California University
VOLUME 11, NUMBER 24 OCT. 5, 2009
Herron Now Open for Fitness
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The inaugural Jennie Carter Leadership Award will be presented to KDKA-TV reporter Lynne Hayes-Freeland on Friday morning.
TV Reporter to Speak on Jennie Carter Day
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ynne Hayes-Freeland, a reporter for KDKA-TV News, will receive the inaugural Jennie Carter Leadership Award at 11 a.m. Friday in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. The award honors individuals who embody the spirit and ideals of Elizabeth “Jennie” Adams Carter, Class of 1881, the university’s first African-American graduate. William Carter, a direct descendant of Jennie Carter, will be on hand for the award presentation, along with Provost Geraldine Jones, officers of the Black Student Union and other members of the Cal U community. Hayes-Freeland will deliver a talk at the ceremony, which marks Jennie Carter Day, celebrated annually on the Cal U campus. Hayes-Freeland is a general assignment reporter known for live, late-breaking reporting. She is also the producer and host of “The Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show,” a weekly program that concentrates on local issues in the African-American community. An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., she has been involved in a variety of community service projects and serves on several local boards. Born in 1852, Jennie Carter was the first black graduate of Southwestern State Normal School, the forerunner of Cal U. A noted educator and orator, she taught in the Brownsville schools and served as vice principal for the Bridgeport Colored School. About seven years after she graduated, Jennie Carter married and moved to Waco, Texas, where she taught at Paul Quinn College. She died in 1891, at age 38. Cal U’s Carter Hall, which houses the Multicultural Center, is named for Jennie Carter. Her diploma is on display there, and an endowed scholarship has been established in her name.
tudents were enjoying the renovated Herron Recreation and Fitness Center just minutes after a ribbon-cutting ceremony re-opened the building during Family Day festivities Sept. 26. “Our students asked us to tackle this project, and today we celebrate this historic building’s transformation into a state-of-the-art recreation and fitness center,” Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. told dozens of Cal U staff, students, alumni, emeriti faculty and friends. “Along with our Natali Student Center, I believe this building is going to be one of the liveliest places on campus.” Through a referendum, students approved the $10 million renovation and addition, which expanded the building by 18,000 square feet. Student activity fees will pay the debt service on the 25-year bond. Because Cal U’s enrollment has been increasing annually for the past 12 years, the previous fitness center was no longer adequate, President Armenti said. The remodeled building has been outfitted with new equipment and a foodservice area, the Sycamore Bistro. Herron Hall, completed in the early 1930s, is named after Joseph A. Herron, who began a 30-year tenure on the college’s governing board in the early 20th century. The building originally housed a gymnasium, natatorium and classrooms. The remodeled facility now includes: • A 33-foot-tall obelisk, or freestanding climbing wall, for free climbing and belaying. • An elevated, 1/16 mile walking/jogging track overlooking the gymnasium, cardio room and climbing area, with a bird’s-eye view of the campus. • A four-lane lap pool, whirlpool and steam sauna. • A cardiovascular area with 40 cardio machines that include treadmills, upright and recumbent stationary bikes, elliptical machines, rowers, stair climbers and more. • Two weight areas with more than 3,000 pounds of free weights, plus Olympic racks, platforms and benches. • Two gymnasiums, one with a multipurpose floor and another with a wood floor, to accommodate basketball, volleyball, dek hockey, soccer and group fitness classes. • A group fitness studio, racquetball courts and fully outfitted locker rooms.
Tim Baugh, a senior majoring in parks and recreation and a work study student for the fitness center, makes his way up the climbing obelisk.
“The aspect of this project that really excites me is that Herron Hall was renovated and designed specifically with students in mind,” said Ashley Baird, the student member of the Council of Trustees. “The recreational services for our students and the university community needed to be — Continued on page 2
Alumni Offered Career Services for Life
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s part of the Cal U for Life initiative, the Department of Career Services is providing lifelong assistance at no cost to alumni who are seeking employment or a career change. “With the downturn in the economy and the increase in the unemployment rate across the country, California University is reaching out to help alumni who are facing job challenges by providing them with career services normally available only to graduating students,” explained Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. “With some sectors of the economy, such as the financial services industry, being especially hard hit, we now provide help to alumni both through career counseling and resume updating, and by arranging interviews with firms that are hiring.” To accomplish this, Cal U has added two members to the Career Services Department, said director Rhonda Gifford. Bridgett Nobili is the alumni career counselor, and Sheana Malyszka is the employer development coordinator.
Looking to enhance their offerings to alumni, Career Services has added Bridgett Nobili (center) and Sheana Malyszka (right) to its staff. Director Rhonda Gifford (left) lauded President Armenti for taking an aggressive approach to help alumni.
“Until now we had never aggressively advertised our services to alumni because we were unsure if we could handle the influx, but with Dr. Armenti’s support we were able to add these positions,” Gifford said. “Bridgett and Sheana are enhancing our efforts
to collaborate closely with all of the stakeholders involved, on and off campus.” Nobili works directly with alumni. She welcomes in-person or telephone appointments, and she traveled with — Continued on page 4
Scholar Receives Bitonti Award
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At the Sept. 23 Staff Convocation, President Armenti urged every member of the University community to support the Cal U for Life initiative.
Staff Hears Parking Pledge
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resident Angelo Armenti, Jr.’s “State of the University” address at Staff Convocation included a pledge to improve the parking situation on campus. “We encountered a number of unforeseen difficulties, and we haven’t been able to keep the promises we made,” the President said, referring specifically to the bus service between Roadman Park and the main campus. “I assure you, I take this very seriously. I understand the effect it has on your day.” President Armenti told staff that enrollment at Cal U has risen for the 12th consecutive year. This fall’s total head count, 9,017, represents an increase of nearly 500 students, or 5.8 percent. “All of you play an important role in this remarkable success,” he said. The President’s hour-long talk also touched on state funding for higher education and the new Cal U for Life initiative, which is designed to instill a culture of philanthropy, beginning with new students. The President said it is his responsibility to position the University to achieve its strategic goals, and he noted that scholarship dollars for students represent the greatest need. “We must help our students pay their tuition,” he said. “In order to do this we have to make Cal U for Life successful. Staff leaders must assume a key role and give of their time, talent and treasure.”
indsey Lytwak, of Greensburg, Pa., is this year’s recipient of the 27h annual John Bitonti Memorial Scholarship. The Communication Disorders Department at Cal U established the award in memory of Dr. John Bitonti, the department’s former chairman, who died in 1978. His colleagues from the former Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology initiated the honor, first presented in 1983, to recognize an outstanding junior majoring in Communication Disorders. In addition to receiving the scholarship, Lytwak will have her name engraved on a plaque that hangs in the lounge at Morgan Hall. The daughter of Gregory and Kimberly Lytwak, the award winner is a member of the Honors Program and a dean’s list student with a cumulative grade-point average above 3.94. She is a member of Cal U’s Speech and Hearing Club, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Colleges Against Cancer. She also holds a work-study job in the College of Education and Human Services. “I love working with children and find this field quite rewarding,” Lytwak said. “The Communication Disorders faculty members are helpful and caring.” Dr. Robert Skwarecki, chairman of the Bitonti Scholarship Selection Committee, said the list of award applicants was long. “This is a very competitive award that considers a lot of factors, such as grades, campus
Bitonti Memorial Scholarship recipient Lindsey Lytak meets Janet Bitonti, widow of the late Dr. John Bitonti and a longtime University benefactor.
and community involvement, and activities,” he said. “Lindsey stood out among a most worthy pool of candidates, and we are extremely proud to have her as this year’s Bitonti Scholarship recipient.” Dr. Barbara Bonfanti, chair of the Communication Disorders Department said Lytwak’s honors thesis research project studied the effects of stuttering on an individual’s occupation, personal life and social skills. “This would be a difficult challenge for a graduate student, and Lindsey is doing an excellent and thorough job,” she said.
New Online Resource Offers Preventive Tips, News About H1N1
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ennsylvanians now have a new online resource to help them learn about and help control the spread of the novel H1N1 flu virus, also known as swine flu. The new Web site, www.H1N1inPA.com, was created by the Department of Health to answer questions and provide the latest news on the virus. “We expect to see a steady rise in H1N1 flu cases in the coming months, so it is essential that Pennsylvanians have ready access to the latest important developments,” said Secretary of Health Everette James. The Web site features an explanation of the novel H1N1 virus, frequently asked questions, symptoms of the disease, how to care for sick family members, downloadable educational fliers and posters, and links to other resources. The site also outlines simple steps that all Pennsylvanians should take to reduce the risk of becoming ill or spreading the virus to others: • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put the used
tissue in the waste basket. If don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve, but never into your hands or onto bare skin. • Keep your hands away from your face and don’t touch your mouth, nose and eyes. • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Keep clean frequently used surfaces such as knobs, countertops and desks. • Stay home from work or school whenever you are sick, and remain home until you are fully recovered. Information about a vaccine that is expected to be released later this month will be added as it becomes available. “After the new vaccine is released, the Web site will feature information about priority groups for immunization; as well as where, when and how the vaccine will be administered,” James added. For more information, visit www.H1N1inPA.com or call the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).
Herron Recreation, Fitness Center Opens — Continued from page 1
Participating in the Herron Hall ribbon cutting during Family Day are: (from left) Dr. Allan Golden; Dr. Joyce Hanley; Rev. Jana Quisenberry; Ashley Baird; Jackie Davis; Chuck Bohn; President Angelo Armenti, Jr.; Mike Napolitano ´68; Dr. Lenora Angelone; Doug Shuck; Joseph Reginella and Angela Burrows.
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upgraded, and now that goal has been achieved.” Also speaking at the re-dedication were Jackie Davis, president of Student Government and SAI; Chuck Bohn, director of recreational services; Dough Shuck, of WTW Architects; and Joseph Reginella, of Reginella Construction Co. Herron Recreation and Fitness Center is open to all Cal U students with a valid Cal Card, and to faculty, staff and alumni who purchase memberships. Hours are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sundays. Cal U’s 31st annual Family Day also featured a performance by the Cal U choir and a cappella singers, a children’s area in the Commuter Lounge, and victorious home athletic events by Cal U’s women’s volleyball, football and men’s soccer teams.
Take Your Best Shot As part of the lineup of activities sponsored by the Student Activities Board, Cutting Edge Productions came to campus and set up a bongoball course for students in the turf field next to the Natali Student Center. Featured in the photo is Joshua Westfall, a junior majoring in criminal justice, as he fires a shot at an opponent.
Coach Launched Cal U’s Running Programs Editor’s Note: Cal U will hold its 15th annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Oct. 16 at the Performance Center. For reservations, contact Montean Dean at 724-938-4418. Throughout the fall, The Journal will profile each of the 2009 Hall of Fame inductees.
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arty Uher got Cal U running. A professor from 1967 through June 1992 in the Department of Health and Physical Education, Uher organized and served as head coach for both track and field programs in 1971 and for women’s cross country in 1976. He also coached the men’s cross country team that was started by fellow emeritus professor Dr. Phil Coleman. In track and field, Uher coached 16 PSAC individual champions; 11 NAIA, AIAW or NCAA Division II AllAmericans; and three individual NCAA champions. In cross country, Uher helped 15 Vulcans earn AllPSAC honors, including four PSAC individual champions, two AIAW All-Eastern runners, six NAIA or NCAA Marty Uher individual All-Americans and one national champion. All told, Uher coached 20 PSAC individual champions and All-Americans. Headlining the impressive list of student-athletes Uher guided was Brian Ferrari, who was a member of Cal U’s initial Hall of Fame class along with women’s track and field star Jenise Lockhart. Ferrari won the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship in 1983 and the 10,000-meter NCAA title in 1983 and 1984. Lockhart won the 1985 NCAA Division II High Jump Indoor National Championship. “I am not really going into the Hall of Fame for what I did but rather what they did, and I am so proud of them and their accomplishments,” said Uher. “They made the program, and it’s to these student-athletes that I tip my hat.”
Uher also praised Coleman and the late Dr. Ray Lister, who coached the men’s track and field team from 1974-1979. “Ray (Lister) and I were running buddies, and we went all across the East Coast together competing in masters’ races,” said Uher.
“They made the program, and it’s to these student-athletes that I tip my hat.” — Marty Uher “In all the many years I have known Phil (Coleman), I never considered him an assistant coach. He was always a co-coach, because he did so many things that helped me as a coach. One of the primary things he taught me was not to over-coach, which is often done.” Uher, who served as an assistant football coach at Cal U in the 1970s, also credited the support of emeritus President John Watkins and retired athletic director Jan McConnell, both Hall of Fame members. “If it had not been for Jan McConnell and John Watkins, I would not have coached,” said Uher. “These sports were year-round, and we had to do a lot of creative fundraising to recruit. It would have been easier to put your 12 hours in the classroom, but I just loved coaching and this is what I wanted to do. We had limited resources back then, but these two people were always there for me.” Originally from Chicago, Uher was a scholastic standout in track and field, football and baseball before accepting a football scholarship to Western New Mexico University. He was an all-conference right guard and defensive end in football there, and the team captain and catcher in baseball, as well as a two-time Golden Gloves Regional boxing champion and 1951 state runner-up. He graduated in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with double majors in physical education and biology. After serving two years in the Army, Uher taught and coached for eight years in the Carlsbad, N.M., school system. He earned a master’s degree in physical education from Eastern New Mexico University before coming east to Cal U.
Along with being a successful coach, Uher was a multisport star athlete.
After he retired, Uher was Elizabeth Forward High School’s cross country and track and field head coach from 1993 to 2004. He returned to Cal U in 2005 and volunteered for two seasons as a track and field coach and for one year as a cross country coach. Uher said he’s been pleased to see Cal U’s continuing commitment to the running programs, including the composite track surface installed as part of an $800,000 renovation project in 2003. “What a difference it was when I came back,” Uher said, recalling his return to volunteer with current track and field coach Roger Kingdom. “I was very pleased, and I hope the program keeps growing. Even now when I come to campus, I see so many changes.”
Pittsburgh Symphony to Perform Oct. 13
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ickets are available for a performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of resident conductor Lawrence Loh, 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at California University of Pennsylvania. The performance in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre is an annual event at Cal U, and a capacity crowd is anticipated. The public may attend. The PSO will perform Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture; Herbert’s Concerto No. 2 for
Cello and Orchestra, Opus 30, with cellist Adam Liu; and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Opus 88. All seats are reserved. Students are admitted free with a valid Cal Card; all others pay $10. Tickets may be picked up at the Steele Hall Box Office on the evening of the performance. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. For details, call the box office at 724-9385943.
Tickets are on sale now for the PSO’s annual performance in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.
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THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM
THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM The California University Forum met in regular session Tuesday, September 8, 2009, in the LRC Auditorium. Presiding Officer Hoover called the meeting order at 4:02 p.m.
TENTATIVE AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA IV. MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 (Approved by e-mail ballot – refer to Forum website or Public Folders Outlook) V. MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Informational Only – Minutes September 22, 2009) VI. PRESIDING OFFICER’S REPORT A. Miscellaneous Information B. Notice of Executive Committee Meeting: October 20, 2009 – University Community Welcome VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS VIII. INTERPELLATION
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS Next FORUM Meeting NOVEMBER 3, 2009 XI. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Loring Prest, Parliamentarian Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording Secretary
APPROVED MINUTES
October 6, 2009 4:00 p.m/LRC Auditorium
IX. NEW BUSINESS
SEPT. 8, 2009 / 4:00 p.m., LRC Auditorium
The following senators were in attendance: Dr. Lenora Angelone Ms. Cinthia Arcuri Ms. Ashley Baird Ms. Brittany Balaz Ms. Jessica Bettilyon Dr. Bill Biddington Mr. Richard Bolinger Dr. Jane Bonari Ms. Angela Burrows Ms. Roberta Busha Dr. Leonard Colelli Ms. Jenna Dunmire Ms. Sharon Elkettani Dr. Allan Golden Ms. Geraldine Jones Dr. Kevin Koury Dr. John Nass Ms. Rebecca Nichols Dr. Nancy Pinardi Dr. Susan Ryan Mr. Gary Seelye Mr. Paul Sible Mrs. Jenifer Sigado Mr. Bryan Tolle Dr. Tom Wickham Dr. Brian Wood Dr. Kimberly Woznack The following were also in attendance: Mr. Douglas Hoover, Presiding Officer
The following senators were absent: Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. Mr. Rick Bertagnolli Ms. Jackie Davis Ms. Kay Dorrance Ms. Fran Fayish Ms. Rachel Fletcher Dr. Joyce Hanley Mr. Thomas Hasbrouck Mr. Keith Kappel Mr. Josh Mrosko Dr. Tom Mueller Ms. Ashley Munoz-Briggs Dr. Michael Slaven Dr. Linda Toth
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Mr. Douglas Hoover, Presiding Officer California University Forum
Please contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely,
Public Comments There were no public comments offered at this time.
Dear Mr. Hoover: This is in response to the motion passed at the April 21, 2009, meeting of the California University Forum, as follows:
Presiding Officer Hoover stated that the approved forum minutes of April 21, 2009 are available on the Forum website (www.cup.edu/forum) or Public Folders in the Microsoft Outlook. A hard copy of the executive committee minutes of September 1, 2009, is included in the senators’ packets for informational purposes. Presiding Officer’s Report Presiding Officer Hoover noted the next Forum executive meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009,
support materials for one or the other. Support materials from nominees are due by 4 p.m. Oct. 30 The awards are separate from those given by the Faculty Professional Development Committee, which recognizes recipients at Commencement. The 2009 President’s Faculty Award recipients were Drs. Rebecca Hess (teaching), Joseph Heim (research) and Mary O’Connor (service). Nominations for the 2010 awards will be accepted via e-mail or hard copy. The nominations must include the name of the nominee, category of nomination (teaching, research or service) and name of the nominator. Please submit e-mail nominations to the President’s Gala Faculty Awards Committee co-chair, Dr. Melanie Blumberg, at blumberg@calu.edu. Hard copies should be sent to Blumberg at the Department of History and Political Science, Box 6.
constituents well as Forum senators, and we offer to them our heartfelt gratitude.
Angelo Armenti, Jr. University President
May 6, 2009
The agenda was presented, approved and the meeting proceeded.
Nominations Open for 2010 President’s Faculty Awards ominations will be accepted through 4 p.m. Oct. 13 for the 2010 President’s Faculty Awards. Established by University President Angelo Armenti, Jr., the awards recognize deserving faculty for their outstanding work. At the President’s Gala in June 2010, each recipient will be presented with a medallion, an engraved paperweight and a $2,000 check. Tenured faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, research or service are eligible to receive one of these prestigious awards. Any member of the Cal U community — students, faculty, staff or alumni — may make a nomination. Self-nominations are permitted. Although a faculty member may be nominated in multiple categories, he or she can compete for just one award. The nominee may select the category. For example, if a person is nominated in both the teaching and service categories, he or she may submit
in Room 408 of the Manderino Library and the University community is welcome to attend. Presiding Officer Hoover noted that President Armenti’s response was included in the senators’ packets:
Motion #2009-84: That the Forum extends its gratitude to the students who served on the Forum during the 2008-09 academic year: Ashley Briggs, Danielle Dever, Kay Dorrance, Rebecca Giles, Mercedes Himmons, Ryan Jerico, Donald Marszalek, Christine Schlieper, Marguerite Smith, Matthew Weiss, whose service to the Forum will end with this meeting. I approve this recommendation for the Forum to extend its gratitude to the aforementioned students who served on the Forum for the 2008-09 academic year. They have served their student
Interpellation There were no questions offered at this time. New Business There was no new business offered at this time. Announcements/ Adjournment Presiding Officer Hoover noted the next Forum meeting will be held on October 6, 2009. There being no further business, Presiding Officer Hoover adjourned the meeting at 4:07 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording Secretary.
MINUTES APPROVED BY MAJORITY VIA E-MAIL BALLOT.
Career Services for Alumni — Continued from page 1 staff from the Office of Alumni Relations to a chapter event in Washington, D.C. She also encourages job-seeking alumni to check the alumni link on the Career Services website (www.calu.edu/careers) and to register for the job and resume bank at www.collegecentral.com/calu. “It’s an exciting time to be at California, and I am very glad to be back,” said Nobili, a 1998 Cal U graduate who is gathering alumni success stories to be featured online. “We want our alumni to know what we have to offer them.” Malyszka’s primary goal is to develop job opportunities by building relationships with Cal U alumni and employers. She hopes alumni can help to link fellow grads with internships, co-op jobs and full-time positions. “One of the best way to build relationships with companies is through our alumni who are working there,” Malyszka said. Encouraging students and alumni to build a lifetime relationship with their alma mater is the focus of Cal U for Life. The expanding role of Career Services supports this initiative. “Whether they are recent graduates looking for their first professional position or older alumni going through a career change, we can help them free of charge,” Gifford said. If you know of a Cal U graduate seeking a job, or a grad who would like to post a job or volunteer for our career network, suggest a call to Career Services at 724-938-4413 or careers@calu.edu.
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 Technology
Angela J. Burrows Vice President for University Relations Christine Kindl Editor
Bruce Wald Writer
Office of Communications and Public Relations, 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419 724-938-4195 wald@calu.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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Wendy Mackall Writer