sequence of learning activities for a single student, or test out a lesson planon the entire virtual class.

At Cal U, at least two faculty memberswill integrate the program into existingundergraduate courses and report back toSITE.

“I’m very excited about this software,”says Diehl. “It has powerful implications.It will allow us to teach our pre-serviceteachers from common models, and itcan give them a range of experiencesthey might not encounter in an actualclassroom.”

She stresses that simSchool will not replace actual classroom observations,field experiences or student-teaching.

“This is all supportive and supplemental.This will help us to better prepare pre-service teachers, so they can get morefrom those face-to-face experiences.”

The research group at Cal U will collect data from professors, students and the simSchool program itself through July 2012, “almost like a case study,”Diehl says.

In return for its participation, the University will receive site licenses for the software and access to teaching resources.

“Our voice will be heard in developing this teaching tool,” Diehl says.

“I’m excited because this is cutting-edge education. It brings a new level ofengagement and interaction into theclassroom.” �

TEAM MEMBERSThe faculty researchers exploring

Online Teaching Feedback Mechanismsare: Dr. Kevin Koury, dean of the College of Education and Human Services; Dr. Holly Diehl, Dr. DeborahFarrer and Dr. Diane Nettles, of theDepartment of Early, Middle and Special Education; Dr. Chris Harman,of the Department of Health Science;and Dr. Joseph Zisk, of the Departmentof Secondary Education.

Faculty members involved in theNext Generation Learning Challenges(simSchool) research are: Dr. KevinKoury, dean of the College of Educationand Human Services; Dr. Holly Diehl,Dr. Jason Kight, Dr. Diane Nettles andDr. Clover Wright, of the Departmentof Early, Middle and Special Education;and Dr. Connie Monroe, of the Department of Secondary Education.

INSTITUTIONAL REVIEWAll research projects at Cal U

are reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), astanding committee responsible forensuring that the rights and welfare of human research participants areprotected. All research proposals mustbe approved by the IRB before anydata are collected.

By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

simSchool software lets pre-service teachers practice classroom management

techniques and teaching strategies.5

As Justin Barroner steps up to Pebble Beach Golf Links’ firsttee, he takes in the beauty of

one of the most picturesque courses in the United States.

But Barroner, director of Cal U’s professional golf management (PGM)program, isn’t standing on the mani-cured turfgrass at the famed course in California. Instead, he’s planting his feet on the artificial turf of a newaboutGolf PGA Tour Simulator insidethe PGM office in Gallagher Hall.

The technologically advanced simulator is improving the swings of students in the PGM program. It’s alsogiving them a competitive advantageafter graduation.

“We have noticed that whenstudents go out on an internship, theyare not getting to use all the types ofequipment available to professionals,”says Barroner.

“A lot of facilities can’t afford everytool on the market, and a lot of golf professionals are resistant to change, but the consumers are demanding it.”

Barroner believes the traditional approach to golf lessons is dying. Customers no longer want to pay

$100 or more for a professional towatch their swing and suggest ways to correct mistakes.

They want an instructor who knowshow to use sophisticated equipmentthat can help to improve their game.

Installed in June, the simulator at Cal U combines many analysis tools into one machine.

“Before the new simulator, our students could only give a lesson on one piece of equipment at a time,” says Barroner.

“A person nowmakes one golfswing into the simulator, and wecan receive 2-Dand 3-D feedback,force-plate readingsthat measureweight transfer in a swing, and datashowing us ballflight, club headspeed, spin of thegolf ball and muchmore.”

Because the simulator incorporates

multiple teaching devices, PGM studentsgain valuable experience using all of thetools at once as they give a golf lesson.Few other universities have comparabletechnology, Barroner says.

“When our students go out to getjobs, they have used all of the differentfeatures our simulator has to offer, but others competing for the same job may have exposure to only one or two components,” he adds.

“No matter which of the tools a golffacility possesses, our students will havehad experience using that tool to givelessons. All of a sudden, it separates ourstudents from other golf professionals.”

Putting the latest golf technology in students’ hands has brought successto the PGM program, which currentlyhas a 100 percent placement rate foremployment after graduation.

Recent graduates have been hired atBrandon Dunes Golf Resort in Brandon,Ore., one of the top-ranked courses inthe country, and at Troon Golf, one ofthe largest golf management companiesin the world.

In addition, an increasing number ofPGM graduates are landing jobs at U.S.Open- and PGA Tour-caliber facilities.

“Our outcomes in placing students in internships and full-time employmentcontinue to get stronger,” Barroner says.

“Because of our great students, available equipment and overall programgrowth, we are more confident thanever in presenting our students to thetop facilities in the United States.” �

By Jeff Bender, PR and Web writer at Cal U

6

Justin Barroner (left), director of the professional golf management program, stresses theimportance of proper body position as he works with student Drew Herchko on the golfsimulator recently installed in Gallagher Hall.

simulator gives golfers, andstudents, a competitive edgeVERsATilE, high-TECh TOOl Adds dEpTh TO

pROfEssiONAl gOlf mANAgEmENT pROgRAm

Merrilyn Gibbs (left), head coach of the women’s golf team,joins internship coordinator and assistant golf professionalVanessa McKinnon and program director Justin Barroner at the PGM facility in Gallagher Hall.

faculty in the College of Education and human services continue to earn recognition for their scholarship and service

DR. HOLLY DIEHL and her student-teachers in the Department of Early, Middle and SpecialEducation learned about ways that elementarystudents use technology in the classroom.Third-, fourth- and fifth-graders from Crellin Elementary School in Garrett County, Md.,

visited Diehl’s teaching practicum, where they explained howthey use the latest Web 2.0 and mobile learning devicesto enhance and demonstrate their learning.

After the presentation, the children toured the Cal U campus.During a stop at the President’s Office, they discussed theirfavorite Web applications with President Armenti.

DR. CHARLES CROWLEY was elected as diversitycommittee chair for the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), and he was appointed as site visitor for accreditingsport management programs by the Commissionon Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

Crowley also participated on two panels at NASSM’s internationalconference at the University of Western Ontario. The first examineddiversity in sports, and the other explained COSMA regulations to college and university officials seeking accreditation.

IN ADDITION, the Library of Congress – Teaching with PrimarySources program, directed by Dr. Michael Brna, continues towork in the community. … The Department of Academic Servicesprovides academic support to all University students under the direction of a new chair, Christine Crawford. … Dr. Mary Semanis the College’s liaison to Intermediate Unit 1, where some excitinginitiatives are being developed. … Regis Lazor, associate professor of special education, has retired after 39 years on thejob. ... Dr. Robert Skwarecki, an associate professor in the Department of Communication Disorders, chairs the University’s Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects.… Dr. Jodi Dusi, an assistant professor in the Department ofHealth Science, recently completed her doctoral degree atDuquesne University.

Among our Accomplishments …

7

GARY SEELYE, director of the TRIO UpwardBound program at Cal U, received the 2011Pennsylvania Outstanding Service Award fromthe Mid-Eastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MEAEOPP).The award was presented at the regional

association’s annual conference in Morgantown, W.Va.

MEAEOPP’s mission is to help low-income, first-generation andtraditionally under-represented students overcome economic,physical, academic and social barriers to higher education.

DR. JONI ROH was a mentor for the VirtualVikings, a First Lego League (FLL) robotics teamin Morgantown, W.Va. For the second year running, the team took first place for researchpresentations at the FLL competition at Wheeling-Jesuit University.

The league supports STEM education by introducing studentsages 9-14 to real-world engineering challenges. The VirtualVikings explored the use of sensors and LED lights in helmets to detect if physical contact received by individuals warrants further evaluation for possible concussions.

JUSTIN BARRONER, director of the professionalgolf management (PGM) program, and VanessaMacKinnon, PGM internship coordinator, accompanied more than 40 students to the2011 PGA of America Merchandise Show andConference in Orlando, Fla.

The conference gives PGM students the chance to take part in industry-specific product training, educational seminars and networking events. They also can interview for internships or full-time employment.

DR. WILLIAM BIDDINGTON continues to serve Cal U as chair of the University CurriculumCommittee and as the NCAA faculty athleticrepresentative for the University.

A professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies, he teaches in Exercise

Science and Health Promotion programs through Global Online.Biddington is a member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society Hall of Fame and served as a commissioner for CAATE,the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education,from 2008-2011.

California University of PennsylvaniaThe College of Education and Human Services250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419-1394Phone: 724-938-4125Fax: 724-938-4346

www.calu.edu

A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Integrity, Civility, Responsibility

Cal U seeks NCATE reaccreditation

Cal U graduates who are certifiedteachers in Pennsylvania enjoy the benefit of having earned

their degree at a university accreditedby NCATE, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.

NCATE accreditation assures that allprograms, including those in the contentarea of the certification, meet national standards. The University earned its initialNCATE accreditation in 1954, making this the longest-standing accreditation at Cal U.

Renewing NCATE accreditation is atwo-step process that continues over a seven-year cycle.

College personnel currently are composing the Special Program Area reports, due this spring, that lead to nationalrecognition for Cal U’s specific programs.

Two years after that, they will seekNCATE accreditation for the University and the “Unit,” which encompasses

departments and programs, both undergraduate and graduate, in all three of Cal U’s Colleges — the College of Education and Human Services, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Eberly College of Science and Technology.

The ad hoc NCATE Executive Committeewill assist in preparing and submitting the Special Program Area and NCATE reports. Members and their roles are: Dr. Kevin Koury, chair; Dr. Daniel Engstrom,coordinator; Dr. Connie Monroe, data-based decisions and operations; Dr. HollyDiehl, collaboration with schools; Dr. LauraHummel, clinical field experiences; and Dr. Silvia Braidic, advanced programs.

Since Cal U received its most recentNCATE accreditation, Engstrom has been regularly establishing, revising andcontinuing program components basedon data collected from key assessment instruments. Faculty members meet oncea year on TEAM Day to review the data

and to make recommendations for Unit or program modifications.

The continuous nature of the data-based operations and program adjustments enables the TEAM Day activities to provide continuous improvement in both the Unit and the programs offered at Cal U.

Continuous review also is mandatedby the numerous changes arisingfrom the Pennsylvania Department ofEducation. For example, there are newcertification requirements in all programsbecause of the Elementary and SecondarySchools Act, also known as “No Child Left Behind” — federal legislation administered by the commonwealththrough its Education Department.

Compliance with federal and commonwealth directives requires both the College’s governance and executive committees to pursuecontinuous improvement, as well. �

C

alumni calendar


Oct. 18Take your seat and enjoy a Cal U tradition — aconcert by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra! A pre symphony reception at 6:45 p.m. in the KaraAlumni House supports the Alumni Scholarship Annual Fund. At 8 p.m., the PSO makes its 17thannual appearance in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.

Oct. 21Members of the Class of 1962 meet for lunch at noon in the Kara Alumni House and plan fornext summer’s Pioneer Dinner.

The annual Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet,honoring alumni sports standouts, begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Performance Center, inside theNatali Student Center.

The Young Alumni Advisory Council meets at 6 p.m.in the first-floor conference room at the KaraAlumni House.

The Industrial Arts/Tech Ed Society holds its eighthannual meeting at 7 p.m. in the Booker GreatRoom at the Kara Alumni House.

Join graduates from 2000-2011 for a Young AlumniDecade Reunion celebration at Lagerheads, in CoalCenter, Pa. Head upstairs to the second-floor party

room for a special reception honoring these class years at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 22The Alumni Association Board of Directors meetsat 9 a.m. in the Kara Alumni House.

1980s graduates hold their Decade Celebrationand Reunion Breakfast at 10 a.m. in the SycamoreBistro, inside Herron Hall. The festivities highlightthe Class of 1986.

The President’s Circle Brunch begins at 10 a.m. in the Grand Hall, inside Old Main.

Family activities continue from 10 a.m. to noon on campus.

The annual Homecoming Parade steps off at noon,led by grand marshals Tim Gorske ’62 and FritzRetsch ’62. See the floats, enjoy the bands andcheer on our alumni and students.

The Vulcan Huddle Tailgate starts at 1:30 p.m. inRoadman Park, with a special section and giveawaysfor 1980s graduates and alumni from 2000-2011.

The Vulcan football team faces Mercyhurst; kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. in Adamson Stadium.

SEPTEMBERYoung Alumni happy hour and business card exchange — Sept. 16Catch up with Erin Wall ’06 and other recent grad-uates from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bossa Nova in Pittsburgh. Bring your business card and do some networking!

‘Cal Gals’ alumni gathering — Sept. 22Retired schoolteachers from the area get togetherfor lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Kara Alumni House. The ‘Cal Gals’ meet twice a year to socialize andreminisce as they raise scholarship funds for Cal U education majors.

NOVEMBERTEEAP conference — Nov. 3Cal U alumni reconnect at the annual Technology& Engineering Education Association of Pennsylvania

(TEEAP) conference in Harrisburg, Pa. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N. Cameron St.

OCTOBERCal U Army ROTC Reunion — Oct. 7Cal U ROTC alumni from all commissioningclasses muster for dinner at 6 p.m. in the KaraAlumni House. Professors of military science, senior

military instructors and their special guests alsomay attend. For details, contact Robert Prah inthe Office of Veterans Affairs at 724-938-4076 or [email protected].

CAL U HOMECOMING: “Around the World” – Oct. 18-22There’s no place in the world quite like California, so join us for an array of alumni activities culminating in the 2011 Homecoming celebration and parade.

Cal U vs. IUP Pittsburgh Party — Oct. 29 Calling all Vulcan football fans: Let’s pack the roomand cheer our team on to victory while minglingwith fans from IUP. Join us for the 1 p.m. kickoff at a

North Shore venue in Pittsburgh. (Check the alumniwebsite or your e-mail for up-to-date information onthe location.) We want Vulcan fans to outnumber fansof the Crimson Hawks as we watch the big game!

To register for any of these events, or for more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations [email protected] or 724-938-4418. Look for more information on these events and activities on Facebook(www.Facebook.com/CalUalumni), or follow @CalUofPA on Twitter.

SAVE THE DATE!Alumni Weekend — June 1-2, 2012Make plans to attend the 2012 Alumni Weekend.Festivities include the Pioneer Reunion Dinner,

honoring the Classes of 1962 and 1987, and the19th annual President’s Gala. The Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors holds its annual election meetingthis weekend, as well.

VULCAN HUDDLE 2011 Cal U celebrates its football tradition each week, whetherthe Vulcans are at home or onthe road. Join the Vulcan Huddlefor music, prizes and Vulcanfootball — it’s fun for all ages!At home, the Vulcan Huddle islocated at the Roadman Parkpavilions; on the road, look forthe Vulcan Huddle in or near theopposing team’s stadium lot.For details, contact the Office of Alumni Relations & Annual Fund at [email protected] 724-938-4418.

SEPT. 1 vs. ST. CLOUD STATEVulcan Huddle at 5 p.m., kickoff at 7 p.m.

SEPT. 10 vs. C.W. POST Vulcan Huddle at 1:30 p.m.,kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

SEPT. 17 vs. EAST STROUDSBURGVulcan Huddle at 4 p.m., kickoff at 6 p.m.

SEPT. 24 vs. CLARION(Family Day) Vulcan Huddle at1:30 p.m., kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

OCT. 1 vs. LOCK HAVEN Vulcan Huddle at 5:30 p.m.,kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 8 vs. GANNONVulcan Huddle at 1:30 p.m.,kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

OCT. 15 vs. SLIPPERY ROCKVulcan Huddle at noon, kickoff at 2 p.m.

OCT. 22 vs. MERCYHURST (Homecoming) Vulcan Huddleat 1:30 p.m., featuring YoungAlumni reunion (Classes of2006-2011), 1980s reunion, andAfrican American Alumni Societygathering; kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

OCT. 29 vs. IUPVulcan Huddle 11 a.m., or joinus on Pittsburgh’s North Shore;kickoff at 1 p.m.

NOV. 5 vs. EDINBOROVulcan Huddle at 1:30 p.m.,kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 vs. Cheyney or PSAC ChampionshipWatch for details!

Home Games

Away Games

ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T

Security specialist makes time to mentor

Mark Camillo ’76 travels the globe as a law enforcement and security

professional. He is currently senior vicepresident of strategic planning for Contemporary Services Corp. (CSC),the world’s largest event security firm,and president of Apex Security Group, an affiliated executive security company.

A special agent with the U.S. SecretService for more than 20 years, Camilloprotected four U.S. presidents duringthree White House assignments, including a stint as head of the WhiteHouse Security Branch.

He also held positions with LockheedMartin Corp., directing public safety and homeland security initiatives.

Camillo’s emergency preparednessand security expertise has led him to key roles with major events. For example,he led security for the 2002 Salt LakeWinter Olympics, where he oversaw2,500 personnel and managed budgetstotalling more than $60 million.

His current role points to his

national reputation for professional excellence. And he credits his educationdegree from Cal U’s industrial arts program with providing the platform to launch his career.

“I learned how to organize and deliver information as a teacher,” saysCamillo, a Pittsburgh native who nowlives near Washington, D.C.

He says he translated the teaching,technical and graphic skills he learned at Cal U into his first position with theSecret Service Philadelphia Field Office,where in 1982 he began working oncounterfeit currency and other criminalinvestigations.

Today Camillo supports national andinternational security projects for CSCand serves industry and professionalgroups. He’s a part of Cal U’s HomelandSecurity Advisory Board and a registeredCareer Coach at Cal U.

The Career Coach program matchesCal U students with alumni or friends of the University, one-to-one, with

the goal of advancing the student’s professional development.

“Everyone should have a passion,and mine is now to mentor and coachyoung professionals,” he says.

To learn more about Cal U’s CareerCoach program, visit www.calu.eduand search for “Career Coach.”


Kelly Linn ’83, ’86 arrived at West Overton Museums with a

powerful proposal. The new director recommended closing and restructuringthe historic site in Scottdale, Pa.

The village, which spans 40 acres, includes 18 significant buildings constructed between 1801 and 1867.

“The exhibitions were dated, and the

museums had drifted from the originalintent of sharing the history of the regionand people who lived there,” says Linn.

She plans to add exhibits and collections never before seen to explainWest Overton’s 19th-century evolutionfrom an agriculture-based settlement to a self-sufficient industrial village withroles in the region’s coal and coke booms.

Linn has a master’s degree in socialscience and cultural resource manage-ment and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and archeology, both from Cal U, plus 27 years of experienceto help make the vision a reality.

She most recently oversaw therestoration of the Fort Pitt Block House, a National Historic Landmark in Pitts-burgh’s Point State Park. Her backgroundalso includes preparing preservation assessments and reports.

Linn, 49, already is at work at West

Overton, which is closed during the renovation.

The distillery building, she says, can interpret not only whiskey-makingbut also why the location first held agrist mill, and how technology used after the Whiskey Rebellion created anew regional industry.

The house museum and outbuildingsthroughout the West Overton propertycan better tell the story of the Overholtand Frick families and local workers.

And volunteers can help. “Who wouldn’t want to crawl through

a dusty attic or outbuilding and see whatwe have hidden?” Linn asks. “This placewill be a beehive of activity for a year.”

Cal U alumni who are interested helpingonsite or with online research from homeshould contact Kelly Linn at West OvertonMuseums, 724-887-7910. �

DiRECTOR REViTalizing wEST OVERTOn MUSEUMS

Mark Camillo ‘76 at the 2002 Olympics.

Kelly Linn ‘83, ‘86 at West Overton. By Colleen C. Durda, a Pittsburgh-based writer

A member of the Cal U faculty since 1987, Komacek is a professor of technology education whocurrently serves as associate provost and interim associate vice president for academic affairs. Before joining the Provost’s Office, he was chair of the Department of Applied Engineering andTechnology for 13 years. Komacek has made more than 100 conference presentations and authored 44 publications, including four textbooks. His research projects include the RoboticsTechnology Workforce Leadership Project and the Governor’s Institute for Technology Education.Komacek’s long history with the University includes pitching and playing first base for the Vulcan baseball team, which won the 1979 PSAC championship.

Dr. Stanley A. Komacek ’80

John R. Gregg Award for Loyalty and Service

Dr. Kate Mitchem

The C. B. Wilson Distinguished FacultyAward

Margaret Lappan Green ’70The W. S. JackmanAward of Distinction

Dave Robey ’77

The Michael DudaAward for AthleticAchievement

Dr. Emily Sweitzer ’92, ’93

The Pavlak/Shutsy Special Service Award

Fred Gladney ’71

The Professional Excellence Award

Oliver Comstock ’08

The Young Alumni Award

Adele Lynn ’74

Meritorious Award

2011 ALUMN I AS SOC IAT ION AWARD OF DI S T INCT ION HONOREE S

A professor of special education, Mitchem is the inaugural recipient of the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust Endowed Chair in Education at Cal U. She is a past chair of the Department ofSpecial Education (now the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education) and coordinatorof the autism conference held regularly at the University. Mitchem’s research interests include the use of software to support learners in school and in higher education. She is past president of the West Virginia Council for Exceptional Children, co-editor of Rural Special Education Quarterly and the recipient of several grants from the U.S. Department of Education.

A registered dental hygienist, Green has been active for more than 40 years as a clinician, educator,researcher, advocate and administrator in an array of settings. A past president of the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA), she is recognized nationally for her leadership in establishingdental hygienists as key players in promoting good oral health, and she has traveled internationallyto help position the ADHA as an international public health resource. An adjunct professor at Old Dominion University in Virginia, Green has contributed to a number of scientific and professionaljournals, lectured across the country, presented papers at national and international symposiums,and received numerous awards

Vulcan football fans remember Robey as a standout defensive end and tackle. A two-time all-conference and all-NAIA District 18 selection, he appeared in the 1975 edition of Best CollegeFootball Players in America. He attended National Football League training camps with both thePhiladelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Colts, and he played with the Pittsburgh Colts semi-proteam and the Saskatchewan Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League. Robey was inductedinto Cal U’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. Today he is the western regional vice president forPassport Health Communications, which provides business and payment software and solutionsfor health care providers.

An associate professor of justice and behavioral crime, Sweitzer is chair of the Department of Justice,Law and Society and director of the department’s Justice Studies program. She has completedpost-baccalaureate training in forensic science and law, and has trained with the FBI’s BehavioralScience Unit. Before coming to Cal U she worked as a family therapist, school psychologist andassistant school principal. Widely published, Sweitzer consults with several school districts on violence prevention, bullying and positive social development. She serves as secretary of the International Society for the Exploration of Teaching and Learning, an editorial board member for Scientific Journals International, and regional editor of Maxwell Scientific International.

Gladney is a business executive with nearly 40 years of general management, operations andsales leadership experience. He is the owner of Trinity Consulting, a sales and management consulting firm. An entrepreneur, he was founder and CEO of CWG, a software developmentfirm, and has been at the helm of a number of successful real estate and Internet marketing ventures. Earlier in his career Gladney was a corporate executive in the information technologysector, working at IBM and Compaq Computer, now part of Hewlett Packard. He also was amember of the leadership team at Isearch.com and senior vice president of Pittsburgh-based Development Dimensions International.

For the past year Comstock has been an account executive at RJE Business Interiors, an Indianapolis-based company that sells office furniture. A specialist at working within a budget and delivering innovative solutions to everyday problems, he joined RJE after working as directorof sales at Funke Fine Arts of Cincinnati, Ohio. Comstock landed the job at Funke even before he graduated from Cal U, and he achieved a 17.5 percent increase in sales during his final fiscalyear at the company. While a student at Cal U, Comstock also was owner of the Karma Caféhookah lounge and Internet sales manager at Cerra Automotive.

Lynn is the founder and owner of The Adele Lynn Leadership Group (formerly Lynn Learning Labs),an international consulting and training firm whose clients include many Fortune 500 names.Her business in North America focuses on helping organizations forge trusting relationships andimprove productivity and quality through improvements in emotional intelligence and workplacetrust. The author of six books published in nine languages, Lynn lectures at universities through-out the United States and is a frequent guest on radio and TV talk shows. She also has developedA Different Kind of Smart — Applying Emotional Intelligence at Work, a training and certification program for trainers and coaches. SUMMER 2011 � CAL U REVIEW 21

CAMPUS C L I P S

new chair leads Council of Trustees

Robert J. Irey has been elected chair of the California UniversityCouncil of Trustees.

A member of thecouncil since 2003, Ireysucceeds Leo Krantz, whostepped down June 1after completing twoterms as chair.

Irey opened his firstmeeting as chair by thanking Krantz “forhis outstanding work here at the Universityand at the state level with PACT,” thePennsylvania Association of Councils ofTrustees. Krantz will continue as a Cal UTrustee and as president of PACT.

The former CEO of CLI Corp., Irey isnow a business development managerwith Glacial Energy Corp., a national retailenergy marketer selling electricity and natural gas to commercial, industrial, andinstitutional customers in states wherederegulation has been legislated.

Justice professor ‘Connecting Cops & kids’

Dr. Emily M.Sweitzer, chair of theDepartment of Justice,Law, and Society, hasbeen invited to serveas a master trainer for a national program, “One on

One, Connecting Cops & Kids.” The Fred Rogers Co., named for the

star of television’s long-running children’sprogram Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,was awarded a national grant to sponsorthe program through the U.S. Departmentof Justice.

Sweitzer, an associate professor ofjustice and behavioral crime, explainedthat a law enforcement officer and achild development specialist team-teachthis program to members of lawenforcement agencies.

The goal is to help police identifywith children and understand their developmental perspective with regardto policing and community agencies.

Sweitzer was asked to be a part of


Pulling rankDr. Michael Hummel (right) pins agold bar to the uniform of his son,Joseph Hummel, signifying theyounger man’s new rank of secondlieutenant in the U.S. Army. JosephHummel was one of six ROTCcadets commissioned at a ceremonyin Steele Hall this spring. The elderHummel, a retired Army officer anddirector of Cal U’s Linda and HarrySerene Leadership Institute, was the keynote speaker at the event. Also commissioned as second lieutenants were Cal U cadetsZachary Drysdale, Konrad Kearcher,Nicholas Messina and David SchottJr., and cadet James Cooper, whoattends the University of Pittsburghat Greensburg.

the program because of her background and experience in both psychology andcriminal justice.

Research describedin naSa report

The work of faculty member Jeff Sumey, studentNathan Wright and other Cal U researchers is includedin the NASA GoddardSpace Flight Center

Wallops Flight Facility and Marine ScienceConsortium Research Collaboration Annual Report 2011.

Their work at the NASA research facility, on Virginia’s eastern shore, focuses on kite-based imaging. The AerialData Collector And Reporter (ADCAR)project is designed to show that usingkites and commercially available components, rather than more expensiveunmanned aerial sensors, can reduce thecost of collecting data from the air.

Sumey and Wright worked closelywith scientists at the facility to developand test a kite-based aerial data collectionsystem. Testing was scheduled for Aprilthrough June, according to the report,with documentation and demonstrationsplanned for July and August.

Sumey is an associate professor in theDepartment of Applied Engineering and

Technology at Cal U. Wright is a senior inthe Computer Engineering Technologyprogram.

Others involved in the project includeDr. Thomas R. Mueller, an associate professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, and Cal U student Frederick L.Smith, a geographical information systems(GIS) major.

Say it in SpanishHealth care professionals from the

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center,the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh HealthcareSystem and the Cal U faculty attended“Survival Spanish for Nursing,” a workshopoffered at Cal U’s Southpointe Center.

Andrea Cencich, an instructor in theDepartment of Modern Languages andCultures, presented the workshop with theassistance of three students from the department.

Participants learned about the cultureof the Hispanic/Latino community as it relates to medicine, and they practicedtechniques that health care workers whoare not fluent in Spanish can use to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients and their families.

In addition to workshops, Cal U is servingthe needs of a diverse community withcertificate programs in Spanish for businessand for law enforcement. For more information, visit www.calu.edu/academics/programs and click on “certificates.”

Parking plan marks milestones

Cal U’s managed parking plan is nearingits first anniversary, and Chris Johnston’90, director of the Office of Parking andTransportation, reports considerable successduring the 2010-2011 academic year.

“The overall change in culture has reduced traffic on campus, increasedpedestrian safety, and significantly increased the transportation options forstudents, staff and faculty,” he says.

Johnston cites these milestones:• More than 3,550 parking permits were sold and 100 temporary permits issued.

• The Vulcan Flyer shuttle averaged 931 passenger-rides per day when classes were in session, for a total of 152,450 passenger-rides during the academic year.

• The Vulcan Flyers ran on time, arriving within 10 minutes during peak hours 97percent of the time, and within 15 minutes during off-peak hours 98 percentof the time. “Because of this level of service, people have come to rely on theVulcan Flyers to get them from places such as Vulcan Village to the main campus,” Johnston says.

• All buses have been equipped with Wi-Fiand AM/FM radio, and the Nextbus system has been deployed so riders can track the shuttle’s arrival online or on a smart phone.

The parking system accommodatedmore than 285 special events, and campus guests have made good use of theVulcan Garage. The average number ofdaily visitors exceeds 400; the average ratepaid is $3.80.

Beginning this fall, Johnston says, allCampus Loop and Vulcan Flyer shuttleswill be equipped with bike racks, andmore bicycle parking will be available oncampus. A new shelter will be installed atThird and Hickory streets, and the Mid-MonValley Transit Authority will expand its Valley 2 run to offer more frequent shopping opportunities in Belle Vernon.

Four Cal U professors have joinedthe list of Faculty Merit Award winners.

Presented annually by the sub-committees of the Faculty ProfessionalDevelopment Committee (FPDC), theawards recognize Cal U professors whoare engaged in exceptional research,committed to teaching, using grants and contracts, devoted to service or exploring cutting-edge technology.

This year’s winners are Dr. John Confer,assistant professor in the Department ofEarth Sciences, for research; Dr. CherylHettman, chair of the Department of Nursing, for service and service-learning;Dr. Margo Wilson, associate professor inthe English Department, for technology;and Dr. Carol Bocetti, associate professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, for teaching and learning.

In addition to a plaque, each recipient

received a $1,000 award and was recognized at Commencement. The monetary awards can be used for professional activity such as travel, supplies, equipment, books or periodicals,publications, or professional memberships.

Dr. David Argent, of the Department ofBiological and Environmental Sciences, received the Robert A. Vargo LifetimeAchievement Award. He will have a graduateassistant for the coming year and funds totravel to a professional event held in theUnited States.

“There are many good things going on within the University,” said President Angelo Armenti, Jr., “and I believe theFPDC is the jewel in the crown of CaliforniaUniversity’s excellence.”

Co-chairs of the FPCD for 2010-2011were Dr. Ali Sezer and Dr. Craig Smith. Dr. Kurt Kearcher is coordinator of the Faculty Center.

Final Field DayKiley Turner, who is studying early childhood education, holds a baby foxfor children to pet at the final Family FieldDay presented by Cal U and made possibleby a grant from PNC Grow Up Great with Science. During the past two years, a series of Family Field Day workshopshave given young children hands-on experiences outdoors and introducedthem to basic principles of science. The final event, with an ‘Animals’ theme,involved more than 400 families, 60 HeadStart teachers and more than 100 Cal Ustudents. Joining the University as partnersin the project were The Private IndustryCouncil of Westmoreland/Fayette County,Ohiopyle State Park and the PittsburghAssociation for the Education of YoungChildren.

Award WinnersAmong those at the FacultyMerit Award presentationwere (from left) Dr. Ali Sezer,Dr. Margo Wilson, PresidentAngelo Armenti, Jr., Dr. CarolBocetti, Provost GeraldineJones, Dr. John Confer andDr. Craig Smith. Dr. CherylHettman (inset) also receivedan award.


Four accept Faculty Merit awards

Armand and Edna Molinaro werefixtures in the tiny village of Star Junction, Pa.

The couple owned and operated Armand’s Corner Grocery Store, locatedat Old Route 51 and Main Street, from1942 to 1967, when the couple retired to Florida.

Armand Molinaro, who immigratedto the United States from Lenola, Italy,on July 3, 1920, also was the “communityshoemaker” in Star Junction, which isnear Perryopolis. He opened Armand’s, a shoe-repair store on Third Street in California, Pa., around 1950.

In memory of the couple — Armanddied in 1995, and Edna in 2009 — theirfamily has established the Armand andEdna Molinaro Family Scholarship Fund.

The award will be given to studentsfrom Star Junction or the Frazier SchoolDistrict who will be majoring in educationat California University of Pennsylvania.

The scholarship was established bythe Molinaros’ son-in-law Fred Fleming’54 and daughter Joanna Molinaro WhiteThomas. The couple’s other daughter,Norma Molinaro Fleming, passed awayin 2002.

“Edna and Armand were special people,” says Fred Fleming, who studiedhistory and social studies at Cal U. “They would be tickled to know thisscholarship has been established.”

Although they believed in education,neither Armand nor Edna Molinaromade it past eighth grade.

“They were self-taught,” Fred Flemingsays. “Armand was a hard-workingprovider for his family, and he took special pride in his American citizenship.Edna would read a book a week.”

Yet both daughters attended post-secondary schools, and many in their-family chose careers in education.

Norma Fleming enjoyed a successfulteaching career in the Broward County(Fla.) Public Schools. Fred Fleming alsowas a teacher, and so are three of theMolinaros’ grandchildren — Norma Rae,Scott and Carrie. Joanna, too, pursued a post-secondary education, attendingbusiness school before moving to West Palm Beach, Fla.

“Education is something Armand and Edna really admired,” recalls FredFleming, who also worked for theBroward County Public Schools. “Theywould be delighted to pay it forward.”

Cal U alumna Kelly Lombard ’01, ’06is the principal of Frazier High School. Shesays scholarships like this one are vitallyimportant to students in her district.

“Scholarships are definitely appreci-ated and needed with the rising costs ofpost-secondary education and the stateof our local economy,” she says.

“We do our best to prepare all Frazierstudents for the opportunity to attendpost-secondary education if they so desire. Fifty-seven percent of our graduating class will be attending eithera two-year or four-year college or universitythis fall. However, the majority of thesestudents will require financial aid to finance their education.

“Scholarships definitely help the students and their families manage the financial burden to further one’s education.”

Fred Fleming says his in-laws wouldhave been gratified to help students fromFrazier. The school district, and especiallyStar Junction, hold a special place in thehearts of the entire family.

Five years before Edna Molinaro died,the family had a reunion, of sorts, backin Star Junction. “So many peopleshowed up and remembered the store,and a lot of their kids are in school now,”Fred Fleming recalls.

“The scholarship awardees won’tknow Edna or Armand, but they canknow it came from people who valuededucation.”

For more information about establishing a school district scholarship, call the Office of University Development and AlumniRelations at 724-938-5775.

Additional information about scholarships,planned giving opportunities and Cal U’s capital campaign, The Campaign to BuildCharacter and Careers, is online atwww.calu.edu/giving. �

By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

PAYING IT F O R W A R D

SChool diStriCt SCholArShip honorS ‘SpeCiAl people’

Family photos show (above) Edna and Armand Molinaro at their store and (below) their daughters Joanna MolinaroWhite Thomas (left) and the late Norma Molinaro Fleming.

Edna and Armand Molinaro


SChool diStriCt SCholArShip honorS ‘SpeCiAl people’

CONSTRUCTION

UPDATEA s construction enters its final

phase, the Convocation Center isbecoming a real presence on campus.

The Cal U community is looking forward to the start of basketball season, when the facility is slated toopen its doors. A grand opening eventwill follow.

Through the building’s striking windows and glass curtain-walls,passersby can glimpse workers puttingthe finishing touches on the building’sinterior.

Walls are being painted and floors given a final finish before the last kitchen equipment and athletic gear is moved in.

High-tech video, audio and digitalequipment is ready to be installed, with an eye toward broadcasting

athletic and entertainment events, aswell as servicing the state-of-the-art executive conference center housed in the building’s wings.

“It has been amazing to watch thisConvocation Center take shape,” saysUniversity President Angelo Armenti, Jr.

“This is going to be a magnificentfacility — a source of pride for everyoneat Cal U.”


When “March madness”gripped the nation last spring,a Cal U alumnus suddenly

found himself in the media spotlight.Fans waved signs

reading “Shaka theWorld” as Shaka Smart’01 coached VirginiaCommonwealth University’s men’s basketball team to theNCAA Division I National Final Four.

The Rams, who playin the Colonial AthleticConference, eliminatedfive prominent basketballprograms to become thisyear’s “Cinderella story” during one of the country’s most popular sportingevents.

VCU’s improbable run may havestunned the basketball world, but theyoung coach’s rapid rise to stardomhardly surprised longtime Cal U men’sbasketball coach Bill Brown.

Before he came to Cal U in the summerof 1996, Brown recruited Smart and

coached him thorough his freshmanyear at Kenyon College in Ohio. WhenSmart’s playing days as a starting pointguard were done, Brown fulfilled a

promise and hired Smart asa graduate assistant coachfor the Vulcans.

“He was always maturebeyond his years, verymeticulous and concernedabout details,” Brown says.“Shaka is talented, and anachiever who embraces opportunity.

“His teams play like hedid. They are all about‘we,’ not ‘me.’”

Scholastic standoutSmart was raised by a single mother

in Madison, Wis., who named him aftera famed Zulu warrior. His surnameproved accurate, too: He was accepted at Ivy League powerhouses Harvard, Yale and Brown, but he chose to attendKenyon and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in history.

While working with Coach Brown,

Smart earned a master’s degree in socialscience from Cal U. He might havestayed on with the Vulcans as a part-time coach, but an opportunity came his way at Dayton (Ohio) University, a Division I school.


Smart movesAlumnus Shaka Smart ’01 looks back at his Cinderella season

ÔÔhis teams play

like he did.

they are all

about ‘we,’

not ‘me.’

ÕÕCAl u

men’S bASketbAll CoACh

bill broWn

Smart calls plays on the sidelines.

Virginia Commonwealth Universitycoach Shaka Smart celebrates the winover Florida State in the 2011 NCAADivision I men's basketball nationalsemifinals round.

“I really did not want to leave Cal,but Coach Brown said I had a chance to be a Division I head coach — but Ihad to get in at that level,” Smart says. “That was the push I needed.”

Brown jokes that the push was almost physical. “I could not be thatselfish to keep him, but I practically had to push him out the door becauseof his loyalty.”

After Dayton, Smart’s obvious passion for the game and affinity forcoaching took him to assistant coaches’jobs at Akron, Clemson and Florida universities. In 2009, VCU’s offer of ahead coaching position convinced himto leave two-time national championBilly Donovan’s staff in Florida.

Smart credits his early days on theCal U sidelines with setting him on theright path.

“When you start coaching, your firstseveral years are really formative,” hesays. “I can’t think of a better place thanCal and a better person than CoachBrown to learn under.

“At Cal U, I was a graduate assistantcoach, but I was involved with coaching,scouting and recruiting. We only hadone full-time assistant, so I was includedin everything. I tried to be like a spongeand just soak it all in.“

Moving to Cal U from Division IIIKenyon, a small liberal arts college, was an adjustment, Smart recalls, butBrown served as a mentor.

“He’s the best, and truly one of themost significant figures in my life. Ithink I speak for a lot of his former playerswhen I say that. And to be reunited withhim at Cal was special. He taught me so much about basketball and life. ”

The warm, family atmosphere at Cal U also helped with his transition.Athletic academic adviser Dr. A.P. McGrew,now an emeritus professor, took Smartunder his wing, and President AngeloArmenti, Jr. always showed support forhim and the Vulcans.

“That set the tone for me,” Smartsays, “because when the president of auniversity, with all that’s on his plate,takes the time to talk to a graduate assistant and express an interest, itmakes you feel part of something muchbigger than yourself.”

March brillianceAt 34, Smart was the 10th youngest

coach in Division I when he was hired

at VCU in 2009. He promptly guidedthe Rams to a 27-10 overall record andthe College Basketball InvitationalChampionship.

This year, VCU defeated perennialpowers Southern California, George-town, Purdue, Florida State and top-seedKansas before falling to Butler in thesemifinals of the NCAA tournament.

With each VCU victory, the mediaattention on the team and its coach increased. Smart was featured on CBSEvening News and seemingly every U.S.newspaper with a sports section.

“It was definitely a blur through themonth of March, because so much wenton, “ Smart says, looking back. “Weplayed in so many different locations,but our guys did a phenomenal job ofbeing in the moment. It was pretty easyfor us as coaches to follow suit.”

Every collegiate basketball coachdreams of reaching the Final Four, Smartadds.

“People always tell you it’s way moreabout the journey than it is about thedestination,” he says.

“That journey we went on during thecourse of three weeks was just a specialtime — something very few coaches getthe opportunity to experience. You can’tscript when something like this willhappen. I am most proud of the togetherness we showed and the way we went about it.”

Shortly after the magical seasonended for the Rams, Smart signed aneight-year contract with VCU. He says

he hopes to coach for a long time —and he believes his education helps him to succeed on the court.

“I think I am using my degrees now,because as a coach you’re a lot of thingsrolled into one. First and foremostyou’re a teacher, and I’ve always wantedto help young people.”

Brown, who watched the Final Fourfrom a front-row seat in Houston, saidSmart’s former teammates admit he wasalways a little sharper than the rest. Atcoaching conventions Smart is easy tospot, Brown says, because he’s the onewearing a suit.

“He stands out in a crowd becausehe is always representing, always a professional, and he makes people better.I am proud, because he’s always beengrounded and never forgotten where hecame from or the people he’s knownalong the way.

“Shaka is the epitome of a Vulcan.He would be successful in anything hewants to do.” �

Smart movesAlumnus Shaka Smart ’01 looks back at his Cinderella season


VCU coach Shaka Smart celebrates winning the Southwest Regional Final in the 2011 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. VCU photos/Scott K. Brown

Smart ‘embraces opportunity.’


SPORTS R O U N D U P

TennisAfter winning its fifth consecutive

PSAC and NCAA Division II AtlanticRegion titles, the women’s tennis teamadvanced to the national quarterfinalsfor the fourth time in five years.

The team finished the season with a 22-8 overall record and a No. 12 ranking in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Top 50.

Junior Annabel Pieschi, the 2011PSAC Athlete of the Year, led the Vulcans with 28 victories in singlescompetition and teamed with sophomore Jade Pondicas to win 25 doubles matches.

Both received all-conference honors, along with junior FranziskaSteinhardt.

Head coach Pablo Montana (187-57) was named PSAC-West Coach of the Year for the fifth timein eight seasons.

GolfReaching two program-best mile-

stones, the women’s golf team ended its season with a second-place finish atthe NCAA Division II Super RegionalOne contest and a seventh-place showing at the NCAA D-II NationalChampionship Tournament.

Individually, junior Dianne Lukefinished the season tied for sixth in thenation — her third consecutive finish

in the top 25 — and was named a first-team All-American.

Sophomore Maria Lopez, who finished in a tie for 36th, was Cal U’s next-best finisher.

This fall, Cal U will shoot for its fourth straight PSAC team championship under the directionof coach MerriLyn Gibbs, who wasnamed PSAC Coach of the Year for the 2010-2011 season.

The men's golf team, under the direction of fourth-year head coachPeter Coughlin, finished in 10th placeat the NCAA Atlantic/East RegionChampionships for the second consecutive year.

The best individual performancescame from junior Paul Babashanian(tied for 28th) and sophomore JustinNewbauer (43rd).

Before the post-season, the Vulcanschalked up strong third-place finishesat the Concord (W.Va.) and CarnegieMellon invitationals.


ThREE naTiOnal aPPEaRanCES TOP OFF SPRing SEaSOnthe Vulcans capped off the 2011 spring sports season with appearances at three nCAA

national championships, competing against the division ii best in women’s tennis and

golf, and men’s track and field. impressive finishes by the Vulcan softball, baseball

and men’s golf teams also made the season one to remember.

Annabel Pieschi

Dianne Luke



SoftballFor the 21st time in 22 years, the

Vulcan softball team competed in the NCAA Division II Tournament.

The team finished its season with a 29-14 overall record and won the division crown with a 12-2 mark. Thiswas the team’s 14th PSAC-West titleunder head coach Rick Bertagnolli.

Junior shortstop Jillian Russellrepeated as PSAC-West Player of theYear. Named a third-team All-American,she tied the single-season school homerun mark with 14.

Second baseman Shelby Lia wasnamed the PSAC-West Freshman of the Year.

Bertagnolli was awarded Coach of the Year honors for the third consecutive season. He has won the title 11 times in all.

Track and fieldTrailing the national winner by

just a one-hundredth of a second, junior Brice Myers finished second inthe 110-meter hurdles at the NCAA Division II Track and Field Champion-ships. His time of 14.03 seconds was a personal best.

Myers’ performance made him Cal U’s first five-time All-American. In addition to a previous All-Americanfinish in the 110-meter hurdles, heholds three previous national finishesin the 60-meter indoor hurdles.

Also competing at Nationals for thesecond consecutive season was juniorAlex Smith, who earned a berth byplacing second in the 800-meter run

at the PSAC finals. Another standout on the men’s

team, senior Matt Kroetch, becameonly the fourth Vulcan ever to win the PSAC championship in the 10,000-meter run.

On the women’s side, freshmanMonique Sims led Cal U at the conference meet by finishing second inthe 100-meter race and third in the200-meter. She received PSAC Freshman of the Year honors for boththe indoor and outdoor seasons.

Sophomore high-jumper AmberSaunders and the 4x400-meter team of Shakeria Love, Sandy Estep, JericaSnedden and Katurrah Hayman-Alstonachieved third-place finishes at thePSAC contest.

BaseballThe Vulcan baseball team ended its

season with a 30-18 overall record ashead coach Mike Conte led the team to its 11th PSAC playoff appearanceduring his 15-year tenure.

Junior pitcher Randy Sturgill wasnamed PSAC-West Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive season. Hebroke the single-season school recordsfor wins and strikeouts in 2011, whilealso establishing a new all-time schoolrecord for wins.

Sturgill led the conference with 84.2innings pitched and 107 strikeouts,

while tying for the league lead with 10 victories. He finished the season with a 10-2 record and two saves in 14 appearances (12 starts).

Joining him on the all-conferencefirst team was sophomore infielder/pitcher Sean Welsh, who batted .320with 10 stolen bases and had a 2.95earned-run average on the mound.

Dixon TrophyCal U finished the year at No. 3

in the PSAC Dixon Trophy standings, with 147.5 points.

Last year’s winner, Shippensburg,earned the trophy this year for a league-record seventh time, with arecord-setting 166 points.

Following Shippensburg in thestandings was IUP, with 150.5 points.Kutztown placed fourth with 146.5points, and Slippery Rock (145.5)rounded out the top five.

The Dixon Trophy has beenawarded annually since the 1995-1996academic year to a PSAC institutionwhose athletic program earns the best overall finish in the conferencechampionships and/or regular-seasonplay. The final standings are based on a school’s best 12 finishes, in sixmen’s and six women’s sports.

Cal U won the title in 2008-2009and finished second last year. This is the fourth consecutive year that the program has placed among the top three.

Brice Meyers

Randy Sturgill

Jillian Russell


P L A N N E D G I V I N G

Estate planning might be the last thing on theminds of recent college graduates and those whoare new to their careers, but it may be one of the

best things to “start while it’s simple,” as the saying goes.The first step in most plans can be as easy as checking

a box when you apply for or renew your driver’s license.In Pennsylvania, drivers are asked to make a potentiallyimportant decision about their organ donor status. Making your decision now, and making your wishesknown, could help to ease an emotional moment at anunforeseen time, perhaps in the face of tragedy.

Organ donor status is not the only estate planning decision to be considered. If there are benefit programs at work, employees need to make decisions about life insurance, pension or 401(k) beneficiaries. At any age,there also can be property and other rights to be planned for and relationships to be honored.

Beyond family, a relationship with Cal U is one that might be honored by naming the Foundation forCalifornia University of Pennsylvania as a beneficiary.

Think of estate planning as an opportunity to stateyour personal values or intentions, and then to plan actions based on those wishes. In a time of need, a completed estate plan can help to ease the burden of uncertainty about your wishes and give comfort to othersby providing guidance and a plan for them to follow.

The basic tools of estate planning are the same at everyage, although some are more important at different agesand stages of life. They include:

Your will: Spelling out what should be done with your assets, and who should do it, is better than leaving thosedecisions to the courts. Especially if you have minor children, use this document to name a trusted friend or relative to assume ongoing responsibilities as a guardian.You also might designate a separate, named trustee to have custody of your children’s assets.

Durable financial power of attorney: Through this planning tool you can designate a person to handle your financial or legal affairs if, for any reason, you are incapable of conducting them yourself.

Medical power of attorney:With this document you can appoint a person to make decisions about your medical care should you be unable to communicate.

Living will: Sometimes referred to as an advance medicaldirective, a living will specifies your decision about the use of “heroic measures” to sustain your life should you become incapacitated or fall into a chronicallydegenerative medical condition.

For details about these and other estate planning tools,visit www.calu.edu/giving; choose “Legacy & Planned Giving”from the menu at the left, then look for “Estate Planning Essentials.” You can reach these resources directly by scanningthe QR code on this page.

For more information, contact Gordon Core, director of planned giving, at 724-938-5985 or [email protected]. �

WHETHER YOU’RE YOUNG OR YOUNG AT HEART,MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN


ESTATEPLANNINGSTARTSNOW

60sCarl F. Lander Jr. ’61 is a printer,historian, artist and the author ofBuilders of a Country 1706-1806.The book is illustrated with woodcuts,steel and copper engravings, andline art from his private collectionof books and artwork dating from1844-1927. At Cal U, Carl was on the staff of the Industrial ArtsLeader newspaper, and its editor in 1960. He also was a founder ofthe Lambda Omega chapter of theAlpha Phi Omega service fraternity.Carl and his wife, Ruth Ann ’96,live in West Newton, Pa.

Stephen Marek ’64 is retired. He and his wife, Natalie, live inCoventry, Conn.

Ronald Galley ’65 is retired. He lives in Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Walter DeForest ’65 is retired and living with his wife, Kathleen,in Lago Vista, Texas.

Janice Revetta Mahalko ’68 is retired from Intermediate Unit 1.She and her husband, Nicholas,live in Charleroi, Pa.

70sDr. DawnFredricksonWilson ’70 isthe executive director of professional development forDuval County

Public Schools in Jacksonville, Fla.Dawn was a Sigma Kappa memberand Homecoming queen at Cal U.She is married to U.S. Navy Cmdr.Dennis Wilson ’69, and they livein Green Cove Springs, Fla.

Stephen Duncan ’72 is a retirededucator. He and his wife, DeborahJakubik ’72, live in Newtown, Pa.

Dr. Carol Mitchell ’72, founderand president of Verland, based in Sewickley, Pa., was among thefirst class to be welcomed into theAmerican Network of CommunityOptions and Resources FoundationLegacy Leaders Circle. Twenty-sixpeople were recognized for theircontributions to ANCOR. Verland isa provider of services for individualswith intellectual and physical challenges.

Dr. KathleenR. Kelley ’72,superintendentof theWilliamsportArea SchoolDistrict, hasbeen namedthe 2011 Penn-

sylvania Superintendent of the Yearby the Pennsylvania Association ofSchool Administrators. She has beenan administrator since 1978 and superintendent at Williamsport since2006. In 2009, former Gov. EdwardG. Rendell named Williamsport asone of the top 50 school districts inthe state for its improvements over a six-year period. She authorized thedistrict to develop a differentiatedsuper-vision model, which receiveda Blue Ribbon Award from the Penn-sylvania Association for Supervisionand Curriculum Development.

Pam Lutfy ’73, of Dingman Township, was a candidate for Pike County, Pa., commissioner.Pam has been a member of theDelaware Valley School Districtboard of directors for 13 years. She is also on the board of the education service agency ColonialIntermediate Unit 20. She is a Pike-Monroe legislative regional coordinator for the PennsylvaniaSchool Boards Association and aFederal Relations Network memberof the National School Boards Association. Pam is founder and executive director of The SunshineStation Early Learning Center andformer co-owner of the Tom QuickInn along with her husband, Richard.

Henry Heer ’73 lives in Green CoveSprings, Fla.

Connie Williams Evans ’74 washonored as district educator of theyear by the New Philadelphia (Ohio)Board of Education. She and herhusband, Scott, live in Lebanon,Ohio, where he is an attorney.

J.R. Watkin ’74, who retired in2009 as a biology teacher after 35 years in the Southern HuntingdonSchool District, received his recreational pilot’s license on May 21.Earning this license had been a goalfor J.R. since the ’70s. Pictured are a Federal Aviation Administration official, J.R. Watkin and Hugo Bartel, a certified flight instructor.The Cessna 150 that J.R. flies is in the background. He is married to Kim, whom he credits for supporting this goal.

Rick Creehan ’76 has been namedpresident of Alderson-BroaddusCollege in Philippi, W.Va. Since2005, he had served as executivevice president at Adrian Collegein Michigan. He also was the athletic director and baseball coach at Allegheny College inMeadville, Pa., and athletic director at Washington & JeffersonCollege in Washington, Pa.

Patti Bartus Young ’77 and herhusband, Alan, live in Troy, N.C.

80sSusan-Helene Syrko ’80 lives inWoodbridge, Va. She works forThe Home Depot.

Jeff Zigray ’80 was a candidate for Kingwood (W.Va.) City Council.

Paul Stacklin ’82 is a teacher with the Tyndale Education Group.He lives in Tangerang, Indonesia,with his wife, Susylianti Soedjarwo.At Cal U he was circulation manager of the Cal Times anddrew a cartoon, “Paul’s Case,”that appeared in each edition.

Chris Warkala ’82 is manager of apartments and houses forgraduate students and faculty atPrinceton University. He also is onthe board of trustees for Habitatfor Humanity in Trenton, N.J. Hiswife, Sharon Benedetti Warkala’82, also works at Princeton University as assistant manager of the Facilities Contracts Department.

Sherrie Smithwick-Ward ’83 lives in Glendale, Ariz., with herhusband, Peter. At Cal U, she participated in basketball andtrack.

CAL U M I L E S T O N E S

Fantasy camperDr. Roger Angelelli ’64 participated in the 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates Fantasy Camp. His team — with Hall of Fame second baseman BillMazeroski as first-base coach and former pitcher and Pirates announcerSteve Blass as manager — finished second at the camp, which is heldearly each year in Bradenton, Fla.

The fantasy camp participants reunited in June for a game to benefit the construction of a MiracleLeague baseball field, for children with specialneeds, in Upper St. Clair, Pa. On the morning ofJune 4, the team played at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.Roger played catcher for three innings and got one hit. That night, theplayers were featured

during pre-game ceremonies at the Pirates-Phillies game, which drew the largest attendance in the history of the stadium.

While at Cal U, Roger was a catcher for the baseball team and a member of the1962 and 1963 NAIA District 30 champi-onship squads. He serves on the board ofdirectors for the Foundation for CaliforniaUniversity, and he is a past president ofthe Alumni Association. He is married to Lynn ’65.

Corporate philanthropyIn May 2011, the WashingtonCounty Community Foundationhonored the Peacock Keller lawfirm with its inaugural ExcellenceAward for Corporate Philanthropyat the foundation’s annualLegacy Celebration. The awardrecognizes the law firm’s traditionof exemplary giving and community service. The foundationalso announced that the awardwould be named the Charles C.Keller Excellence Award for

Corporate Philanthropy in honor of Peacock Keller senior counsel andCal U alumnus Charles C. Keller ’47. A founding partner of the firm,Keller is well known for his long-standing dedication to communityservice both at home and abroad.

Charles C. Keller ‘47 (left)



Dr. John K. Folmar ’76, ’83, anemeritus faculty member at Cal U,recently spoke at the annual meeting of the WashingtonCounty History and LandmarksFoundation.

Brian L. Crawford ’84 has beenselected as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts at West Liberty University, in Wheeling, W.Va.

Dan Harvey ’85 is the co-owner of Grandville Hollow Pottery in Julian, Pa., with his wife, Lori. The business produces personal-ized stoneware for gift shops nationwide and in two Canadianprovinces.

Amy Jaquette Williams ’86 is director of social services at Hempfield Manor, near Greens-burg, Pa. She and her husband,Rodney, live in Greensburg.

Frank LaScala ’86 is an officemanager at Dupont Circle Physicians Group. He lives inWashington, D.C.

David Lease ’86, a teacher atFranklin High School in Virginia,has been chosen for the UnitedHigh School Wall of Fame inSalem, Ohio. At Cal U, he was afour-year letter winner in footballand and was selected most valu-able player as a receiver in 1986.In 1987, he received the AndyKuzemka Memorial Award for outstanding sportsmanship andplay. He and his wife, Pam, are the parents of daughters Heather,20, and Colby Lou,10.

Sharon Willison ’78, ’86 serves as chief of staff to State Sen. TimSolobay. She and her husband,Bob, reside in Rices Landing, Pa.

Tony Trapuzzano ’87 has joinedBenefit Concepts as regional salesmanager covering the mid-Atlanticregion.

Kathleen Tinker Hopkins ’88works for Reynoldsburg CitySchools. She and her husband,Steve, live in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.At Cal U, she was in the marching,pep and concert bands. She alsowas a member of Theta Phi Alpha.

Kenneth Huether ’89 is a logisticsmanager at Mercom Corp. He livesin Pawleys Island, S.C. He playedfootball at Cal U.

Leisa Conklin ’89 of Vestaburg,Pa., was seeking the Democraticnomination for an at-large seat for the township commissioners in East Bethlehem, Pa. She is theexecutive director of a skilled nursing and rehabilitation transi-tional care unit at a specialty hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa.

90sReynaldo Viray ’90 works in salesfor Carmax. He and his wife, TeodoraNapenas, live in Aberdeen, Md.

Heather Rushmore Koren ’94 is director of curriculum, assistivetechnologies, at SmartEd Services.She and her husband, Chris, live inAvon Lake, Ohio. At Cal U she wasa member of the marching band,concert band and dance team. Shewas on the soccer team in 1990.

Patrick Collins ’94, a master sergeant in the Air Force Reserve,has graduated from the U.S. AirForce First Sergeant Academy atMaxwell Air Force Base, GunterAnnex in Montgomery, Ala. He hasserved in the military for 21 yearsand is regularly assigned to the911th Force Support Squadron,Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station.

Louis Simeonidis ’95 is vice president of business developmentfor Applico. He lives in New York

City. At Cal U he played rugby andwas a member of Delta Sigma Phi.

Jennifer L. Tabish ’97 is the revenue manager at Hei Hotels & Resorts in Orlando, Fla.

Karyn Ruggero Bender ’97 andDerek Bender ’95 traveled toSpain in May with daughters Abbyand Rylee. They are pictured at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

Keith Boback ’98 is a funeral director at Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home. He lives in Charleston, W.Va.

Sonja Greathouse Simpson ’98and her husband, Demon, live in Pickerington, Ohio. At Cal U, she was a member of the choir.

Robert Kieffer ’98 lives in McKeesport, Pa.

Chris L. Santo ’98 has two children, Josie, 6, and Jesse, 3, and lives in Phoenix, Ariz. He is an Oracle Financials Programmer at the Central Arizona Project, and adjunct faculty in mathematics at Glendale Community College.

John Cupp ’99 was seeking theDemocratic nomination for districtattorney in Fayette County, Pa. He is in private practice with hiswife, Emilie, and serves as Fayette County solicitor.

Michael Pappas ’99, a technologyeducation teacher at Belle Vernon(Pa.) Area High School, has met the standard for National BoardCertification set by the board of directors of the National Board forProfessional Teaching Standards. A voluntary assessment programdesigned to develop, recognize and retain accomplished teachers,National Board Certification isachieved through a performance-based assessment.

Brian Fernandes ’99 is director ofstudent enrollment services at PennState Fayette, The Eberly Campus.At Cal U he was Student Govern-ment president and a member ofSigma Tau Gamma. He is marriedto Jill Fernandes ’99, ’01, the director of financial aid at Cal U.

00sRobert Williams ’00 is a teacher at River Rock Academy. He and hiswife, Crystal, live in Dover, Pa.

Eric Fields ’03 lives in Duquesne, Pa.

Alicia Kramer Kiss ’03 is an executive assistant at Thermo FisherScientific. She and her husband,Mike, live in Imperial, Pa.

Jaclyn Page Clement ’04 is a 2011graduate of the Virginia-MarylandRegional College of VeterinaryMedicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Shewas president of the Class of 2011.Jaclyn is an associate veterinarian at Bedford Animal Hospital, amixed animal practice in Bedford,Va. She will practice small-animaland equine medicine and focus onbecoming certified by the AmericanBoard of Veterinary Practitioners.She and her husband, Mark ’03,live in Christiansburg, Va. Mark is a local area network administratorfor Belvac, in Lynchburg, Va.

Brenda Spitek ’04 lives in California, Pa.

David Demko ’04 is the assistant to the executive director for ScenicPittsburgh, a project of the Pennsyl-vania Resources Council. MikeDawida, who teaches courses inlaw and public policy at Cal U, isthe executive director of ScenicPittsburgh. The new project is affiliated with Scenic America, a national nonprofit group that seeksto preserve and enhance the visualcharacter of America’s communitiesand countryside. David has 25years of experience in engineeringresearch and software and networkdevelopment for business, includingpositions at the U.S. Department ofDefense, PNC Bank, and ElectronicData Systems. He and his wife livein Pittsburgh, Pa.

Brian Fanning Jr. ’04 is head athletic trainer at Rutgers Universityin Newark, N.J. He lives in Hack-ettstown, N.J.

Megan Ardary Albright ’05 is a human resources generalist forEaton Corp. She lives in Ridgeland,Miss., with her husband, Bernie ’05.

CALU M I L E S T O N E S

New Jersey notablesTwo Cal U graduates have beenusing their skills in the Warren Hills Regional School District inNew Jersey. Dr. William A. Caldwell’67, of Blairstown, N.J., was the interim superintendent of the district until June 2011. And Kevin Call ’95, ’05, of Phillipsburg,N.J., was honored by the district’sboard of education as the Governor’s Teacher RecognitionAward recipient for the 2011-2012 school year. Kevin is head athletic trainer for the district.


Keith Fordyce ’06 was a candidate forDunbar Township (Pa.) supervisor.

Brandie DePaoli Taylor ’06 is anepidemiology fellow at Michigan StateUniversity. She and her husband,Mark, live in Lansing, Mich.

Natalie Block ’06 was recently promoted within the accountingstaff at Malin Bergquist, in Pitts-burgh, Pa. She is an auditor with the firm’s employee benefit planconsulting group. She also works on single audits and preparesincome tax returns for estates, gifts and trusts.

Alain Tamo ’06 is the owner of Laptop Etc. on Penn Avenue in the East Liberty neighborhood ofPittsburgh, Pa. His wife, Kazanda,operates the adjacent Kazanda’sCafé. Alain, who is from the central African nation of Cameroon,is also president of the CameroonCommunity of Pittsburgh andfounded the organizationAfricaquest as a way to keep Africans in Pittsburgh connectedto their heritage.

Tara Curry ’07 lives in JeffersonHills, Pa.

Mary Stein ’07 is an athletic trainerat Cabrini College. She lives inPhiladelphia, Pa.

Mindi D’Auria Fisher ’07 is anathletic trainer at Chestnut Hill College. She lives in Horsham, Pa.,with her husband, Joe. At Cal U she was a member of the AthleticTraining Club and Sigma Alpha Pi.She also was a Peer Mentor.

Kristen Radovich Brooks ’07 worksfor Fayette County CommunityAction. She lives in Uniontown, Pa.,with her husband, Colby.

Alexandria Cuppett ’07 is a pricingcoordinator for Thermo Fisher Scientific. She lives in Carmichaels, Pa.

Eric Fergus ’07 is a human resources supervisor for CONSOLEnergy. He lives in Washington, Pa.

Jeanine Amprim Gregory ’77, ’78,’07 is superintendent of the SouthPark Area School District, near Pittsburgh, Pa. She had worked as assistant superintendent of thedistrict since 2005. Previously, shewas a reading specialist for 20 yearsat Bellmar Junior High School in the Belle Vernon (Pa.) Area SchoolDistrict, and a federal programs coordinator for seven years.

Lynette Hill ’08 is the food andbeverage operations supervisor

at Wild Adventures Theme Park. She lives in Valdosta, Ga.

Zachary Herbert ’08 is a teacher.He lives in Richmond, Va., with hiswife, Sarah.

Kevin McCabe ’08 is a quarterbackfor the Pittsburgh Power of theArena Football League.

Matthew Buchak ’08 is an assistantprincipal in the North AlleghenySchool District, near Pittsburgh, Pa.A teacher at North Allegheny High School from 2009-2011, hepreviously taught in the MonessenSchool District, Intermediate Unit 1,and the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Hawaii. Matthewalso served in Iraq from 2004-2005.

Gary Butler ’08 is a linebacker forthe Pittsburgh Power of the ArenaFootball League.

Spec. Bradley Rager ’08, who servesin the U.S. Army, has graduatedfrom basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Ga.

Regina Lee Butler ’08 was an artist-in-residence for two weeks inMay 2011 at Mesa Verde NationalPark in Cortez, Colo. During her residency, she drew inspiration forher writing from the geographicaland cultural history of the ancientPueblo people, as well as her naturalsurroundings. At Mesa Verde shelived in a hogan, a traditionalPueblo dwelling.

Stephen Hermann ’09, a catcherfrom Trafford, Pa., was drafted bythe Washington (Pa.) Wild Things, a baseball team in the FrontierLeague.

10sRichard Menkel ’10 is a storeroomclerk at The Washington Hospital.He and his wife, Donna, live inWashington, Pa.

Krista DiTommaso ’10 works at Industrial Scientific in Pittsburgh, Pa,which sells gas detection monitors.She will be translating French for the company, which does business internationally. Krista is pursuing her Master of Science in Business Administration at Cal U.

Nancy Naill Frishkorn ’11 is the soleproprietor of All Natural Hoof Care.She and her husband, Duane, live in Aliquippa, Pa. At Cal U, she wasa member of the Forensics Union.

ANNIVERSARYJanice Whisenhunt Zimmer ’89and Gerry Zimmer ’90 observedtheir 20th wedding anniversary onOct. 13, 2010. They celebrated witha 12-day trip to Scotland. Janice ispursuing a career in photographyand is president of the York CountyCamera Club. While at Cal U, she wasa member of the service fraternityAlpha Phi Omega. Gerry has workedas an information technology specialist for the Social Security Administration in Baltimore, Md.,since July 1990. They live in Red Lion,Pa., and spend their free time enjoy-ing motorcycling and Renaissancefairs, and spoiling their cats.

WEDDINGSBryan John Koprowski ’01 andRyah Everhart Hedrick, both ofFuquay-Varina, N.C., were marriedDec. 4, 2010, at Second Reformed

United Church of Christ in Lexington, N.C. Bryan is an athletictrainer at Fayetteville (N.C.) StateUniversity. His wife is a social workerat Wake Med Health and Hospitalsin Raleigh, N.C.

Lacey A. Care ’07 and JeremyCriswell planned to be married June 28, 2011, at the Chautauqua Institution. Lacey teaches family andconsumer sciences at Warren (Pa.)Area High School. Jeremy is a science teacher at Beaty-WarrenMiddle School.

Megan Brewer, of Fairchance, Pa.,and Richard Franks, of Hopwood,Pa., were married Oct. 16, 2010, atTrinity United Presbyterian Churchin Uniontown, Pa. Megan is akindergarten teacher at R.W. ClarkElementary School in the LaurelHighlands School District. Richard isthe contract administrator at URSCorp. in Morgantown, W.Va. Theyare living in Hopwood. Megan completed her K-12 principal’s certification at Cal U in August 2011.

Lauren Shamitko ’10 and Ian Moffitt ’09 were married July 30,2011, in Penn Hills, Pa., with a reception at the Willow Room in

Down the aisleHolly Ciaffoni ’08, ’10 and Sean Gillis ’06 were married Oct. 23, 2010,at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Brownsville, Pa. Both are employed by Intermediate Unit 1. Sean, a special education teacher, is pursuing his certification in the principal’s program at Cal U. Holly is a social worker serving the Brownsville and Frazier school districts.

Marisa Gillis, the groom’s sister, is the secretary for the Department ofAcademic Affairs/Provost’s Office and Lisa Gillis, the groom’s mother, isthe secretary in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

The wedding party included 13 Cal U alumni. From left (front row),Josh Lozecki and Tara Ciaffoni; (back row) Ian Finn ’04, Brian Preston’04, Ed Miller ’06, Wesley Shumar ’09, Jason Desiderio ’05, GaryAmos ’05, Kyle Smith, Sean and Holly Gillis, Marisa Gillis ’10,Jamie Santori, Sheila Mitchell, Jody Mebane ’07, Christy Scherer’07, Christina Silvestros ’08 and Kay Durance ’10.

ENGAGEMENTSSteve Roszak ’08 and JessicaGreene are engaged. Steve is anelementary school teacher for theJefferson-Morgan School District.Jessica is a senior accountant forthe Pennsylania Land and Gas segments for Alpha Natural Resources. They are planning an October 2011 wedding.

Renee Dockter ’09 and EdwardM. Russman ’09 are engaged.Renee works for Development Dimensions International inBridgeville, Pa. Edward works for Cigna Health in Pittsburgh, Pa.They are planning a wedding in October 2011.

Robert Stimmell ’11 and SavannahMartelli are engaged. Robert worksat The Academy in Pittsburgh, Pa.Savannah has a nursing degreefrom Community College of Allegheny County and is attendingCal U to earn her bachelor’s

degree in nursing. They are planninga February 2012, wedding in BelleVernon, Pa., with a reception atthe Willow Room.

Emily Sasko ’07, ’10 and JoshuaDennis are engaged. Emily is a resource teacher with ASSET Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pa. Joshua is a bulkcustomer representative with PepsiBeverages Co. in Youngwood, Pa.They were planning a summer2011 wedding.

BIRTHMelissa Bedwell Rosic‘02 and her husband, Aaron, areproud to announce the birth of their

first child, Evan Charles, born April 22, 2011. Melissa works forMason Dixon Energy in Bridgeport,W.Va. The family lives in GrantTown, W.Va.

IN MEMORIAMIrene C. Adams ’79Ewing R. ‘Gus’ Bell ’63Theodore Berlinsky,

Cal U maintenance departmentCaroline M. Penic Bookshar,*

member of the Act 101 Advisory Board at Cal U

Anthony Calabro ’61Dolores Flynn Conaway ’51David H. Cooper Jr. ’81Berlie E. Dishong Sr. ’48W. Frank Gill ’49Earl G. Gilpin,*

retired custodian at Cal UJudy G. Hogan Hopson-Faust ’03Marlene Davis Juriga ’72Lori Marlene Confer Martin ’77Lawrence E. Matty,

retired Cal U police officerMarie McVay*Claude G. Myers ’65Olga Kobasa Nescott ’36Ed Pencoske ’74Metro Petrosky Jr. ’63Gary R. Rable ’73Richard L. Smith ’57Robert S. Stahl ’36Vincent J. Vitori ’89

*No class year provided or on file

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The Career Services Office at Cal Ucan help alumni with job searchesand companies with recruiting. Best of all, the services are free!

• Cal U graduates who are interested in one-on-one careerand job-search planning may call alumni career counselor Bridgett Nobili at 724-938-4826or e-mail [email protected].

• Anyone who can identify job opportunities that might be suitable for Cal U students oralumni may contact employer development coordinator Sheana Malyszka at malyszka@ calu.edu.

CAREER SERVICES

MILESTONES continued from page 33

Adding to the archivesLuanne Peroni ’60 recently gavethree annual catalogues — dated1901, 1902 and 1905 — fromSouthwestern State Normal Schoolto the archives in the Louis L. Manderino Library at Cal U. Theseitems belonged to her grandfather,Joseph M. Nicholl, who graduated in 1897.

“We are delighted when alumni offer to donate items, such as these catalogues or other Cal Umemorabilia and photographs, back to the school archives,” saysDaniel Zyglowicz, who works in the Archives and Special CollectionsDepartment at the library.

Luanne reports that, in addition toher and her grandfather, eight familymembers and spouses are graduatesof Cal U: Flora Nicholl (graduationyear unknown); Val Nicholl ’57,Donald Peroni ’62, Linda BakerBurger ’64, Yvonne Antonovich’69, Neal Baker ’72, Jane Nicholl ’90and Drew Peroni ’97.

Belle Vernon, Pa. For their honey-moon, the couple visited Walt Disney World. Ian is a front-endWeb interface developer for BarkleyREI of Pittsburgh, Pa. Laurenplans tobecome a registered nurse.

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The Career Services Office at Cal Ucan help alumni with job searchesand companies with recruiting. Best of all, the services are free!

• Cal U graduates who are interested in one-on-one careerand job-search planning may call alumni career counselor Bridgett Nobili at 724-938-4826or e-mail [email protected].

• Anyone who can identify job opportunities that might be suitable for Cal U students oralumni may contact employer development coordinator Sheana Malyszka at malyszka@ calu.edu.

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2011

TAKING NATURE’S TEMPERATURE Dr. David Argent, chair of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, works with student Chris Warden on a research project at the Bear Run Nature Preserve in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Argent and students are checking for temperature changes in the water of Bear Run Creek as they re-create an earlier study of native Pennsylvania brook trout conducted by Dr. William Kimmel.

summer 2011 - cal u review

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