Cal U Review - Summer 2013 by California University of Pennsylvania

2013

SUMMER

THE SMART SPORT Sparks fly when Cal U hosts BotsIQ competition

The California University of Pennsylvania Magazine CAL U REVIEW Vol. 41 - No. 3 The Cal U Review is published by the Office of Marketing and University Relations and is distributed free. Third class postage paid at California. CHANCELLOR Acting Chancellor Peter Garland

FROM THE INTERIM PRESIDENT My summertime travels have taken me to several alumni gatherings. It’s been a pleasure to visit with so many Cal U graduates who care deeply about our alma mater, just as I do. During those visits I’ve reminisced about Cal U’s past and updated alumni about current initiatives. I’ve also discussed the University’s future, and the role that alumni can play. In order for Cal U to thrive, we need to keep our enrollment numbers strong — and that’s a challenging task these days. Pennsylvania high schools are graduating fewer students than they did just five or 10 years ago, and those students have many colleges to choose from. Meanwhile, the cost of higher education continues to rise, making it difficult for many families to afford. As alumni, you can help spread the word that Cal U is an excellent value for students who are seeking a college degree. As a member of the State System of Higher Education, California offers some of the most affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in Pennsylvania. If Cal U made a positive difference in your life, please share your story with neighbors, friends and family members who are exploring their college options. Then encourage prospective students and their families to visit our website or call our Admissions Office for more information. Scholarships are an important tool for recruiting and retaining students. Unlike private schools, Cal U can’t discount tuition costs for needy families. But we can offer scholarships to well-qualified students — if we have adequate funding available. Your support of scholarships can help our enrollment efforts immensely. If we can encourage more students to choose Cal U, remain enrolled and earn a degree, your alma mater will grow even stronger. There are many other ways that you can get involved with our University and our wonderful Cal U students. Advisory boards, mentoring programs and the Cal U Alumni Association are just a few. Please call the Office of Alumni Relations, drop in at the Kara Alumni House or join us for Homecoming on Oct. 12. We’ll be glad to welcome you. With warm wishes,

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Guido M. Pichini, chairman Marie Conley, chair, human resources Aaron A. Walton, chair, academic and student affairs Sen. Richard Alloway II Rep. Matthew E. Baker Jennifer G. Branstetter, governor’s designee Gov. Tom Corbett Sara J. Dickson Laura E. Ellsworth, vice chair Rep. Michael K. Hanna

William E. Harner, Acting Secretary of Education Ronald G. Henry, vice chair; chair, finance, administration and facilities Bonnie L. Keener Jonathan B. Mack, chair, external and public relations Joseph F. McGinn, chair, audit Harold C. Shields Robert S. Taylor David F. Wolfe Sen. John T. Yudichak

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Geraldine M. Jones, interim president Dr. Bruce Barnhart, acting provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles B. Mance, vice president for University Technology Services Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance Craig Butzine, vice president for Marketing and University Relations/ interim vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations Dr. Nancy Pinardi, interim vice president for Student Affairs COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Lawrence Maggi ’79, chair Annette Ganassi, vice chair R. Tyler Courtney Peter J. Daley II ’72, ’75 James T. Davis ‘73 Michele M. Mandell ’69 Robert Miner Jr. ’78

Michael Napolitano ’68 Thomas Uram Aaron A. Walton ’68 (Student member to be named) Dr. Peter Garland, acting chancellor, ex-officio

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Barbara (Williams) Fetsko ’75, ’83, president Brian Fernandes ’99, ’00, vice president Lynne (Moltz) Stout ’94, secretary Alan James ’62, treasurer Lorraine Vitchoff, ’74, immediate past president Colleen (Murphy) Arnowitz ’88, ‘97 Donald Lee ’69 Loralie (Koerbel) Bruce ’05 Chase Loper ’10, ‘12 Trinette (Schmidt) Cunningham ’93 Melissa McKean ‘07 Mindi D’Auria-Fisher ’07 Dante Morelli ’02 Paul Gentile ’62 Michael Napolitano ’68 Abigail Grant ‘07 George Novak ’55 Jesse Hereda ’04 Fred Retsch ’62, ’66 Len Keller ’61 Bryan Schuerman ’09 Marc Keller ’94 Tim Susick ’76, ’78 Autumn Koerbel ’02 Judy (Durko) Zilkowski ’77, ’83 Anthony Lazzaro ’55 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Geraldine M. (Johns) Jones ’72, ’80, interim president Dr. David. L. Amati '70, '72, president, Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania Lawrence Maggi ’79, chair, Council of Trustees Craig Butzine ’84, vice president for Marketing and University Relations/ interim vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations Dr. Michael Slavin ’74, APSCUF president Cathy (Holloway) Connelly ’95, ’96, senior director, Cal U for Life SAI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hope Cox ’00, ’01 Brendan Demmy Chelsea Getsy Brendan Garay Sam Jessee ’90, ’93 Nia Jullivan Kembia Munsanje Marc Roncone ’03

Jasmin Runner Shane Speicher Nia Sullivan Dr. Donald Thompson, retired faculty (Graduate student to be named) (Council of Trustees representative to be named)

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Nancy Pinardi ’95, ’96, ’98, interim vice president for Student Affairs Leigh Ann Lincoln, chief financial officer SAI Larry Sebek '90, '93, interim associate vice president for Student Affairs

Geraldine M. Jones Interim President California University of Pennsylvania

Interim President Geraldine M. Jones communicates regularly with the campus community via e-mail and online. To see all of President Jones’ weekly 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 address to alumni@calu.edu.

FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. David L. Amati ’70, ’72, president Steven P. Stout ’85, vice president Armand E. Balsano ’74, secretary Paul Kania ’87, treasurer William R. Booker ’74 Robert Lippencott ’66 Courtney E. Cochran ‘12 Reginald A. Long ’81 Robert E. Eberly III Lawrence Maggi ’79 William R. Flinn ’68 Michael A. Perry ’63 Richard C. Grace ’63 Dr. Harry E. Serene ’65 Dr. Annette M. Kaleita ’55 Dr. Saundra L. Stout ’72 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80, interim University president Craig Butzine ’84, vice president for Marketing and University Relations/ interim vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations Barbara (Williams) Fetsko ’75, ’83, alumni association president EDITOR Christine Kindl WRITERS Wendy Mackall Jeff Bender

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PHOTOGRAPHERS S.C. Spangler

Bruce Wald ’85

Greg Sofranko

ON THE COVER:

Judges announce a win for the red team during the Southwestern Pennsylvania Finals of the BotsIQ competition. Page 4

INSIDE DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

ALUMNI NEWS

16–17

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

18-19

CAMPUS CLIPS

SPORTS ROUNDUP

20–23 26–27

On the edge of disasters

An alumnus finds himself at home in Japan, despite the 2011 earthquake that spawned a deadly tsunami and damaged a nuclear plant.

MILESTONES 30–34

Rising to the occasion

Award winners and scholarship donors shine at the 20th annual President's Gala.

Graduates 'have changed lives' Color us green For the fourth consecutive year, Cal U has earned a listing in The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges, a directory produced in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council. The guide commends Cal U’s use of geothermal heating and cooling in its residence halls and notes that more than one-third of its energy consumption is derived from renewable sources. Internships and career guidance in ‘green’ industries also are mentioned. As for academics, Cal U offers majors in environmental studies, environmental earth science, geology and meteorology, plus concentrations in fisheries and wildlife, conservation ecology, environmental science, and environmental leadership and management.

At the University's 176th Commencement, accomplished alumni share wisdom and demonstrate just how far Cal U grads can go.

A note-worthy challenge

An emeritus professor establishes a fund to honor his parents and support the Music Department.

Big numbers

A Vulcan softball standout becomes the first coach in University of Southern Indiana history to chalk up 300 wins.

YOUR REVIEW IS ONLINE The Cal U Review is available online in an easy-to-read format. Visit www.calu.edu/news and click on ‘Cal U Review’ to see the current issue or previous editions. ‘As Seen in the Review’ also provides links to special online-only features!

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As judges watch the battle, sparks fly inside one of two Lexan arenas set up in the Convocation Center.

’BOTS BATTLES

ROCK THE CONVOCATION CENTER

Cal U hosts hundreds of prospective students at STEM-based robotics competition

parks ignited, parts flew and more than one battered robot limped out of the arena during the 2013 Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ Finals at the Convocation Center. About 550 students from 42 high schools competed in the “smart sport” — an exciting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) robotics competition where robots designed and manufactured by students face off and fight for survival. In addition to the smash-’em-up robot battles, the 54 participating teams also were judged on their engineering, recordkeeping and interview skills. Between rounds, the competitors had opportunities to tour the campus and get a taste of life at Cal U. Contest organizer Michael Amrhein, of Cal U’s Department of Applied Engineering and Technology,

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relishes the chance to bring bright, engaged high school students to the University. “We are hoping a lot of these students will come to Cal U for any degree, but especially for technology education or the new mechatronics engineering technology program that’s starting this fall,” he says.

TV coverage

Eight years ago the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association, along with a committed group of manufacturers and educators, brought BotsIQ to southwestern Pennsylvania. The first contests were held in area shopping malls, with just a handful of teams competing. The contest has grown rapidly — and so has its audience. This year, KDKA-TV

filmed the thrilling finals at Cal U, as well as an interview with Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones. The result? A 30-minute television show that also introduces the University’s new mechatronics engineering technology program. “What we’ve done over the past eight years is to create a synergy, so this BotsIQ program and Cal U are strong partners,” Amrhein says. “The Convocation Center is an ideal venue for the contest, and we look forward to hosting the regional competition again next year.” As music boomed and announcer Chad McWreath called the play-byplay for another ’bots battle, Amrhein noted that many of the teams’ faculty advisers are Cal U alumni. Among them is Central Valley High School’s team adviser, Bill Fiedler ’01.

“This competition is the definition of STEM in education, because of all the practical uses of science and math the students are engaged in,” says Fiedler, a technology education teacher at the Beaver County school. “Things are moving, shaking, and the kids have to use calculus and physics in order to figure out how it’s all going to work together.” Greg Bohna ’98, a physics teacher and BotsIQ adviser, says his students at Brownsville Area High School benefit from contact with the team’s industry partner, Allison Custom Fabrication. “We spent several days meeting with their engineers and the firm’s vice president,” he explains. “That part of the process really made our students more determined and enthused about moving on to college to study engineering.”

Team sport

Whether they were watching the action in the two Lexan battle arenas or tuning up their robots in the backstage “pit,” the students remained focused on the competition. Senior Josh Faust, a football player at South Park High School and his team’s unofficial “Mr. Fix-It,” describes BotsIQ as a team sport where you use your brain instead of your body. “Going from the computer screen to something you can hold in your hands is pretty cool,” he says. “You can’t describe the feeling of seeing all the hard work and brainstorming come to life. It’s an adrenaline rush when your robot is out there.” Ben Angell, a sophomore at Ringgold High School, says he picked up skills during the BotsIQ building phase. “I really enjoy learning about the new electrical parts that go into the

Bianca Pulliam (left) and teammate Eliza Sopko celebrate a victory for Clairton High School’s team Bazinga.

robot each year,” says Angell, who spent a break in the contest with his sister Elizabeth, a Cal U student. “And I enjoy designing the outside of the ’bots, because I’m also into art.”

Passion for learning

Derry Area High School’s adviser, Ken Hackman ’89, is in his 21st year as a technology education teacher. His students take a year-round robotics class and put in about 100 additional hours after school to prepare for the BotsIQ competition. “The kids love this,” says Hackman, who often returns to Cal U for technology conferences and night classes in robotics. “Their enthusiasm is contagious. You look for that kind of passion.” Special guests at the contest included former state Education Secretary Ron Tomalis and state Rep. Brandon Neuman, a proponent of STEM education. Industry partners staffed booths in the lobby and along the Convocation Center

concourse to introduce themselves to BotsIQ fans. In the stands, a pep band from Propel Braddock Hills High School pumped up the crowd. Central Valley’s team carried “battle flags” into the arena, and many teams decorated their work areas with posters and signs. A dedicated corps of BotsIQ volunteers handled judging duties, while Student Ambassadors and Cal U Admissions staff led campus tours between bouts. Even before they left the Convocation Center, the winning teams from Clairton High and Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center had begun plotting their strategy for the national contest in Indianapolis. “This is intended to be a multi-use facility, and a community outreach event like this is huge for the University,” says Michael Silva, general manager for VenuWorks at the Convocation Center. “It brings prospective students and parents to the campus. This is what we are here to do.”

CRASH COURSE WINNERS OF THE 2013 SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA BOTSIQ FINALS Grand Champion and First Place:

Best Sportsmanship:

Best Rookie Team:

Clairton High School (Bazinga)

Clairton High School (Mega Nuke)

Bedford High School (Slenderbot)

Second Place:

Best Engineered ’Bot and Best Documentation:

Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center (Pandemonium) Coolest ’Bot (tie):

Clairton High School (Mega Nuke) and Plum High School (Still ’N’ Shock II)

Fayette County Career and Technical Institute (Grave Digger) King of the Ring:

Norwin High School (’Merica)

Cal U Spirit Contest:

Central Valley High School To see excerpts from the 2013 Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ Finals, visit www.calu.edu/news; choose ‘Cal U Review’ and click ‘As Seen in the Review.’

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More than 15,000 people died in the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.

ON THE EDGE OF

DISASTERS Alumnus recalls chaos following 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan

his one, Ken McClain III ’03, ’09 remembers thinking, was different. It was March 11, 2011, in the town of Nihonmatsu, located in the Fukushima prefecture of Japan. McClain was preparing to pack up and head out of town on what would have been a threeweek vacation from his job at JICA, the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Then he felt the ground begin to shake. “Earthquakes in the 3 or 4 range (on the Richter scale) happen often,” McClain says. “We even had one on March 9 that measured 7.2 in the exact same place. But with this one, you could hear the ground underneath rumbling, and as the shaking intensified, you could see the ground cracking and opening up. “And the entire thing lasted for 20 minutes — if you can imagine it.” The massive quake registered 9.0 on the scale used by seismologists around the world. The U.S. Geological Survey ranks it as the world’s fourth largest since 1900. Its epicenter was off the coast of Japan, about 30 miles from Nihonmatsu, McClain says.

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The earthquake caused a tsunami that devastated the country’s northeastern coast. In all, more than 15,000 people died in the disasters. Three thousand were unaccounted for. The quake triggered a nuclear emergency at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant. A radiation leak at the facility forced the evacuations of thousands of people. “Nihonmatsu was not near the coast, but it is on the cusp of the radiation exposure zone,” McClain says. “The towns both north and east of us closed down, evacuated and have stayed empty.”

Journey to Japan

Despite the disaster, the aftermath, and the personal challenges both caused for McClain, he is at home in Japan. He graduated from Cal U in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. He put his degree and experience with campus stations CUTV and WCAL radio to work, taking jobs with television and radio stations in Pennsylvania before moving to Florida to work at a TV station in Tallahassee.

Soon after, adventure called, and McClain left for Japan in 2006. He began by writing websites in English and doing other related work, and he started appearing on TV there in 2007. “At the time, I was so excited about the opportunity that I said, ‘I’m leaving for Japan, and I’m never coming back!’ So far, I’m right,” he says. “I have found exciting work at many different places. And I also met my wife, Satomi, here. We married Sept. 9, 2012, and are expecting a baby in October. “The culture of Japan is different on the surface, but very much like the America my parents grew up in. Family traditions still thrive here.” McClain continued to work in television, taking his first job on a talk show called Cool Japan, which discussed Japanese culture from foreign points of view. Another on-camera role in a saigen, or re-enactment drama, was about a famous art forger. For a saigen about a high school baseball player who lived in Pittsburgh, he was able to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of scenes and place names.

In 2009 McClain took a job training volunteers in computer skills for JICA, a non-governmental agency that supports economic and social growth in developing countries. He still does some work on TV shows, including one that will air in September.

Prepared for anything

Immediately after the quake came the mayhem. “I kind of took the middle ground and said, ‘We are all alive, (utilities) are all down, but if we stay calm, we can make it through.’” There was no power, but news of the tsunami filtered in. “One panicky friend pulled his car up the cracked road at about 100 kilometers an hour, hit the brakes and said, ‘The nuclear plant blew up! There’s radiation in the air!’ “He then took off without asking anyone to come along, so I sat on my cracked-up steps thinking how much time it would take to get out of there. “Since I lived in a small town — much smaller than California, Pa. — everyone who could bought up all the food from the one supermarket and gas from the one gas station and got out of town. If you couldn’t, you were stuck. “I was stuck.” Within a few days, JICA organized a bus to Tokyo for its workers. It also relocated its operations from Fukushima to Osaka, because the Fukushima center was being used to house tsunami victims as new homes were being built.

From half a world away, McClain reached out to his alma mater recently to tell his story, to reconnect with Cal U and to explain how the University provided the experience necessary to thrive, and sometimes merely survive, in unexpected circumstances. He points to his undergraduate experience at Cal U and what he calls the “away from home without a net” frame of mind. “Of course I learned Japanese myself, and while none of the things from school involved passports and visas, I certainly feel that the frame of mind can apply to living in a new country.”

He also earned his master’s degree in technology education in 2009 from Cal U’s Global Online program. “My time at CUTV and WCAL taught me a lot about getting into Japanese media, and several of my classes gave me the ability to see how to prepare and present information to others. “And even though there’s no class at Cal U such as ‘How To Prepare for Emigration,’ I sure feel like I could teach it myself now!” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

Ken McClain III ‘03, ‘09 says he feels welcome in Japan.

Solid foundation

McClain returned to Nihonmatsu a few months after the disasters and found that while radiation levels had dropped to acceptable levels, a lack of housing was a major issue. “The town was the closest one to the disaster area that was still open, and all available housing was rented rather quickly. I had given up my house, which was damaged in the earthquake, and it was fixed and rented to someone else. It wasn’t practical for me to live in the JICA training center, so I left my job. “In a way it was a blessing for me, because it led to an opportunity working with Kanda University of International Studies, Lakeland College Japan, and Temple University’s Japan Campus, teaching computer and media classes.” He now lives with his wife in Saitama, near Tokyo.

FUKUSHIMA NIHONMATSU TOKYO

JAPAN

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20TH ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S GALA HONORS FACULTY, FRIENDS

ore than 200 people took up the challenge to “rise and shine” at the 20th annual President’s Gala, held June 1 at the Omni William Penn hotel in Pittsburgh. “The theme for tonight’s event is a call to action,” Interim President Geraldine M. Jones told guests at the black-tie event. “We asked you to ‘rise to the occasion’ and ‘shine as a scholarship donor’ — and you have done just that.” Since the gala's inception in 1994, net proceeds have provided scholarship support for deserving Cal U students. Andrew Stockey, anchor and sports director for WTAE Channel 4 Action News, served as master of ceremonies for this year’s event. In that role he introduced winners of the President’s Gala Faculty Awards: Dr. John Nass, who was honored for teaching; Dr. Carol Bocetti, for research; and Dr. Cassandra Kuba, for service. The late G. Ralph Smith II, who taught in the English Department for 30 years, received the President’s

Emeritus Faculty Award. President Jones presented the Lillian M. Bassi Core Values Award, among the University’s most prestigious honors, to Drs. Ivan ’41 and Adedaide Ivill ’38 Guesman, lifelong educators whose philanthropy has touched Cal U in numerous ways. The couple has donated a guest room at the Kara Alumni House in memory of their parents, and they have supported scholarships for Cal U students. Ivan Guesman was unable to attend the gala, but Adelaide was on hand to accept the award. “Ivan and I had many wonderful, wonderful years of teaching. We selected the right vocation,” she said. “I am happy that I attended California State Teachers College, CSTC … and I’m happy to receive this award.” She promised to place the engraved crystal vase on the mantel in the couple’s living room, where a number of awards, including several from Cal U, are proudly displayed.

“I hope we all can speak as well and be in such good health in our 90s as Mrs. Guesman!” said Annette Ganassi, vice chair of the Council of Trustees. “She and Mr. Guesman have such love, compassion and respect for each other and their careers. She’s truly an altruistic alumna. “And the gala? Beautiful people, delicious food, lovely awards, great conversation, lots of laughs, terrific music — it was a great evening. I loved it!” In addition to dinner and music by the Pittsburgh doo-wop band Pure Gold, this year’s event included a live auction, a video that Stockey called “a highlight reel for the 2012-2013 academic year” and a touching video montage featuring the heartfelt thanks of more than a dozen Cal U students. As Stockey told the guests, “Those amazing students will have a brighter future because of you.” By Christine Kindl, director of communications and public relations at Cal U

Andrew Stockey, news anchor and sports director at WTAE Channel 4 Action News, serves as master of ceremonies. On the dance floor: Dr. David Amati ‘70, ‘72, president of the Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania and his wife, Kathleen.

Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones '72, '80 dances with husband Jeff Jones at the President's Gala.

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President’s Gala Award Winners DRS. IVAN ’41 AND ADELAIDE IVILL ’38 GUESMAN Lillian M. Bassi Core Values Award

his year’s recipients of the Lillian M. Bassi Core Values Award, Drs. Ivan and Adelaide Guesman, have put their principles into practice throughout their lives. Because they value teaching and learning, they built rewarding careers in education. Because they believe in making a difference for others, they have been thoughtful mentors and generous philanthropists. “Seeing the results of our giving has made our lives entirely different,” Ivan Guesman says. The couple began their careers in rural Greene County, where they still make their home. Ivan Guesman taught for a year in a one-room schoolhouse, then transferred to an elementary school in the town of Pittgas, where the vivacious fifth-grade teacher caught his eye. He and Adelaide Ivill were married in 1943, just 10 days before he left for military service in Europe. While her husband served overseas, Adelaide Guesman took a job at Jefferson-Morgan High School. She taught until 1975, retiring after 35 years in the classroom. When Ivan Guesman returned stateside, he came back to education, as well. After teaching and serving as a school superintendent, he taught in California State College’s Department of Education from 1968 to 1981. In retirement, he has been a member and president of the Emeriti Faculty Association.

Adelaide Ivill Guesman '38 and Ivan Guesman '41 met when they both were young teachers in Greene County.

Recipients of Cal U’s 2007 Alumni Couple of the Year Award, the Guesmans have been extremely generous to their community. They have contributed to civic, church, academic and health care organizations, sponsored scholarships for high school and college students, and improved programs for seniors. At Cal U, they donated a guest room at the Kara Alumni House in memory of their parents and made provision to fund scholarships for Cal U students. The couple earned their bachelor’s degrees at California. Both also hold master’s degrees, Adelaide Guesman’s from Duke University and Ivan Guesman’s from West Virginia University. For their lifelong commitment to those in need, especially in the region they call home, Cal U in 2008 awarded them each an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters — the first couple the University has honored in this fashion. “We are grateful for this recognition of the core values we have sought to reflect throughout our careers and in our community,” the couple says. “California University has always had a special place in our hearts.”

We are grateful for this recognition of the core values we have sought to reflect throughout our careers and in our community. California University has always had a special place in our hearts. Adelaide Ivill Guesman ‘38 reminisces about her teaching career as she accepts the Lillian M. Bassi Core Values Award. She shares the award with her husband, Ivan Guesman ‘41.

Drs. Ivan and Adelaide Guesman 2013 LILLIAN M. BASSI CORE VALUES AWARD RECIPIENTS

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President’s Gala Award Winners

DR. JOHN P. NASS JR.

DR. CAROL BOCETTI

President’s Faculty Award for Teaching

President’s Faculty Award for Research

Dr. John P. Nass Jr., a professor in the Department of Justice, Law and Society, teaches students to dig into the past.

Several endangered species are bit more secure thanks to Dr. Carol Bocetti, recipient of the President’s Faculty Award for Research.

This year’s recipient of the President’s Faculty Award for Teaching, he teaches archaeology and anthropology courses that attract students from all majors, and he regularly leads archeological field schools at sites of historical significance.

An associate professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, she conducts research and recovery initiatives on behalf of the Kirtland’s warbler, the Delmarva fox squirrel and wildlife. Her work has drawn national attention.

“Over the past 23 years I have seen incredible changes in both the academics and the appearance of the University. I hope that I have played some small role in the evolution of the former, especially in the area of student research,” he says.

“I seek to solve the conservation dilemmas of endangered species,” Bocetti says, so she studies their population dynamics to determine what habitat conditions best support their ability to reproduce and survive.

Under his guidance, students have learned to survey, excavate and examine historically significant areas slated for development.

Since she joined the faculty in 2004, Bocetti has involved 46 students in Delmarva fox squirrel research, and nearly two dozen have worked with Kirtland's warblers and other northern Michigan species.

They surveyed land within Fort Necessity National Battlefield Park, learning field techniques before a new visitor center was constructed. Inside the Fort Pitt Blockhouse, they conducted excavations before a major renovation began. His students also searched for signs of the old Zollarville “Indian fort” near Marianna, Pa., and explored the home sites of 19th-century riverboat captains in Brownsville. Nass joined California University in 1991 as director of the archaeological field school. He was named director of the University’s Center for Prehistoric and Historic Archaeology in 2005 and has been a Cal U professor since 2006. “Even if I were not receiving this award, I would still be rich from having had the opportunity to work at California University of Pennsylvania,” Nass says. “Although work is a relative term, because how can someone refer to what they love to do as work?”

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Other students have studied wild birds in Lake Erie marshes or worked at the West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit or the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland. In fact, Bocetti was unable to accept her award in person because she was leading a field trip to Costa Rica. Bocetti was named a 2011 Recovery Champion by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for her work with endangered songbirds. In addition, she advises Cal U’s student chapter of The Wildlife Society. It was awarded Chapter of the Year honors in 2012, and she was named Adviser of the Year. "I’ve spent 27 years as a researcher in the field of conservation and wildlife ecology,” Bocetti says. “While the work of a pure scientist was very rewarding, I find the teaching and service work here at Cal U even more so.”

President’s Gala Award Winners

DR. CASSANDRA KUBA

PROFESSOR G. RALPH SMITH II

President’s Faculty Award for Service

President’s Emeritus Faculty Award

Bones fascinate Dr. Cassandra Kuba, recipient of the President’s Faculty Award for Service. A human skeleton hangs in the classroom where she teaches forensic and physical anthropology. Storage shelves hold dozens of genuine bones and carefully crafted replicas. As a biological anthropologist, Kuba knows that bones can reveal how someone lived — and sometimes, how they died. Since joining the faculty in 2007, Kuba regularly has shared her expertise. An assistant professor in the Department of Justice Law and Society, she assists law enforcement with searches, recoveries and skeletal analyses, and she has helped to protect nearly forgotten gravesites. She also works with a local middle school, giving guest lectures about anthropology. Often she takes her students along to perform fieldwork and learn how forensic science fits into the criminal justice system. Kuba also answers technical questions for mystery novelists and the writers of television crime dramas. Researchers from National Geographic and writers for TV shows CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Bones and Rizzoli & Isles have sought her expert opinion. Sometimes her students pitch in to make a storyline more believable. “We can usually suggest a few tweaks to make the situation in the show more likely to happen in real life,” she says. "Cal U has given me the opportunity to realize my own dream — to provide students with real-world experience in forensic anthropology; to have a lab that can assist law enforcement and medical-legal personnel with their cases; and to give back to my community.”

The Cal U community will remember the late Professor G. Ralph Smith II, recipient of the President’s Emeriti Faculty Award, for both his foresight and his generosity. A member of the English Department for three decades, Smith retired in 1994 and was named an emeritus professor the following year. Upon his death in 2010 he donated his estate to endow the G. Ralph Smith II General Scholarship at Cal U. His gift of $1.95 million is believed to be the largest bequest in the University’s modern history. The scholarship bearing Smith’s name will be awarded to students in any major, based on merit and financial need. The University expects to award the first of those scholarships in the 2013-2014 academic year. In recognition of his bequest, the former Residence Hall A, which houses the University Honors program, has been renamed the G. Ralph Smith II Honors Hall. During his lifetime, Smith worked to enhance the library’s holdings in English and literature. He was an officer in the Faculty Senate and chair of the English Honors Committee. For many years he also provided financial assistance to an incoming Cal U freshman. Smith was a man of few words, recalls Emeritus President Dr. John Pierce Watkins. “He listened to people, and most often that was enough. He was a complicated an interesting man — but above all, he was a caring man. The gift that he made to the students of California is remarkable.”

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‘You will do the same’ INTERIM PRESIDENT JONES REMINDS GRADUATES THAT CAL U ALUMNI ‘HAVE CHANGED LIVES’

hile some colleges invite celebrities or other public figures to speak at graduation, the spotlight at Cal U’s Commencement ceremonies shines squarely on students, past and present. In keeping with tradition, distinguished alumni address the graduates, sharing their experience, offering advice and demonstrating just how far a hard-working Cal U graduate can go. At Commencement ceremonies this spring, Interim President Geraldine M. Jones, an alumna herself, reminded graduates of their role in the University’s history.

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Interim President Geraldine M. Jones shares her pride in the 2013 graduating class.

Kaeonna Allison is the center of attention as mom Kathy Young and aunt Donna Franklin celebrate her graduation.

“I am proud of you, our graduates, for your hard work and the sacrifices made to get to this point,” she told them. “I am very much aware of the role each of you will play in the future of our country, and our world. “For over 160 years, this University has provided students with a great education, which enabled our graduates to go out into the world after receiving their diploma, just like you. … They have changed lives, reshaped communities and made the world a better place — and you will have the opportunity to do the same.” As families and friends looked on, master’s degree candidates were awarded their degrees and vested in their academic hoods on May 17. Undergraduates received associate and bachelor’s degrees on May 18. Both ceremonies were streamed live from the Convocation Center, so faraway relatives and friends could follow the events online, and social media buzzed with comments and good wishes throughout the day. Before the undergraduates received their diplomas, Alexandra Brooks and Ken Fuller, chairs of the Senior Gift Drive Committee, presented a check for more than $10,000 contributed by graduating seniors and their families. “Those of us who contributed to the gift drive certainly embrace the idea of a lifelong relationship with Cal U,” Fuller said. In all, Cal U conferred degrees upon nearly 1,300 graduate and undergraduate students, including those who were not in attendance. The hundreds who donned caps and gowns received a personal greeting from President Jones. “Please know that your relationship with Cal U does not end here. A new phase is about to begin,” she said. “Ponder how you can lend a hand and make a difference No matter what career path you choose, those special moments you spend helping others will shape you into a great human being. … “May your life be filled with continued successes, just enough challenges to make it interesting, and abundant joy.”

After receiving his diploma, Alec Barrelet swaps his mortarboard for his Homecoming King's crown.

Graduate Jason Baker is all smiles at Cal U's 176th Commencement.

SEE THE CEREMONIES Excerpts from addresses delivered at California University’s 176th Commencement are included on these pages. To read the complete text of the speakers’ remarks or to see video of the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies, visit www.calu.edu and search for ‘Commencement videos.’

COMMENCEMENT, continued on page 14

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‘Embrace a whole life’

Dr. Deborah Shanley '74

e are proud graduates of a distinguished University that prepared us to be leaders in our chosen fields: education, social work, business, mental health and other areas of work yet to be defined by our everchanging world. As Cal U graduates, we have what it takes: passion, purpose, strength and courage to persist, despite obstacles and setbacks that will continue to occur both in our personal and professional lives. … What I found here (at California) was an incredible sense of family and community, which I needed so much at that time. A faculty that was studentcentered and involved in research in partnership with schools and other

Dr. Deborah Shanley ’74, dean of the school of education at Brooklyn College, addressed master’s degree candidates on May 17. Shanley’s work with multiple college and community constituencies earned her a Humanitarian Award from the CUNY Consortium for the Study of Disabilities and the Medgar Evers College Worker Education Program. Her current work focuses on creating collaborations and partnerships with New York City schools and cultural institutions as vehicles for extending teacher preparation beyond academic walls. She opened her remarks by reminding students of “what we have in common.”

community agencies across this area. There was an air of commitment to the common good. That sense of purpose that collectively we could make the world a better place. … You see, here at Cal, the pursuit of deep understanding of knowledge was at the center of our coursework. … This range of scholarly pursuits, a series of opportunities to ask questions, no matter how ‘out there,’ the encouragement to fail in pursuit of finding another path of inquiry — that was the Cal U experience that I know. … It was the age-old lesson that grounds me today. It’s not about how many times you fall, it’s what you do when you pick yourself up that matters.

Friends and family members pack the Convocation Center for Cal U's 176th Commencement.

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Master's degree candidate Jessica Dubois is vested in her academic hood.

… This resilience has sustained me throughout my career. … (Graduates,) there’s no time to waste. Embrace a whole life. Continue to recognize the importance of love, commitment and hope for the future. And never downplay the importance of your spouse, your partner, family and friends in supporting you along the journey we call life. I wish you only the best the world has to offer as your journey beyond Cal U begins tonight. Great possibilities await you. … Remember, pursue the meaningful life with passion and purpose. Cal U has provided you with the knowledge, the skills, and the dispositions to be someone great. It is now in your hands.

‘Go get it’

Mark Camillo '76

Mark Camillo ’76, a law enforcement and security professional who specializes in emergency preparedness operations, addressed bachelor’s and associate degree candidates on May 18. During 21 years as a special agent in the U.S. Secret Service, Camillo completed three separate assignments at the White House and coordinated security operations for the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. He now is a senior fellow at the George Mavson University Center for Infrastructure Protection and senior vice president for strategic planning at Contemporary Services Corp., a national leader in event security and crowd management.

’ve been a little busy, and have been to a few places since graduating from Cal U. But during my careers, initially in education and later in the Secret Service, I never forgot my roots and would encourage you to do the same. … How does a kid from Pittsburgh, a graduate of California State College (at the time), find himself in the high-stakes game of preventing and disrupting terrorism? Part of the answer lies in my original comments to you about remembering your roots. You see, no matter what your major or area of concentration, the winning combination is your credentials, coupled with the character traits necessary for success. And you brought them with you the day you began your classes at Cal U: sound judgment, strong work ethic, patience, persistence, and last but not least, ambition. …

With diploma in hand, Erica Ferguson joins the ranks of Cal U alumni.

President Jones receives a check for more than $10,000 from Alexandra Brooks and Ken Fuller, co-chairs of the Senior Gift Drive Committee. The class gift will support scholarships for future Cal U students.

Over the past two years I was fortunate to mentor two graduating seniors here at Cal U. … These seniors heard it from me more than once: No matter how far you advance your education, the foundation of a fulfilling career are those traits you acquired at home. … My advice to this graduating class is ‘Don’t take anything for granted.’ After you complete your graduation victory lap, you’d better get busy. Do you have an expectation that you will acquire wealth equal to or greater than your parents? It’s not guaranteed. I don’t like complacency; ask those here that I have career-coached. If you intend

to look for the low-hanging fruit, other job seekers will go around you like a parked car. … We are now in a global (job) market, and if you think you can coast through an interview and land a plum job for the next 25 years, think again. You now have a newly minted credential to add to the other tools in your toolkit. There is a career for you out there. Go get it! … I believe the future is bright, but unpredictable. I have been outside of the Pittsburgh area for some time now, but haven’t seen any place where you can’t succeed. Whether you make it a home game or an away game, you’ll be a winner!

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ALUMNI N E W S

alumni calendar

SEPTEMBER S

9 10

15 16

F 6

S 7

13 14

17 18 19 20

22 23 24 25 26 27 26

GREETINGS FROM THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS! When was the last time you were back on campus? Was it for an athletic event? To see a speaker, a play or a musical? Or was Commencement your last day on campus? If you haven’t been back for a while, it’s time to come home to Cal U! This year we celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013. I remember Homecoming Week as one of the best times to be on campus. I enjoyed pomping with my sorority sisters and with other fraternities as we worked to create what we hoped would be a great float — one that wouldn’t fall apart prior to judging! It was fun walking around campus and into town to see all the signs and sheets with the names of those running for Homecoming Court. The parade route lined with kids eagerly waiting for candy to be thrown their way … the alumni who came back to meet friends and have fun and remember the good times, … these also are part of my Cal U Homecoming memories. As senior director of Cal U for Life, I have the pleasure of working with the Cal U Alumni Association Board of Directors. We have made it a priority to spread the word and bring back as many alumni as possible to celebrate Homecoming this year, and every year! So dust off your fraternity/sorority/club/athletic gear and head back to Cal U. You’ll find a beautiful campus, wonderful students and good friends you may not have seen for years. This is your college, and these are your memories. It’s time to come back! Visit our website often for an updated schedule of Homecoming events. You’ll find details at www.calu.edu. I look forward to seeing you and welcoming you home.

Cathy Holloway Connelly ’95, ’96 Senior Director, Cal U for Life

SEPTEMBER

29 30 6

9 10

Family Day — September 14 Join the Cal U family as we celebrate a University tradition: Students, families, alumni and community members are invited to campus for a fun-filled day of activities. Enjoy Family Field Day, Greek Organization Games and a performance by Radio Disney, then head to Roadman Park to watch the Vulcan football team tackle the Kutztown Golden Bears at Adamson Stadium. Watch for Family Day details at www.calu.edu. ‘Cal Gals’ Alumni Gathering — September 26 Retired teachers get together for lunch at noon in the Kara Alumni House. The ‘Cal Gals’ meet twice a year to socialize and reminisce as they raise scholarship funds for Cal U education majors. For details, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418.

OCTOBER Hall of Fame Banquet — October 11 The annual Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet, honoring alumni sports standouts, begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Performance Center, inside the Natali Student Center. Ticket price is $30. For reservations, call 724-938-4418 or e-mail dean@calu.edu. Homecoming: ‘Under the Sea’ — October 12 Come back to Cal U and celebrate the University’s past, present and future with friends and former classmates. HOME The Alumni Association Board of COMING Directors meets at 9 a.m. in the Kara Alumni House, and the annual Homecoming Parade steps off at noon, with bands, floats and marching units. Then head up to Roadman Park, where the Vulcan Huddle Tailgate starts at 1:30 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. the Vulcan football team faces the Clarion Golden Eagles at Adamson Stadium. Look for Homecoming details at www.calu.edu or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ CalUHomecoming. Emeriti Faculty Dinner — October 17 Emeriti faculty members gather for their biannual dinner in the Kara Alumni House. For more information, contact Montean Dean at 724-938-4418 or dean@calu.edu. Sporting Clays Shoot — October 18 Ready, aim, fire — and support Cal U’s student-athletes. Proceeds from this fundraising event at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, in Champion, Pa., benefit the Cal U Athletic Scholarship Fund. To learn more, contact Ross Vecchio at 724-938-5682 or vecchio_r@calu.edu.

For more information about alumni events, or to register for an alumni gathering, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418.

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Firing line

Marksmen (from left) Chris Kellar, Jeremy Harmer, Mike Kellar and Larry Wilson line up at the University’s inaugural sporting clays shoot at The Field Club at Nemacolin Woodlands Shooting Academy. Proceeds from the fundraiser on May 6 supported the Cal U Athletic Scholarship Fund.

Dashing duo

Cal U couple Shawn Sharkey Sr. ’91 and Erica McDill Sharkey ’92 are all smiles June 20 at the alumni gathering in downtown Philadelphia. The Cal U for Life event featured a video roundup of recent campus events and an update from Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80.

Pioneers

Tim Gorske ‘62 (left) chats with Michael Perry ‘63 at the annual Pioneer Dinner honoring the class that graduated 50 years ago.

Scholarship donors

Members of the Class of 1963 present a check representing their scholarship contributions. Each year's Alumni Weekend festivities include a gathering of the 'pioneer class' that graduated 50 years ago.

Together again

Cal U grads (from left) Valerie Haley ’82, Darlene Meekins ’84, Barbara Ney ’90, Nina Gray ’87, Paulette Midgette ’85 and Karen Smith ’83 get together for a photo at the alumni gathering in Philadelphia. Cal U for Life gatherings in various cities give alumni an opportunity to reconnect and hear the latest news from Cal U.

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ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION The Cal U Alumni Association presents its 2013 awards THE W. S. JACKMAN AWARD OF DISTINCTION After succeeding in sales, Randy Tozzie ’89 began a second career in the culinary arts. Today, the award-winning chef is the general restaurant manager for Giant Eagle Market District, supervising chefs who create the grocery chain’s prepared foods. In 2012 he was named Chef of the Year by the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Culinary Federation. Tozzie has contributed to several cookbooks and makes regular appearances on local television.

THE MICHAEL DUDA AWARD FOR ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT After coaching football for nearly 30 years, Jeff Casteel ’85, ’87 is in his second season as Arizona University’s defensive coordinator. A three-year starter for the Vulcans, he has coached at the University of Texas El Paso, Shepherd (W.Va.) College and West Virginia University, where he was named the 2007 Defensive Coordinator of the Year and 2008 Big East Coordinator of the Year. Casteel has coached in 12 bowl games.

THE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD Janis M. Zivic ’64 is the co-founder of vibrantBrains, a "mind gym" for cognitive exercise. After working for major corporations in San Francisco, she became the first female partner in the Heidrick and Struggles consulting firm, then founded The Zivic Group Inc. She has been honored at the San Francisco Cable Car Awards and received the Maya Angelou Community Leadership Award from the University of California, San Francisco Medical School's Center of Excellence.

MERITORIOUS AWARD As an independent education consultant, Dr. Angela Covert ’56 has shared her expertise with The Atlantic Philanthropies (USA) Inc.; the Teachers for a New Era project at the University of Washington, Seattle; the higher education program at Carnegie Corporation of New York; and the New Teacher Center, where she is vice chair of the board of directors. From 2009-2011 Covert was a senior fellow with City Year, a national AmeriCorps program that engages youth in community service.

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THE C. B. WILSON DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD The founding director of Cal U’s Character Education Institute, emeritus professor Dr. Henry Huffman ’65 taught in the Education Department from 19952005. His work as a character education consultant has taken him to 13 states, Bermuda and Japan. A former teacher and administrator in the Mount Lebanon (Pa.) School District, Huffman also volunteers with the Allegheny County Jail’s H.O.P.E program.

THE PAVLAK/SHUTSY SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD Dr. Lenora Angelone ’90, ’92, ’97 began her Cal U career as a clerk typist and retired four decades later as vice president for Student Affairs. A mentor to many women on campus, she served as interim director of housing, associate dean for student services and dean for residence life, then moved to the Office of Social Equity as a special assistant to the president. Angelone was named vice president in 2009; she retired last summer.

THE YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD Zach Huth ’04 began his sales career with an office supply company in Pittsburgh. After opening the company’s satellite office in Raleigh, N.C., he accepted a position with a staffing firm and eventually returned to western Pennsylvania. In 2010 he founded Huth Technologies LLC, a recruiting and contract resource firm that works with clients in the construction, energy, information technology and manufacturing industries.

THE JOHN R. GREGG AWARD FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE Joseph Dochinez ’51 returned from duty in the U.S. Marine Corps to serve at Cal U for 30 years, retiring in 1991. An emeritus faculty member, former director of student activities and assistant dean of men, Dochinez also was the longest serving mayor of California Borough, holding office from 1982-2002. A longtime member of the Alumni Association, this former Vulcan football player was inducted into the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES

EXCELLENT EDUCATORS

Teacher candidates prepare for careers in the classroom

overview

of the COLLEGE OF EDUCATION and HUMAN SERVICES Dean: Dr. Kevin A. Koury

Interim Associate Dean: Dr. James Burton

Department Chairs: Ms. Christine S. Crawford ’77 Academic Development Services

Dr. Barbara Bonfanti ’69 Communication Disorders

Dr. Elizabeth Gruber * Counselor Education and Services

Dr. Diane Nettles Early, Middle and Special Education

Dr. Jeffrey Hatton Exercise Science and Sport Studies

Dr. Scott Hargraves Health Science

Dr. Connie Monroe Secondary Education and Administrative Leadership

Dr. Pamela Twiss Social Work

Program Directors: Ms. Christine S. Crawford ’77 Student Support Services

Mr. John Kula Upward Bound

Dr. Michael Brna Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources

Ms. Deborah Grubb Field Experiences

Dr. Joseph Schickel Technology Education

Greetings! As we begin this new academic year, some very exciting things are happening in the College of Education and Human Services. The College is preparing for our accreditation visit from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. We are very proud of our ongoing NCATE accreditation, which first was awarded in 1954. We are also preparing for an accreditation visit from CACREP, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, which verifies the quality of our counselor education program. In addition, we are busy updating our teacher education programs to conform to new Pennsylvania Department of Education certification guidelines in early childhood education, middle level education, special education, and the numerous secondary education teaching content areas. California has long been a leader in the field of education, and the College works hard to ensure that our teacher preparation programs are up-to-date, high quality and approved at all levels. Despite recent challenges in the job market, we are seeing opportunities for teacher candidates to obtain employment, especially in the high-need areas of special education and STEM — science, technology, engineering and math. Programs in other professional education areas, such as communication disorders, counselor education and technology education, also can lead to exciting careers. And the unique rural focus of our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in social work opens the door for graduates to find employment here in southwestern Pennsylvania. Our College’s programs in wellness and fitness, sport management, and professional golf management — all part of the Exercise Science and Sport Studies Department — remain popular with undergraduates. Some programs in this department also are offered completely online, making them a convenient choice for motivated learners. Students who complete these programs have the option to enroll in graduate-level programs in performance enhancement and injury prevention, rehabilitation science, or sport psychology. Within the Health Science Department, the College offers a very competitive associate degree for physical therapist assistants. Health Science also houses bachelor’s degree programs in athletic training and gerontology. A logical progression for graduates would be the master’s degree in athletic training. In all cases where it is available, our College’s programs have earned national accreditation. This is an important distinction, because accreditation assures our students, their families and their employers that Cal U offers the best programming and personnel possible. I am enthusiastic about the programs offered in the College of Education and Human Services. If you would like to learn more, please visit our University website, www.calu.edu.

* Acting chair Sincerely yours,

To learn more about the programs featured in Focus On, visit the Cal U website, www.calu.edu. On the cover: Dr. Holly Diehl (center) watches as teacher candidate Krista Sloan looks over an oral history project with Alexandria Renee Cronin, a student at California Elementary School. California Area is one of five Professional Development School districts involved in Cal U’s teacher preparation program. 2

Dr. Kevin Koury Dean, College of Education and Human Services

REACHING FOR PRIMARY SOURCES Program trains teacher candidates to use Library of Congress materials

hen Cal U teacher candidates venture into their own classrooms, they’ll take 35 million books’ worth of knowledge with them. Through the Teaching with Primary Sources program, teachers and teachers-in-training are learning to integrate online, digitized material from the Library of Congress into their lesson plans. “Teachers don’t realize that there are millions of online, primary sources available to them from the Library of Congress,” says Linda Muller, an instructional specialist in the TPS program.

Dr. Michael Brna, director of the Teaching with Primary Sources program at Cal U, shows senior Paige Yokobosky how to work with source material from the Library of Congress.

“That’s why we make such an effort to train teachers and help them develop curriculum that uses primary sources.” Funded by a grant from the Library of Congress, the TPS program aims to raise awareness about the library’s vast resources. And it teaches educators how to use the material — everything from historical documents and photos to video clips,

sheet music and trading cards — to build content knowledge and foster critical thinking skills. Cal U is one of only 28 TPS Educational Consortium members in the United States. Since its inception in 2004, the program has received more than $1.4 million in federal funding. “We have trained hundreds of teachers,” says Dr. Michael Brna, the program’s director. “We expose them to online teacher resources, connect them with teachers from across the country and show them how to use primary sources effectively in the classroom.” The TPS staff routinely speaks to large groups of teachers at state and national conferences. The program helped Cal U alumni develop classroom learning experiences based on primary sources, and it offers Act 48 professional development training online. The TPS program even purchased a set of books for middle school students in the Uniontown Area School District, part of Cal U’s Professional Development Schools collaborative. Before they graduate, says Brna, Cal U teacher candidates receive the same TPS training and guidance offered to in-service educators. In fact, teacher candidates and their mentors at Professional Development Schools sometimes take TPS training together. Education standards at both the state and federal levels increasingly emphasize students’ ability to gather, analyze and decipher information from multiple sources, Brna notes. In this new environment, the TPS program is helping to position Cal U teacher candidates for long-term success, and supporting them even after they graduate. “It is important for students to learn this, because primary sources align with the Pennsylvania Academic and Common Core standards,” Brna says. “These methodologies and techniques can give Cal U students a competitive advantage in the highly competitive teacher job market.” By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U

Teacher candidate Krista Sloan looks over a project with Lillianna Hug, a student at California Elementary School. California Area is one of five Professional Development School districts involved in Cal U’s teacher preparation program.

Excellent Educators

Strong partnerships improve teacher preparation

he College of Education and Human Services is stepping away from traditional models of student teaching and exploring a richer learning environment. Gone are the days when an experienced classroom teacher would surrender precious class time so a young teacher candidate could learn his or her way around. Through Cal U’s expanded Professional Development Schools collaborative, strong partnerships are being formed between teacher education programs and PreK-12 schools. The result: Powerful learning environments that benefit both teacher candidates and public school faculty — all for the purpose of meeting children’s needs. “Teacher preparation across the nation is being questioned because it

has remained in the traditional mode for quite some time,” says Dr. Holly Diehl, an associate professor in the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education. “The only way we can get stronger is with great partners.” The new PDS model expands the relationship between teachers-in-training and public school educators. Cal U teacher candidates still work one-to-one with experienced teachers, learning to develop effective lesson plans and teaching actual classes. But they also take part in research and bring fresh, creative ideas to the classroom. “Everyone benefits from the situation, especially the PreK-12 students,” Diehl says. Although Cal U has had studentteaching relationships with local school districts for many years, in 2011 the University decided to enhance its teacher preparation program.

Teacher candidate Brandi Shirey takes a look at an oral history project created by California Elementary School student Alexandria Renee Cronin.

Some national organizations insist that teacher candidates be “learner ready,” or able to assess the needs of students and create instructional plans to meet those needs, immediately upon graduation, Diehl says. “Being a very good teacher is the hardest job there is. Learning how to be a very good teacher takes lots of practice with strong mentors in the field.”

Enhanced preparation

In Professional Development Schools, Cal U teacher candidates are placed with well-trained educators who can give them support and guidance. They also have the opportunity to share experiences, perspectives and different teaching methods. “I was able to attend a series of workshops with my teacher,” says Jessica Show ’12, who worked with teachers at Benjamin Franklin Junior High, in the Uniontown Area School District. “After the workshops, we bounced ideas off one another and developed lesson plans from what we’d learned at the workshop. In the end, I was able to learn new teaching methods and integrate them immediately into the classroom.” Teacher candidates also have the opportunity to help lead inquiry and research. If school districts wish to research the effectiveness of new teaching techniques, for example, Cal U will help teacher candidates collect data and arrive at conclusions. Eventually, Diehl says, a University liaison will be designated for each PDS district to help identify such projects and match them with interested teacher candidates. “Professional Development Schools give us real-world context to study teaching and learning,” she explains. “Each school district is different and has different research needs. We hope we can match them with students who are eager to study that specific topic.” Being involved with a PDS district also helps Cal U education majors begin building a professional network. “Through the partnership, I was constantly talking with teachers from across the region at workshops and conferences,”

says Show. “They know that we are learning future teaching methods during our time in the (PDS) program and that we are very prepared for the classroom.” Teacher candidates aren’t the only ones who benefit from the PDS collaboration. Professional Development Schools receive priority consideration for teacher candidate placement, and Cal U turns to them first when seeking a host for field-based education courses. University faculty members contribute to school district efforts to meet goals and address student needs. Cal U and its teacher candidates also support inquiry-based teaching and learning, participate on advisory boards, and implement field-based activities. Fresh from their education classes, teacher candidates may help to integrate technology into the classroom or suggest new teaching methods learned in their coursework. “The bottom line is that the teacher preparation program works together with teachers in the public schools to create highquality learning environments for our teacher candidates and for their students,” says Diehl. “We all work together.”

‘Two-way street’

The program has mutual benefits, agrees Michael Sears, elementary school principal in the California Area School District. “Not only do the children benefit from having the teacher candidates in the classroom, but our teachers do, as well. Cal U’s teacher candidates bring new ideas into the classroom. “It’s a two-way street that we are really happy with. Ultimately it makes a better learning environment for our students.” The PDS program is still evolving, and Cal U would like more school districts to join the collaborative, Diehl says. So far, school districts are giving the experience good grades. “I hear and see a lot of good things about Cal U’s teacher candidates,” Sears says. “They come to us with a great desire to learn, they have great ideas and they are very professional in the classroom.” By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U

Professional Development Schools Both Cal U teacher candidates and participating school districts — currently California Area, Connellsville Area, Elizabeth-Forward, Uniontown Area and Washington — benefit from Professional Development School collaborations. The PDS model provides: Support for meeting University and school district goals. Implementation of co-teaching in optimal environments. Opportunities for inquiry-based teaching and learning. Open communication channels. Opportunities for sharing expertise and perspectives. Priority consideration for placements. Opportunities for hosting on-site courses.

Dr. James Burton (right) helps to keep teacher candidates on track.

THE ROAD TO CERTIFICATION Cal U students must complete these steps before they can be certified as teachers:

GUIDING

TEACHER CANDIDATES

Be admitted to Cal U as a pre-education student

Be admitted to the teacher education program Complete 48-65 credits

Program helps students meet teacher certification requirements

ecoming a teacher in Pennsylvania is no walk in the park. Not only must you be a successful student, but you also must pass rigorous tests, obtain security clearances and complete a student-teaching experience. To ease the burden on teacher candidates, education faculty in the College of Education and Human Services have developed a program that monitors and guides students as they work toward teacher certification. “During the students’ initial days at the University, we provide them with the steps in the process and components within each step,” says Dr. James Burton, interim associate dean and director of the Office of Student Teaching. A variety of services help students stay on track for graduation. “There are six steps to becoming a teacher, but there are three steps that most students will discuss in detail,” says Michelle Cheatham, an administrative assistant in the Office of Student Teaching. “The three main steps they will identify … are to be admitted to the University, apply for admission into teacher education, and apply for student teaching. But there are many different components to each one of those main steps.” Not only does the faculty provide checklists and timelines, they also conduct required meetings to inform students about 6

Earn an overall grade-point average of 2.8 or higher Complete appropriate coursework in English and math Pass introductory class

any changes in teaching requirements. “The seminars are really helpful,” says Jonathan Boscan, a senior education major at Cal U. “They remind of us any approaching deadlines and help prepare us for certification tests. It is a lot to remember on your own.” Students also are exposed to professional development opportunities, which sometimes coincide with the Professional Development Schools collaborative, partnerships the University has formed with local school districts. “We bring in professionals to speak with students to ensure they have selected the correct career,” says Burton. “The seminars help students to become involved in professional development and become acclimated to ways of staying current in their field.” One of the faculty’s most important roles is monitoring the progress of struggling students and providing them with the resources they need. “One of the most difficult things that a faculty member has to do is tell a student that teaching is not the right profession for him or her,” says Burton. “Fortunately, our education departments do a tremendous job of recognizing those students and working with them individually to help them be successful.” By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U

Pass the Preservice Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) test Attend three seminars Obtain security clearances Request two references

Be recommended for student teaching Complete all required coursework Pass Praxis II or Pennsylvania Educator Certification Test (PECT) Update tuberculosis vaccination Update security clearances Attend mandatory seminars Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 Assemble a professional portfolio Obtain liability insurance

Complete student teaching

Graduate from Cal U

Apply for teacher certification

AMONG OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS in the College of Education and Human Services

Faculty in the College of Education and Human Services continue to serve the University and make strides in professional development. Here is a snapshot of recent changes, projects and accolades: DR. JEFFREY HATTON earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy recently from Chatham University, Pittsburgh. He leads the sport management program offered through Cal U Global Online and serves as chair of the Exercise Science and Sport Management Department.

DR. HOLLY DIEHL presented “SimSchool Simulations in Teacher Education and Professional Development” at the annual conference of the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education. She was invited to present because of her participation in an international research project that tested the SimSchool software.

DR. MICHAEL BRNA has been named chair of the External Communications Committee for the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program. The committee oversees external communications among the TPS consortium partners and publishes the quarterly TPS Journal, which showcases the national program. Brna also serves on the editorial board for the TPS Journal. DR. KALIE KOSSAR, of the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education, is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral Level. BCBA-D professionals have met rigorous requirements set by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board, a nonprofit credentialing organization, and passed the national licensing exam.

Two faculty members in the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education were granted sabbatical leaves this year: DR. KATE MITCHEM is a visiting scholar at Edith Cowen University and Murdoch University, both in Perth, Australia. At Edith Cowen she is giving lectures to undergraduate students, providing workshops on software design and development, and designing computer applications (apps) for students with disabilities. At Murdoch she is researching the use of technology tools, as well as assessments of online learning. DR. CHRISTINE PETERSON is at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), where she is researching instructional strategies and methodology that teachers use with English language learners ages 4-12. Peterson also is conducting research at El Camino (Calif.) College to determine instructional practices with college-level international students and the resources available to them, and she is observing at a Teach ESL industry, where employees and other groups are taught English. Two faculty members have been named department chairs: DR. SCOTT HARGRAVES now chairs the Department of Health Science. He is a faculty member in the physical therapy assistant program. DR. DIANE NETTLES has been serving as chair of the Early, Middle and Special Education Department since January 2013. She has published books on reading instruction and made presentations on the subject at national conferences. Three faculty members retired recently from the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education. Beginning a new chapter in their lives are DR. DEBORAH FARRER, DR. CONNIE ARMITAGE and DR. RICK WYMAN. DR. SYLVIA BARKSDALE, of the Department of Social Work, retired in January 2013.

TEACHING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY Program changes respond to calls for tech-savvy educators

al U is preparing teachers for the 21st-century classroom, where online learning and high-tech equipment are quickly becoming the norm. “In many school districts, high school students are required to take at least one course online before they graduate,” says Dr. Kevin Koury, dean of the College of Education and Human Services. “It’s essential that our teacher candidates understand how students learn in this new environment. And they must be ready to teach in it, too.”

A five-year plan for the College increases the emphasis on high-tech teaching skills. Instruction in content management systems — powerful software that presents information on websites — is being added to the current technology course required for all teacher candidates. A separate course developed by Dr. Marcia Hoover and Koury will focus on using a CMS to deliver online instruction. In addition, a classroom in Keystone Hall is being outfitted to provide hands-on experience with high-tech teaching tools.

Dr. Marcia Hoover (left) is developing a teacher preparation course that focuses on using content management systems for teaching online.

California University of Pennsylvania The College of Education and Human Services 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419-1394 Phone: 724-938-4125 Fax: 724-938-4346 On the Web: www.calu.edu A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Integrity, Civility, Responsibility

Keystone 200A will become a “clinic” where teacher candidates can practice using smartboards, touchscreen devices and other classroom technology. “My generation grew up with technology,” says junior Coby Detar, who is studying elementary (grades PreK-4) and special education. “Now we need to learn how to take what we know and apply it to an effective lesson plan.” The focus on technology is just one part of the College’s long-range plan, which reflects adjustments in accreditation and state Department of Education standards. Cal U faculty and administrators discussed those changes this summer at a PASSHE Education Summit in Harrisburg. As standards for teacher certification become more stringent, education specialists predict a decline in the number of teacher candidates. It may take a “paradigm shift” to respond to the evolving educational environment, Koury says, but Cal U intends to continue its long tradition of preparing highly qualified, certified teachers. “Some people call it the wave of the future, but these changes are already here. School districts are looking for teachers who have these skills.” By Christine Kindl, communications director at California University

Detection saves lives

rista DiTammossa '10, '13 didn’t realize that degrees in international business and French would help her to save lives. Then she became the product development liaison of customer operations for Industrial Scientific Corp., a manufacturer of devices used to detect and monitor harmful and hazardous gases in the mining, oil and gas, fire services, construction, and pulp and paper industries. “My favorite part of the job is knowing that I have every opportunity to make a difference,” DiTammossa says. “My work helps people to go home to their families at the end of the night. My job helps people stay alive.” As a liaison, she is responsible for ensuring that all customer operations teams are trained, prepared and fully informed about new products and enhancements to existing projects. But not all of her work is confined to her Oakdale, Pa., office. Before a new product is launched, DiTammossa prepares employees in 11 international offices. So far, she has traveled to France, Canada and China. “I frequently get to use my French language skills that I learned at Cal U,” she says.

Krista DiTammossa ’13: 'My job helps people stay alive.'

In fact, DiTammossa says the University had a major impact on her career. “My professors and cheerleading coaches really pushed me to be creative, to make quick, decisive decisions and to be leader,” she says. “They also diversified my knowledge of the world and encouraged me to apply for challenging careers. “They really ensured that my future would be bright.”

Quick kick-start for research

inda Miller ’97 says her experiment in entrepreneurship — starting a medical research firm — required some quick thinking and a positive attitude. In 2011, after receiving just two days’ notice that her former employer would be shutting down, Miller and two of her colleagues scrambled to open PEAK Linda Miller '97: 'We made lemonade out of those lemons.' Research LLC, in Upper St. Clair, Pa. “Within three days we started our own company,” Miller says. “We made lemonade out of those lemons.” Today, Miller and her partners at PEAK collectively have more than 50 years of medical research experience. And they have conducted medical trials with more than 40 different sponsors.

“I have been involved in the research side of medicine for over 25 years, and I don’t regret a single day,” Miller says. “I love research!” A registered nurse since 1970, Miller specialized in an obstetrics and gynecology. She became a certified registered nurse practitioner in 1996 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cal U in 1997. “The BSN program at Cal U is such a wonderful program for nurses,” Miller says. “It is designed for nurses of varying ages and backgrounds, encouraging collaboration while preparing the students for graduate studies.” Miller went on to receive her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2000, but she remains connected to Cal U as an adjunct professor in the University’s Department of Nursing. “It is a great fit, because the research thread runs through all the classes at Cal U,” she says. “I can bring real-life examples to my students.” By Jeff Bender, PR and Web writer at Cal U

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CAMPUS C L I P S Trustees take new seats

Washington County Commissioner Lawrence “Larry” Maggi ’79 has begun a two-year term as chair of the University’s Council of Trustees, and Somerset County businesswoman Annette Ganassi is serving as vice chair. The two were elected by their fellow Trustees at the council’s quarterly meeting in June. The council also includes state Rep. Peter J. Daley ’72, ’75; James T. Davis ’73; Michele M. Mandell; Robert G. Miner Jr.; Michael J. Napolitano ’68; Thomas J. Uram; and Aaron A. Walton ’68. The newest member, Westmoreland County Commissioner R. Tyler Courtney, will attend his first council meeting in September. Kembia Munsanje has been nominated for the seat reserved by law for a University student. He is awaiting confirmation by the state Senate.

Students make community connections

More than 300 students washed windows, moved furniture, raked leaves or tackled other chores during The Big Event, a student-led service project designed to give back to the local community. The Student Government Association and AmeriCorps students from the Center for Civic Engagement took the lead in organizing the project, held annually at Cal U since 2007.

Cal U’s Big Event is part of a nationwide service initiative that began in 1982 at Texas A&M University. This year Cal U students pitched in at 20 offcampus work sites. “I’ve only ever heard good feedback,” says Katie McAndrew, vice president of Student Government. “We frequently get thank-you cards or nice notes on the forms that are returned afterward.” Other service projects this spring included a cleanup at Center in the Woods, where the men’s soccer team raked leaves, swept parking lots and landscaped portions of the property; and the annual end-of-semester Spring Clean Up, which again included “e-cycling” of unwanted computer components, stereo equipment and other electronic items.

Fulbright Specialist returns from Russia

Dr. Sean Madden, a professor in the Department of History and Political Science, recently returned from Russia, where he traveled as part of the Fulbright Specialists program. In May, Madden conducted a 10-day faculty development seminar on learning and teaching issues in higher education

Students Robert Banks (left) and Matt Lazar clean up the grounds at Philipsburg Cemetary as part of The Big Event.

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at the National Research UniversityHigher School of Economics in Moscow. “It was intimidating at first,” Madden says. “The young faculty at this research university are competent and bright, and they expected me to be very prepared, as a Fulbright Specialist. “On the third day, they said, ‘You seem to be really be good at this,’ and I said, ‘I have the same butterflies doing this as I do after 25 years at Cal U. If you don’t have that, evaluate your teaching, because you may be cruising.’” Madden is one of more than 400 Americans who will travel abroad this year through the Fulbright Specialists Program, created in 2000. The program “provides short-term academic opportunities for prominent U.S. faculty and professionals to support curricular and faculty development and institutional planning at post-secondary academic institutions around the world.”

Trafficking summit ‘shatters the silence’

Human trafficking is becoming more common, but information and awareness can help to combat this crime. Those were key messages at “Shatter the Silence II: Identifying, Rescuing and Rehabilitating Sexually Exploited Children, Adolescents and Young Adults.” The second annual summit was presented by Cal U’s Assessment, Intervention and Training Center, in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. “To rescue the victims it takes a coalition of police, human services (agencies), schools, families and others who are vigilant working together in the community,” says event coordinator Dr. Margaret “Peg” Christopher, of the Social Work Department. Keynote speaker Kenneth D. Cole, a former police chief, described trafficking as a growing problem in small-town and rural areas, as well as urban centers. Communities along major highways are especially vulnerable, he explained.

Cal U faculty members Tracey Koval and Dr. Mary Ann Salotti also gave presentations, and students in Cal U’s Master of Social Work program described their efforts to spread the message “not here, not anywhere” by conducting awareness activities and distributing NCMEC information packets to local hospitals, emergency medical services, police and fire departments.

Cal U Women United mentoring group gets rolling

“Cal U girls rock!” That was the message delivered at the inaugural meeting of Cal U Women United, a mentoring organization to support young women of color on campus. Women United complements a similar group that has supported Cal U’s young men of color since 2010. Through mentorship, career-planning activities, social events and workshops, the new organization will encourage positive lifechanging activity, critical thinking and artistic integrity. Cal U Women United was organized by Darla Holley-Holmes, a staff member in the Modern Languages and Cultures Department, and former Spanish instructor Andrea Cencich. The Office of Social Equity is supporting the group, as well. Members plan to hold biweekly meetings during the academic year, and an advisory board of faculty and staff will guide the group’s progress. Any female student who is interested in membership may participate.

Council of Trustees and a founder of Cal Campaign Consultants, Hereda has established a scholarship awarded annually to a student in the University Honors Program. In addition to meeting other requirements, Presidential Scholars must hold a grade-point average of 3.25 or above.

Alumnus addresses top scholars

Sports meets hip-hop at annual conference

More than 1,400 Presidential Scholars were recognized this spring at the University’s annual Honors Convocation. Alumni Board member Jesse Hereda ’04, director of finance for the Disciplinary Board of the state Supreme Court, addressed the honorees, their families and friends. A former student member of Cal U’s

Construction Zone

Renovations are under way at the Natali Student Center. The two-year project will upgrade electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems throughout the building and add about 31,000 square feet of space to improve traffic flow, expand the dining area and address other needs. The original building, known as the California Memorial Union, was built in 1968-1970. It was expanded in 1992, and dining services were moved there from Gallagher Hall in 1998. This summer some Student Affairs offices relocated temporarily to Carter Hall, but the student center will remain open as much as possible during the renovations. The project is scheduled for completion in 2015.

Sports journalist, talk show host and TV personality Stephen A. Smith, a regular on ESPN television's First Take, took center stage at Cal U’s eighth annual HipHop Conference. In the combative style that has become his trademark, Smith discussed “Sport, Hip-Hop and Race” before

an audience of about 400 in the Convocation Center. Dr. William Boone, a professor of English and Foreign Languages at Winston-Salem State University, joined Smith for the presentation. “There is good and bad in hip-hop,” Smith told the audience. “There can be a level of discomfort, but it’s also enlightening for what the artists want to express. No one is here to applaud misogyny in lyrics (for example), but the ability to express yourself is important.” “The idea of the conference is to explore hip-hop from every angle,” says conference organizer Dr. Kelton Edmonds, of the Department of History and Political Science. “The relationship between hip-hop and sports as two American cultural and economic institutions is definitely worthy of intellectual investigation, and Stephen A. Smith personifies that. In fact, his show embodies the hip-hop oral tradition of debate, banter and competition.”

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CAMPUS C L I P S

McSheffery holds a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Penn State University, and he is on track to complete a master’s degree in applied criminology at Cal U. He replaces former police Chief Robert Downey Jr., who left Cal U in January to lead the police force in Green Tree, Pa.

Theatre Department earns encore accreditation

Newly named

Dr. John Pierce Watkins ’53, who served as University president from 1977-1992, joins Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones for their first look at a plaque identifying the G. Ralph Smith II Honors Hall. The former Residence Hall A was renamed this spring to honor Smith, an emeritus professor who taught in the English Department. His $1.95 million bequest to Cal U will support scholarships for students in all majors.

New chief on the job

The Cal U Police Department has a new chief on duty. Edward McSheffery, a veteran law enforcement officer with 23 years of experience, joined the campus police force in April. The former chief of the Connellsville (Pa.) Police Department, he gained experience with university police forces at both Community College of Allegheny County and Carnegie Mellon University.

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McSheffery is an advocate of community policing — a style of police work that calls for building strong relationships between officers and the people they protect and serve. “Here at Cal U, that means getting to know the employees, the faculty and the students on campus,” he says. “As police officers, we’re here to enforce the law, but our primary purpose is to create a safe and secure campus environment.” Cal U's professional police force offers ’round-the-clock coverage of the 294-acre campus. In addition to the chief, the department includes 16 sworn police officers, three security officers/dispatchers and an administrative assistant.

A national accrediting body has given a standing ovation to Cal U’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and its community outreach program, the Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy. The National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) has awarded full re-accreditation to both the undergraduate degree program and the after-school and summer academy that provides hands-on theater experiences for area children. NAST, founded in 1969, is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials. Cal U’s bachelor’s degree program earned its initial accreditation in 2005. It is one of just 160 NAST-accredited degree programs nationwide. The Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy is one of just six such academies to hold NAST accreditation.

STEAM camp blends art and science

STEAM powered a new summer camp for children in grades 6-8. ANYSYS Inc., a leader in engineering development, partnered with Cal U to offer the STEAM Creator Camp, designed to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, art and math. During the weeklong session campers tried their hand at app development, explored underwater robotics and building design, and manufactured their own comic books. Campers also visited with professionals from local industries, who talked about careers in STEM-related fields.

Ben Clark launches his team's Freescale racecar.

“Freshmen look forward to participating in the course, and enrollment in the class (EET 360) has doubled since I added the project,” he says. Worldwide, more than 20 countries and 1,000 universities now participate in Freescale events.

Troops join quest for German badge

Engineering yields racetrack results

Cal U’s “Team Vulcar” raced to a third-place finish when the University hosted Freescale Cup regional competitions in the Convocation Center. Sponsored by the microprocessor manufacturer Freescale, the global collegiate competition challenges students to program and race autonomous, small-scale model cars around a racetrack, seeking the fastest time. Each team is given a car chassis and basic parts. Students are responsible for the programming, motor control and sensory components of the car. Nineteen teams, including the West Coast regional champions from the University of California, Berkeley, faced off for a chance to compete at the world championships in China. Berkeley’s team won; other competitors represented Penn State, Temple and Clarkson universities, and the Indiana Institute of Technology. The contest asks students to solve complex problems in science, engineering and technology. Associate professor Dr. Jeff Sumey has been using Freescale cars in Cal U’s electrical engineering technology program since 2010.

For the second consecutive year, Cal U hosted members of the active-duty military, reserve and National Guard as they competed to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. A decoration of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, the badge is one of the few foreign awards that U.S. military members may wear on their uniforms. To earn the badge, candidates must meet benchmarks in swimming, running and other physical activities; qualify on the pistol range; pass a first-aid test; and complete a 7.5-mile road march while carrying a loaded backpack. Nearly 90 soldiers took on the challenge, and 51 were successful in earning the badge. The two-day event was organized by Capt. Robert Prah, director of Cal U’s Office of Veterans Affairs. “There was a spot open in my unit to come and test for the badge, and I jumped on the opportunity when I found out it was at Cal U,” says Steven Holt ’10, of the 110th infantry in Waynesburg, Pa. “It was great to have this opportunity to test for the badge and at the same time return to campus.” Traveling farthest to attend was

Sgt. Chris Catlin ’07, a former Cal U Homecoming King. He has spent 11 years in the military and now serves with the National Guard in Colorado. “The Veterans Affairs Office and Veterans Club really delivered,” Catlin says. “I am thankful that I was able to see some old friends from Cal U and some combat veterans I served with overseas, as well as making some new friends.”

Hall inducts athletic trainers

Three Cal U Global Online faculty members — Dr. Barry McGlumphy, Dr. Linda Platt Meyer and Dr. Julie Ramsey-Emrhein — comprised the entire 2013 class inducted into the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society Hall of Fame. Begun in 1976, PATS is an organization of health care professionals who work with athletes under the direction of a licensed physician. McGlumphy, the coordinator for Cal U’s exercise science and health promotion program, helped to enact legislation that licensed athletic trainers in Pennsylvania. He won the Pearson eCollege Excellence in Online Teaching award in 2006 and was awarded the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society Service Award in 2001. Meyer teaches online graduate courses in exercise science and health promotion. A member of the state Board of Medicine, she is actively involved with Special Olympics in Pennsylvania. Ramsey-Emrhein, a Cal U graduate, is a past president of PATS and an assistant professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies.

Steven Holt '10 completes the 200-meter swim during testing for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.

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PAYING IT F O R W A R D Dr. Yugo Ikach (seated) joins emeritus professor Dr. Patsy Tarullo at the piano.

NOTE-WORTHY OVERTURE Emeritus professor issues Music Fund challenge

r. Patsy Tarullo did not major in music. But music is still a major part of his life. “I had two parents who had music as the center of their lives,” says Tarullo, an emeritus professor of business and economics who retired from Cal U in 2004 after more than 25 years. “My dad was a trumpet player, and my mom was the accompanist. My dad passed away in 2002, and when my mom died this year, I thought maybe it was time to pass along something to honor them.” The newly established Tarullo Music Fund at Cal U will serve two purposes: to provide scholarships to students who are active members of a Department of Music performing ensemble and to assist the department with general expenses. Tarullo has pledged $3,500 in each of three years to be used as a challenge gift to encourage contributions from other sources — alumni, companies and other private donors. With the mind of a business professor, he is counting on a “multiplier effect” to maximize the fund’s benefits. “We know funding has taken a back seat,” he says, noting the state’s diminishing support for public higher education.

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“When I talked to Dr. Yugo Ikach to see if this would be possible, I said, ‘We’re never going to be able to put enough money into a program as individuals to make it self-sufficient, but if we all worked together, we could do something special.’ “If I put in $100 and that inspires the band to raise $100 and the chorus raises $100 and the orchestra raises $100, we don’t just have my $100. Now we have $300 more.” Ikach, chair of Cal U’s Music Department, appreciates the heart of a fellow music lover. “It’s a wonderful gesture,” he says, “and it gives us some flexibility to help our students in ways we can’t even predict. New guitar strings cost money. Bows cost money. Recording software costs money. These expenses can be a hardship for our students.”

Adds Tarullo, “I wanted to set something up so that it’s academic, in the sense that it attracts quality individuals, but it also provides the funding for things that are necessary to make a program work.” Music education — and a liberal arts education at Cal U — is worth funding, says Tarullo, who plays both the trumpet and the piano. “Think about how it makes you a whole person,” he says. “We’ve become so specialized. I got a Ph.D. in economics, but music is an important part of my life. Live music was a very, very big part of my parents’ lives, and the students I see at Cal U are making the same type of music. “It makes us all better.” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

Play your part To make a contribution to the Tarullo Music Fund, contact Lynn Baron ’78, director of donor relations and stewardship, at 724-938-1541 or baron@calu.edu.

SPORTS P R O F I L E

Standout softball player holds record as college coach

s a player and now a coach, Sue Kunkle ’95 is a winner — and the numbers prove it. She finished her softball playing days at Cal U with 54 career victories, a school record at the time. As a senior she pitched the Vulcans to the program’s first regional title and its first appearance in the eight-team NCAA Division II National Championship. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education, a 1.37 career ERA, three no-hitters and one perfect game. Nearly two decades later, Kunkle is the first athletic coach in University of Southern Indiana history with more than 300 wins. In fact, she owns 330 career victories after 12 seasons guiding the Screaming Eagles. As a student at Cal U, Kunkle played for both Linda Kalafatis ’88 and current coach Rick Bertagnolli. “I feel I’m the kind of coach that’s a mix of both of them,” she says. “Both have unbelievable knowledge. They’re both tough and disciplined, but their players never wonder if they are cared about.” Kunkle earned her master’s degree in sport management during a five-year tenure as an assistant coach at the University of Akron. In addition to coaching, she taught for 11 years in Southern Indiana’s Department of Kinesiology and Sport. But she can’t forget her time at Cal U — especially when Southern Indiana faces regular-season opponent Lewis (Ill.) University. Kunkle’s final three pitching victories came in the 1994 NCAA Division II Mid-Atlantic Regionals, where the Vulcans beat Lewis before twice topping the host team, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. George DiMatteo, the coach at Lewis, completed his 30th season last spring. “When we played each other during my first season at Southern Indiana, he and I walked up to the plate with the lineups and I could not believe I was coaching against him,” Kunkle says.

Sue helped to lay the groundwork for our national success by pitching us to that first regional title. As a coach, she’s coming very close to getting back to nationals, and I will be very proud of her when that day does come. Rick Bertagnolli

Sue Kunkle '95, softball coach at the University of Southern Indiana, makes a point to a player.

“He looked at me and said, ‘Oh my, Sue Kunkle. You’re the one who beat our butts in the regionals at Bloomsburg.’ It was so funny. We still talk about it now and laugh.” Cal U and Southern Indiana have faced off twice, in 2003 and 2005, on season-opening trips to the South. The Vulcans scored a 7-5 victory in the first meeting, but Kunkle’s team prevailed, 3-2, the second time around. “Sue helped to lay the groundwork for our national success by pitching us to that first regional title,” Bertagnolli says. “As a coach, she’s coming very close to getting back to nationals, and I will be very proud of her when that day does come.” The feeling is mutual. In October, Kunkle intends to sit proudly in the front row for Bertagnolli’s induction into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame. “I’ve wanted to coach since my junior year, and I’ve been blessed,” says Kunkle, who was named her conference’s 2006 Coach of the Year. “Going to Cal U was the best decision I ever made. It completely changed my life.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

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SPORTS R O U N D U P

AHEAD OF THE GAME ATHLETICS CHALKS UP ACCOLADES DURING THE SPRING SEASON

alent, industry, teamwork and leadership added up to an outstanding spring sports season for Vulcan athletics. Here are the highlights:

Maria Lopez

Golf Cal U’s men’s and women’s golf teams both qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championship Tournaments after third-place showings in regional competition. The women’s team finished at No. 9, led by seniors Maria Lopez and Kim Thomas. Lopez, the PSAC Golfer of the Year, finished in 43rd place, followed by Thomas at 48th. Cara Vanderham was named PSAC Freshman Golfer of the Year. This was the women’s team’s seventh consecutive appearance in the NCAA Regional contest and its fourth straight trip to national competition under head coach MerriLyn Gibbs. Meanwhile, in the program’s first appearance at the NCAA Division II Championships since the program was brought back in 2005, the men’s golf team finished in 20th place. Junior Adam Jeffery, an all-region and all-conference selection, led the Vulcan men by finishing 83rd overall. Senior Justin Newbauer and sophomore Jordan Eck tied for 95th. Eck and sophomore Charlie Durman also earned all-conference honors. This year marked the men’s team’s sixth straight trip to the NCAA Division II Super Regional contest under head coach Peter Coughlin.

Tennis After winning its seventh consecutive PSAC and NCAA Division II Atlantic Region titles, the women’s tennis team advanced to the national quarterfinals for the sixth time in seven years. The team now has nine conference championships, a school record matched only by the former men’s tennis team. Junior Lucie Sipkova was named the PSAC Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Sophomore Lucie Rey and 26 CAL U REVIEW SUMMER 2013 n

freshman Alexandra Borganhoff each won a team-high 29 singles matches, and together they posted a 30-6 doubles mark. The team has not lost a conference team-match since 2006. With this year’s success, coach Pablo Montana’s cumulative coaching record at Cal U stands at 228-72.

Baseball Playing for coach Mike Conte, the Vulcans qualified for the PSAC playoffs for the 12th time in 13 years. The team’s clear standout was senior catcher Kyle Petty, who received PSACWest, Daktronics and ABCA Region Player of the Year honors after tying for first in NCAA Division II with eight triples. He also batted .416 (15th in NCAA Division II) and chalked up 37 stolen bases, six home runs, eight triples, and 49 RBI. A four-time all-conference and allregion selection, Petty was one of 10 finalists for the Tino Martinez Award, presented to the most outstanding baseball player in NCAA Division II. But the real prize came in the 23rd round of the Major League Baseball draft, when Petty was selected by the Seattle Mariners.

Adding depth to the Vulcan team, junior outfielder Chuck Gasti batted .341 with 10 stolen bases, earning first-team all-conference recognition. Sophomore pitcher Justin Taylor earned second-team all-conference honors after compiling a 7-2 overall record with six complete games and four shutouts. Cal U ended the season with a 35-18 overall record, a single-season victory total that ranks second in program history.

Kyle Petty

Softball Cal U won its fifth consecutive PSAC-West softball title — the team’s 16th for coach Rick Bertagnolli in the past 20 years. The Vulcans finished the season with a 38-6 overall record and a 15-1 divisional mark, capping it off with a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs — the team’s 22nd appearance in the past 24 years. The team’s future looks bright: Freshman first baseman Lindsay Reicoff was named Daktronics Atlantic Region Player of the Year and PSACWest Freshman of the Year. She tied the freshman school record with 13 homers, ranked second in the league with a .761 slugging percentage and batted .401 with 12 doubles and 44 RBI. Freshman pitcher Alex Sagl was named PSAC-West Pitcher of the Year. She went 20-3 overall with a 1.55 ERA, three saves and a freshman school record 187 strikeouts.

Lindsay Reicoff

Aaron Dinzeo

These Vulcan student-athletes were selected for academic honors and/or All-American recognition during the spring sports season: AARON DINZEO, TRACK AND FIELD

Under the direction of coach Roger Kingdom, Cal U’s men placed 10th at the conference meet, where junior Bruce McDaniel earned second-place finishes in the long jump and 100meter dash. A decathlete, McDaniel also placed fourth in the discus. Another top performer at the conference meet was freshman Aaron Barlow, who placed fourth in the 200-meter and fifth in the 100-meter events. The women’s team also placed 10th at the conference meet, with freshman Imani Shell doing her part by taking fifth place in the triple jump. She also teamed with junior Bria Jay, senior Jordyn Reagan and sophomore Danae Burgwin for a sixth-place finish in the 4 x 100-meter relay. Senior Katurrah Hayman-Alston placed fifth in the 400-meter hurdles and sixth in the 4 x 400-meter relay with Reagan, Shell and Burgwin.

Hall of Fame

In all, six Vulcans were named first-team all-conference, with five of those players earning all-region accolades. Among them was junior second baseman Shelby Lia, who tied the school single-season record with 14 home runs.

Track and field On the men’s team, junior Aaron Dinzeo placed fifth in the 5,000meter run at the NCAA Division II Championships after coming in second in that event at the PSAC championships.

TOP OF THE SCOREBOARD

Looking ahead to fall, six individuals will comprise Cal U’s 19th Athletic Hall of Fame class. The 2013 inductees are Bill Coleman ’61 (football), Christine Dillner ‘95 (softball), Kim KottmeierWhitlock '96, '98 (women’s soccer), Seth Martin ’02 (men’s basketball), Tim McCutcheon (football) and Brad Rager ’08 (men’s track and field). The annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction banquet is set for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Performance Center, inside the Natali Student Center. In addition to the individual honorees, this year’s banquet will recognize Cal U’s 2008 PSAC champion men’s soccer team. Tickets for the Hall of Fame dinner are $30 each. For reservations, call 724-938-4418 or dean@calu.edu.

NCAA Division II All-American 5,000-meters (5th); Capital One First Team Academic All-American

ERIN KLING, TRACK AND FIELD

Capital One First Team Academic AllAmerican; PSAC Champion Scholar Award

SHELBY LIA, SOFTBALL

National Fastpitch Coaches Association Second Team All-American; Daktronics Third Team All-American

JOHN ORR, BASEBALL

PSAC Champion Scholar Award

KYLE PETTY, BASEBALL

Daktronics First Team All-American; American Baseball Coaches Association Third Team All-American

LINDSAY REICOFF, SOFTBALL

National Fastpitch Coaches Association Second Team All-American; Daktronics Second Team All-American

LUCIE REY, TENNIS

Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American

LUCIE SIPKOVA, TENNIS

Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American

HOPE SPANCAKE, SOFTBALL

Capital One Third Team Academic All-American

Also, five coaches received PSAC or PSAC-West Coach of the Year honors: PABLO MONTANA, WOMEN’S TENNIS MERRILYN GIBBS, WOMEN’S GOLF) RICK BERTAGNOLLI, SOFTBALL MIKE CONTE, BASEBALL PETER COUGHLIN, MEN’S GOLF Coughlin also was recognized as the Eaton Golf Pride Atlantic Region Coach of the Year by the Golf Coaches Association of America.

By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U SUMMER 2013 CAL U REVIEW 27 n

WELCOMES TH E 2013

Pittsburgh Diversity & Leadership Conference

W IT H K E Y N OT E S P E A K E R

General Colin Powell September 19, 2013 I N T H E C A L U CO N VO C ATI O N C E N T E R

Watch for more information at www.calu.edu.

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FORESIGHT AND GENEROSITY Steele Society members look to the future

he Robert M. Steele Society recognizes individual alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the University who have planned for gifts to benefit Cal U students and programs after their lifetimes. These gifts are most frequently made through wills, personal and group life insurance, or as retirement plan beneficiary provisions. Increasingly popular are those gifts, starting in the $10,000 range, which bring the giver and his or her spouse a secure, generous, lifetime income, as well as immediate income tax advantages. Members of the Robert M. Steele Society take justifiable pride in the role of the society, which has provided gifts to Cal U now totaling: • More than $3.9 million from society members, received or placed in trust; • Nearly $1 million more in gifts to create generous, secure, lifelong income for individuals and gain favorable tax treatment; and • An estimated $4.3 million in gifts provided by the long-range financial plans of current society members.

If you are considering steps to provide for Cal U in your own planning, or if you already have named the University in your will, trust, life insurance, retirement or other planning, or as a beneficiary to retirement, life insurance or other plans — we thank you. To read more about the Robert M. Steele Society, visit www.calu.edu/giving, then click ‘Legacy & Planned Giving’ on the lefthand side of the page. Consider the importance of your membership in the Robert M. Steele Society. For answers to your questions, or to receive a simple ‘Acceptance of Membership’ form, call Gordon Core, director of planned giving, at 724-938-5985 or reach him by e-mail at core@calu.edu.

The Robert M. Steele Society, named for Cal U's first president (1928-1952), was established in 1996. It recognizes individuals who have made planned gifts Cal U and The Foundation for California University.

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CAL U M I L E S T O N E S 40s Lorys Wible Crisafulli ’48 is a retired teacher and shop owner at Yesterday’s Best. She lives in a cottage on her son’s property in San Francisco, Calif.

60s James Wagner ’60 is retired. At Cal U, he was a member and co-founder of the first social fraternity on campus. He also was an audiovisual technician, working with Jack Hoyes. Len Keller ’61 has retired after 45 years in educational publishing. Most recently he worked for Triumph Learning, a publisher of test preparation materials for statemandated tests for grades K-12. Len was awarded the Cal U Medallion of Distinction Award, given to alumni who have distinguished themselves and brought credit to the University through their professional and personal achievements. He is a member of the Cal U Alumni Association Board of Directors. Ray Racunas ’63, a retired middle school teacher in the Trinity Area School District, recently was featured in an article about his interest in photography. He has been a member of the Washington Camera Club since 1985. The organization will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year. Ray’s wife, Nancy Johnson Racunas ’71, also is a retired Trinity Area School District teacher.

Janet Prosba Bedell ’68 is retired. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with her husband, James ’68. Janet majored in elementary education at Cal U and was a member of Kappa Delta Pi. James, who was in the marching and concert bands at Cal U, majored in secondary education with a concentration in biology.

70s Melinda Lincoln-Richardson ’70 is a professor at Thomas Nelson Community College in Virginia. She lives in Williamsburg, Va., with her husband, Michael. She studied English, speech and drama at Cal U. Larry Randall ’71 has been inducted into the hall of fame at Wakefield High School in Arlington County, Va., where he was a scholastic football player and wrestler. A defensive lineman during his collegiate playing days, he is a member of the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame. William Ashton ’71 has been appointed to the board of directors of Galena Biopharma, based in Portland, Ore. He is a senior executive with more than 28 years of experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical leadership and management. Most recently, at Amgen Inc., William served as vice president of corporate and government affairs and vice president of sales. Joseph Oswald ’72 is a teacher in the South Eastern School District in York County, Pa. He and his wife, Karen, live in Windsor, Pa. He majored in elementary education at Cal U.

Herbert Comet ’63 is retired and living in Colorado Springs, Colo. He majored in physical science at Cal U.

Tim Davis ’72 is a retired naval officer who now teaches literature, drama and script analysis at the University of West Florida. He and his wife, Pat, live on the Gulf Coast in Alabama.

Stepping down

Georgina Fugo Wanko ’73 is a cancer data analyst for Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. She and her husband, Douglas, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in August 2013.

Robert Hill, who was vice president for University Advancement at Cal U and founded the school’s first official newspaper, the California Journal, has retired from the University of Pittsburgh as vice chancellor. Robert had led Pitt’s Office of Public Affairs since 1999.

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Kevin Walsh ’76 lives in Centreville, Va. He studied history and philosophy at Cal U. Thomas Clements ’76 is a senior validation engineer. He lives in Holly Springs, N.C. At Cal U he was on the newspaper staff, served in the student senate and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma. Frances Mogus Blackwell ’77 is a health care administrator for the Lehigh Valley Health Network. She lives in Bethlehem, Pa., with her husband, Edward. Frances studied speech and hearing at Cal U.

Dan Clendaniel ’78 was a guest speaker at a recent Civil War Roundtable at Cal U. Dan has conducted research in preparation for a possible book on the history of the 85th Pennsylvania Volunteer Civil War Regiment Company D. His father, William, was a member of Cal U’s athletic department and is a member of the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame. Michele Houck Wilcosky ’78 and her daughter Brittany Wilcosky ’11 own, operate, direct, teach and choreograph together with their sisters and cousin at Houck Dance Studio in Uniontown, Pa. Michele has been a substitute teacher for more than 35 years and has been involved with teaching dance and gymnastics for more than 40 years. Brittany also works as an athletic trainer for UPMC.

80s Alice Grimes ’84, of Jefferson Hills, Pa., is a senior center specialist at the Monongahela (Pa.) Senior Center. Derek Dearwater ’85 has been promoted to division president of Naturade, a division of Prevention LLC, a manufacturer and marketer of nutritional supplements. Derek, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Cal U, previously worked for Niche Products Inc. as an executive vice president/managing partner. Dr. Brian Barnhart ’86 has been named executive director for Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13. Brian joined IU 13 in 2006 as director of instructional programs, overseeing early childhood and adult education programst, K-12 professional development, curriculum and instruction, and nonpublic school services. In 2008 he was appointed assistant executive director of IU 13, where he supervised operations, fund development and workforce investment, among other duties. Brian’s term as director began Aug. 1. Kathleen Tinker Larson ’88 is an administrative secretary for Reynoldsburg (Ohio) City Schools. She lives in Reynoldsburg. At Cal U, she majored in business administration and was a member of Theta Phi Alpha and the marching and concert bands.

Carol Aten Frow ’88, an English and reading teacher at Bellmar Middle School in the Belle Vernon (Pa.) Area School District, is a finalist for the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Award. The winner will be chosen in December.

90s Ron Pardini ’90 has retired as chief of the Upper St. Clair (Pa.) Police Department. He joined the department as a patrolman in 1969, becoming chief in 1986. Kevin VonScio ’91, a laboratory manager at the Perryman Co. in Houston, Pa., has received the Lundell-Bright Memorial Award from ASTM International Committee E01 on Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores and Related Materials. He was honored for his outstanding leadership skills. Kevin earned a chemistry degree at Cal U. Michael Pugliano ’91 lives in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was a political science major at Cal U. Susan Sonson ’93 is attending the Washington Hospital School of Anesthesia for Nurses. Susan, who earned her master’s degree at Cal U, graduated in December 2012 with her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Miami. She is currently a certified registered nurse anesthetist on the staff at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, and she lives in Miami Beach, Fla. Mark Burke ’94 has been named supervisor of Adelphoi’s Multisystemic Therapy programs in Blair and Cambria counties, Pa. He earned a psychology degree at Cal U. Demetra Serviou Katsas ’94 is a product/ consumerism capabilities specialist for Highmark Inc. She lives in Wexford, Pa., with her husband, Fotie. At Cal U she was active in Student Government and Phi Sigma Sigma. Donald Metil ’96 is the new head volleyball coach at Towson University in Maryland. He graduated from Cal U with dual bachelor’s degrees in secondary education and sports medicine. Donald played volleyball for the Vulcans, primarily as a setter. Lawrence “Larry” Czeponis ’97, of Mount Carmel, Pa., has been inducted into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Larry was a lineman for Bucknell University and earned his Master of Science in Business Administration at Cal U. As a graduate assistant from 1991-1993, he helped to coach running backs, tight ends and special teams for the Vulcans. He currently works as a field casualty claims specialist for Nationwide Insurance and is an adjunct professor in the Business and Economics Department at Luzerne County (Pa.) Community College.

Alumni trio Three generations of Cal U graduates — Pamela Firestone Trautwein ’81, Zachary N. Trautwein ’13 and Gerald ‘Jerry’ Firestone ’56 — celebrate Zachary’s recent graduation with a degree in commercial music technology.

00s Lingyan Yan ’00 has joined Dickinson Wright as director of China business development. She will be based at the company’s office in Troy, Mich. She joins the firm from the Detroit Chinese Business Association, where she was executive vice president. At Dickinson Wright, she will lead efforts to promote the firm’s China practice and enhance the firm’s cooperation and partnership with the Chinese companies doing business in North America. She earned her Master of Science in Business Administration at Cal U. Shaka Smart ’01 recently signed a contract extension as head men’s basketball coach at Virginia Commonwealth University. He guided VCU to the Final Four of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2011. Danielle Babuscio Morgan ’01 is a registered nurse. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pa. Pamela Murphy ’02 is the executive director of graduate enrollment management at Cal U. She has been at the University for 11 years, previously serving as benefits and employment manager and interim director of human resources. She lives in Centerville, Pa. Nicole Hipkins ’02, an English teacher for 15 years at Bethel Park (Pa.) High School, is a finalist for the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Award. The winner will be chosen in December. Jesse Clark ’04, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is a sales representative for Liberty Mutual. He earned his degree in business administration and management at Cal U, where he also played ice hockey. Michael Steeber ’04 has won the Air Force Association Joe Walker Chapter Teacher of the Year Award. Michael teaches grades 9, 11 and 12 at Frazier High School in Fayette County, Pa. The awards program recognizes teachers for their efforts to prepare students in science and math. Corey Snyder ’02, ’04 works for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as the manager of Memorial

Lake and Swatara state parks. Memorial Lake State Park is in Lebanon County, and Swatara State Park is in Lebanon and Schuylkill counties. Aaron Whigham ’05 and Justin Nwokeji ’05 were chosen by the New Pittsburgh Courier as two of “Pittsburgh’s Fab 40.” The newspaper’s Fab 40 Awards highlight young AfricanAmerican professionals in the region and demonstrate the city’s potential to cultivate young minority talent. Aaron works as an assistant finance officer for Penn State Greater Allegheny. Justin is an event coordinator for the American Liver Foundation. In 2006, he founded SAVVY LLC, an interactive marketing agency for black professionals. David Wright ’06 is the new secondary school principal in the Annville-Cleona School District in Lebanon County, Pa. David earned his master’s degree and principal’s certification at Cal U. Previously, he was the principal at Linglestown Middle School in the Dauphin Area School District. Stephanie Allison ’06 is a meteorologist at WMDT-TV in Salisbury, Md. She is an active member of the American Meteorology Society. Scott Schultz ’07 was a finalist for the position of Durango (Colo.) High School head football coach. He earned his master’s degree in exercise science from Cal U. Mary Stein ’07 is an athletic trainer at Cabrini (Pa.) College. She lives in Philadelphia, Pa., and studied athletic training at Cal U. Eli Rock ’07 has been named recruiting and on-boarding leader for LSS, Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania. He will manage candidate screening and interview scheduling, among other duties. Eli, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Cal U, previously was a senior recruiter for a youth and family services agency.

SUMMER 2013 CAL U REVIEW 31 n

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

Hall of Fame Three graduates — William Lee ’67, Larry Papini ’56 and the late Bernie Floriani ’70 — have been inducted into the Mid-Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame. William is in his 11th year as the mayor of Speers, Pa. He started for the Vulcans from the end of his 1963 freshman season into 1966. Larry, who played both basketball and baseball at California, played pro baseball in the Boston Red Sox’s farm system, and then coached high school football,

basketball and baseball. He taught math at California High School for 41 years before retiring in 1997. Bernie, who died Sept. 26, 2005, was a basketball standout. William and Bernie also are members of the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame.

Adam Cinderich ’09 has received a $3,000 graduate fellowship from National Alpha Lambda Delta, an academic honor society for first-year students. The award, one of 23 fellowships given annual by Alpha Lambda Delta to its members, is given to offset the expense of pursuing a graduate or professional degree. Adam received his degree in earth sciences, with a meteorology concentration, at Cal U. He attended Michigan State University for his master’s degree in geography and now is pursuing doctoral studies in geography at Kent State University in Ohio. He is a research assistant and lab manager within the Geographic Information Systems/Health and Hazards Lab.

10s Toni Emerick ’08, of South Connellsville, Pa., was named to the dean’s list and honor roll at Thomas M. Cooley Law School for fall 2012 and spring 2013. Emily Martin ’08 has joined the Wyalusing, Pa., office of ProCare Physical Therapy. She studied to be a physical therapist assistant at Cal U. Cristen Cindric ’08 is a manager at Brand Builders. She lives in Uniontown, Pa. At Cal U, she was a member of Delta Zeta and the Criminal Justice Club, as well as a student ambassador and a peer mentor. Benjamin Ace ’08 has finished a threeyear service period with the Peace Corps in Cameroon and will be furthering his education at The New School in New York City. He graduated from Cal U with a degree in computer engineering. Trisha Maddas ’08, assistant principal at Elizabeth Forward Middle School, received the “Schools to Watch” award from the U.S. Department of Education. Maddas earned her Master of Education and her principal’s certification at Cal U. Jonathan Jennings ’08 earned his bachelor’s degree in earth science with a meteorology concentration and now works as a meteorologist for the West Texas Weather Modification Association. He lives in San Angelo, Texas, with his wife, Sara Steinfeld Jennings ’09. Sara earned her degree in English at Cal U. Kelly Kovacs Pascarella ’09 is a teacher and author. She works for the Mount Lebanon (Pa.) School District. Kelly earned her Master of Education in Administrative Leadership at Cal U and lives in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her husband, Joseph.

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Ryan Ridder ’09 is the men’s head basketball coach at Daytona State College. For the past three years he was an assistant coach at Campbell University in Bues Creek, N.C. Ryan earned his master’s degree in sport management from Cal U. Michael Mucciola ’09 is a trooper with the West Virginia State Police. A criminal justice major during his time at Cal U, he now lives in Morgantown, W.Va. Sara Marhefka Link ’09 is a second-grade teacher at Holy Name Elementary School. She and her husband, Daniel, live in Mineral Point, Pa. At Cal U, she majored in elementary education. Ken Hager ’09, of Pittsburgh, Pa., earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in December 2012 and recently was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. Also in 2012, Ken was selected as a fellow with a prominent public policy think-tank, the John Jay Institute for Faith, Society, and Law, in Philadelphia, Pa. At Cal U, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education, summa cum laude, and a Distinguished Service Award. Lauren Hovey ’09 is an associate vice president at Rubenstein Public Relations. She joins the firm from LAK Public Relations, specializing in gaining media coverage for clients in print, online and broadcast outlets. She studied communications at Cal U. Shannon Smith ’09 is an accountant for Glowacki Management Co. She lives in Erie, Pa.

Deirdre McFate ’10 is a research associate at the University of Pittsburgh. She majored in athletic training at Cal U. Holli Canton Stilianidis ’10 is a corrections officer. She and her husband, Anthony, live in Uniontown, Pa. At Cal U, Holli majored in justice studies and was a member of the Criminal Justice Club, Forensic Science Club and the Sigma Kappa Alpha Omega Honor Society. Donna Gilmore ’10 graduated from Geneva College in 2013 with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Cal U and is the University’s post-award administrator in the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research. She lives in Jefferson Hills, Pa., with her son and daughter. Brett Kerr ’11 is a merchant representative for Pittsburgh, Pa.-based Snavely Forest Products. He earned a degree in business administration at Cal U. Brandon Spayd ’11 is director of the men’s basketball strength and conditioning program at Penn State University. He earned his master’s degree at Cal U in exercise science and health promotion, with a concentration in sport performance enhancement and injury prevention. Dana Iera ’11 is a school psychologist in the Plum (Pa.) School District. Dan Dascani ’11 is a wetlands delineator and land surveyor for Jones Consultants in Delmont, Pa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, with a fisheries and wildlife biology concentration, at Cal U. Danielle Desmond ’11 works at a charter school in the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., area. She received the New Educator of the Year Award

after completing her first year of teaching. Danielle earned her degree in elementary education at Cal U. Ryan Skiles ’09, ’11 works for Burger King as a sales, profit and operations coach and oversees 30 restaurants in three states. He works from his home office in downtown Pittsburgh, Pa. He earned his degrees in sport management at Cal U. Britney Rand ’12 is the assistant athletic trainer at the Pingree School in South Hamilton, Mass. She earned her master’s degree in sport management from Cal U. Melanie Gluscic ’12 is a therapist with Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Pleasant Hills, Pa. At Cal U, she was a member of Chi Sigma Iota, an honor society for students, professional counselors and counselor educators. She earned her master’s degree in community and agency counseling. Josh Werner ’12 coaches the hockey team at Ringgold (Pa.) High School. The team competes in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League’s Open Division, which means that the team includes players from other schools. At Cal U, Josh was a member of the College Hockey East team. Brian Herrig ’03, ’12, a seventh- and eighth-grade technology education teacher at Canonsburg (Pa.) Middle School, wrote a chapter for the recently published book Cases on Digital Game-based Learning: Methods, Models, and Strategies. Brian majored in technology education as an undergraduate and earned his Master of Arts Teaching at Cal U. Alex Fuellgraf ’13, of Penn Township, Pa., recently had his artistic creations featured in the “Art of Recycling” show in the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. He earned a degree in business and economics at Cal U. Eric Harris ’13 has signed to play with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. Louis Speroni ’13 is a help desk associate administrator for CONSOL Energy. He lives in West Newton, Pa. At Cal U, Louis majored in computer information systems and was a member of the Commuter Council. Daniel Mickle ’13 is a coach at York College of Pennsylvania. He lives in New Cumberland, Pa., with his wife, Teri. At Cal U he majored in sport management, with a wellness and fitness concentration. Lynda Taylor Hadley ’13 is an executive assistant who lives in Philadelphia, Pa. She studied sport management at Cal U. Tiffany Harris ’13 lives in Cranberry Township, Pa. She studied art education and fine arts at Cal U and was active in Habitat for Humanity, Colleges Against Cancer, Pottery Club, University Choir and Art Club.

WEDDINGS Gregory Flood ’10, of Montoursville, Pa., and Kimberly Margosian ’10, of Carlisle, Pa., were married June 15, 2013, at Carlisle Brethren Church. Gregory earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a concentration in biology; he works for the Pennsylvania Game Commission in Harrisburg, Pa. Kimberly earned a degree in education; she is a fourth-grade learning support teacher at Oak Flat Elementary, in Newville, Pa. Eric Snyder ’08 and Rachel Carnahan ’08 were married Aug. 15, 2012, at Linngrow Farms in Leechburg, Pa. Rachel earned her master’s degree at Utah State University and most recently was an assistant director of deans at the University of Kentucky. Eric earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in education policy at the University of Kentucky. Both Eric and Rachel have accepted positions with the University of Oklahoma. Christi Mesina ’03, of Elrama, Pa., and Timothy Murphy, of Latrobe, Pa., were married Jan. 21, 2013, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Christi is a registered nurse in Washington, Pa. Timothy is a supervisor at DN Tanks. They are living in Monongahela, Pa. Amanda Stillwagon ’08 and Justin Gouff were married July 15, 2012, at Camp Peniel in Meyersdale, Pa. Amanda is a substitute teacher, and Justin is a manager at Misty Meadow Farm Creamery in Ringgold, Md. They live in Waynesboro, Pa. Rachel Hajdu ’10, ’12, of Brownsville, Pa., and Steven Weiss ’07, ’11, of Hopwood, Pa., were married Sept. 8, 2012, at St. Peter’s Church in Brownsville, Pa. Their reception was held at Anthony’s Lakeside Party Center. Rachel is pursuing her teaching career. Steven is a property manager for Capstone Collegiate Communities. They met at Vulcan Village and now live in Boone, N.C.

ENGAGEMENTS Jeffrey Correal ’10 and Jennifer Ferencak are engaged. Jeffrey, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal U, is a district sales coordinator for AFLAC. Jennifer works for the pediatric department at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. They are planning a wedding in May 2014. Tammi Kay Consavage ’11 and Joshua Mrosko are engaged. Tammi is a chemist for Mylan Pharmaceuticals in Morgantown, W.Va.

At Cal U she majored in biology with a minor in chemistry. Joshua is a trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police. They are planning a September 2013 wedding. Jennifer Joseph ’06 and Joe Gardner are engaged. Jennifer is an elementary school teacher. Joe is an operating engineer. They plan to be married in fall 2014. Bryan Inman ’09 and Erica Porreca are engaged. Bryan is an operations manager at Dave and Buster’s in Pittsburgh, Pa. Erica is a medical technologist for Quest Diagnostics. They are planning a September 2013 wedding. Elaina Pettit ’11 and Derek Montgomery are engaged. Elaina earned her master’s degree in business administration at Cal U and is a senior pricing analyst. Derek is a mechanic. They are planning a wedding in September 2013. Charles Dicks Jr. ’10 and Danielle Stockey ’11 plan to be married in May 2014. At Cal U, Danielle majored in communication disorders with a minor in psychology. Charles majored in business administration with a marketing concentration.

Emeriti status Over the past year, Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones has awarded emeritus status to 10 recently retired faculty members. They are Jane K. Bonari and Charlotte S. Orient, of the Early, Middle and Special Education Department; Dr. Richard G. Cavasina, Psychology; Dr. Dilawar M. Edwards, Secondary Education; Dr. Ronald C. Hoy, Philosophy; Dr. Elizabeth A. Jones, Justice, Law and Society; Dr. Robert H. Kane Jr., Health Science; Dr. Young J. Park, Business and Economics; and Joann Rodriguez-Naeser and Dr. Melvin J. Sally, Academic Development Services. Emeritus status signifies dedicated service to the University and demonstrates that, although retired, the professor maintains a valued relationship with Cal U. Since being founded in 1980, the Emeriti Faculty Association has served the University and its programs continuously as an independent but affiliated organization that supports the mission, goals and objectives of the University and its students. There are now more than 190 members. For more information about the Emeriti Faculty Association, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418 or e-mail Montean Dean at dean@calu.edu.

SUMMER 2013 CAL U REVIEW 33 n

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

IN MEMORIAM

Tawnya Zucatti Rockwell ’00 and her husband, Brent, have a son, Braydon Ward Rockwell, who celebrated his first birthday on Feb. 12, 2013. Last year Braydon arrived weighing 8 pounds, 5 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches. At Cal U, Tawnya was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. She also was on the track, cross country and rugby teams.

Byron “Barney” Bakewell ’56 Laverna Bakori ’40 Karl Betz* Regis A. Brozier ’54 Ervin Cross ’75 Darlene “Dolly” Louise Kyper Dascenzo ’89 Andrew “Andy” J. Doyle ’85 Alexander Leonard “Larry” Dudzik ’75 Jeffrey Eicher ’89, ’91 Faith E. Fearer ’70 John Michael Ferens ’78 Michael J. Flaherty ’87 Margarette Ann Buber Hausher ’72 Jessica Marie Hilborn ’07 Martha Kilpela ’35 Albert S. Komacek Jr. ’58 James A. Lopresti ’55 Dr. Milton A. Messinger,* emeritus professor, College of Education, who taught from 1969-1990

Leonard Jurkowski ’02 and Marcie Means-Jurkowski ’02 welcomed their first child, Keeley Layne, on April 23, 2013. She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces. Leonard and Marcie work for Berkeley County Schools, and the family lives in Martinsburg, W.Va.

Henry B. “Red” Neil Sr., retired from the carpenter shop at Cal U Gerome W. Osiol ’64, ’69 Dorothea J. Pavia ’40 Kevin Petrus ’74 Patricia Louise Price ’74 Yvonne “Brecky” Brechbill Rameas ’87 Eric W. Richards ’80 Marge Townsend Robison ’53 Jack Sabo ’55 Sarah Tucker Simms ’31 Mark T. Sipos ’93 Arlene Snyder ’79 Garnet R. Jones Taylor ’72, ’77 Joseph Terrana* Karl M. Troth ’62 Miriam J. Donovan Wilson ’52, emerita professor of music * Indicates no class year provided or on file

Setting the record straight Through a technical error, artwork in the spring edition was credited incorrectly. The photo of anti-bullying band No Tune Left Behind was taken by Dawn Lovett, wife of band member John Lovett ’98. The Review regrets the error.

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

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34 CAL U REVIEW SUMMER 2013 n

ALUMNI PRIDE SHOP THE BEST SELECTION OF CAL U APPAREL AND GIFTS AT THE

CAL U STUDENT BOOKSTORE

CAL U STUDENT BOOKSTORE (724) 938-4324 | www.calupa.bkstr.com

SUMMER 2013 CAL U REVIEW 35 n

California University of Pennsylvania Building Character. Building Careers. 250 University Avenue California, PA 15419-1394 www.calu.edu A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

On Take Your Child to Work Day, the children of Cal U employees add their own special touches to a mural in the Department of Art and Design. The painting session was just one of the kid-friendly career-awareness and enrichment activities organized by members of the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commission for the Status of Women as part of the national celebration.