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California University
VOLUME 16, NUMBER 1 JAN. 20, 2014 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
Auditors Report ‘Good, Solid’ Finances
Kelsey Rufft celebrates during the Dec. 14 undergraduate Commencement in the packed Convocation Center.
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Graduates Collect Diplomas at 177th Commencement efore receiving his bachelor’s degree, Markus Wright echoed the sentiments of the students at Cal U’s 177th Commencement. “Today is a proud day for me,” he said. “It’s the conclusion of a lifelong achievement, and something I have been looking forward to for a while.” A social work major, Wright was one of more than 400 students to accept a bachelor’s degree at the Dec. 14 undergraduate ceremony. Nearly 200 graduate students were vested in their academic hoods and received their master’s degrees on Dec. 13. Educator Dante E. Morelli ’02 addressed the graduates at both ceremonies. In all, interim University President
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ou have a very good story to tell.” CPA Jack Reagan, an auditor with the CliftonLarsonAllen accounting firm, told the University’s Council of Trustees that Cal U is bucking a trend: At a time when many public institutions are struggling, the University’s financial position has improved, and its budgeting and financial processes are sound. Reagan presented the annual auditors’ report to University Trustees Dec. 4 at the council’s regular quarterly meeting. “I want this board to know that the financial information you are receiving is sound and timely. The information you’re getting can be relied upon,” he said. This is the first time that CliftonLarsonAllen, one of the nation’s top 10 accounting firms, has conducted the University’s annual financial audit. As part of that process, the firm examined the University’s budgeting process and financial controls, scrutinizing the way revenue and expenses are handled and recorded. “You can have confidence that the controls are operating well,” Reagan — Continued on page 3
Geraldine M. Jones conferred degrees upon nearly 1,400 students, including those who did not attend the ceremonies. During her welcoming remarks, President Jones urged the graduates to remember the words of the late Nelson Mandela: “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” “Take in the moment, and savor your success,” she said. “You have worked hard, you have persevered, and you have accomplished something significant.” Morelli is an assistant professor of communication studies at Suffolk County Community College in New York. While at Cal U he was a student member of the Council of Trustees and president of the Student Association Inc. He spoke about taking a leave from
his teaching assignment to work toward a doctorate in communications at Ohio University, and he told the master’s degree candidates that he understands the sacrifices required to earn a diploma. “Some of you took a risk both in your career and personal life in pursuit of your education, and your stories are powerful,” said Morelli, who is completing his doctoral dissertation. “Regardless of your narrative, you’re here and you made it. I can relate to your narratives.” Morelli challenged the undergraduates to pursue happiness and urged them never to settle for mediocrity. He said he looks back at his life as a story he shares with many others. “I call it ‘biography of the collective.’ — Continued on page 2
Three ROTC Cadets Commissioned as Officers ontinuing a proud Cal U tradition, three ROTC cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army at a ceremony Dec. 13 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Cal U cadet Michael Gage Crosen received the gold bars signifying his new rank at the Department of Military Science’s Reserve Officer Training Corps commissioning ceremony. Also commissioned were cadets Natasha Nichols, who attends Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa., and Adam Beaumont, who attends the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Before taking the oath of office, the cadets heard welcoming remarks by interim University President Geraldine M. Jones. Alumnus and retired Lt. Col. Jeff Janosik ’83 was the guest speaker. President Jones said she was speaking as a parent as well as the University President when she thanked the cadets for
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Family members Mary Florian and Jordan Pacilla pin gold bars on the uniform of 2nd Lt. Michael Gage Crosen during the Dec. 13 ROTC commissioning ceremony in Steele Hall.
their brave and selfless service. “We are impressed with all you have accomplished, thrilled to see you earn your commission, and prayerful that
when your service is complete, you will find your way safely home. “I feel confident that the strong leadership skills and exemplary conduct
that have epitomized your time as cadets will continue to flourish as you become officers,” she said. “You three have embraced an important mission: to protect not only the citizens of the United States, but also our friends and allies around the world. As you begin this journey, please remember that we believe in you. “ Janosik served 24 years on active duty with the U.S. Army and is now a background investigator for several agencies. “This is a special day for these three great Americans,” he told the audience of family members and friends. “It’s a milestone, but also a time of transition as you leave college life for a life in the military.” Janosik recalled his own commissioning 30 years ago in Cal U’s now defunct ROTC building. He remembered being scolded by his commanding officer for what he called — Continued on page 2
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Graduates Collect Diplomas at 177th Commencement — Continued from page 1 That is, I would not be where I am today without the help of others,” he said. “It’s important to ask yourself who helped you build your biography. With that, take what you have and make contributions back.” Before Morelli spoke to the undergraduates, Brian Higgins, chair of the Senior Gift Drive Committee, presented President Jones with a check for more than $15,000 contributed by graduating seniors and their families. More than $60,000 has been raised for an endowed scholarship since the first senior class donation was delivered at the spring 2010 Commencement. “That’s fantastic,” Morelli said directly to Higgins and the senior class. Morelli has established a scholarship at Cal U in memory of his grandparents. “The senior gift drive is phenomenal and a great way to give back to Cal U,” he added. “It doesn’t have to simply be money. Come back, visit and speak to undergraduates.” The Commencement ceremonies in the Convocation Center recognized both August and December graduates. Among them was Clifford Hammonds, who majored in psychology. “It’s truly a blessing to be able to graduate,” Hammonds said. “Not only am I leaving with an
Above, Interim President Geraldine M. Jones proudly accepts a check for more than $15,000 contributed by graduating seniors and their families. It was presented by Brian Higgins, chair of the Senior Gift Drive Committee. At right, Dr. Stanley Komacek, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, vests Global Online master’s graduate Phil Morgan, from New Jersey.
Entrepreneur Offers Tips in Talk ntrepreneur Arel Moodie offered practical advice while engaging more than 30 Cal U students during the Entrepreneurial Summit for College Students. The event last month in the Performance Center was hosted by the Entrepreneurial Leadership Center and Student Incubator (ELC) at Cal U. Called America’s Top Young Speaker by Essence magazine, Moodie is an award-winning entrepreneur, published writer and professional speaker. He sold an Internet business for more than $1 million before he was 30 years old. Moodie also spoke at Cal U in November 2011. “I am not an innovator, but if someone says to do something because it works, I do it,” he said. Audience participation was integral to Moodie’s presentation. He had audience members introduce the person sitting beside them, take pictures and tweet them. “Whatever you feel most uncomfortable about is the most important action you should be doing right now,” he said. “The comfort zone is everything, and you need to stretch that to be successful.” Kelly Hunt, executive director of the ELC, opened the event by encouraging students to become involved with the center. She is also the sponsor for the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, or CEO, which meets every first and third
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education, but also with a wonderful group of friends I met along the way.” President Jones acknowledged Ali L. Dodson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in education while attaining a perfect 4.0 with at least 90 credit hours at Cal U. There were 13 other students who earned two separate degrees simultaneously. The President concluded the proceedings with best wishes — and a directive to all of the new Cal U graduates. “It is up to you to change lives, reshape communities and make the world a better place.”
ROTC Cadets Commissioned as Officers — Continued from page 1
Arel Moodie offers advice while actively engaging Cal U students during the Entrepreneurial Summit for College Students inside the Performance Center.
Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters at 11 a.m. in Coover Hall, Room 122. “At the ELC we encourage students to become more entrepreneurial through different classes, counseling, business workshops and training opportunities,” she said. “We want to help.” Kembia Munsanje, president of the CEO, introduced Moodie. “His presentation shows that anything is possible and you have the power to effect change,” he said. “The students that came to this have an
advantage.” Sophomore Natalya Smarra, a sport management major, enjoyed being actively engaged with the speaker’s presentation. “This is fun,” she said. “It’s neat to be a part of this rather than just sitting and listening to someone talk.” Moodie emphasized the importance of building one’s reputation. “It’s not what you know; it’s not who you know. It’ s all about who knows you and who likes you,” he said. “If you do something that’s good, share it with others.”
Annual ‘Day of Service’ Set for Jan. 28 al U will honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual Day of Service on Jan. 28. From 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. members of campus clubs and organizations will meet in the Natali Student Center to perform service-oriented activities coordinated by the Center for Civic Engagement. The center is working with local nonprofit groups to organize specific
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Guest speaker Dante E. Morelli ’02 challenges the undergraduates to pursue happiness and never to settle for mediocrity.
service projects. During the Day of Service, students may register to participate in an upcoming blood drive organized by Central Blood Bank. For more information about the Day of Service or other volunteer opportunities, contact Diane Williams Hasbrouck at Williams_d@calu.edu or at 724-938-4794.
“an act less than stellar.” “I received the message loud and clear, and Cadet Janosik grew up that day,” he said. “You will soon, if you have not already, pinpoint the day you truly have made your transition.” He concluded his remarks with two pieces of advice for the newly minted lieutenants. “Treat your soldiers as though they are the best, because they are — and they will make you successful,” he said. “And don’t ever stop learning. Always try to improve yourself.” The three new officers have different military assignments. Crosen, a former student member of Cal U’s Council of Trustees, received an Army Reserve commission into the Adjutant General Corps. He will attend an Officer Basic course at Fort Jackson, S.C. Nichols received an Army National Guard commission into the Military Intelligence Corps. She will attend an Officer Basic Leadership course at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Beaumont received an Active Army commission into the Transportation Corps. During the ceremony, family members pinned a gold bar to each cadet’s uniform. Following Army tradition, each new second lieutenant gave a silver dollar to an officer in exchange for his or her first salute. Lt. Col. Andrew Loeb, a professor of military science at the University of Pittsburgh and commander of the Three Rivers Battalion, closed the ceremony by telling the new officers to earn the respect of their soldiers by setting an example and being truthful. “Be ready, learn from your mistakes, and don’t make them a second time,” he said. “Because of your rank, people will expect more from you, so continue to learn. Find a passion and continue that pursuit.”
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Campus BRIEFS Convocation on Jan. 30 Interim President Geraldine M. Jones will host the 2014 Spring Faculty and Staff Convocation Jan. 30 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. The convocation for University employees will be held beginning at 11 a.m.
Event Showcases Modern Languages Cal U collects toys Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones helps Cal U students load a Vulcan Flyer bus with donations for the Toys for Tots holiday ‘Stuff‐A‐ Bus’ campaign conducted by radio station 96.1 KISS Pittsburgh. Passing the playthings onto the bus were (from left) Chelsea Getsy, president of Student Government; Brendan Garay, secretary of Student Government; and Brendan Demmy, president of the Student Association Inc. Board of Directors. This is the third year that Cal U’s Student Government Association took part in the Stuff‐A‐Bus project, and the seventh consecutive year it collected gifts for Toys for Tots. A number of other campus organizations annually contribute time, as well as toys, and Cal U’s Student Association Inc. made a $1,000 donation to the campaign. Thanks to GG&C Bus Company, of Washington, Pa., the toys were delivered Dec. 5 to the collection point at Monroeville Mall. Cal U students continued to accept donated toys through the end of the fall semester and delivered the additional toys to the Washington County Toys for Tots program.
Auditors Report Solid Finances — Continued from page 1 said. “Your budget estimates are right down the middle. The University’s net position has increased, and there is good, solid management of expenses.” The auditors’ report for the fiscal year ending June 30 showed Cal U’s net position — in other words, the University’s assets minus its liabilities — has improved dramatically, from less than $2.5 million on June 30, 2012, to more than $4 million on June 30, 2013. Revenues exceeded expenses, resulting in the increase to the University’s net position. While trimming its expenses, the University was still able to increase the percentage of total expenses spent on instructing our students, from 32 percent during fiscal year 2012 to 34 percent in FY 2013. “It was as smooth a first-year audit as I have ever had,” Reagan told the Trustees. “Please have confidence in your numbers and in your internal management processes.” In other business: • Council Chairman Lawrence “Larry” Maggi ’79 drew attention to the University’s recognition as a militaryfriendly school. A former Marine, he pointed to November’s campus-wide banner project that honored past and current service members, and to the Joint Service Color Guard that welcomed former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell when he visited campus in September. “I am so proud of our veterans for being an active part of the campus, and of the University’s support of the military,” he said. “Keep up the great work.” • Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones reported that a shared governance task force has been formulated to address the issue now that the under-attended Forum has been dissolved. Dr. Craig Smith, of the Department of History and Political Science, is leading the task force, which includes faculty, staff, students and union representatives. The task force met with the President on Nov. 18. Members have been asked to
According to the University’s annual financial audit, Cal U’s financial position is improving, and its budgeting and financial processes are sound.
examine the remaining shared governance entities on campus and make recommendations “with a goal of streamlining, simplifying and formalizing the system while permitting all campus constituencies to have a voice.” President Jones also noted that the report of the President’s Task Force on Undergraduate Research, headed by Dr. Stanley Komacek, has been distributed to faculty and is available online. A series of open meetings are being held to solicit feedback on the group’ recommendations. In addition, the President highlighted a number of student projects, performances and athletic accomplishments. “Our students’ selfless acts speak for themselves. They understand the importance of helping others,” she said. • Dr. Bruce Barnhart, acting provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, reported on the success of the five-week Winter College. With a total of 22 online courses, this “whole new semester” attracted nearly 800 students. He also noted that new grant awards totaled more than $246,000 last quarter. • In a budget update that included tuition and personnel costs for Winter College, Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance, reported that the University is on track to end the
fiscal year with a $1.3 million surplus. Renovations on the Natali Student Center are proceeding as scheduled, the building is beginning to take on its new shape, and completion is anticipated by fall 2015. • Dr. Nancy Pinardi, vice president for Student Affairs, reviewed the many health and wellness programs available for students, faculty and staff. • Craig Butzine, vice president for Marketing and University Relations, distributed the new recruiting materials, which were designed with feedback from student focus groups. In his role as interim vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations, Butzine reported on the “Cal U Alumni and Friends Road Shows” that have been well-received in such places as Baltimore, Md.; Arlington, Va.; and nearby Greensburg, Pa. In addition to promoting alumni engagement, the gatherings have sparked a number of scholarship donations, he said. • Dr. Charles Mance, vice president for University Technology Services, shared an animated video created by students to address a common Help Desk request: How do I change my password? Cartoon figures Andy the Android and Eileen the iPhone have the answer. The Trustees are scheduled to meet again on March 5.
The 11th Modern Language Day took place last semester at the Performance Center in the Natali Student Center. Organized by the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, the event allows local high school students to take part in a friendly language competition. Students presented original dramas and read poetry and prose in Spanish and French. Prizes were awarded. Modern Languages faculty or Cal U students, many of them native speakers of these languages, judged the presentations. “In the competitive job market, knowing a modern language gives us an advantage and sometimes is the difference between getting a job or not,” said Dr. Mariana Pensa, who organized the event. “Students have to be prepared for a globalized world in which a second or third language can help them dramatically.”
ALD Flame Still Burning Cal U’s chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta again has received the Maintaining the Flame Award, among the ALD’s highest honors, for its activities during the 2012-2013 academic year. ALD is a national honor society that recognizes academic excellence among first-year students. Each year, the National Council of Alpha Lambda Delta selects as many as five winners of the Society’s Order of the Torch Award, which honors ALD chapters that have excelled in programming, communications and campus visibility. Cal U received the Order of the Torch for its 2010-2011 activities and will be eligible to compete for that award again in the 2014-2015 academic year. After receiving the Order of the Torch, an ALD chapter is ineligible to compete for the award for the next four years. Maintaining the Flame is awarded to chapters that continue their excellent work during the ineligibility period.
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Basketball Alumni Honored Saturday he men’s and women’s basketball teams will honor past players Saturday when they host the 15th annual Cal U Basketball Alumni Day. All events will be held in the Convocation Center. The occasion will culminate in two varsity games against new PSAC-West rival Seton Hill University. The Vulcan women play the Griffins at 3:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 5:30. Earlier in the day, the men’s alumni game will tip-off at 12:30 p.m. An alumni reception will be held at 1:45 p.m. in the Convocation Center. The Basketball Alumnus and Alumna of the Year awards will be presented, and the most valuable player of the men’s alumni game will be announced. Alumni and guests can interact with members of both coaching staffs, as well as current players. All former Cal U basketball players are encouraged to attend the Alumni Day festivities. Former members of the Vulcan men’s team who are interested in playing should register with Coach Bill Brown (brown_w@calu.edu) or assistant coach Randy Roth (roth@calu.edu).
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Last year’s alumni basketball game participants enjoy a moment with President Geraldine M. Jones and Coach Bill Brown. This year’s alumni games tips off at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the Convocation Center.
Individuals can register or learn more about Basketball Alumni Day by contacting Chelsey Burk, athletic business manager, at 724-938-5790 or burk@calu.edu. Cost of the event, which includes
admission to the varsity basketball games, is $15 for an alumnus and one guest, plus $7.50 for each additional person. The general public may attend the men’s alumni game at no charge. Ticket
Freund Nets Third Scholar Award olleyball player Abbey Freund has become the first studentathlete to receive three consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Champion Scholar Awards. Freund, a senior, accepted the award during the 2013 PSAC Final Four Championship Tournament at Shippensburg University. She is a setter for the team. The Champion Scholar Award is presented at each of the PSAC’s 23 team championship finals. It honors the student at each contest with the highest cumulative grade-point average. The selection criteria for the awards is identical to that of the NCAA Elite 89 awards, which honor the studentathlete with the top GPA at each of the championship finals sites of the 89 NCAA championships across divisions I, II and III. A native of Cottage Grove, Wis., Freund is a communication disorders major who boasts a cumulative GPA of 3.94. She is also a two-time Capital One Academic All-District First-Team recipient. On the volleyball court, Freund ranked among the conference leaders this season with 7.12 assists per set. She helped the Vulcans compile a 29-9 overall record and advance to the NCAA Division II post-season tournament for a 10th consecutive year.
price for the varsity doubleheader against Seton Hill is $5 for adults, $3 for students. All Cal U students with valid CalCards are admitted free, as are Fastbreak and Sixth Man Club members.
DePaoli Earns Hall of Fame Honor
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.J. DePaoli ’08, the most prolific player in Cal U men’s hockey history, will be one of three individuals inducted into the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) 2014 Hall of Fame Class in May. DePaoli, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at Cal U, led the Vulcans to the 2008 ACHA Division III national title and a 29-1 final overall record. DePaoli is the first Hall of Fame inductee from an ACHA Division III team. He was selected the ACHA III National Player of the Year after scoring 34 goals and providing 50 assists. His 179 goals, 234 assists and 413 points remain team records six years later. “It is a much-deserved accolade for B.J. to be selected into the ACHA hall of fame,” said head coach Justin Berger. The founder of InsidePittsburghSports.com, Depaoli lives in the Mon Valley with his wife Vanessa and daughter Charlotte.
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Senior Abbey Freund, a setter for the volleyball team, is the first student‐athlete to receive three consecutive PSAC Champion Scholar Awards.
Overall, Freund’s third selection marks the 10th time that a Vulcan has received this academic distinction. Earlier this year men’s cross country runner Morgan Huegel, a Cal U junior, earned the Champion Scholar Award. “These prestigious individual honors not only reflect the exceptional work of the student-athletes who
receive them, but also the guidance and leadership provided by our coaches and faculty,” said Dr. Karen Hjerpe, Cal U’s interim athletic director. “Abbey is an outstanding representative of our program, and we are very proud of her becoming the first student-athlete in our conference to receive the Champion Scholar award three years in a row.”
The California Journal is published by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Geraldine M. Jones Interim University President
Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance
Dr. Nancy Pinardi Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Bruce Barnhart Acting Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Craig Butzine Vice President for Marketing and University Relations/ Interim Vice President for University Development and Cal U for Life
Christine Kindl Editor
Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services
Office of Communications and Public Relations
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers 724-938-4195
wald@calu.edu