California University
Volume 22, Number 4 MARCH 2, 2020 KEEP UP WITH CAL U NEWS ONLINE: calu.edu/news
Guest Speaker Examines Medical Marijuana
C Provost Bruce Barnhart (left), President Geraldine Jones and Vice President Robert Thorn address faculty and staff at spring Convocation.
Leaders Discuss Master Plan
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he University community heard updates about the Campus Master Plan for facilities — plus details about Cal U’s financial sustainability plan and its proposed multi-year tuition pricing strategy — Feb. 18 at the Spring 2020 Faculty-Staff Convocation. The initiatives all are intended to bolster University finances and meet the State System of Higher Education’s requirement that universities identify realistic strategies for achieving financial sustainability within five years. Cal U already is taking proactive measures to address the financial challenges attributed to demographic changes, declining public support and a decrease in student enrollment, University President Geraldine Jones told a large crowd in the
Convocation Center’s south wing. In the past seven years, the University has cut operational costs by $10 million, non-faculty staff has been reduced by 23%, a strategic enrollment plan has been deployed and new academic programs have been launched, among other steps. “But in the current climate, those measures are not enough to bring our finances into balance,” the President said. At the State System’s direction, Cal U submitted a preliminary draft of its fiveyear sustainability plan in January. As part of the plan, Cal U is seeking State System approval for a tuition pricing strategy that includes a 3% increase in tuition, or $115 per semester, to enhance efforts to help more students succeed academically and remain enrolled until they graduate. Cal U is committed to using at least
$500,000 of the proposed tuition increase to provide additional scholarships for its neediest students. The multi-year tuition pricing strategy requires approval by the Board of Governors, which is expected to make a determination later this spring. In the meantime, the University is looking to its physical plant — the campus itself — for additional cost savings.
Campus Master Plan Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance, led the effort to update the Campus Master Plan. In collaboration with consultants from Buchart Horn Architects, a nine-member steering committee and 26-member board of faculty and staff members spent — Continued on page 2
Staff Members Honored for Job Performance, Service
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al U has recognized two staff members for their outstanding job performance and customer service. At the Feb. 18 faculty-staff convocation, Dr. Karen Amrhein received the Vulcan President’s Circle Award, and Barry Bilitski accepted the Vulcan Exceptional Service Award. Members of the campus community — faculty, staff and/or students — nominate candidates for the awards. A seven-member committee uses a rubric to identify the award recipients anonymously. The President’s Circle Award recognizes outstanding job performance, with an emphasis on collaboration and cooperation, commitment to the University, and innovation that improves the quality of service or results in cost savings. Amrhein, a director in the Office of Academic Success, was recognized for collaborating “with so many offices on campus that she seems to know everyone,” as one nominator wrote. She founded the peer mentoring program, which is credited for increasing first- to second-year retention rates by pairing first-year students with student mentors. She also created the Summer Success Academy for at-risk students, and she currently is leading a new foster youth initiative. As President Jones noted, “Nominators called her an — Continued on page 2
President Geraldine Jones presents the Spring 2020 Vulcan Exceptional Service Award to Barry Bilitski, an assistant director in the Office of Admissions.
al U will host a discussion about medical marijuana at 11 a.m. March 3 in Duda Hall, Room 103. Matt Reid, a Ph.D. candidate at Western Michigan University and a visiting professor at Grand Valley State University, will discuss “Medical Marijuana in a Post-Prohibition State.” His doctoral research focuses on the perceptions of medical marijuana and recreational marijuana in states where both are legal. He is the media editor for the Midwest Matt Reid Sociological Society and blogs at popularsociology.net. Cal U sociology professors Emily Sweitzer and Codie Stone are coordinating the event. “This discussion of medical marijuana is very relevant to today’s society as we explore various means for non-invasive treatments for many conditions,” said Sweitzer, who teaches courses in social deviance. “But it is also particularly relevant for social deviance majors as they examine the ever-changing social and cultural perspectives and norms that guide society and impact acceptance and tolerance.” Currently, 33 states have laws that allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes; 11 states allow recreational marijuana use. On March 2, Reid will visit Stone’s classes at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon in Duda Hall. The public may attend by emailing stone@calu.edu. Reid and Stone met in graduate school and worked together as college instructors. “Matt is an innovative educator who builds rapport with his students by engaging them through his authentic passion for the discipline of sociology, and showing through real-world examples how sociology impacts individuals’ lives,” Stone said. Reid’s talk is sponsored by the Graduate School Speaker Series; the legal studies and social deviance programs; and the History, Politics, Society and Law Department.
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MARCH 2, 2020
Law Enforcement Black History Panel's Topic
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ix members of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement shared their thoughts and experiences during the final Black History Month “What’s the T? Thoughtful Discussions About National Narratives” event in Vulcan Theatre on Feb. 20. Dr. Mathilda Spencer, of the Department of Criminal Justice, served as moderator of “(In)Justice Through the Lens of African American Law Enforcement.” Panelists were Sgt. William Slaton, commander in the Pennsylvania State Police Equality and Inclusion Office; Aaron Allen, Pennsylvania State police trooper and recruiting coordinator; Lavonnie Bickerstaff, major crimes assistant chief of Pittsburgh Police; Maurita Bryant, assistant superintendent of Allegheny County Police; Paris Pratt, Pittsburgh special agent in charge for the Drug Enforcement Agency; and Richard A. Stewart Jr., retired law officer and president of the Pittsburgh NAACP. “I think I deal with racism, discrimination and pre-judgment every day,” Bickerstaff said. “You can’t use fisticuffs, but you must work their minds. I prefer the phrase ‘all lives matter,’ and if something is wrong, say something because people will know you’re watching.” Racism and sexism are still obstacles for black female police officers while climbing the supervisory ladder, Bryant said. “You have to pick your battles, and if you wear your emotions on your sleeves, you (may be) perceived as an angry black woman,” she said. “If you change the minds of your leaders, you’ll
Lavonnie Bickerstaff (left), Pittsburgh Police; Maurita Bryant, Allegheny County Police; Paris Pratt, Drug Enforcement Agency; Richard A. Stewart Jr., Pittsburgh NAACP; Aaron Allen, Pennsylvania State Police; William Slaton, Pennsylvania State Police; Dr. Mathilda Spencer, Cal U Criminal Justice Department.
change your followers.” On the job, officers “try to be that buffer and help people work through and understand the criminal process while making sure there’s no retaliation and protests do not become violent.” Slaton encouraged students to keep an open mind after police incidents. “What I would say to young people in these contentious times, when you see YouTube videos and news snippets, is to make sure you gather enough information to make an informed opinion about what occurred,” he said. Allen mentioned Antwon Rose II, the 17-year-old black teen-ager who was fatally shot by a police officer in East Pittsburgh. “When I see Antwon Rose, I see myself when I young, running away from the police after doing something stupid,” he said. “Now I could not imagine doing
anything else other than being a police officer.” Pratt cautioned the criminal justice majors in the audience to gather facts before making judgments. “Culturally, people do not understand each other, and you cannot assume you understand someone because of their color, clothes they wear or where they are from,” he said. Stewart urged the students to join the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives or the NAACP. Both organizations welcome all races. Ernest D. Withrow, president of NOBLE Pittsburgh chapter, was in the audience. “You need to become members of these organizations and even start student chapters here,” Stewart said. “You need to become active. You will be enlightened by many things you did not realize are going on out there.”
Other speakers and topics during Black History Month: • Jessica Spradley, a Frederick Douglass Institute Scholar in sociology at Cal U and vice president of the Care Based Leadership Collaborative, presented “Educational Places as Racial Places.” • Rodney Taylor, a Frederick Douglass Institute Scholar in English at Cal U, presented “Post-Bellum, Pre-Harlem: African American Authors & the Remembered Plantation.” • Jeffrey Jones, Cal U’s first gentleman, led panelists Lisa Driscoll, Department of TRIO and Academic Services; Cynthia Obiekezie, senior and president of the Black Student Union; and Justin James, University Development and Alumni Relations in a discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. For coverage of these presentations, visit calu.edu/news.
Cal U Looks Forward at Convocation
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President Jones presents the Spring 2020 Vulcan President’s Circle Award to Dr. Karen Amrhein, a director in the Office of Academic Success.
Staff Members Honored
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‘innovative thinker,’ a ‘willing volunteer’ and a ‘problem-solver who gets results.’” The Exceptional Service Award recognizes responsiveness to others’ needs, willingness to remove barriers, and caring support for students, families, fellow employees and other community members. Bilitski, an assistant director in the Office of Admissions, “makes outstanding customer service a part of every interaction,” President Jones said. Nominators mentioned his “positive attitude” and said he is “always willing to help out and step up when needed.” In particular, they cited Bilitski’s interactions
with current and future students, saying that he “goes above and beyond … to make sure they get the help they need.” In addition to the plaques presented at the convocation, each award recipient will select from a menu of options to thank them for their service. The Vulcan Staff Awards are presented each fall and spring semester. In fall 2019, Cindy Lynn Speer and Rhonda Gifford received the inaugural awards. Nominations for the fall 2020 awards are being accepted through Aug. 7, 2020. To nominate an outstanding staff member, visit the resource page for Faculty/Staff or Current Students at calu.edu and look for the link to “Staff Awards.”
15 months examining Cal U’s campus and making the first master plan update since 2008. “One of the primary goals of the master plan is to develop a comprehensive flexible long-range plan for effective use and reuse of existing land, facilities and infrastructure,” Thorn explained. After a thorough study based on current and projected future enrollments, the consultants determined that Cal U has a surplus of approximately 260,000 square feet. They estimate that reducing the campus footprint could reduce operational costs by $2.5 million to $3 million per year. Under a statewide contract to reduce “excess capacity” at System universities, the state Department of General Services has agreed to pay $5.2 million to demolish four Cal U buildings — about 174,0000 square feet — over the next two years. Building removals tentatively will begin in spring 2021 with Azorsky Hall, followed by the north wing of Morgan Hall, Keystone Hall, and then Gallagher Hall. “This is a fairly aggressive project,” said Thorn — but the opportunity to “right-size” the campus using state funds was too good to pass up. The second phase of the master plan features construction of a new
science complex to replace Frich and New Science Halls. Subsequent phases include infrastructure changes leading to demolition of the campus steam plant and the Pollack Building, which houses the storeroom, carpenter shop and University Police headquarters. The plan also calls for converting Residence Hall B to office space, moving the Office of Academic Success to a student-friendly “learning commons” in Manderino Library, and relocating the education department to Noss Hall. “This campus master plan outlines key projects in sequential order for longterm implementation and success,” said Thorn. “It’s important to know that the plan is a living document that can and will be revised as Cal U evolves into the future.” He emphasized that input from faculty and staff will be solicited as relocation plans are finalized. Both Thorn and President Jones enthusiastically called the campus master plan a blueprint for the future of California University. “There is always some inconvenience associated with building projects, but our campus master plan promises to deliver lasting, long-term gains,” President Jones concluded. “Our campus has been transformed many times over the last 168 years — and once again, we have an opportunity to reshape our University.”
MARCH 2, 2020
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Suicide Workshop March 12
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Robotics competitions at Cal U begin March 19-21 with the FIRST® Robotics, Greater Pittsburgh Regional.
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Robots Return to Cal U
obot season” is about to begin at Cal U. This spring, thousands of high school students from western Pennsylvania and across the country will put their custom-designed robots to the test at Cal U’s Convocation Center arena. The public is welcome to attend each competition. Admission is free. • March 19-21: FIRST® Robotics, Greater Pittsburgh Regional competition. More than 1,000 high school students compete at FIRST®, putting their 120-lb., custom-designed robots to the test in a challenge called INFINITE RECHARGE. The contest has a Star Wars theme this year, as Lucasfilm and parent Walt Disney Co. join with FIRST® to inspire a new generation of heroes and
innovators as part of the Star Wars: Force for Change philanthropic initiative. The game involves two alliances of three teams each, with each team controlling a robot and performing specific tasks on a field to score points. This year’s game includes shooting foam balls known as Power Cells into high and low goals to activate a Shield Generator. The objective is to energize and activate the shield before the match ends and asteroids strike FIRST City. About FIRST® Robotics: firstinspires.org. • April 24-25: BotsIQ, Southwestern Pennsylvania Finals. Teams from nearly 80 regional schools and community organizations battle for dominance in gladiator-style matches.
About BotsIQ: botsiqpa.org/about • May 15-16 National Robotics League. The action is fast and furious when more than 60 high school teams from across the country, including some southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ competitors, send their robots into battle. About NRL: gonrl.org. Becky McMillen, executive director of University Conference Services, believes the teamwork and camaraderie needed for the participants to succeed are also key aspects of hosting these events. “Hosting these events each year is a big win for us,” she said. “We work very well with these organizations, and we’re so happy to have all these students on campus, especially with our focus on science and technology. “It’s a perfect fit.”
Cal U Hosts Science Olympiad March 4
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iddle school and high school students from 13 counties will compete at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Science Olympiad on March 4 at Cal U. Events focused on science, technology, engineering and math skills will be contested in the Convocation Center, and in New Science, Eberly, Gallagher, Hamer and Helsel halls. The competition is broken down into 15-member teams in two divisions — grades 6-9 and 9-12. Last year, nearly 8,000 teams completed in 450 invitational, regional, state and national tournaments. Based on a percentage of teams registered at regional sites, the highestscoring middle school and high school teams from the region will qualify for the state competition on April 25 at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. The National Science Olympiad will be May 15-16 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C. Cal U has hosted this prestigious event for nearly 30 years. More than 50 schools are scheduled for this year’s regional, with Cal U faculty from different academic departments serving as event supervisors. Dr. Swarndeep Gill, associate professor in Cal U’s Department of
Gateway students Cyann Williams and Sai Namasivaya prepare for a competition during last spring’s Southwest Pennsylvania Regional Science Olympiad. The event returns to the Convocation Center on March 4.
Earth Sciences, serves as the regional site director. Members of Cal U’s Admissions Office will also be sharing information about Cal U throughout the day. “With our focus on science and technology, hosting this event is something we are very proud of and a wonderful opportunity to showcase our school and facilities,” said Dr. Tracey Sheetz,
Cal U’s dean of admissions. For more information about the Pennsylvania Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Science Olympiad at Cal U, including a schedule of events with locations and times, visit calu.edu/science-olympiad. Those interested in volunteering can also register on the website. Questions can also be emailed to Gill at gill@calu.edu or regional site assistant director Daniel Strehl at str3650@calu.edu.
he departments of Psychology, Social Work and Counselor Education are hosting a workshop, “Suicide Assessment and Intervention,” 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 12 in the north and south wings of the Convocation Center This workshop is intended for licensed counselors, psychologist, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. It is approved to provide 6 continuing education credits in psychology, social work, counselor education or Act 48. Emeritus professor Dr. Sam Lonich, who has specialized in suicide prevention, assessment and intervention for more than 25 years, will be the main presenter. Cost is $150, which includes parking, breakfast and lunch. Seating is limited. Register online through March 5 at calu.edu/prevention. For more information, contact the School Psychology Clinic at 724-938-4403 or psychclinic@calu.edu.
Campus BRIEFS
Spring Break Schedule No classes will be held from March 9-13 as Cal U marks spring break for students. All University offices will be open during the break. Classes resume March 16. Residence Halls will close at 8 p.m. Friday, March 6. They will re-open at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 15.
Spring Open Houses Continue On March 21, Cal U welcomes students and their families to the second Open House of the spring semester from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. At an Open House, prospective students and their families can talk with students, meet faculty members, tour campus, learn about our clubs and organizations and learn about financial aid options. All students receive a free Cal U T-shirt at the end of the day. The last scheduled spring open house will be April 18. To register for an Open House date and see a schedule of events, go to calu.edu/visit or call 724-938-4404. For information about the admissions process at Cal U, visit calu.edu/admissions; and to explore academic majors, visit calu.edu/academics.
Trustees Meet The California University Council of Trustees will hold its first quarterly meeting of 2020 at 6 p.m. March 4 in the President’s conference room, Old Main, Room 110.
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MARCH 2, 2020
Softball Field to be Rededicated
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al U will rededicate Lilley Field, home to Cal U softball, at 11:30 a.m. March. 28. The Vulcans will face Seton Hill in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m., which will be the first games on the new field, located on Cal U’s upper campus. The renovation included regrading the playing field, upgrading electrical systems and installing a new press box, bleachers, batting cage, warning track and dugouts. Lilley Field is named for Thomas Lilley, whose 82-acre farm was purchased in the mid-1930s by the forerunner of Cal U’s nonprofit Student Association Inc.
Foundation Bestows Awards
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he Foundation for California University has presented its annual awards to four individuals. Armand Balsano ’74 received the Job Johnson Award, named for one of the founders of what is now California University of Pennsylvania. The award recognizes alumni who have received recognition outside the University for excellence, innovation, community service or other notable achievements. A retired senior administrator in the health care industry, he now serves as a consultant with acute care and long-term care facilities, performing evaluations of strategic and financial feasibility and planning. Balsano is a former member of the Foundation Board who held offices of vicepresident, secretary and treasurer. William R. Flinn, II ´68, was honored with the Dixonians Award for his unselfish service to the University. His award is named in honor of John N. Dixon, the “Grand Old Man” among Cal U’s founders, who served on the Board of Trustees for 46 years. Now retired Flinn was the CEO and owner of Bill Flinn Insurance Agency. A founding member of Cal U’s Bow Ties & Pearls Ball, He is also a former member of the Foundation Board and served as president and vice president. The philanthropic Society of 1852 Award, which recognizes distinguished contributions to the enhancement and excellence of Cal U, was presented to Cal U couple Beth Bershok ´84 and Thomas Bakaitus ´83. Bakaitus is the operating partner of the Pittsburghbased CPA firm Herbein and Co., where Bershok, previously a longtime Pittsburgh on-air radio personality, serves as the marketing director.
Volleyball Standout’s Journey Reaches Hall of Fame Destination Editor’s Note: The 2020 members of Cal U’s Athletic Hall of Fame will be honored at the second annual Bow Ties & Pearls Ball on Saturday, May 2, at the Convocation Center. The event benefits Cal U scholarships for Cal U students and legacy projects on campus. To purchase tickets and more information about the event, visit calu.edu/bowtiesball.
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ooking back, it almost feels like a movie,” says Renata Silva Gray. The real-life plot: A student-athlete travels from her home in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to California, Pa. She enrolls at Cal U, excels academically and becomes a standout volleyball player — all while mastering the English language. Before the credits roll she’s set records, earned multiple All-America honors and university degrees, launched a successful career and — spoiler alert! — been inducted into the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame. “It certainly has had a happy ending,” Silva Gray says. “I thought about quitting multiple times early on, but my mom always pushed me because… there were so many opportunities here that I would not have had in Brazil.” Statistics sum up her career with the Vulcans. Silva Gray’s 5,507 assists remain a school record; only four PSAC volleyball players have more. Her career total of 497 sets ranks third in school history, and her 126 service aces rank 10th. Her career totals also include 1,065 digs and 311 blocks. Silva Gray made an immediate impact on Cal U’s volleyball program. In 2006, her first season, the Vulcans won 30 matches and finished second at both the PSAC and NCAA Regional tournaments. The American Volleyball Coaches Association named her its Atlantic Region Freshman of the Year.
The program’s first Academic All-American, Renata Silva Gray, will be the seventh women’s volleyball player inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Over the next three years Silva Gray helped the Vulcans compile a 111-12 cumulative record and 41-0 conference mark. The team won three consecutive conference and NCAA Atlantic Regional titles and made three appearances in the NCAA quarterfinals. Silva Gray was the PSAC Tournament’s MVP in 2008 and 2009. After her senior season, ESPN the Magazine named her to its Academic All-America Team – a first for a Vulcans volleyball player. “Renata took California University volleyball to another level,” said former head coach Melissa Myers, who saw her play in Brazil. “It wasn’t just her talent, but her attitude, energy and effort that separated her from others. She was one of the most mature, hard-working and resilient athletes I’ve ever coached – and she
made her teammates better.” Silva Gray earned two bachelor’s degrees at Cal U, one in international studies with a business concentration and the other in Spanish, as well as a master’s degree in business administration. Active with the International Club, as a grad student she worked in the Department of Criminal Justice and volunteered as an assistant coach for the 2010 volleyball season. “Cal U had so many different options … and everyone there was so receptive and trying to help you in one way or another,” she recalled. “I keep in touch with my teammates. We all understood that volleyball was not forever, and we’ve gone to be successful, which directly relates back to our time at Cal U.” Shortly after graduation, Silva Gray accepted a position with Anova Healthcare System, which provides home health and hospice services. Today, she is the company’s director of Administrative Services and Human Resources. Her achievements earned her a place among the New Pittsburgh Courier’s “Fab 40” in 2019. Silva Gray is still on the court, albeit on the sidelines. She has coached Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball since 2012; she’s currently head coach for the sports club’s 17 Elite national team. “Coaching has been very rewarding, especially when you see players go to college,” Silva Gray said. “Whether it’s my players or employees at work, I always tell them to step out of their comfort zone and engage.” Renata and her husband, Donald Gray III, live in Pittsburgh. “Now I am able to help my family back in Brazil,” she said. “I will always be grateful to Cal U.”
The California Journal is published by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Geraldine M. Jones University President Dr. Bruce Barnhart Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Nancy Pinardi Vice President for Student Affairs Christine Kindl Vice President for Communications and Marketing
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Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance Anthony Mauro Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations
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