April 4, 2012 - Cal U Journal (Flash)

California University

VOLUME 14, NUMBER 10 APRIL 2, 2012 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal

‘Mr. McFeely’ Plans Visit Today t’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood.

Today, David Newell, also known as Mr. McFeely of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, is bringing his “speedy delivery” message to children in California Borough, as well as to Cal U students and the campus community.

Members of the Manderino Library staff have arranged a daylong series of educational outreach events, including a storytelling stop at The Village preschool and child care center at The Center in the Woods, and classroom visits for grades 3-4 and an assembly for children in grades K-2 at California Area Elementary School.

Newell also will discuss media, education and other topics with Cal U students and other members of the campus community. He will meet with them at 3:30 p.m. in Room 208, Manderino Library.

At some of his stops, Newell will be accompanied by Purple Panda and puppets from the TV show.

The activities wrap up with a special presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. tonight in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Newell will introduce Speedy Delivery, a 70-minute documentary about his current work — traveling around the world as Mr. McFeely to share Fred Rogers’ message.

He will address the audience before and after the film, appearing in character for part of the talk. A question-and-answer session is planned.

The special presentation in Steele Hall is open to the public. Admission

I

Dr. Carol Bocetti is pictured with a Kirtland’s warbler, an endangered songbird species. She has been honored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a 2011 Recovery Champion for her efforts to restore and protect the species.

Efforts to Save Songbird Honored r. Carol Bocetti, an associate professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, has been honored as a 2011 Recovery Champion by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The award recognizes agency employees and partners who have made outstanding efforts to conserve and protect endangered and threatened species of fish, wildlife and plants.

Bocetti leads the recovery team for an endangered songbird species, the Kirtland’s warbler, a 5- to 6-inch bird found only in Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Bocetti’s research and recovery initiatives have been a key factor in the growth of the warbler population from near record lows of about 200 pairs during the mid1980s to the current estimate of more than 1,700 pairs, surpassing recovery goals, the Fish and Wildlife Service reported.

Her research also documented the link between the size of jack pine stands — the warbler’s nesting habitat — and warbler productivity.

— Continued on page 2

D

David Newell, who portrayed Mr. McFeely on the children’s television show ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,’ will cap off a series of presentations with a talk from 6:30­8:30 p.m. tonight in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.

is free, and Newell will sign autographs afterward.

In addition to his role as Mr. McFeely — the messenger whose catchphrase was a cheery “Speedy delivery!” — Newell was in charge of production for 130 episodes of the award-winning children’s television show created by Fred Rogers.

He continues to serve as public relations director for The Fred Rogers Co., created to build on Rogers’ legacy through a wide variety of media and to engage new generations of children and families with the timeless wisdom of Mister Rogers.

“I had the good fortune to meet David Newell in fall 2010, and I was struck by his genuine interest in — Continued on page 3

‘Leadership Day’ Program Set for April 10 ll students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join special guests from the community and around the country at a Leadership Day presentation from 11 a.m.-noon April 10 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.

Speakers including University President Angelo Armenti, Jr., faculty members and students will address the Cal U Leader for Life process and outline progress toward achieving Lighthouse University status.

In August, Cal U was named the world’s first Franklin Covey Leadership University in recognition of its efforts to incorporate leadership principles into teaching, learning and campus life.

Since then, students have begun participating in the campus-wide leadership development process based on the principles outlined in Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s bestselling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

A

All students are eligible for the process. It will be available for faculty and staff members later this spring.

“Leadership Day is one of the criteria that will enable Cal U to achieve Lighthouse University status,” said Ron Paul, executive director of the Character Education Institute. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the University show the progress we have made with the Leader for Life process thus far.”

Students can document their participation in the Leader for Life process on their Activities Transcript. Those who complete the Leader for Life courses, attend Leadership Forums, meet with a Career Services adviser and complete a capstone project can earn the Leader for Life certificate and a graduation cord.

To learn more about the Leader for Life process, access courses or register for the “7 Habits” online program, look for the “Leader for Life” button at www.calu.edu .

Cal U carpenter Greg Phillippi hangs a new ‘Leader for Life’ banner on campus as the University prepares for a Leadership Day presentation April 10 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.

Provost, Student Among Speakers at ‘College Bound’ Conference Cal U contingent of administrators, staff and student members of Cal U Men United recently traveled to a conference aimed at addressing the challenges minority males face in higher education.

“Black, Brown & College Bound 2012: Meeting the Challenge of Higher Education” was held Feb. 29-March 3 in Tampa, Fla. This year’s topic was “And Still We Rise: Turning Hurdles into Triumphs for African American and Latino Males.”

Provost Geraldine Jones, a Cal U Men United adviser, participated in a presidential panel discussion where she addressed some of the communications strategies Cal U uses to increase admission and retention rates. These include Cal U Fusion, as well as official University Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Graduate student Anthony Kane, president of Cal U Men United, participated in a student panel discussion on topics such as retention rates, the judicial system, social media, and what panelists wished they had known about college before they started.

“I focused on how clubs and other programs can help you in and outside the classroom,” Kane said. “It was very well received. The moderator said it was one of the best he had been a part of.”

Chase Loper, vice president of Cal U Men United, moderated a student networking dinner. Cal U Men United treasurer Greg Bryant and members Bradley Wiggins and Justin James also attended the conference.

Others Cal U Men United advisory board members attending were Dr. Lisa McBride, special assistant to the President for EEEO; Eric Tarpley, assistant director of

A

Dr. Stephen Hawk will be among the guest clinicians at the 30th annual California Jazz Experience April 10­12.

Jazz Event Ends With ’Burgh Big Band Show performance by the ’Burgh Big Band will wrap up the 30th annual California Jazz Experience, three days of master classes and jazz performances in Gallagher and Morgan Halls.

Dubbed CJE XXX, the event will bring high school and middle school jazz bands to campus April 10-12 for performances and master classes with guest jazz artists. In addition, clinicians will work with students on sight-reading skills and prepared pieces.

Young musicians from area school districts will attend.

Among the guest clinicians is Dr. Stephen Hawk, professor of music at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, where he instructs the trumpet studio and directs both the jazz studies program and the Jazz Ensemble I. A freelance trumpeter, Hawk is an active performer in the Pittsburgh area. He is a principal trumpet with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Broadway Orchestra, The MCG Big Band, the Three Rivers Jazz Orchestra (of which he is the co-leader and founder) and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. He also pursues orchestral and solo opportunities.

Hawk has directed 10 of Pennsylvania’s 12 District Jazz Festivals, as well as the Pennsylvania All State Jazz Ensemble.

Jim Sheppard will serve as the sight reading clinician, along with Dr. Marty Sharer, Cal U’s associate director of bands.

As a long-time CJE clinician and private studio teacher, Sheppard has helped dozens of school-based jazz ensembles gain a greater understanding of sight-reading jazz charts. He is a freelance woodwind artist in the Pittsburgh area and performs with many swing bands, including the ‘Burgh Big Band, of which he is co-leader.

Students will give a “Pop A Cappella” concert at 8 p.m. April 10 in Morgan Hall Learning Resource Center Auditorium, and the Cal U Jazz Ensemble will perform in Morgan Hall at 8 p.m. April 11. Lunchtime concerts will be performed at the Natali Student Center during CJE XXX. The Jazz Experience will close with a performance by the ’Burgh Big Band at 8 p.m. April 12 in Morgan Hall.

All concerts are free and open to the public, as well as the campus community.

For more information, e-mail Dr. Yugo Ikach at ikach@calu.edu or call the Department of Music at 724-938-4878.

A

2

Alisha Carter, from the Office of Social Equity, and Anthony Kane, Cal U Men United president, enjoy a moment at the ‘Black, Brown & College Bound 2012: Meeting the Challenge of Higher Education’ conference recently held in Tampa, Fla.

admissions; Dr. Gwen Perry-Burney, associate professor in the Department of Social Work; and Alisha Carter, from the Office of Social Equity, who is also the SAI adviser for the group.

Kenny Rogers Tickets Still Available ood seats are still available for Kenny Rogers, appearing live in concert April 20 at the Convocation Center.

The three-time Grammy Award winner will perform as Cal U celebrates the Grand Opening of the Convocation Center. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. with performances by Grammy Award-winning contemporary country music star Billy Dean and singer/songwriter Andy Gibson, one of Nashville’s brightest young talents.

Rogers is the legendary voice behind hits such as “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Lucille,” “Coward of the County” and “Islands in the Stream.”

In addition to his Grammys, Rogers has won 11 People’s Choice Awards, 18 American Music Awards, eight Academy of Country Music awards and five Country Music Association awards. Two of his albums, “The Gambler”

G

and “Kenny,” are featured in the About.com poll of The 200 Most Influential Country Albums Ever.

Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at ticketmaster.com, or at the Convocation Center Box Office, open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. To charge by phone, call 1-800-745-3000.

The Grand Opening festivities are scheduled to begin with a 3 p.m. ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony in front of the building. A free Community Celebration of Music will be held from 4-7 p.m. in the Convocation Center Courtyard. Performers scheduled to appear include Cal U alumna and Nashville performer Amber McDonald, and Brother Jeep and the Old Shoes Band, featuring Cal U police officer George “Jeep” Kyle.

For more information and links to Ticketmaster and Rogers’ music, visit www.calu.edu .

Award Honors Efforts to Save Songbird — Continued from page 1 “Thanks to Dr. Bocetti’s leadership and dedication, Kirtland’s warblers are making strides toward recovery,” said Tom Melius, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Midwest regional director.

“That is a remarkable achievement for a species that was once on the brink of extinction.”

A member of the Kirtland’s warbler recovery team since 1998, Bocetti became the team leader in 2006.

Working with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others, she spearheaded efforts to develop a conservation strategy and commitment to managing habitat, a significant step toward recovery and long-term conservation of the species.

Bocetti says the nomination by her Fish and Wildlife Services colleagues came as a surprise, and she is honored by her selection for the award.

“It means so much to me to be

A Kirtland’s warbler is banded as part of the effort to restore the songbird popu­ lation.

recognized for my leadership on this amazing journey toward de-listing a conservation-reliant species,” she said.

“I share this award with all the dedicated, innovative partners who have contributed to this effort. I have not accomplished anything on my own! I simply took the reins from a visionary group of conservationists who started the recovery effort, and along with a phenomenal crew, steered the ship toward this new conservation horizon.”

Nationwide, 56 teams and nine individuals were honored as Recovery Champions for work to conserve species ranging from the polar bear in Alaska to the Appalachian elktoe mussel and spotfin chub in North Carolina.

Bocetti spent 18 years as a researcher in the field of conservation biology and wildlife ecology before coming to Cal U in 2004.

In addition to her work with the Kirtland’s warbler, she has been involved since 1995 in a project to promote the recovery of another endangered species, the Delmarva fox squirrel.

At Cal U, she has taught environmental science courses for nonmajors and courses in wildlife management, ornithology, mammalogy, and natural resource law and policy to majors in the fisheries and wildlife concentration.

She regularly leads field experiences for students, and calls mentoring in the classroom and in the field “the highlight of my professional life.”

TEAC Tops Medal Count at Conference al U topped the medals count at competitions involving technology education students from across the country.

Twenty-nine Cal U students traveled to Long Beach, Calif., last month for the Technology Education Collegiate Association (TECA) International Conference.

The conference is held annually in conjunction with the International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA) conference, the largest technology conference in the world.

Cal U’s delegation represented the Technology Education Association of California (TEAC), a professional organization for students majoring in technology education.

The group was one of 49 teams from 14 universities competing in seven events.

Despite competing against mostly larger schools, TEAC came home with second-place awards in the Problem Solving and Transportation contests, and third-place finishes in the Communication, Manufacturing, Robotics and Tech Challenge contests.

Cal U’s six medals were the most won by any single school.

For the eighth time in nine years, TEAC was honored with the Outstanding Chapter Award, presented to an institution that displays exemplary activity in chapter service, professional activities and activities that promote technology education.

“It says a lot about the program we have here, and the fact that we made the conversion early on to technology

C

education from industrial arts,” said Dr. Mark Nowak, a professor in the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology.

“There are still a lot of programs out there that are fairly traditional industrial arts programs, so we really have a distinct advantage when we compete against those schools.”

Nowak supervised the student delegation at the conference. Dr. Laura Hummel assisted with their preconference preparation.

“We also attract a strong class of students here, and many professors from other universities commented to me on what a very respectful, professional group of students we have,” Nowak added.

Competing at the conference were Marissa Averell, Christopher Avvampato, Gregory Arabia, Adam Benson, Cody Buterbaugh, Zachary Cowher, Nicholas Green, Jesse Heubel, Samuel Karas, Anthony Mannarino, Andrew Marra, Aaron Miles, Kelly O’Neil, Jacob Palo, Todd Pesavento, Jacob Pistner, Matthew Plummer, David Poore, Brandon Ruby, Brent Ruby, Adam Rudderow, Richard Smocheck, Megan Smosna, Scott Somerville, Greg Sovek, Carly Swank, Robert Thomas, Zachary Wood and Aaron Zimmerman.

In other TECA and conference news: • Junior Andrew Marra completed his term as recorder for TECA and was installed as the organization’s vice president for next year.

• Brian Pesavento, TEAC vice president, was awarded the national

Andrew Marra (right), a Cal U junior, receives a plaque from Zachary Pixler, of Fort Hayes (Kan.) State, at the TECA conference. Marra succeeds Pixler as the organization’s vice president.

TECA Outstanding Chapter Service Award. The second-highest award given

by TECA, it is presented for dedication to academic achievement, involvement of significant merit in ITEEA/TECA affairs, and professional development at the chapter level.

• Nowak gave a presentation at the conference titled “Bio-Related Technology: Activities to Reach the Standards.”

• During the conference, a display table highlighted Cal U’s graduate and undergraduate technology education programs. In all, students manning the tables received more than 100 job offers from school administrators in Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, Ohio and California.

“Our students saw firsthand that there are certainly jobs available, and these schools are looking specifically for Cal U graduates,” Nowak said.

Bestselling Author Offers ‘Naked’ Advice on Dating uthor Harlan Cohen had some “naked” advice for Cal U students: Be comfortable and straightforward when you’re dating or in a relationship.

A New York Times bestselling author and nationally syndicated advice columnist, Cohen spoke frankly to nearly 300 students March 21 in the Performance Center.

His interactive talk was part of the University’s celebration of Women’s History Month.

Cohen is the author of Naked Dating: Five Steps to Finding the Love of Your Life (While Fully Clothed and Totally Sober), which will be released later this month.

He also has written The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College.

Often leaving the stage to mingle with the audience during his presentation, Cohen asked the students many questions about their own dating habits and relationships before answering their queries.

He suggested they embrace the fact that rejection is inevitable, question situations that make them uncomfortable, accept no excuses, take prudent risks and celebrate their sexuality.

A

Bestselling author Harlan Cohen signs autographs for Cal U students following his March 21 presentation in the Performance Center.

Cohen urged the students to eliminate “unneeded drama” by speaking up when they feel uncomfortable and questioning relationships that fall short.

“Most people don’t see all the options that are out there,” he said. “Excuses are just things people create to cover the insecurities we have.”

He offered simple but sound advice

for those in an abusive relationship.

“You may be treated badly once. The second time, say good-bye.”

Virginia Tinkey, a sophomore in the athletic training program, said she enjoyed Cohen’s presentation.

“It was certainly entertaining, and he made a lot of good points,” she said.

“The way he got the audience involved made his presentation interesting.”

Nancy Skobel, associate dean of Student Affairs and Leadership, and Dr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for Student Affairs, both offered remarks at the Women’s History Month Banquet, which was held earlier in the evening at the Convocation Center, with Cohen as the guest of honor.

Skobel thanked the students in the audience who participated in the annual performance of The Vagina Monologues and who are members of “i am that girl,” a group that creates a positive, supportive community of women.

Angelone acknowledged the Women’s Center and the Women’s Studies programs on campus.

“As we do the serious work concerning women’s issues, remember to have fun and take care of each other, too.”

‘Mr. McFeely’ to Visit Cal U Neighborhood Today — Continued from page 1 children’s media and the message that he and Fred Rogers helped to promote on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” said Ryan Sittler, an assistant professor of instructional technology and an information literacy librarian at Manderino Library.

“I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and thought that others might wish to share in the

experience — especially other fans of the show.”

Sittler quickly discovered that Mr. McFeely has fans both on campus and in the community.

“It would be an understatement to say that people became very excited by this opportunity,” he said. “The event grew from a one-hour lecture to a full-day affair that will benefit the campus and surrounding community.”

Cal U students and other members of the campus

community may participate in a discussion with David Newell from 3:30-4:30 p.m. today in Room 208, Manderino Library.

They also may attend the special “Speedy Delivery” presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. tonight in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Admission is free and open to the public.

Visitor parking is available in Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance.

3

Intramural Teams Score Big Wins or the first time in school history, an intramural women’s basketball team from Cal U will compete in a NIRSA national championship.

The National IntramuralRecreational Sports Association held a regional tournament in its National Campus Championship Series last month at The Ohio State University.

For the first time, the lineup included two intramural basketball teams — one men’s and one women’s — representing Cal U. Based on their strong performance, the women’s team received an at-large bid to the NIRSA National Championships, set for April 13-15 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

NIRSA is the leading resource for professional and student development, education and research in collegiate recreational sports. Members of NIRSA are actively involved in campus life beyond sports, including student leadership and personnel management.

Playing for the Cal U women’s team were Bria Jones, Chaunice Lightfoot, Rachael McDaniel, Syvae McDaniel, Laura Montecalvo, Davida Penn, Alyse Washington and Ashley Washington.

McDaniel and Montecalvo were selected to the women’s regional alltournament team. McDaniel also won the three-point shootout in the skills competition.

The men’s team consisted of Josh

F

Kristen Orrett won an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, which is presented to student­athletes in their final year of intercollegiate athletic competition who excel academically and athletically.

Orrett Scores Scholarship occer player Kristen Orrett is one of just 58 student-athletes to be awarded an NCAA postgraduate scholarship for Fall 2011 competition.

The scholarship is presented to student-athletes in their final year of intercollegiate athletic competition who excel academically and athletically. It was created in 1964 to promote postgraduate education and now awards 174 scholarships annually (87 women, 87 men).

Orrett, a senior defender from Pickering, Ontario, will receive $7,500 to use for graduate school expenses before August 2015.

She plans to pursue a master's degree in history.

This spring Orrett will complete an undergraduate degree in secondary education, with a concentration in social studies. She has a 3.948 cumulative grade-point average.

A four-year starter and a two-time allconference selection, Orrett received firstteam all-region honors last fall, as well as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Champion Scholar Award.

A three-time academic all-district selection, Orrett was also a 2011 Capital One First-Team Academic All-American.

During her collegiate soccer career, Orrett helped the Vulcans compiled a 6913-10 cumulative record and last fall’s team won the program's first PSAC Championship and made its second appearance in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals in three years.

S

Cal U’s Rachael McDaniel (right) and Laura Montecalvo display their all­tournament trophies with Ohio State’s Justina Owens (left) and Kelly Pohlman after helping Cal U reach the regional championship and earn a bid to the NIRSA National Championship Tournament.

Arnold, Dante Clark, Edwin Colwell, Joshua Johnson, Teddy Maloney, Miles Porter, Jordan Ruggiero, Nicholas Thomas, Evan Scott, Andre Twyman and Bradley Wiggins.

Thomas was named to the men’s regional all-tournament team.

They’re not the only ones having fun on the basketball court. In all, 470 students participated in intramural basketball last season at Cal U. “I think intramurals is fun because there’s really not any pressure, even though we obviously want to do well,” said Montecalvo, who is pursuing her master’s degree in school counseling and also plays intramural football.

“We’re excited to be going to

Nationals. We’ll give our best and see what happens.”

Cal U and Bloomsburg were the only PASSHE schools that had teams competing in the NIRSA series, said Tom Hasbrouck, assistant director of Recreational Services and the acting coach for both teams.

“Our intramural teams competed primarily against club athletic teams with paid coaches. They came from all over the region, most from premier Division 1 schools,” he said. “This was a significant accomplishment by our students, and many people took notice of their success.

This also reflects greatly on our intramural programs at Cal and shows we can compete against any school.”

Snow Club Assists Special Olympics upporting a good cause while enjoying a couple of days on the slopes, Cal U’s Snow Club ventured to Hidden Valley Resort last month to help with Special Olympics.

Club members officiated at downhill skiing events during the 2012 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games. More than 300 athletes and 135 coaches from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia competed in this qualifying event for the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round training and competition in 22 Olympic-type sports to more than 20,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities.

“This was the first time the Snow Club has volunteered with these winter games and we plan to do this again in the future,” said club adviser Bill Meloy, the research and electronic collections librarian at Manderino Library. “Interacting with the Special Olympians was a gratifying experience, and just like many other campus organizations, the Snow Club is looking for ways to do community service.”

S

Enjoying a break from their officiating duties at Hidden Valley Resort are Snow Club members (from left) Lindsey Gray, Breanna Blose, Sam Gerger, Dave Constance, Zachary Yelenik, Josh Caton and club adviser Bill Meloy.

Big Apple Trip Scheduled for April 13­14 n overnight bus trip to New York City on April 13-14 will raise funds for the Annie “MAC” (Master Any Challenge) Malkowiak Scholarship fund.

A bus will depart from in the back of Hamer Hall at 11 p.m. April 13 and leave New York City at 7 p.m. April 14.

Participants will have about 12 hours to enjoy cultural events

A

and dining in the city. Riders are urged to bring pillows and other travel comforts. Prizes will be given away during the trip.

Cost is $85 per seat. For more information, e-mail malkowiak@calu.edu. Make checks payable to “The Foundation for Cal U” and mail them to: Annie “MAC” Bus Trip, P.O. Box 668, California, PA 15419.

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

Sharon Navoney Interim Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Geraldine M. Jones Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance

Christine Kindl Editor

Dr. Lenora Angelone Vice President for Student Affairs

Craig Butzine Vice President for Marketing and University Relations

Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers

Office of Communications and Public Relations

250 University Avenue

California, PA 15419

724-938-4195

wald@calu.edu