2009nov2journaldraft1.qxp:03-24-08 CAL U JOURNAL.qxd 10/28/09 9:30 AM Page 1
California University
VOLUME 11, NUMBER 28 NOV. 2, 2009
National Geographic Photographer Shares Insights
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ffering observations and advice that complemented his worldclass photography, master photographer Steve McCurry visited the Cal U campus on Oct. 22. During the day he met with Cal U students and spoke to students from area high schools. McCurry’s visit culminated with a National Geographic Live! presentation, “Steve McCurry: Face to Face,” in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. The University community, other visitors and photojournalists from eight local and regional publications went behind the scenes with McCurry as he discussed his work for National Geographic and other publications. “I think the key to success in photography now is diversifying yourself and trying to do as many different things as you can,” he said. Before and after McCurry’s talk, visitors viewed “In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits,” an exhibition of 56 color and black-andwhite portraits in the Manderino Gallery. McCurry’s iconic “Afghan girl” portrait is among those on display. In 1984, while visiting an Afghan refugee camp in Pakistan, he took the famous photograph that was published on the cover of National Geographic in June 1985. Eighteen years later McCurry sought out the previously anonymous refugee, Sharbat Gula, and took a second portrait — one of an estimated 1 million images he has captured during his long career. McCurry has traveled extensively, and his photographs have been on 10 National Geographic covers. He is drawn to Asia in particular, he said. “In India you have all these different religions sort of rubbing against each other. You have an ancient culture juxtaposed with modern life. To me, it’s really amazing — the chaos along with the monasteries and temples. Visually, I
Mission Day Report Card Shows Progress
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Master photographer Steve McCurry visited the Cal U campus on Oct. 22 and captivated the university community and other visitors with his observations and world-class photography.
find it the richest place in the world.” Although vivid colors abound in his photos, it’s the subject matter that inspires him. “Color is not my first thing,” said McCurry, who has won a variety of national and international awards for his work. “It’s the human element that gets my juices flowing.” In addition to taking portraits, McCurry has documented historic, and disturbing, events. Some of his images depict battlefields in Iraq and the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks in 2001. In those cases, “I try to hide through my lens,” he said. “You have to look at what you’re photographing in a particular way, and you have to be detached. Events like the Gulf War and 9/11 need to be on record. It’s important for the world to know, so you just move forward every day.”
McCurry said he embraces the freedom and versatility of digital photography, and as a photojournalist he does not “stage” his shots. His work is driven by an innate sense of wonder and curiosity about the world and its people. “Human nature is human nature, and we are what we are,” he said. “When you get past the superficial stuff, we all want to be respected and loved. We all care about our families and friends. I always see a similarity between people whether they are here in the U.S., in China or in South America.” Created by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and National Geographic, the exhibition at Manderino is organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). It is on display through Nov. 11. For gallery hours, visit www.calu.edu/sites.
Foundation Honors Cal’s First Couple
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President Angelo Armenti, Jr. and First Lady Barbara Armenti have been selected as the Washington County Community Foundation’s 2009 Philanthropists of the Year.
he Washington County Community Foundation has named Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. and First Lady Barbara Armenti its 2009 Philanthropists of the Year. In their honor the foundation is establishing the Dr. Angelo and Barbara Armenti /Cal U Scholarship Fund. The Armentis were nominated for the award by California alumnus Charles Keller ’48, a Washington attorney and a trustee of the foundation.
President Armenti has developed and promoted a vibrant atmosphere on the Cal U campus, Keller said. Barbara Armenti is in her third term as chair of the Mon Valley United Way campaign. She also volunteers with the American Heart Association and raises funds for many other local organizations. The Washington County Community Foundation was initiated by community leaders to encourage charitable giving and to promote and facilitate local philanthropy.
al U’s annual Mission Day is a catalyst for change. As the campus community prepares for Wednesday’s 11th annual Mission Day, a “report card” highlights the opportunities for action identified at last year’s event and the progress made since Mission Day X. This year’s Mission Day topic, the Cal U for Life initiative, appears in the 2008 report card, which suggests building stronger connections with students so they “find value in giving back after graduation.” Through a variety of activities and interactions, Cal U for Life aims to forge a lifelong relationship between students and their alma mater, and to promote a culture of philanthropy throughout the campus community. This fall, the initiative was introduced at an expanded orientation program organized in response to a call for Cal U to “re-evaluate methods for students’ introduction to the University.” Mission Day is set aside annually so that Cal U students, faculty, staff and alumni can meet as equals and discuss a topic of importance to the University. In 2008, Mission Day X focused on the privatization of public higher education and the University’s response to being “privatized without a plan.” Among other suggestions listed in the resulting report card are these: “Develop a hybrid operating plan that balances the business model with the academic model.” Cal U is keeping its finger on the pulse of the market, offering new programs, such as Commercial Music Technology and the Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Leadership, that meet the market’s demands. “Provide 24-hour access to computer support services and secure remote access for students, faculty and staff.” The computer help desk has expanded its hours of operation, and resident students have round-the-clock access to computer labs in their residence halls. In addition, Cal U has hired a vice president for information technology, recognizing that a robust and secure IT infrastructure is essential. The University also has conducted an inventory of existing “smart” classrooms and is developing a plan to expand “smart” technology across the campus. — Continued on page 2