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California University
VOLUME 11, NUMBER 17 JUNE 22, 2009
Swasey Introduced as Women’s Basketball Coach
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new era in California University’s nationally respected women’s basketball program began officially on June 4 when President Angelo Armenti, Jr. introduced Mark Swasey as the program’s sixth full-time head coach. Swasey joins Cal U after seven seasons as head women’s basketball coach at Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire. This year his team advanced to the NCAA Division II national championship game after ending Cal U’s 2008-2009 season by defeating the Vulcan women 88-73 in the quarterfinal contest. The Ravens also reached the NCAA II Elite Eight in 2007-2008. Over the last four years, Franklin Pierce has compiled an impressive 89-37 record Swasey was chosen from a nationwide search that began with more than 100 applicants. “Our women’s basketball program has been building for some time, and it has the potential to reach even greater
President Angelo Armenti, Jr. introduces Mark Swasey as Cal U’s sixth full-time head women’s basketball coach at a June 4 news conference.
heights,” President Armenti said. “These fine players deserve a great coach, so we looked for the very best. In Mark Swasey, I believe we found what we
were looking for.” Swasey was named Russell Athletic/Women’s Basketball Coaches Association East Region Coach of the
Year for 2008-2009, as well as the Northeast-10 Conference Coach of the Year. He will be inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in October. He will lead a Cal U program that has made eight consecutive NCAA tournament appearances since the 20012002 season and won seven PSAC-West championships, four conference crowns, four NCAA Regional titles and the 2004 NCAA Division II National Championship. Cal’s cumulative record during this time period was 222-42 (.819) with an 86-14 (.860) PSAC-West mark. “My job is to improve a team and a system that are already in place and work very well,” Swasey said at a news conference. “We just need to fine-tune in some areas. This will take a lot of creativity and building of trust with my coaching staff and players.” Overall, Swasey owns a 180-111 (.619) career record in 10 seasons, which — Continued on page 3
Trustees Get a Peek at Rec Center Renovations
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al U’s Council of Trustees was given a preview of coming attractions — the renovated and expanded Herron Fitness and Recreation Center — during its quarterly meeting June 3. Dr. Allan Golden, vice president for Administration and Finance, presented a series of slides highlighting the $10 million renovation project. Herron is expected to re-open for the start of the fall semester with renovations throughout, including an 18,000-squarefoot addition, an indoor walking/jogging track and a 33-foot-tall indoor climbing wall. “I believe the indoor track and the entire finished product will blow people away,” Golden said enthusiastically. “This facility will become a very popular place for all of the University
community.” In other finance matters, the Trustees voted unanimously to have the University purchase the six-acre Phillipsburg School property from the Student Association Inc. No firm plans have been made for the building and grounds, but Golden noted that “space is at a premium” on campus and few other parcels are available for purchase nearby. The Trustees also approved the 20092012 Strategic Plan, a document intended to guide the University’s progress. President Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. pointed out one major change from previous plans: a new goal of fostering civic engagement. All University members had an opportunity for input as the plan was updated, President Armenti told the Trustees, and the Cal U Forum approved
The much-anticipated fall opening of the renovated and expanded Herron Hall Fitness Center was one of many topics reviewed at the Council of Trustees’ June quarterly meeting.
the final product at its April meeting. “The objectives and methods actually support the achievement of the various goals,” he said of the 33-page document. Compared to previous plans, “the
revisions better reflect the effort and involvement of the vice presidents, deans and directors.” In their regular reports: — Continued on page 2
Cal U Wins Farmland Habitat Restoration Grant President’s Gala Cal U students (from left) Bryan Tolle, Marguerite Smith, Sarah Tuke, Jenna Dunmire and Ryan Jerico enjoy a light moment together at the President’s Gala. For story and more photos, see page 2.
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alifornia University of Pennsylvania’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program has received a $900,000 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to support its work in farmland habitat restoration and watershed conservation. Partners for Fish and Wildlife has been collaborating since 1995 with conservation groups and a variety of local, state and federal agencies concerned with restoring the health of watersheds, wetlands and streamside ecosystems across Pennsylvania. The grant supports the farmland habitat project led by supervisor Jose Taracido. Project staff members work with farmers and other landowners to restore wildlife habitats along small waterways in agricultural areas, often in fields or pastures. — Continued on page 2
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President’s Gala Raises Scholarship Funds
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bout 330 members of the Cal U community spent “A Night on the Riviera” June 6 to boost the University’s scholarship fund. Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. and First Lady Barbara Armenti hosted the 16th annual President’s Gala at the Omni William Penn Hotel, in Pittsburgh. Guests enjoyed fine dining, Monte Carlo games and dancing to the music of the Benny Benack Orchestra. Net proceeds from the event — the University’s largest annual fundraiser — support student scholarships. “This was a year of remarkable achievement at Cal U,” President Armenti told the crowd. “In the past 12 months our academic offerings have been strengthened and expanded. Our athletic teams have won statewide and regional titles. Our beautiful campus continues to evolve, and our enrollment continues to grow.” The program featured a videotaped “year in review” and presentation of awards. Dr. Rose Greco Hughes ’25 received the Lillian M. Bassi Core Values Award. Faculty award winners were Dr. Rebecca Hess for teaching, Dr. Joseph Heim for research and Dr. Mary O’Connor for service. Emeriti honorees were William B. Kania and Leslie Parkinson. The celebration also included the announcement of the public phase of the University’s $35 million capital campaign, The Campaign to Build Character and Careers.
President Angelo Armenti, Jr. makes a toast with Sharon Thomas Fisher ´95 (left) and Gala co-chairs Thomas ´64 and Nancy Crumrine ´66.
“The goal of this campaign for student enrichment and support is to bring a Cal U education within reach of more students, so they can graduate less burdened by debt and better positioned to achieve continued
success,” President Armenti said. William Booker ’74, the campaign chairman, reported that that “silent” phase of the fund drive has brought it nearly halfway to the goal.
Cal U Awarded Grant for Farmland Habitat Restoration — Continued from page 1 Fencing out livestock makes an immediate impact on these waterways by reducing erosion, removing animal waste from the stream and allowing streamside plants to thrive. Planting warm-season grasses and native plants in riparian (streamside) buffer zones introduces shade that cools the water and creates a more hospitable habitat for insects, fish, birds and mammals. The conservation project also benefits farm operators: Planting warmseason grasses boosts hay production; providing clean water for livestock reduces veterinary bills; and planting streambanks with wildlife-friendly vegetation increases the value of the land. Since 1996, Cal U’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife has fenced more than 355 miles of streambank, restored more than 3,300 acres of wetlands, planted more than 4,500 acres of warm-season grasses and completed more than 400 acres of
Cal U’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, under the supervision of Jose Taracido, has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to support its work in farmland habitat restoration and watershed conservation.
border edge cuts to provide cover and habitat for farmland wildlife. The program has a strong educational component and employs as
Trustees Hear Enrollment, Marketing, Development Reports — Continued from page 1 • Provost Geraldine Jones offered encouraging enrollment projections for the fall semester. As of May 13, the number of freshmen accepted to Cal U was 5.6 percent higher than last year’s total. The increase for transfer students was more than 22 percent. • Dr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for Student Development and Services, highlighted Cal’s student media with slides and podcasts depicting the work of CUTV, the Cal Times student newspaper and the multimedia access center. Angelone described these activities as “important learning opportunites” for students. • A multi-media presentation by Angela Burrows, vice president of University Relations, emphasized the strategic approach used in working with the media, developing a new Cal U website, marketing the University and using social media to reach current and
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prospective students. “Our team’s reach has become even more global,” she said, “while at the same time its touch is increasingly targeted.” • President Armenti reported on development. Although the total number of donors is slightly down from a year ago, total giving has shown an increase of nearly $1.2 million, and endowed scholarships have increased by almost $1 million as the fiscal year comes to a close. The amount received from gifts of $1,000 or more has nearly doubled during this time. “I believe that endowed scholarships continue to be our best hope for the future,” he said. “We are getting larger gifts, which is obviously important.” At a brief reorganization prior to the quarterly meeting, Leo Krantz and Robert Irey were re-elected chair and vice chair of the Council of Trustees through June 2011. Krantz has been the chair since June 2007.
many as 15 field staff. The grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, one of the largest independent foundations in the United
States, will be paid over three years. The foundation makes grants that serve the public interest, emphasizing regional economic development, the quality of life in southwestern Pennsylvania, land preservation, and watershed restoration and protection with an emphasis on western Pennsylvania. Partners for Fish and Wildlife, based at California University of Pennsylvania, has worked in collaboration with conservation entities including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Fish and Wildlife Federation, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and county conservation districts. Organizations such as Pheasants Forever, Habitat Unlimited and the Ruffed Grouse Society also have taken part in projects. To learn more about Partners For Fish and Wildlife, visit workforce.cup.edu/Taracido/. For more information about California University, visit www.cup.edu.
Thank you I would like to publicly acknowledge the efforts and thank the students in my Recreation Program Planning class, the Parks and Recreation Student Society and the other student volunteers for all the hard work they put into the 14th annual Pike Run Youth Fishing Festival. Luke Edmonds (right) and his brother Seth take a It was a very successful closer look at a fish he caught during the Pike Run University and Cal Fishing Festival. community event, with almost 170 kids from the at the end of the event to publicly Mon Valley and beyond participating. thank and congratulate the students Everyone had a great time, most for a job well done. caught at least one fish and the What a great event and what students gained important hands-on remarkable students we have! experience in planning and running a large community recreation event. John Confer Casey Durdines, the mayor of Assistant professor, California Borough, even came down Department of Earth Sciences
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Finance Their Dreams This op-ed, written by Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., was published June 3 in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
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he Pennsylvania Tuition Relief Act proposed by Gov. Ed Rendell would open a window of opportunity for students who hope to build a better life by earning a college degree. Education has become increasingly important in an increasingly complex global economy, which needs talented, highly trained professionals to thrive. Mr. Rendell’s plan would make college tuition more affordable for every Pennsylvania family earning less than $100,000 per year, helping about 170,000 students across the state. It would place the achievement of a college degree within reach for 10,000 students who otherwise would be unable to afford tuition. These students are the reason I support the governor’s plan. The global economic downturn has hit hard across many sectors, including higher education. This year’s state budget emergency has resulted in a cut of 4.25 percent — $1.6 million — in state funding to our university, the California
leave Cal U with an average University of Pennsylvania. debt load of $23,000, which While we are working is somewhat larger than the hard to cope with this $19,000 average for students funding cut, we remain attending all public deeply concerned about the universities in Pennsylvania, plight of our students. and significantly larger than Many are struggling to pay the $15,000 average for tuition, and they are likely students attending all public to face even greater universities nationwide. challenges in the months (Even though our tuition is ahead. lower than other state Many of our students universities, our students accumulate crushing debt often incur more debt over the course of their Cal U President because their families have college careers, even Angelo Armenti, Jr. fewer resources.) though Pennsylvania’s We must ensure that all Pennsylvania state-owned universities, such as ours, students have access to higher education have worked hard to remain affordable: without incurring thousands of dollars in Tuition this year is $5,385, and the debt. The Tuition Relief Act would help average total annual cost of attending accomplish this. one of the 14 state-owned institutions is At Cal U, we believe in wise $13,794 — half the cost of attendance at stewardship of all the funds we receive, the branch campuses of state-related and we will continue to make every Penn State or the University of dollar count. But personal resources, Pittsburgh. private scholarships and government The main problem is the ongoing, multi-year shift from grants to loans in the dollars only go so far — and right now, even in combination, they are typical federal- and state-funded financial insufficient to meet our students’ needs. aid packages available to our students. As Gov. Rendell’s plan for tuition relief a result of that shift, graduating seniors
would make higher education more accessible to thousands of Pennsylvania residents, who make up the vast majority of students at state-owned institutions, including Cal U. Most of our graduates remain in Pennsylvania after graduation, contributing to the vitality of the commonwealth. I am aware of the concerns about using video-gaming revenues to fund the act. Those concerns can be addressed only by the legislators who craft the annual budget and who are in the best position to know whether other viable funding alternatives exist. But regardless of the ultimate source of funds, the need for scholarship aid is so compelling that the debate about funding the Tuition Relief Act should focus on the plight of the thousands of Pennsylvania students whose chance at the American dream depends on its passage. As the first member of my workingclass family to attend college, I understand both the dreams and the struggles of our students. The Tuition Relief Act would be an investment in their future, and in the future of Pennsylvania.
Cal U’s GIS Students Help Make Springdale Safer
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ecause of a three-year collaborative project with Cal U GIS (Geographic Information Systems) students, the Springdale Township VFD will be better prepared to protect its citizens from fire or any natural emergencies. Spearheaded by current student Jessica Wright and recent graduates Stacey Stanley and Lisa Leyh, Cal U has set up a GIS database for the fire department of the Allegheny County borough, which consists of 1,856 homes. Cal U students from Dr. Tom Mueller’s GIS class input information gathered from surveys sent to the residents from the fire department. Wright created a tutorial, which she presented to Curt Funkhouser, Springdale assistant chief, who is also a technology education teacher at Mars Middle School. “The tutorial shows how to query an address once that call comes in,” said Wright, a Fredericktown native who will graduate from Cal U this December. “Once that address is queried it brings up a street. Through their laptops the firefighters can then zoom directly to that street and identify all the attributes associated with that survey.” Wright explained that the mapped information includes not only the names of who lives in each house but also the number of pets; entrances and exits; utility providers; chemicals in the house; such as chlorine for pools or gas or propane for grills; and even the closest hydrant. The work was completed in the
Dr. Tom Mueller and Jessica Wright review the GIS database they put together for the Springdale Volunteer Fire Department. Department of Earth Sciences’ Peter J. Daley Geo-Technology Institute “Basically all the available information en route or at the scene gives us a better opportunity to pre-plan for the house and provide better emergency services for people because we know what we’re getting into ahead of time,” said Funkhouser. The project became a reality when Funkhouser participated in a Governor’s Institute for Technology Education Workshop on the Cal U campus, where he took a GIS session taught by Mueller and fellow Cal U faculty member Dr. Glenn Hider.
“I started talking to those guys about how to use GIS in both my classroom and fire department and found out we could implement this,” Funkhouser said. Mueller lauded Wright and the other students involved while crediting Cal U’s administration for its support in technology upgrades. In particular University President Angelo Armenti, Jr., and Dr. Len Colelli, dean of the Eberly College of Science and Technology. Cal U provided the service free of charge to Springdale Township VFD. “One of this University’s biggest flags that I believe it flies under is the service-
learning component, and I think this is a great example of that,” said Mueller. “The students really want these real world projects.” He also pointed out the important role played by the Allegheny County GIS office and Katherine Reed in helping with the parcel data. Wright said he enjoyed the experience and hopes to continue this endeavor with Springdale and other fire departments. As of early May only 45 percent of Springdale Borough had returned surveys and been mapped “It’s rewarding to do something that will be really used,” Wright said. “I hope I am giving back some way. I will help them after I graduate and hope this goes forward to other townships, because I think it is great for everyone involved.” Mueller intends to carry out Wright’s hopes. “One of the things we want to do is use this as a pilot,” he said. “We welcome other fire departments to come to us and talk about setting this up.” Funkhouser is certainly a satisfied customer. “It just goes to show you that a university, fire department and municipality can work together at little cost to provide a better service for the community,” Funkhouser said. “It’s kind of unique, because to the best of my knowledge no other fire department is doing this. If others knew this was out there I believe they would at least attempt the data collection to provide a better service.”
Mark Swasey Introduced as New Women’s Basketball Coach — Continued from page 1 includes a three-year stint at Division III Norwich University in Vermont prior to coaching at Franklin Pierce. He praised Cal U and joked about there being more people at his introductory news conference than there were at his first game at Franklin Pierce. “This is a different level here, even though it’s still Division II,” Swasey said. “I am very impressed with
the resources, people and support here at California. You can sense the family atmosphere here, and the tradition. I am very excited to become a part of one the premier athletic programs in all of Division II.” Lenora Angelone, vice president for Student Development and Services, welcomed Swasey and noted that Cal U’s athletic program is very close to achieving perfect “gender equity” — equal opportunities for men and women, as mandated by federal Title IX legislation.
“We are proud to provide our female studentathletes with world-class facilities, coaches and support staff to succeed on the playing surfaces, and more importantly, in the classroom,” she said. “Today is very special as we move forward into a new era with our perennial power women’s basketball program.” Swasey received a bachelor’s degree from Lyndon State College in Vermont. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two young daughters, Addison Elizabeth and Avery Marie.
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Before their quarterly meeting on June 3, the Council of Trustees gathered with Cal U’s head coaches and several administrators around the Dixon Trophy. Cal U earned this coveted award signifying athletic supremacy in the PSAC after compiling a conference record 161 total points.
Vulcans Win First Dixon Trophy
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apping a year marked by five conference championships, Cal U has won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s Dixon Trophy for the first time. The trophy is awarded annually to the PSAC member institution with the most successful all-around program. The winner is determined by a point system based on the results of conference playoffs and/or regular-season records. Each institution’s point total is calculated by adding its top six women’s finishes and top six men’s finishes in 23 conference sports. Cal U compiled 161 points in 20082009, a conference record. The University placed third in the standings last year.
Annual Honor Goes to School with Best All-Around Record Shippensburg University finished second in this year’s trophy race with 158 points. Lock Haven and Slippery Rock tied for third with 153 points each. The trophy first was awarded in 1995-1996. It is named for the late F. Eugene Dixon Jr., former chairman of the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. “The Dixon Trophy is emblematic of athletic supremacy in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference — the PSAC, the premier Division II athletic
conference in America today,” said Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. “We are very proud of our student-athletes, coaches and many individuals behind the scenes who are responsible for the magnificent accomplishment we celebrate today.” During the 2008-2009 academic year, the Vulcans won PSAC conference championships and gained 16 Dixon Trophy points each in football, women’s volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s golf and women’s tennis. Additional points came from women’s basketball (15),
Seek Offers Two Summer Sessions
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hildren entering grades 1-8 this fall may register for the Summer Educational Enrichment for Kids program (SEEK), to be held on campus. SEEK will offer two weeklong sessions: This week and July 20-24. The program is conducted through Cal U’s Office of Lifelong Learning. Launched in 2000, SEEK provides learning experiences that are entertaining, yet academically challenging. “Our goal is for children to explore new topics in a fun learning environment,” says Terrie Greene, Cal U’s executive director of Lifelong Learning. Classes run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Children are escorted between classes and supervised during lunch. Each child will need to bring a bag lunch; refrigeration is not available. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Once a child is registered, the family will receive a confirmation letter listing the classroom location. This confirmation letter must be presented on the first day of class.
women’s swimming (14), softball (13), baseball (13), men’s golf (10), men’s outdoor track and field (8) and men’s cross country (8). Collectively, California’s six top women’s teams totaled a league-high 90 points — a point of pride for Cal U, whose athletic program is working diligently to achieve complete gender equity under Title IX. In addition to the state champion football team, Cal U’s women’s basketball, softball volleyball and tennis teams won PSAC-West titles. The women’s swimming team finished a strong third at the PSAC Tournament. An on-campus Dixon Trophy celebration and rally is planned for the 2009 fall semester.
Campus BRIEFS Fire Prompts Fund Drive: A fire last month destroyed the home of Dr. Mark Nowak, a longtime professor in the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology. Neither he nor his family was injured. The Cal U community has responded by raising funds for the family. Contributions can be made to: Fund Raiser For Nowak Family, Cal Ed Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 497, California, PA 15419. July 4th Celebration Canceled: Because construction projects are ongoing at Roadman Park, Cal U’s annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display will not take place this year. Other fireworks displays and celebrations will be held nearby, including events along the riverfront in Charleroi and Fredericktown.
Brent Zavislak (right) and Jonathan Susick are deep in thought as they program a small robot during last year’s popular summer SEEK program.
Cost is $125 per child for a fullweek, full-day program, or $80 per child for a full-week, half-day (morning or afternoon) program. In 2007, the Learning Resources Network, an international association in lifelong learning, honored California University for excellence in generational
programming. Cal U was recognized for developing SEEK in response to needs expressed by area parents. The program was selected from a field of more than 100 entries from four countries. Those interested in SEEK may register by mail, in person or by calling 724-938-5840.
Alumni Go Out to the Ballgame: Alumni Night at PNC Park, a Cal U tradition, will be held July 18, when the Pittsburgh Pirates host the San Francisco Giants at 7:05 p.m. The Cal U picnic in Pirates Cove begins at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. For tickets, call the Alumni Relations office at 724-938-4418. Thank You: Meghan Clister of Career Services would like to offer her sincere thanks to the Cal U community for their kind expressions of sympathy following the passing of her father, Martin Redigan.
The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. University President
Dr. Allan J. Golden Vice President for Administration and Finance
Geraldine M. Jones Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Lenora Angelone Vice President for Student Development and Services
Dr. Joyce Hanley Executive Vice President
Dr. Charles Mance Vice President of Information Technolog
Angela J. Burrows Vice President for University Relations Christine Kindl Editor
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall Writers
Office of Communications and Public Relations, 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419 724-938-4195 wald@cup.edu
The Journal is printed on paper made from trees harvested under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.SFIprogram.org).
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