Cal U Journal - Feb. 14, 2011

California University

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 5 FEB. 14, 2011

‘Tuition Freedom Day’: Students Say Thanks

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al U students will keep the commonwealth’s taxpayers in mind as they celebrate Tuition Freedom Day on Tuesday.

As part of the Cal U for Life initiative, students will meet at 11:15 a.m. tomorrow near the Kara Alumni House, then parade to the Natali Student Center for a rally at 11:30.

Tuition Freedom Day is the mathematical date when the tuition funds that students or their families paid for the 2010-2011 academic year are exhausted.

For the rest of the spring semester, the education provided to Cal U students will be paid for by a combination of state funding, appropriated through the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and privately funded scholarships.

Officially, Tuition Freedom Day for Cal U students will fall on Feb. 17 this year.

“Although state appropriations for public higher education are declining, Pennsylvania taxpayers ultimately provide support for every student who attends a state-owned university,” said Ryan Jerico, coordinator of student and young alumni activities.

“Awareness and appreciation are a big part of the Cal U for Life initiative, so we are educating our students about how their education is funded and urging them to show gratitude for the financial help they are being given.”

In accordance with a resolution passed unanimously by the Student Senate on Nov. 22, the Student Government Association sent a letter of thanks last week to all members of the

Tuesday marks the celebration of Tuition Freedom Day for Cal U students, including Lukas Stom (center), a graphic design major. Students will meet at 11:15 a.m. tomorrow near the Kara Alumni House before walking to the Natali Student Center for a rally at 11:30 a.m.

Pennsylvania General Assembly. To thank taxpayers, a condensed version of the letter was submitted to newspaper editors in western Pennsylvania and in Harrisburg.

“We could not have achieved this dream without your financial support,” reads the letter, which was signed by SGA president Bonnie Keener on behalf of the

student body.

“Soon many of us will be teachers, health-care professionals, business owners, technicians or other productive members of the workforce,” the letter reads. “We also will be taxpayers, ‘paying it forward’ to another generation of college students.

“Recognizing this, we sincerely thank

Students to Lobby for PASSHE

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tudents will take the lead as the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education works to build connections with state legislators and press for continued public support.

Executive Vice Chancellor Peter Garland explained PASSHE’s plans to have students lobby members of the General Assembly in Harrisburg.

The Jan. 31 “advocacy meeting” in the Eberly Science and Technology Center drew about two dozen student government members and political science students, along with administrators and other staff.

“Investments in the State System and its future affect thousands of people across Pennsylvania,” Garland said. “We need to build the story about the State System for legislators, as well as parents and prospective students.”

Nearly 120,000 students attend the commonwealth’s 14 state-owned universities, and four out of five will remain in Pennsylvania after they graduate. Nearly 500,000 graduates of PASSHE schools live in Pennsylvania, generating an aggregate annual income of $7 billion.

As the General Assembly wrestles with a budget deficit estimated at $4 billion to $6 billion, students will help to make the case that state-owned universities deserve legislators’ backing.

“We need to be on the priority list,” Garland said.

Sixty-five teams of students, accompanied by PASSHE alumni and administrators, will be dispatched

‘PASSHE schools provide a high-quality education at an affordable cost.

This is the message our legislators need to hear.’

— Executive Vice Chancellor Peter Garland

to Harrisburg on two days in early April, Garland explained. PASSHE will arrange meetings with lawmakers, train the advocacy teams, and ask students to initiate short, cordial conversations that convey the State System’s message.

PASSHE will provide fact sheets and encourage the students to follow up with handwritten thank-you notes to state officials.

“PASSHE schools provide a high-quality education at an affordable cost,” said Garland. “This is the message our legislators need to hear.”

Gary Dent, PASSHE’s vice chancellor for human resources and labor relations, accompanied Garland on his tour of western Pennsylvania universities. Students at all 14 PASSHE schools will be involved in the lobbying effort, and PASSHE will attempt to connect — Continued on page 2

the General Assembly — and every Pennsylvania taxpayer — for investing in our education.”

The letter will be posted on the University website, along with the signatures of Cal U students who endorse its message. To see who signed the letter, visit www.calu.edu and click on “Cal U for Life” at the top of the homepage.

Junior Interns in Harrisburg

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amara Alkhattar of South Park, Pa., is working for the state Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) as part of a 15-week internship sponsored by PASSHE, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Alkhattar is a junior international studies major and political science minor at Cal U. She is one of 14 students participating in The Harrisburg Internship Semester program, which provides students the opportunity to work in all Tamara Alkhattar areas of state government while earning a full semester’s worth of credits.

THIS invites students from each of the 14 PASSHE universities to participate.

Alkhattar, the daughter of Aref and Nariman Alkhattar, is a graduate of South Park High School. She and the other students participating in the program will attend several academic seminars during their spring semester internship.

— Continued on page 2

Making a Splash Bryanna Learn (left) swims the 400-meter individual medley during the Vulcan Dual Meet Challenge on Jan. 29, which the Cal U women’s team won over runner-up Kutztown, Lock Haven and Mansfield. Melissa Gates (above, with head coach Ed Denny) broke a pair of individual records at the meet and was recently selected as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Association Women’s Swimmer of the Week for the fifth time this season.

Campus BRIEFS Students Voting on Natali Renovation Students will vote today and tomorrow on proposed renovations to the Natali Student Center.

Students who pay the traditional on-campus fee are eligible to participate in the referendum from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the lobby of the Natali Student Center.

The student center was renovated most recently in 1999.

The current proposal is based on results of a 2010 survey, conducted in conjunction with WTW Architects, to assess the needs of Cal U students, staff and faculty. Based on its results, the proposed renovations will provide more dining space and a larger food court, offer improved services for commuters, create more space for student organizations, and enhance student recreation and lounge spaces.

In addition, building access will be improved to accommodate new traffic patterns arising from changes on campus.

The proposal calls for adding 37,000 square feet to the existing facility. Students, faculty and staff had input as the preliminary design was developed.

Tuition dollars cannot be used for auxiliary facilities such as the student center. State System policy requires auxiliary service construction to be approved by a student referendum and funded through fees. If the renovation is approved, the student center fee will increase by $67, to $148.

More information is available online at http://sai.calu.edu/ref/.

SoTL Keynote Wednesday Two professors at Miami University of Ohio will deliver the keynote address for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) program at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Performance Center.

SoTL is an exploration of teaching and its effectiveness in higher education.

Speakers are Cathy Bishop-Clark, of Miami’s Computer and Information Technology Department, and Beth Dietz-Uhler, of the Psychology Department.

Their talk will provide a brief review of the SoTL literature, focusing on definitions, purposes, basic processes and evaluation of SoTL. The presenters will highlight how SoTL has been an integral part of their careers and provide personal examples of how SoTL can be engaging, rewarding, and lead to some interesting discoveries.

The campus community is welcome to attend the address.

FPDC Award Nominations Due Tuesday Each Faculty Professional Development Committee (FPDC) Subcommittee —Research, Teaching and Learning, Technology, Service and Service-Learning, and Grants and Contracts — offers a $1,000 award that can be used for professional activities (as appropriate in relation to the award).

The form to nominate a faculty member for the Merit Award can be downloaded from the Faculty Professional Development Committee’s website. Self-nominations for the merit award are acceptable.

The completed nomination form must be received by noon Tuesday in the Faculty Center, Room 134, Azorsky Hall.

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Woznack Accepts Chemical Society Post

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related disciplines. r. Kimberly Woznack, The committee provides travel associate professor in awards to female undergraduates, Cal U’s Chemistry and graduate students and Physics Department, has accepted postdoctoral students so they can an appointment to serve as an present their research results at associate to the Committee on national meetings. It encourages Women Chemists of the ACS members to nominate American Chemical Society outstanding women chemists for (ACS). awards and to offer programming Founded in 1876, the ACS is Dr. Kimberly at national meetings that the world’s largest scientific Woznack recognizes their achievements. society, with more than 160,000 Woznack will serve on the Attracting members. A congressionally chartered subcommittee, where she will review award independent membership organization, it applications and deliberate with the represents professionals at all degree levels committee on award decisions. and in all fields of chemistry and other This year ACS is planning a series of sciences that involve chemistry. celebratory events, because both the United The mission of the Committee on Nations and the International Union of Women Chemists is to be a leader in Pure and Applied Chemistry have declared attracting, developing and promoting 2011 the International Year of Chemistry. women in the chemical sciences and

Junior Interns in Harrisburg Through THIS

— Continued from page 1

Each of the students also will complete an individualized research project as part of the program’s requirements.

More than 500 students from PASSHE universities have participated in THIS since the program began in 1989, each gaining valuable insight into the workings of state government at the policy-making level.

Interns have worked with dozens of state agencies, as well as in the offices of the governor, the speaker of the House of Representatives and the attorney general.

Students interested in participating in

THIS in a future semester may obtain information about the program by contacting the Cal U Internship Center, or by calling the Dixon University Center at (717) 720-4089. More information on the program also is available at: www.passhe.edu/this.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth, with nearly 120,000 students. The 14 PASSHE universities offer degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Approximately 500,000 PASSHE alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

Students to Lobby for PASSHE — Continued from page 1 legislators with students who vote in their districts.

Statewide, PASSHE is using a redesigned website to make information more accessible to prospective students and their families.

Designed by students, the website at www.passhe.edu includes a new logo, information about the State System, and landing pages that highlight each of Pennsylvania’s state-owned universities. Soon, the site will link to a “multi-university application” that will speed the process of applying to multiple PASSHE schools.

“It’s a different way of representing ourselves in Harrisburg and presenting ourselves to the world,” Garland said.

Basketball Bids Farewell to Hamer Hall

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At halftime of the men’s game, all basketball alumni or nearly half a century, Hamer Hall has been in attendance will be recognized on the court. Cal U the home of California University’s men’s and also will honor the 2004 NCAA Division II National women’s basketball teams.

Champion women’s basketball team, along with the On Saturday, the venue will host its final regular women’s 2003 Final Four squad and the men’s 1992 season games before the teams move to Cal U’s new and 1996 Final Four teams.

Convocation Center.

Throughout the day, a “Hail to Hamer” video will Cal U will honor Hamer Hall’s rich athletic heritage be shown in the building’s lobby. with “Hail to Hamer,” a series of fun-filled events In all, the men’s basketball team before, during and after the varsity at Cal U has won three NCAA teams’ doubleheader with PSACRegional titles, and the women’s West rival Gannon University. team has won four.

The women’s game begins at 3 The men have won eight p.m. The men’s tipoff follows at 5. conference titles, and the women “When you think about it, have appeared in the past 10 thousands of individuals, as well as consecutive PSAC title games, our loyal fans, have played a part in winning four state crowns. both teams’ success over the years,” The celebration will close with a said 15th-year men’s head coach Bill post-game reception in Hamer 136Brown.

137. All fans who attend the varsity “Players, coaches, trainers, doubleheader will receive a cheerleaders, announcers, support commemorative poster. staff ranging from custodians to Hamer Hall will remain the home ticket-takers to the folks selling of women’s volleyball, but next concessions — you can go on and season both basketball teams expect on. This day is for everyone.” to play in the 6,000-seat Convocation The celebration begins at 1:30 Center, scheduled to open this fall. p.m. with a pre-game reception in “We obviously are looking rooms 136-137 of Hamer Hall. forward to playing in the new As part of the women’s pre-game Sameera Philyaw cuts down the net following the Vulcans’ 2004 Convocation Center,” said Mark activities, the 2011 Basketball NCAA Regional championship win Swasey, the women’s head basketball Alumna of the Year will be over Glenville State. All of Hamer coach for two years. announced, and senior forward Hall’s wonderful memories will be celebrated during Saturday’s “To be able to play in such a Kayla Smith will be honored.

‘Hail to Hamer’ event. state-of-the-art facility is both an The 2011 Basketball Alumnus of honor and privilege. It shows great the Year will be announced before leadership and commitment by the men’s game, and the Vulcans’ President Armenti and the administration. I know both three seniors — Rashawd Hatten, Joe Berenato and teams are eager to create new memories for our fans.”

Anthony Vaughn — will be honored.

Saturday’s event is an expansion of the Basketball Last year’s alumni award winners were Roger Hotz Alumni Day tradition that Brown initiated in 2000. He ’59 and Amanda Evans ’07.

J. Patrick Hobart, a 2009 Cal U Hall of Fame inductee, was a star player for the Vulcans from 1964-1967.

emphasized that all basketball alumni are welcome— including older alumni who played in Herron Hall before Hamer was built.

“All of these players are part of our family and really the ones who started the tradition here,” he said.

“We are just proud, and we look at it as our duty to carry the success into a new era.”

All basketball alumni who plan to attend “Hail to Hamer” should contact Montean Dean in the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418 or dean@calu.edu.

Finances, Poetry on Tap Cal U Soccer Standout for Black History Month Plays in Australia

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Africa at the Gold Rush al U’s Black History and Piazza.

Month celebration — Thursday: The Twin continues with five Poets take the stage at 6 events this week, including p.m. in the Performance straight-talking financial Center. Philadelphia-based advice from TV commentator wordsmiths Al and Dr. Boyce Watkins and a Nnamdi have published performance by Philadelphia two collections of poetry wordsmiths The Twin Poets. and two spoken-word CDs, This week’s events: Dr. Boyce Watkins From Lips to Ears and One • Tonight: At 6 p.m. in Night in Jerusalem, recorded live in the Performance Center, Dr. Boyce Newark, N.J. Watkins, a finance professor at Their work has been aired on Syracuse University, presents “How to Philadelphia radio stations and they Get Your Paper Straight.” An have performed at slam poetry events advocate for education, economic and at colleges throughout the midempowerment and social justice, he Atlantic states. They also are the has published many scholarly articles founders of GOALS (Getting on finance and investing, particularly Organized Always Leads to Success), for black Americans. a tutoring and mentoring program that Watkins has appeared as a teaches children about the importance political expert on CNN, Good of writing as a means of selfMorning America, MSNBC, FOX expression.

News, BET, NPR, Essence, USA • Friday: The Black Student Union Today, The Today Show and ESPN. In sponsors a talent show at 7 p.m. in the response to a White House initiative, Performance Center. he is actively working with other Open to all students, the BSU is a black leaders to combat the high student organization committed to the dropout rates among Africanstimulation and development of American students. cultural diversity at Cal U through • Tuesday: At 11 a.m. in Vulcan participation in and sponsorship of Theatre, the Frederick Douglass educational, cultural, and social events Institute Lecture Series presents Dr. on our campus.

Norma Thomas, director of the All events are free and open to the Master of Social Work program. Her public. Visitor parking is available in the lecture title is “African American new Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near Older Male Caregivers: The Untold the campus entrance. For a complete Story.” calendar of events, video clips and more • Wednesday. AVI, the information about the performers and University’s food service provider, speakers, visit www.calu.edu. offers dining options from a region of

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finished 2010 with an 11-5-2 fter helping Cal U’s overall record. men’s soccer team “Adam was arguably our achieve four consecutive most valuable player this past winning seasons, Adam Green season, and he grew so much represented Team USA on the in his level of play,” said Open Men’s Soccer Team at the Dennis Laskey, Cal U’s 25thMaccabi Australia International year head men’s soccer head Games held Dec. 26-Jan. 2 in coach.

Sydney, Australia.

“There are many incredible The games took place at Adam Green Jewish players all over the Olympic Park, the site of many 2000 Summer Olympics competitions. The world, and for Adam to try out, be selected and then play in this is a big Maccabi organization strives to provide deal. It also brought us considerable Jewish athletes the world over with the exposure, because many players follow opportunity to share their heritage and this.” customs in competitive athletic settings.

A three-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete Green, a defender, helped Team USA from Hatboro, Pa., Green expects to earn a silver medal with four victories in receive a bachelor’s degree in sport five games. management this May. In 2008 he helped “It was an honor to represent the United States at the Maccabi Games,” said the Vulcans win their first PSAC title and make the program’s second appearance Green. “It had always been a personal in the NCAA Division II Tournament. dream of mine to play for the national Cal’s cumulative record during team. This was a great opportunity.”

Green’s four years was 46-27-7.

Over the past four years, Green “Adam was definitely our leader in appeared in 61 games for the Vulcans and the back,” Laskey said. “He’s a good made 39 starts. He scored one goal with player and a true student-athlete. You one assist while anchoring a defense that can’t ask for more.” allowed just 0.94 goals per game. Cal

Keeping the Campus Clean Cal U custodian Nelson Sawicky polishes the floor in Steele Hall last month. Despite the inclement weather, Cal U’s custodial and grounds crew staffs have worked diligently to keep the campus safe and tidy.

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THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM

THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM

JANUARY 25, 2011 / 4:00 p.m., LRC Auditorium APPROVED MINUTES

February 15, 2011 4:00 p.m, LRC Auditorium TENTATIVE AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA IV. MINUTES OF JANUARY 25, 2011 (Approved by e-mail ballot – refer to Forum website or Public Folders in Outlook) V. MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Informational Only – Minutes February 1, 2011 – Attachment “A”) VI. PRESIDING OFFICER’S REPORT A. Miscellaneous Information B. Notice of Executive Committee Meeting: March 1, 2011 – University Community Welcome VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS VIII. INTERPELLATION

The California University Forum met in regular session Tuesday, January 25, 2011, in the LRC Auditorium. Presiding Officer Hoover called the meeting order at 4:05 p.m.

The following senators were in attendance Ms. Brittany Balaz Mr. Rick Bertagnolli Dr. Bill Biddington Ms. Roberta Busha Mr. Craig Butzine Dr. Leonard Colelli Ms. Fran Fayish Prof. Barbara Hess Ms. Candice Kmetz Ms. Darla Kurnal Dr. Sean Madden Dr. Charles Mance Ms. Rebecca Nichols Dr. Nancy Pinardi Dr. Susan Ryan Ms. Sarah Scholar Dr. Michael Slaven Ms. Marguerite Smith Mr. Cory Stoner Dr. Emily Sweitzer Mr. Robert Thorn Mr. Mike Wagner Dr. Tom Wickham Ms. Taylor Williams Dr. Brian Wood Dr. Kimberly Woznack The following were also in attendance: Mr. Douglas Hoover, Presiding Officer Mr. Loring Prest, Parliamentarian Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording Secretary The following senators were absent: Dr. Lenora Angelone Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. Ms. Jessica Bettilyon Dr. Jane Bonari Ms. Betsy Clark Ms. Jacqueline Davis Ms. Sharon Elkettani

IX. NEW BUSINESS X. ANNOUNCEMENTS Next FORUM Meeting MARCH 15, 2011 XI. ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Shane Fox Ms. Geraldine Jones Mr. Keith Kappel Ms. Bonnie Keener Dr. Kevin Koury Mr. Josh Mrosko Dr. Tom Mueller Mr. Gary Seelye Public Comments There were no public comments offered at this time.

Interpellation There were no questions offered at this time.

Unfinished Business: Presiding Officer Hoover noted that following motion is being presented as unfinished business; given that quorum was lost at the December’s Forum meeting: Whereas, The Senate is very concerned about the fact that the University Curriculum Committee, the General Education Committee and the English Department were not consulted in making class substitutions for English Comp. II; Whereas, This confounds faculty advisement; Whereas, There’s a pedagogical difference between a class in which writing is taught and a class in which writing is assigned; Whereas, Admission to graduate schools and professional programs is negatively impacted; Whereas, There are ramifications for student success in

passing Praxis; Whereas, The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) recommends a capsize for teaching courses in which writing is taught; and Whereas, Certain accreditation requirements will be comprised; [Resolved, That] the University Forum renounce the temporary substitutions for English Composition II and endorse a more collaborative decision-making process between the University Curriculum Committee, The General Education Committee, the English Department, and the Chairs’ Forum ad hoc committee on writing.

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academic standings with a combined GPA of 3.184.

In all, a record 240 Vulcan studentathletes were named to the Fall 2010 Athletic Director Honor Roll. To be eligible for the academic honor, studentathletes must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher during the semester.

Women’s tennis led all programs with 91 percent of the team — 10 of 11 members — on the honor roll. Eighty-three percent of the men’s soccer team made the honor roll, as did 79 percent of both the women’s soccer and swimming teams.

In all, 46 football players were named to the list, the greatest number for any sport. Women’s track and field (38) and women’s cross country (28) also counted a significant number of honor-roll athletes.

There being no further discussion, a vote was taken on the amended motion to refer.

Senator Madden moved that this motion be referred to the Academic Policy Committee, and that the committee be instructed to report at the March 15, 2011 Forum meeting.

Second by Senator Colelli.

Senator Slaven moved to amend the motion to refer to the Academic Policy Committee, by inserting the following after “Academic Policy Committee,” “with an emphasis on a more collaborative decision-making process between the University Curriculum Committee, the General Education Committee, the English Department, and the Chairs’ Forum

Vulcans Score in Academics or the ninth consecutive semester, Cal U’s athletic programs compiled a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or higher on a four-point scale.

Overall, the Vulcans posted a cumulative GPA of 3.113 during the Fall 2010 semester.

“This is commendable work,” said athletic director Dr. Tom Pucci. “Not only does it show a commitment by our student-athletes but also by our coaching staffs, academic support staff and the faculty.

“You could say this is truly a team effort.”

The women’s tennis team went to the head of the class, achieving a combined GPA of 3.578.

The soccer team topped the men’s

ad hoc committee on writing.” Second by Senator Wickham.

There being no further discussion, a vote was taken to amend the motion to refer.

VOTE: Unanimously carries.

Motion to refer: That, the motion regarding English Composition II be referred to the Academic Policy Committee, with an emphasis on a more collaborative decisionmaking process between the University Curriculum Committee, the General Education Committee, the English Department, and the Chairs’ Forum ad hoc committee on writing, and that the Academic Policy Committee report its findings at the March 15, 2011 Forum meeting. (Second by Senator Colelli.)

VOTE TO APPROVE AMENDED MOTION: Unanimously carries.

New Business There was no new business offered at this time.

Announcements/ Adjournment Presiding Officer Hoover noted the next Forum meeting will be held on February 15, 2011.

There being no further business, Presiding Officer Hoover adjourned the meeting at 4:17 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording Secretary.

MINUTES APPROVED BY MAJORITY VIA E-MAIL BALLOT.

OSD Offers Help

Axelle Fernandez, an international studies major and two-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete, helped Cal U’s women’s tennis team compile a 3.578 combined GPA last fall.

The Office for Students with Disabilities is available to assist California University students.

Information about OSD’s mission and services can be found on the Cal U website, www.calu.edu, by searching for the keyword “disability.”

Interested students are invited to schedule a small-group meeting for semester registration; call OSD for an appointment.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays in Room 105, Azorsky Hall. To contact the office, call 724-938-5781 or e-mail osdmail@calu.edu.

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 Interim Vice President for Marketing and University Relations

Geraldine M. Jones Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Ron Huiatt Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Christine Kindl Editor

Dr. Lenora Angelone Vice President for Student Affairs

Robert Thorn Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance

Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers

Office of Communication and Public Relations

250 University Avenue

California, PA 15419

724-938-4195

wald@calu.edu

The Journal is printed on paper made from trees harvested under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.SFIprogram.org).

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