California University
Volume 17, Number 1 JAN. 19, 2015 Read the JouRnal online: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
Two Presidents Address Graduates
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dvice from two Cal U Presidents, both distinguished alumni, highlighted Cal U’s 179th Commencement. At ceremonies on Dec. 12 and 13 in the Convocation Center, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80 awarded degrees to nearly 1,100 graduates, including students whose diplomas were awarded in absentia. Emeritus President Dr. John Pierce Watkins ’53, who served as University President from 1977-1992, addressed the graduates at both ceremonies. “Like so many others gathered here today, I am very proud to be associated with California University,” President Jones said. “This great institution has been an important part of my life, and now that you are entering the ‘alumni phase’ of your association with Cal U, I encourage you to remain close with your alma mater, your fellow alumni, and the professors and staff members who have made a difference in your lives. “I know you will continue to work hard as you enter this new phase of your life.” President Watkins — who recalled that his first two semesters of graduate-level study cost him just $25 six decades ago — began his remarks to the master’s degree candidates by leaving no doubt about the significance of the event. “There is no more important ceremony on any university’s calendar than Commencement,” he said. “(It is) important in that it declares the achievements of the University’s graduate students and faculty. “The work of the University is to prepare you student scholars. It is your task as learners to reach this point in your careers.”
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Emeritus President Dr. John Pierce Watkins ’53 addresses graduates at Cal U’s 179th Commencement. He served as University President from 1977-1992.
One who did so was Michael Kirk, a nontraditional student from Columbus, Ohio, who earned his master’s degree in criminal justice through Cal U Global Online. “From … admission to graduation, the University has been friendly and helpful to the point where I feel more of a connection to Cal U than my previous alma mater,” he said.
“Commencement has given me an opportunity to meet all the people I worked with online and find out what the physical campus was all about. It’s very nice to be here.” Victoria Hunt, who earned her Master of Education in Secondary Education, also mentioned her ties to the — Continued on page 3
Two Named Women of Year
ust days before they graduated, the President’s Commission for the Status of Women honored two students as Fall 2014 Women of the Year. Amber Preston, who earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, and Melissa Sivaram, who completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology, were honored at a luncheon on Dec. 3. The women nominated each other for the award, having worked together at Cal U on projects and initiatives with the Activist Club and the Women’s Center. Both also were involved in the women’s studies program. “Amber is very passionate about women’s issues on and off campus and is very involved with survivors of sexual assault,” Sivaram said. “She is also an animal rights activist and not only volunteers at local shelters, but takes in and finds homes for stray animals herself. “I look up to her a lot and use her as an example for my life.” The feeling was mutual. “Melissa has helped the Activist Club collect bras for the Free the Girls campaign, which helps survivors of domestic violence, and she has always been supportive and engaging with the topics presented at the Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference,” Preston said.
Mentorship Has Global Reach
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Amber Preston (left) and Melissa Sivaram are the President’s Commission for the Status of Women’s Fall 2014 Women of the Year.
Dr. Marta McClintock-Comeaux, associate professor in the Department of History and Political Science and director of Women’s Studies, also nominated each woman for the awards, which she presented at the luncheon. “I’ve seen her grow so much,” she said of Sivaram. “Her actions and passion inspire other students; she is focused on her goals, but also the goals of others.” McClintock-Comeaux noted Preston’s outstanding work as well, particularly in planning and promoting the Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies
Conference as a graduate assistant. As part of Preston’s work at a local school during her internship and practicum, she started a group for girls to help them with self-esteem and social issues. “Amber works tirelessly to make the world a better place for women and girls. She embodies why this award exists,” McClintock-Comeaux said. Preston and Sivaram, along with the spring 2015 Women of the Year winners, will be recognized in March at the second annual Celebration of Women dinner.
s an assistant professor and internship coordinator for Cal U’s Professional Golf Management (PGM) program, Dr. Vanessa MacKinnon helps teach valuable life skills to girls through various free clinics and programs. However, her work with young people is hardly confined to Cal U’s indoor golf facility inside Gallagher Hall. MacKinnon is a mentor with Women Win, an international nonprofit organization that supports grassroots initiatives around the world that pertain to women in sport, particularly programs that use sport to improve the health, education and life skills of girls and young women Recently MacKinnon was one of 15 mentors selected through a competitive application process to give a presentation in Amsterdam at Women Win’s Young Women in Sport Leadership Camp. The selected mentors are all professional women from North America or Europe who have been actively involved with women and sport in some capacity. Each mentor provides advice, counsel and support for a young woman from the — Continued on page 2