Cal U Review - Summer 2015 by California University of Pennsylvania

2015

SUMMER

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SPARKS LEARNING

The California University of Pennsylvania Magazine

CAL U REVIEW SUMMER 2015 • VOL. 43 - NO. 2 The Cal U Review is published by the Office of Marketing and University Relations and is distributed free. Third class postage paid at California.

FROM THE INTERIM PRESIDENT

“How did you spend your summer?” It’s a question I often ask students as they return for the fall semester. And their answers might surprise you. In addition to summer jobs and family vacations, our students report on some remarkable learning experiences. Meteorology students witnessed wild weather, including a tornado, as they traveled west on the program’s annual storm-chase expedition. Accompanied by Dr. Swarn Gill, the group crossed the Great Plains, venturing as far as Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas to learn firsthand about storm dynamics. Earth sciences students also headed west, to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. The annual geological field experience, led by Dr. Chad Kauffman and Dr. Kyle Fredrick, takes students to a different area of the country each year. As students master mapping and fieldwork skills, they encounter terrain that’s very different from our Pennsylvania landscapes. Meanwhile, biology students turned south to Latin America. They joined Dr. Carol Bocetti and Dr. Sarah Meiss for a special experience course that examined conservation and sustainable living practices in Costa Rica. Their travels included stops at four biological field stations and visits to rainforest and cloud forest ecosystems. Internships also take our students to new locales. This summer Cal U students shadowed health care workers in Thailand and golf professionals in Ireland. A criminal justice major interned with the U.S. Secret Service in Philadelphia. A history major spent her summer at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Ohio. And a Global Online student who’s studying Arabic gained hands-on experience at the Special Operations Language Center in Fort Bragg, N.C. Experiences like these help our Cal U students put their studies into perspective. They return to campus with a clearer sense of how their academic background is preparing them for a future career. (Their resumes look pretty good, too!) If you talk with prospective students, remind them to ask about the hands-on experiences available at Cal U. These opportunities truly can change lives, as well as future careers. And now that summer is coming to a close, why not plan your own special experience — a visit to California? The doors to the Kara Alumni House are always open to our graduates, and a full slate of activities is planned for Homecoming weekend, Oct. 23-24. We’d love to see you on campus! With warm wishes,

CHANCELLOR

Frank T. Brogan

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Guido M. Pichini, chairman Marie Conley, vice chair; chair, Academic and Student Affairs David M. Maser, vice chair Sen. Richard Alloway II Rep. Matthew E. Baker Jane M. Earll Christopher H. Franklin Sarah Galbally, Governor's designee Rep. Michael K. Hanna

Ronald G. Henry, chair, Finance, Administration and Facilities Jonathan B. Mack, chair, Audit Daniel P. Meuser Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera Sen. Judy Schwank Harold C. Shields Robert S. Taylor Aaron A. Walton, chair, Human Resources Governor Tom Wolf Three vacancies

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Geraldine M. Jones, interim University President Dr. Bruce Barnhart, acting provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance Dr. Nancy Pinardi, interim vice president for Student Affairs

COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES

Lawrence Maggi '79, chair Annette Ganassi, vice chair Roberta M. Betza James T. Davis '73 Sean Logue

Michele M. Mandell '69 Robert Miner Jr. '78 Thomas Uram Aaron A. Walton '68 Frank T. Brogan, chancellor, ex-officio

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lynne (Moltz) Stout ’94, president Brian Fernandes ’99, ’00, vice president Jesse Hereda ’04, secretary Alan James ’62, treasurer Bobbi (Williams) Fetsko ’75, ’83, immediate past president Colleen (Murphy) Arnowitz ’75, ’97 Justin Binion ’11 Robert Crall ’12 Trinette (Schmidt) Cunningham ’93 Shelly (Fetchen) DiCesaro ’94 Mindi D'Auria-Fisher ’07 Paul Gentile ’62

David Gwyer ’65 Jesse Hereda ’04 Charles Kacsur ’08 Len Keller ’61 Anthony Lazzaro ’55 Chase Loper ’10, ’12 Melissa McKean ’07 Dante Morelli ’02 Michael Napolitano ’68 George Novak ’55 Bryan (Tolle) Schuerman ’09 Judy (Durko) Zilkowski ’77, ’83

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Geraldine M. (Johns) Jones ’72, ’80, interim University President Anthony F. Mauro '92, '93, associate vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations

Leslie (Berdar) Fleenor ’08, director of Alumni Relations Lawrence Maggi ’79, chair, Council of Trustees Steven Stout ’85, president, Foundation Board Barbara Hess, president, APSCUF

STUDENT MEMBERS

Kelsey DeNardo Jacob Giffin

Daniel Meighan Kirsti Roesner

SAI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Daniel Bickerton, student Zachary Bogardus, secretary Hope Cox, alumna Kelsey DeNardo, vice president Brendan Garay, treasurer Emily Lorence, student Brian Proud, president

Marc Roncone, alumnus Ashley Roth, alumna Bryan Schuerman, student Tallen Stroman, student Dr. Donald Thompson, retired faculty Randy Tozzle, alumnus

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Dr. Nancy Pinardi ’95, ’96, ’98, interim vice president for Student Affairs Leigh Ann Lincoln, chief financial officer, SAI Larry Sebek, interim associate vice president for Student Affairs

FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Geraldine M. Jones Interim President, California University of Pennsylvania

Steven P. Stout ’85, president Armand E. Balsano ’74, vice president William R. Flinn ’68, secretary Paul Kania ’87, treasurer William R. Booker ’74 Robert E. Eberly III Dr. Annette M. Kaleita ’55

Robert Lippencott ’66 Reginald A. Long ’81 Lawrence Maggi ’79 Anthony J. Saludis Dr. Harry E. Serene ’65 Linda H. Serene ’64 William G. Stough

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Interim President Geraldine M. Jones communicates regularly with the campus community via e-mail and online. To see all her messages, visit www.calu.edu; click on “About Us” and choose “Meet the President.” To stay up-to-date with the latest happenings at Cal U, alumni may send their e-mail addresses to alumni@calu.edu.

Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80, interim University President Lynne Stout '94, Alumni Board president Anthony Mauro '92, '93, associate vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations

EDITOR

WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christine Kindl

Wendy Mackall Jeff Bender Bruce Wald ’85

Greg Sofranko Kelly Tunney Jeffrey Jones

PAGE 8 Students return this fall to a bigger and better Natali Student Center.

INSIDE DEPARTMENTS CAMPUS CLIPS

FEATURES

14–17

ALUMNI CALENDAR

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

20–21

ALUMNI AWARDS

SPORTS PROFILE

SPORTS ROUNDUP

24–26

On Discovery Days, prospective students and their families can tour the Cal U campus, learn about our academic programs, visit our award-winning residence halls and talk with current students, faculty and staff. Fall 2015 Discovery Days are scheduled for: • Sept. 12 • Oct. 12

7 10

• Oct. 3 • Nov. 7

Look for online registration at www.calu.edu. To learn more, or to arrange a visit at your convenience, contact the Cal U Welcome Center at 724-938-1626.

Cal U students conduct avian population studies in the region's fields and forests.

Striking a Spark

MILESTONES 29–33

WELCOME TO DISCOVERY DAYS

Bird Watchers

Undergraduate researchers take center stage at a conference highlighting their scholarship and creativity.

Filmmakers Cue Cal U Carolers

Singers enjoy their roles in an upcoming movie that stars some big-name Hollywood actors.

Do What's Right

Mortarboards send a message at the University's 180th Commencement.

Extraordinary Educators

Awards recognize the contributions of seven outstanding faculty members.

A NOTE TO OUR READERS The Cal U Review is published three times a year to keep you updated with alumni news and information from all four Colleges at California University. Both the current edition and back issues are available in an easy-to-read format online at www.calu.edu/news/cal-u-review, along with photos, videos and other special features “As Seen in the Review.”

SUMMER 2015 CAL U REVIEW 3 n

Nick Glover ’15 identifies birds at SAI Farm.

ts birds and Justin Peel coun ccess in a su st ne observes ion area at habitat restorat e Forest. Forbes Stat

In the field, students gain essential research experience

efore he graduated in May 2015, Nick Glover needed to add one line to his resume that was literally “for the birds.” An environmental studies major with a concentration in fisheries and wildlife, he needed to conduct a “point count,” tallying the number and types of birds within a defined survey area by recognizing their appearance or songs. Under the guidance of mentor and bird expert Dr. Carol Bocetti, who has been honored nationally for her work to save the endangered Kirtland’s warbler, Glover now has experience with that important avian research technique. “It’s required experience,” he says, “but it’s hard to get.” Glover’s roll call report of the migratory birds he identified at SAI Farm, on the University’s upper campus, will serve as a baseline for future student research. By midsummer he had counted 98 species of birds. “By having him do this survey early, other students can use the data for comparison,” Bocetti explains. “Also, by conducting the survey on the farm before too many changes have been made on the property, this becomes a control area. You can potentially get to cause and effect” as the property is developed. 4 CAL U REVIEW SUMMER 2015 n

Aaron Callis, another environmental studies major who graduated in May, not only contributed to Glover’s research but also conducted his own study of nesting birds on the farmland owned by Cal U’s Student Association Inc. About 40 bird species typically can be found in the area. Callis discovered nine nests at the farm. “My research focused more on breeding activity and the fate of nests relative to their height and amount of cover,” he says. A third environmental studies major, rising senior Justin Peel, spent part of his summer counting birds, observing nest success and performing vegetation measurements at Forbes State Forest in Westmoreland County, Pa. His work is part of a Cal U Partners for Fish and Wildlife habitat restoration project funded by a grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. “A lot of times people don’t realize that you’ve lost a certain type of habitat for certain types of wildlife,” says Jose Taracido, Partners for Fish and Wildlife supervisor. “What we’re doing is improving biodiversity at Forbes State Forest.” Among the species that could be helped by the habitat restoration project is the golden-winged warbler. By mid-June Peel

had found 10 of the songbirds’ nests. “The (warbler) population is declining to the point where it’s a species of concern now,” Taracido says. “And while we’re at it, we’re going to improve habitat for a lot of other species,” including the American woodcock. “Justin’s role is to observe and count the wildlife that is out there now, and then monitor how it responds to treatment,” Bocetti says. “He’ll also do some work on adjacent property that has not been treated.” It’s a lot of work for the summer, but Peel’s project, like Glover’s and Callis’, will pay off one day, Bocetti says. “Our students hit the ground running. They are job-ready, with applied knowledge they can put to use in a variety of fields.” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

SPARK

STRIKING A

Conference showcases research, scholarship, creativity

ndergraduate research is a high-impact practice, educators say. It fosters learning and promotes student engagement while building critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills. This spring, California University’s inaugural Strike a Spark conference turned a spotlight on student research, scholarship and creativity. The conference theme, “Innovation: From Peer to Public,” focused attention on “the unique, creative and entrepreneurial aspects of teaching, research, creative expression and application practiced across campus,” says conference organizer Dr. Gregg Gould, director of the Cal U Center for Undergraduate Research. More than 400 students and 60 faculty members participated as panelists, presenters or audience members. Judges awarded prizes for the best oral and poster presentations. “There is sense of excitement that comes from working to answer important questions,” says interim University President Geraldine M. Jones. “Our campus becomes more vibrant … when students and teachers are actively involved in intellectual and artistic exploration.” Here is a look at just a few of the 2015 Strike a Spark presentations.

The Effects of Short Term, Low Dose Exposure to Artificial Fracking Fluid on Lithobates pipiens (Leopard Frog) Immunology intrigues Thomas Henson, who graduated with degrees in psychology and pre-medicine, plus a minor in chemistry. So he decided to explore whether frogs’ immune systems would be affected by exposure to the “fracking fluid” used in the natural gas extraction process. “I was looking for signs of diminished innate immunity, their bodies’ natural defense against infection,” Henson says. After the frogs spent time in a liquid that mimics hydraulic fracturing fluid, he examined their infectionfighting white blood cells under a fluorescent microscope. Results were inconclusive, but the project’s benefits were undeniable. Henson learned animal care protocols and advanced laboratory skills. He interacted with professors across campus and at other universities. And he laid a foundation for further research. “I was applying techniques I’d learned in the lab,” he says. “I want to study immunology in graduate school. This is what I’m interested in, and the project gave me a way to pursue that interest.”

Thomas Henson ’15 MAY 2015 G R ADUATE

Bret Harte: A Literary Colorist

Rebecca Kaufman-Taylor RISIN G SE N IOR

“The critical mindset is not thinking in black-and-white, but gray and purple and yellow,” says liberal studies major Rebecca Kaufman-Taylor, who plans to pursue an online master’s degree in teaching after she graduates from Cal U. Taylor hopes to inspire her students to think critically, and to view the world with a discerning eye. She sharpened her own skills by developing a literary critique of “The Luck of Roaring Camp,” a short story by American author Bret Harte. Her paper explains that Harte, known as a writer in the Realism movement, uses elements from literature’s Romantic and Naturalistic movements, too. “Certain writers get put into certain movements based on how they write and when they wrote,” says Taylor. “Literary movements tend to be bookended by wars or major events that lead to different writing styles and techniques. “But all art forms and literary movements overlap: To anthologize an author in one area can be limiting. “Studying literature teaches you to have a critical eye, to see outside the box. With a critical eye, you can find something you love that leads to something else. That’s the beauty of critiquing it.” SUMMER 2015 CAL U REVIEW 5 n

Pike Run Watershed Water Quality

Becky Onsko ’15, Greg Jackson ’15 and Matthew Balash ’15 MAY 2015 G R ADUATE S

When Earth sciences majors Greg Jackson, Becky Onsko and Matthew Balash noticed conductivity fluctuations in waterways within the Pike Run watershed, they knew an external source had to be contaminating the water. “We found a lot of chloride contamination in the watershed, specifically at the Oregon Hollow tributary that flows into the main stream,” says Onsko. “Our hypothesis assumed that the main source of the contamination came from a salt storage facility at the (state Route) 43 toll booth.” The students, whose degrees reflect a concentration in environmental studies, found that salt used to melt ice on the highway was stored in a facility with no barriers to contain run-off. Water tests showed a correlation between low precipitation and high chloride concentrations, which could mean that salt is being retained in the soil. “This can be concerning for the biological aspect of the stream, but the levels found should not harm any human or animal that drinks the water,” Jackson says.

Desire: Duane Michals and the Theme of Sexuality Although art history was not the main focus of Eric Robinson’s studies, it certainly gave him a better appreciation for his own disciplines, graphic design and history. He teamed up with Dr. Cindy Persinger and five of his classmates to turn a Methods of Art History course into a gallery of information about photographer Duane Michals, a native of McKeesport, Pa. Each of the project’s seven panels explored a different aspect of the photographer’s life and works. The innovative artist was among the first to use a series of photographic images to convey a narrative, and to add handwritten text to his pictures. Some of Michals’ photo sequences force viewers to question their own perspectives on death, gender and sexuality, Robinson says. “Within my research, I discussed how Michals’ own sexuality affected his work. He was obsessed with anti-traditionalism, and he aimed to capture aspects of the human condition, such as desire.”

Eric Robinson ’15 MAY 2015 G R ADUATE

Children’s Memory Scale: An equivalence study comparing the traditional and digital formats

Morgan Lauff ’13, ’15 MAY 2015 G R ADUATE

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Assessing students’ abilities in areas such as attention and working memory, verbal and visual memory, recall and recognition is an important career skill for Morgan Lauff, who recently earned her post-master’s certification in school psychology. She wondered: Do the results of a memory test change depending on whether it is administered using the traditional paper format or an iPad? “This is the way the world is going,” Lauff says. “But are the results valid and reliable?” A Jesse B. Guttman Student Research Grant from Cal U allowed Lauff and her research partner, Kelly Rogers, who tested students’ neurological functioning, to purchase digital tablets and the tools required for the traditional-format testing. “The hypothesis was that, paper or digital, we’d get the same, or very similar, results,” Lauff says. “And that was what we found. “Either one could be used in a school setting, and there would be no question as to whether it was a valid and reliable assessment.”

Singers to appear as ‘extras’ in movie filmed in Pittsburgh

he Christmas caroling season stretched into spring for nine members of the California Singers, who expect to be part of a motion picture scheduled to premiere in November. The students performed as featured extras for a scene in Love the Coopers, a CBS Films production starring awardwinning actors Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Marisa Tomei and Diane Keaton. Filmed in Pittsburgh, the romantic comedy follows the exasperated members of an extended family as they attempt to gather for their annual holiday celebration. Students Justin DiPerna, Charles Heiser, Allison Killen, Hannah Kovscek, Laura Moeller, Matt Shorraw ’15, Kate Sickels, Eric Streshenkoff and Mia Zazac were part of a scene shot at The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon. Dressed in Dickensian-style costumes, they sang “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Carol of the Bells.” “Being an extra in a movie has been on my ‘bucket list’ for years,” says Kovscek, an honors student with a dual major in elementary and special education. Hollywood came knocking at the carolers’ door in the form of Nancy

Mosser, a Pittsburgh-based member of the Casting Society of America. She contacted her longtime friend Dr. Yugo Ikach, chair of the Music Department, with a request for skilled carolers. The California Singers give 20-30 caroling performances during the holiday season, so Ikach was happy to recommend the group. “You talk about experiential things you do in college that are not necessarily always tied to a class, but (instead) with some of the clubs and activities you’re involved with,” Ikach says. “Hopefully this will add to the students’ fond memories of Cal U.” The carolers witnessed the meticulous movie-making process while spending two days on a scene that may last for less than a minute on-screen. “It’s just amazing the amount of work that goes into such a short amount of film time,” says University Choir president Shorraw, who graduated in May with a degree in commercial music technology. “It makes sense to us now why it takes so long to film a movie.”

Shorraw said the mall remained open for business during the filming, although it was decorated for Christmas and a live Santa was on hand. “We got some weird stares from people walking past us and seeing us in our puffy Dickensian caroling costumes, skirts and all that,” he recalls. “Those people who missed seeing the notices (posted about the filming) certainly looked confused.” Kovscek says she was impressed with the movie-making process. “As an education major, what stood out is how they incorporated so many different people of all age groups. Even during our experience, which will be a small part in a scene, you see how much time is invested in things like the costumes, the hair, the makeup, the multiple shots. “I honestly could not see being at any other school,” she adds, crediting Cal U for her moment in the spotlight. “I’m just really excited to see how my years here will progress and the opportunities that might open up.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

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BIGGER BETTER AND

Renovations wrap up at the Natali Student Center

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s the fall semester begins, students are enjoying a more spacious and functional Natali Student Center. The building has grown by more than 31,000 square feet, creating room for the amenities students requested when they authorized the renovations through a 2011 referendum. “My freshmen year here at Cal U, we voted on the referendum to renovate the union, and I am still here to see it completed,” says Brendan Garay ’15, a graduate student who is serving a second term as president of Student Government. “It has been really interesting going through the entire renovation process.” The dramatic Heritage Lounge offers casual seating and a central area for get-togethers or coffeehouse-style performances. More seating throughout the building provides space to study or gather with friends. The Energy Zone is “home base” for commuters, who can use the space to relax and recharge, power up their devices, put together a snack or lock up their gear. Ten shared conference rooms are convenient meeting locations for student clubs and organizations. More than ever, Natali is the hub of student life, with Student Affairs, the Women’s Center, campus ministries, the Career and Professional Development Center and more, all under one roof. And then there’s the food.

The retail food court has been expanded, and the Flatz convenience store has grown to three times its former size. But the biggest difference is in the remodeled Gold Rush dining room. Glass walls let diners watch as chefs prepare meals with fresh, local ingredients. In the kitchen, wood-smoke ovens enhance the flavor of pizza and barbecue dishes. A clay-lined tandoor oven produces tasty food with an Asian flair, and a tortilla machine turns out this staple of Mexican cuisine. Catering to a student population whose tastes have become more diverse, the Gold Rush lets students experience dishes ranging from stir-fried veggies to Philly cheesesteaks, fish tacos to freshbaked muffins and scones. Behind the scenes at Natali, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems have been upgraded. Traffic flow has improved, and three new elevators enhance accessibility. The student center remained open during the twoyear project, which wrapped up on schedule this summer. “The students are excited about the extra space and all of the new amenities that will be ours to use,” Garay says. “Over the past couple of years, I think students have been avoiding the student center because of the dayto-day construction. It will be really cool to see all of the students hanging out and using the facility again.” By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

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DO 2015 SPRING COMMENCEMENT

WHAT’S

RIGHT Communications leader addresses graduates, who spell out messages on their caps

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Graduates (from left) Elizabeth Venturella, Breanna Grachen, Natalie Hilbert and Katie DeHosse top off their caps with messages.

heir caps spoke volumes about the lessons learned at Cal U. Hope: “Every end is a new beginning.” Self-discovery: “Hold On, Don’t Look Back, You Know We’re Better Than That.” Passion and gratitude: “Teaching Little Minds Takes a Big Heart. Thank You Mom, Dad, Amanda.” Those were just some of the sentiments spelled out on the mortarboards worn by members of the Class of 2015 during graduate and undergraduate Commencement ceremonies May 8-9 in the Convocation Center. “Cal U has given me field experience hours almost every semester, so I got to work with students at a variety of levels,” says Alysia Smith, an early elementary education and special education major who learned that teaching does, indeed, take a lot of heart. “I also wanted to incorporate my family, because they were my biggest support system during college, and I wouldn’t be here without them.” A lyric from a favorite band, Sleeping with Sirens, inspired communication disorders major Randi Miller to add “hold on” to her cap. “This particular lyric says to me, ‘No matter where life takes you and no matter how you got there, you are there for a reason,’” she says.

Outside Steele Hall, graduates from the Department of Theatre and Dance celebrate their big day.

In all, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones '72, '80 conferred degrees upon more than 1,200 students at the 180th Commencement, including those whose diplomas were awarded in their absence. “I am proud of you, our graduates, for your hard work and the sacrifices you made to get to this point,” she told them. “Remember to help others. Ponder how you can lend a hand or make a difference.” Thomas M. Rutledge ’77 addressed the graduates at both ceremonies. He is president and chief executive officer of Charter Communications Inc., a leading broadband communications company and among the largest cable operators in the United States. Rutledge, the former chief operating officer at Cablevision and president of Time Warner Cable, said the world is experiencing a digital revolution. “The thing I love the most is to see what people can learn,” Rutledge told the graduates. “Everything changes through the time of a normal life span — technology, software, science, processes, but not people. “If you’re smart, you know you have a lot to learn.” What is most gratifying, he added, are the personal relationships that come from working with others. “On occasions like this, a lot of people would say to follow your bliss. I say, do what’s right. Being responsible feels better than being blissful. “As your capabilities grow in time, so will your responsibilities. So learn a lot, have a great life and thank the people who helped you.” As one cap promised: “Adventure is out there.”

No matter where life takes you and no matter how you got there, you are there for a reason. Randi Miller '15

Two future teachers spell out messages on their mortarboards.

2015 senior class envoy Ryan Fisher presents President Jones with a check from the Senior Gift Drive.

President Jones welcomes graduates into the ranks of Cal U alumni.

HATS OFF TO OUR GRADUATES! Visit Cal U's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/CalUofPa to see a time-lapse video of the 180th Commencement and some of the decorated mortarboards worn by the Class of 2015. To view the Commencement ceremonies and read the complete text of the speakers’ remarks, visit www.calu.edu and search for “Commencement videos.”

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EDUCATORS Awards recognize seven extraordinary faculty members Combine outstanding scholarship with a genuine love of teaching, and you have the makings of a quality professor. The very best go even further. Some engage in high-level research, adding to the knowledge base in their academic discipline. Others contribute extraordinary service to Cal U students or the wider community. Still others demonstrate creativity in teaching and mentorship, both inside and outside the classroom. An engaged and expert faculty is essential to Cal U’s academic mission, so each year the University President recognizes faculty members who have excelled in research, service and teaching. In addition, the Faculty Professional Development Committee (FPDC) recognizes excellence among its members.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS Recipients of the 2015 Presidential Distinguished Merit Awards for excellence were introduced at Honors Convocation in April, where they were presented with medallions to be worn at spring Commencement. In addition to the faculty awards, a scholarship will be given to a student in each recipient’s discipline.

DR. KURT KEARCHER,

an associate professor in the Department of English, is this year’s recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Merit Award for Excellence in Service. He serves Cal U students as director of the Writing Center, which provides free face-to-face and online writing assistance to undergraduate and graduate students in all fields of study. Under his direction the Writing Center also presents workshops for students and works closely with faculty members to support student writing in specific courses. In the past, Kearcher has served the University’s faculty as a co-chair of the Faculty Professional Development Committee and coordinator of the Faculty Professional Development Center. 12 CAL U REVIEW SUMMER 2015 n

DR. SARAH MEISS,

an associate professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, is the 2015 recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Merit Award for Excellence in Teaching. A specialist in soil microbiology, botany and mycology, she coordinates a student-run food garden at the 98-acre SAI Farm — a project that has led to collaborations with local agencies while establishing the land as a site for hands-on learning. Meiss also advises the Cal U Horticulture Club and teaches a short-term study abroad course that takes students to biological field stations in several ecosystems and introduces them to the Costa Rican model for conservation and sustainable living.

DR. CLARISSA W. CONFER,

an associate professor in the Department of History and Political Science, is the 2015 recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Merit Award for Excellence in Research. Director of the LaDonna Harris Native American Studies Institute, she conducts research in many areas of Civil War, American Indian and U.S. social history. Confer is the author of The Cherokee Nation in the Civil War and Daily Life in Pre-Columbian Native America, and coeditor of Transnational Indians of the North American West. She also advises the Civil War Roundtable, which meets monthly on campus to hear speakers discuss various aspects of Civil War history.

FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AWARDS Recipients of the FPDC Merit Awards are chosen by faculty committees, recognized at Commencement and honored at a luncheon each spring. Each recipient receives a monetary award that can be used for professional activities such as travel, equipment, publications or professional memberships. The funds are intended to enhance the recipients’ expertise in order to provide a high-quality education for Cal U students.

DR. LISA KOVALCHICK, a professor in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems, received the FPDC Grants and Contracts Merit Award. She has been successful in seeking funds to support her research and service activities, which often focus on increasing the number of females in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. One grant-supported initiative is the PA STEM Girls Collaborative Project, which promotes STEM careers to girls and uses research-based strategies to increase their interest and participation in STEM-related activities. Kovalchick has obtained grants that benefit both the University and the surrounding area by supporting communitybased workshops and a website that provides information on STEM-related programs for girls throughout Pennsylvania.

an associate professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, received the FPDC Service and ServiceLearning Merit Award. A researcher who travels regularly to the island nation of Madagascar, Arrigo-Nelson studies the effects of habitat disturbance on forest regeneration and primate behavior and ecology, as well as the integration of rain forest conservation with local development programs. Since 2001 she has conducted a long-term study of the effects of habitat disturbance and invasive species on the small-mammal community within Madagascar’s Ranomafana National Park. Through the Madagascar Field School Program, Arrigo-Nelson’s students participate in her ongoing research project and work with park authorities and Madagascar residents on land-use issues.

DR. KATHERINE MITCHEM is a professor

DR. LOUISE NICHOLSON, an assistant

in the Department of Special Education, the inaugural recipient of the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust Endowed Chair in Education, and the 2015 recipient of the FPDC Technology Merit Award. For more than a decade she has worked to develop educational software and other technologybased tools to help teachers work more effectively with students who have special needs, including autism spectrum disorders and multi-categorical disabilities. Throughout her career Mitchem has published extensively on evidence-based teaching with technology. In addition, she has secured federal grants for research, as well as grants to improve access to educational technology for Cal U students in the College of Education and Human Services.

Dr. Lisa Kovalchick

DR. SUMMER ARRIGO-NELSON,

professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, received this year’s FPDC Teaching and Learning Merit Award. She employs an innovative blend of traditional and digital instructional practices, and her studentcentered approach to teaching genetics and contemporary issues in biological science has profoundly influenced her students. Numerous testimonials from current and former students praise the clarity of her teaching philosophy and her ability to combine rigorous course requirements with unwavering support for learners in her classroom. Specifically, Nicholson was recognized for effectively preparing her students for graduate school, medical school, teaching assignments and the professional workplace.

Dr. Katherine Mitchem

Dr. Summer Arrigo-Nelson

Dr. Louise Nicholson

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CAMPUS C L I P S

ROTC cadet Joshua Wolfe takes his oath.

First salutes for 2nd lieutenants Two ROTC cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. military at a ceremony May 7 in Steele Hall. Cadets Joseph Haas and Joshua Wolfe received the gold bars signifying their new rank at the Department of Military Science’s Reserve Officer Training Corps commissioning ceremony. Both cadets graduated just two days later. Haas, who earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology, received a National Guard commission into the Field Artillery Corps. He was scheduled to attend officer basic training in Fort Sill, Okla. Wolfe earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He received an active duty commission into the Infantry branch of the U.S. Army and was scheduled for officer basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. Guest speaker at the commissioning ceremony was Capt. Joseph M. Ladisic, a 14-year veteran of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He holds dual assignments as the Southwest Regional Officer strength manager for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and the commander of Bravo Company 1st Battalion 110th Infantry, based in Waynesburg, Pa.

“Expect change and be ready for it.” The longtime co-host and producer of Lite Rock 92.8 FM’s “Gary & Beth in the Morning” show spoke from experience. After 26 years in radio, she shifted gears to begin a new career in professional services marketing and practice development. “There are things you can do … to help you prepare for change — or even be the change-maker,” she told the 400 undergraduate and graduate students being recognized as Presidential Scholars. In addition to meeting other requirements, undergraduate Presidential Scholars must maintain a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher, and graduate students must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Family members and friends are invited to the special Convocation where the scholars are recognized each spring. Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones also had words of advice for the students: “Welcome the roadblocks and setbacks, as well as the satisfying moments of success. Experience them all, good and bad, and you will grow in maturity, judgment and wisdom.”

Where politics meets social media Social media won’t singlehandedly win an election for a political candidate, but it can significantly enhance or diminish a campaign’s effectiveness. “It’s important in what we do to win campaigns, but the notion of a candidate winning an election because of social media is really not correct,” says Mark Weaver, a nationally acclaimed campaign and communications consultant. Weaver discussed the role of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social networking tools in today’s political arena at an American Democracy Project event this spring. The campus ADP chapter hosts several programs each year as part of a multi-campus initiative focused on higher education’s role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens. Weaver is a communications adviser with decades of experience in political and

‘Expect change,’ scholars are told The speaker at the 2015 Honors Convocation didn’t sugarcoat her message to the University’s top scholars. “If you think the plan you have lined up in front of you is going to work out exactly … that’s very unlikely,” said Beth Bershok ’84.

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SEEK has fun with ‘Sand & Sea’ Murphy Sofranko makes a strategic decision during the ‘Dive into Chess’ class at SEEK, Cal U’s annual Summer Educational Enrichment for Kids. The program again offered two weeklong sessions for children entering grades 1-8. This year’s menu of ‘Sand & Sea’ classes included offerings such as Physics Tricks, SEEK Shark Week and CSI: California, along with lighter fare such as Best Dances for the Beach Party.

issue campaigns. Founder of the Ohiobased firm Communications Counsel, he also has worked extensively with public and private sector clients on crisis communications and media relations. Speaking to students, employees and community members as Pennsylvania’s primary elections neared, Weaver discussed some of the most popular social media platforms used in politics. He reminded students that everything on popular platforms such as Facebook is saved and can be used, even if it remains unpublished. “Remember the terms and conditions you didn’t bother to read? Well, they own everything — and you agreed to it.”

Summer of STEAM at Southpointe School-age children spent time exploring, creating and innovating this summer at the Cal U Center for Innovation at Southpointe, in Canonsburg, Pa. The center’s Summer of STEAM programs took a hands-on approach to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, with classes ranging from historical architecture to 3-D printing, robotics, entrepreneurial skills and theater arts. Weekly “Innovator Wednesday” classes engaged students in design-based learning. Children in grades 3-5 and 6-8 developed problem-solving skills as they worked collaboratively to explore topics such as space flight, “traffic troubles” and digital photography. “Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs,” hosted by Arts Inc., offered certification to students in grades 3-8 who completed the intensive 12-class youth entrepreneurship course. Each student created a logo, website, press kit and branding materials for a business based on his or her passion.

Swordplay Cal U student Sarah Piecknick (right) wields a buckler against her opponent during the spring 2015 Queen’s Rapier Championship, held in Hamer Hall. In all, 55 competitors took the floor in the competition hosted jointly by the University’s Fencing and Medieval clubs. The fencers represented Æthelmearc, a ‘kingdom’ in the Society of Creative Anachronism, a nonprofit educational society dedicated to the recreation of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The young entrepreneurs wrote company biographies, resumes and business plans, developed marketing and sales strategies, filmed testimonials, and practiced networking to promote their businesses and build entrepreneurial skills. “Theater Arts,” hosted by Brian Lane, took an insider’s look at the performing arts. Students in grades 7-12 studied acting basics; tried their hand at writing for stage, film and television; and created a digital “short” to be posted online. Art camps and a Girls of Steel summer robotics camp, sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University, rounded out the Summer of STEAM agenda. Based at the Southpointe business complex, the Cal U Center for Innovation is a hub for lifelong learning, a link between the University’s resources and the wider community, and a home for creative thinking and innovative ideas. To learn more about the center’s activities, including the popular Family Play Lab series, visit www.calu.edu/innovation.

Nicole Shover, a graphic design major with a minor in women’s studies; and Will E. Studer, who studied geology and environmental science. Each received a certificate and lavender cords to be worn at Commencement as a sign of community pride. Organized at Cal U by Lambda Bridges and the LGBTQA Program Office, Lavender Graduation recognizes the academic and personal achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally students. Sheleta Webb ’89, director of University LGBTQA Initiatives in the Cal U Lambda Bridges Program Office, called the celebration “an important part of our University community.” In Shover’s words, “It’s important for youth to know they aren’t alone … so everyone can find their comfortable place.”

Lambda Bridges hosts Lavender Graduation The University recognized four soonto-be graduates at its second annual Lavender Graduation. The ceremony honored Erin Reilly, who studied anthropology; Kyle Malinosky, a graphic design major with a theater minor;

At Lavender Graduation (from left): Lambda Bridges director Sheleta Webb '89, Will E. Studer, Nicole Shover and Kyle J. Malinosky.

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CAMPUS C L I P S Dr. John Massella, a faculty member and clinician at the Cal U Counseling Center, opened the conference by discussing problem gambling and its connection to other addictions. Faculty members Dr. Emily Sweitzer and Reuben Brock, and staff member Robert Mehalik, led discussions of gambling prevention, cultural differences in gambling behaviors, and the connection between gambling and crime. Conference coordinator was Cal U staff member Donna George, who now is serving as the alcohol and other drugs coordinator for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.

Walking the walk Nearly 150 men, many wearing high-heeled shoes, parade across campus as part of the sixth annual ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ awareness program. ‘By walking in this event, you are showing you honor and value the women of Cal U and women everywhere,’ says Stephanie Gerber, a graduate assistant at the End Violence Center on campus. The march was sponsored by the center to raise awareness about sexual violence and men’s role in preventing it.

Forensic scientist cites ‘lessons learned’ Renowned forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee discussed “Lessons Learned from High-Profile Cases” when he addressed students, staff and community members at the Convocation Center. Over the past 40 years, Lee has investigated more than 8,000 criminal, civil and historical cases in 46 countries. He is best known for his work on such well-publicized cases as those involving O.J. Simpson, Jon Benet Ramsey, Vincent Foster, Elizabeth Smart and Laci Peterson. Lee’s talk touched on the John F. Kennedy assassination and the recent trial of Miguel Torres, who at one time was listed among the FBI’s most-wanted fugitives. Torres, who fled first to the Dominican Republic and then to Italy, was convicted last winter for his wife’s 2005 murder in Berks County, Pa. “Cases involving a police shooting are the most difficult,” Lee said while commenting on last year’s shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. “You are put in a no-win situation where either the community will hate you or the police will question what side you’re on.

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In earlier days law enforcement and the community worked together, but now they are separate. It’s not an easy job.” Lee is chief emeritus of the Connecticut State Police and founder of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven, in Connecticut. His talk was co-sponsored by the Cal U’s Criminal Justice and Forensic Science clubs.

With casinos nearby, conference looks at gaming With support from the Washington County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Cal U presented its second annual conference on problem gambling. This year’s conference focused not only on issues surrounding gambling addiction, but also on the economic impact of legalized gaming in western Pennsylvania. Since casino-based gaming was made legal in 2004, four casinos have sprung up within a 40-mile radius of the Cal U campus, notes Dr. Susan Ryan, program coordinator for the Geography: Tourism Studies concentration in the Department of Earth Sciences. “We have a responsibility to reflect what surrounds our institution,” explains Ryan, who teaches a Casinos and Gaming Entertainment course as part of the accredited program.

Homeland security program now 100 percent online Cal U expands its lineup of online degree programs with the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: Homeland and International Security. The comprehensive program addresses criminal justice, law, forensic science, criminology, cybercrimes, counterterrorism, and homeland and international security. Faculty members include a retired military police officer with experience in law enforcement and special operations, a former United Nations war crimes investigator, and experts in computer forensics and international terrorism, among others. “Both the curriculum and the educational preparation of the faculty are unrivaled,” says program coordinator Dr. Michael Hummel, chair of Cal U’s Department of Criminal Justice. Online classes start in the fall 2015 and spring 2016 semesters. Full-time students who enter with an associate degree or equivalent credits can complete the 60-credit program in just 16 months. In addition to the new 100% online program, Cal U offers a campus-based B.S. in Criminal Justice with a choice of five concentrations: general criminal justice, criminology, law and justice, homeland and international security, and forensic science. For more information, e-mail homelandsecurity@calu.edu or visit the Cal U website at www.calu.edu.

Chasing storms Meteorology students take a break from checking the weather in Rocky Mountain National Park, in Colorado. The group visited the park during the annual stormchase experience, an opportunity to study storm dynamics across the Great Plains. Participants included (from left) Cody Barnhart, Timothy ‘TJ’ Gunkel, Rachael Hough, Nick Winecoff, Kaitlyn Moffett, Aaron Haegele, John Troutman, Amy Burnett and Ethan Rudderow.

Events and amenities cater to commuters

Service members test their mettle

Nearly three out of four Cal U students are commuters — and the Office of Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services is waiting to meet them on campus. The office provides services for nontraditional and graduate students, as well as those who drive to Cal U each day. It also sponsors events such as Commuter Soup & More Days, a monthly lunch-andconversation program hosted with AVI, the University’s dining services provider. Under the direction of Sheleta Webb ’89, the office also provides discounted tickets to area attractions and invites guest speakers to discuss programs and services geared to commuter concerns, such as AAA Roadside Safety and Mid-Mon Valley Transit Authority options. Home base for commuters and nontraditional students is the Energy Zone, located on the first level of the Natali Student Center. The area is outfitted with lockers, a refrigeration unit with individual compartments, and a kitchenette with a microwave to reheat meals or snacks. Other campus buildings feature “commuter pods” with charging stations and amenities for non-residential students. For details, visit www.calu.edu/commuter.

Members of the active-duty military, reserve and National Guard competed this spring to earn the prestigious German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, one of the few foreign awards that U.S. military members may wear on their uniforms. To earn the badge, candidates must meet benchmarks in running, swimming and other physical activities; qualify on the pistol range; demonstrate first-aid skills; pass nuclear, biological and chemical hazards tests; and complete a 7.5-mile march carrying a 33-pound backpack. The rigorous testing was completed on campus except for the marksmanship

trials, which were held at the Westmoreland County Community College Public Safety Training Center in Smithton, Pa. Cal U’s Office of Veterans Affairs organized the testing, which had been held on campus twice before. This year 47 service members from eight states took part, and 33 earned the badge in bronze, silver or gold. Among the successful candidates was Sgt. Joseph Ptaszkiewicz ’13, a member of the Army National Guard. Five current Cal U students, including an ROTC cadet, also earned the badge.

Spec. Benjamin Miller, a Cal U student, nears the finish line of the 7.5-mile march.

Cybersecurity agreement Geraldine M. Jones, interim president of California University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. George F. ‘Jody’ Harpster, president of Shippensburg University, sign a letter of agreement regarding the schools’ cybersecurity programs. Under the agreement, Shippensburg will use three online courses within Cal U’s new Professional Science Master’s in Cybersecurity program to develop a cybersecurity concentration within Shippensburg’s existing Master of Science in Computer Science. The arrangement is intended to boost enrollment at Cal U while providing Shippensburg students with courses in biometrics, wireless networks and security, and risk management and assessment.

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Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

5:OO

PM Cocktail Reception and Student Showcase Convocation Center Lobby

6:OO PM Dinner

Convocation Center Concourse

7:3O PM

'Our Showcase of Stars' Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre

$500/person

Includes cocktails, dinner and show Call University Development, 724-938-5775

$10/person*

Includes show only (general admission) *Free for students with valid CalCard

Tickets available at the door, or call Steele Hall Box Office, 724-938-5943 Proceeds from The Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Showcase support scholarships for Cal U students. Phone 724-938-5775 to ask about our Best Seller, Classic and Collectible levels of giving.

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Greetings

FICE FROM THE OF LATIONS! OF ALUMNI RE

tend e welcome to at All Cal U alumni ar ion is events. Registrat these upcoming ow kn us sure to let required, so be or ils tend. For deta if you plan to at at t Staci Tedrow to RSVP, contac . du lu.e ca i@ alumn 724-938-4418 or al ion dit ad mation and For more infor or ni w.calu.edu/alum events, visit ww ! 18. See you soon call 724-938-44

enor ’08 Leslie Berdar Fle lations ni Re Director of Alum

SEPTEMBER

ALUMNI CALENDAR

9 10

13 14

15 16

17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 4

1 8

SEPT. 10 BALTIMORE ALUMNI GATHERING Alumni in the Baltimore area meet at the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel, 300 S. Charles Street, for an evening of networking and updates about the University. RSVP required.

SEPT. 15 CAL GALS LUNCHEON Retired female educators meet at noon in the Kara Alumni House for this semi-annual luncheon. RSVP required.

SEPT. 18-19 50TH CLASS REUNION WEEKEND Friday • Campus Tours Cal U Alumni Ambassadors lead walking tours from 1-3 p.m. Reminisce about walks in the Quad, revisit Old Main, admire the outdoor sculptures or enjoy the remarkable plantings in the University arboretum. Saturday • Class of 1965, 50th Class Reunion The Class of 1965 celebrates a milestone – 50 years since graduation! RSVP required; formal invitations will be sent for this special event. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • Vulcan Huddle Tailgate, Adamson Stadium Shuttle service from Kara Alumni House to the stadium begins at 10 a.m. 1 p.m. • Vulcans football, Adamson Stadium Watch the Cal U Vulcans take on the Shippensburg Raiders. 4 p.m. • Class of 1965 reception, Kara Alumni House This casual reception features appetizers and other light refreshments. 4:45 p.m. • 1965 Pioneer Reunion and Dinner, Kara Alumni House Enjoy a plated dinner followed by a program honoring the Class of 1965. Class members are admitted free; cost per guest is $30.

SEPT. 19 FAMILY DAY & JENNIER CARTER DAY CELEBRATION Cal U welcomes families to campus! As part of this annual event we remember Elizabeth 'Jennie' Carter, the school's first African-American graduate.

OCT. 1 NEW YORK CITY ALUMNI GATHERING Alumni in the New York City area gather at etcetera etcetera, 352 W 44th St., to network and hear news about their alma mater. RSVP required.

OCT. 23-24 HOMECOMING WEEKEND

Spring is in the air The annual spring football game at Adamson Stadium brought alumni (from left) Mike DeMichela ‘77, Chuck Greyhosky ‘72, Perry Kemp ‘92, Alan Natali ‘74, John Bartolotta ’81 and Dave Kotarksy ’92 back to Roadman Park.

Friday: President’s Showcase This second annual fundraiser supports student scholarships. Join us for the dinner and student showcase — and don’t miss “Our Showcase of Stars,” featuring talented students, alumni, faculty and staff. Tickets required. Saturday: Homecoming 8:30 a.m. 10 a.m.–noon 10 a.m. 11 a.m. Noon 1:30 p.m. 3 p.m.

Alumni Board of Directors meeting, Kara Alumni House Pre-parade activities for kids of all ages, throughout campus African American Alumni Society annual meeting, Carter Hall Picnic on the Patio, Kara Alumni House Homecoming parade Vulcan Huddle tailgate, Adamson Stadium Vulcan football, Cal U vs. Clarion

DEC. 3 MONROEVILLE AREA ALUMNI GATHERING Alumni in the Monroeville, Pa., area meet at DiNunzio’s Restaurant, 2644 Mosside Blvd., to reconnect with friends and former classmates. RSVP required.

VULCAN HUDDLE Say ‘cheesesteak’ Getting together at an alumni gathering in Philadelphia are (from left) Justin Kaplan ‘07 and his wife, Veronica; Angelica Wright; and Duke Nave ’02.

Visit the Vulcan Huddle tailgates before select home games during the 2015 Cal U football season:

SEPT. 12 CAL U vs BLOOMSBURG SEPT. 19 CAL U vs SHIPPENSBURG OCT. 24 CAL U vs CLARION

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ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T

Nan Gresko ’89, shot-clock operator for Vulcan basketball games.

ON THE CLOCK FOR 25 YEARS

n unusual path from the softball diamond to the basketball scorers’ table led Nan Gresko ’89 to a decadeslong involvement with Cal U’s athletics program. Gresko was a four-year starting second baseman for the Vulcan softball team before she served as a student assistant coach for the team’s’ first PSAC-West title team, in 1989. While completing her degree in business administration, Gresko also started helping former head softball coach Linda Kalafatis ’88 operate the basketball shot clock during women’s and men’s home games. Gresko took over sole responsibility for that duty a year later — and this season she completed her 25th year at the scorers’ table.

Honestly, I do it for the love of the game and our programs. And I have the best seat in the arena. Nan Gresko '89 CAL U BASKETBALL SHOT CLOCK OPERATOR

“Honestly, I do it for the love of the game and our programs. And I have the best seat in the arena,” says Gresko, a 19-year veteran of the retention department at communications giant Verizon. “You have to be impartial when you do that job, though. I don’t see any color uniform when I reset that clock.” Over the years Gresko has timed every basketball possession in nearly every home game, including eight NCAA regional tournaments and seven PSAC Final Four tourneys. She was on hand when Cal U women’s basketball won NCAA Division II National Championships in 2004 and 2015. Although the teams enjoyed the accolades from both media and fans, Gresko takes pride in remaining behind the scenes. “In my job you don’t want any attention,” she says. “You just want to keep doing it right. “No news is good news. You don’t want to be in the limelight when you run the shot clock.” Gresko, a 1988 all-conference selection, says Cal U has “the best (scorers’) table in the PSAC.” It includes 11-year veterans Don Woodward, a retired official who now operates the scoreboard, and Les Martini, the scorekeeper. “When the officials come to Cal U, they know we’re experienced. Things go smoothly and they usually don’t have any issues,” she says. “It’s all family, and (the athletics administration) has allowed me the pleasure of continuing. Hopefully, I’ve done a good job.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

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BUSY GIVING BACK

etired” doesn’t exactly describe Mike Smialek’s lifestyle these days. Smialek, 66, of Ross Township, Pa., was a computer architect for data storage company EMC Corp. until last year. Although he no longer collects a paycheck for his efforts, he stays extremely active, volunteering his skills and time with several organizations in the Pittsburgh area. This spring, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s board named him the 2014 Advocate of the Year for his work with homeless veterans at Veterans Place, in Pittsburgh. The library’s community outreach program helps former service members improve their computer literacy skills. “I’m a Vietnam-era veteran myself,” says Smialek, a 1975 graduate of Cal U. “Obviously one of the main things is to help with resumes and cover letters, or to show them how to use the Internet to apply for jobs. They’re very enthusiastic. And it creates instant camaraderie, because we are veterans.” He also has volunteered with Goodwill, Community Action Southwest, the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council and Junior Achievement. “I just did a class for Goodwill on the GED test. It requires students to have computer skills to take the examination.” Smialek puts his business administration degree from Cal U to work by teaching economics lessons to elementary and middle school students through Junior Achievement.

Mike Smialek '75, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Advocate of the Year.

“We teach them about making a budget, appropriate ways to use a credit or debit card, those types of skills. The goal is to encourage them to stay in school and do well, because people with an education tend to have higher-paying jobs.” At Vintage Senior Center in East Liberty, Pa., Smialek facilitates a course called Better Choices, Better Health, which encourages older adults with chronic diseases to find ways to improve their daily lives. “I definitely have an urge to give back, to help people,” he says. “Although you’re retired, you feel you have a lot to contribute.” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

AT WORK ON PRESQUE ISLE

here are dozens of things to do at Presque Isle State Park, in every season — visit “Kite Beach,” go ice fishing or crosscountry skiing, watch painted turtles at Graveyard Pond, hike, bike or go in-line skating. Each year, 4 million people visit the 3,200-acre park on the shores of Lake Erie, making it the most visited site in the Pennsylvania State Park system. Mathew Greene ’07 oversees it all. Greene is a graduate of Cal U’s accredited parks and recreation management program, in the Department of Earth Sciences. This is his first summer as manager at Presque Isle, which has been

Mathew Greene '07, manager of Presque Isle State Park.

designated a National Natural Landmark because of its unique geology as a peninsula formed by sands carried by Lake Erie currents. It’s also known as a favorite spot for migratory birds. Greene’s responsibilities include overall park operations, maintenance, public safety and environmental education. “Probably the biggest adjustment has been getting used to the total number of people who work here,” he says, noting that he manages well over 100 staff members in the peak summer season. Before taking the job at Presque Isle, Greene helped to finish the last third of a $35 million renovation project at Point State Park that included expanding the number of staff members on site. “As a non-traditional student, I would say the hardest thing for me at Cal U, the hardest class, was an urban land use and planning course with Dr. (Thomas) Mueller. “It was a difficult course, and I wondered when I would ever use it. And lo and behold, I get assigned to Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh, where a whole renaissance is going on tied directly to urban land use.” Greene says he’s always loved the outdoors. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he traded a career in telecommunications for work in Pennsylvania’s state parks. “We are so blessed with the parks system here. We are one of the handful of states that don’t charge a day-use fee. We pride ourselves on being the place where everyone can go and recreate.” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESENTS ANNUAL HONORS JOHN R. GREGG AWARD FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE

C.B. WILSON DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD

Dr. William Biddington

Dr. Thomas Mueller

Biddington has taught for 40 years in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies. He was responsible for developing two accredited programs: the undergraduate athletic training education program, in 1982, and the post-professional graduate athletic training education program, in 1992.

A faculty member in the Department of Earth Sciences since 1999, Mueller is an expert in geographic information systems. He is director of the on-campus Peter J. Daley Geotechnology Center, co-director of the PennsylvaniaView consortium, and an adviser for students in the Geography: GIS and Emergency Management concentration.

MICHAEL DUDA AWARD FOR ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

Michael Yurcich ’99

Reginald A. Long ’81

A starting quarterback for the Vulcans football team in the late 1990s, Yurcich is beginning his third season as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma State University, an NCAA Division I power. He coached previously at Shippensburg, Edinboro and Saint Francis (Ind.) universities.

Long is a partner in the law firm of Love and Long LLP, which has offices in Newark, N.J., and Philadelphia, Pa. He specializes in project and corporate finance, banking, loan restructuring and land use. Long also serves as an adjunct professor at the Rutgers School of Business and the Rutgers-Newark School of Law.

PAVLAK/SHUTSY SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD

W.S. JACKMAN AWARD OF DISTINCTION

Leonard Keller ’61

The Hon. James R. Brewster ’72

Keller is an honorary lifetime member of the Cal U Alumni Association’s Board of Directors and a generous University benefactor. He retired in 2013 after 45 years in educational publishing. He previously received the Cal U Medallion of Distinction.

Elected to the state Senate in 2010, Brewster represents Pennsylvania’s 45th Senatorial District. Among other assignments, he is chair of the Senate Law and Justice and Game and Fisheries committees. Brewster is a former council member and mayor of McKeesport, Pa.

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

MERITORIOUS AWARD

Ryan Devlin ’08

Armand Balsano ’74

Devlin teaches at Brockway (Pa.) Area High School, where he chairs the English department and has created a totally “paperless” classroom. He was the 2013 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year — the youngest person ever to receive the award — and one of four finalists for 2014 National Teacher of the Year. He taught this summer in Australia.

Balsano is a financial expert with nearly 35 years of experience in the health care industry. His consulting practice, Balsano Consulting LLC, specializes in business development, strategic planning and state regulatory review. He previously served as managing director in the Atlanta office of Navigant Consulting Inc.

The Cal U Alumni Association recognized these individuals with its 2015 Awards of Distinction at a ceremony June 5 in the Convocation Center. The association has presented these awards annually since 1967.

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The program is placing students at the highest-rated clubs in the country. I love where I’m at in my career, and I am very excited to be where I am.

SPORTS P R O F I L E

Joe Merlin '09 GOLF PROFESSIONAL

DRIVE

INTERNSHIPS

SUCCESS

PGA pro says ‘connections’ helped shape his career

oe Merlin ’09 was among the first graduates of Cal U’s professional golf management program, and he credits the program’s 16 months of required internships with launching his career. Since January Merlin has been the first-assistant golf professional at Wannamoisett Country Club, a privately owned facility in Rumford, R.I. Links Magazine ranks the club as one of "The 100 Most Prestigious Golf Clubs in the World," and both Golf Magazine and Golf Digest list its par-69 among the 50 best courses in the nation. “The (PGM) internships are where you learn where you want to be, what kind of pro you want to be and whether it’s even an industry you want to be in,” says Merlin, who became a Class A Professional Golfers’ Association member in March 2012. “You start to network and meet people. If it weren’t for the connections I made during my internships, I would not be where I am today. That’s for certain.” A walk-on who became a four-year letterman on the Cal U men’s golf team,

Merlin switched his major to PGM four days into his first semester. He interned at two clubs in Pennsylvania and one in Utah before being hired at Pittsburgh Field Club, one of his internship locations, while completing his degree. Merlin left Pittsburgh for a job as the assistant golf pro at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, N.J, where he worked for nearly two years before moving to Rhode Island. Ultimately, he aspires to become the head golf pro at a Top 100 private course and, someday, to indulge his love of teaching as a club’s director of instruction. “I have given lessons to NHL players, NFL players, movie stars and members of the top earners on the Forbes list,” he says. “But honestly, all of our members are equally important, and nobody receives different treatment. My legacy isn’t based on what I do; it’s what the people I work with do.” Justin Barroner, director of Cal U’s PGM program, describes Merlin as “a dedicated, passionate contributor” to the program and

to the golf industry as a whole. “He gives his time without the expectation of return,” Barroner says. “Joe’s desire to serve and his ability to make personal connections are truly propelling his career forward.” When he’s not giving lessons or working at the club, Merlin mentors current PGM students by reviewing their resumes and conducting mock interviews. Among the students he’s gotten to know well is Tim Mooney ’15, who interned this spring at Augusta National Golf Club and now works as an assistant golf pro at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. Merlin points proudly to the PGM program’s 100 percent job placement rate for graduates. “I owe a lot of my success to the dedication and time the people in Cal U’s PGM program gave me,” he says. “The program is placing students at the highest-rated clubs in the country. I love where I’m at in my career, and I am very excited to be where I am.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

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SPORTS R O U N D U P

Softball battles to national semifinals Cal U’s softball team refused to quit, battling through a series of must-win games to reach the NCAA Division II national semifinals. The Vulcans faced elimination 11 times during their postseason run, but the team pulled out 10 do-or-die victories before falling to Dixie State (Utah) at the National Championship tournament in Oklahoma. The team repeated as PSAC champions and won both the Atlantic Regional and Super Regional tournaments on the way to Oklahoma City, where wet weather played havoc with schedules and field assignments. Led by pitcher Alex Sagl and first baseman Lindsay Reicoff, both two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association AllAmericans, Cal U finished with a 43-13 overall record and a No. 4 ranking in the final NFCA Top 25 poll. Sagl ended her junior season with a 29-5 overall record and a 1.35 ERA, becoming the first player since 1998 to win more than 25 games. Reicoff, also a junior, batted .392 and hit 19 home runs, a team record.

Softball pitcher scores top marks

Haley Bashada, a pitcher on the Vulcans softball team, received the NCAA Elite 89 Award at the association’s National Championship tournament in Oklahoma City. The award honors the studentathlete with the top grade-point average competing in each of the NCAA's 89 team championship finals.

Sagl was named PSAC-West Pitcher of the Year for a third straight season. She and Reicoff were among the Vulcans’ six all-conference selections, and each earned first-team honors for the third time. Infielder Emily Price was named the PSAC-West Freshman of the Year. Head coach Rick Bertagnolli and assistant coach Meg Lehman were named the NFCA Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year.

Academic recognition is nothing new for Bashada, who received the PSAC Champion Scholar Award during the 2015 PSAC Tournament this spring. The conference’s award for the team tournament competitor with the highest GPA is modeled after the NCAA honor. Bashada is the 12th Cal U studentathlete to win the Champion Scholar Award. A rising senior with a perfect 4.00 GPA, she is majoring in both English and Spanish, with a concentration in secondary education.

Vulcans reach Top 20 in Directors’ Cup race

Haley Bashada

Cal U finished 20th in the final standings of the 2014-2015 Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. This was the seventh time in eight years that Cal U has finished in the top 20. More than 300 NCAA Division II schools compete for the award, which annually honors institutions that maintain a broadbased program in both men’s and women’s sports. The scoring system is based on the national finishes of seven men’s and seven women’s sports teams. Vulcan athletics finished second in

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the race for the Dixon Trophy, awarded annually since 1995 to the PSAC university with the most successful allaround athletics program. The winner is determined by calculating the average of every sport sponsored by each participating school. Women’s teams made an especially strong showing for Cal U, winning conference championships in golf, volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis. The men’s golf team was a conference runner-up. Cal U is one of just eight schools to have won this award, and one of five to claim the trophy more than once, in 2009 and 2014.

Track standouts run off with honors

Runner Alex Zanella ’15 has been selected a Capital One First-Team Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). She and former teammate Erin Kling ’13 are the only First-Team Academic AllAmericans in program history.

Zanella graduated in May with a degree in elementary education and a cumulative 3.89 grade-point average. She is enrolled in the Master of Education: Reading Specialist program at Cal U. Before closing her senior season, Zanella was named the Most Outstanding Athlete at the 2015 PSAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships after repeating as conference champion in the 1,500-meter run and winning the 800-meter event. Alex Zanella

Golf teams finish strong

The men’s golf team ended its season in 11th place at the NCAA Division II Atlantic/East Super Regional. Players Jordan Eck (tied for 14th) and Kirby Manown (tied for 31st) were Cal U’s top individual finishers On the women’s team, sophomore Carla Maestre qualified for the NCAA Super Region One Championship as an individual and finished in a tie for 17th. She missed qualifying for the NCAA National Championships by just eight strokes.

Shortstop named Academic All-American

Cal U’s 4x100-meter women’s relay team — rising sophomore Gabby Irving and May graduates Danae Burgwin, Bria Jay and Monique Sims — also took first place at the conference championships. On the men’s side, Savon Salter qualified for the NCAA Division II National Track and Field Championships, where he placed 17th in the preliminary rounds. The rising junior also chalked up a secondplace finish and a school record (52.14) at the PSAC Championships, where he competed in the 400-meter hurdles. Rising sophomore Julius Rivera won the 100-meter dash at the conference championships. Also earning gold was the 4x100-meter relay team of Rivera, Joe Vedilago, Francis Jajus and Corey Allen.

Matt Peters ’15, a shortstop on the Vulcan baseball team, became the second player in program history to be named a Capital One First Team Academic All-American. One of six Vulcan players to earn allPSAC honors this season, he finished ninth in NCAA Division II, with a .446 batting average, before graduating in May. Peters is a liberal studies major with a 3.60 cumulative grade-point average. He ended the season with a school-record 224 career hits. Junior outfielder Mick Fennell received American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Third-Team All-American honors after batting .422 and hitting 20 career triples. The baseball team advanced to the PSAC playoffs for the 14th time in the past 19 years.

Carla Maestre

Fall season opens for Vulcans fans

Vulcans fans are encouraged to fill the bleachers as the fall sports season gets under way. The 2015-2016 athletics season begins Sept. 3, when the women’s soccer team hosts Shippensburg and the men’s team hosts West Virginia Wesleyan. In volleyball, the defending PSAC champs host an invitational Sept. 11-12. Vulcan football plays its home opener Sept. 12 against PSAC-East rival Bloomsburg. For team schedules, scores and sports news, visit calvulcans.com. By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

Women’s tennis in post-season play

After winning a ninth consecutive PSAC championship, the women’s tennis team extended its season by advancing to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the 11th year in a row. The Vulcans reached the third round of the tournament and finished with a 15-4 overall record. Players Ramona Czakon and Kiefer Shaw, who each won 14 singles matches, were first-team all-conference selections. Head coach Pablo Montana earned PSAC-West Coach of the Year honors for the ninth time.

Matt Peters

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Sports clubs shine on national stage Cheer team wins NCA championship Competitors at the National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate National Championship may have started out asking, “Cal who?” But the University’s competitive cheer team answered with a rousing “Cal U!” as they brought home the national title. The 19-member squad topped 22 opposing teams to win the Cheer Intermediate All-Girl II division. The Vulcans were the only team in their division to finish the competition without deductions in both the preliminary round — where half the teams are eliminated — and the final competition. Cal U outscored runner-up Alma (Mich.) College and the University of Central Oklahoma in the final standings. Sophomore Maura O’Brien is the Cheer Club president, and head coach Justin Wentzel recognized senior Kiara Swint as a team leader. Cal U’s national championship comes one year after the team placed sixth at the 2014 NCA event, the team’s first participation since 1992.

Archers target indoor titles Four members of the Archery Club took aim at national titles — and one hit the bull’s-eye. Just two months before he graduated, Justin Bradley ’15 (at right) won his second U.S. Collegiate Archery Association Indoor National Championship, in the men’s compound bow event. Braidy Schmidt finished in 12th place with his compound bow, and Brody Hoshour placed 39th in the men’s bow hunter competition. Both will be juniors at Cal U this year. Rising senior Kannsas Michaels finished in sixth place in the women’s compound bow competition. In April, Bradley won the men’s compound bow event at the USCA West Region Outdoor Intercollegiate Archery Championships to qualify for the World University Games in Korea. Both Bradley and Michaels were recognized as USCA All-Americans. Michaels also was named a USCA Academic All-American.

Hockey teams claim All-Americans The CHE men’s I hockey team (25-4-1) won its eighth College Hockey East championship and competed in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division III National Tournament. Senior forward Dan Bailey and junior defensemen Brad Mitchell were named second-team ACHA III All-Americans. The women’s hockey team advanced to the ACHA Division II Nationals for a fourth consecutive year after repeating as the College Hockey East Women’s Division champion. Junior forward Kelsey Denardo was a first-team ACHA II All-American selection for a second consecutive season. By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

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Students scrub outdoor toys at The Village Early Childhood Education Center.

Breanna Lincoski, a member of the equestrian team, cleans inside the United Methodist Church in California, Pa.

MAKING THINGS BETTER, ONE

AT A TIME Members of the Vulcans football squad wash windows at The Village Early Childhood Education Center.

THEY SCRUBBED. THEY RAKED. THEY PAINTED. Nearly 400 volunteers worked at 44 community locations as part of The Big Event 2015. Cal U’s annual student-led service project is part of a national effort that encourages college students to give back to the communities that support their schools. Cal U Student Government and the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning have been teaming up since 2007 to make a difference for the University’s neighbors and local organizations. Here’s a look at some of this year’s Big Event service activities.

Damon Mason shovels mulch as Robby Boscan waits to empty the bucket at a private residence. Both students are members of Theta Xi fraternity.

Addison Seman, a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, cleans windows at the United Methodist Church.

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IMPACTFUL BY ANY MEASURE

A study released by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education shows the economic impact of all 14 State System universities, including California University of Pennsylvania. Here are just a few measures of Cal U’s contributions to the Commonwealth

$233,781,165 $107,195,133 Direct Economic Impact

Indirect & Induced Economic Impact

$340,976,298 TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

4,692

23,000

$5.73

created STATEWIDE

volunteerED BY CAL U STUDENTS

INCOME AND SALES TaXES GENERATED

jobs

HOURS

MILLION

To read The State System's Economic and Employment Impact on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in its entirety, or to see a graphic showing the State System’s total economic and employment impact on the Commonwealth, visit www.passhe.edu. *The study used a variety of data sources to calculate the spending of each university and its employees, students and visitors. Direct economic impact includes institutional spending and employment benefits, faculty, staff and student spending, and capital expenditures. Researchers calculated employment impact and indirect/induced economic impact using standard multipliers obtained through the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Industrial Multiplier Systems. Total economic impact includes direct, indirect and induced spending. State tax revenue includes payroll tax withholding; local earned income, local services and unemployment tax; and sales tax revenue. Volunteer hours are based on 2013 totals.

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CAL U M I L E S T O N E S 40s Ruth Webster Gee ’46 is a retired teacher. She and Gail Parker Gee ’47 live in Pentewater, Mich.

50s Matha Forsyth McDeavitt ’51, of Fernandina, Fla., is retired. She studied social studies and geography at Cal U. Frostburg State University recently named a new academic building for Dr. Catherine R. Gira ’53. The Catherine R. Gira Center for Communications and Information Technology honors her 15 years of service as former president of the university (1991-2006).

60s Ron Hughes ’65 retired from his post as college scouting coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had been with the Steelers since 2001, after a career with the Detroit Lions that included serving as vice president of player personnel.

Cassandra Vivian ’63, ’73 is president of the board of the Mount Pleasant (Pa.) Glass Museum and runs the facility. She has two new books: Americans in Egypt: 1770-1915 and Hidden History of the Laurel Highlands. She also is a founder of the Greater Monessen Historical Society and the Monessen Heritage Museum. Betty Jenkins Ritzer ’74, a laboratory supervisor at Monongahela Valley Hospital, lives in Charleroi, Pa. Rodney Drawbaugh ’74 was a candidate for the school board of West York (Pa.) Area School District. Rodney, who studied biology at Cal U, is retired from WellSpan Health. Deborah A. Shanley ’74 is a full professor at Brooklyn College, part of the City University of New York. She and Ben Benzara live in New York City. Alexander Kish Jr. ’76 is an educator/ administrator for the Department of Education. He studied elementary and special education at Cal U and lives in York, Pa.

STAY CONNECTED! We want to keep in touch with our proud alumni, whether you graduated from California State Teachers College, California State College or California University. So visit our website at www.calu.edu/alumni and fill us in on what you’ve done since graduation. Or e-mail your update to alumni@calu.edu. Having your current contact information helps us to let you know about campus happenings and special events in your area. Please let us hear from you soon!

Carol Phillips Kearns ’65 and her husband, Harry Schuh, recently marked the 100th episode of their public access TV show, “Lion Around Connecticut with Carol and Harry.” The show focuses on Lions Club conventions, service projects, fundraisers, concerts and other activities.

Ronald Heavner ’76 earned his Level I Alpine Ski Instructor certification from the Professional Ski Instructors of America. Ronald retired as a national air quality specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in June 2011 after 25 years of federal employment and 10 years of employment with environmental consulting and research firms.

Larry Brown ’66 was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Baldwin (Pa.) Borough Council. An education major at Cal U, he retired as supervisor of special education at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

Peter Duklis Jr. ’79 works for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. At Cal U he majored in environmental science, played football and was in ROTC. Peter and Canova Duklis live in Springfield, Va.

Shauna Soom ’87 is the executive director of Touchstone Center for the Arts and Crafts, in Farmington, Pa. A residential crafts school, Touchstone offers workshops in disciplines such as blacksmithing, textiles, ceramics, painting, photography and sculpture.

80s

90s

Art Dobie ’80 is Northeast technical sales representative for IKONICS Corp., a Duluthbased technology company. He studied graphic communications technology at Cal U.

Gary Zimmerman ’93 has been the athletic trainer at Saratoga Springs (Fla.) High School for almost 20 years. He also works full time at Saratoga Physical Therapy Associates.

Angela Zimmerlink ’82 was the highest votegetter in the Republican primary and will be seeking a fifth term on the Fayette County, Pa., board of commissioners. Angela, who studied political science at Cal U, is chair of the Fayette County Marcellus Shale Task Force.

John Preston Jr. ’93 is self-employed in investment research and development. He studied applied computer science at Cal U. He and Holly Preston live in Clementon, N.J.

Alexander Holub ’69, of Los Angeles, Calif., is a retired associate professor of psychology. At Cal U he was a member of Phi Kappa Theta and the Intrafraternity Council. Alan Veliky ’69 was a candidate for mayor of Monongahela, Pa. He is retired from the Ringgold School District, where he was a teacher and principal. He also was a member of the Monongahela City Council.

70s Gary Swenson ’72 is retired. He studied secondary education at Cal U, where he played intramural sports and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma. He and Joanne Swenson ’72, who was a member of Sigma Kappa, live in Ocean View, N.J.

Dr. Scott Tracy ’84 is retired from Waynesburg (Pa.) University as director of graduate counseling programs. He studied counseling and science education at Cal U.

Dave Provan ’73 owns Provan Enterprises, of Bellefonte, Pa., a maker of collegiate products.

Robert Schiffert ’84, of Allentown, Pa., is a manager for Hilton. He studied biology at Cal U.

Charles Ross ’73 is a retired teacher and coach who formerly worked in the Fox Chapel (Pa.) Area School District. He majored in elementary education at Cal U, where his activities included men’s basketball, track and field, and student congress. Charles and Darlene Ross live in Allison Park, Pa.

William Gardner ’87 has been selected by the Penn State Fayette Advisory Board as its 2015 Outstanding Fellow. The award recognizes his service to the Fayette County, Pa., campus and to the community. William has been a member of the business faculty at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, since 2000.

Robert Mostoller ’94, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is self-employed. He studied radio and TV communications at Cal U. Kevin Rice ’94 was named the March 2015 Dignity and Respect Champion by the New Pittsburgh Courier. The award is given to those who are engaged in their communities and promote an environment of inclusion. Kevin is executive director of the Steel Center for Career and Technical Education in Jefferson Hills, Pa. Mindy Moody ’94 was a candidate for the McKeesport (Pa.) Area School Board. A curriculum specialist with Pittsburgh Public Schools, Mindy studied elementary and special education at Cal U.

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CAL U M I L E S T O N E S Dr. Christian Conte ’00, who earned a master’s degree in community counseling at Cal U, is starring in the reality show “Coaching Bad,” on Spike TV. On the show, Christian runs an anger management program for nine sports coaches with anger issues. Hannah VanHorn Garcia ’02 works for Academic Analytics. She studied political science at Cal U. Hannah and Dominic Garcia live in Denton, Texas. Leroy Simms ’03 is the head volleyball coach at Peters Township (Pa.) High School. He earned a master’s degree in political science from Cal U.

Brian Johnson ’94, ’96, a faculty member at Bloomsburg University, recently received two awards. In March, the Pennsylvania Association of Developmental Educators named him its Outstanding Alumnus of a Developmental Education Program. At its 25th anniversary conference in April, the Tri-State Consortium of Opportunity Programs presented him with its Outstanding Alumni for Achievement and Leadership Award.

Julianne Gaster ’04 received the St. Vincent Great Teacher Award, an annual award whose winners are selected by freshmen at St. Vincent College, near Latrobe, Pa. Julianne, a teacher in the Laurel Highlands School District, studied secondary education at Cal U. Her school district serves students in North Union and South Union townships, Pa. Brian Lawler ’04 co-owns Asheville Physical Therapy in Asheville, N.C. He earned a master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from Cal U.

William Bates ’98 is the 2015 Fairfax County (Va.) Public Schools Principal of the Year. He is principal of Herndon High School.

Melissa Babalonis ’04 studied geography and business at Cal U. She and Andrew Barlow live in Bethlehem, Pa.

00s

Robert Selders Jr. ’04 is a member of the Garland (Texas) Independent School District Board of Trustees. He earned his master’s degree in exercise science from Cal U.

Benjamin Hayer ’00 is manager of the recovery department for SRP Federal Credit Union. He studied business administration at Cal U and lives in North Augusta, S.C.

Laura Grimm ’04 is the athletic director at Ringgold High School in Washington County, Pa. She studied sport management at Cal U.

Dr. Richard Vrable ’04 is a retired educator. He lives in Strongsville, Ohio. David Lieberman ’05 is the principal of North Hills Middle School in the North Hills School District, which serves Ross Township and West View Borough, Pa. William C. Boyer ’05 in 2014 became the clinical assistant dean for clinical education and a clinical assistant professor for clinical education at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In 2015 he became a clinical assistant professor at Florida International University College of Medicine. Brad Watkins ’06 is the athletic director at Northwest High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has served as assistant principal of the Hamilton Freshman School and also as an intervention specialist in the Hamilton (Ohio) City School District. He studied special education at Cal U. Jennifer Doty Frantz ’06 is a therapy program manager and physical therapist assistant at Encore Rehabilitation. She majored in sport management at Cal U, where she also played softball. She and Justin Frantz live in Denton, Md. Mindi D’Auria Fisher ’07, of Langhorne, Pa., is an athletic trainer at Chestnut Hill College. Christopher Coats ’07, who studied gerontology at Cal U, lives in Irving, Texas. Dr. Jeffrey Puhala ’07 is a music educator in the Mount Union (Pa.) Area School District. He earned his master’s degree in education, administrative program for principals, from Cal U. Jeffrey and Sonja Puhala live in Bellefonte, Pa.

Women of the Year At the second annual Celebration of Women dinner, the President’s Commission for the Status of Women honored its fall and spring Women of the Year. At top left, Amber Preston ’14 (left), who earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, and Melissa Sivaram ’14, who completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology, were the fall 2014 honorees. Before they graduated in December, the pair worked with the Activist Club, the Women’s Center and the women’s studies program. At bottom left, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80 joins spring honorees (from left) Shylyn Price ’15, who helped to establish the Cal U Women United mentoring group before she graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in social science; staff recipient Pearl Mitchell, administrative assistant in the Childhood Education Department and a board member for Cal U Women United; and faculty recipient Dr. Vanessa McKinnon, assistant chair in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies and internship coordinator for the professional golf management program. Much of McKinnon’s research has focused on promoting women’s participation in sports.

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On the links Golfers (from left) Jamie Speakman, Donald Speakman, Dennis Dunn and Teri Dunn ’80 were among 106 Cal U alumni and University friends who teed off June 22 at Cal U’s 34th annual golf outing, held at Southpointe Golf Club in Canonsburg, Pa. Proceeds from the fundraiser support scholarships for student-athletes.

Sean Voithofer ’08 works as a sales specialist for Denver, Colo.-based Implementix. He studied business administration at Cal U. Meghan Timpf ’08 is an assistant softball coach at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and a member of the host team at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games. Meghan was a member of the softball team at Cal U. Louis Zadecky ’08 is the director of athletics at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. He earned his master’s degree in sports administration and management from Cal U. Adele Guthridge Jonaitis ’08, an acquisition analyst for the Department of Defense, works at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. At Cal U she majored in liberal studies, with minors in marketing and psychology. Adele and Justin Jonaitis live in Manassas, Va. Sari Cattoni ’08 is a member of the sales team for SwimEx Inc., a manufacturer of therapy and fitness pools and plunge tanks. She studied athletic training at Cal U and Clarion University. Andrea Devecka ’03, ’08, of Clarksville, Pa., is a sixth-grade teacher in the Jefferson Morgan School District in Greene County, Pa. At Cal U she was involved in cheerleading and Alpha Sigma Alpha. Carl Yanek ’09 is the head wrestling coach at Penn State University’s campus in Beaver, Pa.

10s Robert Selders Jr. ’10 is a member of the Garland (Texas) Independent School District Board of Trustees. He owns a fitness business. Cheryl Talbot Mahnke ’10 is a central scheduler for Holy Rosary Healthcare. An education major at Cal U, she and Kevin Mahnke live in Miles City, Mont. William Zinn ’10 and his family are restoring the John P. Conn House in Uniontown, Pa. The building is listed on the Department of the Interior’s Register of Historic Places. Stephen Hermann ’10 was a catcher this year for the Ohio Valley baseball team in the Greater Pittsburgh Federation League. Steve Middleton ’10 is the owner of Assess, Treat and Condition in Carbondale, Ill. He has been a continuing-education provider for more than five years. Steve recently received a promotion to instructor for RockTape Inc. He is teaching Fascial Movement Taping Levels I & II, as well as Performance Movement Techniques. Ken Wehr ’11 has joined engineering firm Barry Isett and Associates in Allentown, Pa. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering technology from Cal U.

The late Ron Forsythe ’61, an emeritus professor of English, has been inducted into the Mid-Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame. After a standout scholastic career at Brownsville (Pa.) High School, he went on to play professional baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. He finished his career with a 37-34 record and an earned run average of 4.26. Forsythe taught at Cal U for 35 years and retired in 2004. He died in 2006, at age 71. Record-setting Vulcan quarterback Sam Mannery ’92 and Dr. Donald “Doc” Franks ’59, an instructor in Cal U’s Department of Math, Computer Science and Information Systems, were inducted into the Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame. Mannery was Cal U’s starting quarterback from 1987-1990. He ended his intercollegiate playing career with 9,125 offensive yards, the second highest total in the history of NCAA Division II football at that time. Along with total offense, Mannery’s career passing yards (8,680), attempts (1,282) and completions (649) remain school records today, and his 64 touchdowns rank third. He is a member of Cal U’s second Athletic Hall of Fame class. Franks coached Albert Gallatin High School’s football team from 1966-1989, compiling a 178-50-11 cumulative record with four conference titles and five undefeated seasons. His 1974 squad won the WPIAL Class AA championship.

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CAL U M I L E S T O N E S

Technology educators honored Graduates of Cal U’s technology education program were recognized at the International Technology and Engineering Education Association’s 2015 annual conference in Milwaukee, Wis.

Sarah Mellick ’13, who earned her master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion, is opening a yoga and barre studio in Denver, Colo. Krista DiTommaso ’10, ’13 is a manager at Industrial Scientific. She earned her master’s degree in business administration and also majored in international studies at Cal U, where she was a cheerleader and member of the Foreign Language Club. She and Chase Loper ’10, ’12 live in Monaca, Pa.

Michael Grubbs and Jocelyn Long ’13 were inducted as ITEEA Twenty-first Century Leadership Fellows. Taylor Melidona ’15 received the Donald Maley Undergraduate Outstanding Student Citation at the conference’s Spirit of Excellence ceremony. The award recognizes leadership potential and excellence in undergraduate-level scholarship. To learn more about the organization, visit www.iteea.org.

Dan Dascani ’11 is a wetlands delineator and land surveyor for Jones Consultants, in Delmont, Pa. At Cal U he majored in environmental studies, with a concentration in fisheries and wildlife. Adam Laird ’11 provides consulting, copywriting and product marketing services for business and education clients in the United States and Asia. Adam graduated from Cal U’s professional golf management program and worked at a course in California before changing his career focus to specialize in Asia’s developing markets. As a Cal U student, he traveled extensively and completed an internship in Bhutan. Thomas Stanko ’13 is a teacher. He majored in secondary education at Cal U and lives in Greensburg, Pa.

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Chelsea Zanger ’15 lives in Gibsonia, Pa. She studied communication disorders at Cal U. Brittany Kusniar ’15 recently spoke about the value of scholarships at a scholarship recognition dinner hosted by the Community Foundation of Fayette County. Brittany was a four-year recipient of the Wolford Swimmer Memorial Scholarship. The foundation awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships this year. Josh DeAugustine ’15, a technology education major, was a laboratory assistant at Elizabeth Forward High School in Elizabeth, Pa.

Brett Kymer ’14 gave a “First Year Teacher” presentation to current technology education majors, sharing his insight on what it is like to be in charge of a class rather than a student. Michael Grubbs ’07, ’11 and Greg Strimel ’08, ’10 received the Donald Maley Spirit of Excellence Outstanding Graduate Student Citation, named for one of the profession's Distinguished Fellows and a founder of the Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators. The award recognizes excellence in graduate-level scholarship and leadership potential.

Carrie Ritterbusch Angelo ’08, ’15 is a community volunteer and stay-at-home mom. She was a liberal studies and legal studies student at Cal U. She and Rocco Angelo ’05, ’06 live in Pennsylvania.

ENGAGEMENTS Kayla Succop ’13 and Lance Tarleton are engaged. Kayla studied gerontology at Cal U and is a volunteer coordinator with Amedisys Hospice of Pennsylvania. Lance is a tax clerk with Jordan Tax Service Inc. They are planning a wedding in September 2015.

Michael L. Kelley Jr. ’10 recently published his first book, Practical Malware Prevention. He works as a computer technician for the Canon-McMillan School District, which serves students in Canonsburg, Cecil Township and North Strabane Township, Pa. Tyler Tyburski ’15, of Monessen, Pa., studied biology at Cal U, where he was in the Psychology Club, Psi Chi and the Peer Mentoring program. Theodore Mathis III ’15 lives in Canonsburg, Pa. He earned his master’s degree in criminal justice from Cal U.

Academic All-American Aaron Dinzeo ’15 is the first student-athlete in University history to be named the Capital One Academic All-American of the Year. Just a month after he graduated in May, Aaron also was voted a Capital One FirstTeam Academic All-American for the third consecutive year by CoSIDA, the College Sports Information Directors of America. Aaron is the first student-athlete in Cal U history to receive First-Team Academic AllAmerica status in each of the three years in which he was eligible for the award. He joins former swimmer Kelsey Nuhfer ’14 as the only three-time Academic All-Americans in school history.

Adam Gross ’09 and Bethany Popovich are engaged and they planned to marry this summer. Adam studied business administration at Cal U and is a signage planner for UPMC. Bethany is a title administrator. Francine Kubina ’13, ’15, of Fayette City, Pa., is engaged to Cody Inman of Perryopolis, Pa. Francine earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work at Cal U. She is working as a behavioral therapist. They are planning a wedding for April 2016.

Sisters Savannah Smith ’09 and Lisa Smith ’09 are marking significant milestones, seven weeks apart. Savannah and Erik Croushore were married July 11, 2015, with events in Greensburg and Belle Vernon, Pa. Savannah, who graduated with a degree in communication studies, is an event coordinator for Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Lisa, who studied environmental science and psychology, is an environmental scientist/risk assessor for the Mahfood Group. She is engaged to Gary Poppelreiter ’10, who studied computer science at Cal U and now works as a software applications developer for Dick’s Sporting Goods. They plan a September wedding in Pittsburgh, Pa. Alanna Trosky ’14 and Mitchell Fernandez ’14 are planning a May 2017 wedding. Alanna was a member of the dance team and studied communications and tourism. She works as a sales manager for Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh Washington Meadow Lands. Mitchell was a member of the hockey team at Cal U, where he earned a degree in sport management. He works as an assistant caddie program manager and an outside golf services assistant supervisor at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

BIRTHS

WEDDINGS Jennifer A. Holleran, '96, '97, '04 and Edmund T. Nusser Jr. planned to be married in August 2015. Jennifer is the assistant director of the Talent Search program at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa., and Edmund is a scientist in the toxicology laboratory at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office. They became engaged on January 10, 2015, at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History's Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems.

Scott Hilpert ’05 and Amber Hilpert welcomed their first child, Eliza May Hilpert, on May 12, 2015. Both Scott and Amber are employed by the Moon Area (Pa.) School District. Kevin Roadarmel ’95, ’96 and Dr. Jennifer Venditti welcomed their daughter, Sophia Beatrice, on July 29, 2014. While at Cal U, Kevin was a member of the soccer team and a graduate assistant coach. The family lives in Bloomsburg, Pa.

IN MEMORIAM Robert Ashworth ’52 Emil T. Beck ’70 Juliana Sosnar Bennett ’73 Dorothy Louise “Dottie” Bowers ’64 Mary Lou Irwin Bricker ’63 Edward Dwight Carpenter Jr. ’61 Doug Davis ’09 Dorothy Neal Dantzler ’75 Charles DelBene Jr. ’64 Chris A. Dugan ’92 Joseph W. Ferris ’61 Willis Edmund Franks ’54 Diana Lynn Stancato Gratta ’75 John V. Grilli ’70 Dr. Thomas Hodges “T” Coode,* emeritus professor of history John Joseph Hudak ’62 David Hughes ’68 Stephen J. Hajdu ’71 Donna Seman Jefferson ’64 R. Lee Jones ’60 Marlene Theresa Fornili Marotto ’68 Luana Maddox ’71 Jennie Melissas ’66 Donald Craig Mullins ’95, former assistant football coach Ann Caryl Murphy ’63 Gladys Nicholson ’73 Amy Friend Caldwell Nickelsen ’46 Melissa Ann Pilipovich ’04 Lance Rummell ’74 Karen Louise Rue,* retired administrative assistant Keith A. Saunders ’75 Martha J. Puskar Saenz ’78 Jodi N. Renner Sealy ’88 Carmine Paul Verno* George Zemo Jr. ’52, emeritus professor of history and social science *Class year not on file

Send your Milestones news or address changes by e-mail to alumni@calu.edu, by fax to 724-938-5932, or by mail to Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 89, California, PA 15419. Questions? Call 724-938-4418.

Information will be published as space and deadlines allow. Please indicate on another sheet what activities or sports you participated in while you were a student. We welcome high-resolution electronic photographs. Please e-mail images to revieweditor@calu.edu; put the words “Milestones photo” on the subject line of your e-mail, and be sure to tell us your name, year of graduation and the identity of everyone in the picture. Please do not send computer printouts or low-resolution digital photos, as they will not reproduce well in this magazine. Stay connected to the Cal U Alumni Association’s online community! Your personal ID number is on this magazine’s mailing label.

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SUMMER 2015 CAL U REVIEW 33 n

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The Annual Fund is the most effective way for alumni, parents and University friends to make a true impact on the student experience at Cal U. Annual Fund gifts provide the University with support for student scholarships, campus initiatives, and programming or academic needs. Your gift to the Annual Fund can be applied directly to a specific fund, or it can support the growth of an affinity scholarship for students involved in a specific fraternity, sorority, academic department or athletics program. Contributions to the Annual Fund can be made in any amount. Some donors make one-time gifts of $5, $10 or $25 each year. Others select a monthly recurring giving option that allows them to make affordable gifts, regularly and consistently, to the Cal U Annual Fund. You can mail your gift in the pre-addressed envelope found inside this magazine. Or visit www.calu.edu/giving and click on “Make your online gift today” to give online or set up a monthly recurring gift of $5 per month or more. Thank you for helping California University to continue providing the best possible experience for our students. To learn more about the Cal U Annual Fund or Affinity Giving, contact Randi Minerva at 724-938-4248 or minerva@calu.edu.

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OCTOBER 21, 2015 MARCH 16, 2016 JUNE 22, 2016 6 - 8 P.M. • KARA ALUMNI HOUSE SEE OUR PROGRAM OPTIONS ONLINE: Graduate programs: www.calu.edu/gradprograms Online programs: www.calu.edu/onlineprograms To RSVP, call Nikki Popielarcheck at 724-938-5490, e-mail popielarcheck@calu.edu or register online at www.calu.edu/grad

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Look out, world, here we come Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones celebrates graduation day with students as they march to the Convocation Center for the University's 180th Commencement. For a look at the May 2015 ceremonies, see page 10.

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