winter 2010 - cal u review
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REVIEW WINTER
2010
Strengtheningthe WorkforceCal U continues a proud traditionof building careers in education,health care and industry.
CALU
CALUREVIEW
F R O M T H E P R E S I D E NT
WINTER
2010
I N S I D E
Raffle revs upThe IA/TE Alumni Society raffles off aHarley-Davidson motorcycle to boost itsendowed scholarship fund.
Website reaction: WOW!The University website, www.calu.edu,has been rebuilt completely with users in mind.
Dynamic duoAlumni Linda and Harry Serene step into leadershiproles at the Foundation for California Universityand the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Winter commencementThree distinguished alumni share theirthoughts with August and December graduates.
Mutual benefitsPartnerships with the Pittsburgh Penguins, PittsburghSteelers and Carnegie Science Center raise Cal U’sprofile and provide opportunities for students.
Professional developmentThis year's Frederick Douglass Scholar shareshis research and hones his teaching skills.
FEATURESDEPARTMENTS
ON THE COVER:Josh Cramer ’05 (right), a teacher
at South Park Middle School, isamong the nationwide network oftechnology education instructors
with diplomas from Cal U.
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 3
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 16 – 17
ALUMNI CALENDAR 18
NOMINATIONS 19 – 20
CAMPUS CLIPS 22 – 23
SPORTS ROUNDUP 28 – 29
PAYING IT FORWARD 30 – 31
MILESTONES 32 – 34
9
10
14
24
26
12
The California Universityof Pennsylvania MagazineCAL U REVIEWVol. 38 - No. 1The Cal U Review is publishedquarterly by the Officeof University Relations and isdistributed free. Third classpostage paid at California.
CAMPAIGN TOTALREACHES $20 MILLION
California University’s capital campaign,The Campaign to Build Character andCareers, has reached the $20 millionmark on its way to a goal of $35 million.Announced in June 2009, the campaignwill build endowed scholarships, establishan Honors College and a School ofBusiness and Professional Studies, andenhance academic enrichment throughexpanded internships, outstandingcampus lectures, character education,and academic and program support.To learn more, visit www.calu.edu,send an e-mail to [email protected] call the Office of University Developmentand Alumni Relations at 724-938-5759.
Since its inception, California University has played an important rolein building the region’s workforce.
As you may know, the institution was founded in 1852. By 1865 it hadbeen chartered as a normal school, dedicated to training teachers forPennsylvania’s public school system.
In short order, the school earned a reputation for graduating educatorswell prepared to stand at the head of the class — and to assume leadershippositions in both the educational field and the business world.
As it grew into a four-year state teachers college, California’s strongindustrial arts education programs also produced graduates who becameleaders in industry and technology.
In fact, the broad-based education offered here, as well as theinstitution’s emphasis on bedrock values, provided students with aneducational foundation for success in many walks of life.
Today, students at California University can choose from among150 undergraduate majors or concentrations and 50 graduate programs.
Each is a pathway to a successful and rewarding career. Each plays a partin building a diverse and vibrant workforce.
Preparing teachers remains an important part of the University’s mission.The result is evident in schools throughout Pennsylvania, where approximately30,000 Cal U alumni are at work. Across the United States, about one insix technology education teachers holds a diploma from Cal U.
The University has stepped up to meet the growing need for health careworkers by offering a continuum of programs in nursing, one of the professionsin greatest demand both nationally and here in the commonwealth.
Recognizing the rapid pace of change, especially in technology-basedindustries, Cal U asks industry professionals to serve on advisory boardsthat help to keep programs on the cutting edge.
The University also continues to earn national accreditation for its programs,with a goal of having every eligible program accredited. This recognitionassures employers that Cal U programs meet national standards, and itaffirms that our graduates are receiving marketable degrees.
In this edition of the Review, you will learn more about Cal U’s contributionsto the region’s workforce. I hope you see reflected in these efforts ourUniversity’s commitment to serving the communities where we live and work,and to helping our students build both character and careers.
With warmest wishes,
Angelo Armenti, Jr.PresidentCalifornia University of Pennsylvania
CHANCELLORJohn C. Cavanaugh
BOARD OF GOVERNORSKenneth M. Jarin, chairman Jamie Lutz (student)Aaron Walton, vice chair Jonathan B. MackC.R. “Chuck” Pennoni, vice chair Joseph F. McGinnRep. Matthew E. Baker Sen. Jeffrey E. PiccolaNick Barcio (student) Gov. Edward G. RendellMarie Conley Lammando Harold C. ShieldsPaul S. Dlugolecki Thomas M. SweitzerRep. Michael K. Hanna Christine J. TorettiSen. Vincent J. Hughes Mackenzie Marie Wrobel (student)Richard Kneedler Gerald L. Zahorchak
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIAPresidentDr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
Geraldine M. Jones, provost and vice president for academic affairsDr. Joyce A. Hanley, executive vice presidentDr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for student development and servicesAngela J. Burrows, vice president for university relationsDr. Charles Mance, vice president for information technologyRon Huiatt, vice president for development and alumni relationsRobert Thorn, interim vice president for administration and finance
COUNCIL OF TRUSTEESLeo Krantz, chairRobert J. Irey, vice chair Michael Napolitano ’68Ashley Baird, secretary (student trustee) Gwendolyn SimmonsPeter J. Daley II ’72, ’75 Jerry Spangler ’74James T. Davis ’73 Mr. Aaron Walton ’68Annette Ganassi The Honorable John C. Cavanaugh,Lawrence Maggi ’79 Chancellor, ex-officio
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORSRosemary Bucchianeri ’69, presidentDr. Harry Serene ’65, vice presidentDr. Lorraine Vitchoff ’74, secretaryDeanne Zelenak ’79, treasurerMichael Napolitano ’68, immediate past presidentDr. Roger M. Angelelli ’64Ryan Astor ’01 Lawrence O. Maggi ’79Mary Jo (Zosky) Barnhart ’84 Richard J. Majernik ’55Joseph Dochinez ’51 Alex D. Matthews ’84Barbara (Williams) Fetsko ’75 Dante Morelli ’02Dr. Paul Gentile ’62 Bethanne (Borsody) Natali ’91Tim Gorske ’62 Melanie (Stringhill) Patterson ’82Alan James ’62 Frederick Retsch ’62, ’66Len Keller ’61 James Stofan ’71Dr. Anthony Lazzaro ’55 Dr. Tim Susick ’76, ’78Jim Lokay ’02 Karen L. (Blevins) Webber ’70
STUDENT BOARD MEMBERSAshley Baird Chase LoperAshley Foyle Jason Springer
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSDr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., President Geraldine M. Jones ’71Dale Hamer ’60 Leo KrantzRon Huiatt Dr. Linda Toth ’75
STUDENT ASSOCIATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORSJacqueline Davis, presidentAshley Baird, treasurer Bonnie KeenerJenna Dunmire, secretary Jim Lokay ’02Bill Abbott Marc Roncone ’03Rachel Hajdu Aaron TalbottRobert Irey Dr. Donald ThompsonSam Jessee ’90 Courtney Vautier
SAI EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSDr. Lenora Angelone ’89,’92,’97 Leigh Ann LincolnDr. Nancy Pinardi ’95, ’96, ’98 Larry Sebek
FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIABOARD OF DIRECTORSLinda H. Serene ’64, presidentDavid L. Amati ’70, vice presidentMichele Mandell ’69, secretaryPaul Kania ’87, treasurerRoger Angelelli ’64Thomas Crumrine ’64William R. Flinn ’68Richard C. Grace ’63Dale L. Hamer ’60Annette M. Kaleita ’55Gary Kennedy ’58John Lechman ’74David H. Lee ’71
EDITORChristine Kindl
WRITERSWendy Mackall Lindy KravecBruce Wald ’85 Cindy Cusic MiccoColleen C. Derda
PHOTOGRAPHERSKen Brooks Greg SofrankoTod Gombar S.C. SpanglerEric Schmadel Josh Stepp
J. William LincolnRobert Lippencott ’66Michael A. Perry ’63Paul I. Phillips ’69Jerry L. Spangler ’74Saundra L. Stout ’72Steven P. Stout ’85Patricia A. Tweardy ’68Ben WrightAngelo Armenti, Jr., ex-officioRon Huiatt, ex-officioRosemary Bucchianeri ’69, ex-officio
2 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
CALUREVIEW
F R O M T H E P R E S I D E NT
WINTER
2010
I N S I D E
Raffle revs upThe IA/TE Alumni Society raffles off aHarley-Davidson motorcycle to boost itsendowed scholarship fund.
Website reaction: WOW!The University website, www.calu.edu,has been rebuilt completely with users in mind.
Dynamic duoAlumni Linda and Harry Serene step into leadershiproles at the Foundation for California Universityand the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Winter commencementThree distinguished alumni share theirthoughts with August and December graduates.
Mutual benefitsPartnerships with the Pittsburgh Penguins, PittsburghSteelers and Carnegie Science Center raise Cal U’sprofile and provide opportunities for students.
Professional developmentThis year's Frederick Douglass Scholar shareshis research and hones his teaching skills.
FEATURESDEPARTMENTS
ON THE COVER:Josh Cramer ’05 (right), a teacher
at South Park Middle School, isamong the nationwide network oftechnology education instructors
with diplomas from Cal U.
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 3
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 16 – 17
ALUMNI CALENDAR 18
NOMINATIONS 19 – 20
CAMPUS CLIPS 22 – 23
SPORTS ROUNDUP 28 – 29
PAYING IT FORWARD 30 – 31
MILESTONES 32 – 34
9
10
14
24
26
12
The California Universityof Pennsylvania MagazineCAL U REVIEWVol. 38 - No. 1The Cal U Review is publishedquarterly by the Officeof University Relations and isdistributed free. Third classpostage paid at California.
CAMPAIGN TOTALREACHES $20 MILLION
California University’s capital campaign,The Campaign to Build Character andCareers, has reached the $20 millionmark on its way to a goal of $35 million.Announced in June 2009, the campaignwill build endowed scholarships, establishan Honors College and a School ofBusiness and Professional Studies, andenhance academic enrichment throughexpanded internships, outstandingcampus lectures, character education,and academic and program support.To learn more, visit www.calu.edu,send an e-mail to [email protected] call the Office of University Developmentand Alumni Relations at 724-938-5759.
Since its inception, California University has played an important rolein building the region’s workforce.
As you may know, the institution was founded in 1852. By 1865 it hadbeen chartered as a normal school, dedicated to training teachers forPennsylvania’s public school system.
In short order, the school earned a reputation for graduating educatorswell prepared to stand at the head of the class — and to assume leadershippositions in both the educational field and the business world.
As it grew into a four-year state teachers college, California’s strongindustrial arts education programs also produced graduates who becameleaders in industry and technology.
In fact, the broad-based education offered here, as well as theinstitution’s emphasis on bedrock values, provided students with aneducational foundation for success in many walks of life.
Today, students at California University can choose from among150 undergraduate majors or concentrations and 50 graduate programs.
Each is a pathway to a successful and rewarding career. Each plays a partin building a diverse and vibrant workforce.
Preparing teachers remains an important part of the University’s mission.The result is evident in schools throughout Pennsylvania, where approximately30,000 Cal U alumni are at work. Across the United States, about one insix technology education teachers holds a diploma from Cal U.
The University has stepped up to meet the growing need for health careworkers by offering a continuum of programs in nursing, one of the professionsin greatest demand both nationally and here in the commonwealth.
Recognizing the rapid pace of change, especially in technology-basedindustries, Cal U asks industry professionals to serve on advisory boardsthat help to keep programs on the cutting edge.
The University also continues to earn national accreditation for its programs,with a goal of having every eligible program accredited. This recognitionassures employers that Cal U programs meet national standards, and itaffirms that our graduates are receiving marketable degrees.
In this edition of the Review, you will learn more about Cal U’s contributionsto the region’s workforce. I hope you see reflected in these efforts ourUniversity’s commitment to serving the communities where we live and work,and to helping our students build both character and careers.
With warmest wishes,
Angelo Armenti, Jr.PresidentCalifornia University of Pennsylvania
CHANCELLORJohn C. Cavanaugh
BOARD OF GOVERNORSKenneth M. Jarin, chairman Jamie Lutz (student)Aaron Walton, vice chair Jonathan B. MackC.R. “Chuck” Pennoni, vice chair Joseph F. McGinnRep. Matthew E. Baker Sen. Jeffrey E. PiccolaNick Barcio (student) Gov. Edward G. RendellMarie Conley Lammando Harold C. ShieldsPaul S. Dlugolecki Thomas M. SweitzerRep. Michael K. Hanna Christine J. TorettiSen. Vincent J. Hughes Mackenzie Marie Wrobel (student)Richard Kneedler Gerald L. Zahorchak
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIAPresidentDr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
Geraldine M. Jones, provost and vice president for academic affairsDr. Joyce A. Hanley, executive vice presidentDr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for student development and servicesAngela J. Burrows, vice president for university relationsDr. Charles Mance, vice president for information technologyRon Huiatt, vice president for development and alumni relationsRobert Thorn, interim vice president for administration and finance
COUNCIL OF TRUSTEESLeo Krantz, chairRobert J. Irey, vice chair Michael Napolitano ’68Ashley Baird, secretary (student trustee) Gwendolyn SimmonsPeter J. Daley II ’72, ’75 Jerry Spangler ’74James T. Davis ’73 Mr. Aaron Walton ’68Annette Ganassi The Honorable John C. Cavanaugh,Lawrence Maggi ’79 Chancellor, ex-officio
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORSRosemary Bucchianeri ’69, presidentDr. Harry Serene ’65, vice presidentDr. Lorraine Vitchoff ’74, secretaryDeanne Zelenak ’79, treasurerMichael Napolitano ’68, immediate past presidentDr. Roger M. Angelelli ’64Ryan Astor ’01 Lawrence O. Maggi ’79Mary Jo (Zosky) Barnhart ’84 Richard J. Majernik ’55Joseph Dochinez ’51 Alex D. Matthews ’84Barbara (Williams) Fetsko ’75 Dante Morelli ’02Dr. Paul Gentile ’62 Bethanne (Borsody) Natali ’91Tim Gorske ’62 Melanie (Stringhill) Patterson ’82Alan James ’62 Frederick Retsch ’62, ’66Len Keller ’61 James Stofan ’71Dr. Anthony Lazzaro ’55 Dr. Tim Susick ’76, ’78Jim Lokay ’02 Karen L. (Blevins) Webber ’70
STUDENT BOARD MEMBERSAshley Baird Chase LoperAshley Foyle Jason Springer
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSDr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., President Geraldine M. Jones ’71Dale Hamer ’60 Leo KrantzRon Huiatt Dr. Linda Toth ’75
STUDENT ASSOCIATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORSJacqueline Davis, presidentAshley Baird, treasurer Bonnie KeenerJenna Dunmire, secretary Jim Lokay ’02Bill Abbott Marc Roncone ’03Rachel Hajdu Aaron TalbottRobert Irey Dr. Donald ThompsonSam Jessee ’90 Courtney Vautier
SAI EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSDr. Lenora Angelone ’89,’92,’97 Leigh Ann LincolnDr. Nancy Pinardi ’95, ’96, ’98 Larry Sebek
FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIABOARD OF DIRECTORSLinda H. Serene ’64, presidentDavid L. Amati ’70, vice presidentMichele Mandell ’69, secretaryPaul Kania ’87, treasurerRoger Angelelli ’64Thomas Crumrine ’64William R. Flinn ’68Richard C. Grace ’63Dale L. Hamer ’60Annette M. Kaleita ’55Gary Kennedy ’58John Lechman ’74David H. Lee ’71
EDITORChristine Kindl
WRITERSWendy Mackall Lindy KravecBruce Wald ’85 Cindy Cusic MiccoColleen C. Derda
PHOTOGRAPHERSKen Brooks Greg SofrankoTod Gombar S.C. SpanglerEric Schmadel Josh Stepp
J. William LincolnRobert Lippencott ’66Michael A. Perry ’63Paul I. Phillips ’69Jerry L. Spangler ’74Saundra L. Stout ’72Steven P. Stout ’85Patricia A. Tweardy ’68Ben WrightAngelo Armenti, Jr., ex-officioRon Huiatt, ex-officioRosemary Bucchianeri ’69, ex-officio
2 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
education. “When a student goes onan interview, it becomes apparentvery quickly whether he or she iscomfortable in the classroom.”
Preparedness leads to employment.In a recent survey by payscale.com,graduates currently working as educatorswere asked to name their alma mater.When the results were compiled,California University of Pennsylvaniaranked as the 15th most popularteaching college in the United States.
The only Pennsylvania university tobe included in this elite group, Cal Uboasts about 30,000 teacher educationalumni working in schools across thecommonwealth.
In spite of Cal U’s reputation forexcellent teacher preparation, graduatesface fierce competition for new positions.Every year the American Associationfor Employment in Education assessesthe supply and demand for certainteaching positions across the UnitedStates, as well as by region.
In its 2010 Job Search Handbookfor Educators, the Mid-Atlantic regionappears to be “balanced” when it comesto many jobs in elementary and middleschools, and in traditional subject areassuch as language arts and social studies.That means there are enough educatorsper position, and vice versa. On theother hand, disciplines such as math,the sciences and special education areexperiencing a teacher shortage.
In this type of environment,educators agree that it is imperativefor students to differentiate themselves.Many are obtaining dual certification —adding special education or readingspecialist credentials, for example —to show their ability to facilitatelearning in all student populations.
Others are looking for jobs outsidethe region, where the need is greater.Cal U graduates are regularly recruitedby school districts across the country atjob fairs such as the annual PERC Fair,held every April by the PittsburghEducation Recruitment Consortium.
To help students find employment,the College of Education and HumanServices hosted its inaugural StudentTeaching Showcase in December. In all,
120 student teachers met in thePerformance Center to demonstratetheir professional experiences andleadership activities to an audienceof faculty, family members, otherstudents, and administrators andteachers from local school districts.
Tech Ed: Not Your Father’s Wood ShopOne of the brightest spots on the
horizon for education majors is technologyeducation. Unlike the woodshop ormetalworking classes of years gone by,“tech ed” utilizes engineering anddesign theory to solve problems.
Although Cal U has had some typeof “technology” teacher preparationcourses in its curriculum since 1889,the current tech ed program is rankedamong the best in the country.
In a national study reported inThe Tech Teacher, national dataindicate that Pennsylvania is a power-house in technology education,producing 27 percent of all tech edteachers in the United States.
Cal U accounted for 15 percentof those teachers.
Dr. Stanley Komacek, a professor oftechnology education, says Cal U not onlyhas one of the largest tech ed teacherprograms in the country, but also oneof the strongest student bodies. TheUniversity’s student club, TEAC (TechnologyEd Association of Cal), regularly competesin engineering design and problem-solvingcompetitions, and its members earnnational championships.
“Technological literacy is a criticalcompetence in today’s workforce,” saysKomacek. “That is why technologyeducation is growing in importance inK-12 education. Today’s students mustbe technologically literate if we expectthem to be successful in tomorrow’sworkforce.”
In his technology education classesat South Park Middle School, alumnusJosh Cramer ’05 challenges students tothink critically and utilize engineeringand design processes to solve problems.Through partnerships with localcompanies, including Kennametal andWestinghouse Electric, Cramer bringsyoung engineers into his classroom totalk with students about how technologyskills are used in the real world.
“We do a lot of projects, and theyhave a lot of fun. But in the end, it’sabout problem solving,” he says. “If Iget one future engineer out of eachclass and one person to support thatengineer, I’d feel really successful.”
Cramer sees technology educationmoving from the high school and middleschool to the elementary level. Thistrend, coupled with the retirement ofan estimated 586 tech ed teachers inPennsylvania schools by 2015, makesthe employment outlook excellent forCal U’s technology education students.
It also ensures Cal U will continueto sit at the head of the class when itcomes to educating future educators. �
By Lindy Kravec, a Peters Township-based writer
4 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010 WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 5
Student-focused educators ofthe 21st century may havesomething in common with
those normal-school teachers whostaffed Pennsylvania’s one-roomschoolhouses in the mid-1800s.
If they received their teachertraining at one particular institution,they all graduated with more than justa thorough knowledge of the three R’s.
Then, as now, education majors atCalifornia University of Pennsylvaniaalso acquired a deep-rooted sense ofpedagogy and professionalism.
That makes all the difference inthe world when it comes to actuallysecuring teaching jobs, says Dr. DanEngstrom, acting associate dean anddirector of student teaching for theCollege of Education and Human Services.
“At Cal U, there’s always been astrong connection between theory andpractice,” he says. “Not only are ourfaculty members experienced educatorsthemselves, we make sure our studentshave more classroom experience thanstudents from most other schools.”
Professional development partnershipswith four local school districts are justone way that Cal U professors andstudents test educational theories inthe classroom. By collaboratingwith teachers in Uniontown, Charleroi,Belle Vernon and California areaschool districts, Cal U’s pre-serviceteachers learn firsthand what reallyworks in the classroom.
On-the-job trainingAccording to Engstrom, one trend
in education is a push toward morepracticum hours for students enteringthe profession. Right now, Pennsylvaniarequires 45 hours of field work foreducation majors; eventually it willrequire as many as 190.
“Most Cal U students have morethan 100 hours of field observationsand 15 weeks of full-time studentteaching experience before graduation,”says Engstrom.
“More practicums make for better-prepared graduates,” adds MelissaNelson, a December ’09 graduate witha dual Master of Education degreein elementary education and special
Still at theHead of the ClassThorough preparation and real-world experiencemakeCal U teachers stand out
Josh Cramer ’05 (left) teaches technology classes at South Park Middle School. Joining himis student teacher Brad Kszastowski.
S T R E N G T H E N I N G T H E W O R K F O R C E
JOB OPPORTUNITIESThe Pennsylvania Center for WorkforceInformation and Analysis (www.paworkstats.state.pa.us) projects that theseoccupations will have the greatest numberof openings for workers through 2014:
1. Food Preparation/Service
2. Management
3. Health Care
(Practitioners/technicians)
4. Health Care Support
5. Personal Care/Service
6. Education, Training and
Library Services
7. Transportation and
Material-moving
8. Building and Grounds
Cleaning/Maintenance
9. Food and Beverage Service
10. Motor Vehicle Operations
education. “When a student goes onan interview, it becomes apparentvery quickly whether he or she iscomfortable in the classroom.”
Preparedness leads to employment.In a recent survey by payscale.com,graduates currently working as educatorswere asked to name their alma mater.When the results were compiled,California University of Pennsylvaniaranked as the 15th most popularteaching college in the United States.
The only Pennsylvania university tobe included in this elite group, Cal Uboasts about 30,000 teacher educationalumni working in schools across thecommonwealth.
In spite of Cal U’s reputation forexcellent teacher preparation, graduatesface fierce competition for new positions.Every year the American Associationfor Employment in Education assessesthe supply and demand for certainteaching positions across the UnitedStates, as well as by region.
In its 2010 Job Search Handbookfor Educators, the Mid-Atlantic regionappears to be “balanced” when it comesto many jobs in elementary and middleschools, and in traditional subject areassuch as language arts and social studies.That means there are enough educatorsper position, and vice versa. On theother hand, disciplines such as math,the sciences and special education areexperiencing a teacher shortage.
In this type of environment,educators agree that it is imperativefor students to differentiate themselves.Many are obtaining dual certification —adding special education or readingspecialist credentials, for example —to show their ability to facilitatelearning in all student populations.
Others are looking for jobs outsidethe region, where the need is greater.Cal U graduates are regularly recruitedby school districts across the country atjob fairs such as the annual PERC Fair,held every April by the PittsburghEducation Recruitment Consortium.
To help students find employment,the College of Education and HumanServices hosted its inaugural StudentTeaching Showcase in December. In all,
120 student teachers met in thePerformance Center to demonstratetheir professional experiences andleadership activities to an audienceof faculty, family members, otherstudents, and administrators andteachers from local school districts.
Tech Ed: Not Your Father’s Wood ShopOne of the brightest spots on the
horizon for education majors is technologyeducation. Unlike the woodshop ormetalworking classes of years gone by,“tech ed” utilizes engineering anddesign theory to solve problems.
Although Cal U has had some typeof “technology” teacher preparationcourses in its curriculum since 1889,the current tech ed program is rankedamong the best in the country.
In a national study reported inThe Tech Teacher, national dataindicate that Pennsylvania is a power-house in technology education,producing 27 percent of all tech edteachers in the United States.
Cal U accounted for 15 percentof those teachers.
Dr. Stanley Komacek, a professor oftechnology education, says Cal U not onlyhas one of the largest tech ed teacherprograms in the country, but also oneof the strongest student bodies. TheUniversity’s student club, TEAC (TechnologyEd Association of Cal), regularly competesin engineering design and problem-solvingcompetitions, and its members earnnational championships.
“Technological literacy is a criticalcompetence in today’s workforce,” saysKomacek. “That is why technologyeducation is growing in importance inK-12 education. Today’s students mustbe technologically literate if we expectthem to be successful in tomorrow’sworkforce.”
In his technology education classesat South Park Middle School, alumnusJosh Cramer ’05 challenges students tothink critically and utilize engineeringand design processes to solve problems.Through partnerships with localcompanies, including Kennametal andWestinghouse Electric, Cramer bringsyoung engineers into his classroom totalk with students about how technologyskills are used in the real world.
“We do a lot of projects, and theyhave a lot of fun. But in the end, it’sabout problem solving,” he says. “If Iget one future engineer out of eachclass and one person to support thatengineer, I’d feel really successful.”
Cramer sees technology educationmoving from the high school and middleschool to the elementary level. Thistrend, coupled with the retirement ofan estimated 586 tech ed teachers inPennsylvania schools by 2015, makesthe employment outlook excellent forCal U’s technology education students.
It also ensures Cal U will continueto sit at the head of the class when itcomes to educating future educators. �
By Lindy Kravec, a Peters Township-based writer
4 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010 WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 5
Student-focused educators ofthe 21st century may havesomething in common with
those normal-school teachers whostaffed Pennsylvania’s one-roomschoolhouses in the mid-1800s.
If they received their teachertraining at one particular institution,they all graduated with more than justa thorough knowledge of the three R’s.
Then, as now, education majors atCalifornia University of Pennsylvaniaalso acquired a deep-rooted sense ofpedagogy and professionalism.
That makes all the difference inthe world when it comes to actuallysecuring teaching jobs, says Dr. DanEngstrom, acting associate dean anddirector of student teaching for theCollege of Education and Human Services.
“At Cal U, there’s always been astrong connection between theory andpractice,” he says. “Not only are ourfaculty members experienced educatorsthemselves, we make sure our studentshave more classroom experience thanstudents from most other schools.”
Professional development partnershipswith four local school districts are justone way that Cal U professors andstudents test educational theories inthe classroom. By collaboratingwith teachers in Uniontown, Charleroi,Belle Vernon and California areaschool districts, Cal U’s pre-serviceteachers learn firsthand what reallyworks in the classroom.
On-the-job trainingAccording to Engstrom, one trend
in education is a push toward morepracticum hours for students enteringthe profession. Right now, Pennsylvaniarequires 45 hours of field work foreducation majors; eventually it willrequire as many as 190.
“Most Cal U students have morethan 100 hours of field observationsand 15 weeks of full-time studentteaching experience before graduation,”says Engstrom.
“More practicums make for better-prepared graduates,” adds MelissaNelson, a December ’09 graduate witha dual Master of Education degreein elementary education and special
Still at theHead of the ClassThorough preparation and real-world experiencemakeCal U teachers stand out
Josh Cramer ’05 (left) teaches technology classes at South Park Middle School. Joining himis student teacher Brad Kszastowski.
S T R E N G T H E N I N G T H E W O R K F O R C E
JOB OPPORTUNITIESThe Pennsylvania Center for WorkforceInformation and Analysis (www.paworkstats.state.pa.us) projects that theseoccupations will have the greatest numberof openings for workers through 2014:
1. Food Preparation/Service
2. Management
3. Health Care
(Practitioners/technicians)
4. Health Care Support
5. Personal Care/Service
6. Education, Training and
Library Services
7. Transportation and
Material-moving
8. Building and Grounds
Cleaning/Maintenance
9. Food and Beverage Service
10. Motor Vehicle Operations
We often think of nurses as theones who tend to playgroundinjuries at school, check vital
signs in a doctor’s office and dispensemedications in the hospital. Yet theseskilled practitioners are responsiblefor saving lives and improving patientoutcomes like no other health careprofessionals.
As their role becomes broader andincreasingly more important, the demandfor nurses grows — and Cal U is helpingto meet that demand with a continuumof degree programs.
According to the American Associationof Colleges of Nursing, there is anunprecedented shortage of registerednurses. Although RNs currently accountfor 2.9 million jobs, the U.S. Bureau ofLabor Statistics projects there will be587,000 new jobs for registered nursesin the period from 2006–2016, one ofthe largest growth rates among alloccupations.
Pennsylvania’s Center for WorkforceInformation and Analysis projects theneed for about 20 percent more registerednurses here in the commonwealth duringthat same time period.
Associate professor Dr. Cheryl Hettman,chair of Cal U’s Department of Nursing,says the University is addressing thatneed through a number of exceptionalnursing education offerings.
Ready for workIn an effort to meet the need for
entry-to-practice RN positions, Cal Uenjoys a cooperative relationship withCommunity College of AlleghenyCounty. In this innovative program,CCAC nursing students may attendclasses on the California campus and
enjoy all the amenities available toboth CCAC and Cal U students.
At the end of their two-year program,students receive an Associate Degreein Nursing from CCAC, sit for the statenursing licensure examination, andenter the profession as registered nurses.
As they begin working in the field,they also may return to Cal U for acompletion program that providesan RN to BSN, or Bachelor of Sciencein Nursing degree.
Nurses today are being held to ahigher level of accountability in everyenvironment in which they work,Hettman says.
“There’s a trend for hospitals to seek‘magnet status,’ a credential that recognizesquality patient care and nursing excellence,”she explains. “Because of this, manyhospitals now seek to hire only nurseswith a BSN degree, or they are reimbursingtheir current staff if they return to schoolto complete their bachelor’s degree.”
In a landmark study published inthe Journal of the American MedicalAssociation, registered nurse LindaAiken, who holds a Ph.D., linked ratesof surgical patient mortality at 168Pennsylvania hospitals to whethernurses had bachelor’s degrees.
Aiken noted that patient deathrates were nearly twice as high athospitals where fewer than 10 percentof the nurses held bachelor’s degreesas they were at hospitals where morethan 70 percent did. A follow-up studyconducted in 2008 confirmed thesefindings were true.
Enrollment in Cal U’s RN-BSNprogram has grown steadily overthe past five years, from about 100students per year to more than 160in the current class.
The program is attractive to bothnew RNs and professionals who havebeen working for many years. Theymay continue their education withoutquitting their jobs by attending classesin the evenings on either the Californiaor Southpointe campus, or at CCACSouth in West Mifflin — anotherexample of the cooperative relationshipbetween Cal U and CCAC.
Opening doors“It’s going to open up so many
doors for me, both professionally andfinancially,” says Benjamin Lego.
A May ’08 graduate with anassociate degree from a small collegein central Pennsylvania, Lego currentlyworks in the emergency room at TheUniontown Hospital in Uniontown,Pa. He is pursuing his RN-BSN at Cal Uand hopes eventually to complete amaster’s degree.
Cal U’s upper-level nursing coursesare highly competitive but flexible innature.
“The student body in our RN-BSNprogram is composed of workingnurses who are very motivated andvery dedicated,” Hettman says. “Weset high expectations for them, andthey meet them.”
One sign of the success of Cal’s RN-BSNprogram is the feedback that comesfrom graduates and the institutions
where they are employed. Hettman isgratified when she hears how studentsuse what they have learned in class toimplement new protocols.
“Great experiences come out ofthis program,” she says, “and manypeople benefit from them.”
“The faculty in the RN-BSNprogram at Cal was wonderful,” declaresMichaelene McForrester, RN-BSN ’08and a staff nurse in the emergencyroom at Magee-Womens Hospital ofUPMC. “They are nurses, they’ve beenon units in hospitals, and they knowwhat we’re facing. They really get it.”
McForrester is a member of the firstclass of Cal U’s new Master of Sciencein Nursing-Nursing Administrationand Leadership program, whichstarted in January.
Offered completely online, thenew MSN program attracts an eclectic
cohort of students — from those likeMcForrester who would like to moveinto management and leadership rolesto highly experienced nurse managersand administrators who work indiverse settings, such as acute carehospitals, primary care centers, homecare agencies, skilled nursing facilities,industry and sales, and the military.
“In order to have career mobility,it’s essential for nurses to continuetheir education,” Hettman says.
Blending theory and practiceDr. Mary O’Connor, coordinator of
the MSN-Nursing Administration andLeadership program, explains its value.
“This advanced degree blendshealth care and nursing principlesand theories with practice, and willdevelop strong and visionary leaderswho excel in all dimensions of nursing— from health care policy and financeto legal and ethical practice and thedelivery systems of care. It is designedto prepare nurse administrators andleaders to respond effectively to today’sdynamic health care environment,”she says.
“Leadership is part of every nurse’srole, and it is an essential part of thenurse administrator’s role,” O’Connoradds. “In the advanced practice role ofnursing administration and leadership,graduates of the MSN program willbe well prepared to make a differencein patient outcomes, staff preparationand job satisfaction, and retentionof nurses.”
Whether students choose theentry-to-practice curriculum, theRN-BSN program or the new MSNdegree, they can be sure their Cal Uexperience will help them make ahealthy contribution to Pennsylvania’sworkforce. �
By Lindy Kravec, a Peters Township-based
writer
6 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
Michaelene McForrester, RN-BSN ’08, is enrolled in the new Master of Science in Nursing programat Cal U. The flexible, online format lets her plan study time around her work schedule atMagee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
TakingCareof PennsylvaniaCal U offers full range of nursing programs,from entry-level to master’s degree
‘‘Great experiences
come out of
this program,
and many people
benefit from them.
’’DR. CHERYL HETTMAN,ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING CHAIR
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 7
S T R E N G T H E N I N G T H E W O R K F O R C E
We often think of nurses as theones who tend to playgroundinjuries at school, check vital
signs in a doctor’s office and dispensemedications in the hospital. Yet theseskilled practitioners are responsiblefor saving lives and improving patientoutcomes like no other health careprofessionals.
As their role becomes broader andincreasingly more important, the demandfor nurses grows — and Cal U is helpingto meet that demand with a continuumof degree programs.
According to the American Associationof Colleges of Nursing, there is anunprecedented shortage of registerednurses. Although RNs currently accountfor 2.9 million jobs, the U.S. Bureau ofLabor Statistics projects there will be587,000 new jobs for registered nursesin the period from 2006–2016, one ofthe largest growth rates among alloccupations.
Pennsylvania’s Center for WorkforceInformation and Analysis projects theneed for about 20 percent more registerednurses here in the commonwealth duringthat same time period.
Associate professor Dr. Cheryl Hettman,chair of Cal U’s Department of Nursing,says the University is addressing thatneed through a number of exceptionalnursing education offerings.
Ready for workIn an effort to meet the need for
entry-to-practice RN positions, Cal Uenjoys a cooperative relationship withCommunity College of AlleghenyCounty. In this innovative program,CCAC nursing students may attendclasses on the California campus and
enjoy all the amenities available toboth CCAC and Cal U students.
At the end of their two-year program,students receive an Associate Degreein Nursing from CCAC, sit for the statenursing licensure examination, andenter the profession as registered nurses.
As they begin working in the field,they also may return to Cal U for acompletion program that providesan RN to BSN, or Bachelor of Sciencein Nursing degree.
Nurses today are being held to ahigher level of accountability in everyenvironment in which they work,Hettman says.
“There’s a trend for hospitals to seek‘magnet status,’ a credential that recognizesquality patient care and nursing excellence,”she explains. “Because of this, manyhospitals now seek to hire only nurseswith a BSN degree, or they are reimbursingtheir current staff if they return to schoolto complete their bachelor’s degree.”
In a landmark study published inthe Journal of the American MedicalAssociation, registered nurse LindaAiken, who holds a Ph.D., linked ratesof surgical patient mortality at 168Pennsylvania hospitals to whethernurses had bachelor’s degrees.
Aiken noted that patient deathrates were nearly twice as high athospitals where fewer than 10 percentof the nurses held bachelor’s degreesas they were at hospitals where morethan 70 percent did. A follow-up studyconducted in 2008 confirmed thesefindings were true.
Enrollment in Cal U’s RN-BSNprogram has grown steadily overthe past five years, from about 100students per year to more than 160in the current class.
The program is attractive to bothnew RNs and professionals who havebeen working for many years. Theymay continue their education withoutquitting their jobs by attending classesin the evenings on either the Californiaor Southpointe campus, or at CCACSouth in West Mifflin — anotherexample of the cooperative relationshipbetween Cal U and CCAC.
Opening doors“It’s going to open up so many
doors for me, both professionally andfinancially,” says Benjamin Lego.
A May ’08 graduate with anassociate degree from a small collegein central Pennsylvania, Lego currentlyworks in the emergency room at TheUniontown Hospital in Uniontown,Pa. He is pursuing his RN-BSN at Cal Uand hopes eventually to complete amaster’s degree.
Cal U’s upper-level nursing coursesare highly competitive but flexible innature.
“The student body in our RN-BSNprogram is composed of workingnurses who are very motivated andvery dedicated,” Hettman says. “Weset high expectations for them, andthey meet them.”
One sign of the success of Cal’s RN-BSNprogram is the feedback that comesfrom graduates and the institutions
where they are employed. Hettman isgratified when she hears how studentsuse what they have learned in class toimplement new protocols.
“Great experiences come out ofthis program,” she says, “and manypeople benefit from them.”
“The faculty in the RN-BSNprogram at Cal was wonderful,” declaresMichaelene McForrester, RN-BSN ’08and a staff nurse in the emergencyroom at Magee-Womens Hospital ofUPMC. “They are nurses, they’ve beenon units in hospitals, and they knowwhat we’re facing. They really get it.”
McForrester is a member of the firstclass of Cal U’s new Master of Sciencein Nursing-Nursing Administrationand Leadership program, whichstarted in January.
Offered completely online, thenew MSN program attracts an eclectic
cohort of students — from those likeMcForrester who would like to moveinto management and leadership rolesto highly experienced nurse managersand administrators who work indiverse settings, such as acute carehospitals, primary care centers, homecare agencies, skilled nursing facilities,industry and sales, and the military.
“In order to have career mobility,it’s essential for nurses to continuetheir education,” Hettman says.
Blending theory and practiceDr. Mary O’Connor, coordinator of
the MSN-Nursing Administration andLeadership program, explains its value.
“This advanced degree blendshealth care and nursing principlesand theories with practice, and willdevelop strong and visionary leaderswho excel in all dimensions of nursing— from health care policy and financeto legal and ethical practice and thedelivery systems of care. It is designedto prepare nurse administrators andleaders to respond effectively to today’sdynamic health care environment,”she says.
“Leadership is part of every nurse’srole, and it is an essential part of thenurse administrator’s role,” O’Connoradds. “In the advanced practice role ofnursing administration and leadership,graduates of the MSN program willbe well prepared to make a differencein patient outcomes, staff preparationand job satisfaction, and retentionof nurses.”
Whether students choose theentry-to-practice curriculum, theRN-BSN program or the new MSNdegree, they can be sure their Cal Uexperience will help them make ahealthy contribution to Pennsylvania’sworkforce. �
By Lindy Kravec, a Peters Township-based
writer
6 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
Michaelene McForrester, RN-BSN ’08, is enrolled in the new Master of Science in Nursing programat Cal U. The flexible, online format lets her plan study time around her work schedule atMagee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
TakingCareof PennsylvaniaCal U offers full range of nursing programs,from entry-level to master’s degree
‘‘Great experiences
come out of
this program,
and many people
benefit from them.
’’DR. CHERYL HETTMAN,ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING CHAIR
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 7
S T R E N G T H E N I N G T H E W O R K F O R C E
Raffle revs up scholarship fundAlumni society offers chances on a red-hot Harley
Cal U students need scholarships— and the IA/TE Alumni Societyis gearing up to help.
The nonprofit organization ofindustrial arts and technology educationgraduates is raffling offa 2010 Harley-DavidsonRoad King motorcycleto boost its endowedscholarship fund.
“The goal is to givesomething back toCalifornia,” says PaulKoontz ’78, presidentof the alumni society.“Personally, Cal gaveme a lot more than justacademics. It gave mea foundation for myprofessional life, andI want to help pass thatopportunity along to others.”
A total of 5,000 tickets are available,at a cost of $10 each. Every ticket hastwo numbers, doubling the chance towin. The winning ticket will match thePennsylvania Lottery’s “Big 4” lotterynumbers drawn on the evening ofMay 3, 2010.
The winner will be notified bycertified mail. The holder of thewinning ticket must provide proofof insurance and a valid driver’slicense for registration purposes.Complete rules are posted onlineat www.cal-ia-te-alumni.org.
The winner will be announcedat a special event for society members,although he or she need not bepresent to win.
Organizers are hoping the winnerwill ride the motorcycle in the 2010Homecoming parade, sparking interestin a second fundraiser.
Before it is wheeled into the winner’sgarage, the red-and-black touring bikeis scheduled to make several “roadtrips” to society events, travelingsecurely inside a covered trailer.
The Harley made a December stopat an alumni event at the CarnegieScience Center, and society members
hope to show it off again this springat the International TechnologyEducation Association’s nationalconference in Charlotte, N.C.
Sixty cents of every dollar raisedthrough the raffle willgo into the society’sendowed scholarshipfund, which is managedby the Foundation forCalifornia Universityof Pennsylvania.
“People like Harleys,so the raffle gives us agood opportunity to raisefunds,” says Koontz,a motorcycle rider for42 years.
His Ohio-basedbusiness, 484 ConsultingLLC, specializes in
STEM-based educational products andservices for elementary, secondaryand career/technical schools, as wellas colleges and universities involvedwith science, technology, engineeringand mathematics.
“The bike’s even red and black,
Cal’s school colors,” Koontz says.Membership in the IA/TE Alumni
Association is awarded automaticallyto anyone who earns certification oran undergraduate or graduate degree inindustrial arts or technology educationat Cal U. Faculty and retired facultyalso are members.
The society gives alumni a chanceto network, both professionally andsocially, and to stay in touch with theUniversity, its faculty and students.The group also works to increasesupport for technology educationand to provide scholarships.
“As I’ve said many times, scholarshipsare Cal U’s greatest need,” says UniversityPresident Angelo Armenti, Jr. “It’s greatto see our alumni reaching out to helpour current students.
“Many of those alumni remembersomeone who was willing to lend thema hand during their own student days.Now they are using their creativity to‘pay it forward’ — and they’re havinga good time doing it.”
For more information, please call724-938-4085 or 724-938-4169. �
‘‘Cal gave me
a lot more than
just academics.
It gave me a
foundation for my
professional life.
’’PAUL KOONTZ ’78,PRESIDENT,
IA/TE ALUMNI SOCIETY
LEADERS OF THE PACKPresident Angelo Armenti, Jr. and First LadyBarbara Armenti try out the Harley-DavidsonRoad King — painted Cal U red and black.
Bridging the gap between academic training andindustry needs, advisory boards guide the growthand development of many programs at Cal U.
These panels of experienced professionals offer their counselin areas as different as Health Science, Legal Studies and robotics.
Although a Cal U diploma is not required, many advisoryboard members are, in fact, alumni who volunteer in thespirit of Cal U for Life.
The common goal of all members: to ensure real-worldapplications in degree programs, to enhance students’employment opportunities, and to support those facultymembers who seek out and use industry input.
“From faculty to department chairs to college deans,we continue to be impressed with the caliber of people wework with at Cal U,” says David Landis, vice president foreducation and training at The Technology Collaborative,which partnered with Cal U’s Department of AppliedEngineering and Technology (AET) to craft a high-school-to-college program, then expanded the relationship.
“They are willing contributors who show a sincereinterest in projects that serve students, local industry andthe region. They take industry input seriously and valuethe opportunity to work in partnership,” he says.
The AET Department calls on its advisory boards whenconsidering ways to keep programs relevant to industryneeds and when designing programs.
For example, board members who helped to launch thenew Robotics Engineering Technology associate degree alsoprovided input for the next stage of the tiered program,a four-year degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology.
The advisory board is part of NCRETE, the National Centerfor Robotics Engineering Technology Education. The 13 advisersrepresent a “solid mix” of industry, workforce training andacademic professionals, says NCRETE director Anthony Rodi.
“They see we have hard-working students who are learningapplied skills,” he says. “Companies can be assured they willget trained people with transferable skills in Cal U graduates.”
When advisory board members create internships, thosestudents often become the “go-to people” when jobs areavailable, Rodi adds.
Pedro Delgado of Rail Transit Consultants Inc. says hewelcomes sharing his industry experience so that studentsare introduced to the details of real-life engineering problems.This practical experience helps students to think in real time,he says.
Advisory boards also address accreditation needs. Manynational accrediting agencies require detailed industry inputand strong evidence that faculty have adjusted programs basedon advice from their boards.
For instance, Cal U’s bachelor’s degree in ComputerEngineering Technology recently received accreditation byABET’s Technology Accreditation Commission, in part becauseof the active role played by advisory board members.
In fact, every bachelor’s program in AET — ElectricalEngineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology,Industrial Technology, Graphics and Multimedia, and TechnologyEducation — is accredited, and each has its own advisoryboard functioning in a critical role with earning and maintainingaccreditation.
To stay on the cutting edge, the AET Department “looksoutward, not inward,” says Paul Koontz ’78, NCRETE advisoryboard member and president of 484 Consulting LLC, atechnology education company based in Medina, Ohio.
“The faculty, staff and board constantly look to ensurethat programs meet real industry needs.” �
By Colleen C. Derda, a Pittsburgh-based writer
OUTSIDERS’OPINIONS
Advisory board members sharetheir professional expertise
Pedro Delgado, engineer at Rail Transit Consultants in Penn, Pa.
8 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010 WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 9
S T R E N G T H E N I N G T H E W O R K F O R C E
Raffle revs up scholarship fundAlumni society offers chances on a red-hot Harley
Cal U students need scholarships— and the IA/TE Alumni Societyis gearing up to help.
The nonprofit organization ofindustrial arts and technology educationgraduates is raffling offa 2010 Harley-DavidsonRoad King motorcycleto boost its endowedscholarship fund.
“The goal is to givesomething back toCalifornia,” says PaulKoontz ’78, presidentof the alumni society.“Personally, Cal gaveme a lot more than justacademics. It gave mea foundation for myprofessional life, andI want to help pass thatopportunity along to others.”
A total of 5,000 tickets are available,at a cost of $10 each. Every ticket hastwo numbers, doubling the chance towin. The winning ticket will match thePennsylvania Lottery’s “Big 4” lotterynumbers drawn on the evening ofMay 3, 2010.
The winner will be notified bycertified mail. The holder of thewinning ticket must provide proofof insurance and a valid driver’slicense for registration purposes.Complete rules are posted onlineat www.cal-ia-te-alumni.org.
The winner will be announcedat a special event for society members,although he or she need not bepresent to win.
Organizers are hoping the winnerwill ride the motorcycle in the 2010Homecoming parade, sparking interestin a second fundraiser.
Before it is wheeled into the winner’sgarage, the red-and-black touring bikeis scheduled to make several “roadtrips” to society events, travelingsecurely inside a covered trailer.
The Harley made a December stopat an alumni event at the CarnegieScience Center, and society members
hope to show it off again this springat the International TechnologyEducation Association’s nationalconference in Charlotte, N.C.
Sixty cents of every dollar raisedthrough the raffle willgo into the society’sendowed scholarshipfund, which is managedby the Foundation forCalifornia Universityof Pennsylvania.
“People like Harleys,so the raffle gives us agood opportunity to raisefunds,” says Koontz,a motorcycle rider for42 years.
His Ohio-basedbusiness, 484 ConsultingLLC, specializes in
STEM-based educational products andservices for elementary, secondaryand career/technical schools, as wellas colleges and universities involvedwith science, technology, engineeringand mathematics.
“The bike’s even red and black,
Cal’s school colors,” Koontz says.Membership in the IA/TE Alumni
Association is awarded automaticallyto anyone who earns certification oran undergraduate or graduate degree inindustrial arts or technology educationat Cal U. Faculty and retired facultyalso are members.
The society gives alumni a chanceto network, both professionally andsocially, and to stay in touch with theUniversity, its faculty and students.The group also works to increasesupport for technology educationand to provide scholarships.
“As I’ve said many times, scholarshipsare Cal U’s greatest need,” says UniversityPresident Angelo Armenti, Jr. “It’s greatto see our alumni reaching out to helpour current students.
“Many of those alumni remembersomeone who was willing to lend thema hand during their own student days.Now they are using their creativity to‘pay it forward’ — and they’re havinga good time doing it.”
For more information, please call724-938-4085 or 724-938-4169. �
‘‘Cal gave me
a lot more than
just academics.
It gave me a
foundation for my
professional life.
’’PAUL KOONTZ ’78,PRESIDENT,
IA/TE ALUMNI SOCIETY
LEADERS OF THE PACKPresident Angelo Armenti, Jr. and First LadyBarbara Armenti try out the Harley-DavidsonRoad King — painted Cal U red and black.
Bridging the gap between academic training andindustry needs, advisory boards guide the growthand development of many programs at Cal U.
These panels of experienced professionals offer their counselin areas as different as Health Science, Legal Studies and robotics.
Although a Cal U diploma is not required, many advisoryboard members are, in fact, alumni who volunteer in thespirit of Cal U for Life.
The common goal of all members: to ensure real-worldapplications in degree programs, to enhance students’employment opportunities, and to support those facultymembers who seek out and use industry input.
“From faculty to department chairs to college deans,we continue to be impressed with the caliber of people wework with at Cal U,” says David Landis, vice president foreducation and training at The Technology Collaborative,which partnered with Cal U’s Department of AppliedEngineering and Technology (AET) to craft a high-school-to-college program, then expanded the relationship.
“They are willing contributors who show a sincereinterest in projects that serve students, local industry andthe region. They take industry input seriously and valuethe opportunity to work in partnership,” he says.
The AET Department calls on its advisory boards whenconsidering ways to keep programs relevant to industryneeds and when designing programs.
For example, board members who helped to launch thenew Robotics Engineering Technology associate degree alsoprovided input for the next stage of the tiered program,a four-year degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology.
The advisory board is part of NCRETE, the National Centerfor Robotics Engineering Technology Education. The 13 advisersrepresent a “solid mix” of industry, workforce training andacademic professionals, says NCRETE director Anthony Rodi.
“They see we have hard-working students who are learningapplied skills,” he says. “Companies can be assured they willget trained people with transferable skills in Cal U graduates.”
When advisory board members create internships, thosestudents often become the “go-to people” when jobs areavailable, Rodi adds.
Pedro Delgado of Rail Transit Consultants Inc. says hewelcomes sharing his industry experience so that studentsare introduced to the details of real-life engineering problems.This practical experience helps students to think in real time,he says.
Advisory boards also address accreditation needs. Manynational accrediting agencies require detailed industry inputand strong evidence that faculty have adjusted programs basedon advice from their boards.
For instance, Cal U’s bachelor’s degree in ComputerEngineering Technology recently received accreditation byABET’s Technology Accreditation Commission, in part becauseof the active role played by advisory board members.
In fact, every bachelor’s program in AET — ElectricalEngineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology,Industrial Technology, Graphics and Multimedia, and TechnologyEducation — is accredited, and each has its own advisoryboard functioning in a critical role with earning and maintainingaccreditation.
To stay on the cutting edge, the AET Department “looksoutward, not inward,” says Paul Koontz ’78, NCRETE advisoryboard member and president of 484 Consulting LLC, atechnology education company based in Medina, Ohio.
“The faculty, staff and board constantly look to ensurethat programs meet real industry needs.” �
By Colleen C. Derda, a Pittsburgh-based writer
OUTSIDERS’OPINIONS
Advisory board members sharetheir professional expertise
Pedro Delgado, engineer at Rail Transit Consultants in Penn, Pa.
8 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010 WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 9
S T R E N G T H E N I N G T H E W O R K F O R C E
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 1110 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
Meanwhile, staff and freelance writersworked to update, rewrite and verifyabout 1,400 pages of information.Photographers shot, labeled and uploadedhundreds of still photos and video clips.
As the final words and pictures wereassembled, Cal U’s own web team —supplemented by more than a dozenwork-study and graduate students —began the painstaking process ofconstructing the new site, with helpfrom the University’s Office ofInformation Technology.
Key to their work is a new contentmanagement system that should make iteasier to update web pages and keep the website fresh.
Virtual TouristsVisitors who type www.calu.edu into their Internet
browsers will have a world of information at their fingertips.“When they visit the homepage, the first thing people
will notice is the virtual tour,” says Chris Cox, accountsupervisor at BarkelyREI and project lead for the websiteredesign.
“It isn’t meant to be just a pretty picture,” he adds.“It’s grounded in the strategic business objective ofshowcasing Cal U’s vibrant campus and the physicaltransformation it’s undergone in recent years.”
On the homepage, the University comes to life indetailed illustrations based on photos of campus architecture.
Video clips of Cal U students provideinformation about the buildings and theactivities inside.
News items are displayed in a carouselat the bottom of the page. Feeds fromFacebook, Twitter and other social mediasites are pulled into the page, and adrop-down menu guides students, alumniand University employees to portionsof the website they use most often.
With the click of a mouse, visitors canfind a comprehensive calendar of campusevents. Students can check their schedulesand grades. Parents soon will have their
own information portal, with a message board where theycan post questions or share experiences. Guidance counselorscan use a secure, password-protected portal to track theapplication process for high school students who hope toattend Cal U.
Throughout the site, videos show how the culture ofphilanthropy and Cal U’s core values of integrity, civilityand responsibility make an impact on campus life.
“Pulling this all together was a massive undertaking,”Burrows says. “There is still some tweaking to be done, ofcourse, and the job of refreshing the website will be ongoing.
“Overall, we are very pleased with the result. Thenew website is both appealing and functional, exactlythe balance we were hoping to achieve. This website wascreated to serve the entire Cal U community. I hope itcontinues to fulfill that promise, now and in the future.” �
By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U
California University has a new digital front door— a website that raises the bar in terms of bothfunction and style.
With the help of BarkleyREI, a Pittsburgh-basedinteractive marketing agency, the website at www.calu.eduhas been rebuilt completely with users in mind.
Designed to be informative, functional and easyto navigate, it also delivers a “wow factor” that makesit a standout.
“In this digital age, our website is the University’sprimary marketing and recruitment tool,” says AngelaBurrows, vice president for University Relations.“This is how many prospective students will formtheir first impression of Cal U.
“In addition, the website must function well foreveryone on our campus, as well as our alumni andother University friends. The challenge lay in meetingthe needs of so many different stakeholders.”
wow!WEBSITE REACTION:
New ‘front door’ offers easynavigation and a distinctive look
Television viewers will get a glimpseof the Cal U campus in two
animated ads to be broadcast this year.“Animation sets Cal U’s advertising
apart from other schools in the region,”says Craig Otto, partner and creativedirector at Dymun+Co., the Pittsburgh-based advertising firm that developedthe concept for the 30-second spots.
“Our goal is to raise awarenessabout the University and to showwhat makes it so special — includingits amazing campus.”
As in Cal U’s previous award-winning ads, voiceovers explainhow the University’s core values helpstudents prepare for a career andgraduate with “a degree of character.”
The new ads go one step further,illustrating Cal U’s natural andarchitectural beauty.
In “Journey,” airing now, theriverside campus is “painted” ontothe TV screen in a style resembling
watercolor. “Built,” due later thisyear, shows an architectural drawingtaking shape around a student.
Both advertisements “use thecampus as a canvas for communicatingthe University’s core values,” Otto says.
The scenes were animated byLittle Fluffy Clouds, an award-winninganimation studio in San Francisco.To ensure authenticity, husband-and-wife team Betsy De Fries and Jerryvan de Beek spent a full day walkingthe Quad, photographing students,even measuring building facadesat Cal U.
“Focus groups for our new websitesuggested showing the campus in ourTV ads,” says Angela Burrows, Cal U’svice president for University Relations.“I see both the website and the adsas an evolution of our brand — thecore message is the same, but peopleare able to see how our campus hasbeen transformed.”
“Cal’s investment in its students isinstantly apparent when you see thisbeautiful campus,” Otto adds. “That’swhat we wanted to show. I believethese ads will speak to alumni as wellas they speak to prospective students.”
TV ads paint Cal U in a new light
Focus GroupsThe yearlong redesign project began with a thorough
analysis of the original Cal U website by BarkleyREI.Then came “discovery sessions” with 19 focus groupsfrom all corners of the campus.
Prospective and current students, faculty, staff,administrators and alumni sat down with UniversityRelations staff and a cross-disciplinary team led byuser-experience specialists from BarkleyREI.
In candid, informal sessions they explained theirneeds and created a “wish list” for the new site.
“Everyone was looking for a useful website thataccurately represents the University,” says Erica Deitzel,vice president of user experience at BarkleyREI.“The fact that the site needed an updated look-and-feelwas obvious, but a larger need for better content camethrough loud and clear.”
In addition, “President Armenti wanted Cal U tohave a distinctive online presence. He wanted a sitethat would make people sit up and say, ‘Wow!’”
After planning the site’s underlying architecturewith Cal U and developing creative designs, BarkleyREIconducted “user tests” with groups of high school andcollege students. Their comments helped to fine-tunethe site’s overall navigation, labeling and contentorganization, and confirmed their satisfaction withthe site’s creative design.
Students from the Global Online and LifelongLearning programs participated in e-mail interviewsthat evaluated the website’s ease of use and overall appeal.
The new website includes more than1,400 pages of information, plus hundredsof photographs and videos.
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 1110 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
Meanwhile, staff and freelance writersworked to update, rewrite and verifyabout 1,400 pages of information.Photographers shot, labeled and uploadedhundreds of still photos and video clips.
As the final words and pictures wereassembled, Cal U’s own web team —supplemented by more than a dozenwork-study and graduate students —began the painstaking process ofconstructing the new site, with helpfrom the University’s Office ofInformation Technology.
Key to their work is a new contentmanagement system that should make iteasier to update web pages and keep the website fresh.
Virtual TouristsVisitors who type www.calu.edu into their Internet
browsers will have a world of information at their fingertips.“When they visit the homepage, the first thing people
will notice is the virtual tour,” says Chris Cox, accountsupervisor at BarkelyREI and project lead for the websiteredesign.
“It isn’t meant to be just a pretty picture,” he adds.“It’s grounded in the strategic business objective ofshowcasing Cal U’s vibrant campus and the physicaltransformation it’s undergone in recent years.”
On the homepage, the University comes to life indetailed illustrations based on photos of campus architecture.
Video clips of Cal U students provideinformation about the buildings and theactivities inside.
News items are displayed in a carouselat the bottom of the page. Feeds fromFacebook, Twitter and other social mediasites are pulled into the page, and adrop-down menu guides students, alumniand University employees to portionsof the website they use most often.
With the click of a mouse, visitors canfind a comprehensive calendar of campusevents. Students can check their schedulesand grades. Parents soon will have their
own information portal, with a message board where theycan post questions or share experiences. Guidance counselorscan use a secure, password-protected portal to track theapplication process for high school students who hope toattend Cal U.
Throughout the site, videos show how the culture ofphilanthropy and Cal U’s core values of integrity, civilityand responsibility make an impact on campus life.
“Pulling this all together was a massive undertaking,”Burrows says. “There is still some tweaking to be done, ofcourse, and the job of refreshing the website will be ongoing.
“Overall, we are very pleased with the result. Thenew website is both appealing and functional, exactlythe balance we were hoping to achieve. This website wascreated to serve the entire Cal U community. I hope itcontinues to fulfill that promise, now and in the future.” �
By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U
California University has a new digital front door— a website that raises the bar in terms of bothfunction and style.
With the help of BarkleyREI, a Pittsburgh-basedinteractive marketing agency, the website at www.calu.eduhas been rebuilt completely with users in mind.
Designed to be informative, functional and easyto navigate, it also delivers a “wow factor” that makesit a standout.
“In this digital age, our website is the University’sprimary marketing and recruitment tool,” says AngelaBurrows, vice president for University Relations.“This is how many prospective students will formtheir first impression of Cal U.
“In addition, the website must function well foreveryone on our campus, as well as our alumni andother University friends. The challenge lay in meetingthe needs of so many different stakeholders.”
wow!WEBSITE REACTION:
New ‘front door’ offers easynavigation and a distinctive look
Television viewers will get a glimpseof the Cal U campus in two
animated ads to be broadcast this year.“Animation sets Cal U’s advertising
apart from other schools in the region,”says Craig Otto, partner and creativedirector at Dymun+Co., the Pittsburgh-based advertising firm that developedthe concept for the 30-second spots.
“Our goal is to raise awarenessabout the University and to showwhat makes it so special — includingits amazing campus.”
As in Cal U’s previous award-winning ads, voiceovers explainhow the University’s core values helpstudents prepare for a career andgraduate with “a degree of character.”
The new ads go one step further,illustrating Cal U’s natural andarchitectural beauty.
In “Journey,” airing now, theriverside campus is “painted” ontothe TV screen in a style resembling
watercolor. “Built,” due later thisyear, shows an architectural drawingtaking shape around a student.
Both advertisements “use thecampus as a canvas for communicatingthe University’s core values,” Otto says.
The scenes were animated byLittle Fluffy Clouds, an award-winninganimation studio in San Francisco.To ensure authenticity, husband-and-wife team Betsy De Fries and Jerryvan de Beek spent a full day walkingthe Quad, photographing students,even measuring building facadesat Cal U.
“Focus groups for our new websitesuggested showing the campus in ourTV ads,” says Angela Burrows, Cal U’svice president for University Relations.“I see both the website and the adsas an evolution of our brand — thecore message is the same, but peopleare able to see how our campus hasbeen transformed.”
“Cal’s investment in its students isinstantly apparent when you see thisbeautiful campus,” Otto adds. “That’swhat we wanted to show. I believethese ads will speak to alumni as wellas they speak to prospective students.”
TV ads paint Cal U in a new light
Focus GroupsThe yearlong redesign project began with a thorough
analysis of the original Cal U website by BarkleyREI.Then came “discovery sessions” with 19 focus groupsfrom all corners of the campus.
Prospective and current students, faculty, staff,administrators and alumni sat down with UniversityRelations staff and a cross-disciplinary team led byuser-experience specialists from BarkleyREI.
In candid, informal sessions they explained theirneeds and created a “wish list” for the new site.
“Everyone was looking for a useful website thataccurately represents the University,” says Erica Deitzel,vice president of user experience at BarkleyREI.“The fact that the site needed an updated look-and-feelwas obvious, but a larger need for better content camethrough loud and clear.”
In addition, “President Armenti wanted Cal U tohave a distinctive online presence. He wanted a sitethat would make people sit up and say, ‘Wow!’”
After planning the site’s underlying architecturewith Cal U and developing creative designs, BarkleyREIconducted “user tests” with groups of high school andcollege students. Their comments helped to fine-tunethe site’s overall navigation, labeling and contentorganization, and confirmed their satisfaction withthe site’s creative design.
Students from the Global Online and LifelongLearning programs participated in e-mail interviewsthat evaluated the website’s ease of use and overall appeal.
The new website includes more than1,400 pages of information, plus hundredsof photographs and videos.
the hospital foundation board and wasthe first physician chosen as presidentof the hospital’s board of directors.
Although he has retired frommedical practice, Harry continuesto play an active role as a memberof the hospital board.
While her husband tended to thehealth care needs of the community,Linda seized the opportunityto get involved in a hostof volunteer activities.She has served on theboards of the PittsburghSymphony Orchestraand Asbury Heights, anot-for-profit, faith-basedretirement communityin Mt. Lebanon, Pa.
Along with herhusband, she was anelder at WestminsterPresbyterian Church.
Linda also servedthree terms as an electedmember of the Upper St.Clair School Board, oneof her favorite volunteer roles.During her tenure, she workeddiligently to create a communityeducational foundation that has evolvedinto the Community Foundation ofUpper St. Clair, an organization thatsupports programs and activities thatenrich the lives of local residents.
“I feel so firmly that the singlething that has made America great ispublic education,” Linda says. “I wasalways so proud of my involvementwith the Upper St. Clair schools, andwith our association with CaliforniaUniversity.”
For three generations the Serenefamily has been involved with Cal U.In 1960, Harry’s father, Dr. MichaelF. Serene, joined the faculty of theUniversity. All three of Harry’s brothers,two of his sisters-in-law, his daughterand son-in-law are proud alumni.
In 1978, the Cal U AlumniAssociation presented the four Serenebrothers — three medical doctors andone Ph.D. — with the MeritoriousAchievement Award. In 1996, theFoundation for California Universitypresented the Serene family with itsprestigious Job Johnson Award forexcellence, innovation andcommunity service.
Because they are committedto “paying it forward,” in 2004 theSerene family joined forces to createan endowed scholarship to honorthe legacy of their parents, Michaeland Clara Serene.
Says Linda, “We like to be peoplewho make good things happen forthe right reason.”
Fostering leadershipTo that end, they
recently announced theformation of a LeadershipInstitute at Cal U.Under the direction ofDr. Michael Hummel,dean of the College ofLiberal Arts, a selectnumber of high schooland University studentswill have the opportunityto cultivate leadershipskills at special trainingprograms.
“Our work instudent government at
Cal U had such a significant influenceon us, we’re hoping to give others asimilar experience through this newLeadership Institute,” says Linda.
Fostering leadership on many levelshas been among Linda’s goals since shejoined the Foundation board in 2004.As president of the Foundation, shealso is committed to making theUniversity’s endowment grow — andshe is charging every board memberto give and to attract new givers.
Harry echoes the need for increasedalumni participation.
“Any university, whether it’s aprivate or a state-related institution,needs alumni support in order tobecome great,” he observes.
Although financial support isimportant, Harry urges alumni tobecome “emotionally connected”to their alma mater.
“We want to see more alumnigetting involved with current students— being available, being supportive —and serving as role models for futurealumni,” he adds.
Amy Lombard, executive directorof Alumni Relations and Annual Fund,is confident those efforts will cometo fruition.
“Dr. Serene has very strong
leadership skills, and the ability tobring people together,” she says.“In addition, he is a very caring andcompassionate person. Because of this,all of our alumni, regardless of classyear, should respond to his appeal.”
Harry believes the new Cal Ufor Life initiative can impress uponstudents the importance of keepingthe University in their lives.
“In the past, students didn’t realizethey had a role after graduation,” hesays. “I want to make sure they knowthat the University still needs themand wants them to stay involved.”
“Harry and I are celebrating our40th wedding anniversary in 2010,”Linda adds. “Nothing makes us happierthan doing something special for Cal Uat this special time in our lives.” �
By Lindy Kravec, a Peters Township-based writer
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 13
DYNAMICDUOPREPAREDTOLEADAlumni couple intends tomake adifference for Cal U
Linda and Harry Serene have beenactive on behalf of Cal U since theirrespective terms as Student Governmentpresident. Now Linda ’64 is leading theFoundation for California University,and soon Harry ’65 will head theAlumni Association Board of Directors.
For Dr. Harry ’65 and Linda ’64Serene, leadership isn’t an abstractconcept. It’s a way of life.
This dynamic couple honed theirleadership skills as students at Cal U, thenknown as California State College. Witha keen interest in student governmentand a penchant for getting involved, theyfound their paths crossing many times.
Nearly 45 years later, they still sharesimilar interests and passions — andtend to finish each other’s sentences.
Linda explains that she and Harrymet when she was a senior and presidentof the Student Government Association.Harry was a junior and vice president.
Harry quickly points out that hesucceeded her as president the followingyear. They both received the OutstandingStudent Award during their senior year,Linda adds.
Although Linda categorizes theirundergraduate days as “a millennium ago,”she is delighted that she and Harry onceagain will be working in tandem leadershiproles within the Cal U community.
Linda recently was named presidentof the board of directors of the Foundationfor California University of Pennsylvania,and Harry looks forward to moving fromhis current position as vice president topresident of the board of directors of theAlumni Association in July.
Community and professional serviceThe energy, experience and vision the
Serenes bring to their new positions is sure tohave a substantial effect on the University.
Over the years, they have taken anactive role in the advancement of a numberof professional and civic organizations.
For 35 years, Harry practiced as aboard-certified general surgeon at West PennHospital, the University of PittsburghMedical Center and St. Clair Hospital.In spite of his demanding schedule, henever lost track of his passion to serve.
Harry employed his leadership skillsas president of the St. Clair Hospitalmedical staff, chairman of the departmentof general surgery, and co-chairman of themedical ethics committee. He served on
‘‘Any university,
whether it’s a
private or a
state-related
institution, needs
alumni support
in order to
become great.
’’DR. HARRY SERENE ’65
Linda Serene ‘64,as president of theStudent GovernmentAssociation in 1964.
After practicing surgery for 35 years Dr. HarrySerene ‘65 went on to become the presidentof the St. Clair Hospital medical staff.
Linda Serene ‘64 served three terms as amember of the Upper St. Clair School Board.
12 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
the hospital foundation board and wasthe first physician chosen as presidentof the hospital’s board of directors.
Although he has retired frommedical practice, Harry continuesto play an active role as a memberof the hospital board.
While her husband tended to thehealth care needs of the community,Linda seized the opportunityto get involved in a hostof volunteer activities.She has served on theboards of the PittsburghSymphony Orchestraand Asbury Heights, anot-for-profit, faith-basedretirement communityin Mt. Lebanon, Pa.
Along with herhusband, she was anelder at WestminsterPresbyterian Church.
Linda also servedthree terms as an electedmember of the Upper St.Clair School Board, oneof her favorite volunteer roles.During her tenure, she workeddiligently to create a communityeducational foundation that has evolvedinto the Community Foundation ofUpper St. Clair, an organization thatsupports programs and activities thatenrich the lives of local residents.
“I feel so firmly that the singlething that has made America great ispublic education,” Linda says. “I wasalways so proud of my involvementwith the Upper St. Clair schools, andwith our association with CaliforniaUniversity.”
For three generations the Serenefamily has been involved with Cal U.In 1960, Harry’s father, Dr. MichaelF. Serene, joined the faculty of theUniversity. All three of Harry’s brothers,two of his sisters-in-law, his daughterand son-in-law are proud alumni.
In 1978, the Cal U AlumniAssociation presented the four Serenebrothers — three medical doctors andone Ph.D. — with the MeritoriousAchievement Award. In 1996, theFoundation for California Universitypresented the Serene family with itsprestigious Job Johnson Award forexcellence, innovation andcommunity service.
Because they are committedto “paying it forward,” in 2004 theSerene family joined forces to createan endowed scholarship to honorthe legacy of their parents, Michaeland Clara Serene.
Says Linda, “We like to be peoplewho make good things happen forthe right reason.”
Fostering leadershipTo that end, they
recently announced theformation of a LeadershipInstitute at Cal U.Under the direction ofDr. Michael Hummel,dean of the College ofLiberal Arts, a selectnumber of high schooland University studentswill have the opportunityto cultivate leadershipskills at special trainingprograms.
“Our work instudent government at
Cal U had such a significant influenceon us, we’re hoping to give others asimilar experience through this newLeadership Institute,” says Linda.
Fostering leadership on many levelshas been among Linda’s goals since shejoined the Foundation board in 2004.As president of the Foundation, shealso is committed to making theUniversity’s endowment grow — andshe is charging every board memberto give and to attract new givers.
Harry echoes the need for increasedalumni participation.
“Any university, whether it’s aprivate or a state-related institution,needs alumni support in order tobecome great,” he observes.
Although financial support isimportant, Harry urges alumni tobecome “emotionally connected”to their alma mater.
“We want to see more alumnigetting involved with current students— being available, being supportive —and serving as role models for futurealumni,” he adds.
Amy Lombard, executive directorof Alumni Relations and Annual Fund,is confident those efforts will cometo fruition.
“Dr. Serene has very strong
leadership skills, and the ability tobring people together,” she says.“In addition, he is a very caring andcompassionate person. Because of this,all of our alumni, regardless of classyear, should respond to his appeal.”
Harry believes the new Cal Ufor Life initiative can impress uponstudents the importance of keepingthe University in their lives.
“In the past, students didn’t realizethey had a role after graduation,” hesays. “I want to make sure they knowthat the University still needs themand wants them to stay involved.”
“Harry and I are celebrating our40th wedding anniversary in 2010,”Linda adds. “Nothing makes us happierthan doing something special for Cal Uat this special time in our lives.” �
By Lindy Kravec, a Peters Township-based writer
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 13
DYNAMICDUOPREPAREDTOLEADAlumni couple intends tomake adifference for Cal U
Linda and Harry Serene have beenactive on behalf of Cal U since theirrespective terms as Student Governmentpresident. Now Linda ’64 is leading theFoundation for California University,and soon Harry ’65 will head theAlumni Association Board of Directors.
For Dr. Harry ’65 and Linda ’64Serene, leadership isn’t an abstractconcept. It’s a way of life.
This dynamic couple honed theirleadership skills as students at Cal U, thenknown as California State College. Witha keen interest in student governmentand a penchant for getting involved, theyfound their paths crossing many times.
Nearly 45 years later, they still sharesimilar interests and passions — andtend to finish each other’s sentences.
Linda explains that she and Harrymet when she was a senior and presidentof the Student Government Association.Harry was a junior and vice president.
Harry quickly points out that hesucceeded her as president the followingyear. They both received the OutstandingStudent Award during their senior year,Linda adds.
Although Linda categorizes theirundergraduate days as “a millennium ago,”she is delighted that she and Harry onceagain will be working in tandem leadershiproles within the Cal U community.
Linda recently was named presidentof the board of directors of the Foundationfor California University of Pennsylvania,and Harry looks forward to moving fromhis current position as vice president topresident of the board of directors of theAlumni Association in July.
Community and professional serviceThe energy, experience and vision the
Serenes bring to their new positions is sure tohave a substantial effect on the University.
Over the years, they have taken anactive role in the advancement of a numberof professional and civic organizations.
For 35 years, Harry practiced as aboard-certified general surgeon at West PennHospital, the University of PittsburghMedical Center and St. Clair Hospital.In spite of his demanding schedule, henever lost track of his passion to serve.
Harry employed his leadership skillsas president of the St. Clair Hospitalmedical staff, chairman of the departmentof general surgery, and co-chairman of themedical ethics committee. He served on
‘‘Any university,
whether it’s a
private or a
state-related
institution, needs
alumni support
in order to
become great.
’’DR. HARRY SERENE ’65
Linda Serene ‘64,as president of theStudent GovernmentAssociation in 1964.
After practicing surgery for 35 years Dr. HarrySerene ‘65 went on to become the presidentof the St. Clair Hospital medical staff.
Linda Serene ‘64 served three terms as amember of the Upper St. Clair School Board.
12 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
More than 1,200 students were awarded degreesat Cal U’s 169th Commencement, held Dec. 18for graduate students and Dec. 19 for
undergraduates. University President Angelo Armenti Jr.welcomed students who completed their studies inAugust and in December, reminding the graduates to“return often and keep in touch with us.”
Here are excerpts from the Commencement addressesdelivered at those ceremonies. To read the complete textof the Commencement speakers’ remarks, or to see videoof the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies, visitwww.calu.edu and search for “commencement videos.”
‘A remarkable gift’Carol Mitchell ’72, ’75 is aco-founder and president/CEOof Verland, an organizationthat provides housing and carefor individuals with special needs.She received a Doctor of HumaneLetters, honoris causa, atundergraduate Commencement.
Thirty-four years ago … right here, at age 30, havingbeen a part-time commuter student, I received my master’sdegree in education, the very degree that qualified me tobecome Verland’s leader, although I did not know that then.
“As I look back, I can see clearly God’s hand inestablishing Verland, which involved many significantmiracles like this, and many more, right up to today.
“The Verland story is a love story: The love of threewomen for three children who were severely intellectuallydisabled — Verlinda Chalfant, Andrew Hanzel and DavidW. Tresch, hence the name Verland. My part in this is thatI fell in love with David in 1964 at Western Center inCanonsburg, Pa., when he was 9 and I was 19. Forty-fiveyears later, we’re still together.
“He is the reason Verland was started in 1978 … althoughit took two-and-a-half years, until January of 1981, to openour new $6.5 million facility with 10 homes in Sewickleyon 13 acres of donated land, another awesome miracle.
“Now Verland serves 222 individuals in 50 homes,employs 550 people and has a budget of $35 million.
“David and his friends lived such inhumane lives insuch appalling conditions at Western that I instinctivelyknew what Verland should be like. Today, all Verlanderslive lives of dignity with the appropriate supports inbeautiful, comfortable homes. …
“We are in the business of helping people and doinggood! And by doing good for others, we’ve become betterpeople ourselves. …
“I hope my life’s work gives enough credit to Cal U.I’ll continually strive to be more worthy of this specialdegree; it certainly is a remarkable Christmas gift, as wellas a dream come true for me.”
‘Where dreams are made’Jerry R. Salandro ’70 is founderand CEO of Iris Technologies,which produces, sells and servicesPC-based control hardware andWindows-based software. The firmwas the 2003 winner of the Ameri-can Business Ethics Award for smallcompanies. Salandro also is amotivational speaker and winner ofthe Alumni Association’s W.S. Jack-man Award of Distinction for 2002.He spoke to undergraduates.
My town had no name. My street had no name. … Youmight say I came from nowhere. I (grew up) in a two-bedroomhome with nine people in our family. … I had no idea howI’d ever think about going to college. But see, we live inAmerica, where dreams are made. …
“(Yet) America has been changing. It’s not only realizingan economic downturn now, we’re realizing an ethicaldownturn that began about two decades ago, when“personality” became the most important thing. … Youknow, it’s great to have a great personality, and I think youshould! But if that’s the first thing on your mind, I thinkwe’re missing the point. …
“If a country has great integrity, it’s because we, asindividuals, have great integrity, and we hold our leaders tothat point of view. If the companies that we work for arehonest, it’s because we, as individuals, are honest.
“Graduates, … when you were born, your parents lookedat you and said, “I want the best for you. I want you to havebetter than we have.” They may have not said it aloud, butthey privately said that to themselves as they held you. That’sAmerica — where dreams are made, and anything is possible.
“So I implore you to be grateful for all the people whohave come into your life: the teacher who said the right thingto unlock that idea in your head …; Mom and Dad, whowanted nothing but better for you, better than they have.When I think of my dad making $2,000 or $3,000 a year andmy mother with seven children (and) no running water,I think, ‘All they wanted was for me to have a better life.’ …
God bless all of you. I wish you the best career anyonecould have.”
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 15
‘Building blocks for life’Richard Sabo ’56 retired three yearsago as the assistant to the CEO ofLincoln Electric, an international design,development and manufacturingcompany for welding products. Heand his wife, Gail, have establishedan endowment in honor of his parents,the Alex S. and Elizabeth Sabo MemorialScholarship. Sabo, who addressedmaster’s degree candidates, was the1990 winner of the Alumni Association’sW.S. Jackman Award of Distinction.
Today, my message will be more practical than profound,because experience has taught me that personal andprofessional relationships are the building blocks fora successful, meaningful life. …
“As life becomes more complex, you may find that hugeproblems become manageable when they are broken intosmaller segments. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to meetDr. Stephen Covey when we both were speakers at Utah StateUniversity. We had a few hours for discussion on our returnto Salt Lake City, which allowed me to learn one of his mostvaluable principles: ‘Begin with the end in mind.’ …
“When you base your goals with the end in mind, there areusually several ways to achieve them. The difference betweensuccess and failure is execution, and that’s where the hardwork comes in.
“You, as California University graduates, come from aculture where hard work is expected and respected. Makeup your mind to always domore than you are paid for.In today’s fragile economy,that may be the only formof guaranteed employmentyou will have.
“A friend once told methat the road to success isalways under construction;that’s why you must prepareconstantly, manage yourtime wisely, and distinguishbetween the urgent and theimportant.
“There is a risk/rewardratio to be considered beforeevery action, while persistenceand patience are requiredbecause our nation’s recoveryfrom this economic recessionwill be slow. …
“The final thought forthis evening: Learn as if youare going to live forever, andlive as though you are goingto die tomorrow.”
ACelebration of StudentAchievement —WinterCommencement ’09
Julia Flowers
Michael Sean Mosley points to a friend in the crowd.
‘‘‘‘
‘‘
Cheri McDowell (right) hugsher friend Aquene Zechender.
Megan Hakey gives a wave.
Bryan Tolle President Armenti
14 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
More than 1,200 students were awarded degreesat Cal U’s 169th Commencement, held Dec. 18for graduate students and Dec. 19 for
undergraduates. University President Angelo Armenti Jr.welcomed students who completed their studies inAugust and in December, reminding the graduates to“return often and keep in touch with us.”
Here are excerpts from the Commencement addressesdelivered at those ceremonies. To read the complete textof the Commencement speakers’ remarks, or to see videoof the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies, visitwww.calu.edu and search for “commencement videos.”
‘A remarkable gift’Carol Mitchell ’72, ’75 is aco-founder and president/CEOof Verland, an organizationthat provides housing and carefor individuals with special needs.She received a Doctor of HumaneLetters, honoris causa, atundergraduate Commencement.
Thirty-four years ago … right here, at age 30, havingbeen a part-time commuter student, I received my master’sdegree in education, the very degree that qualified me tobecome Verland’s leader, although I did not know that then.
“As I look back, I can see clearly God’s hand inestablishing Verland, which involved many significantmiracles like this, and many more, right up to today.
“The Verland story is a love story: The love of threewomen for three children who were severely intellectuallydisabled — Verlinda Chalfant, Andrew Hanzel and DavidW. Tresch, hence the name Verland. My part in this is thatI fell in love with David in 1964 at Western Center inCanonsburg, Pa., when he was 9 and I was 19. Forty-fiveyears later, we’re still together.
“He is the reason Verland was started in 1978 … althoughit took two-and-a-half years, until January of 1981, to openour new $6.5 million facility with 10 homes in Sewickleyon 13 acres of donated land, another awesome miracle.
“Now Verland serves 222 individuals in 50 homes,employs 550 people and has a budget of $35 million.
“David and his friends lived such inhumane lives insuch appalling conditions at Western that I instinctivelyknew what Verland should be like. Today, all Verlanderslive lives of dignity with the appropriate supports inbeautiful, comfortable homes. …
“We are in the business of helping people and doinggood! And by doing good for others, we’ve become betterpeople ourselves. …
“I hope my life’s work gives enough credit to Cal U.I’ll continually strive to be more worthy of this specialdegree; it certainly is a remarkable Christmas gift, as wellas a dream come true for me.”
‘Where dreams are made’Jerry R. Salandro ’70 is founderand CEO of Iris Technologies,which produces, sells and servicesPC-based control hardware andWindows-based software. The firmwas the 2003 winner of the Ameri-can Business Ethics Award for smallcompanies. Salandro also is amotivational speaker and winner ofthe Alumni Association’s W.S. Jack-man Award of Distinction for 2002.He spoke to undergraduates.
My town had no name. My street had no name. … Youmight say I came from nowhere. I (grew up) in a two-bedroomhome with nine people in our family. … I had no idea howI’d ever think about going to college. But see, we live inAmerica, where dreams are made. …
“(Yet) America has been changing. It’s not only realizingan economic downturn now, we’re realizing an ethicaldownturn that began about two decades ago, when“personality” became the most important thing. … Youknow, it’s great to have a great personality, and I think youshould! But if that’s the first thing on your mind, I thinkwe’re missing the point. …
“If a country has great integrity, it’s because we, asindividuals, have great integrity, and we hold our leaders tothat point of view. If the companies that we work for arehonest, it’s because we, as individuals, are honest.
“Graduates, … when you were born, your parents lookedat you and said, “I want the best for you. I want you to havebetter than we have.” They may have not said it aloud, butthey privately said that to themselves as they held you. That’sAmerica — where dreams are made, and anything is possible.
“So I implore you to be grateful for all the people whohave come into your life: the teacher who said the right thingto unlock that idea in your head …; Mom and Dad, whowanted nothing but better for you, better than they have.When I think of my dad making $2,000 or $3,000 a year andmy mother with seven children (and) no running water,I think, ‘All they wanted was for me to have a better life.’ …
God bless all of you. I wish you the best career anyonecould have.”
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 15
‘Building blocks for life’Richard Sabo ’56 retired three yearsago as the assistant to the CEO ofLincoln Electric, an international design,development and manufacturingcompany for welding products. Heand his wife, Gail, have establishedan endowment in honor of his parents,the Alex S. and Elizabeth Sabo MemorialScholarship. Sabo, who addressedmaster’s degree candidates, was the1990 winner of the Alumni Association’sW.S. Jackman Award of Distinction.
Today, my message will be more practical than profound,because experience has taught me that personal andprofessional relationships are the building blocks fora successful, meaningful life. …
“As life becomes more complex, you may find that hugeproblems become manageable when they are broken intosmaller segments. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to meetDr. Stephen Covey when we both were speakers at Utah StateUniversity. We had a few hours for discussion on our returnto Salt Lake City, which allowed me to learn one of his mostvaluable principles: ‘Begin with the end in mind.’ …
“When you base your goals with the end in mind, there areusually several ways to achieve them. The difference betweensuccess and failure is execution, and that’s where the hardwork comes in.
“You, as California University graduates, come from aculture where hard work is expected and respected. Makeup your mind to always domore than you are paid for.In today’s fragile economy,that may be the only formof guaranteed employmentyou will have.
“A friend once told methat the road to success isalways under construction;that’s why you must prepareconstantly, manage yourtime wisely, and distinguishbetween the urgent and theimportant.
“There is a risk/rewardratio to be considered beforeevery action, while persistenceand patience are requiredbecause our nation’s recoveryfrom this economic recessionwill be slow. …
“The final thought forthis evening: Learn as if youare going to live forever, andlive as though you are goingto die tomorrow.”
ACelebration of StudentAchievement —WinterCommencement ’09
Julia Flowers
Michael Sean Mosley points to a friend in the crowd.
‘‘‘‘
‘‘
Cheri McDowell (right) hugsher friend Aquene Zechender.
Megan Hakey gives a wave.
Bryan Tolle President Armenti
14 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T
Videogame fan takes career to new level
Mentoring students, leading graduates
16 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
Ever since he was a kid playingAtari in his basement, Rob Semsey
’95 knew he wanted a career invideogames.
Despite skepticism from his parents— “Get off the couch and go outside!”— he has prevailed.
Now he is the senior public relationsmanager for EA SPORTS’ Tiburonstudio in Orlando, Fla., overseeingpromotions for titles that include theMadden NFL, NCAA Football, TigerWoods PGA Tour, and EA SPORTSMMA franchises.
His entry into the video gamingindustry was serendipitous.
Semsey, a native of Uniontown, Pa.,says he attended Cal U because heknew its graphics communicationprogram was highly regarded. Thattraining led to several jobs in theprint world, but he wanted to move
into the electronics realm.A co-worker’s former girlfriend
and her husband were starting a newwebsite called TeamXbox.com. In 2002,Semsey offered to travel with them tothe E3 Expo, which Semsey calls “themecca of the videogame industry.”
He helped at their exhibitorsbooth, then followed up by buildingrelationships with publishers andpublic relations representatives, atfirst volunteering his time “for thelove of getting into the video gamingindustry.”
Eventually he was hired.At a later E3 Expo, Microsoft
Game Studios offered him a job.Semsey and his wife, Jennifer ’97,decided to make the move to theSeattle area, where he worked asthe studios’ global public relationsmanager, driving campaigns for
game titles such as “Gears of War,”“Mass Effect,” “Too Human,”“Crackdown,” “Lost Odyssey” and“Blue Dragon,” from 2006 to 2008.
Meanwhile, a former co-worker“kept putting the bug in my ear”to go to EA SPORTS Tiburon. At yetanother E3 Expo, Semsey connectedwith the public relations directorfor EA SPORTS and was hired in 2008.
”None of this would have beenpossible … if not for Cal,” Semseysays, reminiscing about being that kidin the basement who told his parents“I want to make videogames” andthe Cal U professor who praisedhis writing.
“You can’t plot out your life,”he says. “I’ve taken a lot of whatI learned at Cal to further my career.I’m really happy about that.” �
By Cindy Cusic Micco, a Pittsburgh-based writer
When JesseMcLean Jr.
graduated fromCal U in 1983,his dream wasto work for theUniversity.
His definingmoment, hesays, came after
the disappointment of not being hired.Instead of being disenchanted,
McLean ’83, ’94 decided to work oninitiatives to make an impact on thelives of students.
He has, in effect, been workingfor the University ever since.
McLean says he looks back onhis student days as a tremendousopportunity for developing leadershipskills. In fact, he considers hisundergraduate years as a four-yearinternship.
After earning his bachelor’sdegree in social science, he receivedhis master’s degree in regional
planning in 1994.McLean has worked for the past
25 years for nonprofit organizationsserving children and families in thegreater Pittsburgh area. Currently heis executive director of Every ChildInc., which offers a variety of servicesfor birth, foster and adoptive familiesand children with special needs.
But his heart has never left Cal U.In 1999, McLean worked with the
University to develop the VULCANsummer program for middle schoolstudents, to give them a head start,academically and socially, on thecoming school year. VULCAN standsfor Vision, Understanding, Leadership,Civility, Academics and Nutrition.
Through the years, McLean hasencouraged and mentored thoseVULCAN students, 50 of whom arenow Cal U graduates.
McLean’s affiliation with the ZetaEta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc.at Cal U led to the fraternity beingrecognized as the East Central
Province’s chapter of the year, withMcLean recognized as adviser of theyear, for 2006 and 2007.
His latest leadership role at Cal Uis as president of the African-AmericanAlumni Society, encouraging graduatesto give back to their alma mater.
“I love the University. Whywouldn’t I?” McLean says. It is wherehe met his wife, Antoinette, and wherehis son Jesse III will graduate in Maywith a master’s degree in social work.
And as president of the alumnigroup, he adds, “I know other peoplelove the University, too.”
“When you’re young, you thinkabout going to school, but you don’tknow where it’s going to take you orwhat’s going to happen,” he adds.“I did not realize until I started workingthat everything I learned andexperienced at Cal would serve meand come into play.
“I am immensely proud to be agraduate.” �
By Cindy Cusic Micco, a Pittsburgh-based writer
I owe Cal U a debt of gratitude,”James Stofan ’71 says simply.
A new member of the CaliforniaUniversity Alumni Association boardof directors, Stofan says hedeveloped his interest in workingin higher education whileearning his undergraduatedegree at Cal U.
“I became involved instudent activities, runningconcert series and otherevents, and this becamemy inspiration for attendinggraduate school and forall my future work.”
Last yearStofan accepteda position asassociate vicechancellorfor alumnirelations at
Vanderbilt University, in Nashville,Tenn., where he oversees outreach to121,000 alumni and related programs.
Prior to that, he was the highest-ranking executive for alumni
affairs in the University ofCalifornia system, where hecoordinated more than 10campus programs foralumni worldwide.
With 27 years of experiencein higher education — and in
alumni relations, in particular— Stofan says he is looking
forward to applying hisexpertise to Cal U.
As a boardmember, heintends tocontributeto strategicplanning,working on
the Alumni Association’s roadmapfor the future, and other initiatives.
Ever mindful of how individualsshape the future, Stofan remembers aformer professor from his undergraduatedays on campus.
“Joe Dochinez helped me getinvolved and think about my future,”he says, recalling the former Californiamayor who graduated from Cal in1951 and still is active in alumni affairs.
“James brings a unique perspectiveto the board, having workedin higher education for many years,specifically in alumni relations,”says Amy Lombard, executive directorof Alumni Relations and AnnualFund at Cal U.
“His insight and experienceswill be valuable resources to us as wecontinue to expand our programs.” �
His specialty: Alumni relations
By Colleen Derda, a Pittsburgh-based writer
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 17
“
ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T
Videogame fan takes career to new level
Mentoring students, leading graduates
16 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
Ever since he was a kid playingAtari in his basement, Rob Semsey
’95 knew he wanted a career invideogames.
Despite skepticism from his parents— “Get off the couch and go outside!”— he has prevailed.
Now he is the senior public relationsmanager for EA SPORTS’ Tiburonstudio in Orlando, Fla., overseeingpromotions for titles that include theMadden NFL, NCAA Football, TigerWoods PGA Tour, and EA SPORTSMMA franchises.
His entry into the video gamingindustry was serendipitous.
Semsey, a native of Uniontown, Pa.,says he attended Cal U because heknew its graphics communicationprogram was highly regarded. Thattraining led to several jobs in theprint world, but he wanted to move
into the electronics realm.A co-worker’s former girlfriend
and her husband were starting a newwebsite called TeamXbox.com. In 2002,Semsey offered to travel with them tothe E3 Expo, which Semsey calls “themecca of the videogame industry.”
He helped at their exhibitorsbooth, then followed up by buildingrelationships with publishers andpublic relations representatives, atfirst volunteering his time “for thelove of getting into the video gamingindustry.”
Eventually he was hired.At a later E3 Expo, Microsoft
Game Studios offered him a job.Semsey and his wife, Jennifer ’97,decided to make the move to theSeattle area, where he worked asthe studios’ global public relationsmanager, driving campaigns for
game titles such as “Gears of War,”“Mass Effect,” “Too Human,”“Crackdown,” “Lost Odyssey” and“Blue Dragon,” from 2006 to 2008.
Meanwhile, a former co-worker“kept putting the bug in my ear”to go to EA SPORTS Tiburon. At yetanother E3 Expo, Semsey connectedwith the public relations directorfor EA SPORTS and was hired in 2008.
”None of this would have beenpossible … if not for Cal,” Semseysays, reminiscing about being that kidin the basement who told his parents“I want to make videogames” andthe Cal U professor who praisedhis writing.
“You can’t plot out your life,”he says. “I’ve taken a lot of whatI learned at Cal to further my career.I’m really happy about that.” �
By Cindy Cusic Micco, a Pittsburgh-based writer
When JesseMcLean Jr.
graduated fromCal U in 1983,his dream wasto work for theUniversity.
His definingmoment, hesays, came after
the disappointment of not being hired.Instead of being disenchanted,
McLean ’83, ’94 decided to work oninitiatives to make an impact on thelives of students.
He has, in effect, been workingfor the University ever since.
McLean says he looks back onhis student days as a tremendousopportunity for developing leadershipskills. In fact, he considers hisundergraduate years as a four-yearinternship.
After earning his bachelor’sdegree in social science, he receivedhis master’s degree in regional
planning in 1994.McLean has worked for the past
25 years for nonprofit organizationsserving children and families in thegreater Pittsburgh area. Currently heis executive director of Every ChildInc., which offers a variety of servicesfor birth, foster and adoptive familiesand children with special needs.
But his heart has never left Cal U.In 1999, McLean worked with the
University to develop the VULCANsummer program for middle schoolstudents, to give them a head start,academically and socially, on thecoming school year. VULCAN standsfor Vision, Understanding, Leadership,Civility, Academics and Nutrition.
Through the years, McLean hasencouraged and mentored thoseVULCAN students, 50 of whom arenow Cal U graduates.
McLean’s affiliation with the ZetaEta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc.at Cal U led to the fraternity beingrecognized as the East Central
Province’s chapter of the year, withMcLean recognized as adviser of theyear, for 2006 and 2007.
His latest leadership role at Cal Uis as president of the African-AmericanAlumni Society, encouraging graduatesto give back to their alma mater.
“I love the University. Whywouldn’t I?” McLean says. It is wherehe met his wife, Antoinette, and wherehis son Jesse III will graduate in Maywith a master’s degree in social work.
And as president of the alumnigroup, he adds, “I know other peoplelove the University, too.”
“When you’re young, you thinkabout going to school, but you don’tknow where it’s going to take you orwhat’s going to happen,” he adds.“I did not realize until I started workingthat everything I learned andexperienced at Cal would serve meand come into play.
“I am immensely proud to be agraduate.” �
By Cindy Cusic Micco, a Pittsburgh-based writer
I owe Cal U a debt of gratitude,”James Stofan ’71 says simply.
A new member of the CaliforniaUniversity Alumni Association boardof directors, Stofan says hedeveloped his interest in workingin higher education whileearning his undergraduatedegree at Cal U.
“I became involved instudent activities, runningconcert series and otherevents, and this becamemy inspiration for attendinggraduate school and forall my future work.”
Last yearStofan accepteda position asassociate vicechancellorfor alumnirelations at
Vanderbilt University, in Nashville,Tenn., where he oversees outreach to121,000 alumni and related programs.
Prior to that, he was the highest-ranking executive for alumni
affairs in the University ofCalifornia system, where hecoordinated more than 10campus programs foralumni worldwide.
With 27 years of experiencein higher education — and in
alumni relations, in particular— Stofan says he is looking
forward to applying hisexpertise to Cal U.
As a boardmember, heintends tocontributeto strategicplanning,working on
the Alumni Association’s roadmapfor the future, and other initiatives.
Ever mindful of how individualsshape the future, Stofan remembers aformer professor from his undergraduatedays on campus.
“Joe Dochinez helped me getinvolved and think about my future,”he says, recalling the former Californiamayor who graduated from Cal in1951 and still is active in alumni affairs.
“James brings a unique perspectiveto the board, having workedin higher education for many years,specifically in alumni relations,”says Amy Lombard, executive directorof Alumni Relations and AnnualFund at Cal U.
“His insight and experienceswill be valuable resources to us as wecontinue to expand our programs.” �
His specialty: Alumni relations
By Colleen Derda, a Pittsburgh-based writer
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 17
“
alumni calendarGREETINGS FROM THE ALUMNI OFFICE!
Here at the Michaeland Julia Kara Alumni
House, we are lookingahead to another excitingAlumni Weekend, comingup June 5–6.
The classes of 1960 and1985 will hold theirmilestone 50th and 25threunions, and as always, all
alumni are welcome to attend. In addition,the Alumni Board of Directors’ annual meetingand the Alumni Association Awards Luncheonwill be held during the weekend.
Also, please make plans to join us for thePresident’s Gala at the Omni William PennHotel in Pittsburgh. The President’s Galaincludes dinner, dancing and fun — andproceeds benefit student scholarships.
I encourage you play an active role in theannual Alumni Association board of directorselection process. (See details at right.)
In August, we will hold our fifth annual AlumniCouples Weekend, which recognizes andcelebrates the many alumni couples who methere at Cal U.
In addition, we are eagerly planning for ourOct. 16 Homecoming, and we hope that manyof our alumni and friends will return to campusfor that annual event. Be sure to save the date!Please check the upcoming alumni calendarof events in this issue of the Cal Review andregularly at our website, www.calu.edu/alumni.
I encourage you to log on to our new onlinecommunity at www.calu.edu/alumni. You canreceive a permanent e-mail address; updateyour information; add your name to the onlinealumni directory; receive Under the Towers,our monthly e-newsletter; and much more.These services are available to our alumniand senior students!
Please plan to attend one or more of theseupcoming events as a way to reconnect withformer classmates and meet new friends. Asalways, we enjoy your feedback and welcomethe opportunity to hear from you. Call theoffice, e-mail us, or stop by the Michael andJulia Kara Alumni House anytime you are oncampus. I would be happy to show you themany changes at your alma mater, and lookforward to sharing these exciting times with you!
Amy LombardExecutive Director,Office of Alumni Relationsand Annual Fund
18 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
ALUMNI N E W S
MARCHTampa Area Chapter Gathering — March 143 p.m. at Hattricks sports bar, Tampa, Fla. Visit with fellow graduates from theTampa area and watch the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game.
Pittsburgh Area Chapter Gathering — March 30Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena, Harmarville, Pa. Enjoy fellowship and a guest speaker.
APRILPhiladelphia Accepted Student Reception — April 6Renaissance Philadelphia Hotel Airport, Philadelphia, Pa. Hosted by thePhiladelphia Chapter, the event begins with an alumni-only reception at 6 p.m.in the Lounge. At 7 p.m., alumni mingle with accepted students and theirparents, sharing their Cal U experiences with the incoming freshmen.
Orange County Alumni Gathering — April 8Join fellow alumni at the Center Club in Costa Mesa, Calif., for an event hostedby Fred Gladney ’71. Did you know there are more than 100 Cal U alumni inOrange County alone? Please join us to hear updates about your alma materand socialize with fellow alumni.
Harrisburg Accepted Student Reception — April 8Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel, Harrisburg, Pa. Hosted by the HarrisburgChapter, the alumni-only reception begins at 6 p.m. in the Lounge. At 7 p.m.,alumni share their Cal U memories with incoming freshmen and their parents.
Red & Black Affair Extraordinaire — April 11Join us for the fourth annual luncheon and fashion show sponsored by theAlumni Association. Ticket price is $45; proceeds benefit the Alumni AssociationScholarship Fund. Last year's fundraiser brought in more than $20,000. Fordetails, contact Alumni Association board president Rosemary Bucchianeri [email protected] or First Lady Barbara Armenti at [email protected].
Cal Pride Weekend — April 16–177 p.m. April 16: This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner will deliver thekeynote address in the Natali Student Center. During the day, a number of Cal Ualumni will speak to students in their classes.9 a.m. April 17: Prospective students and their parents may attend an AcademicOpen House and Alumni Panel Discussion in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.Also: Individual College Awards are presented to outstanding alumni from theCollege of Science and Technology, the College of Education and Human Services,the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Graduate Studies & Research.
Cal Gals Biannual Meeting — April 22Booker Great Room, Kara Alumni House. At noon, join this group of retired teachersas they reminisce and help to support student scholarships for future teachers.
Fayette County Chapter Gathering (date to be announced)Bud Murphy’s Sports Bar and Restaurant, Connellsville, Pa. Socialize with fellowgraduates from Fayette County.
Somerset County Alumni Gathering — April 29Inn at Georgian Place, near Somerset, Pa. Meet fellow alumni from SomersetCounty for an evening of fellowship and fun.
MAYNew York City Regional Alumni Gathering (date to be announced)
Check your monthly Under the Towers e-newsletter for updates to these events. For moreinformation about alumni events, contact the Office of Alumni Relations & Annual Fundat 724-938-4418 or [email protected]. Join the Alumni Association’s NEW online commu-nityat http://alumni.calu.edu.
SPEAK UP!WE’RE LISTENING. . .What do you think of the Cal U Review? The editor and staffwant to know. Is there a feature you enjoy — or one you don’t?A topic you’d like to read more about? To share your thoughts,send an e-mail to [email protected], or drop us a line at:Cal U Review, Box 31, California University of Pennsylvania,250 University Drive, California, PA 15419-1394.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDACYIn evaluating an individual’s qualifications to stand for electionto the board of directors of the Alumni Association, the NCBshall emphasize the following:• A knowledge of and commitment to the mission and goalsof California University of Pennsylvania;
• A record of experience and achievement since graduationin his/her chosen field;
• Leadership and consensus-building skills;• A willingness to represent all alumni in providing counselto the University;
• A commitment to serve the University on a wide varietyof issues encountered in its planning and operations;
• A willingness to commit a significant amount of timeand energy necessary for effective service;
• A history of active involvement with the University;• A significant contribution to public, educational or charitableendeavors; please include philanthropic giving history.
NOMINATION PROCESSIndividuals interested in being considered for nomination tothe board should complete a nomination form and an essay onqualifications and return them, along with a color photograph,to the Alumni Relations Office by March 19, 2010. The NominatingCommittee for Board Members will review the information that issubmitted and develop a slate of recommended candidates. Thisslate will be presented to the Alumni Association board of directorsfor its approval at its spring 2010 meeting. All California Universityalumni will be eligible to vote either by e-mail or mail ballot.
BACKGROUNDNominations are now being sought from alumni interestedin being recommended to stand for election to the board ofdirectors of the California University of Pennsylvania AlumniAssociation. Elections will take place in the spring of 2010,with eight open seats to be filled.
Interested alumni may self-nominate, or others may submitinformation on their behalf. Individuals interested in beingrecommended must submit their nomination form to theNominating Committee for Board Members (NCB) so asto be received no later than March 19, 2010.
The NCB will screen the candidates according to guidelineslisted below and found in the Alumni Association bylaws,and will forward the names of recommended candidatesto the Alumni Association board for its approval. Approvedcandidates will then stand for election by the membershipof the Alumni Association.
Those individuals elected to boardseats as a result of the spring 2010election cycle will be installed atthe Alumni Association annualmeeting on June 5.
Please attach to this form a brief essay(500 words or less) that addresses thefollowing qualifications:
• A knowledge of and commitment to themission and goals of California Universityof Pennsylvania;
• A record of experience and achievementsince graduation in his/her chosen field;
• Leadership and consensus-building skills;• A willingness to represent all alumni inproviding counsel to the University;
• A commitment to serve the Universityon a wide variety of issues encounteredin its planning and operations;
• A willingness to commit a significantamount of time and energy necessaryfor effective service;
• A history of active involvement withthe University;
• A significant contribution to public,educational or charitable endeavors.
Please return this form, your essay, and yourphotograph by March 19, 2010.
California University of PennsylvaniaAlumni Office250 University Ave.California, PA 15419
NAME / CLASS YEAR
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP
TELEPHONE E-MAIL
EMPLOYER/OCCUPATION
Upon recommendation by the NCB and approval by the Alumni Association Board of Directors,your personal information (above), your essay and color photograph will be included in theofficial ballot materials distributed to all alumni prior to the election.
�
A CALL FOR NOMINATIONSALUMNI ASSOCIATION SEEKS NOMINEES FOR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 19
ELECTION NOMINATION FORM
W I N T E R 2 0 1 0
T H E S C H O O L O F G R A D UAT E ST U D I E S A N D R E S E A RC H
CADAVER LABStudents get a firsthand lookat the anatomy of the human body
FOCUS ON
California University of Pennsylvania
Almost two years have passed sinceI came to the School of Graduate Studiesand Research, and I continue to be impressedwith the level and quality of teaching, serviceand research in which our faculty and staffare engaged.
In the accompanying pages you willread about some of the amazing things thatare happening at Cal U, such as the use ofcadavers in our Athletic Training program,the audiology services that are provided forthe Special Olympics, and the interestingpeople working in our Psychology Clinic.Research is also very important at Cal U,and in this issue we have highlighted asignificant grant from the Office of NavalResearch relating to advanced panoramicsensing devices.
As a leader in the University’s research mission, the Graduate Schoolundertook a number of initiatives this year. We have made more graduateassistants available to work directly in research-related activities with ourprofessor-scientists; we have engaged professional grant writers to assistour faculty and staff; and we have continued to collaborate with theOffice of the President and the Faculty Professional DevelopmentCommittee to offer the annual Grant Writer’s Fellowship.
All of these efforts, and certainly those of my colleagues before me,have paid off. This year, through our Office of Grants and Contracts,we established the Million Dollar Achiever’s Award and recognized11 members of the University community who have managed morethan $1 million each in sponsored research.
Whether it is teaching, service or research, the focus of all ouractivities is, quite naturally, on our students. Together with all GlobalOnline programs, the School of Graduate Studies and Research has morethan 2,000 students whose academic disciplines touch upon nearlyall aspects of the University. This year Cal U was ranked No. 2 in the nationfor the quality of its online programs.
I have already had the pleasure of witnessing three distinguishedgroups of these graduate students receive their hoods and diplomas andenter the professional world as masters in their respective fields with newideas for tackling serious, real-world problems. We are indeed fortunateto have graduate students who recognize the satisfaction and duty ofputting others first, and we are proud to call them alumni of CaliforniaUniversity of Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
John R. Cencich, J.S.D.Interim Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research
overviewof the SCHOOL OF GRADUATESTUDIES AND RESEARCH
Dean:
Dr. John R. Cencich
Graduate Program Coordinators
Dr. Thomas WestAthletic Training
Dr. Arshad ChawdhryBusiness Administration
Dr. Ralph BelsterlingCommunication Disorders
Dr. John PatrickCommunity Agency Counseling
Dr. Christine PetersonEarly Childhood Education
Professor Jane BonariElementary Education
Dr. Barry McGlumphyExercise Science and Health Promotion:Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention
Dr. Charles P. NemethLegal Studies
Dr. Joseph ZiskMaster of Arts Teaching
Dr. Mary O’ConnorMaster of Science in Nursing –Nursing Administration and Leadership
Dr. Katherine MitchemMentally and Physically Handicapped Education
Dr. Lizbeth GilletteAdministrative Principals ProgramSuperintendent Letter of Eligibility
Dr. Connie ArmitageReading Specialist Program
Dr. Grafton EliasonSchool Counseling
Dr. Kirk JohnSchool Psychology
Dr. Norma ThomasSocial Work
Dr. Taunya TinsleySports Counseling
Dr. Robert TaylorSport Management
Dr. Glen HiderTechnology Education
F R O M T H E
DEAN
2
IN CAL U’s CADAVER LAB, STUDENTS STUDY ANATOMY FIRSTHAND
Where the dead teach the living
3
Dr. Thomas West, left, director of the Graduate Athletic Training program, joins biologyprofessor Dr. Edwin Zuchelkowski inside the cadaver lab in Hamer Hall.
By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U
ehind a locked door in HamerHall, three human cadavers lieon covered metal tables in a
cool, windowless room.They represent an unusual learning
opportunity for students in the GraduateAthletic Training program, and forundergraduates and graduate studentsstudying health science, biology,forensic science or to be a physicaltherapy assistant.
Master’s degree candidates in ath-letic training — health care professionalsfocused on the prevention, care,treatment and rehabilitation of athleticinjuries — have worked with cadaverssince the program’s inception in 1991,says program director Dr. ThomasWest, chair of the Department ofHealth Science.
As part of their post-professionaltraining, the graduate students make
careful dissections, revealing theintricacies of human anatomy. Theyfocus primarily on the extremities,examining the cadavers from shouldersto fingertips, hips to toes — the bodyparts athletes are most likely to injure.
“They get to look at anatomicalstructures and see how the muscles,ligaments and bones all functiontogether,” West says. “We can talkabout an ACL injury, for example, andhere they can actually see the (anteriorcruciate) ligament in the knee.
“The amount of learning ourstudents gain in this class is so importantto their professional growth.”
Biology professor Dr. EdwinZuchelkowski teaches the graduate classeach summer, and in spring and fall heoccasionally takes his undergraduateanatomy classes into the lab. The secureroom is unlocked for lessons in health
science and forensic science, too.In all, the cadavers help to teach
more than 200 students each year.“At the start of each course, we
remind students to be respectful,” Westsays. “These are people who chose todonate their bodies to science. We haveto respect them and their bodies.”
The cadaver lab has a separateclimate control and air-handling system,with alarms that sound if the air-conditioning fails. Heavy aprons hangon a closet door, anatomical charts arepropped against a wall and boxes ofrubber gloves are stacked on a counter.
The specially preserved cadaversnow in the lab were purchased lastsummer from Marshall University inHuntingdon, W.Va., and transportedto Cal U by a local funeral director.Next summer, the funeral home staffwill collect every bit of tissue, so eachbody can be cremated in total and theashes returned to the provider. Theremains are then interred or conveyedto the decedent’s family.
Students and professors neverknow the names of those individualswho ultimately arrive in the cadaver lab,but their presence makes an indelibleimpression.
When West polls alumni, theyoften describe the cadaver class as theprogram’s most memorable course,as well as the most challenging.
“The students are somewhathesitant at first, especially if they havenever seen a preserved body before,”Zuchelkowski says. “But by the end ofthe first week, they are enjoying theclass. They appreciate the chance toactually see what they have only read orheard about, and to better understandthe conditions they are treating.” �
Almost two years have passed sinceI came to the School of Graduate Studiesand Research, and I continue to be impressedwith the level and quality of teaching, serviceand research in which our faculty and staffare engaged.
In the accompanying pages you willread about some of the amazing things thatare happening at Cal U, such as the use ofcadavers in our Athletic Training program,the audiology services that are provided forthe Special Olympics, and the interestingpeople working in our Psychology Clinic.Research is also very important at Cal U,and in this issue we have highlighted asignificant grant from the Office of NavalResearch relating to advanced panoramicsensing devices.
As a leader in the University’s research mission, the Graduate Schoolundertook a number of initiatives this year. We have made more graduateassistants available to work directly in research-related activities with ourprofessor-scientists; we have engaged professional grant writers to assistour faculty and staff; and we have continued to collaborate with theOffice of the President and the Faculty Professional DevelopmentCommittee to offer the annual Grant Writer’s Fellowship.
All of these efforts, and certainly those of my colleagues before me,have paid off. This year, through our Office of Grants and Contracts,we established the Million Dollar Achiever’s Award and recognized11 members of the University community who have managed morethan $1 million each in sponsored research.
Whether it is teaching, service or research, the focus of all ouractivities is, quite naturally, on our students. Together with all GlobalOnline programs, the School of Graduate Studies and Research has morethan 2,000 students whose academic disciplines touch upon nearlyall aspects of the University. This year Cal U was ranked No. 2 in the nationfor the quality of its online programs.
I have already had the pleasure of witnessing three distinguishedgroups of these graduate students receive their hoods and diplomas andenter the professional world as masters in their respective fields with newideas for tackling serious, real-world problems. We are indeed fortunateto have graduate students who recognize the satisfaction and duty ofputting others first, and we are proud to call them alumni of CaliforniaUniversity of Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
John R. Cencich, J.S.D.Interim Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research
overviewof the SCHOOL OF GRADUATESTUDIES AND RESEARCH
Dean:
Dr. John R. Cencich
Graduate Program Coordinators
Dr. Thomas WestAthletic Training
Dr. Arshad ChawdhryBusiness Administration
Dr. Ralph BelsterlingCommunication Disorders
Dr. John PatrickCommunity Agency Counseling
Dr. Christine PetersonEarly Childhood Education
Professor Jane BonariElementary Education
Dr. Barry McGlumphyExercise Science and Health Promotion:Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention
Dr. Charles P. NemethLegal Studies
Dr. Joseph ZiskMaster of Arts Teaching
Dr. Mary O’ConnorMaster of Science in Nursing –Nursing Administration and Leadership
Dr. Katherine MitchemMentally and Physically Handicapped Education
Dr. Lizbeth GilletteAdministrative Principals ProgramSuperintendent Letter of Eligibility
Dr. Connie ArmitageReading Specialist Program
Dr. Grafton EliasonSchool Counseling
Dr. Kirk JohnSchool Psychology
Dr. Norma ThomasSocial Work
Dr. Taunya TinsleySports Counseling
Dr. Robert TaylorSport Management
Dr. Glen HiderTechnology Education
F R O M T H E
DEAN
2
IN CAL U’s CADAVER LAB, STUDENTS STUDY ANATOMY FIRSTHAND
Where the dead teach the living
3
Dr. Thomas West, left, director of the Graduate Athletic Training program, joins biologyprofessor Dr. Edwin Zuchelkowski inside the cadaver lab in Hamer Hall.
By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U
ehind a locked door in HamerHall, three human cadavers lieon covered metal tables in a
cool, windowless room.They represent an unusual learning
opportunity for students in the GraduateAthletic Training program, and forundergraduates and graduate studentsstudying health science, biology,forensic science or to be a physicaltherapy assistant.
Master’s degree candidates in ath-letic training — health care professionalsfocused on the prevention, care,treatment and rehabilitation of athleticinjuries — have worked with cadaverssince the program’s inception in 1991,says program director Dr. ThomasWest, chair of the Department ofHealth Science.
As part of their post-professionaltraining, the graduate students make
careful dissections, revealing theintricacies of human anatomy. Theyfocus primarily on the extremities,examining the cadavers from shouldersto fingertips, hips to toes — the bodyparts athletes are most likely to injure.
“They get to look at anatomicalstructures and see how the muscles,ligaments and bones all functiontogether,” West says. “We can talkabout an ACL injury, for example, andhere they can actually see the (anteriorcruciate) ligament in the knee.
“The amount of learning ourstudents gain in this class is so importantto their professional growth.”
Biology professor Dr. EdwinZuchelkowski teaches the graduate classeach summer, and in spring and fall heoccasionally takes his undergraduateanatomy classes into the lab. The secureroom is unlocked for lessons in health
science and forensic science, too.In all, the cadavers help to teach
more than 200 students each year.“At the start of each course, we
remind students to be respectful,” Westsays. “These are people who chose todonate their bodies to science. We haveto respect them and their bodies.”
The cadaver lab has a separateclimate control and air-handling system,with alarms that sound if the air-conditioning fails. Heavy aprons hangon a closet door, anatomical charts arepropped against a wall and boxes ofrubber gloves are stacked on a counter.
The specially preserved cadaversnow in the lab were purchased lastsummer from Marshall University inHuntingdon, W.Va., and transportedto Cal U by a local funeral director.Next summer, the funeral home staffwill collect every bit of tissue, so eachbody can be cremated in total and theashes returned to the provider. Theremains are then interred or conveyedto the decedent’s family.
Students and professors neverknow the names of those individualswho ultimately arrive in the cadaver lab,but their presence makes an indelibleimpression.
When West polls alumni, theyoften describe the cadaver class as theprogram’s most memorable course,as well as the most challenging.
“The students are somewhathesitant at first, especially if they havenever seen a preserved body before,”Zuchelkowski says. “But by the end ofthe first week, they are enjoying theclass. They appreciate the chance toactually see what they have only read orheard about, and to better understandthe conditions they are treating.” �
5
Schoolpsychologyclinic offersevaluation
Graduate studentslearn byworkingwithindividuals of all ages
Dr. Kirk John, coordinator of themaster’s-level school psychology program, and clinic supervisor Dr. ElizabethMason
By Lindy Kravec, a Peters Township-based writer
While California University’sSchool Psychology Clinicworks to train future school
psychologists, it also serves students ofall ages who need evaluations to qualifyfor special services in their schools.
People come to the clinic for a varietyof reasons. For the child strugglingto learn, an evaluation could identify alearning disorder that calls for extra helpin the classroom. Other students mightbe deemed gifted, which qualifies themfor a school-based enrichment program.
Some parents bring their childrento the School Psychology Clinic fora second opinion, explains Dr. Kirk John,coordinator of the master’s-level schoolpsychology program.
Since 1988, the clinic has offereda variety of psycho-educational servicesto the public and to the Universitycommunity while providing a trainingfacility for graduate students in schoolpsychology.
Students from age 2 through adulthoodvisit the clinic for “a wide variety ofreferral reasons, from school readinessto learning and behavior problems togifted (identification) to vocationalpursuits,” says Dr. Elizabeth Mason,director and supervisor of the clinic.
“In our clinic, the graduate student/intern school psychologists get theirbest experiences in evaluation anddealing with difficult cases, and writingcomprehensive reports with suggestionsfor research-based, data-driveninterventions,” says Mason, whohas 33 years in the field.
“We serve the students in the schoolpsychology program with practicumsand internship experiences,” Mason says,“and we serve the University communityand the (western Pennsylvania) areawith school psychological services.”
Once tests and evaluations arecompleted, the clinic staff shares theresults with the students and theirparents, if the client is younger than18, and then offers recommendations.
For some students, the resultscould mean they are entitled to specialeducation services in their schools.For a preschooler, the evaluation mightdetermine kindergarten readiness.
“There was one mother whobrought her boy in when he was7 years old, because of attention andbehavior problems and for gifteddetermination,” Mason recalls.“She subsequently brought him backevery year for 12 years, through hisapplication for college, to update hisprogress and needs.”
Psycho-educational testing in theprivate sector can be expensive, costinghundreds of dollars, explains John.The clinic charges only $80 for itsbattery of tests, and Cal U studentsreceive free evaluations.
“It provides a benefit for Cal Ustudents and the public ingeneral,” he says. “Theclinic provides acommunityservice.”
Graduate students studying tobecome school psychologists makeabout 150 evaluations a year underthe supervision of Cal U’s faculty, whichincludes licensed psychologists andstate-certified school psychologists.
“Faculty members have a lot ofexperience. Some are still active inthe field, so students get cutting-edgeinformation,” says John, who has32 years of experience. “Like all fields,it keeps changing. We have to keepup to date.
“The clinic provides graduatestudents with the opportunity to putwhat they learned in the classroominto practice. It offers invaluableopportunities and experiences forgraduate students.” �
4
By Cindy Cusic Micco, a Pittsburgh-based writer
Research partnershipputs Cal Uon the radarHigh-technology project links University, business and government
Research partnershipputs Cal Uon the radarResearch partnershipputs Cal Uon the radarHigh-technology project links University, business and government
When you think of top-tierresearch universities, CaliforniaUniversity of Pennsylvania
may not immediately come to mind.But Jeffrey Sumey, an assistant professorin the Department of Applied Engineeringand Technology, says Cal U can “runwith the big boys” when it comes toengineering technology research.
For more than three years, Sumeyhas been involved in a partnership withAugusta Systems, a high-tech companyheadquartered in Morgantown, W.Va.,helping to design and develop technologyfor specific military tasks.
The research conducted under theauspices of the Office of Naval Research(ONR) is technologically sensitive, butthe success of their collaboration is not.
Sumey and Augusta Systems arecurrently in the third phase of a multi-phased project with ONR. Their researchfor phases one and two already hasmoved from the drawing board to reality.
“The project involves advancedpanoramic sensor technologies,360-degree lens systems and sophisticatedcomputer processes to create somethingto be used to assist American soldiersoverseas and to protect civilians athome,” explains Sumey. “It’s reallyexciting to be a part of something thisimportant.”
U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha helpedto secure funding for the program.
“It was tremendously importantfor the business partner to leverage theresearch capabilities of a State System(of Higher Education) school to gainaccess to cutting-edge technology,”Sumey says. “Since CongressmanMurtha is such a strong supporter ofCal U, he backed the project andhelped it come to fruition.”
One of the fringe benefits of thisgovernment-sponsored grant is theability to involve students in the researchprocess. Although there are no graduate-level engineering technology programsat Cal U, Sumey and his department
identify top-caliberundergraduatesto help with theresearch.
Every semesterin the past, Sumeyhas tapped a topsenior ComputerEngineeringTechnology studentfor a work-studyjob. This semester,he has selectedJesse Josephic,a ComputerScience major.
In addition,says Dr. JohnCencich, interimdean of the Schoolof GraduateStudies andResearch, agraduate assistantis being identifiedto provide otherrelevant supportfor this research team.
“This is the type of cutting-edgeresearch undertaken by our outstandinggroup of professor-scientists that makesus all proud. We are committed toproviding support in any way we can.”
“When Professor Sumey invited meto participate in this research, I washonored”, Josephic says. “I’ve had otherwork-study jobs, like tutoring in theMath Lab. All else pales compared tothis. This is real industry work, andI’m excited to be a part of it.”
The research offers students theexperience of a lifetime. Not only dothey have an opportunity to becomeinvolved in cutting-edge projects —something that will enhance theirresumé and their marketability aftergraduation — they also have a chanceto see firsthand how private industry,a public university and the governmentcan work together for the common good.
The potential for more public-private-government partnerships in thefuture appears great as the University’sreputation in the field of technologycontinues to grow.
Sumey notes that the RoboticsCorridor Project in 2007 also wasfunded through the ONR, along withthe National Science Foundation anda consortium of industry, government,foundation and education partners.He also utilized grants from theDepartment of Defense to help developthe curriculum for the University’sRobotics Engineering Technologyprogram.
Sumey is excited about the prospectsfor the future.
“Cal U is really on the move,” hesays. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.” �
Assistant Professor Jeffrey Sumey with his ‘computer on wheels’ mobilerobotic test platform: “It’s exciting to be part of something this important.”
5
Schoolpsychologyclinic offersevaluation
Graduate studentslearn byworkingwithindividuals of all ages
Dr. Kirk John, coordinator of themaster’s-level school psychology program, and clinic supervisor Dr. ElizabethMason
By Lindy Kravec, a Peters Township-based writer
While California University’sSchool Psychology Clinicworks to train future school
psychologists, it also serves students ofall ages who need evaluations to qualifyfor special services in their schools.
People come to the clinic for a varietyof reasons. For the child strugglingto learn, an evaluation could identify alearning disorder that calls for extra helpin the classroom. Other students mightbe deemed gifted, which qualifies themfor a school-based enrichment program.
Some parents bring their childrento the School Psychology Clinic fora second opinion, explains Dr. Kirk John,coordinator of the master’s-level schoolpsychology program.
Since 1988, the clinic has offereda variety of psycho-educational servicesto the public and to the Universitycommunity while providing a trainingfacility for graduate students in schoolpsychology.
Students from age 2 through adulthoodvisit the clinic for “a wide variety ofreferral reasons, from school readinessto learning and behavior problems togifted (identification) to vocationalpursuits,” says Dr. Elizabeth Mason,director and supervisor of the clinic.
“In our clinic, the graduate student/intern school psychologists get theirbest experiences in evaluation anddealing with difficult cases, and writingcomprehensive reports with suggestionsfor research-based, data-driveninterventions,” says Mason, whohas 33 years in the field.
“We serve the students in the schoolpsychology program with practicumsand internship experiences,” Mason says,“and we serve the University communityand the (western Pennsylvania) areawith school psychological services.”
Once tests and evaluations arecompleted, the clinic staff shares theresults with the students and theirparents, if the client is younger than18, and then offers recommendations.
For some students, the resultscould mean they are entitled to specialeducation services in their schools.For a preschooler, the evaluation mightdetermine kindergarten readiness.
“There was one mother whobrought her boy in when he was7 years old, because of attention andbehavior problems and for gifteddetermination,” Mason recalls.“She subsequently brought him backevery year for 12 years, through hisapplication for college, to update hisprogress and needs.”
Psycho-educational testing in theprivate sector can be expensive, costinghundreds of dollars, explains John.The clinic charges only $80 for itsbattery of tests, and Cal U studentsreceive free evaluations.
“It provides a benefit for Cal Ustudents and the public ingeneral,” he says. “Theclinic provides acommunityservice.”
Graduate students studying tobecome school psychologists makeabout 150 evaluations a year underthe supervision of Cal U’s faculty, whichincludes licensed psychologists andstate-certified school psychologists.
“Faculty members have a lot ofexperience. Some are still active inthe field, so students get cutting-edgeinformation,” says John, who has32 years of experience. “Like all fields,it keeps changing. We have to keepup to date.
“The clinic provides graduatestudents with the opportunity to putwhat they learned in the classroominto practice. It offers invaluableopportunities and experiences forgraduate students.” �
4
By Cindy Cusic Micco, a Pittsburgh-based writer
Research partnershipputs Cal Uon the radarHigh-technology project links University, business and government
Research partnershipputs Cal Uon the radarResearch partnershipputs Cal Uon the radarHigh-technology project links University, business and government
When you think of top-tierresearch universities, CaliforniaUniversity of Pennsylvania
may not immediately come to mind.But Jeffrey Sumey, an assistant professorin the Department of Applied Engineeringand Technology, says Cal U can “runwith the big boys” when it comes toengineering technology research.
For more than three years, Sumeyhas been involved in a partnership withAugusta Systems, a high-tech companyheadquartered in Morgantown, W.Va.,helping to design and develop technologyfor specific military tasks.
The research conducted under theauspices of the Office of Naval Research(ONR) is technologically sensitive, butthe success of their collaboration is not.
Sumey and Augusta Systems arecurrently in the third phase of a multi-phased project with ONR. Their researchfor phases one and two already hasmoved from the drawing board to reality.
“The project involves advancedpanoramic sensor technologies,360-degree lens systems and sophisticatedcomputer processes to create somethingto be used to assist American soldiersoverseas and to protect civilians athome,” explains Sumey. “It’s reallyexciting to be a part of something thisimportant.”
U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha helpedto secure funding for the program.
“It was tremendously importantfor the business partner to leverage theresearch capabilities of a State System(of Higher Education) school to gainaccess to cutting-edge technology,”Sumey says. “Since CongressmanMurtha is such a strong supporter ofCal U, he backed the project andhelped it come to fruition.”
One of the fringe benefits of thisgovernment-sponsored grant is theability to involve students in the researchprocess. Although there are no graduate-level engineering technology programsat Cal U, Sumey and his department
identify top-caliberundergraduatesto help with theresearch.
Every semesterin the past, Sumeyhas tapped a topsenior ComputerEngineeringTechnology studentfor a work-studyjob. This semester,he has selectedJesse Josephic,a ComputerScience major.
In addition,says Dr. JohnCencich, interimdean of the Schoolof GraduateStudies andResearch, agraduate assistantis being identifiedto provide otherrelevant supportfor this research team.
“This is the type of cutting-edgeresearch undertaken by our outstandinggroup of professor-scientists that makesus all proud. We are committed toproviding support in any way we can.”
“When Professor Sumey invited meto participate in this research, I washonored”, Josephic says. “I’ve had otherwork-study jobs, like tutoring in theMath Lab. All else pales compared tothis. This is real industry work, andI’m excited to be a part of it.”
The research offers students theexperience of a lifetime. Not only dothey have an opportunity to becomeinvolved in cutting-edge projects —something that will enhance theirresumé and their marketability aftergraduation — they also have a chanceto see firsthand how private industry,a public university and the governmentcan work together for the common good.
The potential for more public-private-government partnerships in thefuture appears great as the University’sreputation in the field of technologycontinues to grow.
Sumey notes that the RoboticsCorridor Project in 2007 also wasfunded through the ONR, along withthe National Science Foundation anda consortium of industry, government,foundation and education partners.He also utilized grants from theDepartment of Defense to help developthe curriculum for the University’sRobotics Engineering Technologyprogram.
Sumey is excited about the prospectsfor the future.
“Cal U is really on the move,” hesays. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.” �
Assistant Professor Jeffrey Sumey with his ‘computer on wheels’ mobilerobotic test platform: “It’s exciting to be part of something this important.”
7
Cal U celebrates‘MILLION DOLLAR ACHIEVERS’11 GRANT WRITERS REACH CAREER-TOTAL BENCHMARK
MICHAEL J. BRNA, director, Library of CongressTeaching with Primary Sources. The Library ofCongress TPS at Cal U provides pre-service andin-service teacher professional development thatfocuses on using the Library’s digitized primarysources to enrich classroom instruction.
DEBBIE GRUBB, assistant director, Cal U in theHigh School. The U.S. Department of Education,through the Pennsylvania Department of Education,funded Tech Prep 2008–2009, and the SouthwesternTech Prep Consortium was created to develop andimplement a secondary and post-secondary vocationalprogram to prepare participants for more highlyskilled occupations.
STANLEY KOMACEK, Office of the Provost/Academic Affairs. Grants, including $810,000 fromthe National Science Foundation, have focused ontechnology education and meeting workforcedevelopment needs in fields related to science,technology, engineering and math.
KEVIN KOURY, dean, College of Education andHuman Services. Two federal grants were awardedfor the Kid Tools Support System(kidtools.missouri.edu), a library of tools for childrenwith learning disabilities and/or behavioral problems,and one was used to test a program to help studentswith behavioral disabilities. Two Pennsylvania StateSystem of Higher Education grants allowed Cal Ustudents to do field work in the PhiladelphiaSchool District.
ELLIE NESSER, executive director, SouthpointeCenter. Through the Workforce EconomicDevelopment Network of Pennsylvania, grantmoney is used to help more than 200 companiesin southwestern Pennsylvania access funds forworkforce training. Cal U has trained more than33,000 employees in topics ranging from computerskills and lean manufacturing to leadership andcustomer service.
ANTHONY RODI, director, National Center forRobotics Engineering Technology (NCRETE) andMICHAEL AMRHEIN, NCRETE assistant director.Phase 3 of the NCRETE initiative, funded by the U.S.Army Night Vision Lab through Penn StateUniversity Electro-Optics Center, builds on effortsbetween Cal U and Carnegie Mellon University tocreate a center to house robotics educationalmaterials. This phase emphasized delivery of theRobotics Engineering Technology Associate degreein fall 2009. A highlight of Phase 4 is a four-yearMechatronics Engineering Technology degree, alongwith expanded robotics camps, competitions,teacher training and educational outreach.
JOANN RODRIGUEZ-NAESER, director, StudentSupport Services. U.S. Department of Educationfunding for Student Support Services programsprovides counseling, tutoring and remedial servicesto educationally and economically disadvantageduniversity students.
GARY SEELYE, director, Upward Bound. U.S.Department of Education funding has allowed theTRIO Upward Bound program to providedisadvantaged high school students from Fayetteand Greene counties with the academic skills andmotivation necessary to succeed in post-secondaryeducation.
NANCY SKOBEL, director, Women’s Center. TheHand-in-Hand: Bringing Families to School project,funded by the U.S. Department of Education,provides childcare tuition to parents who arepursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees.
DEBORAHWOJCIK, director, Government AgencyCoordination Office. Grants from the DefenseLogistics Agency and the Sarah Scaife Foundationhelp GACO assist businesses with obtaininggovernment contracts and subcontracts.
By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U
6
Eleven faculty and staff members have written grants totaling $1 million or more during their careers. They were honoredrecently at the 2008–2009 Grant Writers Recognition Ceremony for their work. Cheryl Vogrig, director of the Office ofGrants and Contracts, emphasizes the impact of grant activity at Cal U. During the 2008–2009 fiscal year, 109 proposalswere submitted, totaling $11.7 million, she says. Of those, 67 new awards were received, totaling $4.5 million. The officeis administering 100 active projects totaling $5.6 million. Here is a list of the achievers and a summary of their work: “It’s very
rewarding at many
different levels, both
professionally
and personally.
”DR. RALPH BELSTERLING,
GRADUATE COORDINATOR,
DEPARTMENT OF
COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
Professor, students screenathletes at Special OlympicsTEAM PROVIDES AUDIOLOGY TESTS, HEARING AIDS
After Dr. Ralph Belsterling volunteered to conducthearing screenings at the first national Special Olympicsin 2006, he was hooked.
“Once I started, I didn’t want to stop,” says Belsterling,an associate professor in the Department of CommunicationDisorders and clinical director for the Healthy Hearingprogram of Pennsylvania.
“It’s very rewarding at many different levels, bothprofessionally and personally,” he adds, “especially sinceI have a sister with Down syndrome.”
Now Belsterling is passing his enthusiasm along to hisstudents. He takes them to Special Olympics events to helpwith the screenings, and so they can learn how to servepeople with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics launched its Healthy Athletes initiativein 1997 to help the athletes improve their health and fitness.The initiative also assists health care professionals in learningabout the athletes’ special needs, making them moreconfident and comfortable in caring for this underservedpopulation.
People with intellectual disabilities have a 40 percentgreater risk for health problems, and health care professionalsoften are not trained or experienced in caring for them,according to the Special Olympics website.
Belsterling is part of the movement to change that.A year ago he served as an international volunteer and
health care trainer at the 2009 Special Olympics World WinterGames in Boise, Idaho. About 1,000 athletes received hearingscreenings, and some were fitted for hearing aids on the spot.
“The testing we do is rather quick; it’s an 8-minuteprocess,” says Belsterling.
For this test, the athlete does not need to respond. Byusing state-of-the-art equipment, the testers can pick up onvarious problems, such as excessive earwax or fluid in the ear.
Additional testing is provided for athletes with moreserious hearing issues.
“There was a group from Libya where all the athleteswere deaf. We fit the whole team with hearing aids,”Belsterling recalls. “It’s wonderful to see their reactions whenyou turn on their hearing aids.”
The hearing aids provided to athletes from Third Worldcountries were solar-powered and designed to last for severalyears, because the recipients often find it difficult to obtainstandard batteries and supplies.
Some athletes at the Games already had hearing aids,but they were not working properly.
“Hearing aids are like glasses,” Belsterling explains.
“They need adjustments over time ... and maintenance.”In July, Belsterling will travel to Lincoln, Neb., for the
Special Olympics 2010 USA National Games, where more than3,000 athletes are expected to compete in events that rangefrom aquatics to flag football to volleyball.
Belsterling also coordinates the Healthy Hearing programin Pennsylvania, which involves audiologists and students fromaround the state. Cal U students are always wellrepresented. These programs include the Special OlympicsPennsylvania summer games at Penn State University inState College and the fall games at Villanova Universitynear Philadelphia.
“We teach the students how to do screenings and howto interact with the intellectually disabled population,”Belsterling says. “Once they do it, they’re often hookedfor life, too! They’re always asking to volunteer... evenafter they graduate.” �
By Cindy Cusic Micco, a Pittsburgh-area writer
7
Cal U celebrates‘MILLION DOLLAR ACHIEVERS’11 GRANT WRITERS REACH CAREER-TOTAL BENCHMARK
MICHAEL J. BRNA, director, Library of CongressTeaching with Primary Sources. The Library ofCongress TPS at Cal U provides pre-service andin-service teacher professional development thatfocuses on using the Library’s digitized primarysources to enrich classroom instruction.
DEBBIE GRUBB, assistant director, Cal U in theHigh School. The U.S. Department of Education,through the Pennsylvania Department of Education,funded Tech Prep 2008–2009, and the SouthwesternTech Prep Consortium was created to develop andimplement a secondary and post-secondary vocationalprogram to prepare participants for more highlyskilled occupations.
STANLEY KOMACEK, Office of the Provost/Academic Affairs. Grants, including $810,000 fromthe National Science Foundation, have focused ontechnology education and meeting workforcedevelopment needs in fields related to science,technology, engineering and math.
KEVIN KOURY, dean, College of Education andHuman Services. Two federal grants were awardedfor the Kid Tools Support System(kidtools.missouri.edu), a library of tools for childrenwith learning disabilities and/or behavioral problems,and one was used to test a program to help studentswith behavioral disabilities. Two Pennsylvania StateSystem of Higher Education grants allowed Cal Ustudents to do field work in the PhiladelphiaSchool District.
ELLIE NESSER, executive director, SouthpointeCenter. Through the Workforce EconomicDevelopment Network of Pennsylvania, grantmoney is used to help more than 200 companiesin southwestern Pennsylvania access funds forworkforce training. Cal U has trained more than33,000 employees in topics ranging from computerskills and lean manufacturing to leadership andcustomer service.
ANTHONY RODI, director, National Center forRobotics Engineering Technology (NCRETE) andMICHAEL AMRHEIN, NCRETE assistant director.Phase 3 of the NCRETE initiative, funded by the U.S.Army Night Vision Lab through Penn StateUniversity Electro-Optics Center, builds on effortsbetween Cal U and Carnegie Mellon University tocreate a center to house robotics educationalmaterials. This phase emphasized delivery of theRobotics Engineering Technology Associate degreein fall 2009. A highlight of Phase 4 is a four-yearMechatronics Engineering Technology degree, alongwith expanded robotics camps, competitions,teacher training and educational outreach.
JOANN RODRIGUEZ-NAESER, director, StudentSupport Services. U.S. Department of Educationfunding for Student Support Services programsprovides counseling, tutoring and remedial servicesto educationally and economically disadvantageduniversity students.
GARY SEELYE, director, Upward Bound. U.S.Department of Education funding has allowed theTRIO Upward Bound program to providedisadvantaged high school students from Fayetteand Greene counties with the academic skills andmotivation necessary to succeed in post-secondaryeducation.
NANCY SKOBEL, director, Women’s Center. TheHand-in-Hand: Bringing Families to School project,funded by the U.S. Department of Education,provides childcare tuition to parents who arepursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees.
DEBORAHWOJCIK, director, Government AgencyCoordination Office. Grants from the DefenseLogistics Agency and the Sarah Scaife Foundationhelp GACO assist businesses with obtaininggovernment contracts and subcontracts.
By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U
6
Eleven faculty and staff members have written grants totaling $1 million or more during their careers. They were honoredrecently at the 2008–2009 Grant Writers Recognition Ceremony for their work. Cheryl Vogrig, director of the Office ofGrants and Contracts, emphasizes the impact of grant activity at Cal U. During the 2008–2009 fiscal year, 109 proposalswere submitted, totaling $11.7 million, she says. Of those, 67 new awards were received, totaling $4.5 million. The officeis administering 100 active projects totaling $5.6 million. Here is a list of the achievers and a summary of their work: “It’s very
rewarding at many
different levels, both
professionally
and personally.
”DR. RALPH BELSTERLING,
GRADUATE COORDINATOR,
DEPARTMENT OF
COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
Professor, students screenathletes at Special OlympicsTEAM PROVIDES AUDIOLOGY TESTS, HEARING AIDS
After Dr. Ralph Belsterling volunteered to conducthearing screenings at the first national Special Olympicsin 2006, he was hooked.
“Once I started, I didn’t want to stop,” says Belsterling,an associate professor in the Department of CommunicationDisorders and clinical director for the Healthy Hearingprogram of Pennsylvania.
“It’s very rewarding at many different levels, bothprofessionally and personally,” he adds, “especially sinceI have a sister with Down syndrome.”
Now Belsterling is passing his enthusiasm along to hisstudents. He takes them to Special Olympics events to helpwith the screenings, and so they can learn how to servepeople with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics launched its Healthy Athletes initiativein 1997 to help the athletes improve their health and fitness.The initiative also assists health care professionals in learningabout the athletes’ special needs, making them moreconfident and comfortable in caring for this underservedpopulation.
People with intellectual disabilities have a 40 percentgreater risk for health problems, and health care professionalsoften are not trained or experienced in caring for them,according to the Special Olympics website.
Belsterling is part of the movement to change that.A year ago he served as an international volunteer and
health care trainer at the 2009 Special Olympics World WinterGames in Boise, Idaho. About 1,000 athletes received hearingscreenings, and some were fitted for hearing aids on the spot.
“The testing we do is rather quick; it’s an 8-minuteprocess,” says Belsterling.
For this test, the athlete does not need to respond. Byusing state-of-the-art equipment, the testers can pick up onvarious problems, such as excessive earwax or fluid in the ear.
Additional testing is provided for athletes with moreserious hearing issues.
“There was a group from Libya where all the athleteswere deaf. We fit the whole team with hearing aids,”Belsterling recalls. “It’s wonderful to see their reactions whenyou turn on their hearing aids.”
The hearing aids provided to athletes from Third Worldcountries were solar-powered and designed to last for severalyears, because the recipients often find it difficult to obtainstandard batteries and supplies.
Some athletes at the Games already had hearing aids,but they were not working properly.
“Hearing aids are like glasses,” Belsterling explains.
“They need adjustments over time ... and maintenance.”In July, Belsterling will travel to Lincoln, Neb., for the
Special Olympics 2010 USA National Games, where more than3,000 athletes are expected to compete in events that rangefrom aquatics to flag football to volleyball.
Belsterling also coordinates the Healthy Hearing programin Pennsylvania, which involves audiologists and students fromaround the state. Cal U students are always wellrepresented. These programs include the Special OlympicsPennsylvania summer games at Penn State University inState College and the fall games at Villanova Universitynear Philadelphia.
“We teach the students how to do screenings and howto interact with the intellectually disabled population,”Belsterling says. “Once they do it, they’re often hookedfor life, too! They’re always asking to volunteer... evenafter they graduate.” �
By Cindy Cusic Micco, a Pittsburgh-area writer
California University of PennsylvaniaThe School of Graduate Studies and Research250 University AvenuePhone: 724-938-4187Fax: 724-938-5712
E-mail: [email protected]/graduate
A proud member of the PennsylvaniaState System of Higher Education.
Integrity, Civility, Responsibility
Cal U’s online learners maynot know Jon Kallis, althoughthousands have seen his work.
As the instructional designer for theOffice of Web-Based Programs, heoperates behind the scenes.
Kallis administers eCollege, alearning management system usedto deliver coursework over the Internetto students across the globe.
Kallis keeps the system runningsmoothly, so students can completetheir assignments wherever andwhenever they choose.
He follows Quality Matters guidelinesto ensure best practices for distanceeducation.
He works with the Office for Studentswith Disabilities to make online classesaccessible and appropriate for studentswith special needs.
Kallis also helps Cal U professorsintegrate audio, video and even socialmedia into their online lessons.
In all but a handful of Cal U’s GlobalOnline programs, learners log in througheCollege. Students on campus maytake an online course with this learning
platform or find that a face-to-faceclass has an eCollege component.
In any case, most online learnersappreciate the difference betweentext-only PowerPoint slides and alesson enhanced with sound andmoving images.
“It’s more fun than just reading text,”says Kallis, who holds a bachelor’s degreein information systems managementfrom Duquesne University and a master’sin multimedia technology from Cal U.
“I’ve received a lot of positivefeedback through our professors.The presentations aren’t static, andstudents like that.”
Nearly 60 professors used eCollegeduring the fall 2009 semester. Andthese online educators are tech-savvy,Kallis says.
“They ask about new buzzwords —wikis, blogs, podcasts and things likethat. One professor is trying to figureout a way to use Twitter in his classes.”
Kallis keeps up with technologytrends and shows educators how tocapitalize on them.
“Like Twitter, these innovationspop up out of nowhere,” he says.“Students are using them. Our professorswant to grab students’ attention andmake integrating these interactiveelements into their courseworkworthwhile.” �
‘MORE FUN THAN JUST READING’Instructional designer enhances eCollege presentations
alumni calendarGREETINGS FROM THE ALUMNI OFFICE!
Here at the Michaeland Julia Kara Alumni
House, we are lookingahead to another excitingAlumni Weekend, comingup June 5–6.
The classes of 1960 and1985 will hold theirmilestone 50th and 25threunions, and as always, all
alumni are welcome to attend. In addition,the Alumni Board of Directors’ annual meetingand the Alumni Association Awards Luncheonwill be held during the weekend.
Also, please make plans to join us for thePresident’s Gala at the Omni William PennHotel in Pittsburgh. The President’s Galaincludes dinner, dancing and fun — andproceeds benefit student scholarships.
I encourage you play an active role in theannual Alumni Association board of directorselection process. (See details at right.)
In August, we will hold our fifth annual AlumniCouples Weekend, which recognizes andcelebrates the many alumni couples who methere at Cal U.
In addition, we are eagerly planning for ourOct. 16 Homecoming, and we hope that manyof our alumni and friends will return to campusfor that annual event. Be sure to save the date!Please check the upcoming alumni calendarof events in this issue of the Cal Review andregularly at our website, www.calu.edu/alumni.
I encourage you to log on to our new onlinecommunity at www.calu.edu/alumni. You canreceive a permanent e-mail address; updateyour information; add your name to the onlinealumni directory; receive Under the Towers,our monthly e-newsletter; and much more.These services are available to our alumniand senior students!
Please plan to attend one or more of theseupcoming events as a way to reconnect withformer classmates and meet new friends. Asalways, we enjoy your feedback and welcomethe opportunity to hear from you. Call theoffice, e-mail us, or stop by the Michael andJulia Kara Alumni House anytime you are oncampus. I would be happy to show you themany changes at your alma mater, and lookforward to sharing these exciting times with you!
Amy LombardExecutive Director,Office of Alumni Relationsand Annual Fund
18 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
ALUMNI N E W S
MARCHTampa Area Chapter Gathering — March 143 p.m. at Hattricks sports bar, Tampa, Fla. Visit with fellow graduates from theTampa area and watch the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game.
Pittsburgh Area Chapter Gathering — March 30Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena, Harmarville, Pa. Enjoy fellowship and a guest speaker.
APRILPhiladelphia Accepted Student Reception — April 6Renaissance Philadelphia Hotel Airport, Philadelphia, Pa. Hosted by thePhiladelphia Chapter, the event begins with an alumni-only reception at 6 p.m.in the Lounge. At 7 p.m., alumni mingle with accepted students and theirparents, sharing their Cal U experiences with the incoming freshmen.
Orange County Alumni Gathering — April 8Join fellow alumni at the Center Club in Costa Mesa, Calif., for an event hostedby Fred Gladney ’71. Did you know there are more than 100 Cal U alumni inOrange County alone? Please join us to hear updates about your alma materand socialize with fellow alumni.
Harrisburg Accepted Student Reception — April 8Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel, Harrisburg, Pa. Hosted by the HarrisburgChapter, the alumni-only reception begins at 6 p.m. in the Lounge. At 7 p.m.,alumni share their Cal U memories with incoming freshmen and their parents.
Red & Black Affair Extraordinaire — April 11Join us for the fourth annual luncheon and fashion show sponsored by theAlumni Association. Ticket price is $45; proceeds benefit the Alumni AssociationScholarship Fund. Last year's fundraiser brought in more than $20,000. Fordetails, contact Alumni Association board president Rosemary Bucchianeri [email protected] or First Lady Barbara Armenti at [email protected].
Cal Pride Weekend — April 16–177 p.m. April 16: This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner will deliver thekeynote address in the Natali Student Center. During the day, a number of Cal Ualumni will speak to students in their classes.9 a.m. April 17: Prospective students and their parents may attend an AcademicOpen House and Alumni Panel Discussion in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.Also: Individual College Awards are presented to outstanding alumni from theCollege of Science and Technology, the College of Education and Human Services,the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Graduate Studies & Research.
Cal Gals Biannual Meeting — April 22Booker Great Room, Kara Alumni House. At noon, join this group of retired teachersas they reminisce and help to support student scholarships for future teachers.
Fayette County Chapter Gathering (date to be announced)Bud Murphy’s Sports Bar and Restaurant, Connellsville, Pa. Socialize with fellowgraduates from Fayette County.
Somerset County Alumni Gathering — April 29Inn at Georgian Place, near Somerset, Pa. Meet fellow alumni from SomersetCounty for an evening of fellowship and fun.
MAYNew York City Regional Alumni Gathering (date to be announced)
Check your monthly Under the Towers e-newsletter for updates to these events. For moreinformation about alumni events, contact the Office of Alumni Relations & Annual Fundat 724-938-4418 or [email protected]. Join the Alumni Association’s NEW online commu-nityat http://alumni.calu.edu.
SPEAK UP!WE’RE LISTENING. . .What do you think of the Cal U Review? The editor and staffwant to know. Is there a feature you enjoy — or one you don’t?A topic you’d like to read more about? To share your thoughts,send an e-mail to [email protected], or drop us a line at:Cal U Review, Box 31, California University of Pennsylvania,250 University Drive, California, PA 15419-1394.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDACYIn evaluating an individual’s qualifications to stand for electionto the board of directors of the Alumni Association, the NCBshall emphasize the following:• A knowledge of and commitment to the mission and goalsof California University of Pennsylvania;
• A record of experience and achievement since graduationin his/her chosen field;
• Leadership and consensus-building skills;• A willingness to represent all alumni in providing counselto the University;
• A commitment to serve the University on a wide varietyof issues encountered in its planning and operations;
• A willingness to commit a significant amount of timeand energy necessary for effective service;
• A history of active involvement with the University;• A significant contribution to public, educational or charitableendeavors; please include philanthropic giving history.
NOMINATION PROCESSIndividuals interested in being considered for nomination tothe board should complete a nomination form and an essay onqualifications and return them, along with a color photograph,to the Alumni Relations Office by March 19, 2010. The NominatingCommittee for Board Members will review the information that issubmitted and develop a slate of recommended candidates. Thisslate will be presented to the Alumni Association board of directorsfor its approval at its spring 2010 meeting. All California Universityalumni will be eligible to vote either by e-mail or mail ballot.
BACKGROUNDNominations are now being sought from alumni interestedin being recommended to stand for election to the board ofdirectors of the California University of Pennsylvania AlumniAssociation. Elections will take place in the spring of 2010,with eight open seats to be filled.
Interested alumni may self-nominate, or others may submitinformation on their behalf. Individuals interested in beingrecommended must submit their nomination form to theNominating Committee for Board Members (NCB) so asto be received no later than March 19, 2010.
The NCB will screen the candidates according to guidelineslisted below and found in the Alumni Association bylaws,and will forward the names of recommended candidatesto the Alumni Association board for its approval. Approvedcandidates will then stand for election by the membershipof the Alumni Association.
Those individuals elected to boardseats as a result of the spring 2010election cycle will be installed atthe Alumni Association annualmeeting on June 5.
Please attach to this form a brief essay(500 words or less) that addresses thefollowing qualifications:
• A knowledge of and commitment to themission and goals of California Universityof Pennsylvania;
• A record of experience and achievementsince graduation in his/her chosen field;
• Leadership and consensus-building skills;• A willingness to represent all alumni inproviding counsel to the University;
• A commitment to serve the Universityon a wide variety of issues encounteredin its planning and operations;
• A willingness to commit a significantamount of time and energy necessaryfor effective service;
• A history of active involvement withthe University;
• A significant contribution to public,educational or charitable endeavors.
Please return this form, your essay, and yourphotograph by March 19, 2010.
California University of PennsylvaniaAlumni Office250 University Ave.California, PA 15419
NAME / CLASS YEAR
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP
TELEPHONE E-MAIL
EMPLOYER/OCCUPATION
Upon recommendation by the NCB and approval by the Alumni Association Board of Directors,your personal information (above), your essay and color photograph will be included in theofficial ballot materials distributed to all alumni prior to the election.
�
A CALL FOR NOMINATIONSALUMNI ASSOCIATION SEEKS NOMINEES FOR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 19
ELECTION NOMINATION FORM
20 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
CAL POINTofPRIDE
Coover HallDesigned in the Colonial Revival style, thebuilding now known as Coover Hall was oneof the first to be constructed after Californiabecame a state-owned institution. Built tohouse 12 training shops as well as classrooms,the slate-roofed structure originally was calledthe Industrial Arts Building. It bears the nameof longtime faculty member Shriver Coover,the University’s first chair of the Industrial ArtsDepartment. Engraved over the door are thedates 1939–1989. Today Coover Hall housesmodern classrooms, laboratories and studios.
Alumni are encouraged to nominate themselves or alumni colleagues for appointmentto committees of the California University Forum. Two (2) alumni seats are availableon each committee listed below. The Executive Committee shall appoint thesemembers. Appointments are for a term of three (3) years.Deadline for nominations is March 26, 2010.
To make a nomination:1. Nominee must be an alumna/
alumnus of California University.2. Self-nominations are permitted.3. Multiple nominations are permitted.
This form may be duplicated.4. Please indicate committees by
order of preference.5. Complete the nomination form and
forward to the address listed below.
For more information about theCalifornia University Forum,visit www.calu.edu.
California University of PennsylvaniaMrs. Dana Turcic, recording secretaryCampus Box 99250 University AvenueCalifornia, PA 15419
NOMINATIONforAPPOINTMENT
to the
Individual is to be nominatedfor the following committee(s).(Indicate order of preference:1,2,3, etc., if applicable.)
____ Athletic Advisory Committee
____ Budget Committee
____ Communications Committee
____ Core Values Committee
____ Planning & Priorities Committee
____ Safety & Social Equity Committee
____ Technology Committee
FORUMCALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY
C O M M I T T E E S
FORUMCALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY
C O M M I T T E E S
NOMINATION FOR APPOINTMENT FORM
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL TO BE NOMINATED (please print)
___________________________________________________________________________
NOMINATION SUBMITTED BY:
___________________________________________________________________________
President Angelo Armenti, Jr.presents the University’s Medallionof Distinction award to Dolores‘Dolly’ Rozzi ’64 at a luncheon inthe Kara Alumni House. The awardis presented to alumni who havedistinguished themselves andbrought credit to the Universitythrough their professional andpersonal achievements. After asuccessful career in government inWashington, D.C., Rozzi served asCal U’s first special assistant to thePresident for Equal Employmentand Educational Opportunity.A native of Stockdale, Pa., Rozzinow is president of an AARP chapternear her home in Huntingdon,W.Va., and she is known as ahumorous and motivational speaker.
MEDALLION OF DISTINCTION AWARDED
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 21
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 23
CAMPUS C L I P S
Student teachersshowcase their work
Education majors put on animpressive display of their professionalachievements during Cal U’s firstStudent Teacher Showcase at theend of the fall semester.
Using tri-fold posters, the 120participants were asked to producehighlights from their student-teachingexperiences this semester, emphasizingtheir professionalism, their effect onstudents’ learning using data, andtheir understanding of standards andstandards-driven instruction.
Faculty, other students, and otherprofessionals, including those who maybe interested in filling teaching positionsin their districts, were among thosewho viewed the presentations andtalked with the student-teachers.
“We’re actually killing about 17birds with one stone with this event,including using it as a recruitmentopportunity,” said Dr. Daniel Engstrom,acting associate dean of the Collegeof Education and Human Services. Henoted that current students who havenot yet done their student-teachingwill have an opportunity to see whatkind of work will be required of them.
Also, he said, “faculty will bereviewing the posters, and we’ll usethat data to see how Cal U is doingat educating the educators.”
Author discusses activismDiane Wilson, a fourth-generation
shrimp-boat captain, environmentalactivist and author, described her battleswith corporate polluters when theAmerican Democracy Project at Cal Uexplored environmentalism and issuesadvocacy in November.
Her lecture to a capacity crowd inSteele Hall Mainstage Theatre followedtwo daytime panels that drew nearly200 students and faculty members tothe Natali Student Center. Cal U facultymembers Dr. David Argent and Dr.Elizabeth Jones moderated the panels.
Wilson is author of An UnreasonableWoman: A True Story of Shrimpers,Politicos, Polluters and the Fight forSeadrift, Texas. Her visit to Cal U tookplace more than two weeks after shebegan a hunger strike in advance of theUnited Nations Framework Conventionon Climate Change in Copenhagen,Denmark.
‘Inkwell’ e-zine adds blog,Facebook page
Students who produced the mostrecent version of The Inkwell, Cal U’sonline literary magazine, have createda blog and a Facebook page chroniclingtheir work.
The blog, at http://inkwellclass.blogspot.com, was created by the photographyteam of the Publishing the Magazineclass, which has produced The Inkwellsince 2005.
The Facebook page, developedby the magazine’s poetry team andupdated by other class members, canbe reached by searching “Cal U Inkwell2009” on Facebook’s commercialwebsite at http://www.facebook.com.The class’s page should be the first itemthat pops up from the search; it is listedas an Entertainment and Arts group.
Any member of the Facebookcommunity can join the group.
Previous editions of The Inkwell canbe viewed at http://sai.calu.edu/inkwell.
‘Transitions’ continuesTransitions: Photographs by Robert
Creamer, an exhibition created by theSmithsonian Institution TravelingExhibition Service in collaboration theNational Museum of Natural History,is on display through April 27 inManderino Gallery, on the third floorof Manderino Library.
In creating the works for thisstunning exhibition, Creamer tradedhis camera for a flatbed scanner. Hiscompositions use flora and fauna thatare placed directly on the scanner inaesthetic arrangements or suspendedover it. The resulting detail is eerilylifelike and yet incredibly expressive.
This exhibition also features a videoby Jeannie Yoon that explores Creamer’sscanning and printing techniques.
All SITES exhibitions at Cal U areopen to the public. Gallery hours andother information is available onlineat www.calu.edu/sites. For moreinformation, call exhibitions coordinatorWalter Czekaj at 724-938-5244 ore-mail [email protected].
Cal U is Robot CentralTo highlight its multi-faceted work
in robotics, Cal U hosted the worldwidelaunch of a next-generation roboticgaming system this fall.
Robotics teams from more thana dozen western Pennsylvania highschools joined Cal U students asRobonica, a South Africa-based toymanufacturer, introduced the Roboni-iline of interactive, robotic toys.
The product launch was held inconjunction with the Western PennsylvaniaVEX Robotics Clean Sweep Competition,an annual contest that asks teams ofstudents to design, build and operatetheir own agile robots.
Cal U’s RC Club members, alongwith VEX Robotics competitors andother students, were among the firstin the world to experience Roboni-i,a fully programmable, two-wheeledrobot vehicle with 16 sensors.
The Robonica group showcasedthe toy one day later at CarnegieScience Center in Pittsburgh, whereCal U is an educational partner inthe roboworldTM exhibition.
Cal U: No. 2for online education
A nationwide study of online schoolshas ranked California University ofPennsylvania No. 2 for its Internet-baseddegree programs.
The Top 25 Online Colleges studywas conducted by SR Education Group,an educational resource provider basedin Kirkland, Wash. The study appears onits flagship site, Guide to Online Schools(www.guidetoonlineschools.com).
Rankings are based on accreditation,tuition cost, number of studentsand faculty, student-to-faculty ratio,graduation rate and retention rate, allderived from the latest data compiledby the National Center for EducationStatistics, part of the U.S. Departmentof Education. The rankings also considerstudent feedback.
Cal U’s Global Online programhas been growing rapidly. Comparedto 2008–09, undergraduate enrollmentincreased by 11 percent this year, andgraduate enrollment is 21 percent higher.
Global Online offers bachelor’s andmaster’s degrees as well as certificateprograms. Cal U is a preferred providerof online education for soldiers, whoconnect to Global Online throughthe GoArmyEd.com portal.
Accreditations accumulateCal U’s Department of Art and
Design has received five-year accreditationfrom NASAD, the National Associationof Schools of Art and Design.
Founded in 1944, NASAD is anational accrediting agency whosenearly 300 professional members includecolleges, universities and independent
schools of art, design and relateddisciplines. Accreditation affirms thatstandards of academic quality andintegrity are being met.
Eight years ago, the Departmentof Art and Design enrolled about65 students in its bachelor’s degreeprogram in art. Today, it counts morethan 200 students majoring in programsthat lead to a B.A. in art, a B.S. ingraphic design, a B.F.A. in fine art ora B.S.Ed. in art education.
The bachelor’s degree programin Industrial Technology wasre-accredited by ATMAE, the Associationof Technology, Management andApplied Engineering.
Founded in 1967, the ATMAE isrecognized as the premier professionalassociation accrediting industrialtechnology programs in colleges,universities and technical institutes.
Industrial technology is primarilyinvolved with the management,operation and maintenance of complextechnological systems. Cal U’s program,housed in the Eberly College of Scienceand Technology, prepares students fortechnical and management-orientedcareers in business, industry, educationand government.
22 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
Diane Wilson
Pre-service teachers display tri-fold posters to showcase highlights of theirstudent-teaching experience.
Creativity 101More than 250 middle school and high school students visited Cal U for an ‘Art and WritingEncounter,’ a series of workshops designed to jump-start creative thinking in advance of theScholastic Art And Writing Awards program. Scholastic Inc.’s nationwide program, now inits 87th year, offers awards and scholarships for creative teens. Cal U hosted the regionalprogram, including a show and awards celebration, for the first time this year.
Tom Dusenberry, president of Robinica,introduces the Roboni-i interactivegaming system.
20 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
CAL POINTofPRIDE
Coover HallDesigned in the Colonial Revival style, thebuilding now known as Coover Hall was oneof the first to be constructed after Californiabecame a state-owned institution. Built tohouse 12 training shops as well as classrooms,the slate-roofed structure originally was calledthe Industrial Arts Building. It bears the nameof longtime faculty member Shriver Coover,the University’s first chair of the Industrial ArtsDepartment. Engraved over the door are thedates 1939–1989. Today Coover Hall housesmodern classrooms, laboratories and studios.
Alumni are encouraged to nominate themselves or alumni colleagues for appointmentto committees of the California University Forum. Two (2) alumni seats are availableon each committee listed below. The Executive Committee shall appoint thesemembers. Appointments are for a term of three (3) years.Deadline for nominations is March 26, 2010.
To make a nomination:1. Nominee must be an alumna/
alumnus of California University.2. Self-nominations are permitted.3. Multiple nominations are permitted.
This form may be duplicated.4. Please indicate committees by
order of preference.5. Complete the nomination form and
forward to the address listed below.
For more information about theCalifornia University Forum,visit www.calu.edu.
California University of PennsylvaniaMrs. Dana Turcic, recording secretaryCampus Box 99250 University AvenueCalifornia, PA 15419
NOMINATIONforAPPOINTMENT
to the
Individual is to be nominatedfor the following committee(s).(Indicate order of preference:1,2,3, etc., if applicable.)
____ Athletic Advisory Committee
____ Budget Committee
____ Communications Committee
____ Core Values Committee
____ Planning & Priorities Committee
____ Safety & Social Equity Committee
____ Technology Committee
FORUMCALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY
C O M M I T T E E S
FORUMCALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY
C O M M I T T E E S
NOMINATION FOR APPOINTMENT FORM
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL TO BE NOMINATED (please print)
___________________________________________________________________________
NOMINATION SUBMITTED BY:
___________________________________________________________________________
President Angelo Armenti, Jr.presents the University’s Medallionof Distinction award to Dolores‘Dolly’ Rozzi ’64 at a luncheon inthe Kara Alumni House. The awardis presented to alumni who havedistinguished themselves andbrought credit to the Universitythrough their professional andpersonal achievements. After asuccessful career in government inWashington, D.C., Rozzi served asCal U’s first special assistant to thePresident for Equal Employmentand Educational Opportunity.A native of Stockdale, Pa., Rozzinow is president of an AARP chapternear her home in Huntingdon,W.Va., and she is known as ahumorous and motivational speaker.
MEDALLION OF DISTINCTION AWARDED
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 21
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 23
CAMPUS C L I P S
Student teachersshowcase their work
Education majors put on animpressive display of their professionalachievements during Cal U’s firstStudent Teacher Showcase at theend of the fall semester.
Using tri-fold posters, the 120participants were asked to producehighlights from their student-teachingexperiences this semester, emphasizingtheir professionalism, their effect onstudents’ learning using data, andtheir understanding of standards andstandards-driven instruction.
Faculty, other students, and otherprofessionals, including those who maybe interested in filling teaching positionsin their districts, were among thosewho viewed the presentations andtalked with the student-teachers.
“We’re actually killing about 17birds with one stone with this event,including using it as a recruitmentopportunity,” said Dr. Daniel Engstrom,acting associate dean of the Collegeof Education and Human Services. Henoted that current students who havenot yet done their student-teachingwill have an opportunity to see whatkind of work will be required of them.
Also, he said, “faculty will bereviewing the posters, and we’ll usethat data to see how Cal U is doingat educating the educators.”
Author discusses activismDiane Wilson, a fourth-generation
shrimp-boat captain, environmentalactivist and author, described her battleswith corporate polluters when theAmerican Democracy Project at Cal Uexplored environmentalism and issuesadvocacy in November.
Her lecture to a capacity crowd inSteele Hall Mainstage Theatre followedtwo daytime panels that drew nearly200 students and faculty members tothe Natali Student Center. Cal U facultymembers Dr. David Argent and Dr.Elizabeth Jones moderated the panels.
Wilson is author of An UnreasonableWoman: A True Story of Shrimpers,Politicos, Polluters and the Fight forSeadrift, Texas. Her visit to Cal U tookplace more than two weeks after shebegan a hunger strike in advance of theUnited Nations Framework Conventionon Climate Change in Copenhagen,Denmark.
‘Inkwell’ e-zine adds blog,Facebook page
Students who produced the mostrecent version of The Inkwell, Cal U’sonline literary magazine, have createda blog and a Facebook page chroniclingtheir work.
The blog, at http://inkwellclass.blogspot.com, was created by the photographyteam of the Publishing the Magazineclass, which has produced The Inkwellsince 2005.
The Facebook page, developedby the magazine’s poetry team andupdated by other class members, canbe reached by searching “Cal U Inkwell2009” on Facebook’s commercialwebsite at http://www.facebook.com.The class’s page should be the first itemthat pops up from the search; it is listedas an Entertainment and Arts group.
Any member of the Facebookcommunity can join the group.
Previous editions of The Inkwell canbe viewed at http://sai.calu.edu/inkwell.
‘Transitions’ continuesTransitions: Photographs by Robert
Creamer, an exhibition created by theSmithsonian Institution TravelingExhibition Service in collaboration theNational Museum of Natural History,is on display through April 27 inManderino Gallery, on the third floorof Manderino Library.
In creating the works for thisstunning exhibition, Creamer tradedhis camera for a flatbed scanner. Hiscompositions use flora and fauna thatare placed directly on the scanner inaesthetic arrangements or suspendedover it. The resulting detail is eerilylifelike and yet incredibly expressive.
This exhibition also features a videoby Jeannie Yoon that explores Creamer’sscanning and printing techniques.
All SITES exhibitions at Cal U areopen to the public. Gallery hours andother information is available onlineat www.calu.edu/sites. For moreinformation, call exhibitions coordinatorWalter Czekaj at 724-938-5244 ore-mail [email protected].
Cal U is Robot CentralTo highlight its multi-faceted work
in robotics, Cal U hosted the worldwidelaunch of a next-generation roboticgaming system this fall.
Robotics teams from more thana dozen western Pennsylvania highschools joined Cal U students asRobonica, a South Africa-based toymanufacturer, introduced the Roboni-iline of interactive, robotic toys.
The product launch was held inconjunction with the Western PennsylvaniaVEX Robotics Clean Sweep Competition,an annual contest that asks teams ofstudents to design, build and operatetheir own agile robots.
Cal U’s RC Club members, alongwith VEX Robotics competitors andother students, were among the firstin the world to experience Roboni-i,a fully programmable, two-wheeledrobot vehicle with 16 sensors.
The Robonica group showcasedthe toy one day later at CarnegieScience Center in Pittsburgh, whereCal U is an educational partner inthe roboworldTM exhibition.
Cal U: No. 2for online education
A nationwide study of online schoolshas ranked California University ofPennsylvania No. 2 for its Internet-baseddegree programs.
The Top 25 Online Colleges studywas conducted by SR Education Group,an educational resource provider basedin Kirkland, Wash. The study appears onits flagship site, Guide to Online Schools(www.guidetoonlineschools.com).
Rankings are based on accreditation,tuition cost, number of studentsand faculty, student-to-faculty ratio,graduation rate and retention rate, allderived from the latest data compiledby the National Center for EducationStatistics, part of the U.S. Departmentof Education. The rankings also considerstudent feedback.
Cal U’s Global Online programhas been growing rapidly. Comparedto 2008–09, undergraduate enrollmentincreased by 11 percent this year, andgraduate enrollment is 21 percent higher.
Global Online offers bachelor’s andmaster’s degrees as well as certificateprograms. Cal U is a preferred providerof online education for soldiers, whoconnect to Global Online throughthe GoArmyEd.com portal.
Accreditations accumulateCal U’s Department of Art and
Design has received five-year accreditationfrom NASAD, the National Associationof Schools of Art and Design.
Founded in 1944, NASAD is anational accrediting agency whosenearly 300 professional members includecolleges, universities and independent
schools of art, design and relateddisciplines. Accreditation affirms thatstandards of academic quality andintegrity are being met.
Eight years ago, the Departmentof Art and Design enrolled about65 students in its bachelor’s degreeprogram in art. Today, it counts morethan 200 students majoring in programsthat lead to a B.A. in art, a B.S. ingraphic design, a B.F.A. in fine art ora B.S.Ed. in art education.
The bachelor’s degree programin Industrial Technology wasre-accredited by ATMAE, the Associationof Technology, Management andApplied Engineering.
Founded in 1967, the ATMAE isrecognized as the premier professionalassociation accrediting industrialtechnology programs in colleges,universities and technical institutes.
Industrial technology is primarilyinvolved with the management,operation and maintenance of complextechnological systems. Cal U’s program,housed in the Eberly College of Scienceand Technology, prepares students fortechnical and management-orientedcareers in business, industry, educationand government.
22 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
Diane Wilson
Pre-service teachers display tri-fold posters to showcase highlights of theirstudent-teaching experience.
Creativity 101More than 250 middle school and high school students visited Cal U for an ‘Art and WritingEncounter,’ a series of workshops designed to jump-start creative thinking in advance of theScholastic Art And Writing Awards program. Scholastic Inc.’s nationwide program, now inits 87th year, offers awards and scholarships for creative teens. Cal U hosted the regionalprogram, including a show and awards celebration, for the first time this year.
Tom Dusenberry, president of Robinica,introduces the Roboni-i interactivegaming system.
Twin sisters Tiffany and MindyJuha, who have been skatingsince they were 3, want people
to know: Cal U has hockey.Thanks to a blossoming partnership
between the University and the PittsburghPenguins, word is getting around.
Tiffany is a center on the clubhockey team, and Mindy plays defense.Along with other members of the men’sand women’s teams, they are beingfeatured in Cal U ads running allseason long in IceTime, the game-dayprogram distributed to fans at allhome games.
“A lot of people act surprised whenthey hear that we play hockey at Cal,”says Tiffany, a senior majoring incriminal justice.
“Really, we just want people to knowthat there is a women’s hockey team atCal U,” adds Mindy, a senior elementaryeducation major.
Tiffany’s ad has been published;the ad featuring Mindy is scheduled torun later this season.
Cal U marketing director CraigButzine says the Penguins partnership,along with agreements with the CarnegieScience Center and the PittsburghSteelers, is part of a broad strategy toincrease visibility for the University.
“In addition to spending advertisingdollars to build awareness, we arealways looking to increase internshipopportunities for our students and raisemore money for scholarships,” he says.
Scoring scholarships and internshipsRecently, Penguins merchandise —
three autographed sticks, three signedjerseys and a game-day experiencecomplete with a Zamboni ride —was put up for bid in an auction atwww.pittsburgh penguins.com to
raise money for the general scholarshipfund at Cal U.
“The mutual goal with Cal U andthe Penguins is to raise funds for anendowed scholarship,” Butzine says.“Our students will benefit, and thePenguins name will be associated with it.
24 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
It’s an example of the kinds of mutuallybeneficial partnerships we are constantlytrying to create. We can get our nameout there, and they can also reach abroader fan base.”
Some of those potential new fans,no doubt, were excited to see Pens leftwinger Pascal Dupuis and Iceburgh, theteam’s mascot, when they both droppedby campus to welcome new studentsbefore the first Vulcan football game ofthe season.
Cal U is also a sponsor of the PittsburghPenguins at 105.9 HD-2, a recentlylaunched high-definition radio station.Two Cal U students, Sammy Jo Popovichand Brian Miller, interned for the liveportion of the show, which airs weekdaysfrom 9 a.m. to noon. The program isco-hosted by alumnus Tom Grimm ’95.
Popovich, a senior communicationstudies major who finished her intern-ship Dec. 1, worked with the Penguins’public relations department to compileplayer information for the show. Shealso worked with the corporate salesdepartment on game nights.
“It was a good experience to workwith a professional sports organization,”Popovich says. “I think Brian and Imaybe paved the way for other studentsto have a good experience interninghere, as well.”
Miller, a senior majoring in sportsmanagement, keeps track of injuries,players’ tendencies and the team line-upfor the radio show.
“I’ve learned that communicationis vital to success in any career youpursue,” he says.
Robotics partnershipAt the Carnegie Science Center of
Pittsburgh, the roboworldTM exhibitionis another example of the “value-added”partnerships Cal U seeks.
Cal U launched a new associatedegree program in Robotics EngineeringTechnology in fall 2009. It also is hometo the third-largest technology educationprogram in the United States. TheUniversity is taking the lead in roboticseducation through NCRETE, theNational Center for Robotics EngineeringTechnology Education, which isdeveloping the nation’s first two-tierassociate and bachelor’s degreeprogram in robotics and mechatronics.
“We share a commitment to STEMeducation,” Butzine says of courses andprograms related to science, technology,engineering and math. “The CarnegieScience Center has younger studentswho visit, which interests us, and wehave older students on campus, whichinterests them. They were especiallyinterested in having students who couldrun their workshops.”
As part of the partnership, whichincludes Cal U signage throughout theScience Center, the University has beenpresenting “Cal U Saturdays” in theexhibition’s Robot Workshop, a spacewithin roboworldTM that gives visitorsa more in-depth robotics experience.
“We are grateful and fortunate tohave strong partners like Cal U involvedin the development and programmingof roboworldTM,” says Science Centerco-director Ron Baillie. “Putting collegestudents currently studying robotics in
the exhibit to help visitors understandthis complex topic is a win-win for boththe Science Center and Cal U. Our visitorshave access to Cal U students working inrobotics, and Cal U students gain theexperience of presenting their currentwork and research to the public.”
Cal U sponsored the Science Center’s2009 Science Summer Camps, and Cal Uundergraduates will have the opportunityfor internships at the Science Center,where they will maintain and repair robotsin the roboworldTM exhibit.
Senior Sammy Jo Popovich, a communicationstudies major, completed an internship withthe Penguins’ public relations department.
Michael Valoski ‘07, ‘08 (right) discusses roboticswith teachers during a Weekend Workshopevent at roboworldTM. Valoski is the MechatronicsResearch Lab manager for NCRETE, the NationalCenter for Robotic Engineering TechnologyEducation, based at Cal U.
Mutual benefitsPARTNERSHIPS RAISE CAL U’S PROFILE, AND MORE
Mike Wagner
Senior Tiffany Juha,a forward on the Cal Uwomen’s hockey team,is among the studentsfeatured in ads seen byPittsburgh Penguins fans.
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 25
‘Mutual synergies’A newer relationship with the
Pittsburgh Steelers also is starting topay off. Cal U has done advertising withthe team, which has, in turn, providedmemorabilia that the school will use atvarious upcoming fundraisers.
Mike Wagner, a safety for the Steelersduring the 1970s, was the guest speakerat Mission Day XI in November, whichinvited the Cal U community to presentideas and share dialogue about the newCal U for Life initiative.
“You build synergies and then otheropportunities tend to come up,” Butzinesays. “For example, our Vulcan band gotto play at the Minnesota Vikings gameat Heinz Field earlier in the season andthen sit in the stands to watch the game.It was nice for our students to get thatkind of opportunity.”
The Penguins recently allowedmembers of the Cal U men’s andwomen’s hockey teams to use spacenear the Penguins’ home ice at MellonArena to raise money for the MarioLemieux Foundation, which supportscancer research.
“Rather than just have an organizationsell us something like ad space, we lookfor opportunities to help each other grow,”Butzine says of the marketing approach.
“Whenever possible, we want tomake sure it’s not just one-sided.” �
ByWendyMackall, assistant communications director at
Cal U
Twin sisters Tiffany and MindyJuha, who have been skatingsince they were 3, want people
to know: Cal U has hockey.Thanks to a blossoming partnership
between the University and the PittsburghPenguins, word is getting around.
Tiffany is a center on the clubhockey team, and Mindy plays defense.Along with other members of the men’sand women’s teams, they are beingfeatured in Cal U ads running allseason long in IceTime, the game-dayprogram distributed to fans at allhome games.
“A lot of people act surprised whenthey hear that we play hockey at Cal,”says Tiffany, a senior majoring incriminal justice.
“Really, we just want people to knowthat there is a women’s hockey team atCal U,” adds Mindy, a senior elementaryeducation major.
Tiffany’s ad has been published;the ad featuring Mindy is scheduled torun later this season.
Cal U marketing director CraigButzine says the Penguins partnership,along with agreements with the CarnegieScience Center and the PittsburghSteelers, is part of a broad strategy toincrease visibility for the University.
“In addition to spending advertisingdollars to build awareness, we arealways looking to increase internshipopportunities for our students and raisemore money for scholarships,” he says.
Scoring scholarships and internshipsRecently, Penguins merchandise —
three autographed sticks, three signedjerseys and a game-day experiencecomplete with a Zamboni ride —was put up for bid in an auction atwww.pittsburgh penguins.com to
raise money for the general scholarshipfund at Cal U.
“The mutual goal with Cal U andthe Penguins is to raise funds for anendowed scholarship,” Butzine says.“Our students will benefit, and thePenguins name will be associated with it.
24 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
It’s an example of the kinds of mutuallybeneficial partnerships we are constantlytrying to create. We can get our nameout there, and they can also reach abroader fan base.”
Some of those potential new fans,no doubt, were excited to see Pens leftwinger Pascal Dupuis and Iceburgh, theteam’s mascot, when they both droppedby campus to welcome new studentsbefore the first Vulcan football game ofthe season.
Cal U is also a sponsor of the PittsburghPenguins at 105.9 HD-2, a recentlylaunched high-definition radio station.Two Cal U students, Sammy Jo Popovichand Brian Miller, interned for the liveportion of the show, which airs weekdaysfrom 9 a.m. to noon. The program isco-hosted by alumnus Tom Grimm ’95.
Popovich, a senior communicationstudies major who finished her intern-ship Dec. 1, worked with the Penguins’public relations department to compileplayer information for the show. Shealso worked with the corporate salesdepartment on game nights.
“It was a good experience to workwith a professional sports organization,”Popovich says. “I think Brian and Imaybe paved the way for other studentsto have a good experience interninghere, as well.”
Miller, a senior majoring in sportsmanagement, keeps track of injuries,players’ tendencies and the team line-upfor the radio show.
“I’ve learned that communicationis vital to success in any career youpursue,” he says.
Robotics partnershipAt the Carnegie Science Center of
Pittsburgh, the roboworldTM exhibitionis another example of the “value-added”partnerships Cal U seeks.
Cal U launched a new associatedegree program in Robotics EngineeringTechnology in fall 2009. It also is hometo the third-largest technology educationprogram in the United States. TheUniversity is taking the lead in roboticseducation through NCRETE, theNational Center for Robotics EngineeringTechnology Education, which isdeveloping the nation’s first two-tierassociate and bachelor’s degreeprogram in robotics and mechatronics.
“We share a commitment to STEMeducation,” Butzine says of courses andprograms related to science, technology,engineering and math. “The CarnegieScience Center has younger studentswho visit, which interests us, and wehave older students on campus, whichinterests them. They were especiallyinterested in having students who couldrun their workshops.”
As part of the partnership, whichincludes Cal U signage throughout theScience Center, the University has beenpresenting “Cal U Saturdays” in theexhibition’s Robot Workshop, a spacewithin roboworldTM that gives visitorsa more in-depth robotics experience.
“We are grateful and fortunate tohave strong partners like Cal U involvedin the development and programmingof roboworldTM,” says Science Centerco-director Ron Baillie. “Putting collegestudents currently studying robotics in
the exhibit to help visitors understandthis complex topic is a win-win for boththe Science Center and Cal U. Our visitorshave access to Cal U students working inrobotics, and Cal U students gain theexperience of presenting their currentwork and research to the public.”
Cal U sponsored the Science Center’s2009 Science Summer Camps, and Cal Uundergraduates will have the opportunityfor internships at the Science Center,where they will maintain and repair robotsin the roboworldTM exhibit.
Senior Sammy Jo Popovich, a communicationstudies major, completed an internship withthe Penguins’ public relations department.
Michael Valoski ‘07, ‘08 (right) discusses roboticswith teachers during a Weekend Workshopevent at roboworldTM. Valoski is the MechatronicsResearch Lab manager for NCRETE, the NationalCenter for Robotic Engineering TechnologyEducation, based at Cal U.
Mutual benefitsPARTNERSHIPS RAISE CAL U’S PROFILE, AND MORE
Mike Wagner
Senior Tiffany Juha,a forward on the Cal Uwomen’s hockey team,is among the studentsfeatured in ads seen byPittsburgh Penguins fans.
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 25
‘Mutual synergies’A newer relationship with the
Pittsburgh Steelers also is starting topay off. Cal U has done advertising withthe team, which has, in turn, providedmemorabilia that the school will use atvarious upcoming fundraisers.
Mike Wagner, a safety for the Steelersduring the 1970s, was the guest speakerat Mission Day XI in November, whichinvited the Cal U community to presentideas and share dialogue about the newCal U for Life initiative.
“You build synergies and then otheropportunities tend to come up,” Butzinesays. “For example, our Vulcan band gotto play at the Minnesota Vikings gameat Heinz Field earlier in the season andthen sit in the stands to watch the game.It was nice for our students to get thatkind of opportunity.”
The Penguins recently allowedmembers of the Cal U men’s andwomen’s hockey teams to use spacenear the Penguins’ home ice at MellonArena to raise money for the MarioLemieux Foundation, which supportscancer research.
“Rather than just have an organizationsell us something like ad space, we lookfor opportunities to help each other grow,”Butzine says of the marketing approach.
“Whenever possible, we want tomake sure it’s not just one-sided.” �
ByWendyMackall, assistant communications director at
Cal U
26 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010 WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 27
About the Frederick Douglass Institute
Frederick Douglass was a former slave,author, statesman and adviser to PresidentAbraham Lincoln. He visited the Cal Ucampus Nov. 20, 1885.
In addition to the Frederick Douglass VisitingScholar Program, which is in its seventh year,the institute plans events for Black HistoryMonth and Women’s History Month, andorganizes the annual Hip-Hop Conference.The institute also conducts the annual MartinLuther King Jr. Essay Contest, which is opento all Cal U students, and encouragesadvocacy and leadership development.
By Wendy Mackall, assistant communicationsdirector at Cal U
Dr. Nathaniel Frederick IIthe 2009-2010 FrederickDouglass Scholar and assistantprofessor in the Departmentof Communication Studies.
Professional development starts here
COACH FINDSGYMNASTICS GOLD
Fourth-generation alumnus creditsconfidence to Cal U
Brant Lutska ’93 is quick to praisehis Cal U education and his MonValley upbringing for paving his
path to success — a route that has led tonational recognition as a gymnasticscompetitor and coach.
A respected educator and administrator,as well as a coach, Lutska relocated toNew Jersey in 2000 after teaching foreight years in Monessen, Pa., where hegraduated from high school. He now isthe media supervisor for the MonroeSchool District and coach for the girls’gymnastics team at Bishop George AhrHigh School in Woodbridge, N.J.
Lutska’s passion for the sport beganat BG’s Gymnastics in Monessen, whichhis family now owns.
Bishop Ahr was on the verge ofdropping its gymnastics program beforeLutska stepped in. In nine seasons he hasguided the Trojans to an astonishing 88-2cumulative record, with eight divisional,county and sectional titles.
Bishop Ahr won five consecutive NewJersey state championships, from 2003 to2007. Lutska was inducted into the highschool’s Hall of Fame in 2008 and hasreceived several national and statewidecoach of the year honors.
A former competitor at the nationallevel, Lutska is a nationally rated judgefor USA and NCAA Gymnastics. Heeven has assigned judges for NCAAchampionship competitions.
Through his websites, he continuesto promote the sport and supplementhis income by offering online lessonplanning for gymnastics schools —as well as a line of leotards.
Lutska represents the fourthgeneration of his family to attend Cal U,where he studied early childhood andspecial education. He also holds graduatedegrees in educational administrationand information technology.
“My experience at Cal U providedme with a strong foundation to work wellwith kids,” he says. “People always askme where I went to school, becauseI am so prepared. Cal does an excellentjob of producing outstanding teachers.”
Lutska, who lives in Perth Amboy,N.J., praised elementary educationfaculty members John Vargo andDr. Caryl Sheffield.
“Professor Vargo was phenomenaland helped me develop as a teacher,”he says. “Dr. Sheffield is the one whoturned me on to computers and
eventually information technology,which I use every day.”
Lutska says he remains close withmany college friends, including fellowTheta Xi fraternity brothers Tony Mauro’92, ’93 and Jason Minnitti ’91. He wasMinnitti’s best man and introducedMauro to his wife, Jennifer.
In addition to keeping up with friends,Lutska keeps tabs on the University whenhe returns to the Mon Valley.
“Whenever I come home and visitmy sister in Newell, I always go to thetop of the hill and just look down onthe campus,” he says. “I am amazed.Dr. Armenti has really grabbed the bullby the horns. What a great place Cal is.”
A gifted speaker who travels aroundthe country to conduct motivationaland educational presentations aboutgymnastics, Lutska credits Cal U and theMon Valley for instilling his self-confidence.He believes that positive reinforcementand believing in yourself are essentialtraits for both team and personal success.
“I love the Mon Valley and the peoplewho hold onto family values,” says Lutska.“I truly believe Cal U played a major partin making me the person I am today.” �
By Bruce Wald ’85, Cal U information writer.
Lutska ‘93: ‘I love the Mon Valley.’
Above all, Dr. NathanielFrederick II considers himselfa teacher.
“I like that I can share what Iknow with my students,” says Frederick,the 2009-2010 Frederick DouglassScholar and assistant professor in theDepartment of Communication Studies.
“I want them to be able to say,‘I never saw it like that before.’”
Frederick, 29, is a graduate of PennState University, where he earned amaster’s degree in media studies anda Ph.D. in mass communication. Heattended Claflin University in hishometown of Orangeburg, S.C., for hisbachelor’s degree in mass communication.
The Frederick Douglass InstituteVisiting Scholar Program allows newscholars from underrepresentedgroups to gain teaching and researchexperience while exploring employmentopportunities within the University.Cal U provides financial support,professional development activitiesand mentoring to each scholar.
“One of the reasons I chose thisprogram was the professional developmentaspect. I went straight through graduate
school, and I had this feeling thatI wanted this transitional experience,”Frederick says.
Each post-doctoral scholar mustteach three courses in his or herdiscipline, present recent research,participate in campus activities andbe involved in diversity initiatives.
Frederick is teaching publicspeaking, Media and Society, andMedia Criticism this academic year.
His research focuses on how African-Americans have used media to addresssocial justice issues, particularly duringthe civil rights era. His doctoraldissertation explored the role of gospelsingers in the civil rights movementfrom 1945 to 1960. Among his subjects:Bill Pinckney of the Drifters andMargaret Allison of the Angelic GospelSingers, both of whom died in 2008.
“Gospel artists had radio as aplatform and music as a voice todisseminate information about whatwas happening in society. And whenthey toured, they had freedom to talkabout what was happening in othertowns and cities,” Frederick says.
“So I interviewed gospel singers
and radio announcers about whetherthey thought their actions were activism.Some did, some didn’t, but they allhad interesting things to say.”
Frederick says the Visiting ScholarProgram has given him the idealframework to develop his teachingskills and learn to balance classroomresponsibilities with research commitmentsand university activities.
“This is my first full-time teachingjob, so I was a little nervous going in,”he says. “But Dr. Greg Spicer, who isthe department chair, has been mymentor and has been very supportiveof me. I’m grateful to him and thestudents for being so welcoming.”
“The idea of the Visiting ScholarProgram is to give the scholar a real feelfor what it’s like in a university setting,”says Kelton Edmonds, director of theFrederick Douglass Institute and assistantprofessor in the Department of Historyand Political Science. Edmonds was theFrederick Douglass Scholar in 2005-2006.
“You have a lot of support. Even ifyou don’t stay on here, you really get afeel for what it’s like, yet the teachingburden isn’t that heavy,” Edmonds says.
“I think it’s one of the betterprograms in the country.” �
Frederick Douglass Institute offers minorityscholars real-world experience
26 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010 WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 27
About the Frederick Douglass Institute
Frederick Douglass was a former slave,author, statesman and adviser to PresidentAbraham Lincoln. He visited the Cal Ucampus Nov. 20, 1885.
In addition to the Frederick Douglass VisitingScholar Program, which is in its seventh year,the institute plans events for Black HistoryMonth and Women’s History Month, andorganizes the annual Hip-Hop Conference.The institute also conducts the annual MartinLuther King Jr. Essay Contest, which is opento all Cal U students, and encouragesadvocacy and leadership development.
By Wendy Mackall, assistant communicationsdirector at Cal U
Dr. Nathaniel Frederick IIthe 2009-2010 FrederickDouglass Scholar and assistantprofessor in the Departmentof Communication Studies.
Professional development starts here
COACH FINDSGYMNASTICS GOLD
Fourth-generation alumnus creditsconfidence to Cal U
Brant Lutska ’93 is quick to praisehis Cal U education and his MonValley upbringing for paving his
path to success — a route that has led tonational recognition as a gymnasticscompetitor and coach.
A respected educator and administrator,as well as a coach, Lutska relocated toNew Jersey in 2000 after teaching foreight years in Monessen, Pa., where hegraduated from high school. He now isthe media supervisor for the MonroeSchool District and coach for the girls’gymnastics team at Bishop George AhrHigh School in Woodbridge, N.J.
Lutska’s passion for the sport beganat BG’s Gymnastics in Monessen, whichhis family now owns.
Bishop Ahr was on the verge ofdropping its gymnastics program beforeLutska stepped in. In nine seasons he hasguided the Trojans to an astonishing 88-2cumulative record, with eight divisional,county and sectional titles.
Bishop Ahr won five consecutive NewJersey state championships, from 2003 to2007. Lutska was inducted into the highschool’s Hall of Fame in 2008 and hasreceived several national and statewidecoach of the year honors.
A former competitor at the nationallevel, Lutska is a nationally rated judgefor USA and NCAA Gymnastics. Heeven has assigned judges for NCAAchampionship competitions.
Through his websites, he continuesto promote the sport and supplementhis income by offering online lessonplanning for gymnastics schools —as well as a line of leotards.
Lutska represents the fourthgeneration of his family to attend Cal U,where he studied early childhood andspecial education. He also holds graduatedegrees in educational administrationand information technology.
“My experience at Cal U providedme with a strong foundation to work wellwith kids,” he says. “People always askme where I went to school, becauseI am so prepared. Cal does an excellentjob of producing outstanding teachers.”
Lutska, who lives in Perth Amboy,N.J., praised elementary educationfaculty members John Vargo andDr. Caryl Sheffield.
“Professor Vargo was phenomenaland helped me develop as a teacher,”he says. “Dr. Sheffield is the one whoturned me on to computers and
eventually information technology,which I use every day.”
Lutska says he remains close withmany college friends, including fellowTheta Xi fraternity brothers Tony Mauro’92, ’93 and Jason Minnitti ’91. He wasMinnitti’s best man and introducedMauro to his wife, Jennifer.
In addition to keeping up with friends,Lutska keeps tabs on the University whenhe returns to the Mon Valley.
“Whenever I come home and visitmy sister in Newell, I always go to thetop of the hill and just look down onthe campus,” he says. “I am amazed.Dr. Armenti has really grabbed the bullby the horns. What a great place Cal is.”
A gifted speaker who travels aroundthe country to conduct motivationaland educational presentations aboutgymnastics, Lutska credits Cal U and theMon Valley for instilling his self-confidence.He believes that positive reinforcementand believing in yourself are essentialtraits for both team and personal success.
“I love the Mon Valley and the peoplewho hold onto family values,” says Lutska.“I truly believe Cal U played a major partin making me the person I am today.” �
By Bruce Wald ’85, Cal U information writer.
Lutska ‘93: ‘I love the Mon Valley.’
Above all, Dr. NathanielFrederick II considers himselfa teacher.
“I like that I can share what Iknow with my students,” says Frederick,the 2009-2010 Frederick DouglassScholar and assistant professor in theDepartment of Communication Studies.
“I want them to be able to say,‘I never saw it like that before.’”
Frederick, 29, is a graduate of PennState University, where he earned amaster’s degree in media studies anda Ph.D. in mass communication. Heattended Claflin University in hishometown of Orangeburg, S.C., for hisbachelor’s degree in mass communication.
The Frederick Douglass InstituteVisiting Scholar Program allows newscholars from underrepresentedgroups to gain teaching and researchexperience while exploring employmentopportunities within the University.Cal U provides financial support,professional development activitiesand mentoring to each scholar.
“One of the reasons I chose thisprogram was the professional developmentaspect. I went straight through graduate
school, and I had this feeling thatI wanted this transitional experience,”Frederick says.
Each post-doctoral scholar mustteach three courses in his or herdiscipline, present recent research,participate in campus activities andbe involved in diversity initiatives.
Frederick is teaching publicspeaking, Media and Society, andMedia Criticism this academic year.
His research focuses on how African-Americans have used media to addresssocial justice issues, particularly duringthe civil rights era. His doctoraldissertation explored the role of gospelsingers in the civil rights movementfrom 1945 to 1960. Among his subjects:Bill Pinckney of the Drifters andMargaret Allison of the Angelic GospelSingers, both of whom died in 2008.
“Gospel artists had radio as aplatform and music as a voice todisseminate information about whatwas happening in society. And whenthey toured, they had freedom to talkabout what was happening in othertowns and cities,” Frederick says.
“So I interviewed gospel singers
and radio announcers about whetherthey thought their actions were activism.Some did, some didn’t, but they allhad interesting things to say.”
Frederick says the Visiting ScholarProgram has given him the idealframework to develop his teachingskills and learn to balance classroomresponsibilities with research commitmentsand university activities.
“This is my first full-time teachingjob, so I was a little nervous going in,”he says. “But Dr. Greg Spicer, who isthe department chair, has been mymentor and has been very supportiveof me. I’m grateful to him and thestudents for being so welcoming.”
“The idea of the Visiting ScholarProgram is to give the scholar a real feelfor what it’s like in a university setting,”says Kelton Edmonds, director of theFrederick Douglass Institute and assistantprofessor in the Department of Historyand Political Science. Edmonds was theFrederick Douglass Scholar in 2005-2006.
“You have a lot of support. Even ifyou don’t stay on here, you really get afeel for what it’s like, yet the teachingburden isn’t that heavy,” Edmonds says.
“I think it’s one of the betterprograms in the country.” �
Frederick Douglass Institute offers minorityscholars real-world experience
28 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
SPORTS R O U N D U P
The Vulcan football team prepares to take the field in a game with Saginaw Valley.
Players (from left)Rontez Miles,Shawn Andersonand Erik Harris atFayetteville State.
Freddie Bacco races downfield.
Vulcans enjoy post-season playTHREE NCAA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND MANY INDIVIDUAL AWARDSHIGHLIGHT AN EXCEPTIONAL FALL SPORTS SEASON
SPORTS SHORTSErin Kling was named the PSAC
Women’s Cross Country Freshman ofthe Year after she earned all-conferencehonors (13th) and placed 17th overallin a field of more than 150 runners atthe NCAA Division II Atlantic RegionalChampionships. Kling was the top finisheramong all freshmen competing at boththe PSAC and NCAA regional events thisyear. She captured her first individual titleat the Penn State-Behrend Invitational inonly her second college race.
Freshman Chris Werner was themen’scross country team’s top finisher in thefinal three races, including finishing 25thof 149 runners at the NCAA Division IIAtlantic Regional Championships andearning all-conference recognition withan eighth-place finish at the PSAC meet.
The women’s tennis team completedthe fall portion of its 2009–2010 seasonby winning three dual matches and twoimpressive titles at the PSAC IndividualChampionships. Sophomore Alina Stanilawon the singles crown, and juniors NinaKowalski and Laurie Navarro won thedoubles title.
Behind top-five finishes by sophomorePaul Babashanian (third) and senior BryanBustamante (tie for fourth), themen’sgolf team finished in a tie for second atthe PSAC Championships. The Vulcansalso won the Allegheny (Pa.) Invitational.
Bad weather prevented the women’sgolf team from defending its 2008 PSACchampionship: The state tournament willnow be contested this spring. The womendid win the Robert Morris Colonial Classictitle this fall with freshmen Maria Lopezand Lorena Aranda leading the way byfinishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
Themen’s soccer team was unable torepeat as conference champion, but theVulcans did achieve a 12-7 season. Fourplayers earned all-conference recognition,including seniors Justin Taucher, MikeLuecke and Nick Helbig, and juniorgoalkeeper Derek Yobbi. �
By Bruce Wald ’85, Cal U information writer
VOLLEYBALLUnder the direction of second-year head coach Stephanie Burner,
the women’s volleyball team finished 2009 with a 36-6 overall recordand won its third consecutive PSAC championship, its fourth in five years.The team also won its third straight NCAA Division II Atlantic Regionalchampionship and made its fourth trip to the NCAA Elite Eight.
Cal U went 19-0 in PSAC-West competition while compiling a111-12 cumulative record.
Senior outside hitter Joanna Nist was selected the PSAC-West Playerof the Year and was one of a league-high four Vulcans tapped forAll-PSAC recognition. Nist and senior setter Renata da Silvaalso earned Daktronics Division II Second-TeamAll-America honors.
FOOTBALLThe Vulcans rolled to a fifth straight Pennsylvania
State Athletic Conference West title andthird consecutive NCAA Division II Super OneRegional championship. After a 0-2 start, the teamwon 11 of its final 13 games to reach the nationalsemifinals for the third consecutive season.
Over the past three years, Cal U has compileda 36-7 overall record, and the Vulcans take a20-game divisional win streak into 2010.
Since 2005 Cal has won 30 of its last 32PSAC-West games under eighth-year head coachJohn Luckhardt (68-28).
Cal U placed a league-high 17 players onthe all-conference all-star unit. Senior defensivelineman Willie Walker was named the PSAC-WestDefensive Player of the Year, and freshman defensiveback Rontez Miles received PSAC-West Freshmanof the Year accolades.
Renata da Silva
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 29
WOMEN’S SOCCERCal U’s women’s soccer team made
its initial appearance in the post-season,winning its first PSAC-West title andadvancing to the PSAC semifinals beforereceiving the program’s first NCAADivision II tournament bid.
The Vulcans then reeled off three straightvictories to win the NCAA Division II AtlanticRegional before being eliminated in thenational quarterfinals. The team finishedwith a school-best 19-6-1 overall record.
A program-high five Vulcans receivedall-conference honors. Highlighting theindividual honors were senior forwardAmanda Heister and third-year head coachAl Alvine, who received the PSAC-Westplayer and coach of the year honors,respectively.
Sam Regneykicks it.
Kelsey Russomakes a play.
Sara McMullentries a dig.
Freshman NikiKeno (in white)goes after the ball.
Quarterback Josh Portisprepares to pass.
SPORTS SHORTSErin Kling was named the PSAC
Women’s Cross Country Freshman ofthe Year after she earned all-conferencehonors (13th) and placed 17th overallin a field of more than 150 runners atthe NCAA Division II Atlantic RegionalChampionships. Kling was the top finisheramong all freshmen competing at boththe PSAC and NCAA regional events thisyear. She captured her first individual titleat the Penn State-Behrend Invitational inonly her second college race.
Freshman Chris Werner was themen’scross country team’s top finisher in thefinal three races, including finishing 25thof 149 runners at the NCAA Division IIAtlantic Regional Championships andearning all-conference recognition withan eighth-place finish at the PSAC meet.
The women’s tennis team completedthe fall portion of its 2009–2010 seasonby winning three dual matches and twoimpressive titles at the PSAC IndividualChampionships. Sophomore Alina Stanilawon the singles crown, and juniors NinaKowalski and Laurie Navarro won thedoubles title.
Behind top-five finishes by sophomorePaul Babashanian (third) and senior BryanBustamante (tie for fourth), themen’sgolf team finished in a tie for second atthe PSAC Championships. The Vulcansalso won the Allegheny (Pa.) Invitational.
Bad weather prevented the women’sgolf team from defending its 2008 PSACchampionship: The state tournament willnow be contested this spring. The womendid win the Robert Morris Colonial Classictitle this fall with freshmen Maria Lopezand Lorena Aranda leading the way byfinishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
Themen’s soccer team was unable torepeat as conference champion, but theVulcans did achieve a 12-7 season. Fourplayers earned all-conference recognition,including seniors Justin Taucher, MikeLuecke and Nick Helbig, and juniorgoalkeeper Derek Yobbi. n
By Bruce Wald ’85, Cal U information writer
VOLLEYBALLUnder the direction of second-year head coach Stephanie Burner,
the women’s volleyball team finished 2009 with a 36-6 overall recordand won its third consecutive PSAC championship, its fourth in five years.The team also won its third straight NCAA Division II Atlantic Regionalchampionship and made its fourth trip to the NCAA Elite Eight.
Cal U went 19-0 in PSAC-West competition while compiling a111-12 cumulative record.
Senior outside hitter Joanna Nist was selected the PSAC-West Playerof the Year and was one of a league-high four Vulcans tapped forAll-PSAC recognition. Nist and senior setter Renata da Silvaalso earned Daktronics Division II Second-TeamAll-America honors.
Renata da Silva
WINTER 2010 n CAL U REVIEW 29
WOMEN’S SOCCERCal U’s women’s soccer team made
its initial appearance in the post-season,winning its first PSAC-West title andadvancing to the PSAC semifinals beforereceiving the program’s first NCAADivision II tournament bid.
The Vulcans then reeled off three straightvictories to win the NCAA Division II AtlanticRegional before being eliminated in thenational quarterfinals. The team finishedwith a school-best 19-6-1 overall record.
A program-high five Vulcans receivedall-conference honors. Highlighting theindividual honors were senior forwardAmanda Heister and third-year head coachAl Alvine, who received the PSAC-Westplayer and coach of the year honors,respectively.
Sam Regneykicks it.
Kelsey Russomakes a play.
Sara McMullentries a dig.
Freshman NikiKeno (in white)goes after the ball.
30 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
Charitable Gift AnnuitySample rates for participant couples*
YOUNGER OLDER %AGE AGE RATE
60 61–62 4.7
62 62–63 4.8
63 63–68 4.9
65 66–70 5.0
66 70–74 5.1
68 68–70 5.1
70 72–75 5.3
72 73–75 5.4
74 81–84 5.8
76 83–84 6.0
80 82–83 6.3
82 85–86 6.7
84 87–88 7.1
*Individual rates cannot be estimated from these samples.
What does it take to becomea leader? Intelligence?Perhaps. Determination?
No doubt. Energy? Most certainly.Cynthia James ’02 embodies all ofthese qualities, plus a strong spiritof service.
As executive director of Public AlliesPittsburgh, James strives to instill thesesame qualities in otheryoung people. As shereaches out to otheryoung Cal U alumni,James demonstratesthe power of “paying itforward” by sharingone’s time and talent.
Founded in Washington,D.C., in 1992, Public Alliespromotes innovativeleadership practices thatmeet the demands ofchanging times. Its primarygoal is to train youngpeople who want to stepup, take responsibilityand make a career out ofmaking a difference.
James herself is anadvocate of social changethrough responsibleleadership. She hadextensive leadership experience as anundergraduate at Cal U, where she heldoffice in a variety of organizations,including the Student GovernmentAssociation, Student Activities Board,Black Student Union and the UniversityEthics Committee.
James was inducted into the Orderof Omega for her service to her sorority,Zeta Phi Beta, and Cal U PresidentAngelo Armenti, Jr. presented herwith the Student Leadership Award.
It was no surprise that James turnedto public service after completing herundergraduate program at Cal U andearning a master’s degree at DuquesneUniversity.
“Dr. Armenti had a profound influenceon me,” James says. “I think of integrityas something you do when no one iswatching. President Armenti embodies
that philosophy. What’smore, my parents werealways active in thecommunity — they set aperfect example for me.”
Early in her career,James worked for thefederal government.
“I was bored,” sheadmits. “I asked myself,‘What do I do for freeon my own time?’That’s when I realizedI loved to volunteer —to make a differenceby helping others.”
She joined theCoro Center for CivicLeadership, whereshe was responsible foroverseeing part-timeprograms. Within twomonths James was
promoted to coordinate newpartnerships with the Public Alliesprogram, a job she relishes to this day.
Every year in the Pittsburgh office,James and her staff seek out young,diverse and dynamic individuals toparticipate in intense 10-month paidapprenticeships with local nonprofitorganizations.
To date, three Cal U alumni haveparticipated in the program, contributingtheir time and talent in turn.
“At Public Allies, we believe weprovide people with an opportunityto shine,” says James.
“Our apprentices train hard and workhard. There’s a huge learning curvewhen these young men and womengo into public service,” she adds.“Universities don’t usually provideexperiential learning, but at PublicAllies, they learn integrity and howto be accountable in a very real — andvery rigorous — way.”
More than 80 percent of the alumniof the national Public Allies programstay in the nonprofit sector. Some haverun for public office; others are makinga difference in cultural organizations,youth groups and other communityorganizations.
According to James, working forPublic Allies is an inspiration onmany levels.
“President Barack Obama was one ofthe founding board members of PublicAllies,” she says, “and I actually holdthe same position in Pittsburgh thatMichelle Obama had in Chicago.”
Although Public Allies receivesfederal funding through AmeriCorps,James is quick to note that the successof the Pittsburgh office is tied directlyto the support it receives from Coro.Located in the same offices on theSouth Side of Pittsburgh, Public Alliesbenefits from Coro’s strengths.
“Public Allies is very fortunate to havethe resources, the training, the reputationof Coro behind it,” James says. �
By Lindy Kravec, a Peters Township-based writer
PAYING IT F O R W A R D
“I think of integrityas somethingyou do when
no one is watching.
”CYNTHIA JAMES ’02
An ally foremerging leadersAlumna encourages young adults to share time, talent
Think of it likepeanut butter and jelly
— part charitable giftand part annuity.
PLANNED GIVING
Pay it forward, and keep the income
Agift that returns life-longpayments to the giver is anidea often associated with
wealthy philanthropists and highfinance. The fact that it can be donewith amounts such as $10,000 or moremakes such an arrangement practicalas a financial tool, as well as a wayto support California University inestate planning.
Cal U encourages you to do bothwith a Charitable Gift Annuity.Think of it like peanut butter and jelly— part charitable gift and part annuity,the combination is a delicious wayto meet several goals.
During the giver’s lifetime, generouspayments are distributed based on ageand interest factors. It is an income that:
• Cannot be outlived.
• Can extend to survivingspouses or heirs.
• Will not fluctuate withthe market.
• Attractively returns atax-free portion of principal.
It is an income that appreciatedsecurities can create, deferring taxationof capital gains. The Charitable Giftelement also creates a substantial andimmediate income tax advantage forthe portion not returned as income.
A sampling of annuity rates appearsat right. Your exact age(s) may not beshown but can be input at the Cal Uwebsite, www.calu.edu. Use the searchbox to reach the “calculator” on thepages for “Legacy and Planned Giving.”
You also may contact Gordon Core,director of planned giving, to receivethe income and deduction estimatesby e-mail or U.S. mail even moreconveniently. He can be reached bye-mail at [email protected] or by telephoneat 724-938-5985.
Can your next CD renewal benefitCal U students, include these advantagesand “pay it forward,” too? �
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 31
30 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
Charitable Gift AnnuitySample rates for participant couples*
YOUNGER OLDER %AGE AGE RATE
60 61–62 4.7
62 62–63 4.8
63 63–68 4.9
65 66–70 5.0
66 70–74 5.1
68 68–70 5.1
70 72–75 5.3
72 73–75 5.4
74 81–84 5.8
76 83–84 6.0
80 82–83 6.3
82 85–86 6.7
84 87–88 7.1
*Individual rates cannot be estimated from these samples.
What does it take to becomea leader? Intelligence?Perhaps. Determination?
No doubt. Energy? Most certainly.Cynthia James ’02 embodies all ofthese qualities, plus a strong spiritof service.
As executive director of Public AlliesPittsburgh, James strives to instill thesesame qualities in otheryoung people. As shereaches out to otheryoung Cal U alumni,James demonstratesthe power of “paying itforward” by sharingone’s time and talent.
Founded in Washington,D.C., in 1992, Public Alliespromotes innovativeleadership practices thatmeet the demands ofchanging times. Its primarygoal is to train youngpeople who want to stepup, take responsibilityand make a career out ofmaking a difference.
James herself is anadvocate of social changethrough responsibleleadership. She hadextensive leadership experience as anundergraduate at Cal U, where she heldoffice in a variety of organizations,including the Student GovernmentAssociation, Student Activities Board,Black Student Union and the UniversityEthics Committee.
James was inducted into the Orderof Omega for her service to her sorority,Zeta Phi Beta, and Cal U PresidentAngelo Armenti, Jr. presented herwith the Student Leadership Award.
It was no surprise that James turnedto public service after completing herundergraduate program at Cal U andearning a master’s degree at DuquesneUniversity.
“Dr. Armenti had a profound influenceon me,” James says. “I think of integrityas something you do when no one iswatching. President Armenti embodies
that philosophy. What’smore, my parents werealways active in thecommunity — they set aperfect example for me.”
Early in her career,James worked for thefederal government.
“I was bored,” sheadmits. “I asked myself,‘What do I do for freeon my own time?’That’s when I realizedI loved to volunteer —to make a differenceby helping others.”
She joined theCoro Center for CivicLeadership, whereshe was responsible foroverseeing part-timeprograms. Within twomonths James was
promoted to coordinate newpartnerships with the Public Alliesprogram, a job she relishes to this day.
Every year in the Pittsburgh office,James and her staff seek out young,diverse and dynamic individuals toparticipate in intense 10-month paidapprenticeships with local nonprofitorganizations.
To date, three Cal U alumni haveparticipated in the program, contributingtheir time and talent in turn.
“At Public Allies, we believe weprovide people with an opportunityto shine,” says James.
“Our apprentices train hard and workhard. There’s a huge learning curvewhen these young men and womengo into public service,” she adds.“Universities don’t usually provideexperiential learning, but at PublicAllies, they learn integrity and howto be accountable in a very real — andvery rigorous — way.”
More than 80 percent of the alumniof the national Public Allies programstay in the nonprofit sector. Some haverun for public office; others are makinga difference in cultural organizations,youth groups and other communityorganizations.
According to James, working forPublic Allies is an inspiration onmany levels.
“President Barack Obama was one ofthe founding board members of PublicAllies,” she says, “and I actually holdthe same position in Pittsburgh thatMichelle Obama had in Chicago.”
Although Public Allies receivesfederal funding through AmeriCorps,James is quick to note that the successof the Pittsburgh office is tied directlyto the support it receives from Coro.Located in the same offices on theSouth Side of Pittsburgh, Public Alliesbenefits from Coro’s strengths.
“Public Allies is very fortunate to havethe resources, the training, the reputationof Coro behind it,” James says. �
By Lindy Kravec, a Peters Township-based writer
PAYING IT F O R W A R D
“I think of integrityas somethingyou do when
no one is watching.
”CYNTHIA JAMES ’02
An ally foremerging leadersAlumna encourages young adults to share time, talent
Think of it likepeanut butter and jelly
— part charitable giftand part annuity.
PLANNED GIVING
Pay it forward, and keep the income
Agift that returns life-longpayments to the giver is anidea often associated with
wealthy philanthropists and highfinance. The fact that it can be donewith amounts such as $10,000 or moremakes such an arrangement practicalas a financial tool, as well as a wayto support California University inestate planning.
Cal U encourages you to do bothwith a Charitable Gift Annuity.Think of it like peanut butter and jelly— part charitable gift and part annuity,the combination is a delicious wayto meet several goals.
During the giver’s lifetime, generouspayments are distributed based on ageand interest factors. It is an income that:
• Cannot be outlived.
• Can extend to survivingspouses or heirs.
• Will not fluctuate withthe market.
• Attractively returns atax-free portion of principal.
It is an income that appreciatedsecurities can create, deferring taxationof capital gains. The Charitable Giftelement also creates a substantial andimmediate income tax advantage forthe portion not returned as income.
A sampling of annuity rates appearsat right. Your exact age(s) may not beshown but can be input at the Cal Uwebsite, www.calu.edu. Use the searchbox to reach the “calculator” on thepages for “Legacy and Planned Giving.”
You also may contact Gordon Core,director of planned giving, to receivethe income and deduction estimatesby e-mail or U.S. mail even moreconveniently. He can be reached bye-mail at [email protected] or by telephoneat 724-938-5985.
Can your next CD renewal benefitCal U students, include these advantagesand “pay it forward,” too? �
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 31
MILESTONES
00sAlan Petko ’01, ’03 is in themultimedia technology field forPenn State Hershey Medical Center.He and his wife, Jessica ’02, residein Hummelstown, Pa.
Mark Stubblefield ’01 is returningto Burlington, Iowa, as the athletictrainer for the Burlington Bees, aClass A affiliate of the Kansas CityRoyals. Before taking this position,he spent one year each with teamsin Burlington and Wilmington,both in North Carolina.
Allison Leslie Frye ’02 is a dentalassistant with Dr. James Ramsay.She and her husband, Patrick,live in Greensburg, Pa.
Rebecca Babilya Frank ’02 is anart teacher at Jefferson-MorganElementary School. She and herhusband, Frank ’05, live in RicesLanding, Pa.
Matthew Pitzarella ’02, directorof public affairs for Range ResourcesCorp., received the Edward J.DeVoge Horizon Award from theWashington County Chamber ofCommerce for leadership in thebusiness community andcommitment to WashingtonCounty.
Wesley Cates ’02 is a running backwith the Saskatchewan Roughridersof the CFL, the Canadian FootballLeague. The team recently lostto the Montreal Alouettes inthe Grey Cup, the league’schampionship game.
Corey Francis ’04 is an accountantwith Manheim Auto Auctions.Corey resides in Roswell, Ga.
Erin Delfert Hosfield ’05 is atattoo artist for Kyklops Tattoo.She and her husband, James, livein Pittsburgh, Pa.
William Lamar ’05, ’07 is anaudio-visual technician at theCommunity College of AlleghenyCounty-South Campus. He and hiswife, Lauren Horner Lamar ’07,live in Pittsburgh, Pa. Lauren is areceptionist/front officer managerat Carnegie Mellon University.
Robert Tarpey ’05 has beennamed the athletic trainer for theNew Hampshire Fisher Cats, theDouble-A affiliate of the TorontoBlue Jays of Major League Baseball.
Travis Lewis ’06 is a physician’sassistant/athletic trainer. He lives inButler, Pa., with his wife, Tanya.
Jarred Lynn Burns ’06 is adetective in the special investigationsunit of the Bloomington (Ind.)Police Department.
Scott Bryer ’06 is the new principalat Donegal and Norvelt elementaryschools in the Mt. Pleasant AreaSchool District. He lives in RostraverTownship, Pa., with his wife andthree sons.
Christine ’07 and Adam Cox ’08live in Charleroi, Pa. Christine isa medical assistant for ValleyWomen’s Health.
Sandra J. Henry ’07 works forAetna and lives in Washington, Pa.
Jody Rutten ’07 of Carrollton,Ohio, works in the area of outdooreducation with the Ohio FFACamp Muskingum.
Arlene Buchowski DiFiore ’07 is aspecial education teacher with theAgora Cyber Charter School. Sheand her husband, Paul, live inPittsburgh, Pa.
Yvonne Lyon ’07 is a caseworkerfor Washington County Childrenand Youth Services. She lives inWashington, Pa.
Nathan Galiyas ’07 is a teacher inthe Montour School District. Helives in McKees Rocks, Pa.
Mindi D’Auria ’07 is an athletictrainer at Chestnut Hill College.She lives in Philadelphia, Pa.
Thomas Shultz ’08 is a teacherin the Connellsville Area SchoolDistrict. He lives in Jefferson Hills, Pa.
Fame Frezzell ’08 lives in LemontFurnace, Pa.
Steve Zurbach ’08 is a technologyeducation teacher in the NorthAllegheny School District. He livesin Pittsburgh, Pa.
Nadine Hawk ’08 is a dataprocessing coordinator for DeSalesUniversity. She lives in Bethlehem,Pa.
Kevin McKiernan ’08 has beenhired as assistant principal at WestAllegheny (Pa.) High School. Forthe past seven years, he has beena social studies teacher in theNorthgate (Pa.) School District,where he also serves as highschool basketball coach.
Ethan Turon ’08 is the managerand main designer at HundredAcres Manor, a haunted house inSouth Park, Pa.
Michael Allen ’08 is a graduatestudent at Kent State Universityin Ohio. He was appointed as aresearch assistant last year andhas been assigned to teach twophysical geography classesthis academic year.
Eric Chessen ’08, founder ofAutism Fitness, Long Island, N.Y.,recently spoke at a conferencein Cranberry Township, Pa.,sponsored by ABOARD, an autismadvocacy and educational group.Eric has built a physical educationprogram for children on theautism spectrum that focuseson five basic movements to helpthem maintain their strengthsand overcome their deficits.
Doug Harrison ’08 of Winter Park,Fla., is a student at Full Sail University.He is pursuing a Bachelor ofScience degree in recording artsand would like to pursue a careerin the fields of entertainment andbusiness communications. He hasan associate degree in recordingarts from Full Sail University andan Associate of Science degreefrom Cal U.
Josh Clair ’08 lives in Ephrata, Pa.
Matt Antoine ’09 has receivedthe Men’s Skeleton Athlete of theYear, Men’s Skeleton AthleteChoice Award and Skeleton Rookieof the Year at a recent gala hostedby the U.S. Bobsled and SkeletonFederation. He is the No. 1-rankedmember of Team USA and isranked eighth in the world inthe downhill sledding sport.
Melissa Woy ’09 lives inMeyersdale, Pa.
Bryan Herber ’09 is at homein New Stanton, Pa.
Christopher Lee ’09 residesin Point Marion, Pa.
Melissa Rife ’09 lives inRoscoe, Pa.
MARRIAGESJeffrey Patrick Smith ’00 andHeidi Renee Hawk were united inmarriage May 2, 2009 in Clarion,Pa. The bride is a certified courtstenographer for Adelman Reportersin Gibsonia. The groom has abachelor’s degree in elementaryeducation and is working towardhis master’s degree. He is employedas a Title I math teacher for PALeadership Charter School inHarmar. The couple resides inAspinwall, Pa.
Thomas Stimaker Jr. ’00 andNicole Skrimcovsky were marriedJuly 18, 2009 in Fredericksburg,Va. Thomas is a sixth-gradescience teacher in the KingGeorge School District. Nicoleis a morning show co-hostand news anchor with WFLSradio. The couple lives inFredericksburg, Va.
William Gehrlein ’05 and JenniferMorton were married July 10,2009, in Canonsburg, Pa. Williamis a social studies and languagearts teacher at Boyce MiddleSchool in the Upper St. ClairSchool District. Jennifer is humanresources manager at Associatesin Rehabilitation Management Inc.in Green Tree, Pa.
Mark A. Medve ’05 and PamelaCalabrese ’05 were married June20, 2009, in Washington, Pa. Thegroom is employed by ConsolEnergy at Bailey Mine. The brideis pursuing a master’s degree ineducation with elementarycertification. The couple lives inDaisytown, Pa.
Kenneth Perkins ’05 and SaraPonteous of St. Cloud, Fla., weremarried June 20, 2009, inMcClellandtown (Pa.) The bride isemployed at Valencia CommunityCollege in Kissimmee, Fla. Thegroom works for the St. CloudMiddle School.
Nicholas Weightman ’07 andErin Flaherty were married July 3,2009, in Penn Hills, Pa. Nicholasis an assistant store manager withWalmart in Parkersburg, W.Va.The couple lives in Belpre, Ohio.
Jeremy Cummings ’09 andMichelle Tabaj ’00 were marriedDec. 31, 2008. The groom is aregistered nurse with Excela Health.The bride is a social worker. Theylive in Dunbar Township, Pa.
Ashley Gardner ’07 of Vanderbilt,Pa., and Michael Goodman ofNew Stanton, Pa., were marriedOct. 17, 2009. Ashley is employedin sales with Image Time. Michaelis a plant operator with the UnityTownship Municipal Authority.The couple lives in New Stanton.
Bethany Childs ’07 and LiamKelly ’07 were united marriageon July 18, 2009. Bethany is amarketing manager for PlatinumBrands, Inc., and Liam is a projectengineer for Atlantic BuilderGroup. The couple is living inBaltimore, Md.
Nicholas Weightman ’07 and ErinFlaherty were united marriage onJuly 3, 2009, in Penn Hills. Theylive in Belpre, Ohio.
Emily S. Jones ’08 and BradleyD. Martin were married Oct. 10,2009 in Montoursville, Pa.Emily works for LycomingPhysical Therapy, Montoursville.Bradley works for Dan GardnerConstruction, Hughesville.Following a trip to Cocoa Beach,Fla., they are living in Muncy, Pa.
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 3332 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
60sJames M. Mowry ’65 lives in PassChristian, Miss.
Warren D. Ferry ’67 of WarrenD. Ferry P.C., has been named aPennsylvania Super Lawyer for2009 by the editors of Law &Politics Magazine. It is the secondtime he has received this honor.Warren is a 1973 graduate of theDuquesne University School of Lawand is board certified in civil triallaw. He practices throughoutwestern Pennsylvania from hisoffice in Butler, Pa. He and hiswife, Marion Laffey, live in Butler.
Peggy Woods Thomas ’68 is ateacher and lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.
70sWilliam L. Ashton ’71 has beenappointed to the board of directorsof Sucampo Pharmaceuticals. Heis the founding dean of the MayesCollege of Healthcare Businessand Policy at the University ofthe Sciences in Philadelphia, Pa.He also serves on the boards ofNeogenix Oncology, a privatelyheld company; the NationalOsteoporosis Foundation; andFriends of the National Libraryof Medicine at the NationalInstitutes of Health.
Charlie Burns ’71 is a teacher.He lives in Wyoming, Pa.
Bruce Kline ’73 is retired fromhis position with the NorthernArapaho Tribe. He and his wife,Pixie, live in Lander, Wyo.
Jeff Choura ’75 has beenre-elected to the Chartiers Valley(Pa.) School Board. He has beenon the board for 25 years.
John H. Allen Jr. ’77 has beennamed chief information officerfor Holzer Consolidated HealthSystems, based in Gallipolis, Ohio.Prior to joining HCHS, he wasthe chief information officer atMemorial Health Care Systemin Fremont, Ohio.
Deborah Greig Fike ’77 is directorof substance abuse services forAlternative Care. She and herhusband, James, live in Raeford, N.C.
Rosemary Novotny ’78 ofSmithfield, Pa., won the FayetteCounty (Pa.) Chamber ofCommerce Educator of the YearAward for the Albert GallatinSchool District.
David “Coach” Wilson ’78 wasnamed Educator of the Year bythe Juvenile Detention CentersAssociation of Pennsylvania.He is a gym teacher at AlleghenyIntermediate Unit’s ShumanCenter School. He lives on theNorth Side of Pittsburgh, Pa.He is married with three children.
80sJoel C. Folman ’80, ’81, a waterpollution biologist for thePennsylvania Department ofEnvironmental Protection, hasbeen recognized by CambridgeWho’s Who for demonstratingdedication, leadership andexcellence in stream restoration.Joel, who majored in environmentalscience at Cal U, has six years ofexperience as a water pollutionbiologist and 18 years of serviceas a surface mine conservationinspector for the DEP. CambridgeWho’s Who is an exclusivemembership organization thatrecognizes and empowersexecutives, professionals andentrepreneurs throughout theworld. Every major industry isrepresented by its 400,000active members.
Janet Fleischer Rahimi-Pugliesi ’82is employed in the social workfield and lives in Baltimore, Md.
Karen Majernik Clawson ’82is teaching science at WellingtonHigh School in Palm BeachCounty, Fla. Her husband, Larry,was named principal at PalmBeach Gardens this past September.The Clawsons have been living inLake Worth, Fla., since 1989. Theyhave two teenage children: Corey
is a sophomore at the Universityof Florida-Gainesville, and Mia isa junior at Park Vista High School.
Robert Rudge ’83 is at home inBethel Park, Pa.
Jean Wurdeman ’83 is the newchief financial officer of Chappell-Roberts in Tampa, Fla. She willmanage the company’s finance,administration and operationsteams. She also will handle allaspects of financial reporting,business analysis and agencyforecasting. Previously, she wasCFO for Pegasus Transtech inTampa.
Daniel Gabler ’70, ’84 is a retiredU.S. Air Force officer. He and hiswife, Elaine, live in Burgettstown, Pa.
Jennifer Hare Shaw ’85 is a casemanager for Possibilities CounselingServices. She and her husband,Burr, live in Bernard, Maine.
Sister Ellen McClure ’86 has beennamed vice president of missionintegration by Kenmore MercyHospital in Kenmore, N.Y. SisterEllen is responsible for the mission,ethics, spiritual care and communitybenefit functions of the organizationand in promoting and integratingthe mission, vision and values ofdaily life in the hospital.
James Coode ’88 is an attorneyin the law office of James MartinCoode. He and his wife, Tia, livein Martinsburg, W.Va.
Charles Geyer ’89, the principalat Connellsville Junior High East,was recently honored by theFayette County (Pa.) Chamberof Commerce as an Educator ofthe Year.
90sKyle Tate ’92 is a U.S. Air Forceofficer. He lives in San Antonio, Texas.
Thomas D. McCracken ’93 livesin Martinez, Ga., with his wife, Jill.
David ’93 and Juliann KrobertSepesy ’92 are at home inRobinson Township, Pa.
Dr. John M. Cornish II ’73, ’86,’93 has been named executivedirector of Riverview IntermediateUnit 6 in Clarion, Pa.
Mark ’94 and Christine Sipos ’94live in Scottdale, Pa.
Robert Wargo ’95 is living inBridgeville, Pa.
Joe Szejk ’95 is a vice president forenrollment services and marketingfor the College of Saint Mary. Heand his wife, Brandy HustavaSzejk ’95, live in Omaha, Neb.
Denise Whitehead Roadman ’96is a teacher in the Acton BoxboroughRegional School District. She andher husband, George ’68, live inShrewsbury, Mass.
Brian Brooks ’96 is a teacherwho lives in Ridge, N.Y. He playedfootball while at Cal U.
Dr. Wendy Redmond ’96 has beennamed the new health commissionerof the Coshocton (Ohio) CityHealth Department. She lives nearWest Lafayette, Ohio, with herhusband and three children.
Jeffrey E. Solomon ’97 hasbeen elected principal of SouthAllegheny (Pa.) High School. He iscurrently principal at the district’smiddle school, a position he hasheld since 2006. He is enrolled inthe Superintendent Letter ofEligibility program at Cal U.He and his wife, Nicole, have adaughter, Giavanna, and areexpecting another.
Michael Allen ’97 is teaching atKent State University in Ohio as aresearch assistant while pursuinghis doctorate.
Joseph Augustine ’98 is aprevention specialist with theFayette County (Pa.) Drug andAlcohol Commission Inc. Heand his wife, Amy ’02, live inCalifornia, Pa.
William Bates ’98 was electedthe new principal of HerndonHigh School, in Virginia. He hadbeen the assistant principal atthe school since 2007.
Cpt. James Tyrpin ’98 has retiredfrom the U.S. Army. He lives inScenery Hill, Pa., with his wife,Patricia, who is a major in theArmy and is serving in Kuwait.
Monica Sullivan ’99 is retiring asprincipal of Plymouth WhitemarshHigh School, in Plymouth Meeting,Pa., part of the Colonial SchoolDistrict outside of Philadelphia.She joined the district in the2002–2003 school year. Prior tojoining Colonial, Sullivan servedmore than three years as principalat Mt. Lebanon (Pa.) High School,near Pittsburgh.
100 CANDLESFrederick Feldman ’33 celebrated his 100th birthday on Nov. 13, 2009.As a student at California he was captain of the basketball team; he wasnamed to the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. For 40 years,Feldman taught health and physical education and coached junior highbasketball in the Monessen (Pa.) School District. He joined the Army in1943 and served in European operations in England, Scotland, Belgium,France, Holland and Germany. He is a member of the American Legion,Jewish War Veterans and Veterans of ForeignWars. Frederick has lived atthe Southwestern Veterans Center in Pittsburgh, Pa., for five years.
MILESTONES
00sAlan Petko ’01, ’03 is in themultimedia technology field forPenn State Hershey Medical Center.He and his wife, Jessica ’02, residein Hummelstown, Pa.
Mark Stubblefield ’01 is returningto Burlington, Iowa, as the athletictrainer for the Burlington Bees, aClass A affiliate of the Kansas CityRoyals. Before taking this position,he spent one year each with teamsin Burlington and Wilmington,both in North Carolina.
Allison Leslie Frye ’02 is a dentalassistant with Dr. James Ramsay.She and her husband, Patrick,live in Greensburg, Pa.
Rebecca Babilya Frank ’02 is anart teacher at Jefferson-MorganElementary School. She and herhusband, Frank ’05, live in RicesLanding, Pa.
Matthew Pitzarella ’02, directorof public affairs for Range ResourcesCorp., received the Edward J.DeVoge Horizon Award from theWashington County Chamber ofCommerce for leadership in thebusiness community andcommitment to WashingtonCounty.
Wesley Cates ’02 is a running backwith the Saskatchewan Roughridersof the CFL, the Canadian FootballLeague. The team recently lostto the Montreal Alouettes inthe Grey Cup, the league’schampionship game.
Corey Francis ’04 is an accountantwith Manheim Auto Auctions.Corey resides in Roswell, Ga.
Erin Delfert Hosfield ’05 is atattoo artist for Kyklops Tattoo.She and her husband, James, livein Pittsburgh, Pa.
William Lamar ’05, ’07 is anaudio-visual technician at theCommunity College of AlleghenyCounty-South Campus. He and hiswife, Lauren Horner Lamar ’07,live in Pittsburgh, Pa. Lauren is areceptionist/front officer managerat Carnegie Mellon University.
Robert Tarpey ’05 has beennamed the athletic trainer for theNew Hampshire Fisher Cats, theDouble-A affiliate of the TorontoBlue Jays of Major League Baseball.
Travis Lewis ’06 is a physician’sassistant/athletic trainer. He lives inButler, Pa., with his wife, Tanya.
Jarred Lynn Burns ’06 is adetective in the special investigationsunit of the Bloomington (Ind.)Police Department.
Scott Bryer ’06 is the new principalat Donegal and Norvelt elementaryschools in the Mt. Pleasant AreaSchool District. He lives in RostraverTownship, Pa., with his wife andthree sons.
Christine ’07 and Adam Cox ’08live in Charleroi, Pa. Christine isa medical assistant for ValleyWomen’s Health.
Sandra J. Henry ’07 works forAetna and lives in Washington, Pa.
Jody Rutten ’07 of Carrollton,Ohio, works in the area of outdooreducation with the Ohio FFACamp Muskingum.
Arlene Buchowski DiFiore ’07 is aspecial education teacher with theAgora Cyber Charter School. Sheand her husband, Paul, live inPittsburgh, Pa.
Yvonne Lyon ’07 is a caseworkerfor Washington County Childrenand Youth Services. She lives inWashington, Pa.
Nathan Galiyas ’07 is a teacher inthe Montour School District. Helives in McKees Rocks, Pa.
Mindi D’Auria ’07 is an athletictrainer at Chestnut Hill College.She lives in Philadelphia, Pa.
Thomas Shultz ’08 is a teacherin the Connellsville Area SchoolDistrict. He lives in Jefferson Hills, Pa.
Fame Frezzell ’08 lives in LemontFurnace, Pa.
Steve Zurbach ’08 is a technologyeducation teacher in the NorthAllegheny School District. He livesin Pittsburgh, Pa.
Nadine Hawk ’08 is a dataprocessing coordinator for DeSalesUniversity. She lives in Bethlehem,Pa.
Kevin McKiernan ’08 has beenhired as assistant principal at WestAllegheny (Pa.) High School. Forthe past seven years, he has beena social studies teacher in theNorthgate (Pa.) School District,where he also serves as highschool basketball coach.
Ethan Turon ’08 is the managerand main designer at HundredAcres Manor, a haunted house inSouth Park, Pa.
Michael Allen ’08 is a graduatestudent at Kent State Universityin Ohio. He was appointed as aresearch assistant last year andhas been assigned to teach twophysical geography classesthis academic year.
Eric Chessen ’08, founder ofAutism Fitness, Long Island, N.Y.,recently spoke at a conferencein Cranberry Township, Pa.,sponsored by ABOARD, an autismadvocacy and educational group.Eric has built a physical educationprogram for children on theautism spectrum that focuseson five basic movements to helpthem maintain their strengthsand overcome their deficits.
Doug Harrison ’08 of Winter Park,Fla., is a student at Full Sail University.He is pursuing a Bachelor ofScience degree in recording artsand would like to pursue a careerin the fields of entertainment andbusiness communications. He hasan associate degree in recordingarts from Full Sail University andan Associate of Science degreefrom Cal U.
Josh Clair ’08 lives in Ephrata, Pa.
Matt Antoine ’09 has receivedthe Men’s Skeleton Athlete of theYear, Men’s Skeleton AthleteChoice Award and Skeleton Rookieof the Year at a recent gala hostedby the U.S. Bobsled and SkeletonFederation. He is the No. 1-rankedmember of Team USA and isranked eighth in the world inthe downhill sledding sport.
Melissa Woy ’09 lives inMeyersdale, Pa.
Bryan Herber ’09 is at homein New Stanton, Pa.
Christopher Lee ’09 residesin Point Marion, Pa.
Melissa Rife ’09 lives inRoscoe, Pa.
MARRIAGESJeffrey Patrick Smith ’00 andHeidi Renee Hawk were united inmarriage May 2, 2009 in Clarion,Pa. The bride is a certified courtstenographer for Adelman Reportersin Gibsonia. The groom has abachelor’s degree in elementaryeducation and is working towardhis master’s degree. He is employedas a Title I math teacher for PALeadership Charter School inHarmar. The couple resides inAspinwall, Pa.
Thomas Stimaker Jr. ’00 andNicole Skrimcovsky were marriedJuly 18, 2009 in Fredericksburg,Va. Thomas is a sixth-gradescience teacher in the KingGeorge School District. Nicoleis a morning show co-hostand news anchor with WFLSradio. The couple lives inFredericksburg, Va.
William Gehrlein ’05 and JenniferMorton were married July 10,2009, in Canonsburg, Pa. Williamis a social studies and languagearts teacher at Boyce MiddleSchool in the Upper St. ClairSchool District. Jennifer is humanresources manager at Associatesin Rehabilitation Management Inc.in Green Tree, Pa.
Mark A. Medve ’05 and PamelaCalabrese ’05 were married June20, 2009, in Washington, Pa. Thegroom is employed by ConsolEnergy at Bailey Mine. The brideis pursuing a master’s degree ineducation with elementarycertification. The couple lives inDaisytown, Pa.
Kenneth Perkins ’05 and SaraPonteous of St. Cloud, Fla., weremarried June 20, 2009, inMcClellandtown (Pa.) The bride isemployed at Valencia CommunityCollege in Kissimmee, Fla. Thegroom works for the St. CloudMiddle School.
Nicholas Weightman ’07 andErin Flaherty were married July 3,2009, in Penn Hills, Pa. Nicholasis an assistant store manager withWalmart in Parkersburg, W.Va.The couple lives in Belpre, Ohio.
Jeremy Cummings ’09 andMichelle Tabaj ’00 were marriedDec. 31, 2008. The groom is aregistered nurse with Excela Health.The bride is a social worker. Theylive in Dunbar Township, Pa.
Ashley Gardner ’07 of Vanderbilt,Pa., and Michael Goodman ofNew Stanton, Pa., were marriedOct. 17, 2009. Ashley is employedin sales with Image Time. Michaelis a plant operator with the UnityTownship Municipal Authority.The couple lives in New Stanton.
Bethany Childs ’07 and LiamKelly ’07 were united marriageon July 18, 2009. Bethany is amarketing manager for PlatinumBrands, Inc., and Liam is a projectengineer for Atlantic BuilderGroup. The couple is living inBaltimore, Md.
Nicholas Weightman ’07 and ErinFlaherty were united marriage onJuly 3, 2009, in Penn Hills. Theylive in Belpre, Ohio.
Emily S. Jones ’08 and BradleyD. Martin were married Oct. 10,2009 in Montoursville, Pa.Emily works for LycomingPhysical Therapy, Montoursville.Bradley works for Dan GardnerConstruction, Hughesville.Following a trip to Cocoa Beach,Fla., they are living in Muncy, Pa.
WINTER 2010 � CAL U REVIEW 3332 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
60sJames M. Mowry ’65 lives in PassChristian, Miss.
Warren D. Ferry ’67 of WarrenD. Ferry P.C., has been named aPennsylvania Super Lawyer for2009 by the editors of Law &Politics Magazine. It is the secondtime he has received this honor.Warren is a 1973 graduate of theDuquesne University School of Lawand is board certified in civil triallaw. He practices throughoutwestern Pennsylvania from hisoffice in Butler, Pa. He and hiswife, Marion Laffey, live in Butler.
Peggy Woods Thomas ’68 is ateacher and lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.
70sWilliam L. Ashton ’71 has beenappointed to the board of directorsof Sucampo Pharmaceuticals. Heis the founding dean of the MayesCollege of Healthcare Businessand Policy at the University ofthe Sciences in Philadelphia, Pa.He also serves on the boards ofNeogenix Oncology, a privatelyheld company; the NationalOsteoporosis Foundation; andFriends of the National Libraryof Medicine at the NationalInstitutes of Health.
Charlie Burns ’71 is a teacher.He lives in Wyoming, Pa.
Bruce Kline ’73 is retired fromhis position with the NorthernArapaho Tribe. He and his wife,Pixie, live in Lander, Wyo.
Jeff Choura ’75 has beenre-elected to the Chartiers Valley(Pa.) School Board. He has beenon the board for 25 years.
John H. Allen Jr. ’77 has beennamed chief information officerfor Holzer Consolidated HealthSystems, based in Gallipolis, Ohio.Prior to joining HCHS, he wasthe chief information officer atMemorial Health Care Systemin Fremont, Ohio.
Deborah Greig Fike ’77 is directorof substance abuse services forAlternative Care. She and herhusband, James, live in Raeford, N.C.
Rosemary Novotny ’78 ofSmithfield, Pa., won the FayetteCounty (Pa.) Chamber ofCommerce Educator of the YearAward for the Albert GallatinSchool District.
David “Coach” Wilson ’78 wasnamed Educator of the Year bythe Juvenile Detention CentersAssociation of Pennsylvania.He is a gym teacher at AlleghenyIntermediate Unit’s ShumanCenter School. He lives on theNorth Side of Pittsburgh, Pa.He is married with three children.
80sJoel C. Folman ’80, ’81, a waterpollution biologist for thePennsylvania Department ofEnvironmental Protection, hasbeen recognized by CambridgeWho’s Who for demonstratingdedication, leadership andexcellence in stream restoration.Joel, who majored in environmentalscience at Cal U, has six years ofexperience as a water pollutionbiologist and 18 years of serviceas a surface mine conservationinspector for the DEP. CambridgeWho’s Who is an exclusivemembership organization thatrecognizes and empowersexecutives, professionals andentrepreneurs throughout theworld. Every major industry isrepresented by its 400,000active members.
Janet Fleischer Rahimi-Pugliesi ’82is employed in the social workfield and lives in Baltimore, Md.
Karen Majernik Clawson ’82is teaching science at WellingtonHigh School in Palm BeachCounty, Fla. Her husband, Larry,was named principal at PalmBeach Gardens this past September.The Clawsons have been living inLake Worth, Fla., since 1989. Theyhave two teenage children: Corey
is a sophomore at the Universityof Florida-Gainesville, and Mia isa junior at Park Vista High School.
Robert Rudge ’83 is at home inBethel Park, Pa.
Jean Wurdeman ’83 is the newchief financial officer of Chappell-Roberts in Tampa, Fla. She willmanage the company’s finance,administration and operationsteams. She also will handle allaspects of financial reporting,business analysis and agencyforecasting. Previously, she wasCFO for Pegasus Transtech inTampa.
Daniel Gabler ’70, ’84 is a retiredU.S. Air Force officer. He and hiswife, Elaine, live in Burgettstown, Pa.
Jennifer Hare Shaw ’85 is a casemanager for Possibilities CounselingServices. She and her husband,Burr, live in Bernard, Maine.
Sister Ellen McClure ’86 has beennamed vice president of missionintegration by Kenmore MercyHospital in Kenmore, N.Y. SisterEllen is responsible for the mission,ethics, spiritual care and communitybenefit functions of the organizationand in promoting and integratingthe mission, vision and values ofdaily life in the hospital.
James Coode ’88 is an attorneyin the law office of James MartinCoode. He and his wife, Tia, livein Martinsburg, W.Va.
Charles Geyer ’89, the principalat Connellsville Junior High East,was recently honored by theFayette County (Pa.) Chamberof Commerce as an Educator ofthe Year.
90sKyle Tate ’92 is a U.S. Air Forceofficer. He lives in San Antonio, Texas.
Thomas D. McCracken ’93 livesin Martinez, Ga., with his wife, Jill.
David ’93 and Juliann KrobertSepesy ’92 are at home inRobinson Township, Pa.
Dr. John M. Cornish II ’73, ’86,’93 has been named executivedirector of Riverview IntermediateUnit 6 in Clarion, Pa.
Mark ’94 and Christine Sipos ’94live in Scottdale, Pa.
Robert Wargo ’95 is living inBridgeville, Pa.
Joe Szejk ’95 is a vice president forenrollment services and marketingfor the College of Saint Mary. Heand his wife, Brandy HustavaSzejk ’95, live in Omaha, Neb.
Denise Whitehead Roadman ’96is a teacher in the Acton BoxboroughRegional School District. She andher husband, George ’68, live inShrewsbury, Mass.
Brian Brooks ’96 is a teacherwho lives in Ridge, N.Y. He playedfootball while at Cal U.
Dr. Wendy Redmond ’96 has beennamed the new health commissionerof the Coshocton (Ohio) CityHealth Department. She lives nearWest Lafayette, Ohio, with herhusband and three children.
Jeffrey E. Solomon ’97 hasbeen elected principal of SouthAllegheny (Pa.) High School. He iscurrently principal at the district’smiddle school, a position he hasheld since 2006. He is enrolled inthe Superintendent Letter ofEligibility program at Cal U.He and his wife, Nicole, have adaughter, Giavanna, and areexpecting another.
Michael Allen ’97 is teaching atKent State University in Ohio as aresearch assistant while pursuinghis doctorate.
Joseph Augustine ’98 is aprevention specialist with theFayette County (Pa.) Drug andAlcohol Commission Inc. Heand his wife, Amy ’02, live inCalifornia, Pa.
William Bates ’98 was electedthe new principal of HerndonHigh School, in Virginia. He hadbeen the assistant principal atthe school since 2007.
Cpt. James Tyrpin ’98 has retiredfrom the U.S. Army. He lives inScenery Hill, Pa., with his wife,Patricia, who is a major in theArmy and is serving in Kuwait.
Monica Sullivan ’99 is retiring asprincipal of Plymouth WhitemarshHigh School, in Plymouth Meeting,Pa., part of the Colonial SchoolDistrict outside of Philadelphia.She joined the district in the2002–2003 school year. Prior tojoining Colonial, Sullivan servedmore than three years as principalat Mt. Lebanon (Pa.) High School,near Pittsburgh.
100 CANDLESFrederick Feldman ’33 celebrated his 100th birthday on Nov. 13, 2009.As a student at California he was captain of the basketball team; he wasnamed to the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. For 40 years,Feldman taught health and physical education and coached junior highbasketball in the Monessen (Pa.) School District. He joined the Army in1943 and served in European operations in England, Scotland, Belgium,France, Holland and Germany. He is a member of the American Legion,Jewish War Veterans and Veterans of ForeignWars. Frederick has lived atthe Southwestern Veterans Center in Pittsburgh, Pa., for five years.
MILESTONES continued from page 33
Send your Milestones news or address changes by fax to 724-938-5932, by mail to Alumni Relations,P.O. Box 668, California, PA 15419, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Questions? Call 724-938-4418.
34 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
�JUST THEFAXNAME MAIDEN NAME CLASS YEAR
ADDRESS
PHONE E-MAIL ADDRESS MAY WE LIST YOUR E-MAIL ON OUR WEB SITE?
OCCUPATION EMPLOYER
SPOUSE’S NAME SPOUSE’S CLASS (IF CAL U GRAD)
Information will be published as space and deadlines allow. Please indicate on another sheet what activities or sports you participated in while you were a student.We welcome photographs. Please do not send computer printouts or low resolution digital photos, as they will not reproduce well in this magazine.
Stay connected to the Cal U Alumni Association’s online community! Your personal ID number is on this magazine’s mailing label.
ENGAGEMENTSDaniel Schomer ’93 and JessicaCuster are engaged to be married.Daniel is an electronics technicianfor Sony, near Mt. Pleasant, Pa.Jessica is an office manager forBeer, Ream & Co. P.C. ofSomerset, Pa. An April 2010wedding is being planned.
Carissa Knouse ’01 and JasonColangelo are planning a July2010 wedding. Carissa is aphysical therapist assistant/athletictrainer with Medstar Health,National Rehabilitation HospitalOutpatient Regional Rehabin Baltimore, Md. Jason is acomputer technician for HarfordCounty Public Schools and thehead women’s volleyball coachat Harford Community College,both in Bel Air, Md.
Kira Maffeo ’02 and Drew Billowhave announced their engagement.Kira is a kindergarten teacher inPhoenix, Ariz. Drew is an assistantgolf professional at Moon ValleyCountry Club in Phoenix. Thecouple is planning a June 2010wedding in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Gregory Lee Nestor ’06 andAmy Jo Wheeler are planning aMay 2010 wedding. Gregoryis employed at WTOV-TV inSteubenville, Ohio, as aproduction technician. Amy
is an admitting and registrationclerk at Ohio Valley Medical Centerin Wheeling, W.Va.
Amber Kearns ’06 and DarylLamoreau are engaged to bemarried in September 2010.Amber is an administrativeassistant for Trumball Corp.
Jimmy Tucker ’09 and EmilyKarcher are engaged to bemarried. Jimmy is a social studiesteacher at Trinity High Schoolin Washington, Pa. Emily is aphysician’s assistant at FamilyPractice in Boswell, Pa. They areplanning a June 2010 wedding.
ANNIVERSARIESDebbie Shartzer Johnston ’02 andher husband, Thomas, celebratedtheir four-year anniversary onOct. 8, 2009, with a trip to theInner Harbor in Baltimore, Md.
BIRTHSGeorge W. ’68and DeniseWhiteheadRoadman ’96 andbig brother Gradyare excited to
announce the birth of GeorgiaEmmijean Helene Anne Roadman.She was born on Feb. 1, 2009,
approximately 1 minute beforethe kickoff of the PittsburghSteelers’ sixth Super Bowl win.Georgia is named after everyrelative who has attended Cal Uexcept her great-grandma Rapp,who owned the Newsstand.Georgia is the granddaughterof Betty Jean Roberts Roadman’67 and the late and formerpresident of Cal U, Dr. GeorgeH. Roadman. She is also great-granddaughter to the late andformer Music Department chair,Dr. William L. Dovenspike.
Gina Zelina ’00and ChuckMichael ’02, ’07announce thebirth of theirdaughter, Amelia
Maree, born on September 3,2009. The family resides inMather, Pa.
Shaun ’01 andKathryn GeubtnerMartinec ’00, ’01announce thebirth of their son,Lane Shaun, on
July 30, 2009. He joins twin sistersAva and Sophia, 2. The family livesin Pittsburgh, Pa. Shaun owns twoonline businesses, and Kathryn is astay-at-home mom.
IN MEMORIUMMarlene Dubois Anderson (staff)Mitchell M. Bailey Sr. ’53Melissa Ann Spudich Baker ’06Adolph Barczuk ’50Bruce A. Bartolotta ’76William “Bill” Christy ’67Mary Jean Cicconi ’53
(professor emerita)Marilynn Bartoletti Comet ’63Deborah DeMarco ’73James C. Dolnack ’61James R. Frederick ’37Elaine Campbell Heckler ’61Walter R. Kline ’68Raymond T. Kyle
(maintenance staff)Alvera Litsky ’55Emily Galuppo Maykovich ’31John McCloskey ’39Jean Santariello Mene ’64Darlene Shaffer Phillips ’85Helen McShane Riva ’27William E. Sargent ’53Lorraine Siegel ’74Andrew F. Timko Jr. ’58Michael E. Vayansky ’63Jean Ellen Underwood Zemany ’40
MILESTONES continued from page 33
Send your Milestones news or address changes by fax to 724-938-5932, by mail to Alumni Relations,P.O. Box 668, California, PA 15419, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Questions? Call 724-938-4418.
34 CAL U REVIEW � WINTER 2010
�JUST THEFAXNAME MAIDEN NAME CLASS YEAR
ADDRESS
PHONE E-MAIL ADDRESS MAY WE LIST YOUR E-MAIL ON OUR WEB SITE?
OCCUPATION EMPLOYER
SPOUSE’S NAME SPOUSE’S CLASS (IF CAL U GRAD)
Information will be published as space and deadlines allow. Please indicate on another sheet what activities or sports you participated in while you were a student.We welcome photographs. Please do not send computer printouts or low resolution digital photos, as they will not reproduce well in this magazine.
Stay connected to the Cal U Alumni Association’s online community! Your personal ID number is on this magazine’s mailing label.
ENGAGEMENTSDaniel Schomer ’93 and JessicaCuster are engaged to be married.Daniel is an electronics technicianfor Sony, near Mt. Pleasant, Pa.Jessica is an office manager forBeer, Ream & Co. P.C. ofSomerset, Pa. An April 2010wedding is being planned.
Carissa Knouse ’01 and JasonColangelo are planning a July2010 wedding. Carissa is aphysical therapist assistant/athletictrainer with Medstar Health,National Rehabilitation HospitalOutpatient Regional Rehabin Baltimore, Md. Jason is acomputer technician for HarfordCounty Public Schools and thehead women’s volleyball coachat Harford Community College,both in Bel Air, Md.
Kira Maffeo ’02 and Drew Billowhave announced their engagement.Kira is a kindergarten teacher inPhoenix, Ariz. Drew is an assistantgolf professional at Moon ValleyCountry Club in Phoenix. Thecouple is planning a June 2010wedding in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Gregory Lee Nestor ’06 andAmy Jo Wheeler are planning aMay 2010 wedding. Gregoryis employed at WTOV-TV inSteubenville, Ohio, as aproduction technician. Amy
is an admitting and registrationclerk at Ohio Valley Medical Centerin Wheeling, W.Va.
Amber Kearns ’06 and DarylLamoreau are engaged to bemarried in September 2010.Amber is an administrativeassistant for Trumball Corp.
Jimmy Tucker ’09 and EmilyKarcher are engaged to bemarried. Jimmy is a social studiesteacher at Trinity High Schoolin Washington, Pa. Emily is aphysician’s assistant at FamilyPractice in Boswell, Pa. They areplanning a June 2010 wedding.
ANNIVERSARIESDebbie Shartzer Johnston ’02 andher husband, Thomas, celebratedtheir four-year anniversary onOct. 8, 2009, with a trip to theInner Harbor in Baltimore, Md.
BIRTHSGeorge W. ’68and DeniseWhiteheadRoadman ’96 andbig brother Gradyare excited to
announce the birth of GeorgiaEmmijean Helene Anne Roadman.She was born on Feb. 1, 2009,
approximately 1 minute beforethe kickoff of the PittsburghSteelers’ sixth Super Bowl win.Georgia is named after everyrelative who has attended Cal Uexcept her great-grandma Rapp,who owned the Newsstand.Georgia is the granddaughterof Betty Jean Roberts Roadman’67 and the late and formerpresident of Cal U, Dr. GeorgeH. Roadman. She is also great-granddaughter to the late andformer Music Department chair,Dr. William L. Dovenspike.
Gina Zelina ’00and ChuckMichael ’02, ’07announce thebirth of theirdaughter, Amelia
Maree, born on September 3,2009. The family resides inMather, Pa.
Shaun ’01 andKathryn GeubtnerMartinec ’00, ’01announce thebirth of their son,Lane Shaun, on
July 30, 2009. He joins twin sistersAva and Sophia, 2. The family livesin Pittsburgh, Pa. Shaun owns twoonline businesses, and Kathryn is astay-at-home mom.
IN MEMORIUMMarlene Dubois Anderson (staff)Mitchell M. Bailey Sr. ’53Melissa Ann Spudich Baker ’06Adolph Barczuk ’50Bruce A. Bartolotta ’76William “Bill” Christy ’67Mary Jean Cicconi ’53
(professor emerita)Marilynn Bartoletti Comet ’63Deborah DeMarco ’73James C. Dolnack ’61James R. Frederick ’37Elaine Campbell Heckler ’61Walter R. Kline ’68Raymond T. Kyle
(maintenance staff)Alvera Litsky ’55Emily Galuppo Maykovich ’31John McCloskey ’39Jean Santariello Mene ’64Darlene Shaffer Phillips ’85Helen McShane Riva ’27William E. Sargent ’53Lorraine Siegel ’74Andrew F. Timko Jr. ’58Michael E. Vayansky ’63Jean Ellen Underwood Zemany ’40
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At dusk the Booker Towers take on a dramaticappearance as they mark the entrance to Cal U.Nearby, the granite column of Untitled I, by sculptorThomas Sternal, greets campus visitors.