January 23, 2012 - Cal U Journal

California University

VOLUME 14, NUMBER 1 JAN. 23, 2012 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal

Wi­Fi’s reach, capacity expand ith the start of the spring semester, Cal U has become a fully “wireless” campus.

In collaboration with AT&T, the University has completed a six-month project that provides high-speed Wi-Fi on the main and south campuses, and at Cal U’s Southpointe Center in Canonsburg.

The $2.1 million project added more than 900 Wi-Fi access points to Cal U’s previous wireless network, giving users increased capacity, broader coverage and faster service both indoors and outdoors.

Wireless is available in all Cal U academic buildings and residence halls, as well as the Natali Student Union, Manderino Library, Convocation Center and all other facilities.

Coverage extends to outdoor areas including the Quad, Roadman Park, Adamson football stadium, the Phillipsburg soccer complex and even the campus parking lots.

“More robust Wi-Fi provides easier access to information, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Charles Mance, vice president for University Technology Services.

“Students can use their Wi-Fi enabled laptops or handheld devices anywhere — in the residence halls, at the student center, on the Quad and even at the football stadium.

Faculty and staff will have greater access to information, too.”

The Wi-Fi project was driven by customer demand.

Through a series of customer satisfaction surveys conducted by his office, students, faculty and staff expressed a need for enhanced connectivity, Mance said.

— Continued on page 3

W

Cal U elementary and special education major Malarie Munden cleans the revolving crane at ‘Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion,’ a major museum exhibition that is open through May 6.

Students, Visitors Drawn to da Vinci’s Devices raduate student Shania Wilkes volunteered to spend time during her winter break watching people turn gears, spin wheels, pull levers and smile.

She’s just one of the student volunteers greeting visitors at Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion, a major museum exhibition that is the first cultural event held in the Convocation Center.

The free exhibition opened Jan. 2 and continues through May 6 in the center’s south conference wing. Hours are noon8 p.m., seven days a week.

“I didn’t mind volunteering,” says Wilkes, who expects to graduate in May with a degree in community and agency counseling. “I want to work with families and children as a career, so being exposed to that and learning to interact with them is good.”

Machines in Motion features 40 full-size machines painstakingly crafted from designs created 500 years ago by

G

Leonardo da Vinci, the famous artist, inventor and engineer.

Visitors can manipulate and interact with most of the displays — an armored vehicle, a printing press, a working robot and more. Interpretative panels explain each of the inventions, and a large-screen display focuses on da Vinci’s drawings and notes.

Scientists and skilled artisans built the 40 replicas in collaboration with the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence, Italy. Each handcrafted replica is built from materials available during da Vinci’s lifetime (1452-1519), using Renaissance-era techniques and tools.

The traveling exhibition has been displayed in Mexico City, Athens and Istanbul, as well as at museums and universities across the United States.

Cal U is its only scheduled stop in western Pennsylvania.

Tim Buchanan, the University’s executive director of — Continued on page 2

Alumnae Counsel Grads at Commencement dvice from two distinguished alumnae highlighted Cal U’s 173rd Commencement, the first to take place in the new Convocation Center.

At ceremonies on Dec. 16 and 17, University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. awarded degrees to more than 1,400 graduates, including students whose diplomas were awarded in absentia.

He urged associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates to embrace Cal U for Life, which encourages both students and alumni to share their time, talent and treasure with the

A

University.

He also recognized 15 graduates who completed the Cal U Leader for Life leadership development process.

“We want each of you to have a lifelong relationship with your alma mater,” President Armenti said. “All of you can give of your time and talent now, and the treasure will come in future years.”

Before students received their diplomas, graduating senior Brittany Balaz, chair of the Senior Gift Drive Committee, presented President Armenti with an oversized check for — Continued on page 3

Commencement ceremonies were held for the first time in the new Convocation Center last month.

Campus BRIEFS Faculty Convocation Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. will host the 2012 Spring Faculty Convocation on Tuesday in the Learning Resource Center auditorium in Morgan Hall.

The convocation will be held during the University’s common hour, beginning at 11 a.m.

Above, Dr. William Dieterle discusses the new Nanoscience Lab and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility in New Science Hall after the ribboncutting ceremony. Below, chemistry majors Christina Pankratz (left) and Shannon McElravy study inside the new Student Computing Facility.

New Spaces in New Science al U’s Department of Chemistry and Physics held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month to dedicate three renovated spaces in New Science Hall: the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility, the Nanoscience Lab, and a new computer room and study lounge that already has become a haven for science students.

The NMR Facility houses two high-tech instruments that use high-field superconducting magnets to probe the nuclear structure of organic molecules. These instruments are the industry standard for working chemists, and their acquisition was a significant step toward achieving accreditation from the American Chemistry Society (ACS).

Just outside the NMR Facility is the Nanoscience Lab, which also was created so that high-tech instruments could find a permanent home in a clean, climate-controlled environment.

“The facility for the NMR is hugely important, because (ACS accreditation) is something we would not achieve without the equipment,” said Dr. Kimberly Woznack, chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department.

“The facility for the nanoscience program is crucial to student research projects. And I am amazed how fast the students have embraced and utilized the second-floor student computing facility.”

Provost Geraldine Jones spoke on behalf of Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr., emphasizing that all three spaces were renovated with the needs of the Chemistry and Physics Department in mind.

“Together, these two labs hold more than $300,000 worth of equipment,” she said. “That’s a significant investment in our chemistry and physics program, which is rising in stature every year.

“Creating a space to house these costly instruments was important, but creating a facility where our students and faculty could use them for learning, analysis and research was even more so.”

Three faculty members shared their thoughts before the ribbon was cut to officially dedicate the labs.

Dr. William Dieterle discussed the burgeoning field of

C

Bookstore Hours This Week The Cal U Student Bookstore has announced its operating hours for the first week of the 2012 spring semester, which begins today.

This week the bookstore will be open from 7:45 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday through Thursday; from 7:45 a.m. -4 p.m. Friday; and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Regular operating hours will resume on Jan. 30, with bookstore hours from 7:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m.

Monday through Thursday.

Day of Service Set for Jan. 31 nanotechnology, comparing the size difference between a nanometer and a meter to the difference between a marble and the Earth.

To train students in this important subject area, he said, Cal U developed an innovative curriculum that allows students in applied engineering and technology, chemistry, biology or physics to build a nanoscience concentration by adding coursework and spending a semester at Penn State’s Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology (NMT) Center.

Students return to campus prepared to conduct research projects or participate in internships.

Dr. Gregg Gould said the three renewed facilities represent another step toward excellence at Cal U, and he noted that the number of Cal U chemistry graduates has quadrupled over the past six years.

“The renewed facilities help us meet our program’s growth and our vision for continued excellence, which involves strengthening student research,” he said.

Dr. Matthew Price praised Woznack and others on campus for making the new facilities a reality.

“This happened because we have united faculty and administration working together with a purpose,” he said. “This is reassuring.”

Cal U will honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual Day of Service.

The Center for Civic Engagement is coordinating the event, which will take place from 11 a.m. -2:30 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Natali Student Center.

Inspiration for the Day of Service was a 2003 visit to Cal U by the late Coretta Scott King, wife of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During her campus visit she asked that the day commemorating her husband be observed as “a day on, rather than a day off.”

Campus clubs and organizations are planning a variety of service-oriented activities.

For more information, contact Diane Williams at williams_d@calu.edu or at 724938-4794.

Students, Visitors Drawn to da Vinci’s Devices — Continued from page 1 special initiatives, says Machines in Motion has the potential to draw thousands of visitors to campus.

“Part of Cal U’s strategic plan is to create opportunities for the region and the University,” he said. “We often say these exhibits are for ‘K90,’ and we anticipate serving many groups.”

Students in elementary, middle and high schools throughout the region will have explored Machines in Motion by the time it closes.

As part of Cal U’s commitment to providing education resources to the community, age-appropriate curriculum will be presented to each group of students that visits the exhibition, Buchanan said.

“Many of these students have never been to a museum or a college campus. Every exhibit has downloadable materials that help us measure learning, and we know that we are dynamically impacting kids’ lives.”

2

Cal U students also will benefit from having Machines in Motion on campus. A core group of more than 30 have contributed in a variety of ways, from assembling the display items to staffing the exhibition.

Faculty in the Department of Art and Design plan to incorporate it into their classes.

So do professors from the Eberly College of Science and Technology.

Said Maggy Aston, assistant professor of art and design, “This exhibition will give students the opportunity to discover how prolific and versatile Leonardo was as a designer, inventor, scientist and artist.”

‘Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion’ is open from noon-8 p.m. seven days a week through May 6 in the Convocation Center. Admission is free. Visitor parking is available in the Vulcan Garage; rates begin at $2 for the first hour. Visitors may ride the free campus shuttle to and from the Convocation Center.

For more information, or to see a slide show and a video of the exhibition, visit www.calu.edu .

Reagan Johns (left), who travels with the da Vinci exhibition, helps Cal U graduate student Richard Maffett ‘09 set up a display in the Convocation Center.

Dr. Barbara Chandler-Wright ’88 told graduate students that earning a degree is just the beginning of many great achievements.

In her remarks, Teri Gass ’77 urged the undergraduate students to embrace change and challenge their assumptions.

Alumnae Offer Advice to Graduates — Continued from page 1 more than $11,500 contributed by seniors and their families.

To date, more than $20,000 has been raised for endowed scholarships since this Cal U for Life initiative began with the first senior class donation in spring 2010.

“Even though we were not exposed to Cal U for Life as the incoming freshman are now, we take seriously the lifelong relationship we want to have with our alma mater,” Balaz said.

Dr. Barbara Chandler-Wright ’88, a longtime educator with a background in social work and counseling, addressed the master’s degree candidates on Dec. 16. She herself earned a master’s degree from Cal U, in counselor education, as a way of moving ahead in her career.

Before offering 10 insights that she’s used to guide her own life, ChandlerWright noted that her academic adviser at Cal U, the late Dr. Mel Madden, made a profound impact on her.

Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. delivers his welcoming remarks at the Undergraduate Commencement.

“Through his education I learned that to be educated was not only academic, but it was to be knowledgeable about

your community, your world and your life,” she said.

“My growth had nothing to do with additional credentials; it was internal. I left here with a better understanding that my opinion about my skills and knowledge was what counted.”

Being asked to address the graduates was a great honor, she said.

“I can only hope that attaining your degree this evening is just the beginning of many great achievements for you,” Wright told the students. “Remember, California University is for life.”

Insurance industry specialist Teri Gass ’77 delivered remarks Dec. 17 at the ceremony for undergraduates.

She touched on her own career path after graduating from Cal U and offered a simple plan based on the acronym CYA. “I don’t want you to think of CYA as ‘cover your assets,’” she said. “Every time you hear that in the business world, your education, or in your life, I want you to

Wi­Fi’s Reach, Capacity Expand — Continued from page 1 The wireless network now has the capacity to serve Cal U’s 9,500 students and more than 900 employees, along with hundreds of campus visitors.

More than 2,000 simultaneous users are consistently accessing the network, University Technology Services reports, with a peak load of nearly 2,500 in the week before final exams in December.

“Already we are seeing an increase in usage, with our client count rising from month to month,” Mance said, “and our research tells us that the demand for wireless access will continue to rise.

“Many universities are listing a Wi-Fi upgrade among their top projects for the coming year. Once again, Cal U is ahead of the curve.”

The transition has been seamless for Cal U students and employees. They continue to use their Cal U username and password, gaining easy access to broadband via the CalNet network.

Visitors can join AT&T’s “attwifi” network with a guest account.

Prospective students and their families, vendors, Vulcan sports fans and University Conference Services clients are among those expected to utilize the network as guests.

“Through its Cal U Fusion initiative, our University is emerging as a leader in the use of technology for teaching and learning,” said University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. “Easily accessible Wi-Fi is an essential tool for professors and students who want — and expect — wireless access to digital information from anywhere on campus.

“In addition, prospective students and other visitors now can use their Wi-Fi-ready smartphones or tablets when they visit Cal U, and conference attendees can enjoy the convenience of reliable Wi-Fi in our executive conferencing center, smart classrooms, residence halls and common areas.”

–––– Students, faculty and staff can access the upgraded CalNet wireless network with their Cal U username and password. For

think ‘Challenge Your Assumptions.’

Make sure you’ll always dig just a little deeper, ask just a few more questions.”

Gass urged the graduates to embrace change.

“Life is full of opportunities to take advantage of the changing events and circumstances that you’ll encounter,” she said. “Go ahead and challenge your assumptions. Branch out; relocate. Try something different, a new path to success.”

President Armenti concluded the graduate Commencement by reminding students that the best way to predict their future is to create it.

“You have studied hard, you have developed your skills, you have invested the effort, you have achieved success, and tonight you will claim a token of that success as you receive your diploma and begin to build your legacy,” he said.

“May your spirit encourage the best in others, and may your legacy be an inspiration to all who follow.”

TPS Recording Vets’ Stories al U’s Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program is working in collaboration with the Greater Monessen Historical Society to videotape the oral histories of five Monessen veterans.

TPS is handling the videotaping and Dr. David Lonich, a noted local historian and former adjunct Cal U faculty member in the department of History and Political Science, is conducting the interviews.

The five veterans are Floyd Kizzie, Daniel Carpenter Jr. and Donald Payne, who served in the Vietnam War; Marshall E. West, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars; and Elmer Andrachek, who served in World War II. Dan Zyglowicz, a technician in Manderino Library’s archives and special collections area, will coordinate the filming at the Monessen Heritage Museum, on Donner Avenue.

Zyglowicz is president of the historical society, which owns the museum.

The oral histories will be submitted to the Library of Congress for inclusion in the Veterans Oral History Project. They also will be archived in Manderino Library.

“This is one more way that the University extends itself into the community to preserve the local heritage and to contribute to the national Veterans Oral History Project,” said Dr. Michael J. Brna, director of the TPS program at Cal U. Cal U’s TPS program has added 80 oral histories to the national collection, which now numbers more than 80,000 in all.

C

An AT&T team member installs an outdoor access point as part of a major project to bring high-speed wireless Internet service to every corner of the Cal U campus.

assistance, contact the UTech Services Help Desk at 724-938-5911.

Prospective students and other campus visitors who wish to access the “attwifi” network may direct questions, toll-free, to AT&T at 877-929-7678.

For information about executive conferencing at Cal U, contact University Conference Services, at 866-941-7437.

3

Hockey Night: Big Win for Cal U Students al U’s second Hockey Night in Pittsburgh turned CONSOL Energy Center into a sea of red and black last month as three Cal U hockey clubs scored victories on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ home ice.

At an event for students and alumni, Cal U’s CHA (Cal U II) men’s team opened the action with a 9-2 triumph over Carnegie Mellon, and the women’s team added 3-1 a win over Slippery Rock. Cal U’s CHE (Cal U I) team closed out the evening with a 7-5 victory over divisional rival Robert Morris University.

Students from Cal U’s sport management program helped to organize the event.

To open each game, the University’s ROTC unit presented the colors while a cappella group Vulcanize sang the national anthem. The Cal U cheerleaders and dance team provided entertainment, and a lively pep band pumped up a crowd of nearly 2,000 fans.

Behind the scenes, Cal U students handled TV broadcast duties and staffed the public address system. On the concourse, student organizations organized giveaways, apparel sales and raffles to benefit causes such as Toys for Tots.

And between games, more than 100 skaters of all ages and abilities enjoyed an open skate on the CONSOL Energy Center ice.

“It’s great to be part of such an event, not only from the hockey perspective but because it offers educational and life

C

Cal U women’s hockey players (from left) Lauren Lehman, Nicole Jones and Lena Merlino celebrate the team’s 3-1 triumph over Slippery Rock at the CONSOL Energy Center.

experiences that students will use to become successful alumni,” said Justin Berger, head coach for the CHE team and the American Hockey Association’s 2010 Division III Coach of the Year.

“Something like this helps us with recruiting and getting our name out there, too. Players from all over the country are becoming aware of us.”

University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. dropped the ceremonial first puck before the final game. Joining him on the ice was U.S. Army Capt. Jordan Settle ’05, a former Cal U hockey player. He served a tour in the Republic of Korea, as well as two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the

3rd Brigade Combat Team “Spartans” of the 10th Mountain Division.

Zach Anderson, president of the Cal U Veterans Club, recalled that the 2010 Hockey Night honored U.S. Army Spc. Pat McIlvain, a former Cal U hockey player who was severely wounded while serving in Afghanistan.

“Last year was special for me personally, and we are grateful to be invited back this year,” Anderson said.

“Being able to help with this allows the Veterans Club to be part of the bigger picture at Cal U. The club is a big supporter of Cal U hockey.”

CUTV sports anchor Clinton Logan enjoyed the chance to conduct live

interviews at CONSOL Energy Center.

“When you step into a place like this, you get the professional aspect of it, especially by working with some of (the Penguins’ staff) doing video work for our announcers,” he said. “It’s just such a positive experience.”

Player Angelica Smith, a senior center, said the game is the same, but even the lighting and sound are different in a pro sports arena.

“The team talked before the game about how not too many clubs get this kind of opportunity, so we have to take advantage of it.”

Freshman Andrew Topka, a center on the CHA men’s team, said the ice was smoother than in most collegiate arenas.

“It was hard to get used to at first, but it was a very good experience and a fun game.”

More than 100 alumni attended a reception in the Cal U Conference Center, where Penguins players Craig Adams, Brent Johnson, Arron Ashem and James Neal talked with fans and signed autographs.

Jami Marlowe ’94, a former Cal Times editor, got off early from her job at a downtown printing company to attend the Hockey Night reception. She follows Cal U hockey online and through social media.

“Years ago a bunch of guys lived in a house and started playing hockey. Now to see we have three teams, all winning big in organized leagues, is mind-boggling,” she said. “I was not going to miss this.”

Mechatronics Engineering Degree in the Works he University’s Council of Trustees should expect to see a proposal for a new bachelor’s degree program at its next quarterly meeting.

At the panel’s winter meeting on Dec. 7, Provost Geraldine Jones announced that the University is finalizing a proposal for a four-year degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology.

If approved by the Trustees at their spring meeting on March 3, the proposal would be sent to the PASSHE Board of Governors for approval.

Mechatronics blends mechanical and electrical engineering technology with computer science. A mechatronics engineer works with mechanical devices that incorporate mechanical, electrical and software components, such as robots, automated guided vehicles or other “smart” tools.

The first of its kind in the State System, the mechatronics degree would align with Cal U’s commitment to science, technology, engineering and math and to STEM education.

The four-year degree would complement and expand upon the associate degree in Robotics Technology Engineering already in place at Cal U. Both degrees have their roots in a Department of Defense grant that helped to found NCRETE, the National Center for Robotics Engineering and Technology Education at Cal U. If the mechatronics program is approved, Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. said the University would strive for accreditation from ABET, an

T

international body that has accredited more than 3,100 programs worldwide.

In other business: • The Trustees heard the annual audit report from ParenteBeard, which reviews the University’s finances.

The figures reflect changes in the University’s financial picture because of construction on campus, the loss of state and federal funding, and a steep increase in the cost of pension and health benefits.

The auditors praised the work of interim vice president Robert Thorn and the Office of Administration and Finance. “We did not detect any discrepancies, and this clean audit is the highest level of approval we can give you,” said auditor Elizabeth McMahon.

• Lenora Angelone, vice president for Student Affairs, presented a report highlighting Cal U’s highly successful fall athletic season. The women’s soccer and volleyball teams both won PSAC championships, and the football and men’s soccer teams also advanced to NCAA post-season play.

Three student athletes received PSAC Champion Scholar Awards, distributed for the first time this year.

Collectively, Cal U’s varsity athletic programs ranked first among the 16-school PSAC in terms of Academic Success Rate, with 89 percent of its 2004 cohort graduating within six years.

• Craig Butzine, vice president for Marketing and University Relations, highlighted opportunities for favorable print, electronic and online media reports this

quarter. Cal U’s designation as the world’s first FranklinCovey Leadership University was promoted in a number of ways, and the University also promoted its presentation of the Corporate Core Values to Award to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Inviting the media for a “sneak peek” at the new Convocation Center generated more positive news coverage for the University.

• In his final report, Ron Huiatt, vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations, reported that $25.6 million in commitments has been obtained for the Campaign to Build Character and Careers.

His report also spotlighted the 15th annual Scholarship Dinner, which was attended by 477 scholarship recipients and their benefactors. Nearly $1 million in scholarship awards were recognized this year.

• Dr. Charles Mance, vice president for University Technology Services, reported on the “smart” classroom project. Three classrooms have been upgraded to Level Three, the most sophisticated in terms of technology; six Level Two classrooms have been completed, and 17 classrooms have been upgraded to Level One. The project should be completed by fall 2012.

In addition, the campuswide Wi-Fi project was on track for completion by the winter break, although finetuning will continue for another month.

Renovations are under way at the Phillipsburg Data Center, which will serve as a backup for the University’s digital information. Tentatively, the center is expected to be operational late in 2013.

The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. University President

Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services

Craig Butzine Vice President for Marketing and University Relations

Geraldine M. Jones Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Sharon Navoney Interim Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Christine Kindl Editor

Dr. Lenora Angelone Vice President for Student Affairs

Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance

Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers

Office of Communications and Public Relations

4

250 University Avenue

California, PA 15419

724-938-4195

wald@calu.edu