Cal Times 2-13-15

California dives into the river for a “Frosty Frolic” on a frigid weekend

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA VOL. 37, NO.16, FEB. 13, 2015

WEATHER: 6

Cal U’s Interim President Jones asks faculty to step up and help recruit new students.

Pg. 4

FOOD: 7

POLICE: 13

OPINION: 14

SPORTS: 18

RIGHT IN THE KISSER!

Women’s Basketball standout Kaitlynn Fratz is averaging nearly 14 points per game this season.

Pg. 20

Review: Kid Ink’s new album release “Full Speed.” Last year’s hit single “Show Me” went double Platinum.

Pg. 10

Valentine’s Day Edition

Page 2 Feb. 13 2015

Participants ‘chill out’ at the annual Frosty Frolic

By LAUREN GRIFFITH On a 40 degree day in February, the residents of California, Pa. became more active, with many running and walking around the Monongahela River. And then, there were those who jumped into the river.

The second annual Frosty Frolic Winter River Romp took place on Feb 7. Day of registration began at 1:00 p.m., while the jumping began at 1:30 p.m.

Registration for Frosty Frolic was $10 a person, which included a t-shirt and a hat from the event. The jumpers were both individuals and a part of teams. Coffee, hot chocolate and baked goods were available for sale to benefit the California High School Marching Band. Fliers were hung around town and on campus to advertise for the event.

All proceeds from the Frosty Frolic went directly to The California Foundation. The foundation works right alongside the California Area School District.

The River Rescue Group as well as volunteer fire departments were at the dock in Coal Center to ensure the jumpers safety.

This year they did not have to clear ice from the river before the Frolic began because the Monongahela River had yet to freeze over.

“I’m nervous. It’s cold. Getting out of the water is going

to be the worst part,” said Zach Denne, a sophomore technology education major. Denne was jumping with the Technology Education Association of California group.

In addition to the jump into the 30 degree waters, there was a costume contest and an event held for all of the jumpers in Lagerheads afterwards. Each participant received tickets for door prizes at the event.

Several groups from the community took the plunge, while others came from the California University of Pennsylvania. A group representing the Herron Recreation and Fitness Center, Theta Xi fraternity, and Options at Cal U were just a few of the participating groups.

“It was cold, but it definitely wasn’t as bad as last year,” said Dan Carmichael, a senior political science major.

Carmichael was on the Swimming for Garrick team for both years the event has been held. He and several others gave in honor of Garrick Lackey, the former Student Government Vice President who passed away in 2013.

“I’ll probably do it again next year--just for the group,” said Denne.

CALIFORNIA’S FROSTY FROLIC

Photos by: EMMA RAWLINGS

Page 3 Feb. 13 2015

Page 4 Feb. 13, 2015

EMOTIONAL FACULTY/STAFF CONVOCATION HIGHLIGHTS TOUGH YEAR FOR CAL U

SOLUTIONS TO ENROLLMENT ISSUES, MONETARY PROBLEMS DISCUSSED

BY STETSON NEWS EDITOR

PROVANCE

The mood inside of Steele Hall Theater during Faculty/ Staff Convocation on Feb. 5 served as a reflection of the challenges and circumstances surrounding California University of Pennsylvania during the first half of the academic year.

To open the proceedings, a special moment of silence was called by Acting Provost Bruce Barnhart to honor the passing of faculty member Burrell Brown, who died unexpectedly in his campus office in January. After the moment of silence, Barbara Hess, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) at Cal U became visibly emotional while discussing the impact Brown had on APSCUF and Cal U. According to Hess, Brown helped prepare her for her role as Cal U’s APSCUF president.

“I learned so much about APSCUF and leadership from Burrell.” Hess said. “He will be missed by everyone that had come to know him.”

According to Hess, Brown will be honored in numerous ways by the institutions grieving his loss. APSCUF will name one of its five yearly scholarships the Burrell Brown scholarship. Also, Cal U faculty are encouraged to submit their favorite stories about Brown for publication in a future version of a university periodical that is to be dedicated to Brown’s memory.

Hess then fervently transitioned to a new topic that, oddly enough, also had ties to Brown. According to Hess, it was time for faculty and staff to begin preparing for contract negotiations (Brown was a key player in labor negotiations on the faculty side, writing a portion of the past collective bargaining agreement) set for later this spring.

And, although the goal of any labor negotiation is for an agreement to be reached, Hess said faculty must be prepared for a scenario where things don’t go as smoothly.

“It is time we talk about the m-word,” Hess said. “Yes that m-word, mobilization. Which also means…do I even have to say it…strike.”

As of Feb. 5, Hess said only a few negotiation meetings had been held. However, in the coming weeks, Hess said APSCUF would be asking Cal U faculty members for their home phone numbers in the event they would need notified about a potential strike.

“Mobilization isn’t imminent,” Hess said. “However, we

Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones discusses the expansion of Winter College enrollment. The program made the university $950,000 in additional revenue.

Photo by Josh Richardson

need to be ready.”

As a part of the faculty’s efforts to get their point across in negotiations, Hess said APSCUF would be preparing around 40 signs that faculty could place in their offices. These signs will read, “APSCUF won’t sacrifice quality, will you?”

According to Hess, the belief of faculty is that in the face of down enrollment and rising debts, Cal U needs to focus on providing quality, not quantity education.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if once during an administrative meeting we could discuss just the quality of education?”

Hess said. “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could discuss having class sizes that allow every student to get a personalized and quality learning experience? Wouldn’t it be nice if we actually used our shared governance policy to allow the campus community to discuss these issues?”

According to Hess, one of the major reasons these goals cannot be met is that the university continues to rely on enrollment for it’s funding.

“The university continues to rely on revenue from enrollment,” Hess said. “But I have a newsflash. Enrollment

won’t increase. The demographics of the area just don’t support it. The old student model won’t work any longer.

Instead, we need to sensibly cut the budget and focus on educational spending to increase the quality of education.”

According to Hess, Cal U spends only 34 percent of its budget on academics. This, Hess said, has contributed to the disrepair of some of the STEM buildings around campus.

“We have STEM buildings that are in bad shape,” Hess said.

“We are contending with budget issues and budget cuts.

How is this conducive to quality education?”

Hess closed by stating that moving forward, she’d like to think students would attend Cal U because of “high quality programs and quality professors.”

Interim University President Geraldine Jones then took to the stage to address Hess’s concerns and update the university on financial/enrollment matters. Concerning the latter, Jones said the university would once again be able to pass a balanced budget. Jones also indicated the university may have found a new source of revenue, winter college.

According to Jones, 1,307 students took winter courses

Page 5 Feb. 13, 2015

this year, up from 762 students last year. The university also offered 40 courses and 70 sections this winter, up from 22 courses and 37 sections last winter.

In total, winter college revenue for the university totaled $950,000. However, according to Christine Kindl, director of communication and public relations at Cal U, that revenue will be offset by university expenditures and “capital projects.” Moving forward, Jones expects Cal U’s winter college program will continue to expand.

“Winter College is growing in popularity, it helps students boost GPA, it lets students get credits toward a second major or a minor, and it’s good for the budget,” Jones said.

Another way the university plans to not only make more money, but also accommodate students, is through its new plans concerning Vulcan Village.

Now, instead of billing students who choose to live in Vulcan Village through an outside entity, the university will do so through the Bursars office. As a result of this change, students can now use financial aid in order to pay for housing at the complex.

The university also claimed that conduct policies at Vulcan Village will be more closely aligned to those in place at the dormitories on campus, although no definitive details have been announced at this time.

According to Jones, these changes will make Vulcan Village a more attractive option for students.

“Our goal is for more students to be able to live in Vulcan Village at a lower cost, improving the experience” Jones said. “And an improved experience involving compelling activities and premiere customer service will make living at Vulcan Village a more attractive, better option for students.”

Concerning Hess’s comments and enrollment issues, Jones offered a starkly different view, despite a 1 percent decrease in enrollment this spring and the expectation that enrollment will once again decrease next fall.

“Tuition and fees are our greatest source of revenue,” she said. “They make up over two-thirds of our budget. For every one percent drop in enrollment, the university loses $700,000.”

According to Jones, instead of the university resigning itself to the fact enrollment numbers will decrease, faculty and staff need to put in extra time to reach students. “We need to work harder, “ Jones said. “Faculty and staff’s help is needed in recruitment efforts now more than ever.”

Although Jones noted this process “wouldn’t be easy,” she implored that, with a little effort, faculty can connect with potential students.

“There are so many ways you all can connect with a student and leave a lasting impression about what kind of university Cal U is,” Jones said. “You as faculty can take time to stop and greet tour groups if they see them around campus. You can set up tables at university events. You can tell students about the exciting things your academic program offers

IN MEMORY OF PROF. BROWN The faculty teacher’s union, APSCUF, will be naming one of its five scholarships the Burell Brown Scholarship. during open houses. You can make a phone call to a student you connected with at one of these events and show you care about their future academic success.”

Jones also mentioned how faculty, staff, and students can

help potential Cal U students waive their $25 application fee by using the new “Recommend a Vulcan” feature on the university’s website. The feature will be updated and improved in the coming months with ease of use in mind.

Regardless of the method used, Jones said she could not understate the impact a faculty member connecting with a student could have on the university’s financial future.

“Students and their parents will always remember a good introduction with a staff member,” Jones said. “Those kind of meetings play a huge role in our enrollment numbers.

In fact, if every faculty member could get one student they recruit to attend and then stay at Cal U for their entire college education, the budget would expand $7,000,000.”

Other points discussed at convocation were: •Starting this summer, the university will offer two new graduate programs in cyber security and applied mathematics. Programs in conflict resolution and behavioral analysis will be added next fall.

•32 recommendations were made by The Compliance Group to solve issues involving the football program.

•Renovations to the Natali Student Center have entered their final phases. The renovations will be completed by July •A search committee will be appointed this spring to help appoint a new university president, according to the State System. The search will take several months.

Page 6 Feb 13, 2015

Fitness Corner with Phil Tafone : No Supplements Last week, while catching up on my usual social media promoting, I saw a post from a Facebook friend in which she asked how to boost her immune system. I contributed my two cents in the form of a comment, suggesting she cut sugar and wine (she’s of age, and quite fond of it). I clicked “enter” and carried on as planned, managing my fitness trainer page and replying to assorted exercise inquiries. I actually made good on my promise to myself about leaving my phone behind while I work out, and headed out the door without any connections to the digital world.

When I returned home an hour or so later, the friend had countless comments under mine. I glanced through them. In an instant a noticed an interesting pattern. All of those commenting on the issue of boosting immunity fell into one of two categories - those who advised adding something to her diet and those who advised eliminating items. The former group had a couple of repeat go-to suggestions, like vitamin C supplements, herbal teas, and fish oil capsules. The other side sounded like a college student’s nightmare; no alcohol, sugar, or flour. All of the suggestions seemed typical enough to me, although I personally believe most of us are created with perfectly fine immune systems. As a bit of a naturalist and Paleo

practitioner, I am of the belief that sugar is doing more damage to my friends health than Emergen-C pills could ever neutralize. Unfortunately, my solution is not as fun as adding fizzy orange pills to a cup of water. This idea was reinforced by my friends reply commenting.

As I read through the entire thread, which had now grown longer than it should have considering none of us were doctors, a pattern emerged. My friend only acknowledged suggestions that involved trying new things or taking pills. It was as if the idea of avoiding wine or cookies was so appalling that she refused to see them in print under her cyber cry for help. How odd, I thought. This person would rather spend more money to (hopefully) get better, than save some by avoiding known poisons. Immediately, I did realize that this behavior more or less described a majority of people. We buy insane workout DVDs and protein versions of candy bars as if anything less could never make us fit. In the case of buying extra vitamins or tea at the sign of a cold, the problem is that we fail to think about why we are sick in the first place. Sometimes we just get sick, but many people now get sick several days per month.

Without further sounding like a party pooper, preaching of prohibition and saintly diets, I will ask you to consider

CAL U WEATHER Data by Cal U Weather Center

Fri: Mostly cloudy and windy. High 20.

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday

Fri Night: Mostly cloudy with flurries Low 10.

Sat: Snow showers possible and windy. High 22.

Sat Night: Snow showers and windy.

Dangerous wind chill values are expected! Low 4.

Sun: Cloudy morning snow showers. High 13.

Sun Night: Partly cloudy. Low 6.

Monday: Partly cloudy. High 29.

Mon Night: Cloudy with snow showers. Low 20.

20 22 13 29 10 4 6 20

how much of your diet is natural. When is the last time you had a piece of fruit? Do you drink water? Before you break your neck trying a couples handstand pushup that you saw on Instagram, allow me to share the upsetting tale of my friend who went to the Army. I use the term “upsetting” jokingly because his 2 months in boot camp dispelled almost everything in fitness. He went in as the typical 25 year old American male, twenty pounds overweight, courtesy of his girlfriend, Miss Taco Bell and came out absolutely ripped. He looked so much like a p90x “after” picture, that I actually asked him if they had the new recruits working out to the DVD. Not only did they not do p90x, the performed nothing more than the archaic Army workout of running, situps, chinups, and obstacle course - basically a 1980’s gym class!

There was of course a catch and you’re not going to like it anymore than I did; his diet. Basically deprived of soda and given minimal dairy or bread for just over two months, my friend discovered his long-lost abs through a mediocre (albeit constant) workout program and a diet similar to the Gold Rush salad bar. You may not want to hear it, but simple workouts and clean eating make health and fitness magic. The proof is in my friend’s lack of pudding.

STUDENTS! Do you have questions or concerns that desire immediate answers?

Do you want a general update about your campus?

If so, make sure to attend the Campus Talk!

“Campus Talk” with Cal U Interim President Geraldine M. Jones FOR ALL STUDENTS Thursday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.

Convocation Center South Wing

Page 7 Feb. 13, 2015

724 Dining Tour’s best dinner date spots

By KATIE DELVERNE

DiMarco’s Bistro & Cantina

Meloni’s Restaurant

Boston Beanery Restaurant & Tavern

Stone House Inn

105 West Main St., Uniontown PA 15401 724-437-2061 -a small quaint, authentic Italian restaurant. Casual dress.

Friday and Saturday Valentines specials Parmesan Crusted Chicken…..$12.95 Hand Breaded Oysters…………..$13.95 Blackened Tuna or Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce…$13.95 Slow Roasted Prime Rib Queen Cut….$15.95 King Cut………$17.95

26 Morgantown Street, Uniontown PA 724-438-1611 -casual bar/restaurant dining in downtown Weekend specials Star Anise Glazed Grilled Pork Tenderloin over wild rice and vegtables..$15.99 Ahi Tuna over pappardelle and vegetable topped with a tomato leek sauce…$20.99 Coconut Crusted Chicken in green curry sauce over white rice and fresh vegetable…$17.99 Taking Valentines Day Reservations!

3023 National Pike, Farmington PA 724-329-8876 “From Backyard to Black Tie” as they say. The Stone House is a historic home in the mountains of Uniontown turned into a tavern and restaurant.

Friday and Saturday Chef Jeremy Critchfield will be offering his specials.

Taking Valentines Day reservations!

1165 Mall Run Road, Uniontown, PA 724-439-6230 -causal bar/restaurant Valentines Day specials Friday the 13th through Sunday the 15th. Dinner for 2…$39.99 Choose 1 appetizer, 2 dinners and 1 dessert Appetizers: fried provolone, con queso, boneless wings, potato skins. Dinners (include 1 side and breadstick): Seafood Diavolo Penne Pasta, Baked Penne Pasta, Beanery’s Best Chicken, 8 oz. Sirloin, Mango Salsa Salmon.

Desserts: Boston Cream Pie, Key Lime Tarts (2), Conversation Heart Cheesecake

Flamingo Hollywood Steak House

660 North Gallatin Avenue, Uniontown PA 724-438-1993 -casual dining Friday and Saturday Valentines Day specials Ginger Sesame Crusted Salmon Filet..$16.95 Veal Mafia…..$16.95 Prime Rib….$17.95 Taking Valentines Day reservations!

Caporella’s Ristorante

90 Pittsburgh St., Uniontown PA 724-438-VINO (8466) -family-owned authentic Italian restaurant, upscale, semicasual dress Specials available upon request Taking Valentine’s weekend reservations!

PHOTO CREDIT: WIKI COMMONS

Other Valentine’s Day spots close by...

Salatino’s River House Café 506 McKean Avenue, Charleroi, PA 724-565-5700 -Casual dress in downtown Chaleroi

The Back Porch 114 Speers Street, Belle Vernon, PA 724-438-4500 -Family-owned American cuisine, “neat casual” dress, full bar and restaurant

Speers Street Grill 121 Speers Street, Belle Vernon, PA 724-438-1911 -Family-owned American cuisine, casual dress

Page 8 Feb. 13, 2015

DIY Valentine’s Day gift ideas

By LINDSEY LEONARD

Whether you’re looking to say “I love you” or “You’re pretty freaking awesome” nothing screams “You’re my Valentine” like a D.I.Y (Do it yourself ) gift! Your valentine may be your girlfriend, boyfriend, significant other or even your B.F.F. Here are 5 simple and affordable gift ideas that anyone can make and give.

Sharpie Paint Marker Mug: what you need: Plain light colored mug, Sharpie Paint oil based marker, Pencil (optional), Oven

Date Night in a Box:

what you need: (These items may vary) Box, gift bag or basket, DVD, 2 plastic champagne glasses, chocolate, microwave popcorn, candle, champagne/wine/nonalcoholic champagne, red basket straw or tissue paper, stickers, sequins & or markers (optional) This gift could really be done in any way and with any type of budget. All items can be found at Wal Mart except any alcoholic drinks. First, I decorated a brown paper gift bag with stickers and wrote “Date Night in a Bag” I stuffed the bag with 2 plastic champagne glasses wrapped in tissue paper, 1 bottle of champagne (Not cold or else the bag with get wet and rip), 2, $5 movies from the Wal Mart $5 bin, a box of chocolates, 2 pop up bowl microwavable popcorn and 1 candle. Everything was wrapped in tissue and I put red paper straw in the bottom of the bag to keep everything cushioned.To top the gift off I added red heart sequins all through-out the bag.

Total cost: $35

Picture Frame (that will make you sing):

what you need: 1 picture, 1 plain picture frame with a flat 1-2 inch border, 1 fine point sharpie Make a moment captured extra special by writing a song you both may love on a picture frame! You can purchase a frame just about anywhere. I chose to use a 5x7 frame I purchased at Ikea for $3.00 however Wal Mart and Dollar General have great frames as well! I recommend using a dark colored frame and writing the lyrics in a metallic silver or gold fine point sharpie sold at Wal Mart for $3.00.

You can print your picture right from your phone at Wal Mart for less than $2.00. Whatever song you may choose, start with the most important part of the lyrics you’d like to write first. That way you know there will be room for it. Then proceed with the chorus. Feel free to also write a main part of the song larger or bolder to stick out. Let the frame dry for 20-30 minutes to avoid smudging. This gift is easy and “awe” worthy. A picture can say 1,000 words, literally!

Total cost: $10

Hooked on You Tackle Box: what you need: New tackle box/bead box with dividers, Puff-Paint, Gummy worm candy, Swedish fish, assorted candy of choice, fish or heart stickers (optional) Purchase 1 clear bead box or tackle box at Wal Mart in the craft section or fishing section. Any size works.

These boxes range from $2-$7 depending on how nice of a box you’d like to buy. You will need at least 1 bottle of puff paint, any color. I used black which cost $2.50.

Purchase, his or her favorite candy as well as a bag of Swedish Fish and Gummy Worms. You want the candy to represent the “fish bait.” Step one: Fill the tackle box with the candy before painting, or paint first then wait to dry. I recommend dividing the candy into colors and separating with dividers to really make it look like a tackle box filled with bait! Step two: paint with the Puff paint “Hooked on You” on the top. Other fun things to write are “You’re such a catch” and “Out of all the fish in the sea, I’m so happy you chose me!” step 3: add fun fish stickers to really show what the box is. This is great if your Valentine loves fishing or even just loves candy!

Total cost: $12-$15

PHOTO: PINTEREST

Show and tell someone how you really feel with a personalized Sharpie Paint Marker Mug. It’s easy to make and inexpensive.

Total cost: $5

Purchase one or two plain, white or light colored ceramic coffee mugs. Any size works! I recommend checking Gabes in Belle Vernon first, they’re super cheap (50 cents) but either Wal Mart or Dollar General would work as well. Then check your local craft store or Wal Mart for an “Oil Based” Sharpie Paint Marker. These markers cost around $3-$4. Just one color will do! Step 1: Wash your mug if new, and dry completely. Step 2: Use a pencil to draw your design and prep design if necessary. Feel free to even mark off your design with masking tape! Step 3: Carefully write/draw your design with your Sharpie Oil Based paint marker. Some fun Valentine’s Day quotes are “I love you a whole latte” and “You’re my cup of tea.” Step 4: Bake your mugs at 350 degrees for 20 minutes to set paint; do not pre heat your oven. Let your mugs gradually heat with your oven to avoid cracking. Leave the mugs in the oven to cool down gradually as well. I recommend for another 20-25 minutes once oven is shut off. *These mugs are not dish water safe, hand wash!

Total cost: $5

Chalkboard Paint Glasses: what you need: set of 2 glasses, chalk board paint, paint brush (optional), Crayola box of chalk, 1 paper plate/1 paper bowl Make the gift that keeps on giving. Chalkboard paint has become extremely trendy! You won’t need much for this gift, so purchasing the smallest jar you can find will be perfect. The paint ranges from $5-$8 when buying the smaller size. Next, choose a set of 2 glasses. These may be wine glasses or Mason jar glasses. Painting the glasses can be done in two ways. First you can pour the chalk paint into a small bowl about a quarter of an inch up from the bottom for wine glasses and about half way for Mason Jars. Holding steady, dip the bottom of your glass into the paint until it touches the bottom. Hold the glass there for 10 seconds and lift up. Proceed to do this twice or until the black paint is solid. The other way; (A paint brush is needed) pour a quarter sized drop of the chalk board paint onto a paper plate and paint a heart shape on the middle, outside of the glass. Let dry and paint a second coat to make sure the shape is solid. As a reminder, remember that the shape must be big enough to fit their name or a saying inside. Once the paint is dry, write their names in the chalk or a cute message!

Total cost: $14

Page 9 Feb. 13, 2015

Annual non-alcoholic mix off considered a success

Photo by Lauren Griffith

Gamma Sigma Sigma members Brittaney Titus, Aleesha Senter, Erica Glolz, and Nicole Stettner serve their Pucker and Pearls drink at the mix-off. The idea arose from Alex’s Lemonade Stand which raises awareness about childhood cancer.

By BRIANNA MONFRIEDI California University of Pennsylvania hosted its 24th annual non- alcoholic mix off event hosted by Greek life and other organizations such as the Underground Café, who supplied the music and a sweet treat for the event.

It took place Feb. 6, with everyone scrambling to set up their decorative tables and drinks around 8 p.m.

The participants were in charge of creating a theme and making their own signature drinks. Cal U student Macey Demniak, a junior communications disorder major, decided that Alpha Sigma Alpha’s drink special was all about the love for this event.

“We decided to do a Valentine’s Day theme since its February and we came up with the Love Bug drink since our mascot is a lady bug.” Demniak said. “It’s more of a fruity drink and has fruit punch, ginger ale and fresh strawberry juice.”

The Brothers from Tau Kappa Epsilon went along with a catchy theme for their drinks. “We call it the Jimmy Buffet Boat Drink” Daren Reinhart, a sophomore environmental studies major, said. “It’s got heavy whipping cream, coconut cream and pineapple juice.”

Almost every group has been part of this event every year since it’s been taking place. The event also helps the

organizations reach the students around campus.

“It’s really good for us and for the public to meet us.

We get points from participating.” Savanna Carrol, a sophomore accounting major, spoke along with Delta Zeta sister, Abby Teter, a junior nursing major.

“We made a turtle punch inspired from our mascot being a turtle. This is definitely a lot of fun for us.” Teter agreed.

Some of the clubs on campus came up with interesting ideas that tied their programs into the drinks they made.

Kayla Bell, a junior public relations major, and a member of the End Violence club decided to go with a Mardi Gras theme and created the Bystander Brew.

“We came up with it from an educational program we have called the bystander approach.” Bell said.

Gamma Sigma Sigma also took a more educational approach to their theme and decided to raise awareness for their drink.

“It’s called the Pucker and Pearls and it’s putting the squeeze on childhood cancer!” Elise Sudiack, a senior communications disorder major said while referring to the lemonade type drink. “We got the idea from Alex’s Lemonade Stand which raises awareness of childhood

cancer. We work with them closely,” Sudiack said.

Sigma Kappa came up with the Pearly Purple Punch, Phi Sigma Sigma incorporated their own name into their drink calling it Phi-esta Punch, Acacia decided to go with a more realistic drink name and chose the Alex Palmer Alert naming it after the professional golfer Alex Palmer.

Alpha Chi Rho made the Apple Pie Redneck, a nonalcoholic moon shine. Delta Chi called theirs Law and Paradise, Theta XI mixed an original drink called Xi Juice, while FIJI did a similar name choice calling theirs FIJI Islander.

The Student Adversity Board went with a different style drink calling theirs the Fishbowl and the IRHC made a Masked Mystery on the Mon drink. Options called theirs Tropical Storm, while Sigma Tau Gamma went with an original special called the Raging Bull.

Joy Helsel, who organizes the event each year spoke about the history of the mix-off.

“First it was sponsored by Triple A and the highway safety brought the idea to Cal. We just continued with it after they left,” Helsel spoke. “The purpose is for everyone to have fun without alcohol and for achieving outstanding awards with being involved with campus and how much fun it can be.”

The judges walked around tasting each drink and looking at categories for originality, costume of the table, the most school spirit, how the drink itself tasted, and the overall theme of each participate.

AΣA took the prize of most original with the sisters of ΔZ winning for most school spirited. The judges said that AXP’s moonshine tasted the best and awarded Alpha Sigma Tau the best theme of display.

AXP was the best overall and took the prize of winning the 24th Mix- Off event. Though the other contestants were still happy to have participated.

Shaina Hilsey, a freshman professional golf management major, took part in the event for the first time as a member of the Student Government.

“It’s super exciting.” Hilsey said, mixing their club’s Spring Punch drink.

Alpha Kappa Lambda brother Alex Rocks, a senior political science major agrees.

“It’s something fun to do, we did it so we don’t get fined.

But the drink is really good.” Rocks referred to the John Daly drink made of lemonade and iced tea.

Elizabeth Hartwell, a senior sports management major, thinks it has more of an impact on the students at Cal U. “It’s not just for Greek Life but for the other clubs as well and it brings the crowds together,” said Hartwell.

Page 10 Fe. 13, 2015

“Imagining the wor(l)d” poetry and creative writing exhibit: Students’ work read and displayed at Azorsky Hall

BY EMILY GEYER, OPINION EDITOR

The room was filled with various displays at the “Imagining the Wor(l)d” poetry and creative writing exhibit on Feb. 4. The displays varied from handmade booklets to a collection of poems sprawled out onto the walls. The poems and creative writing pieces were from Dr. House and Dr. Waterhouse’s creative writing and poetry students last semester.

Students, faculty, and staff were able to view the various works from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and were able to hear some of the writers read their works as well. The readings were of creative stories of various natures and poems of unusual points of view.

Waterhouse explained that her students had visited the Westmoreland Museum of Art as inspiration for their pieces. She said that she wanted her students to partake in experimental writing and go against and break personal boundaries.

Dustin Briggs, 21, a history major with a creative writing minor, read his story “The Faithful Fourth.” The story takes place in a futuristic age, with a young journalist interviewing a famous old war veteran on the Fourth of July.

It had a surprise ending with the veteran telling the journalist that he was his grandfather right before he died of a heart attack.

Another piece on display was a group of stories entitled, “Eggs,” by Amanda Szafraniec. Szafraniec’s piece was made up of a basket filled with multiple eggs of all different colors, inside each egg there was a name of character whose individual story could be found in the collection.

The collection of stories was made up of each character telling his or her own personal stories and experiences from September 11.

House said that his students were to write a series of poems based on a theme. He said that they were encouraged to find the dominant ideas and reflect on them.

Fabian Bagdes, a junior creative writing English major, read his poem entitled “Run,” which was set from the perspective of someone or something running away from a hunter or predator.

Bagdes said he wanted to write the piece from the perspective of something you would not expect, like an animal, and that the reader could use their own imagination to interpret what kind of animal that would be.

The remainder of the event was spent with students and professors talking and browsing through the various pieces of writing.

Cal Times album review of the week Editor’s note: This is the first of a weekly series by Dan Carmichael, a senior political science major.

Kid Ink – Full Speed

creativity. One positive to this album are the features. On the only single to leak, Body Language, you will hear both Usher and Tinashe. On other songs, a presence of R. Kelly, Dej Loaf, Young Thug, Migos, and Trey Songz can be found.

Bob Dylan – Shadows in the Night

“Full Speed” is Kid Ink’s sophomore album that was officially released on Feb. 3. Kid Ink originally released an independent album titled “Up and Away” before signing a major record deal to RCA Records. Once with RCA, he released an EP that started showing his growth as a rapper.

Kid Ink’s last album, “My Own Lane,” lacked a certain sense of creativity but altogether put him in the place he needed to be. With that being said, Kid Ink followed the theme of riding solo in releasing “Full Speed.” “Full Speed”, like “My Own Lane”, has a very common attribute when it comes to current day hip hop.

This album has catchy hooks and fun instrumentals. This is the type of album you could picture hearing from start to finish in a night club setting. The transition from song to song is difficult to notice, which can be considered good and bad. It is very easy to go from one song to the other because of this, but like his freshman album, it shows for the lack of

Bob Dylan, a musical legend, has just released a completely new album…of songs from the past, and he did so brilliantly.

“Shadows in the Night” includes ten tracks of songs all previously recorded by another musical legend, Frank Sinatra. The release of this album now gives Dylan a total of 36 studio albums ranging from the year 1962 until 2015.

Dylan has always followed his own style of music and it is generally very easy to pick out one of his songs by the sound of his voice. It’s nice to hear an old style combined with old songs in a new music industry.

Many Cal U students who are at least juniors should remember Dylan playing a show inside the Convocation

Center back in 2013. I jumped at the chance to attend this show because Dylan is such a legend. That being said, I could never take anything away from someone of his stature and ability, but I was not all that impressed with the show. The stage was dark making it difficult to see Dylan.

Something else that I found interesting was the way he sang his songs. I brushed up on my knowledge before the show and listened to a large amount of his songs to better prepare myself for the performance. I was saddened to see that he made extreme changes to his songs by either slowing them down or just taking out some lines.

I understand that Dylan, who has been performing concerts even before my parents were born, can put on any kind of show that he wants and everyone in attendance will still walk away with a happy experience.

Due to my experience at the show, I did not have many high hopes for this album to be all that amazing, but I love it.

It is so calming and stress relieving that I have put it into my library of music to listen to for whenever I need to relax.

If you enjoy an older style of music, the work of Frank Sinatra, Dylans’ musical stylings, or just music that touches the soul, I would highly recommend listening to this album at least one time, the full way through, in order to truly understand what this album has to offer.

Page 11 Feb. 13, 2015

STUDENT AFFAIRS

WANT TO JOIN OUR STUDENT NEWS TEAM?

DID YOU KNOW? Intramurals and Extramurals - Registration for all intramural sports is done online at www.imleagues.com/cup.

You can also complete an online waiver, see your team’s roster, receive up-to-date notifications, and view the schedule and standings on the website.

SAI Farm - The SAI Farm is a renovated old stone farmhouse situated on 94 acres of green space that provides a unique venue for student events, conferencing needs, recreational pursuits, and academic opportunities. It is located just two miles from main campus.

Multimedia Access Center - The “Mac Lab” is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.

Student Affairs Carter Hall Suite G-35 724-938-4439

OPERATION SNOWFLAKE IS IN FULL EFFECT!

REPORTERS // GRAPHIC DESIGNERS PHOTOGRAPHERS // ONLINE EDITORS COPY EDITORS // PUBLIC RELATIONS // ADVERTISING

Even if you’re not sure what you want to do, feel free to show up anyway we won’t hold it against you.

Staff meetings every Monday, 11 a.m. in the Cal Times office, Natali Student Center, Room 180.

Contact us at - caltimes@calu.edu

www.caltimes.org

TEAC

Meetings are every Tuesday in Coover Hall at 11am!

Open To EVERYONE

Technology Engineering Assocoation of CALU

Education - Communication - R&D Robotics - Manufacturing Construction - Bio-Technology - Professional Development - Art

Leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education

Need help shoveling your sidewalk or driveway? Operation Snowflake is here to help! Call 724-674-0154 to request assistance (please leave a message including your name, location and phone number and someone will contact you to confirm).

Coordinated by Acacia Fraternity, assistance provided by Cal U Fraternities & Sororities.

WANT Job & Career Expo Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Ramada Hotel & Conference Center

Greensburg, PA

For more information go to:

www.wantexpo.org

Career & Professional Development Center 230 Eberly Hall 724-938-4413 careers@calu.edu www.calu.edu/careers Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. - 8 am to 4 pm Evening hours by appointment

Walk-in Hours Tues. – 11 am to 1 pm Wed. – 9 am to 3 pm Thurs. – 11 am to 1 pm

Page 12 Feb. 13, 2015

6

5 5 6 UNIVERSITY

ABLE TO HAVE A CREDIT CARD OR CHECK AVAIL PROCESS! COMPLETE THE ON-LINE APPLICATION

tion for 5. Choose your housing applica n Village either Residence Hall or Vulca then click Next

Just Steps away

from your

Home away from

st answer before you can

estions you mu There are a few required qu

continue.

.

Optional for Vulcan Village

e in

iv teps to l 10 easy s

OUr Neig

hBorhoo

d!

home

Page 13 Feb. 13, 2015

CAL U POLICE REPORTS Underage Drinking

Two underage students were caught in possession of alcohol on Feb. 2.

Fight on Wood Street

At 1:45 a.m. Feb. 5, University Police assisted California Borough Police when a fight occured on Wood Street.

Busted

Two subjects were arrested and charged with drug offenses and suspicious activity when they were caught with marijuana and paraphenilia in Lot 15 on Feb. 5.

Bark is Worse than His Bite

On Feb. 7, Borough officers were requested by the K-9 Handler for California University Police to respond to Second and Wood Street for an intoxicated male. Officers arrived and found the subject intoxicated in public and disorderly.

While the K-9 Officer allowed a crowd to cross the street, the intoxicated man began to bark at the Police K9 antagonizing the dog, making him highly agitated.

Sgt. Robert Kwiatkowski stated that his dog began jumping and moving in the vehicle causing the truck to shake.

The subject was taken into custody for Animal Cruelty - Taunting a Police Dog, Public Drunkeness, and Disorderly Conduct. He was transported to Washington County Jail, arraigned, and bail was set at $15,000.

File Photo: California University Police K-9 Unit.

Page 14 Feb. 13, 2015

Fifty Shades of Grey A look into why seeing this movie is or is not on the top of every girls to-do list this weekend

By TAYLOR BROWN EDITOR IN CHIEF

When it comes to sex, I think people have a tendency to see things in black and white. You are either a virgin or you aren’t.

You are either giving consent, or you are not. You believe in abstinence or you don’t. There are an endless number of things about sex that are very black and white, but none of them are really simple. At the end of the day, when someone decides to start any type of sexual relationship, things can get very messy, very quickly.

The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy is not the first erotic novel that made its way into the hands of millions of housewives nationwide, but it is the first in recent decades that seems to be turning off just as many readers as the novel attempted to turn on.

The taboo associated with the BDSM lifestyle is not something talked about at the dinner table, until 50 shades made itself a household name. Even still, after having read the book it is impossible to claim that a reader would understand the different levels of respect and comfort surrounding people who participate in this sexual culture, including the author. However ignorant her writing or plot line may be, she got one thing right; sex sells.

People want to read about the things that make them uncomfortable. They want to lose themselves in a fictional world and make friends with fictional people. Readers want to daydream. They want a break from reality. That is the real reason why people read. Is it really that surprising that women are getting themselves caught up in the fiery language and sexuality represented in this book? No, but it does not mean that the fictional world they are getting themselves attached to is a very real kind of relationship that exists off of those pages.

This is a fictional account of a reality that most people are not familiar with. Just like Twilight, The Hunger Games, The Fault in our Stars, this series follows a more adult type of relationship that women are allowed to be excited about, or in some cases, completely turned off by.

What do you think about the hype surrounding Fifty Shades of Grey? Are you going to see the movie?

TAYLOR BROWN:

EMILY HILLEN : “I think America’s preoccupation with 50 Shades is a huge “tell” as to the terrible state of the American understanding of sexuality. The hype is proof that the Hannah housewives of America have had their sexuality stunted. Not to mention the glorification of the BDSM lifestyle without the proper understanding or education of what it could really be about could be a potential detriment to a woman’s safety when dating. So no, I will not be seeing any of the movies.”

JAMIE RIDER : No. It is a gross representation of what BDSM actually is. It

romanticizing a controlling and manipulative relationship. Christian Grey exhibits multiple personality traits that are common in abusive partners. It is not a very good social commentary on any type of relationship really. I think it was a way to allow sexually conservative women to experience something that is seen as taboo.

Even though there’s nothing wrong with being kinky, I think society, as a whole is so repressive towards women and how we express our sexuality. If the characters weren’t definitely modeled after Edward and Bella from Twilight, it could have been a good thing. There are just better forms of smut out there. They are marketing bad porn as a love story and it makes me sad.”

LAUREN JACOBS : “ I think it’s fascinating that books of a sexual nature has reached many demographics and has basically become a household name now. Although I do find the hype to be a bit amusing, I think it has and will help many individuals and couples explore their sexuality and desires more comfortably now. What was once considered taboo and strange is now sitting on the nightstand of many people’s homes and I am totally for that. I’m not going to watch it in theaters though, it’s not my type of movie to spend money on, but I will be watching it once it comes out on DVD. I’m not paying 8 bucks for a movie ticket when I can watch porn for free on my computer.”

Page 15 Feb, 13 2015

9 REASONS IT’S OKAY TO BE SINGLE Why being your own Valentine is not the end of the world

BY EMILY GEYER, OPINION EDITOR

Every year it seems that whenever Feb. 14 rolls around, single people near and far, myself included, begin to complain about spending the holiday alone. Well this year I’m saying to my fellow single men and women – celebrate yourselves. Why should we sit around and wallow in self-pity over not having someone to spend Valentine’s Day with, when in fact you do have someone to spend the day with – yourself. Here are nine reasons why it is completely acceptable to spend Valentine’s Day alone. do not have to get dressed up to try and 1 . You impress someone

If I want to spend all day Valentine’s Day on my couch eating Chinese food and watching crime shows, well then that is what I am going to do. As a girl being able to wear my comfy clothes and not have to wear make up for any given period of time is a godsend. So I’m going to celebrate not having any plans by scheduling a little ‘me’ time, and I encourage you to do the same.

2 . You do not have to rack your brain for gift

I know personally I sometimes struggle picking out what to eat let alone what to give someone as a gift, so by being single on this holiday it is saving me time and money. Also, the money you’d spend on another person you could just spend on pampering yourself, and who doesn’t love that?

3 . No need to make any dinner reservations Since we are single, we could just call for a pizza or make ourselves dinner, instead of trying to get a dinner reservation at our significant others favorite restaurant. As an added bonus you can also eat whatever you want, and not have to look put together while eating it.

STAFF CALTIMES.ORG CALTIMES@CALU.EDU 724.938.4321

is a new reason for a Netflix binge 4 . There watching session of your favorite T.V. show Since you do not have to worry about any Valentine’s Day plans, you can spend your time binge watching Netflix. I mean who doesn’t love to do that already? Valentine’s Day is just an opportune day for us single folks to catch up past seasons of our favorite television shows.

Just because you are single does not mean you

5 . have to actually spend Valentine’s Day alone

Just because you are single on Valentine’s Day, it does not mean that you have to spend the entire day hiding in your house by yourself. I am sure you have some single friends who would not mind spending the day with you. You could even plan an Anti-Valentine’s Day party with a piñata like in the movie “Valentine’s Day.”

6.

You do not need a date to prove to the world you are happy

Most times people are happy with their relationship statuses and are okay with not having a boyfriend or girlfriend. Maybe the saying, “To love someone else you must first love yourself,” holds true because I know some happily single people who are choosing to do what makes themselves happy.

Not having a date means that you can catch

7 . up on things you want/need to do

I know that at times my week can become very hectic, and all I ever want to do is hide away and sleep. So spending Valentine’s Day alone means that I can take as many naps for as long as I would like, without having to wake up and go or do something. I encourage my fellow singles to take the time to catch up things they need as well.

Spending Valentine’s Day alone could help

8 . curb your social media addiction

There’s nothing I hate more than to see pictures and posts all over my newsfeeds from happy couples on holidays.

Valentine’s Day seems to be the holiday were the posts are exceptionally ‘lovey-dovey,’ and therefore I try to stay off of social media as much as possible. If feel the same as me here, I encourage you to take Valentine’s Day to try and break how often you check your social media accounts. That or you can just spend the day posting pictures of your happy single-self doing fun things, like working out or cooking dinner.

Valentine’s Day is just a commercial holiday,

9 . and does not really matter that much

Why is it that men and women choose only one day a year to show each other how they feel? Personally I think that if you truly care about or love someone, then you should show that person that every day not just on a holiday. Sure it is nice to give and receive gifts, cards, and candy, but it shouldn’t have to be a national holiday for you to do it. Therefore, being single on Valentine’s Day shouldn’t matter that much either, because it’s just another day.

TAYLOR BROWN EDITOR IN CHIEF

JOSE NEGRON SPORTS EDITOR

STETSON PROVANCE NEWS EDITOR

LAUREN GRIFFITH ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

EMILY GEYER OPINION EDITOR

JEFF HELSEL DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS

CALTIMES CONTRIBUTORS: PHIL TAFONE, CAL U PUBLIC RELATIONS, MATT HAGY, SPORTS INFORMATION, JOSH RICHARDSON, NICOLLETTE BROGNANO

POLICY: The California TIMES is a publication of the Student Association, Inc. and is distributed throughout the university campus and the Monongahela Valley area most Fridays of the academic year with the exception of holiday breaks. Any member of the university community may submit articles, editorials, cartoons, photographs or drawings for consideration. Deadlines are as follows: All written copy, announcements , e-mail (caltimes@calu.edu) and advertising submissions are due at Noon on the Monday before publication. Exceptions to these deadlines must be arranged with the editor.

All submissions are the opinions of their creator(s). The California TIMES reserves the right to edit or refuse a submission as it sees fit without offering justification for content or advertising sections.

Page 16 Feb. 13, 2015

Cal U releases external review of university’s football program amidst disciplinary issues The Compliance Group report calls for increased university involvement

BY STETSON NEWS EDITOR

PROVANCE

Over three months after six California University of Pennsylvania football players were arrested for aggravated assault outside of Spuds restaurant, the university released a report regarding the review of its football program on Feb. 3. The 35-page report, which can be seen in its entirety on the university’s website, was written and published by The Compliance Group (TCG).

According to the organization’s website, The Compliance Group, founded in 1999, had conducted numerous reviews of intercollegiate athletic programs at the Division I, II, and III levels prior to its review of the Cal U football program. Back in November, Cal U Interim President Geraldine Jones cited TCG’s experience as the main reason the group was hired to conduct the external review.

In its report, TCG leads off by saying Cal U hired the organization “to assess the current culture of the football program at Cal U in order to recommend changes, if appropriate, that would help the university create and maintain policies and practices best suited to recruit, retain, and graduate student-athletes in the football program who understand and embrace the educational opportunities afforded by a Cal U education and the obligations associated with being a part of a living-learning community.”

According to TCG, if these goals were to come to fruition, Cal U would need to have a football program that “reflects the university’s core values of integrity, civility, and responsibility.”

To achieve a better understanding of what was wrong with what the document calls “the culture of the football program,” TCG reviewed six areas of football operations.

These were: 1) the amount of supervision/oversight within the football program, the athletics department, and the university, 2) recruiting philosophies and their effect of team demographics, (transfers versus four-year recruits and prospective and enrolled student-athlete academic analyses), 3) the relationships between the football studentathletes and the football staff, athletics department, and campus personnel, 4) the relationships between the football program, athletics department, and borough, 5) the relative availability of academic and student support resources for football student-athletes, and 6) the existence and utilization of certain policies and processes that relate to the

The Cal U Vulcans football team takes the field for the 2014 home opener against Virginia State. football program and athletics department.

To accurately conduct research in these areas, TCG used a mix of 66 on-campus interviews with administrators, faculty and staff, members of the football team’s coaching staff, and community members.

TCG also requested that Cal U hand over three documents for reference’s sake, the Student-Athlete Handbook and Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, the Athletics Department Policies and Procedures Manual, and the football eligibility checklists for each of the three years.

In the report, the first item expounded upon was the culture surrounding the football team. According to the document, Cal U football players and members of the team’s coaching staff are happy with current head coach Mike Kellar’s leadership and policies. For example, the report cites that “current football student-athletes and coaching staff members believed that team unity, trust, and cohesiveness are excellent.”

There is also a belief among many players and staff that Kellar’s coaching techniques have resulted in a more structured, organized, and well-disciplined Cal U football

team, especially on the field. Lastly, Cal U’s coaching staff claimed Kellar’s recruiting philosophy is much more conservative than that of former Cal U head coach John Luckhardt, saying that some of the “high-risk transfers” with disciplinary issues Luckhardt would have considered aren’t recruited by Kellar.

However, not everyone shares that optimistic viewpoint about Kellar and the football team. According to the report, it is widely believed by the university and TCG that alcohol and marijuana are part of the football culture. It is also believed by TCG, after talking to campus police, that there is at least some tension between student athletes and campus law enforcement.

The California borough community in particular was quite opinionated about the state of the football team. According to the report, members of the borough believe “tension also exists between student athletes and local law enforcement [California Borough Police].”

The community also made the contradictory claim that “arrests involving football student-athletes have appeared to increase over the past year.” The speculation was that

Page 17 Feb. 13, 2015

the reason arrests had increased was that there were more transfers with criminal backgrounds recruited to attend Cal U. However, according to TCG’s report, transfers did not cause the uptick in legal incidents relative to the rest of the team. However, irrespective of who was at fault on the team, those from the outside who were interviewed believe arrests have increased an already-present negative perception of football student-athletes among the community.

The report also indicates that the football program began to separate itself from the rest of the university during the presidency of Angelo Armenti Jr. According to TCG, Armenti was a big proponent of the football program, allocating over $850,000 dollars to football spending his last two years as president at Cal U (this accounted for nearly half of the school’s athletic spending during the 2010-2011 and 20112012 academic years).

After Armenti’s firing, Interim President Jones and university athletic directors, including current AD Karen Hjerpe, did cut back on football spending by $200,000-$300,000 per year, putting football spending in line with that of other sports.

However, by and large, the football program continued to operate in an independent manner from the rest of the campus community, according to the report.

This attitude toward the program, TGC says, resulted in Luckhardt and Kellar feeling as if it was ok to recruit some of the aforementioned higher-risk transfers from four-year

institutions, despite the fact the university has no policy in place approving general recruiting philosophies like this one.

Concerning solutions to disciplinary issues surrounding the football program, much of The Compliance Group’s 32 recommendations were centered on increased university supervision of the football program and football players.

Some of these included: 1)increases in the amounts of meetings between the AD/President and the head football coach, 2) increased involvement by university officials such as Jones, Hjerpe, Acting Provost of Academic Affairs Bruce Barnhart, and Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) William Biddington in the recruiting process (specifically when dealing with transfers), 3) an initiative to better integrate the football program into the campus community, 4) sessions designed to teach student athletes and their coaches alike about the roles of administrators and the importance of following the guidelines laid out in the student-athlete and student conduct handbooks, 5) increased supervision at Vulcan Village (where 51 football players reside), 6) better communication between law enforcement and the various sectors of the football team, 7) and an increase in drug awareness teaching and drug testing efforts by the university (It is recommended all football players be drug tested by the end of the 2015 calendar year and that the number of random drug tests of football players increases

moving forward).

According to Christine Kindl, director of communication and public relations at Cal U, the university will release no further comment about the review at this time. However, accompanying the review on the university’s website, Interim President Jones said she “takes seriously the recommendation she becomes more directly involved with student-athletes.” Jones also indicated she will spearhead efforts involving drug policy and the creation of a panel to review transfer cases. Athletic director Hjerpe will also get involved in the process by adding to the student-athlete handbook that “players are responsible for reporting instances of arrest (excluding traffic citations) that occur outside the campus community. “ According to the university, as measures continue to be taken involving the football program, updates will be posted on calu.edu.

The university paid The Compliance Group $60,000 to conduct the review, according to Kindl. According to Jones, the work done by the organization was thorough and of high quality. “I thank The Compliance Group for its diligence in compiling this report and providing our University with an objective perspective on these important issues,” Jones said. “We cannot resolve every concern overnight, but let me assure you that the work of improving our football program has already begun.”

Sycamore Bistro’s first monthly open mic night a success A new aspect of culture on campus is being brought to life thanks to Sigma Tau Delta

by JERRON CORLEY The spring semester is bringing about a lot of events, including last week’s non-alcoholic mix off and various guest performances courtesy of the Underground Café.

Now there’s some promising competition being held at the intimate space of Sycamore Bistro.

Last Monday, the California University of Pennsylvania’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta hosted an “open mic”, made possible thanks to the newly extended hours of the Sycamore Bistro that run to 7p.m. on most weekdays. Since February is Black History Month, members of the audience were encouraged to read poems by their favorite AfricanAmerican poets. Some read pieces by Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Phyllis Wheatley. I was inclined to recite two pieces, “We Wear the Mask” by renowned poet Paul Lawrence Dunbar, and my signature piece, “Queens,” which although was written as encouragement for AfricanAmerican women to have love for their selves, can be applied to all women around the world.

Dr. Kim Vanderlaan, a professor within Cal U’s English department partnered up with Kiran Nunna, the Residential District Manager of AVI Foodsystems Inc. I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Vanderlaan to gain further insight on the goals of future events that will be held at the bistro by the prestigious international English honor society that she advises.

“We currently have a small group of members in our honor society on campus, so I didn’t want to overwhelm them with weekly events,” Dr. Vanderlaan stated. “We’ll be starting off with monthly events, increasing the frequency of them when we are halfway through this semester. Our next event will be March 2nd; also a Monday from 5-7p.m., and we’ll be conducting a flash fiction reading. There will probably be a competition involved with that, by which we’ll reward the student(s) with the best pieces of flash fiction.”

What was really surprising during the course of the evening was not just the number of people in attendance, but also

the number of people that recited poetry or spoken word.

The Underground Café offers the same type of event, where anything is possible, but a majority of the performances based on past experiences were mainly musical. I, as well as a few others, performed, but that was it. What exactly ignited the poetic flame within the hearts of these students?

Vanderlaan said, “Well being that February is Black History Month, a lot of students felt inspired to be able to come up and read their favorite black poems. It was a nice mix of those who wanted to read pieces by their favorite black poets, as well as people who wanted to read and perform their own individual work.”

The next event held by Sigma Tau Delta is slated to occur on March 2 from 5–7p.m. at the Sycamore Bistro. For more information about the monthly events and Sigma Tau Delta, please contact Dr. Kim Vanderlaan through the English department.

Page 18 Feb. 13, 2015

Lady Vulcans top Clarion for fifth straight victory

BY SPORTS INFORMATION

Senior Kaitlynn Fratz (Accident, Md./Northern Garrett) scored 20 of her game-high 23 points in the first half on Sunday afternoon, as the California University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team posted a 7653 victory against Clarion at the Convocation Center in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West action.

With their fifth-consecutive win, the Vulcans improve to 19-3 overall and remain in first place in the PSAC West standings with 16-2 record in league play. Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles fall to a 2-20 overall record while going to 1-16 in conference action.

Fratz finished with 23 points after making 9-of-12 attempts from the floor, including four-of-six from behind the arc. She also posted two rebounds, two assists and three steals in the victory. Fratz has scored in the double-digits in each of the last five games with four games of at least 20-points.

Sophomore Miki Glenn (Bridgeport, W.Va./Bridgeport) finished with 17 points and five assists, while senior Emma Mahady (Albury, Australia/Xavier) recorded 11 points and six assists in only 22 minutes of action.

Freshman forward Seairra Barrett (Center Twp., Pa./ Central Valley) tallied 10 points and four rebounds

off the bench, as all nine players dressed for the game played at least 15 minutes.

The two teams were tied at 7-7 until Cal U mounted went a 16-4 run over eight minutes to increase the lead to 23-11 on a jumper by Glenn, who scored 10 of the 16 points, with 10:11 left in the half. The Vulcans posted a 17-2 run to end the half, highlighted by eightstraight points from Mahady, to take a 47-23 lead at the break.

Glenn recorded the opening four points of the second half to give the Vulcans their largest lead of the game at 51-23 with 19:12 remaining. Clarion went on a 16-4 run to cut the lead to 55-39 before Cal U countered with a 12-2 rally to take a 67-41 lead on a pair of free-throws by Barrett 7:51 left to play. Sophomore Precious Martin (Harrisburg,Pa./Central Dauphin) scored on a jumper with 2:38 remaining match the largest lead of the game, 75-47.

The Vulcans finished the game shooting 50.0 percent (27-of-54) from the field and also made 50.0 percent (5-of-10) from the beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Clarion shot at a 42.9 clip (24-of-56) from the floor while only made one three-pointer (one-of-seven) in the loss. Cal U held a 33-30 rebounding advantage and scored 25 points off turnovers.

Junior Jasmine Boyd led the Golden Eagles with 16 points and six rebounds in the losing effort. Sophomore Delrika Jones-Carey added 14 points and four rebounds, while classmate Jen Straw tallied 11 points on Sunday.

utes. Senior Arman Marks (Louisville, Ky./Eastern) totaled 10 points, five rebounds (three offensive) and two steals, while sophomore Drew Cook (Beaver Falls, Pa./Beaver Falls) scored 10 points and collected three steals, two rebounds and two assists.

Cal U opened the game on a 12-3 run over the opening five minutes after connecting on five-of-seven shots from the floor while forcing four turnovers. The Vulcans then extended their lead to 21-7 after a jumper by Sapp midway through the first half. Clarion answered with a 14-7 run to cut the lead to 28-21 at the 4:37-mark. The Vulcans then closed the half on a 12-2 run while limiting the Golden Eagles to one-of-seven shooting to take a 40-23 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Vulcans pushed their lead to a game-high 20 points, 48-28, after a layup by Jabbie with 17:28 to play. The Golden Eagles responded with a 14-9 run over a nearly five-minute stretch that cut the deficit to 55-42 at the 12:55-mark after a pair of freethrows. A three-pointer from junior Josh Dombrosky

(Shenandoah Heights, Pa./Shenandoah Valley) pushed the Cal U lead to 64-46 midway through the second half. Clarion capped an 11-6 with a three-pointer to pull within 70-57 with 6:15 to play. Jabbie answered with a layup to put the Vulcans up 78-59 at the 3:25mark before Cal U earned the win.

Cal U shot at a season-best 56.7 percent (34-of-60) from the floor while out-rebounding Clarion by a sizeable 42-26 margin. The Vulcans collected 13 offensive rebounds that led to a 15-5 edge in second-chance points and scored 54 points in the paint. Meanwhile, Clarion shot at a 39.7 clip (23-of-58), including 44.4 percent (8-of-18) from beyond the arc.

Sophomore B.J. Andrews scored a game-high 20 points for the Golden Eagles on 6-of-12 shooting, including four-of-six from long range, while also totaling four rebounds and three steals. Sophomore Justin Grant finished with 18 points.

Senior Emma Mahady recorded 11 points in 22 minutes against Clarion on Sunday PHOTO: JOSH RICHARDSON

Vulcans cruise in big victory over Golden Eagles

BY SPORTS INFORMATION

Junior guard Khalil Jabbie (Alexandria, Va./Edison) scored a team-high 16 points in leading the California University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team to a 90-70 victory over Clarion in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West play Saturday afternoon at the Convocation Center.

With the win, the Vulcans snap a four-game losing streak and improve to 13-10 this season behind a 9-9 record in league action. Meanwhile, Clarion falls to 8-12 overall with a 6-11 mark in conference play.

Jabbie scored 16 points after connecting on 6-of-10 shots from the floor and four-of-five from the charity stripe. He also added eight rebounds, six assists and two steals in the victory, as the Vulcans featured six players scoring in double-figures. Freshman Daniel Sapp (Streetsboro, Ohio/Streetsboro) finished with 12 points, while juniors Richard Smith (Cleveland, Ohio/ Lutheran East) and Calvin Brown (Trevose, Pa./Bensalem) each added 11 points. Brown added five rebounds, three blocks and two assists in just 17 min

Page 19 Feb. 13, 2015

The California University of Pennsylvania football team welcomed their 2015 recruiting class last Wednesday. The class consists of eight players, including quarterback Jarrod Kellar, the son of head football coach Mike Kellar.

PHOTO: SPORTS INFORMATION

Football program welcomes new recruits on National Signing Day

BY MATT HAGY, Staff Writer

During the winter season at Adamson Stadium, football is still alive and well at California University of Pennsylvania. On Feb. 4, the Cal U Football team released their 2015 signing class. This class features players from a wide variety of positions that will help the needs of future Vulcan teams.

California has had great success at linebacker in the past. The program has produced star players at the position such as Brett Diamond, Spencer Lynn, and BJ Stevens. The Vulcans signed Vincent Alimenti from Council Rock South High School just outside of Philadelphia. Alimenti played multiple positions at Council Rock, but will be used as a linebacker, where he was named to the All-Southeastern Pennsylvania second team.

With record-setting placekicker Cody Nuzzo departing, the Vulcans needed a kicker to fill his shoes.

They signed William Brazzil from Westfield, NY. Brazzil played one season at Erie Community College in Buffalo and set a school record in field goal accuracy while making a season-long 53-yard field goal.

Last season, the Vulcans running game emerged as one of the most dangerous in the entire PSAC, and the signing of Marcus Davis from Cincinnati, Ohio bol-

stered that ground game. As a senior, Davis ran for 1,257 yards, 16 touchdowns and was named Second team All-state as a running back.

Cal U solidified the trenches by signing two offensive linemen in Christian DiGalbo from Archbishop Pendergast in Philadelphia and Ryan Stienstraw from nearby McGuffey high school. Both players made their respective all-county teams and led their teams to playoff berths last fall.

California went deeper into the WPIAL by signing defensive lineman Averi Rose from West Allegheny high school, a school located in nearby Pittsburgh.

Rose helped West Allegheny to two WPIAL championships in three appearances and helped establish the Indians defensive line as one of the best in Western Pennsylvania. Rose has drawn heavy praise from legendary West Allegheny head coach, Bob Palko.

The city of Harrisburg was again targeted as the Vulcans snagged defensive back Quintin Smith from Central Dauphin East High School. Following in the steps of fellow Harrisburg resident and current Vulcan safety Jordan Bowman, Smith played on both sides of the ball at CD East and was named two-time all-conference defensive back and excites the coaches with his height at six feet.

Rounding out the 2015 class is quarterback Jarrod Kellar from Lincoln High School in Shinston, WV. The name might sound familiar to Cal U fans, as Jarrod is the son of current Vulcans head football coach Mike Kellar. Jarrod was named to the West Virginia AA AllStar team, along with being named to all-conference and all-county teams. Waiting in the wings behind current quarterback James Harris, the young Kellar looks to lead the Vulcans into the future while being under the tutelage of his father.

Fans have a lot to be excited about when it comes to the future of this California Vulcans team. Previous classes have constantly made an impact early and often for California.

The class of 2013 has produced dominant players like Garry Brown, Nick Grissom, and Jawan Turner, who were all named to all-PSAC teams in just their second season with the program.

The recruiting and coaching staff at Cal U has helped the Vulcans once again rise to prominence. With an exciting core, the team looks to get back to winning the PSAC and go deep in the national Division II playoffs.

The excitement will be in the air, as fans will be looking to see who will be the next player to place his stamp on California Vulcan football history forever.

2015 Vulcan Recruiting Class Vincent Alimenti, LB - Council Rock South High School William Brazill, K - Park Hill High School Marcus Davis, RB - Winton Woods High School Christian DiGalbo, OL - Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School Jarrod Kellar, QB - Lincoln High School Averi Rose, DL - West Allegheny High School Quintin Smith, DB - Central Dauphin East High School Ryan Stienstraw, OL - McGuffey High School

Page 20 Feb. 13, 2015

Cal Times Athlete Spotlight Kaitlynn Fratz

Class: Senior Major: Communication Studies (Public Relations) Hometown: Accident, Md High School: Northern Garrett High School Before beginning her collegiate basketball career, California University of Pennsylvania senior Kaitlynn Fratz was extremely successful at the high school level. Fratz main accomplshments include breaking the all time county record in points, with 2,103, and holding school records for points, assists and steals.

After high school, Fratz attended Pitt Johnstown for two years. in her first year, she was named freshman of the year and first team All-WVIAC, an honor that she also received during her sophomore campaign.

Fratz transferred to Cal U prior to the 2013-2014 season and had immediate success for the Lady Vulcans. She has started in all 22 games this season and is third on the team in scoring, averaging 13.6 points per game.

We would like to welcome back CalU students, faculty and staff.

We’re looking forward to seeing your smiling faces, and serving you fresh, delicious meals in 2015!

Sycamore Bistro has new extended hours Monday-Thursday we’re open until 7:00 PM & Friday until 4:00 PM

Prime House is now serving the Blazing Buffalo Chicken Hoagie Joe’s Food Truck...Now serving Tacos every Thursday For additional information about Meal Plan memberships, locations and menus, visit us online at: www.calu.edu (keyword “dining”) Our dining program can accommodate your special dietary requirements. We can also help you choose wisely if allergies are a concern.

For more information, contact Dining and Hospitality Services at diningservices@calu.edu or call 724-938-4555

We’re Here To Serve You!