Cal U Review - Spring 2015 by California University of Pennsylvania

2015

SPRING

NEW DIRECTIONS University launches academic programs in high-demand fields PAGE 4

The California University of Pennsylvania Magazine

CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2015 • VOL. 43 - NO. 1 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

CHANCELLOR

Frank T. Brogan

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Guido M. Pichini, chairman Ronald G. Henry, vice chair; chair, Finance, Administration and Facilities David M. Maser, vice chair Sen. Richard Alloway II Rep. Matthew E. Baker Marie Conley, chair, Academic and Student Affairs Jane M. Earll Christopher H. Franklin

Todd Garett Chelsea E. Getsy Rep. Michael K. Hanna Jonathan B. Mack Joseph F. McGinn, chair, Audit Pedro A. Rivera, Secretary of Education Sen. Judy Schwank Robert S. Taylor Aaron A. Walton, chair, Human Resources Gov. Tom Wolf

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Where do California University graduates find jobs? The list of their employers reads like a Who’s Who of the region’s top corporations, industries, nonprofit groups, service agencies and schools. The annual Graduate Survey conducted by the Career and Professional Development Center finds recent Cal U graduates employed in fields from accounting to zoology, and earning paychecks in workplaces large and small. In fact, 99 percent of respondents to the latest Graduate Survey say they are either employed or continuing their studies in graduate or professional school. Although many Cal U alumni find work right here in western Pennsylvania, our graduates’ skills have taken them across the country, and even around the world. Why are they doing so well? A strong work ethic is essential, of course. But much of their success can be credited to Cal U’s academic programs. Our students graduate with a solid base of knowledge that’s been reinforced through practical, hands-on activities. And many faculty members work closely with employers to align learning with workplace needs. There’s another element of the Cal U experience that employers find attractive: leadership. According to the Job Outlook 2015 survey conducted by NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, leadership is the No. 1 skill that employers look for when hiring new workers. It’s a skill that every Cal U student has a chance to develop. The University’s interdisciplinary leadership studies minor draws electives from across the curriculum, so it can be combined with any major field of study. And with more than 100 clubs and organizations on campus, there are ample opportunities for students to practice being leaders. Other skills that employers value — effective writing, teamwork, problem solving and quantitative reasoning — are infused into every academic program and many extracurricular activities on campus. That’s no accident. We want every Cal U student to graduate fully equipped to launch and sustain a successful career. Does your workplace hire Cal U graduates? If not, then find out what you’ve been missing. Contact the Career and Professional Development Center and ask about ways to connect with job-ready Cal U graduates. You’ll be glad you did. With best wishes to all our Class of 2015 graduates, and to the employers who hire them,

Geraldine M. Jones, interim president Dr. Bruce Barnhart, acting provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance Craig Butzine, vice president for Marketing and University Relations 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 G. Miner Jr. ’78 Thomas Uram Aaron Walton ’68 Kembia Munsanje, student member 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, 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, graduate 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 Ryan Fisher, student Dr. Annette M. Kaleita ’55

Mitch Kozikowski Robert Lippencott ’66 Reginald A. Long ’81 Lawrence Maggi ’79 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 23 These sports sparkle: Cheer and dance competitions are among the special events that draw thousands to the Cal U Convocation Center.

INSIDE DEPARTMENTS CAMPUS CLIPS

FEATURES

12–15

ALUMNI NEWS

18–19

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

20–21

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

SPORTS ROUNDUP

24–25

PAYING IT FORWARD

SPORTS PROFILE

MILESTONES 28–33

Online programs earn U.S. News rankings Three of Cal U’s online degree programs are ranked among the nation’s top 100 by U.S. News and World Report. The publication ranks Cal U Global Online’s graduate education programs at No. 35, graduate nursing program at No. 54, and bachelor’s degree programs at No. 82. The undergraduate offerings also ranked No. 4 on the U.S. News Short List for Online Bachelor’s Programs With the Highest 6-Year Completion Rates. Explore Cal U Global Online programs at www.calu.edu/go.

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New Directions

Cal U strengthens its academic lineup with new programs in high-demand fields.

Special Effort

Students find opportunities to serve and learn at the Special Olympics Winter Games.

The University Home

The work of skilled artisans graces the official residence inside South Hall.

Building Bridges

University leaders from around the world gather to promote cross-cultural awareness.

Joy to the World

With two presidents in attendance, graduates celebrate Winter 2014 Commencement.

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.”

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DIRECTIONS Cal U adds high-demand programs, refreshes traditional offerings to appeal to prospective students

n the higher education arena, competition for students is fierce. The number of high school graduates in western Pennsylvania is just beginning to level off after a decade-long slump. Dozens of public and private schools, all within a few hours’ drive, are vying for that smaller pool of 18- to 24-year-old students. Especially in the Marcellus shale region, universities may compete with jobs that pay well but don’t require a four-year degree. And although a college diploma has been shown to boost a typical graduate’s earnings and make unemployment less likely, the long-term benefits of higher education sometimes compete with immediate financial needs. Is it any wonder that meeting enrollment targets remains a challenge at many universities, including Cal U? Yet in an era when state support for public education accounts for less than 30 percent of the University’s budget, stabilizing enrollment is more important than

Applied Behavior Analysis is a 'best practice' for teaching students with special needs.

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ever before. Like other members of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, Cal U relies on tuition and student fees to support its academic mission. “The strength of our University depends on enrollment,” explains interim University President Geraldine M. Jones. “It is essential that we continue to attract bright, engaged students by offering them a high-quality teaching and learning environment. And we must motivate them to stay at Cal U until they earn a degree.”

Academic choices

A recent study of western Pennsylvania high school students, the Student View Report, shows that young people appreciate Cal U’s affordable tuition, first-rate housing and beautiful riverside campus. They also rank “academic strength” among their college search criteria. Prospective students are seeking top-quality education in fields where the demand for graduates is growing. So that’s where California is putting its focus. Within the past two years Cal U has launched undergraduate programs in mechatronics engineering technology, which can lead to careers in advanced manufacturing, and commercial music technology, which focuses on the recording industry. Both interdisciplinary programs are unique in the State System. Both allow students to earn industry certifications, in addition to a bachelor’s degree. And both programs are attracting new students to Cal U. “In fact, all of our engineering technology programs at California University are ahead of the game, because we provide an integrated academic experience that dovetails with hands-on skills to meet industry standards for the 21st-century workforce,” says Dr. John Kallis, dean of the Eberly College of Science and Technology.

To meet workforce demands in the region, the University introduced two programs focused on the oil and gas industry. Fall 2014 saw the debut of certificate and bachelor’s degree programs in Jurisprudence: Land Management, which prepares graduates for energy-sector employment as leasing managers, title abstractors or “landmen.” The coursework, offered 100 percent online, includes legal topics pertinent to the industry, as well as geology, geographic information systems, and oil- and gas-related management. At the same time Cal U launched a four-year degree in Environmental Studies: Natural Resource Management and Policy. Drawing on the disciplines of geology, chemistry, biology and environmental studies, it also examines law and policy issues related to energy production. As part of their studies, students can earn EPA or OSHA certifications.

Land management programs open doors to careers in the oil and natural gas industry.

“If you want a career in the energy industry, you can choose your focus,” says Craig Butzine, vice president for Marketing and University Relations. “I compare it to our political science program, where you can earn a degree whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat. Whether you want to work in energy production or on the environmental side of the industry, Cal U can help you get started.”

Popular appeal

Another new program explores behavior that violates social norms, such as drug and alcohol addiction, child abuse and domestic violence. The B.A. in Sociology: Deviance can lead to careers in child and youth services; corrections, parole and probation; victims services; or threat assessment in schools.

The mechatronics engineering technology program is bringing new students to California.

“It’s the only program of its kind in the country,” says Dr. Emily Sweitzer, who developed the program and began teaching face-to-face classes in fall 2014. With the start of the fall 2015 semester, the program also will be offered online. “This appeals to both entry-level students and non-traditional students, such as social workers who want to advance their careers,” says Sweitzer, who consults on deviant behavior for TV shows such as The Blacklist, CSI, Backstrom and Bones. Like most of Cal U’s undergraduate programs, the deviance concentration includes hands-on learning. Field experiences are built in to the traditional program, and online learners will make site visits, too. That career-focused approach extends to graduate-level programs, where a new degree, the Professional Science Master (PSM), will be available beginning this summer. The PSM in Cybersecurity addresses the growing need for high-tech security experts in all sectors of our economy. The PSM in Applied Mathematics develops skills in “big data,” logistics and statistical analysis, another expanding career field. Both programs will be offered through Cal U Global Online. As in most PSM programs, no thesis is required. Instead, students complete a capstone experience or problem-solving project. “The student seeking a PSM degree may already be using these (math and science) skills in the workplace,” says Dr. Melissa Sovak, who developed the applied mathematics program. “Courses in business skills also are part of a PSM degree program, so graduates can move more easily into management roles.” Continued on page 6

Academic ADDITIONS Among California University’s newest academic programs: • B.A. in Sociology: Deviance • B.A. in Jurisprudence: Land Management • B.S. in Commercial Music Technology • B.A. in Mathematics: Statistics • B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering Technology • B.S. in Natural Resource Management and Policy • M.A. in Social Science: Conflict Resolution • MBA: Entrepreneurship • M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis • PSM in Cybersecurity (PSM) • PSM in Applied Math (PSM) Certificate programs:

• Student Affairs Practice • Land Management • Applied Behavior Analysis For information about academic programs at California University of Pennsylvania, visit www.calu.edu/academics SPRING 2015 CAL U REVIEW 5 n

Many public schools have incorporated high-tech equipment into their classrooms, Mitchem says, and teachers-in-training must learn how to use it effectively. In districts with limited resources, “we have mobile labs with iPads that we’ve been able to take into the schools, so our students can use them in the classroom.”

Delivered your way

Education major Leah Glasbrenner shows children how to use high-tech learning tools in the Assessment, Teaching and Practice Technology Lab.

What is the PSM DEGREE? The Professional Science Master’s degree is where science and business meet. This innovative graduate-level degree combines rigorous coursework in mathematics or science with education in leadership, management or other skills essential to career advancement. The PSM is designed for science professionals in corporate, government or nonprofit settings. PSM programs are developed with input from industry professionals, so graduates acquire the skills they need to enhance or advance their careers.

Traditional strengths

While it rolls out new programs to address emerging needs, the University continues to build on its strengths. California has long been a leader in teacher preparation, and its education programs are keeping up with the times. In a classroom equipped with interactive whiteboards, “smart” tables, tablets and other high-tech teaching tools, education majors master the latest technology. “Students can move the furniture, use the equipment and design the classroom around how they think they may be teaching in the future,” explains Dr. Katherine Mitchem, of the Department of Special Education. “We have Head Start students who come in once a week, so they can practice using the technology with those children.”

Rather than writing a thesis, PSM students typically complete an internship or hands-on capstone experience. California University’s PSM degree programs in cybersecurity and applied mathematics are approved by the PSM National Office, which sets the standards for program affiliations. The national clearinghouse now lists nearly 350 affiliated PSM programs across the nation. For more information, contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research at 724-938-4187 or gradschool@calu.edu. 6 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2015 n

Dr. William Edmonds, dean of Admissions, talks with students on the campus Quad.

Students have more than 100 undergraduate and 45 graduate-level programs to choose from at Cal U, but the choices don’t end there. There’s a traditional, face-to-face MBA program, or an online degree aimed at entrepreneurs. Eligible students seeking board certification in Applied Behavior Analysis — a “best practice” for teaching students with special needs — can select either a master’s degree or a certificate program. Online programs with summer starts and winter classes shorten the time until graduation and let students complete their Cal U studies from anywhere in the world. No time to earn a degree? A letter of completion or a certificate may be just what your resume needs. “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the enrollment equation,” says Dr. William Edmonds, dean of Admissions. “To stay strong, Cal U certainly needs to enroll qualified high school graduates who want the full campus experience. We have much to offer those students. “At the same time, we’re making it easier for students to transfer in, especially from a community college. We’re growing our graduate school and expanding our online options. “No matter what they’re looking for, students can find it here at Cal U.”

By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

SPECIAL EFFORT

Students, faculty volunteer at Special Olympics Winter Games

alifornia University students and faculty were on hand when more than 350 athletes, all with special needs, strapped on alpine and cross-country skis to compete in the Special Olympics Winter Games at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, near Champion, Pa. Unseasonably warm weather kept snowshoe competitors off the trail. But the 38th annual event was still a thrill for the athletes — and a hands-on learning experience for about 25 Cal U students. For the ninth consecutive year, students in the athletic training program tended to athletes’ medical needs under the guidance of Dr. Linda Meyer, of the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies. “This is an ideal way to expose our graduate and undergraduate athletic training students to a population they typically don’t see,” Meyer says. “There are Special Olympics programs in all 50 states and 180 countries. I’m hoping our students will continue to give back when they go out, literally anywhere in the world, as licensed athletic trainers.”

Healthy athletes

Special Olympics describes itself as “the largest global public health organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities.”

Graduate student Emily Hubbard, who is studying communication disorders, performs a hearing screening for Special Olympics athlete Justin Agnew.

Junior Kevin Devine (left), a sport management major, stops for a photo with Special Olympian Steven Fecht during the 2015 Winter Games.

Free medical screenings are part of the organization’s Healthy Athletes mission, and Dr. Ralph Belsterling, of the Department of Communication Disorders, is the Healthy Hearing program’s clinical director for Pennsylvania. Cal U students have screened athletes for hearing loss at summer and fall games since 2005, but this was their first winter outing. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students,” Belsterling says. “They see the whole process: the identification, the referral and, in some instances, the follow-up.”

Hands in the air

Volunteers say they benefit from getting to know the athletes. “The most moving part was helping a girl who was blind make paper snowflakes to decorate the ballroom,” says sophomore Mikayla DiCesare, whose Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority helped athletes set up for the Victory Dance held at the close of the Games. “The work with Special Olympics validates for me the work I want to do with younger elementary-age students,” says DiCesare, an early childhood and special education major. This was junior Kevin Devine’s third Winter Games. A Snow Club member, he’s studying sport management,

marketing and business. For the past two years Devine and other Snow Club volunteers were “athlete escorts,” helping Special Olympians prepare for their races and find their way around. This year he was a gatekeeper and timekeeper for the skiing competition. “The athletes obviously have fun, but they are there to compete,” says Devine, who also has volunteered with the Athletes Helping Athletes and Miracle League baseball programs. “You see them loving it as they yell going down the hill.” Devine recently landed a summer internship with the Camden (N.J.) Riversharks, a minor league baseball team. “The Camden team is a Special Olympics partner, and the first question they asked me was about my volunteer work.” “Just like many other campus organizations, the Snow Club is looking for ways to do community service,” says club adviser Bill Meloy, research and electronic collections librarian at Manderino Library. “Interacting with the Special Olympians is always a gratifying experience. Nothing beats seeing the athletes throw up their arms in satisfaction when they finish.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U SPRING 2015 CAL U REVIEW 7 n

THE UNIVERSITY

HOME

University carpenters Ed Gauden (left) and Brian Phillips stand in the first-floor library. Both worked on the renovation project in the South Hall apartment.

For the first time in decades, the official residence gets a makeover

tarting with rough cherry boards, David Wyvratt built a set of kitchen cabinets and installed them in the president’s official residence at California University of Pennsylvania. The year was 1983, and Wyvratt was working for his father’s business, Penncraft Cabinet Co., in Donora, Pa. This winter Wyvratt and his wife, Tracie, joined Cal U craftspeople and their families for a tour of the residence. Led by interim President Geraldine M. Jones and her husband, Jeff, the event marked the end of a yearlong renovation project involving dozens of Cal U employees. As she guided a group through the updated kitchen, the President pointed out the hand-crafted cabinets. Like the brick fireplace and century-old chandelier in the adjacent dining room, Wyvratt’s work is part of the history of the University Home. “I wanted to show my wife the renovations,” says Wyvratt, who recently retired after 30 years on the University’s carpentry crew. “I was glad to know those cabinets were going to stay.”

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Historic structure

California University provides housing for its “first family” in a twolevel apartment within South Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus. The 4,800-square-foot residence was added to South Hall, formerly a women’s dormitory, at the close of the 19th century. Cal U is the only university in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education that houses its president in an apartment rather than a stand-alone dwelling. Residents of the University Home share South Hall with various offices. The President’s Office in Old Main is right down the hall. “In this job, you’re on call 24/7,” says President Jones, who moved into the residence just before Christmas. “I’m often at work from early morning until late in the evening, attending meetings or campus events. Being right here makes it so convenient. “It’s an honor to live in this beautiful home.” Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education typically approves an update of

the president’s residence when there is a change in leadership. For the South Hall apartment, a makeover was long overdue. “The residence was outdated and in serious need of repair,” says Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance. “It had not had a major renovation in many decades. Because the residence may not be updated again for many years, durable and timeless materials were used throughout.”

It was a challenge to get this massive amount of work done on time. This was truly a very large task, and it was definitely a team effort. Michael Kanalis '94 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BUILDING TRADES

Interim President Geraldine M. Jones and her husband, Jeff, in the living room of the official residence.

Carpenter David Wyvratt is glad that the kitchen cabinets he crafted in 1983 remain a feature of the kitchen in the president's residence.

The State System contributed $650,000 toward the project, about three-fourths of the budgeted cost. Wherever possible, the historic building’s original architectural elements were retained or restored. Worn carpets were lifted to reveal hardwood floors, and outmoded wallpaper gave way to paint in classic, neutral hues. At the same time, modern amenities were installed. Insulated windows replaced leaky panes, some dating to the 1800s. Modern heating and air conditioning replaced an inefficient boiler and window air conditioners. Damaged sewer lines were replaced and, as required by law, a handicapped-accessible restroom was added on the first level. Carpenter Ed Gauden framed new walls and laid tile in the apartment’s foyer and bathrooms. “It was challenging, but it was a fun job to do,” says Gauden, who has worked at the University for almost 10 years. “And it’s going to be here for a long, long time.”

Interior decor

Much of the furniture in the residence was donated by the estate of Floyd R. Ganassi, a Fox Chapel businessman and philanthropist whose daughter, Annette Ganassi, serves on the California University Council of Trustees.

Michael Kanalis '94, assistant director of building trades

Some furnishings, such as a grandfather clock given by the Class of 1921, were already in the residence. Jeff Jones added artworks from the gallery he owns and operates in Brownsville, Pa., and President Jones had her own piano moved into the living room. “That’s how I relax at the end of a long day,” she says. “I’ve been playing piano since I was a girl. That’s my stress relief.” The lower level of the residence is “public” space, where the University President can hold official functions and entertain University guests. In addition to the living room and dining room, a small library is a cozy spot for private conversations. The kitchen has been outfitted for catering, with a commercial stove and a “prep area” for food service personnel. The upper level is the family’s private space. In addition to the master bedroom, bath and laundry area, there are two guest

The chandelier in the dining room is more than 100 years old.

bedrooms, each with a bath, plus a small office and a TV room. The University served as general contractor for the remodeling project. Outside specialists were hired for some jobs, but the first to sign the University Home’s official guestbook were Cal U employees. Michael Kanalis ’94, assistant director of building trades, coordinated the work of campus electricians, carpenters, painters, plumbers and other Facilities Management personnel who contributed to the project. “It was a challenge to get this massive amount of work done on time,” he says. “This was truly a very large task, and it was definitely a team effort. “Our crews did a fantastic job. I knew they were good, but they really impressed me.” By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

SEE MORE PHOTOS South Hall was constructed in 1876 and expanded in 1892. The residence was added between 1897 and 1898. For more photos of the residence today, visit www.calu.edu; click on ‘News’ and 'Cal U Review,' then choose ‘As Seen in the Review.’

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nus (from left) Dr. Yu University leaders Dr. n, ce Pe i ca Re r Bekdemir, Professo erim President d int Serif Ali Tekalan an nes share a light Geraldine M . Jo panel discussion. moment during a

building bridges

University leaders meet to foster international cooperation

eaders from 14 higher education institutions around the world visited California University this fall to discuss agreements with the potential to boost enrollment, enhance diversity on campus and create opportunities for more Cal U students to travel and study overseas. Cal U’s Office of International Programming, in collaboration with the Turkish Cultural Center of Pittsburgh, organized “Building Bridges Through Education: The Role of International Education in Developing Cross-Cultural Awareness.” Administrators and deans from Cal U met with university presidents, sometimes known as “rectors,” from schools in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. Their conversations focused on the important role that higher education can play in promoting diversity, religious and social tolerance, and global understanding.

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Beyond borders

Specifically, the visit was intended to open doors to study abroad opportunities, student and faculty exchanges, and greater international collaboration. “As educators, we want our students to transcend borders,” says interim University President Geraldine M. Jones. “We encourage them to think and act as global citizens, working to achieve their full potential while recognizing the worth and potential of others. Our professors also gain from broadening their horizons. “We know that firsthand experience is the most powerful teaching tool of all, and together we are exploring pathways to an expanded world view.” In keeping with the event’s theme, President Jones explained that “bridges carry traffic in both directions” — so even Cal U students who remain on campus will benefit from greater interaction with

students from overseas. Cal U hopes to draw from the “deep pool of international students who are eager to have an American educational experience” by welcoming more students from abroad. Summertime Academic English and American Culture programs will be offered to support English-language learners and introduce overseas students to the United States. “In our increasingly globalized society, the day-to-day conduct of business and civic affairs puts us in contact with people of many different backgrounds,” President Jones says. “Our campus becomes a richer cultural and intellectual environment when it includes people of varying backgrounds and differing points of view.” Among the international educators visiting California was Dr. Serif Ali Tekalan, rector of Fatih University in Istanbul,

Every time I think of how lucky I am to have gotten the chance to do this, I can't help but smile. It was absolutely an incredible, lifechanging experience that has opened up so many doors for me. Emily Dickey COMMUNICATION STUDIES MAJOR

who met with President Jones when she traveled to Turkey last year. Fatih and the other universities represented at “Building Bridges” are members of UNIBIR, the International Association of Universities. “We are learning, sharing, taking experiences, and accepting all people as they are,” Tekalan says, echoing the consortium’s message of cross-cultural understanding. “This is the era of globalization, and we must accept everyone’s culture.”

Wider horizons

The chance to explore a distant land has changed her outlook, Cal U student Emily Dickey told the educators. A communication studies major, Dickey traveled to Turkey last summer with psychology professor Dr. Rebecca Regeth and seven other Cal U students. They visited museums and historical sites in the cities of Istanbul, Konya, Kayseri and Ephesus, toured Melvana University in Konya, and dined with a Turkish family in their home. “Every time I think of how lucky I am to have gotten the chance to do this, I can't help but smile,” says Dickey, who continued studying the Turkish language after her return. “It was absolutely an incredible, lifechanging experience that has opened up so many doors for me.” The UNIBIR delegation spent more than a week in the United States, says Elizabeth Bennellick, director of International Programming at Cal U. The group made numerous stops, but California was the only university on its itinerary. Between meetings with Cal U administrators, the visitors toured the campus and gave a presentation about

their organization’s mission for students, faculty and staff. Keynote speaker at a luncheon for the guests was Charles Keller ’47, former president of Rotary International, who has traveled worldwide on behalf of the organization’s peace-building efforts. Fostering cross-cultural understanding is important, he told the educators. “Across the globe there is one swelling, loud demand that mankind find a peaceful way to settle its differences.”

Memoranda of understanding

Dr. Ali Sezer, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics, notes that University officials signed memoranda of understanding with several of the international visitors’ schools. Cal U now has agreements with more than 20 universities overseas. These agreements expand opportunities for students to study abroad, he says. “And if students can’t travel, we will bring global cultures to them.” After the campus event, Sezer served as emcee for the 14th annual Friendship Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh. Sponsored by the Turkish Cultural Center and co-sponsored by the Peace Islands Institute, the dinner was attended by about 400 people, including the international delegation that visited Cal U. The annual dinner encourages Pittsburgh-area residents to sample authentic Turkish cuisine and mingle with members of western Pennsylvania’s growing Turkish community. President Jones was one of three award winners honored at the event. She received the Peace Islands Institute award for academic excellence.

guest list Leaders from these universities visited Cal U this fall: • Canik Basari University, Turkey • Fatih University, Turkey • International Ataturk-Alatoo University, Kyrgyz Republic • International Black Sea University, Georgia • International Turkmen University, Turkmenistan • Ishik University, Iraq • North American University, U.S.A. • Suleyman Demirel University, Kazakhstan • Suleyman Sah University, Turkey • Turgut Ozal University, Turkey • Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Argentina • Vistula University, Poland • Zaman University, Cambodia • Zirve University, Turkey

By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

Interim President Geraldine M. Jones accepts the Peace Islands Institute award for academic excellence from Dr. Serif Ali Tekalan, rector of Fatih University in Istanbul.

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CAMPUS C L I P S

Even in the snow, Cal U students and staff met daily to do 22 pushups each as part of a veterans suicide awareness program.

22 pushups raise awareness Do 22 pushups a day, for 22 days. That was the challenge set by members of the Cal U Veterans Club, who sought to raise awareness of the 22 military veterans who die by suicide each day. Club members, other students and staff met on the Quad at 11:22 a.m. each weekday starting Jan. 22. Forming a circle around the Vulcan statue, they each pumped out 22 pushups — even in the snow. Capt. Robert Prah ’06, ’10, the University’s director of Veterans Affairs, credited Staff Sgt. Jess Maund, of Cal U’s ROTC program, with organizing the campus challenge. It caught on quickly. Several online students even joined the exercise, posting photos or using social media to report their #22aDayCalU. Suicide hasn’t been a problem on campus, Prah is quick to point out, but it’s become a national concern. “It’s happening. Twenty-two veterans a day take their lives. But there is help out there.”

Education extends beyond spring and fall Higher education has become a yearround endeavor. Acting provost Dr. Bruce Barnhart '83, '89, '01 reports that increasing numbers of students are using winter and 12 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2015 n

summer classes to complete accelerated online programs, boost their grade-point average, or add credits toward a minor or second major. More than 1,300 students took Winter College courses this year, an enrollment increase of 72 percent compared to last year’s winter session headcount. Students chose from a menu of 40 undergraduate and graduate courses, all delivered 100 percent online. Registration is continuing for Cal U’s popular Summer College, which offers more than 200 credit courses for undergraduate and graduate students, including those from other schools. The schedule includes daytime, evening and online classes. Five-week, 10-week and special session courses begin throughout the summer months. For online registration and course information, visit www.calu.edu.

Guttman grants support research Graduate students Morgan Lauff and Kelly Rogers, along with undergraduates Steven Hensel and Sean Wineland, are the 2014-2015 recipients of Jesse B. Guttman Student Research Grants. The grant program rewards young scholars who are pursuing research within their specific disciplines of study. Lauff and Rogers are both school psychology majors. Lauff is conducting an equivalence study of children’s memory, using a scale that compares traditional and digital formats. Rogers is comparing digital

assessments of the NEPSY-II Subtests with the traditional paper format in school-based evaluations. Hensel, a geology major, is researching the relationship between spatial and temporal rates for a laterally incising stream. Wineland, a biology major, is studying how temperature affects tail regeneration in the northern dusky salamander. Established in 1988, the Jesse B. Guttman Research Endowment is the first permanent fund for research at Cal U. The program honors the late Jesse B. Guttman, who along with his brothers, Leo and Howard, founded the Guttman Oil Co., Guttman Realty and Mon River Towing. These companies, now under the umbrella of the Guttman Group, employ numerous individuals in the Mon Valley.

FIRST competitors: Team 3260, SHARP

Robots stack, attack at Convocation Center The FIRST® robots stacked. BotsIQ robots attacked. And STEM skills took center stage again this spring in the Convocation Center. The FIRST Robotics Competition returned to the arena in March with a recycling-themed challenge called RECYCLE RUSH. More than 1,200 high school students on 54 teams brought their custom-made robots to the playing field. Guided by student drivers, the machines raced to stack plastic totes on scoring platforms, top them with recycling containers and stuff in plastic “pool noodles” representing litter. In addition to the on-field competition, FIRST Robotics challenges students to raise funds, develop a team “brand,” and document the process of designing, building, testing and trouble-shooting their 120-pound robot.

BotsIQ robots went into battle in April, facing off in head-to-head competition that sent parts flying and students scrambling to make on-the-spot repairs. For the third consecutive year Cal U hosted the Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ finals, designed to introduce high school students to career opportunities in the economy’s growing manufacturing sector. The battle-hardened 15-pound ‘bots are just one aspect of the competition. Under the guidance of teachers and industry mentors, students develop skills in engineering, machining and project management, as well as communication, innovation, problem solving and teamwork. Panels running concurrently with the competition focused on meeting the “skills shortage” in manufacturing by making STEM-related careers more attractive to students and military veterans. KDKA-TV filmed both robotics competitions and aired 30-minute broadcasts featuring game highlights and interviews with student competitors.

Faculty recognized for grant-writing California University honored three faculty members who collectively have secured more than $2.39 million in grants during their careers at Cal U.

Dr. David Argent

their classes. He also included Cal U students in research projects for the National Weather Service and Pike Run Watershed. Kossar’s work with HQ-TEEMS (Highly Qualified Educators of Exceptional Education, Math and Science) focuses on Cal U’s teacher Dr. Kalie Kossar training program, as well as professional development in partner public schools. Cheryl Vogrig, director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research, reports that 50 grant proposals were submitted during the 2013-2014 academic year. Of those, 33 projects totaling more than $1.7 million were awarded funds.

Black History Month encourages discussion The University marked Black History Month by exploring topics ranging from the current state of the black community to the powerful feelings evoked by the Confederate flag. A lively panel discussion of “What’s Going On: The State of Black America” included D. Watkins, an award-winning

Malcolm Thomas, of the Reaching Back male mentoring program in Pittsburgh, speaks at a Black History Month event.

writer and recurring guest on National Public Radio, along with educators and mentors from programs focused on Pittsburgh’s African-American neighborhoods. Other presentations examined historically black Greek letter organizations and the history of lynching and the law. Spoken word artist Drew Law, winner of the Graffiti DC poetry slam series, offered a workshop and a performance. Throughout the month, a photo exhibit in Manderino Library drew attention to notable artists, athletes, business professionals and humanitarians, each with a connection to western Pennsylvania.

Dr. Thomas Mueller

Dr. David Argent, from the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, and Dr. Thomas Mueller, from the Department of Earth Sciences, received the President’s Award for Outstanding Grantsmanship. Dr. Kalie Kossar, from the Department of Special Education, received the Provost’s Award. Argent has studied the paddlefish population in local waterways, among other projects. His current research includes climate change assessments in the Laurel Highlands. Mueller has worked with teachers to incorporate geo-spatial technology into

#CalUProud Wearing their #CalUProud T-shirts over rain ponchos, students gather around Cal U mascot Blaze at California Borough’s wet-but-wonderful Light-Up Night event. Students created the hashtag to share their Cal U pride on Twitter. They moved the campaign out of social media and onto the streets with a neighborhood cleanup campaign and a rain-soaked march down Third Street to the borough’s holiday festivities.

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CAMPUS C L I P S Spring break trips have higher purpose Spring break meant more than a vacation for two groups of students involved with ministries on campus. Mission trips took one group to the beach at Panama City, Fla., while the other headed to a gritty Philadelphia neighborhood. Members of New Life Christian Fellowship served their fellow college students through the Beach Reach mission in Panama City. Along with students from other universities, they offered free pancakes and safe transportation, with a side order of Christian evangelism, to thousands of young adults. This was the second Beach Reach experience for New Life, led by campus minister Kim Wilson. Closer to home, students from STAND campus ministry spent their spring break repairing homes for economically challenged families in the multi-cultural Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia. Pete Ware, campus minister for STAND, says this is the third time Cal U students were involved with The Philadelphia Project, a Christian nonprofit organization that provides service opportunities and free home repairs for low-income city residents.

“The classic line is that college students are so poor, but with this experience they see that they’re not,” Ware says. “In fact, they are very privileged.”

History again makes news Two faculty experts from the History and Political Science Department shared their expertise about the distant past in decidedly contemporary contexts. After President Obama made comments comparing barbarous acts by Islamic State terrorists to Dr. Paul Crawford atrocities committed during the Crusades, Dr. Paul Crawford participated in an hour-long interview on the “Nightside with Dan Rea” radio show. Crawford is one of just a handful of historians in North American who specialize in the Crusades, widespread military campaigns that occurred in the Middle Ages as Christians and Muslims battled for control of the Holy Land. The program aired on WBZ-AM radio in Boston and reached listeners in 38 states.

Dr. Joseph Heim participated via videoconference in a symposium at the British Library in London. The library is digitizing its Dr. Joseph Heim collection of 14thto 17th-century Persian manuscripts, which include miniature paintings that rank among the world’s greatest Islamic art treasures. Heim has studied the illustrated manuscripts for many years and published a number of scholarly articles about them. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in London aired the symposium, as did the Islamic Republic News Agency in Tehran.

Chapter wins honor, organizes StormFest

Science Olympiad Eighth-graders Ross McKee and Libby Rock, from Quaker Valley Middle School, get their elastic-powered Dogemobile set for the Wheeled Vehicle Challenge, one of dozens of Science Olympiad events held at Cal U this spring. About 650 students from more than 30 Pennsylvania school districts visited campus for the daylong series of contests focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills.

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For the second time in four years, Cal U’s meteorology club, the Southwest Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Meteorological Society, was honored as the AMS Student Chapter of the Year. The club was recognized “for its longstanding educational outreach, its strong, multifaceted focus on member education, and exemplary interaction with other local chapters.” Among the club’s most notable outreach efforts is StormFest, presented by the chapter and the Cal U Department of Earth Sciences, in collaboration with Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. Held at the science center and staffed by Cal U students, StormFest explores geology, geography, meteorology and more. This year’s eighth annual StormFest featured more than 30 hands-on activities for children and adults. Visitors to the science center included meteorologist Bryan Schuerman ’09, a member of the Alumni Association’s board of directors, who reported on StormFEST for WBOY 12 News in Clarksburg, W.Va.

Ad campaign is a winner California University’s promotional efforts have won multiple awards for excellence in higher education advertising. The total advertising campaign, including print, online and broadcast ads, took gold in the Collegiate Advertising Awards, a national competition that judges higher education advertising based on creativity, layout and design, typography, production, quality and overall effectiveness. In addition, Cal U’s advertising received seven awards in the 30th annual Educational Advertising Awards, the largest educational advertising awards competition in the country. Cal U’s campaign competed with more than 2,000 entries from over 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools. The University received a gold award for a print booklet for prospective students, and a silver award for the total campaign. “The World Is Waiting” TV ads and billboards received bronze awards, and three additional pieces won awards of merit. The television campaign also won silver in the Davey Awards, which recognize the best Web, design, video, advertising and mobile products created by small agencies worldwide. Elias Savion Advertising, of Pittsburgh, developed the TV spots using images of actual Cal U students taken on campus by the University’s Creative Services staff.

Dr. Michael Hummel, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice.

Homeland security includes justice for all The eighth annual Conference on Homeland and International Security focused on “Assessing the Security Gaps in Our Criminal Justice System.” Each year the conference examines a timely topic related to national and international security. This year’s event was organized by Dr. Michael Hummel, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, who spoke about decision-making in crisis situations that involve the use of deadly force.

Speaker David Hickton, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, discussed improving relations between police and community members, and faculty member Dr. Aref al-Khattar addressed “Law Enforcement and Culture.” The keynote address was given by retired police chief Chuck Drago, who spoke about ways to decrease officerinvolved shootings. The event was presented in collaboration with the Mon Valley NAACP and the NAACP State Conference Criminal Justice Committee.

Presenters sound off about voice training Two faculty members and four students from the Department of Theatre and Dance traveled Down Under to make presentations at the Estill World Voice Symposium. Department chair Dr. Michele Pagen and instructor Brian Eisiminger attended the symposium in Melbourne, Australia. They were accompanied by Sarah Martik ’14 and students Jason Capello, Molly Malady and Clayton Rush. Estill Voice Training teaches actors, singers and public speakers to empower and preserve their voices. The training has been offered at Cal U for about six years. In Australia, the students and faculty presented a workshop on “Finding your Voice in Character Creation” using the Estill approach. Pagen, Eisiminger and Martik also gave a panel presentation describing how Estill techniques are used at the Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy, a musicaltheater training program hosted at Cal U for students ages 8-17. Calling it “a big feather in our cap,” Pagen says the Cal U students were the only undergraduates presenting at the international symposium.

Metered parking adds convenience Need a parking space on the east end of campus? The Department of Parking and Transportation has installed a pay-bylicense meter in Lot 11, behind Gallagher Hall. Or there’s an app for that. The pilot project gives drivers convenient access to the Convocation Center, Morgan Hall and Gallagher Hall. To use the meter, drivers enter their license plate number, select the length of their stay and pre-pay with $1 bills or a credit card. Use a credit card and you can receive a reminder or add extra minutes when the meter is due to run out. Drivers who prefer to bypass the meter altogether can use their smartphone to download the PassportParking Mobile Pay app, available free from iTunes or Google Play. The app creates an account linked to the driver’s credit card. Christopher Johnston ’90, Cal U’s director of Parking and Transportation, says the pilot project “maximizes use of Lot 11 for night classes and special events.”

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2014 WINTER COMMENCEMENT

Stephon Burnam waves to his family before receiving a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

JOY

WORLD

EMERITUS PRESIDENT ADDRESSES GRADUATES

W ABOUT THE SPEAKER Dr. John Pierce Watkins has a long history with his alma mater. A 1953 graduate of what then was called California State College, he joined the Cal State faculty as an English professor in 1957. He served as chair of the English Department from 1966-1973 and as vice president for Academic Affairs from 19731976. He was named acting President in 1976 and officially became California’s fifth President in 1977. When he retired in 1992, the University’s Council of Trustees bestowed the title of emeritus president and named a classroom building, the Watkins Center, in his honor. 16 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2015 n

hen Emeritus President Dr. John Pierce Watkins ’53 took the stage at California University of Pennsylvania’s 2014 Winter Commencement, few would have guessed that he’d be quoting lyrics from the ’70s rock band Three Dog Night. “Above all, this should be a moment … of great joy, celebration and promise. … I would like to share with you a little poem to joy that I heard somewhere once, because it has been a special pleasure to share this day with you,” he said. “Joy to the world. All the boys and girls now. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, and joy to you and me.” At California University’s 179th Commencement, Watkins charmed graduates, friends and families with stories of hard work and triumph. Returning to the institution where he served as President for 15 years, Watkins addressed master’s degree candidates

Dec. 12, and bachelor’s and associate degree candidates the following day. Both ceremonies were held in the Cal U Convocation Center. Speaking to the undergraduates, Watkins stressed that completing a degree is a significant goal that not everyone achieves. “There are many people like you, (people) of learning and passion and talent. Some really triumph. Many, many succeed splendidly. Some never quite make it,” he said. “An irrefutable statistic in higher education is that 40 percent of the students who begin a bachelor’s program never finish. That statistic goes as far back as records have been kept. “Forty percent don’t make it. You did. Congratulations! This achievement is the first step toward accomplishing anything in your professional career. ” Watkins also drew on athletics to

Bill Brown, head coach for the Vulcan men's basketball team, accepts his master's degree in sport management studies

Graduate Iesha Eddins gets a hug from grandmother Betty Eddins, who made the trip from Port Huron, Mich.

Dressed for Commencement are interim University President Geraldine M. Jones '72, '80 and Emeritus President Dr. John Pierce Watkins '53.

Kirsti Roesner (right) presents the Senior Class Gift Drive check to President Jones.

illustrate that natural and acquired skills are just the beginning of what it takes to build a successful career. “The creativeness, the techniques, the intelligence that you were born with come down to … triumph for some, real success for many. Some don’t make it off the bench,” he said. “Perceived talents are not enough. You must become a high-precision weapon in your work. What effort are your prepared to make? What investment can you afford? What commitment can you muster?” In all, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones conferred degrees upon nearly 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students who completed their studies in August and December. She also accepted a check from Kirsti Roesner, senior class envoy, for more than $20,000 contributed by graduating seniors and their families through the Class of 2014 Senior Gift Drive. In her remarks, President Jones reminded the graduates of their duty to help change lives.

Global Online student Michael Kirk celebrates his graduation with daughter Maddie.

“You have important work ahead of you — the work of building a meaningful life and being a contributing member of this global society we live in,” she said. “I am very much aware of the role each of you will play in the future of our country and our world. It is up to you as knowledgeable, purposeful and caring human beings to help change lives, reshape communities and make the world a better place.” She encouraged the graduates to reflect on their journey and celebrate Commencement as a milestone. “As you prepare to walk across the stage … please pause to take in the moment and savor your success,” she

said. “You have worked hard, you have persevered and you have accomplished something significant.” Watkins also urged students to feel proud of their accomplishment. “Commencement is a tradition and always is the same. Year after year, decade after decade, century after century for a thousand years. There are caps and gowns, the hoods, the ribbons, the ropes, the recessional and the processional. “Now it is your turn. It is a significant achievement. It took hard work. Forty percent didn’t make it — but you did it.” By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U

SEE THE CEREMONIES To view Cal U’s 179th Commencement ceremonies and read the complete text of the speakers’ remarks, visit www.calu.edu and search for “Commencement videos.”

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ALUMNI N E W S Greetings from the Office of Alumni Relations! Whether you are a new graduate or a longtime member of our alumni circle, be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming events.

Leslie Berdar Fleenor ’08 Director of Alumni Relations

JUNE S

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OFF-CAMPUS CONNECTIONS NYC Alumni Chapter Are you an alumnus who lives in the New York City area? If so, we want you to become a member of our NYC Alumni Chapter. For more information about the group and ways to get involved, contact chapter coordinators William Dinello ’81 at wdinello@gmail.com or Dante Morelli ’02 at morelli@gmail.com.

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JUNE 11 GREATER PITTSBURGH ALUMNI GATHERING Alumni from the Pittsburgh area meet at the Hofbrauhaus, 2705 South Water St. (in the Southside Works), Pittsburgh, for an evening of networking and updates on University happenings. For details or to RSVP, contact Staci Tedrow in the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418 or alumni@calu.edu.

JUNE 22 CAL U GOLF OUTING Join us at Southpointe Golf Club in Canonsburg, Pa., for the 34th annual Cal U Golf Outing. Proceeds benefit the General Athletic Scholarship Fund. To learn more or to register a foursome, contact Staci Tedrow at 724-938-4418 or alumni@calu.edu.

Cal U Alumni Chapters Are you interested in connecting with California University of Pennsylvania alumni in your area? Cal U graduates in New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., meet annually to reconnect with their alma mater. If you are interested in starting an alumni chapter in your area, or if you would like more information about existing alumni chapters, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@calu.edu or call us at 724-938-4418.

JULY 10 CAL U ALUMNI NIGHT AT PNC PARK Play ball! Cal U alumni take a seat at PNC Park to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates face the St. Louis Cardinals. Check www.calu.edu/alumni for ticket prices and pre-game activities, or contact Staci Tedrow at 724-938-4418 or alumni@calu.edu.

SEPTEMBER 19 50TH CLASS REUNION, CLASS OF 1965 Members of the Class of ’65 meet at the Kara Alumni House to celebrate their milestone 50th reunion. Formal invitations will be sent for this special event; registration is required. For details, visit www.calu.edu/alumni and look for the Alumni Events & Reunions page, or call 724-938-4418.

RECOMMEND A VULCAN Do you know someone who would be a great addition to our campus community?

HOMECOMING WEEKEND

Refer that potential student through the Recommend a Vulcan program, and Cal U will waive his or her $25 application fee.

OCTOBER 23 PRESIDENT’S SHOWCASE

Look for the Recommend a Vulcan link on the Cal U homepage, www.calu.edu.

Plan to attend the 2nd annual President’s Showcase signature fundraising event. Join us on campus for an evening of entertainment as we raise money for student scholarships. Watch the Cal U website, www.calu.edu, for information about this extraordinary evening!

OCTOBER 24 HOMECOMING DAY Don’t miss our annual Homecoming Day festivities! Come back to campus to reconnect with classmates and see the many changes at your alma mater. Watch for "superheroes" in the traditional parade and enjoy some Vulcan football, too.

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If you had a great Cal U experience, spread the word! Potential undergraduate, graduate, transfer and Global Online students can learn more about Cal U at www.calu.edu. There’s information for “Prospective Students” at the top of the homepage.

PERSONALIZED CAL U VANITY PLATE You’re not just a number! Cal U alumni who are Pennsylvania residents now can purchase personalized California University of Pennsylvania vanity license plates. Since this is a new program, most personalization choices are still available. For an application or more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@calu.edu or call 724-938-4418.

Big Apple buddies

Let's go, Bucs!

John McLaughlin ’14 (left), Deb Shanley ’74 and Matt Kaminski ’14 spend time networking at a recent alumni event in New York City. Alumni gatherings are excellent opportunities for young alumni to meet established graduates in cities across the country.

Alumni gather in Bradenton, Fla., to catch up on Cal U news and check in on the Pittsburgh Pirates' spring training. Fans at the alumni gathering included (from left) Wayne '89 and Margaret '96 Miller, Denise Nahas Lacich ‘80, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones '72, '80 and Lindsey Lacich.

Basketball Alumnus of the Year

McMurray meet-up

Men’s basketball coach Bill Brown (right) presents the 2015 Basketball Alumnus of the Year award to Dana Zajicek ’05. The award was presented at the annual Basketball Alumni Day celebration.

Alumni (from left) David Gwyer ’65, Alan James ’62 and Bill Flinn ’68 get together at Atria’s restaurant in McMurray, Pa. The Office of Alumni Relations plans gatherings in a variety of locations so graduates can stay up to date with people and progress at their alma mater. SPRING 2015 CAL U REVIEW 19 n

ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T

Master falconer Jeff Finch '93 sees the beauty in birds of prey.

WILD ABOUT RAPTORS

eff Finch ’93 ends up in unusual places, for a school administrator. Last summer, for instance, the assistant superintendent of the Hampton Township School District in Allison Park, Pa., was 80 feet up a pine tree, trying to relocate a family of red-tailed hawks that had nested in a residential neighborhood. “They know I have experience handling birds of prey,” he says of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which called on Finch for the delicate removal. As a master falconer, he certainly does. “Falconry is a hunting sport, not a bird-keeping sport,” says Finch, who has been licensed for about 20 years and is a past president of the Pennsylvania Falconry and Hawk Trust, which promotes the conservation, care and welfare of birds of prey. Falconers trap and train birds to hunt wild game in natural habitats. Finch describes a typical scenario: “You release the bird, which will wait in a tree or high perch while you flush out the prey, like a rabbit. The bird will catch it and wait for a food reward from the falconer.” To be trained, a bird must be handled daily, and details such as its weight and caloric intake must be charted to know at what point a bird will return to its handler for a food reward. Finch, the University’s 2008 outstanding technology education alumnus, began learning about the sport shortly after he graduated from Cal U. To become a licensed falconer, a candidate first must pass a written examination and an extensive facility inspection. A twoyear apprenticeship also is required. 20 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2015 n

Finch is a master falconer, which requires at least five years’ experience and allows him to own a greater variety and number of raptors. He currently has three birds: a very rare albino red-tailed hawk, a Northern goshawk and an ornate hawk eagle. A falconer’s birds usually are released back into the wild after a few years, he says. “The point is to hunt with the bird, not to own it.” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U Jeff Finch '93 also is assistant superintendent for Hampton Township School District in Allison Park, Pa.

ADVOCATE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

here are many reasons to earn a four-year degree. Here’s a big one: According to a study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a person with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn about $2.1 million over a lifetime — $900,000 more than someone with just a high school diploma.

Jennifer HooverVogel is director of governmental relations for Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education.

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, which includes Cal U and 13 other universities, ensures students have access to these degrees by providing affordable, first-class learning opportunities. In fact, the system recently adopted the phrase “14 universities. Infinite opportunities” as its tagline. Making sure key policy decision-makers are aware of the importance of public higher education in Pennsylvania is the job of Jennifer Hoover-Vogel ’06, the State System’s director of governmental relations. “The State System provides highquality, high-value education for students who might not be able to attend otherwise,” she says. “My role is to facilitate communication among our 14 universities. Each university has someone on staff who handles issues related to advocacy, but we needed someone to coordinate that at the systemwide level.”

Hoover-Vogel has an impressive resume in public affairs, having most recently worked for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Her experience also includes the position of executive director for Pennsylvania’s House Education Committee, with a focus on higher education. “I recall being at a governmental relations seminar at a community college while I was still in high school, and it really grabbed my interest,” she says. She earned her master’s degree in legal studies, with a concentration in law and public policy, through Cal U Global Online, making her an advocate who truly knows whereof she speaks. “A few years into my job in the House Education Committee, I knew I wanted to return for my master’s,” Hoover-Vogel says. “Both the flexible schedule and content of the Cal U program worked out well.” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

TEACHING ENTERS THE FORECAST

atie Mercadante ’09, ’11 earned three degrees in six years at Cal U and discovered that her backup plan was actually her career calling. “When I first got here, I was going to do meteorology. Teaching was just a fallback plan,” Mercadante told students who attended her talk at the Cal U Meteorology Club’s Colloquia Series. “It was not until I got into the classroom for a field experience in my sophomore year that the light bulb went on. I realized that was where I was meant to be — and I was good at it. I am truly happy.” Mercadante earned bachelor’s degrees in Earth science and secondary education at Cal U, plus a master’s degree in special education. Now she is pursuing a doctorate in instructional management at Robert Morris University. But she hasn’t left her first love behind. For the past three years Mercadante has taught meteorology and astronomy at Montour High School in McKees Rocks, Pa. She also is a member of the National Weather Association’s Education Committee and an instructor with the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. As an undergraduate, Mercadante helped Cal U to create StormFest, a hands-on exploration of geoscience that has brought thousands of schoolchildren to the science center over the past eight years. Weather phenomena excite her high school students, too. “The first day (in Meteorology I) I began by talking about the layers of the atmosphere, but all they asked was, ‘When are we going to talk about tornadoes?’” she recalls.

I came out of my shell at Cal U. I owe my career to many people there who did not let me give up. Katie Mercadante ’09, ’11 METEOROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY TEACHER, MONTOUR HIGH SCHOOL

“They are really into ‘The Day After Tomorrow’-type events,” the sort of extreme weather depicted in the 2004 disaster film. Mercadante says Cal U not only helped her find her passion but also gave her leadership skills. In addition to her work with StormFest, she was a founding member of the Alpha Lambda Delta freshman honor society, president of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, a peer mentor and a community assistant for University Housing. “I came out of my shell at Cal U,” she says. “I owe my career to many people there who did not let me give up.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

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Foundation board member William Booker served as national chair of the capital campaign.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN REACHES

MILLION GOAL

Generous donors support scholarships for Cal U students

n August, Erika Novak will head to Salus University to pursue a dream. A communication disorders major who’s on track to graduate in May, Novak will attend the school, near Philadelphia, to pursue her Doctor of Audiology. “I want to work with infants born with hearing loss or cleft palate,” she says. Novak is smart and hard-working, but the fact remains: A college education is expensive. Although a four-year degree at California University remains a value, many students struggle to finance their education. That’s why Cal U has made raising funds for student scholarships a top priority. The Campaign to Build Character and Careers addressed that need. Supported by nearly 17,600 gifts, the capital campaign closed earlier this year after raising over $35.6 million. More than $27 million has been designated to support student scholarships, either through endowments or one-time awards. “A scholarship can make a real difference in a student’s life,” says interim University President Geraldine M. Jones. “When I talk to our scholarship recipients, they are quick to explain how much their scholarship means. Sometimes 22 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2015 n

it’s an opportunity to focus on their studies without having to take on a second parttime job. Maybe it’s a chance to accept an internship that makes their resume stand out. Sometimes a scholarship is all that stands between earning a degree and ‘stopping out’ before graduation. “Every story is different, but our students have this in common: They are grateful for our scholarship donors’ generous support.” Novak recently was awarded the Dr. Lorraine Vitchoff Women in Leadership Scholarship. The fund was established by William ’74 and Candice Booker to honor Vitchoff ’74, a classmate of William Booker’s, for her longtime support of Cal U. “It is extremely rewarding for the University to recognize me as a scholar with a lot of leadership experience on campus,” says Novak, an Alpha Sigma Tau sorority officer and president of the University’s PanHellenic Conference. William Booker, a member of the Foundation for California University’s board of directors, served as the national chair of the capital campaign. The Bookers’ contributions to campus include the Booker Towers at the campus entrance; the Booker Great Room in the Kara Alumni House; and five endowed scholarships.

A scholarship can make a real difference in a student’s life. Geraldine M. Jones INTERIM UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

He and his wife gave the first and last gifts to the capital campaign, which raised the University’s total endowment from $7.6 million to $30.4 million. “If you had a good experience at Cal U, if you think it’s a high value for the money and if it gave you lifelong relationships, you want other people to have that same experience,” Booker says. “So how do you support that? By giving back. If you can help one kid who would have to take out a loan or possibly not go to college at all, that’s a really good thing.” There are many ways to support California University of Pennsylvania and its students. Learn how you can help at www.calu.edu/giving. By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

MOTION

LIGHTS, MUSIC,

Cheer and dance competitions find a home at Cal U

he Cal U campus literally sparkles when competitive cheer, dance and pageantry teams arrive. Dressed in glittery, spangled costumes, young performers take over the Convocation Center and, on the busiest weekends, spill over into Steele Hall and other performance spaces. This is where the hours of practice pay off, where the bond with their teammates is paramount — and where

At the GLCC Allegheny National Championship, every competitor gets a trophy to take home.

many students and their families experience Cal U for the first time. On March 14, for example, some 70 cheer teams from Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia showed off their synchronized tumbling and gymnastics skills at the GLCC Allegheny National Championship in the Convocation Center. Meanwhile, in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre, solo performers and dance teams from more than a dozen studios vied for awards in a Wild About Dance competition. “We brought nearly 22,000 people through the doors of the Convocation Center in the first quarter of 2015, and these cheer and dance competitions are some of our biggest events,” says Becky McMillen, executive director of Conference Services. “We highlight our academic programs on the interactive kiosks and video screens in the lobby. The Cal U cheerleaders and dance team have gotten involved, and they talk to the younger students about their college experience. “These contests are wonderful opportunities to show prospective students all that our University has to offer.”

JUNE S

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UPCOMING EVENTS

A wide variety of events are scheduled in the Cal U Convocation Center. Among them: May 8-9: California University Commencement June 18-20: Promise Keepers, Christian men’s gathering July 17-19: Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Show September 5: Mon Valley Open, BCAC Academy of Tae Kwon Do September 22: Washington, Fayette and Greene County Counselors Association College Fair Learn more about the Convocation Center and Cal U Conference Services at www.calu.edu/convocenter.

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SPORTS R O U N D U P

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS Women's basketball team overcomes tragedy, takes Division II title

season of heartbreak and hard work ended in triumph when the women’s basketball team clinched the 2014-2015 NCAA Division II National Championship. About 800 Vulcans fans watched a live broadcast in the Convocation Center as the Vulcans chalked up an 86-69 victory over California Baptist at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. “I'm so proud of our women's basketball team,” says interim University President Geraldine M. Jones, who was in the stands for the Elite Eight Tournament. “They are an impressive and amazing group of young women. Coach Jess (Strom) and the other coaches did a marvelous job of coaching and mentoring the team through a challenging year. And their hard work, determination and commitment earned them the national championship.” Ecstatic fans greeted the returning players, and a victory parade celebrated the program’s second NCAA Division II national title.

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The 2004 women’s basketball and 1997 and 1998 softball teams are the only teams in school history to win NCAA Division II national championships.

Fighting back The Vulcans rallied after the loss of senior forward Shanice Clark to finish the season with a 32-4 overall record. Clark died on Jan. 18 from complications of sickle cell trait, a blood disorder. In her memory, the players wore Clark’s No. 44 jersey during warm-ups and raised their fingers to signal “44” after every win. “We always say Shanice is with us, and it’s made us closer,” says fourth-year head coach Strom. “We probably shouldn’t have won some of the games we did, but somehow, some way, she helped us out. “I’m so proud of how these ladies fight. Throughout the playoffs they had a refuseto-lose attitude.” The road to the championship included a 23-4 overall record in the regular season and a 19-3 conference mark. In the PSAC playoffs, Cal U won its fifth conference title with double-digit victories over Gannon, Bloomsburg and West Chester. The Vulcans hosted the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional tournament, where they defeated Virginia State, West Liberty (W. Va.) and Bloomsburg in overtime to earn the program’s fifth trip to the NCAA Elite Eight.

Players honored Senior guard Kaitlynn Fratz, who averaged 16.7 points per game in Sioux Falls, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the championship tournament. Senior forward Emma Mahady and sophomore guard Miki Glenn both received Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-America Honorable Mention honors. With 20-plus points per game, Glenn was named the Most Outstanding Player at both the PSAC and NCAA Regional tournaments. She broke the PSAC singleseason record for free throws, with 223, toppling a record (219) that had stood since 1995-1996. Strom was named the PSAC-West Coach of the Year, and Seairra Barrett was the PSAC-West Freshman of the Year. Glenn and Mahady were first-team all-conference selections. Fratz received second-team all-conference accolades. Senior forward Irina Kukolj and junior guard Lana Doran also were starters. Other team members are CeCe Dixon, Morgan Jennings, Precious Martin, Brittany Nelson, Shatara Parsons and Paige Wright. “I don’t know a team that deserves (the championship) more,” Strom said. “They set a goal early, and they stayed with it through every single thing that went on this year. “I think it’s awesome that they get to go out on top.”

PSAC track MVP races to 5th place at nationals

Aaron Dinzeo

Cross country runner is three-time All-American

After a second-place finish at the 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship, senior Aaron Dinzeo became the second cross country runner in Cal U history to be named a three-time All-American. His runner-up performance was the highest individual finish by a Cal U runner since Brian Ferrari captured the national title in 1983. Dinzeo placed fifth overall at nationals last year and took 20th place in 2011. He also became the first studentathlete in school history to be selected to the PSAC Top 10 five times in a career. The award recognizes student-athletes who achieve a minimum 3.50 grade-point average; only five men and five women from each sport season are honored each academic year. A multiple Academic All-American award winner in both cross country and track, Dinzeo held a 3.89 GPA heading into his final semester. He anticipates graduating this May with an anthropology degree, with concentrations in archaeology and forensics.

Swimmer places 2nd, 6th in national competition

At the NCAA Division II National Championship, swimmer Jade Arganbright earned All-American honors in the both the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke events, finishing second and sixth, respectively. The sophomore’s second-place finish was the highest national showing by a Vulcan swimmer since Melissa Gates ’12 won three NCAA national titles. Arganbright was voted the PSAC Women’s Swimming Championship’s Most Valuable Player after winning three events. At the conference finals she won the 100yard breaststroke event and set school records in the 200–yard breaststroke and the 200-yard individual medley.

Junior Alex Zanella earned All-American honors in track and field by placing fifth in the 1-mile run at the NCAA Division II National Championship. Zanella also was named the Most Outstanding Track Athlete of the PSAC Women’s Track and Field Indoor Championship, where she took first place in both the 1-mile and the 800-meter individual runs. She also ran the final leg of the distance medley relay, winning the race with sophomore teammate Julie Friend and seniors Danae Burgwin and Allison Hall. Leading the men’s effort at the conference meet was freshman Julius Rivera, who won the 60-meter title and helped the Vulcans finish fifth in the team standings.

Volleyball tops conference; players honored as scholars

The volleyball team (30-9) won its sixth PSAC championship and advanced to the NCAA Division II post-season tournament for an 11th consecutive year. Sophomore Megan Litoborski, a setter, became the 11th Cal U student-athlete to receive the Champion Scholar Award. Honored for her 3.96 GPA, she is studying business administration with an emphasis in accounting and a minor in Spanish. Megan Litoborski

Linebacker named Academic All-American

Standout football linebacker Spencer Lynn ’14 was named a Capital One FirstTeam Academic AllAmerican. Lynn, who is pursuing a Master of Business Administration, holds a 4.00 cumulative grade-point average in the MBA program. He has a bachelor's degree in sport management. A 2014 first-team all-conference selection, Lynn led the Vulcans with 87 tackles last fall. He was named Defensive Player of the Game after making eight tackles in the All-American Bowl, held in Arlington, Texas.

Senior Laurel Miller, a two-time allconference outside hitter, earned Capital One Academic All-American honors. She held a cumulative GPA of 3.84 as her final semester began and was on track to graduate this May with a degree in computer science. By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

Jade Arganbright

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PAYING IT F O R W A R D

A LITTLE BIT OF A A. David Metzner

Gift reflects developer’s love of home, friends and family

s an education major at California State Teachers College, Dora Ann Johnston ’29 demonstrated all the skills a great teacher needs: honesty, dependability, sincerity, judgment, initiative. To honor his mother’s memory and her commitment to education, her son, A. David Metzner, has established the Dora Ann Johnston-Metzner Memorial Scholarship. Any student with financial need, regardless of major, may apply for assistance from the newly endowed fund. Metzner credits his mother with instilling in him at an early age the discipline he would need to be a success. “She used to tell me to set aside at least an hour to do your homework, so you can get into a routine,” Metzner recalls. “I still think about that advice today. Education gives you a step up, that’s what it amounts to. I’ve tried to instill that in my three kids and two grandsons. But this concept started with my mother.” Metzner says establishing the scholarship at Cal U, for which he has deep respect, makes perfect sense in other ways, too. For one, he was born and raised here in Washington County, where he

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has developed various commercial real estate projects. Metzner also has a longstanding business relationship with Steven Stout ’85, president of the board of directors of The Foundation for California University, and his family. Among their projects was the development of Consol Energy Park in Washington, Pa., and the adjoining business complex. It was Stout who approached Metzner about addressing a priority at Cal U: the need for more student scholarships. Metzner says he knows a lot of Cal U graduates who are successful and well rounded. “Steve Stout is one example of a bright young man who got a good education and

stayed in Washington County,” home to about 8,000 Cal U alumni. Metzner also applauded the University for establishing a location at Southpointe years ago. The corporate complex in Canonsburg, Pa., is now home to the California University of Pennsylvania Center for Innovation. “When Cal U opened that branch, I thought it was very forward thinking, being one of the first half-dozen entities there, since that area was the true future of job growth in Washington County, even before the Marcellus shale industry. “Now Southpointe has a nationwide reputation.” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

MAKE A GIFT If you would like to learn more about establishing a scholarship in honor or in memory of a loved one, call the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations at 724-938-5775, or contact Tony Mauro ’92, ’93, associate vice president, at mauro@calu.edu.

When you’re young, you tend to live in your comfort zone. You have to step away from that and just go for it. That was my main message.

SPORTS P R O F I L E

Renata Silva '10, '11 MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

Volleyball standout shares a motivating message

olleyball standout Renata Silva ’10, ’11 could not speak a word of English when she came to Cal U nine years ago from Sao Paulo, Brazil. This spring she shared words of wisdom with hundreds of young women as a speaker at the Women and Girls Foundation’s inaugural Crossroads Conference, held in Pittsburgh, Pa. Silva earned two bachelor’s degrees at Cal U, one in international studies with a business concentration and the other in Spanish, as well as a master’s degree in business administration. In 2009 she became the volleyball program’s first Academic All-American. A four-time all-conference setter and the 2008 and 2009 PSAC Tournament MVP, she helped Cal U win three straight PSAC and NCAA Atlantic Regional titles. Silva began working for Anova Healthcare Systems Inc. shortly after graduation. She started as an administrative assistant at the firm’s Belle Vernon location, and since 2012 she has been Anova’s branch and medical billing manager in Pittsburgh.

Blayre Holmes ’12, a program associate for the Women and Girls Foundation, nominated Silva to speak at the conference. “My speech was focused on taking advantage of every single opportunity that’s presented to you,” says Silva, who lived for a time with Holmes and her mother, longtime University employee Darla Holley-Holmes. “Even though it was my choice to leave my family and come to a different country at age 17, it was sort of a leap of faith that I took — but I’m still here to this day. “When you’re young, you tend to live in your comfort zone. You have to step away from that and just go for it. That was my main message.” Silva remains involved with volleyball as a coach for the Pittsburgh Elite’s 17-premier 1 team. The discipline of sports has helped her to climb the corporate ladder, she says. “Being a student-athlete always helps you manage time. I had to make time to learn English, study, go to school and play volleyball. When I started with Anova, I kept pushing. … I really like my job because I know I am helping our patients better understand health care.”

As a coach, Silva advises her volleyball players. The conference provided a larger forum for her message. “If I’m able to inspire others, I’d love to do more (public speaking),” she says. “I want to share my stories.” Former Cal U head coach Melissa Myers, now the head coach at Illinois State University, says Silva “always played for something bigger than herself.” “You could see that in the way she conducted herself on the court, in the classroom, or wherever she was. It wasn’t just her talent, but her attitude, energy and effort that separated her from others. “I’m not surprised at all by her success. She has earned every bit of it.” Silva believes California was the ideal place to launch her career. “I was thankful that Cal U was a small school with many people around who were willing to help. I really felt accepted,” she says. “If I had gone to a bigger school, I don’t think I would have enjoyed the same experience.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

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CAL U M I L E S T O N E S 40s Lorys Crisafulli ’48, formerly of Monongahela, Pa., lives in San Francisco, Calif.

50s Charles Fischer ’55 received a Salt and Light Award from the Diocese of Greensburg (Pa.) for his philanthropy and humanitarianism. He is a retired industrial arts teacher from the Upper St. Clair (Pa.) School District.

60s Gene Ritsert Jr. ’65 is retired. He and his wife, Mary, live in Beesleys Point, N.J. At Cal U he majored in industrial arts education. Judy Wrote Keller ’69 recently retired as the city treasurer of Connellsville, Pa., an elected office she had held since 2004. She served a total of 17 years in Connellsville, as city controller from 1998-2000 and as a council member from 2000-2004. Before her work for the city, Judy spent 30 years as a secondary social studies teacher with the Connellsville Area School District, retiring in 1999. While at Cal U she was president of the Sigma Kappa sorority.

70s Gregory J. Pandrock ’70, of New Eagle, Pa., is twice retired after completing careers at Three Rivers Chrysler and as a secondary science teacher for the Mt. Lebanon (Pa.) School District. He is married to Adele M. Pandrock.

years. He has been featured in Leaders Magazine by the National Association of Distinguished Professionals. He also has been named to several Who's Who listings and received countless other awards for his work in the field.

Dr. Helen McCracken ’77 is the director of graduate programs in education at Waynesburg (Pa.) University. Helen earned her master’s degree at Cal U and was an assistant professor in Cal U’s Department of Secondary Education and Administrative Leadership.

Marilyn Louise Freeman Carter '74 recently traveled to Sierra Leone to develop and facilitate professional development activities in early literacy skills for the administration and faculty members of the Macaulay Memorial Community School in the Maforay village. Marilyn is an independent educational consultant and serves as a peer reviewer for the Early Childhood Education Journal, Springer Science + Business Media LLC. While at Cal U, she studied elementary education and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha and Kappa Delta Epsilon sororities, as well as the Ski Club. Marilyn and her husband, James, live in Hershey, Pa.

Mary Jo Buettner Petterson ’78 is a math teacher at Jupiter High School in the School District of Palm Beach County, Fla. She and Christopher Petterson live in Jupiter, Fla. Mary Jo studied secondary education and math at Cal U, where she also was a member of the drill team.

Daniel Church '74 received a retirement award from Vice Admiral Kevin M. McCoy, commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command, to mark the end of his career at the Department of the Navy. An industrial education major at Cal U, Dan and his wife, Patricia, now live in Venice, Fla., where they are active in church and club organizations. Kathleen A. Fisher ’75 is working in the Anne Arundel County (Md.) Public Schools as a pupil personnel worker.

The Rev. Greg Golden ’79, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Indiana, Pa., recently participated in the 2014 National Clergy Renewal Program. Funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by Christian Theological Seminary, the program provides pastors with time away from their duties to engage in reflection and renewal. Greg spent time studying at Duke University in North Carolina and training two pastors in Haiti.

80s Lue Ann Pawlick ’82, executive director of the Middle Monongahela Industrial Development Association, also owns Frac Water Resources, which sells water and provides water services to the oil and gas industry. William Black ’84 lives in Bethel Park, Pa. He studied business management and computer science at Cal U, where he also played football.

Raymond Milchovich ’71 is an independent director on the board of Dow Chemical Co. Raymond has more than 30 years’ experience in the steel industry. Dennis L. Eckels, D.O., F.A.A.F.P., F.A.C.O.F.P. ’71 has published an original research paper, “Early Detection of Diabetic Macrovascular Disease,” which describes the use of a hand-held Doppler unit during the yearly diabetic foot examination as an adjunct to predict peripheral vascular disease in the diabetic population. Carol “Kelly” Frank Williams ’72 has lived in Denver, Colo., with her husband, Jim, for the past 13 years. She serves on the board of directors for the Down Syndrome-Autism Connection in Denver. Mary Lama Kostic ’72, of Naperville, Ill., was selected as one of six Neiman Marcus Spring 2015 Faces of Beauty. She was nominated by her son, Graham. The company describes the six as “diverse, graceful, passionate women.” Mary studied elementary education at Cal U. Jim Haluck ’73 gives Cal U credit for providing the groundwork for his ability to change the life of students in both the public and private schools where he has taught for more than 40

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Change of Command Leadership of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team has changed, but a California University of Pennsylvania alumnus is still in command. Col. James F. Chisholm ’93 transferred command to Lt. Col. Ros L. Gammon IV ’89, ’13 at a traditional military change-of-command ceremony held Dec. 13 in the Convocation Center. Before taking command of the unit in November 2012, James served in a variety of command and staff positions, including deployments to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Afghanistan. Ros served overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom and as executive officer for the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. From 2008-2011 he commanded the 1st Battalion 110th Infantry, and he later was chief of operations for the 28th Infantry Division, based in Harrisburg, Pa.

James Sherriffs ’84 is the owner of Business Strategies. He studied business administration at Cal U and lives in Surprise, Ariz. Sharon Devine ’87 is executive deputy commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance in the state of New York. She studied communications at Cal U. Larry Knopsnyder ’89 has been inducted into the District 5 Wrestling Hall of Fame in Windber, Pa., for his performance at Berlin Brothersvalley High School, in Somerset County, Pa. He studied secondary education at Cal U.

90s Michelle Romanosky ’90 is director of business administration for the William Floyd School District in southern Brookhaven, N.Y. Previously she was senior accountant and treasurer for the district. She studied business administration at Cal U. Corey McCoy ’90, of Phoenix, Ariz., is a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educator in Avondale Elementary School District No. 44. At Cal U, Corey was in the colorguard. Richard Brian Charlton ’91, of Monongahela, Pa., is a teacher and also the curator at the Donora (Pa.) Historical Society.

Jeffry Grimes ’95 was a candidate for Greene County (Pa.) Common Pleas Court judge. Sarah Taylor Selli ’95 lives in Manchester, N.H. At Cal U she was a history major and a member of the Student Activities Board. Jennifer George ’96, of Centreville, Md., is a title abstractor and business owner. She studied English at Cal U. Veronica Hordubay ’96 is the manager of Huntington’s Kitchen, the community outreach facility for Cabell Huntington Hospital in West Virginia. She has 17 years of marketing and community outreach experience, most recently at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena and Convention Center, in Huntington. Donald Snoke ’98 is the assistant superintendent of the Trinity Area School District, near Washington, Pa. He earned his master’s degree in education, principal’s certification and superintendent’s letter of eligibility from Cal U. Michael Brookie ’99 is the assistant principal at McMurray Elementary School in the Peters Township (Pa.) School District. He earned his degree in elementary education at Cal U.

00s David Hoffman ’00 is a principal in the South Allegheny (Pa.) School District. He majored in education at Cal U and lives in Belle Vernon, Pa. Ryan Astor ’01 has been named associate director of Master Admissions at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. He previously served as a regional recruiter for the University of Alabama. Michael Doppelheuer ’02 is a teacher at Connellsville (Pa.) Area Junior High School and is the head wrestling coach at Belle Vernon (Pa.) Area High School.

Kevin Montini ’98, ’99 and Dena Morrow ’98 have been teaching in the York County (Va.) School Division since August 1999. They were married on July 8, 2000. In November 2011 they had twin daughters, Ashlan and Alia, and in October 2013 they had a son, Rocco. At Cal U Kevin majored in secondary and special education and played football. Dena, a secondary education major, played volleyball and was a member of the softball team that won the 1997 national championship. Scott D. Fowler ’89, ’91 is retired after 25 years as a teacher, school administrator and central office administrator in Maryland and Virginia. He now works as an author, consultant and speaker with regard to autism advocacy. He lives with his wife, Ann Marie, and their two children, Nicholas and Nathan, in Salisbury, Md. Dr. Victor Shandor ’92 is superintendent of the York County School Division in Virginia. Previously, he was area superintendent for Fulton County Schools in Georgia.

Michael Premus ’03 is a technology education instructor in the Frazier (Pa.) School District. During the 2014-2015 school year, Michael provided instruction to his students using a 3D printer. Brianna Vanata ’03 is the first assistant district attorney in Greene County, Pa. She studied history and political science at Cal U. LaMont Lyons Sr. ’04 is the assistant principal of Chartiers Valley Middle School in Bridgeville, Pa. He studied elementary education and educational leadership at Cal U. Richard Behun, Ph.D. ’05 is a member of the Department of Psychology and Counseling at Marywood University, in Scranton, Pa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at Cal U. Kristopher White ’05, a historian for the Penn-Trafford Recreation Board and a continuing education instructor for the Community College of Allegheny County, presented a Civil War program to the Zanesville (Ohio) Civil War Roundtable.

Woman of Excellence Dr. Caryl Sheffield ’73, an associate provost and associate vice president for Academic Affairs, was selected by the New Pittsburgh Courier to receive a 2014 Women of Excellence Award. Caryl joins interim University President Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80 and Dr. Lisa McBride, former director of the Office of Social Equity, as award winners from Cal U. A professor at the University since 1991, Caryl was chair of the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education from 2002-2012. In March she was the keynote speaker at the fourth annual Legacy Awards, sponsored by Deliverance Temple Ministries in Aliquippa, Pa. She delivered her “last lecture” at the University on March 31, in conjunction with Cal U’s celebration of Women's History Month.

Andrea Alukonis Matthews ’05 majored in liberal studies at Cal U. Andrea and Gerame Matthews live in Boardman, Ohio. Beth Burd ’05, of Connellsville, Pa., is the owner of Beth Burd Social Marketing and Business Promotion. She studied business administration at Cal U. Tayon Mitchell ’05 is founder and chief executive officer of Engarde Financial Group and Community Life Advisors. Latonia Allen ’06 is the volleyball coach at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala. She earned her master’s degree in athletic training from Cal U. Guy Flament Jr. ’07 is a raw materials analyst for U.S. Steel Corp. He studied business administration at Cal U and lives in Monongahela, Pa. Kevin O’Donnell ’09 is the administrative director of the Connellsville (Pa.) Area Career and Technical Center. He earned his master’s degree in education from Cal U. Erin Lacek Stolburg ’09 is a corporate action accountant for BNY Mellon. She and Lewis Stolburg ’07 live in Pittsburgh, Pa. At Cal U, Erin was in the marching band and active with WCAL and CUTV.

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CAL U M I L E S T O N E S Adam Friedman ’12 is a captain with the Philadelphia Police Department and commander of the 8th Police District. He earned his master’s degree in criminology from Cal U. Corey Deasy ’12 designs political advertisements for Comcast Spotlight. Robert Kagel ’12 is the director of the Department of Emergency Services for Chester County, Pa. Previously he was the deputy director of emergency management for the department. He majored in legal studies at Cal U. Melissa Mahnke ’12 is the head women’s volleyball coach for the University of Mount Union, in Alliance, Ohio. Regis W. Visconti Jr. ’12 works for University Orthopedic Center in State College, Pa. He is also an athletic trainer at State College Middle and High School. He received his master’s degree from East Stroudsburg University in 2013. Michelle Kelley ’89, ’12 has been promoted to director of nursing at Pediatric Specialty Care in Hopewell, Pa.

Foundation Awards At the Kara Alumni House, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80 (left) and Steven P. Stout ’85, president of the Foundation for California University, present the 2014 Dixonians Award for service to the University to Ellen and Tom ’06 Hasbrouck, who accepted the award on behalf of the late Norman Hasbrouck. James Lopez ’81, president and chief executive officer of Tembec, received the Job Johnson Award for leadership and community service. The Society of 1852 Award for philanthropy was presented to the William T. Morris Foundation. Robert Patti, vice president and secretary of the foundation, accepted the award earlier at an alumni gathering in New York City.

Rob McCarney ’09 is a broadcast technician for Sportvision. He majored in communication studies at Cal U, where he was involved with CUTV, WCAL and Tau Kappa Epsilon. He lives in Hatfield, Pa. Bryan Schuerman ’09 is an on-air meteorologist for WBOY-TV in Clarksburg, W.Va. He is a member of the Cal U Alumni Association Board of Directors. Thais Franca ’09 is the head volleyball coach at the University of Mary, near Bismarck, N.D. She earned her master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from Cal U. Kevin Mitchell ’09, who earned his master’s degree in legal studies from Cal U, is a mediator and arbitrator for Mitchell Mediation and Arbitration. He and Felicia Jones live in Smyrna, Ga.

10s Karen Justice Sobotker ’10, of Exmore, Va., works for Eastern Shore Literacy Council. She majored in legal studies at Cal U and was a member of Zeta Phi Beta.

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Brian Uhrmacher ’10 is the police chief of Hopewell Township, Pa. He earned his master’s degree in legal studies from Cal U. Dr. Stefan Getzik ’10 is a chiropractor at Getzik Family Chiropractic, in Washington, Pa. Sarah Seabrook Shepherd ’10 is the owneroperator-trainer at Prodigy Wellness Center. She is married to Jeremy Shepherd ’10. They live in New Martinsville, W.Va. Joshua P. Kakareka ’10 was promoted to section manager in BNY Mellon’s Jacksonville, Fla., office. Lauren Kross Polinski ’11, of Bloomsburg, Pa., is a senior admissions counselor at Lycoming College. She studied sociology at Cal U, where she was involved with the Peace Club, AmeriCorps, The Vagina Monologues, the Women’s Center, the Cal Times and CUTV.

Kerri May Hall ’13 is a teacher. She and Greg Hall live in Mammoth, Pa. At Cal U she majored in secondary education with a social studies concentration. Joshua Russo ’13 is a part-time police officer in Liberty, Pa. Erin Leaver ’13 is the assistant athletic trainer at Waynesburg (Pa.) University. Her responsibilities include the soccer and wrestling teams. Gary Thomas ’13, of Hagerstown, Md., is a teacher in Frederick County (Md.) Public Schools. At Cal U he majored in technology education, played rugby and was active with Habitat for Humanity. Mitchell Meszaros ’14 lives in Raleigh, N.C. He earned his degree in exercise science and health promotion from Cal U, where he was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda and the Student Athletic Trainers Association. Rachel Greenlee ’14 is a legislative assistant for Pennsylvania Rep. Pam Snyder. She majored in communication studies at Cal U. Dana Bucy ’14 lives in West Elizabeth, Pa. At Cal U, she studied social work and was active with the Lambda Bridges Program Office. John Emig ’14 is a teacher and coach at Lancaster (Pa.) Country Day School. He earned his master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from Cal U. He and Maggie Smith live in Lancaster.

Sam Callery ’11 recently was the technical director for a touring production of Macbeth. Sam works in New York City as a lead electrician.

Daniel Starceski ’14, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is an accountant for Cypher & Cypher, CPAs. He majored in accounting at Cal U, where he also played soccer.

Bradley B. Poland ’11 is a caseworker with Try-Again Homes. He is married to Monica R. Poland, and they live in Washington, Pa.

Meghan Chura ’14, of Baldwinsville, N.Y. is an athletic trainer. She earned her master’s degree in exercise science from Cal U.

ENGAGEMENTS John Prekrel ’08 and Kaitlyn Strosnider are engaged to be married. John majored in secondary education at Cal U. Kaitlyn is a Cal U student, studying secondary education. They are planning a June 2016 wedding. Thomas Rebar ’94 and Tara Corazzi, both of Roscoe, Pa., are engaged. Thomas earned his degree in geology and is a principal project manager and founding member of NUVO Environmental LLC. Tara is a teacher at Peters Township (Pa.) Middle School. They are planning a June 2015 wedding. Todd Bosch ’10 and Diandra Wetzel ’12 are planning a wedding for June 2015 at Lakeview Golf and Resort, near Morgantown, W.Va. Diandra earner her master’s degree in legal studies from Cal U and is a billing coordinator at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. Todd studied graphic communications and is a data specialist at Morgantown Printing and Binding. Nicholas Clark ’11 and Megan Sanders, both of McClellandtown, Pa., will be married in September 2015. Nicholas will graduate in 2015 from Duquesne University School of Law. Megan is a member service representative at Fayette Federal Employees Federal Credit Union. Dario Piccolomini Jr. ’04 and Alexandra Nuccetelli ’14 are engaged. Dario studied secondary education with a biology concentration at Cal U, and he teaches at Uniontown (Pa.) Area High School. Alexandra earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and is a mental health therapist in Uniontown. They plan to be married in July 2016. Allison Kyle ’11 and Jason Guinan are planning a wedding in 2015. Allison earned her Master of Science in Business Administration at Cal U and is a senior consultant at the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory. Jason also works at the lab. Alissa Preston ’13 and Lukas Baker are planning to marry in July 2015. Alissa studied sociology, psychology and women’s studies at Cal U. She is a residual account coordinator at Achieva. Lukas works in management at Enterprise.

Lindsey Lytwak ’10 and Michael Walters are engaged. Lindsey is a speech language pathologist at Uniontown (Pa.) Hospital. Michael is a dispatcher at Pleasant Trucking in Connellsville, Pa. Their wedding is set for October 2015. Dana Vargo ’05 and Steve Savage are planning a wedding for summer 2015. Dana earned her master’s degree in business at Cal U and is a human relations manager at Mylan Pharmaceuticals in Morgantown, W.Va. Steve is self-employed. Louis “L.C.” Otto ’09 and Megan Haines are planning a September 2015 wedding. L.C. studied geography and emergency management at Cal U. He is a petroleum landman for Holland Services of Fort Worth, Texas. Megan is a radiography/mammography technologist at Jefferson Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. Kayla Hudak ’14 and Tyler Kerns are engaged. Kayla studied communication disorders at Cal U and is pursuing her master’s degree in

speech-language pathology, also at Cal U. Tyler is a foreman for R.A.M.E. in Washington, Pa. They are planning a September 2016 wedding. Carl Halye ’11, ’13 and Aimee A. Hazlett ’12 are planning a June 2016 wedding. Carl majored in meteorology and earned his master’s degree in business administration. Aimee majored in elementary education.

IN PRINT California University graduates continue to make their mark in the world of book publishing. Brandon Swarrow ’02 has published Coulro, a psychological mystery that is Brandon’s fourth book. Half of the proceeds from sales will go to charity. Brandon is working with Jason Swinchock ’02 to produce a movie based on the book. For more information, visit authorbrandonswarrow.webs.com. Phil Ranieri ’77 has published two books: The Water Puzzle: Facts About Your Drinking Water and The Water Puzzle: Securing the System. Both are available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Phil studied environmental science at Cal U and is retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s drinking water division, Pittsburgh Region. David Orange ’70, an actor and author from New York City and Florida and originally of Jeannette, Pa., has published his second novel, Mine Game. His acting credits include roles in the Broadway plays Knockout and Torch Song Trilogy. He also appeared in the movie Star Trek IV. For more information, visit davidorange.net.

Timothy DeFelice ’08 and Kristen Slavick, of Manassas, Va., are planning a wedding for July 2015. Timothy studied technology education at Cal U and is a career and technical education teacher for the Prince William County (Va.) Public Schools. Kristen is a social studies teacher in the same district. Richard Kolesar Jr. ’13 and Ashley Thurby ’11, ’13 are engaged. Richard is a secondary math teacher at Laurel Highlands Middle School in Fayette County, Pa., and a high school football and baseball coach. Ashley is a secondary math teacher at Laurel Highlands High School and social media manager at Thurby’s Riverside Ford. They are planning a June 2015 wedding.

SPRING 2015 CAL U REVIEW 31 n

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

Crystal Huffman ’13 and Clayton Homa ’13 were married May 23, 2014, at Cooper’s Rock State Forest near Morgantown, W.Va. Clayton, who studied history at Cal U, is a staff sergeant in the Army Military Police Corps. Crystal majored in liberal studies at Cal U and is a law student at the University of Georgia School of Law.

Damon Bartolotta ’05 and Laurie Carson were married Sept 6, 2014, in Morgantown, W.Va. Damon is a steamfitter with Pittsburgh Local 449. Laurie is a planner and grants writer for the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/ Fayette Inc. They live in Rostraver Township, Pa. Michael Dzurnak ’10 and Jillian Powell ’09, ’12 were married Dec. 20, 2014, on Sanibel Island, Fla. Michael studied criminal justice at Cal U and is a police officer first class in Ocean City, Md. Jillian studied psychology and school psychology; she is a school psychologist in the Indian River School District in Georgetown, Del. They live in West Ocean City, Md. David Divelbliss ’07 and Stephanie Friend were married Jan. 10, 2015. David, who earned his master’s degree in teaching, is a social studies teacher at Belle Vernon (Pa.) Area Middle School. He also is a middle school soccer coach for the Belle Vernon Area School District. Jacob Rabatin ’06 and Andrea Olinzock were married Sept. 27, 2014, in the Perryopolis (Pa.) First Presbyterian Church. Jacob works for the Perryopolis Auto Auction. Andrea works for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. They live in Star Junction, Pa. Bryan Lipchinsky ’09 and Shaina Hawthorne ’09 plan to be married in May 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Bryan is a supervisor at UNIVAR Chemical Distribution Co. in Elrama, Pa. Shaina studied nursing at Cal U and works at Jefferson Hospital, in Jefferson Hills, Pa.

Kristin Vujevich ’07 and Joseph Marena were married Nov. 29, 2014.

Carrie Cuppett ’04 and James Raffle Jr., both of South Union Township, Pa., were married Oct. 19, 2013. Carrie is a first-grade teacher at Hutchinson Elementary School, in Southwest Greensburg, Pa. Elizabeth Bausher ’12 and Alexander Whittington ’12 were married on July 26, 2014. Elizabeth was a computer information systems major and is working as a network administrator at Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. Alexander was a technology education major; he is now working as a technology education teacher at South Park (Pa.) Middle School. Eric Fergus ’07 and Keely Martin plan to be married in May 2015 in Sanibel, Fla. Eric studied business administration at Cal U; he now is a human resources supervisor with Nabors Drilling USA in Canonsburg, Pa. Keely is a senior human resources consultant with NiSource in Canonsburg.

Michael Lash ’10 ’13 married Crystal Wolfe on Oct. 18, 2014. James Grazier ’07 and Jenna Marin ’13 were married Aug. 9, 2014, in Allentown, Pa. James, who earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice, works for Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, Fla. Jenna earned her bachelor's degree in liberal studies and works for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. They live in Tampa, Fla.

Star performance

Hall of Fame California University of Pennsylvania held its 20th annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet on Feb. 21 in the Convocation Center. Pictured with interim University President Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80 are this year’s inductees (from left) Kim Miller ’09 (softball), Roger Gordon ’97, ’99 (men’s soccer) and former women’s basketball coach Darcie Vincent.

32 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2015 n

Justin Schiefelbein, assistant director at the Vulcan Village housing complex on Cal U’s upper campus, has won an EdR Star Award for his exceptional workplace performance. EdR Inc. manages Vulcan Village, where Schiefelbein supervises and mentors the Cal U students who serve as community assistants. In 2014, Cal U selected Schiefelbein as a Community Champions Award winner for his contributions to the University.

Remembrances Burrell Brown ’69, professor and chair of the Department of Business and Economics at Cal U, died Jan. 25, 2015. Burrell joined the California University faculty in 1989. Previously he was a labor lawyer and served for 20 years as legal counsel for the Pennsylvania chapter of the NAACP. He was a founder of the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Black MBA Association. He held an MBA and a juris doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.

Finish What You Started Cal U has signed a ‘reverse transfer’ agreement with Westmoreland County Community College that will allow students to complete an associate degree begun at WCCC while working toward a bachelor’s degree at Cal U. On hand for the signing ceremony are (seated, from left) Dr. Tuesday Stanley, president of WCCC; interim University President Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80; (back row, from left), Dr. Kathleen Malloy, interim vice president for Academic Affairs and Student Services, and Robert Wright, counselor/ associate professor, both from WCCC; Terrie Greene ’82, executive director of the Office of Articulation and Transfer Evaluation, and Dr. Bruce Barnhart ’83, ’89, ’01, acting provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, both of Cal U.

ANNIVERSARY Geraldine Saxe ’73 and Allen Saxe, of West Brownsville, Pa., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 16, 2014. Gerry worked as a teacher for Intermediate Unit 1 and retired two years ago. They have a son, John; two daughters, Wendy ’91 and Kway ’92, ’93; and a grandson, Joshua ’13.

BIRTHS Amy Primm Wentzel ’04 and Ben Wentzel announce the birth of their son, Marco Christopher, on Oct. 28, 2014. Marco joins his sister, Sophia Lynn. Amy is a contracted speech language therapist in Westmoreland County, Pa. Ben is a construction manager for the Westmoreland Industrial Development Corp. and a real estate agent with eXp Realty. Grandparents include David ’90 and Karen ’86 Primm. Karen is retired as director of Cal U’s Internship Center. Christopher Cieply ’08 and Lauren Karabasz Cieply ’08 celebrated the birth of their first son, Chase Joseph, on May 29, 2014.

Brian Hutton Jr. ’09 and Jennifer Hutton ’09 welcomed their first child, Alexandria, on Sept. 26, 2014. At Cal U, Brian was an honor student.

Alexis Barna Trubiani ’03, ’04 and her husband, Robert Trubiani, of Donora, Pa, welcomed their second child, Robert Allen Trubiani III, on Sept. 25, 2014. The couple also has a daughter, Kennedy. Alexis is the student service liaison/public relations coordinator for the Clairton (Pa.) City School District. Karla Kurzdorfer Staub ’98 and Tim Staub ’95, ’97 welcomed a daughter, Rachel Marie, on May 10, 2014. She joins sisters Kaitlyn, 14, and Claire, 7, and brothers Dylan, 12, Ryland, 9, and Ian, 4. Karla is a teacher at St. Joseph Elementary School in York, Pa., and Tim works for Rettew Associates in Lancaster, Pa.

IN MEMORIAM Bernard “Ben” Blasko ’73 Gerald W. Bowman ’71 William A. Burd ’77 Marjorie Nelson Carson ’50 Judith Renee Columbia Compton ’89 Dr. Thomas Hodges Coode,* emeritus professor of history William J. Corcoran ’72 Mark Anthony Costello,* former Cal U police officer Victor John Detrick ’02 Elizabeth “Betty” J. Greco ’65 Jennifer Lynn Kies ’96 Ewald “Ed” Carl William Krueger,* Cal U genetics professor Juanita Jean Davies Means* Dr. Shirley B. Nebelkopf Merlin* Wayne V. Moon ’52 Thomas Masten Palmer ’47 Marguerite “Margie” Louise Caruso Pankiewicz ’66 Russell R. Pastor ’64 John Preston Pizzi ’73 George J. Plava Sr. ’40 John “Jack” Warren Pohill ’84 Kenneth Prunty ’01 Vincent D. Rizzo ’58 Arthur “Archie” Rodriguez* Betsy Shaffer Speakman ’82 Dr. Sarah "Sally" Stephenson,* emerita professor of social sciences Joyce Theakston ’62, ’64, ’70 Leonard J. Tyburski ’64 Clarissa “Criss” Sally Sessler Umbel* Rose Virginia Donaldson Withrow* David Wyne,* assistant director of projects at Cal U George Zemo Jr.,* emeritus professor of social sciences * No class year on file SPRING 2015 CAL U REVIEW 33 n

PLANNED G I V I N G

YOUR GIFT CREATES AN ANNUITY INCOME In these times of persistent low interest rates, consider a gift that will create an annuity income from the Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania. It will provide: • Generous, predictable income that will never go down.

AGE

• Lifelong payments that can include both spouses.

• Favorable tax treatment on that income flow. • An immediate charitable income-tax deduction for a significant portion of the gift. Best of all, you will be supporting students and programs at Cal U when the income is no longer needed.

The table shown here is a sample of income and tax-free amounts. For a customized personal proposal reflecting your own age(s) and priorities, contact Gordon Core, director of Planned Giving, at 724-938-5985 or core@calu.edu.

NAME

TAX-FREE PORTION

INDIVIDUALS

• Secure cash flow backed by the Foundation for California University.

KEEP IN TOUCH

ANNUAL PAYMENT*

$510

$384

$580

$450

$680

$542

COUPLES

72/68

$460

$342

75/71

$480

$363

77/73

$500

$483

* Gift date 4/30/2015; results vary by actual birth and gift dates

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.

MAIDEN NAME

CLASS YEAR

ADDRESS

PHONE

E-MAIL

OCCUPATION

EMPLOYER

SPOUSE’S/PARTNER’S NAME

SPOUSE’S/PARTNER’S CLASS (IF CAL U GRAD).

MAY WE LIST YOUR E-MAIL ON OUR WEB SITE?

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. 34 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2015 n

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SPRING

2015

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Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Jones

National Champs As confetti rains onto the court, members of the Vulcan women's basketball team celebrate winning the Division II National Championship. More photos from the Elite Eight Tournament are online at www.calu.edu; click on 'News' and 'Cal U Review,' then choose 'As Seen in the Review.'