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California University
Volume 15, Number 5 Feb. 25, 2013 Read the JouRnal online: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
Globetrotters Ready to Dazzle, Delight
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nown for decades as innovators of the game of basketball, the world famous Original Harlem Globetrotters are scheduled to bring March gladness to the Convocation Center with an appearance at 7 p.m. March 7. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the Convocation Center Box Office, open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays until the day of the show. Ticket prices range from $25-$55. Cal U students, faculty and staff receive a $7 discount on each ticket purchased at price level 3 or 4 only. Cal U ID is required to receive the discount, and the tickets must be purchased at the Convocation Center Box Office. The Harlem Globetrotters began in 1926 as the Savoy Big Five. More than
Original Harlem Globetrotters
‘You Write the Rules’ 7 p.m. March 7 Convocation Center www.ticketmaster.com or www.calu.edu
85 years and 20,000 games later, the team has become one of the most recognizable franchises in sports. “We are obviously very excited to bring in the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters to our campus and to the region,” said Michael Silva, general manager of the Cal U Convocation Center. “We are proud to be part of the North American leg of the Globetrotters’ 2013 World Tour. This interactive game will be an amazing — Continued on page 3
The Original Harlem Globetrotters bring their fast-paced play, trick shots and family-friendly humor to the Convocation Center, and fans write the rules.
Leadership Community Set for Fall
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Leadership Chats with campus and r. Scott M. Helfrich is pretty community leaders about topics such as easy to reach these days. team supervision and careers in Along with his wife, leadership. Field trips and other special Maureen, and their three children, the events are planned. director of upper-campus “The Living-Learning housing has moved into a Community will be a hands-on renovated apartment in experience that will give our Building 6 of Vulcan Village students skills that employers as he prepares to launch a are looking for, such as leading new residential program for projects, being a team player Cal U students. and supervising others,” The Leadership LivingHelfrich said. Learning Community, which “We want them to be able will be based in that to emphasize skills on their building, begins this fall. As Dr. Scott Helfrich resumes that demonstrate that many as 40 students are they learned about working with the expected to participate in the first year. community, recruiting volunteers and The residential program will build planning events. We are confident that leadership skills, provide service the Leadership Living Learning opportunities and enrich students’ Community will teach them these educational experiences. In partnership skills.” with the Center for Civic Engagement, Helfrich said living on-site will help students will engage in a variety of the program grow. He added that his service learning opportunities with family is adjusting well after their move organizations such as Habitat for from Washington, Pa. Humanity and California Borough. “It’s been good so far. We enjoy it. They also will take part in
Singers Plan ‘Run-out Concert’ A mixed choir, Vulcanize and Acappella Stella will make a quick stop at Trinity High School for a ‘run-out’ concert at 1 p.m. Wednesday. See story on Page 2.
There isn’t a 25-minute commute each way, so I am able to be more responsive to any issues,” he said. “Because the students also will live in the building, they can come down to our residence and participate in activities. There is a greater chance for them to discuss what they’ve learned and to build relationships. “If students are attached to a program like this, it is more likely they will stay at Cal U and more likely that they will graduate. We believe students should get more out of their housing experience. “As I told President Jones, the Learning Community is like diet and exercise: Not only is it good for you, it’s also something you should do. It’s a nobrainer for Cal U.” Applications are now being accepted for the Leadership Living-Learning Community, a Vulcan Village program that will begin in fall 2013. For information about the community and a link to the application, visit www.calu.edu or www.vulcanvillageleaders.com .
Counseling Center’s ‘Menu’ Expands
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al U’s Counseling Center continues to expand its services to students, with new group sessions designed to ease stress, promote relaxation and brighten one’s mood. In fact, one of the new offerings is a Better Mood Group, which meets each Thursday during the common hour with professor and licensed psychologist Dr. Mary Ann Salotti. “This is a drop-in group, so students don’t need to contact me in advance or even tell me who they are. They just have to show up,” Salotti said. “This group focuses on stressing less. Individuals come in and talk about one thing that’s stressful. They can ask the other participants for their thoughts and reactions, and I chime in.” After they talk, the group engages in a slow, deep-breathing exercise. Salotti learned about this particular relaxation technique last summer, when she met Dr. Ronald Pekala of the Coatesville (Pa.) VA Medical Center at the Pennsylvania Psychological Association’s annual conference. Pekala uses the technique with veterans. — Continued on page 2
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Feb. 25, 2013
Fair Shows Variety of Ways to Join In
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Sai Roach proudly displays the Activist Club’s display during the 2013 Club and Organization Fair. She is the club’s treasurer.
roof of just how many activities are available to students was on display Feb. 14 in the Performance Center during the 2013 Club and Organization Fair. From one end of the room to the other — and overflowing into the area just outside the Performance Center — students manned tables that displayed information about academic, service and social clubs. Nearly 300 students attended the fair, and 109 clubs and organizations were represented, according to Alexandra Brooks, student government president. Brooks helped to organize the fair with Melissa Dunn, director of student activities and leadership. “This year’s fair had a great turnout,” Brooks said. “A lot of clubs took advantage of it being on Valentine’s Day and themed their tables around the holiday.” Club members were enthusiastic as they discussed their organizations with students who stopped by. “Art is universal,” said Sara Carpenter, president of the Art Education Club, one of the many academic clubs represented. “Anyone can ‘do art.’ We all have some ability.” The club is planning a trip to the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh and
strives to promote the importance of art education in primary and secondary schools. Students who are passionate about a variety of causes are welcome at Activist Club meetings, said treasurer Sai Roach. Whether members are volunteering at a local animal shelter or raising money to help women who have been rescued from sex trafficking, the motto remains the same. “Nothing gets better unless you take an interest in it,” Roach said. On the purely fun side are groups like the Ballroom and Latin Dance Club. “You don’t have to know anything about dancing going in,” promised president Deven Bourquin. “Even if you have two left feet, we can teach you how to dance,” added club member Casey Myers. “We obsess over new members, because we want to make sure they feel at home.” All clubs at Cal U serve a very important purpose, Brooks said. “Getting involved is more than just having something to do between classes. Being part of a club gives students the opportunity to network, gain valuable work experiences, meet new people and become a leader on campus.”
Singers ‘Run Groups Expand Center’s ‘Menu’ Out’ for Quick Concerts — Continued from page 1
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ingers from Cal U will make a quick stop at Trinity High School for a “run-out concert” at 1 p.m. Wednesday. “A run-out concert is just that — we ‘run out’ to somewhere nearby, sing a brief concert and then come right back,” explained Dr. Yugo Ikach, chair of the Music Department and director of University Choirs. The Cal Singers, a 16- to 24-member mixed choir, will perform in the high school auditorium, along with the all-male a cappella group Vulcanize and its all-female counterpart, Acappella Stella. The Cal Singers perform music from all eras and many cultures, adapting the style of their performance to suit the music, the audience and the season. The two smaller groups rehearse separately to prepare additional concert material sung without accompaniment. Much of the repertoire consists of original arrangements of popular music. On tap for the audience at Trinity on Wednesday are tunes such as “Love on Top” by Beyoncé, “Goodbye” by Kristinia DeBarge, “Climax” by Usher and “Get Around” by the Beach Boys. The goal of the concert is to encourage student-initiated music making, Ikach said. He is pleased with the solid working relationships that Cal U’s Music Department is building with area high schools, and he praised Trinity choral director Marsha Owens. “We are going to sing pop a cappella numbers for high school groups, promoting the genre and promoting Cal U,” Ikach said. “This is one way of getting out and giving to the local community — and inspiring the young singers, musicians and artists of tomorrow. ” The Cal Singers are planning another runout concert March 13 at McKeesport High School. For more information, e-mail Dr. Ikach at ikach@calu.edu .
“This is one of the better relaxation exercises out there,” Salotti said. “Our students have liked it so much that they’ve taken some of the handout materials I’ve given them and are teaching it to their friends.” A similar Relaxation drop-in group, led by graduate student Sam Choura, meets at 11 a.m. Wednesdays. This group addresses stress through more traditional body tension/muscle relaxation activities, as well as breathing exercises. Two other groups being formed this semester are Women of a Certain Age, for those 40 and older, and Living with Shyness. Both are led by Dr. Dawn Moeller, associate professor and clinical psychologist. Moeller also oversees an ongoing Sexual Assault Discussion Group, which resumes March 12. The coleader of this group is Kay Dorrance, coordinator of the End Violence Center and Cal U Women’s Center. Cal Clean and Sober, led by assistant professor and clinician Dr. John Massella, also meets during the Thursday common hour. Members get together weekly for a general discussion or to address a specific topic. And students affected by the wintertime depression known as SAD,
Erik Donaldson (left) and Francesca Ruffolo (right), who are both majoring in business administration, discuss Light Box Therapy with Dr. Mary Ann Salotti in Carter Hall.
or Seasonal Affective Disorder, can explore Light Box Therapy through a program introduced last spring. Students who are interested in the bright-light therapy are first screened for eligibility, and to determine if the program is medically safe and appropriate for them. “For some people, this can be used in lieu of medication. It’s something they can use for the rest of their lives, which is wonderful,” Salotti said. The various group sessions
supplement the individual counseling and crisis intervention services that continue to be offered through the Counseling Center. “These drop-in groups give students immediate service,” Salotti said. “There’s a variety now on our ‘menu,’ which gives students options to figure out which service best meets their needs.” Located on the first floor of Carter Hall, the Counseling Center is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Last Chance to Take Campus Climate Survey
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oday is the last day to help Cal U build a better atmosphere by taking the online Campus Climate Survey. The confidential, 20-minute survey will provide data about the personal experiences of campus community members, their perceptions of the campus environment, and what Cal U is doing to promote inclusion and fair treatment for all. The survey looks to collect input from at least 30 percent of the campus community. Results will be
compiled and reported this fall. Participants who complete the survey can register for a chance to win an iPad. Winners — one student, one faculty member and one staff member of the staff — will be chosen at random from among those who register. A link to the survey is available at www.calu.edu . Smartphone users can access the survey by using the QR code displayed on placards posted in campus buildings and Vulcan Flyer shuttles.
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Feb. 25, 2013
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What’s Up? Acting President Geraldine M. Jones and Craig Butzine, vice president for Marketing and University Relations, stop in at the Natali Student Center food court Feb. 12 to chat with students about their Cal U experience. President Jones says the informal visits help to keep the lines of communication open and ensure that she’s in touch with students’ concerns. Speaking with President Jones are (clockwise from left) Lucie Fremeau, Alicia Patt, Kashmir Pretlor and Rachel Chunkala.
PSADA Honors Yarbrough With Distinguished Coaching Educator Award
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r. Roy E. Yarbrough, director of Cal U’s Sport Management Studies program, has been selected as the recipient of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Director Association (PSADA) Distinguish Coaching Educator Award for 2013. Yarbrough became an instructor for American Sports Education Program (ASAP) in 1986 and has conducted clinics in Illinois, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. At Cal U, he has trained more than 5,000 students in Coaching Principles clinics designed for students who have a desire to become involved in coaching. Yarbrough has been a member of the PSADA Executive Council since 2003 as the representative to the higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. He also is a part of the Cracker Barrel Session panel in the area of Sport Management Studies at the PSADA conference. Over the last 10 years he has facilitated NIAAA training courses
games for NCAA, NAIA, — 501, 502, 504 and 506 — NCCAA and JUCO. At the to help college students get professional level, he spent acquainted with athletic five years in the North administration. American Soccer League as Yarbrough has an official and adviser to the contributed to interscholastic league’s office. athletics, as well Recognized by Sports intercollegiate athletics, as a Illustrated as the “Guru of coach for soccer, track and Mascotology,” Yarbrough field, basketball, volleyball has been a senior judge for and softball. He also has Dr. Roy E. Yarbrough the Capital One National officiated intercollegiate and Mascot Competition, which announces interscholastic soccer, track and field, volleyball, lacrosse, basketball, softball, its champion every New Year’s Day at the Capital One Bowl. He is the author and swimming. of the book Mascots: The History of He is the current president of the Senior College and University Paul E. Black Track and Field Chapter Mascots/Nicknames. of Pittsburgh. “The greatest use of my life is to In 1990, Yarbrough was inducted spend it on things that will outlast me,” into the National Soccer Hall of Fame Yarbrough said. “It is better to begin for his work as a referee. He has each day thinking victory, and not officiated five different state defeat; to awake to grace, not shame.” championships at the interscholastic Yarbrough is a retired lieutenant level and more than 20 intercollegiate commander in the U.S. Coast Guard conference, playoff and championship
Globetrotters to Dazzle, Delight in Convocation Center Game — Continued from page 1 treat for fans.” The Globetrotters’ 2013 tour is dubbed “You Write the Rules,” and for the first time ever, fans will decide the rules for the game. Fans might ask players to use two basketballs at once, for instance, or double the points for each basket made. Families can go online at www.harlemglobetrotters.com to vote for which groundbreaking rule will be incorporated into the game at the Convocation Center. After virtually every game, Globetrotters stars remain on the court for a minimum of 15 minutes to sign autographs and have photographs taken with fans. Fans who purchase the additional $20 “Magic Pass” can spend time on the court with the Globetrotters, one-on-one, shooting baskets, trying out ball tricks, or
collecting autographs and photos. The 30-minute pre-show is designed to create memories that will last a lifetime. This year’s Globetrotters roster features stars Special K Daley, Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang and Dizzy Grant, along with the world’s tallest pro basketball player, 7-foot-8-inch Tiny Sturgess; the shortest Globetrotter ever, 5-foot-2inch Too Tall Hall; and female players TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Mighty Mitchell. The Globetrotters are embarking on a season-long alliance to promote breast cancer awareness, playing portions of their games with specially designed pink Spalding basketballs to help the cause. “I’m looking forward to bringing my two sons to see the Globetrotters, because this is something all kids should have the opportunity to see,” said Jennifer
Collins ’91, who works in Pittsburgh and lives in Charleroi. “I am also excited to see the Convocation Center. The pictures I’ve seen on the website look neat, and several people that have been there have told me how nice it is.” The “You Write the Rules” World Tour began the day after Christmas and runs through April. Before it’s done, the Globetrotters will play more than 270 games in nearly 240 cities in 45 states and nine Canadian provinces. Throughout the team’s history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories, on six continents, for more than 136 million fans. For details, ticket information or directions, visit www.calu.edu . The Convocation Center Box Office phone is 724-938-4600. To order tickets by phone from Ticketmaster, call 800-7453000, or order online at www.ticketmaster.com .
with more than 25 years of service. He served with the forces that took the American Indians off Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, and he completed two tours on the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup as the Operations Officer for Western Alaska. During his 10-year term as a member of the Campbell County (Va.) School Board, Yarbrough oversaw the operation of four high schools and eight middle schools. He served on the Executive Council of the Virginia High School League (VHSL) or five years. In the mid-1970s, Yarbrough was an AAU All-American in the sport of race walking. He recorded his best time at Madison Square Garden, in New York City, where he race-walked a mile in 6:25. He and his wife, Claudia, have been married for 42 years. They have three children and eight grandchildren. Yarbrough and his family enjoy vacationing in Tabor City, N.C.
GRANTS AWARDED The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research reports that: • Dr. David Argent, professor and chair of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, has been awarded a $51,540 contract from CONSOL. This funding provides for the continuation of biomonitoring and assessment of the streambank fencing sites at Enlow Fork of Wheeling Creek.
Dr. David Argent
• Dr. Scott Hargraves, assistant professor of Health Science and academic coordinator of clinical education for the Physical Therapist Assistant program, has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Faculty Health and Welfare Fund. This award will be used to conduct a health awareness program titled “PedometerBased Walking for Fitness.” The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research serves faculty and staff by providing comprehensive resources related to external funding for sponsored projects. The OSPR provides support in developing proposals for funding from federal, state and local grants, contracts, foundations and related associations. For more information call 724938-1662 or e-mail vogrig@calu.edu .
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Feb. 18, 2013
Softball Coach Named to National Hall of Fame
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oftball coach Rick Bertagnolli is one of four individuals who will be inducted this year into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame. The 2013 class will be honored at the NFCA’s annual convention this fall in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to Bertagnolli, the inductees are Joan Joyce, of Florida Atlantic University; Patrick Murphy, of the University of Alabama; and Lori Meyer, of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Founded as the National Softball Coaches Association in1983 and approved as an affiliate member of the NCAA in 1984, the NFCA announced its first Hall of Fame class in 1991. Bertagnolli is only the second coach from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and the 62nd coach overall to receive this honor. “For me to even be considered with some of the best to ever coach — with legends of the game — is overwhelming,” said Bertagnolli, an Illinois native. “God has blessed my life with many student-athletes and other individuals who have made this possible. I am truly humbled, and I share this with everyone who has been a part of my coaching career.” Heading into the 2013 season, Bertagnolli owns a 667-221 cumulative overall record at Cal U, with a 295-52 PSAC-West mark. Including his previous coaching stints at Wabash (Ill.) Valley and South Carolina-Spartanburg, his collegiate career record is 929-271. Bertagnolli started his coaching career in 1984 and won the Illinois High School Association state championship three years later. Since coming to Cal U, his teams have won 14 divisional titles and five conference championships, and appeared in 12 PSAC championship finals. In the late 1990s they won 88 consecutive divisional games. Under Bertagnolli, the Vulcans have never missed the conference playoffs, although they had never won an NCAA Regional title and managed just one conference crown before his arrival. Last spring the Vulcans appeared in the NCAA Division II Tournament for the 17th time in 19 years. The softball team’s consecutive NCAA Division II National Championships in 1997 and 1998 are the first two of just three NCAA national team titles in school history. Individually, the team has produced 32 AllAmericans, 10 national Academic All-Americans, 104 All-Region selections and 127 all-conference players during his tenure. Eight of his players are in the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame, and two have played for Team Canada in the Summer Olympics. His softball players excel in the classroom, too. In 2010 the Vulcans boasted the sixth-highest GPA and led the nation with three ESPN The Magazine Academic All-Americans. Bertagnolli’s players consistently receive NFCA All-Academic Team status. Last season, two were named individual Academic All-Americans. “This national award is another honor showing what we at Cal U have always known, that Coach Bertagnolli is an outstanding coach and mentor to our student-athletes,” said Dr. Nancy Pinardi, interim vice president for Student Affairs. “He has earned respect as one of the best in his field. He supports his players both on and off the
Campus BRIEFS Convocation Tomorrow Acting President Geraldine M. Jones will host the 2013 spring student convocation Tuesday in the Convocation Center’s south conference wing. Open to current Cal U students only, the convocation will be held during the University’s common hour, beginning at 11 a.m.
Black History Month Continues Cal U’s Black History Month celebration continues on Thursday with a discussion of the history of Black Greek organizations. The talk begins at 5:30 p.m. in Duda Hall, Room 103. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.
Daffodil Orders Due Tomorrow
This fall, Cal U’s Rick Bertagnolli will become only the second coach from the PSAC and the 62nd coach overall to be inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
field, and as a result has cultivated a strong alumni support base from his former players.” Danielle Penner, the pitching ace of the national title teams, is one of many former players who keep in touch with the coach. Now in her eighth season as the head coach of Barry (Fla.) University’s softball team, Penner compiled a 14415 cumulative record at Cal U and was the 1998 National Player of the Year. “He is somebody who will always be a part of my life. I respect him so much as a coach and a friend,” Penner said. “Every single day I use something I learned or experienced as a player that I pass on to my players at Barry. “I cannot say enough good things about him.” Cal U was the last NCAA Division II softball team to win consecutive national titles, following in the footsteps of Kennesaw (Ga.) State, which won the 1995 and 1996 titles. The Owls moved to the Division I ranks in 2006, but veteran head coach Scott Whitlock remembers his team’s battles with Bertagnolli and the Vulcans. He called the personable Cal U coach a longtime friend. “When I think of Rick, the words ‘intensity,’ ‘competitor’ and ‘champion’ quickly come to mind,” Whitlock said. “He coaches, leads and touches lives with great passion. Rick makes me laugh every time we’re together. He’s truly one of a kind.” Active in many campus activities, Bertagnolli serves as the faculty union (APSCUF) coaches representative and a Senator in the Cal U Forum, the University’s governance structure. “This award is very much deserved,” Pinardi said. “We are fortunate to have Coach Bertagnolli as part of our Cal U family.”
Orders are due Tuesday for the American Cancer Society’s final Daffodil Days fundraising campaign. American Cancer Society supporters can order a bunch of 10 cut daffodils for $10; a pot of minidaffodils for $12; a vase with daffodils for $15; or the “Ray O. Hope collectible Boyd’s Bear with daffodils for $25. Daffodil yellow or chocolate lollipops are $1 each. In addition, donors can make anonymous gifts through two initiatives: for $25, Project Care will send a bear with daffodils to a child; or for $25, $50, $75 or $100, Gift of Hope will send a bunch of daffodils to a treatment facility. Order forms have been distributed on campus. Additional copies are available at University Printing Services in Azorsky Hall, Room 103. Send checks payable to “American Cancer Society” to campus coordinator Julie Kingsley, Box 111. Flowers will be ready for pickup after noon on March 20 in the Azorsky Hall lunchroom, or you can ask to have them delivered to an office by the student group STAND (Students Taking a New Direction). For more information, e-mail kingsley@calu.edu or call 724-938-5518.
Freezin’ 5K Earns $1K A 5K run/walk organized by students generated more than $1,000 in proceeds. Dr. Harrison Pinckney reports that 65 runners and walkers, ages 4-78, took part in the Freezin’ 5K, held Dec. 8 on campus. Students in the Parks and Recreation Management program organized the run and “fun walk” as a project for Pinckney’s course in events management. After planning and marketing the event, the race served as the students’ final exam. The proceeds will be split between the River Town Program, created by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council to highlight recreation options in riverside communities, including California and Coal Center; and the Dr. William J. Procasky Earth Sciences Scholarship, which supports students in the Department of Earth Sciences.
Thank You Diana Balla, interim benefits manager in the Human Resources Office, would like to thank the University community for their acts of kindness, expressions of sympathy and offers of support during the recent loss of her mother. She greatly appreciates such generosity and thoughtfulness.
The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Geraldine M. Jones Acting University President
Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance
Jessica Urbanik Interim Vice President for University Development and Cal U for Life
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Craig Butzine Vice President for Marketing and University Relations
Christine Kindl Editor
Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services
Dr. Nancy Pinardi Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers
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