Cal U Journal - April 18, 2011

California University

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 13 APRIL 18, 2011

Board OKs Degree in Arabic Language, Culture

T Dead Prez will be featured at a ‘Tribute to the 5 Elements of Hip-hop’ Thursday at Jozarts Studio on Second Street.

Hip-hop Conference Set

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uthor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, beat box originator Doug E. Fresh and socially and politically charged artists Dead Prez will headline the sixth annual hip-hop conference Tuesday through Friday at California University of Pennsylvania.

This year’s conference explores Meta-narratives, Violence and Social Responsibility embedded in hip-hop culture. The keynote panel, appearing at 3 p.m. Friday in the Performance Center, includes: • Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, an American Book Award winner, TV commentator and Georgetown University professor who has been called “the ideal public intellectual of our time” and “a street fighter in a suit and tie.” In addition to books on Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, this dynamic speaker’s books include Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur and Know What I Mean? Reflections on Hip-hop.

• Doug E. Fresh, originator of the human beat box — vocally simulating the sound of drums and other instruments. A performer, actor and host of “It’s Showtime” at the Apollo Theater in New York, he is an

activist who has fought against racism, illiteracy, police brutality and homelessness around the world.

Hip-hop artists Dead Prez will be featured at a “Tribute to the 5 Elements of Hip-hop” from 4-7 p.m.

Thursday at Jozarts Studio on Second Street, just blocks from the Cal U campus. University art students and DJ Source & the Sonik Professor also will perform.

Additional conference sessions explore the language of hip-hop, West African connections to hip-hop culture, and the film Good Hair, which will be shown at 11 a.m.

Tuesday in Room 103, Duda Hall.

For a complete schedule Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and more information, visit www.calu.edu . All events are free and open to the public. Visitor parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance.

Mandell Receives Lifetime Honor

Contracts for President, Chancellor Extended

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he Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) voted unanimously earlier this month to extend the contract of Chancellor John C. Cavanaugh and 11 PASSHE university presidents, including Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr., through June 30, 2014.

Appointed Cal U’s sixth president on May 19, 1992, Dr. Armenti is president of PASSHE’s Commission of Presidents. He is the longest tenured president among the leaders of Pennsylvania’s 14 state-owned universities.

Under his leadership, Cal U’s enrollment has increased for 13 consecutive years.

“Rather than move to a maintenance — Continued on page 2

he Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has approved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arabic language and culture that will be taught by faculty at California University and offered online to students at all 14 PASSHE universities.

Students who enroll in the unique program will take the 30 credits required for the Arabic major from Cal U. They will be able to complete their general education requirements and electives at their home campus.

The new degree in Arabic language and culture responds to a critical need. Federal agencies require people who understand the Arabic culture and who can speak, read and write the Arabic language.

Several agencies consider it their top priority. The FBI, for example, places Arabic at the top of its list relative to its ability to translate all critical foreign language material. The Department of State identifies the need for individuals trained in Arabic as “super critical.”

It is particularly important for Americans to be trained in Arabic languages because the U.S. government does not provide security clearance to foreign nationals.

“California University is excited about the program and proud to be the flagship institution offering a degree in Arabic language and culture to PASSHE students,” said Dr. John Cencich.

The dean of the university’s School of Graduate Studies and Research, Cencich also oversees all of Cal U’s Global Online programs.

“We look forward to collaborating with the 13 — Continued on page 3

Michele M. Mandell speaks to an audience in the Performance Center on April 8. She is the first female recipient of Cal U’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

lady of firsts, Michele M. Mandell ’69 became the first female recipient of Cal U’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the fifth annual Cal Pride Weekend festivities.

“Not only her achievements but the values she incorporates are really quite extraordinary,” said President Angelo Armenti, Jr., who presented the award April 8 at the Kara Alumni House.

“They serve as a testament to her character and a shining example to those she has met in her lifetime. At Cal U she has contributed her time, talent and treasure in so many ways.”

Mandell retired in 2009 after 26 years with Talbots, a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of women’s classic clothing, shoes and accessories.

Starting as a store manager in Pittsburgh, she assumed steadily increasing positions of responsibility — and broke a series of gender barriers — until she became the company’s first female executive vice president in January 2003.

In that role Mandell was responsible for Talbots’ entire — Continued on page 3

Message to Scholars: ‘Keep Learning’

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eflecting on her journey from the Mon Valley to a distinguished career in both the military and the legal profession, Col. Patricia J. McDaniel ’77 encouraged about 1,500 Presidential Scholars to continue building on their education.

The first African-American woman to join the Army ROTC program at Cal U, McDaniel retired after more than 31 years of active and reserve service. A past judge advocate, she is currently a procurement attorney with the Department of Veterans Affairs, specializing in information technology acquisitions.

“Be dedicated to a lifetime of learning and enrichment that you have begun here at Cal U,” she told the scholars. “This is the intellectual capital that you will build on for the rest of your life. Take personal responsibility for continuing your education, because world is changing fast.”

Before she retired, McDaniel was mobilized for a year to serve as chief of the U.S. Army Trial Defense Service, where she supervised more than 300 judge advocates.

“When you are in charge of others, encourage creativity and don’t dismiss unorthodox ideas,” she said.

“Transformative ideas are controversial almost by definition and often begin with inadequate evidence. Intuition and imagination can be as important as analysis and evidence.”

McDaniel said her ROTC instructors at Cal U embraced her participation in all aspects of training,

Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. and Col. Patricia J. McDaniel ’77 enjoy a moment in the Kara Alumni House before the 2011 Honors Convocation.

and her history professors were excellent mentors who encouraged her to pursue her academic dreams. Along with her bachelor’s degree from Cal U, McDaniel also holds three master’s

degrees and a Juris Doctor degree.

The military has awarded her the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation

Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge, among other decorations.

McDaniel said she had planned on becoming a history teacher until Cal U helped her realize she had other options.

“My experience at ROTC here expanded my horizons and my vision of myself to such an extent that it was completely transformative,” she said.

“My liberal arts education prepared me to think critically and continually challenge myself.

“In short, Cal U provided me the solid basis for my career and my future.”

Preceding McDaniel’s keynote address were comments by Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. Before briefly explaining Cal U’s history and its Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, he explained the purpose of the honors convocation.

“We gather here to recognize California University’s very best students for their academic achievements,” the President said. “In doing so, we seek to provide both reward and incentive — reward for your past efforts and achievements, and incentive to continue working hard for even greater future achievements.”

In all, 400 undergraduate and graduate students were honored at the convocation. In addition to meeting other requirements, Presidential Scholars must maintain a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher.

Borough Makes Spring Cleaning Easier for Students Collections of household items, recyclables planned

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Shaeliyah (left) and Kieron Clendaniel proudly display the latest kidswear at the Red & Black Affair Extraordinaire.

Red & Black Raises Scholarship Funds

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ute kids stole the spotlight at the fifth annual Red & Black Affair Extraordinaire, a fashion show and luncheon held April 3 in the Performance Center.

The event — always a sell-out — raised more than $20,000 for the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Over the past five years the event has added about $100,000 to the fund.

This year’s Red & Black Affair showcased women’s fashions from Personalized Colors and kidswear from Descendants, both of Greensburg, Pa The event was organized by Cal U’s First Lady, Barbara Armenti, and co-chair Rosemary Bucchianieri ’69, with Linda ’64 and Harry Serene ’65 as honorary co-chairs.

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“Spring Clean Up” conducted by California Borough Council and County Hauling aims to bring the semester to a tidier and more environmentally friendly close.

Students are encouraged to participate in the enhanced cleanup and recycling effort during exam week and the week that follows. The program includes free curbside pickup of household items May 2-5 and May 9-12, in addition to regular Friday garbage pickups on May 6 and May 13 in California Borough.

Residential recyclables may be dropped off May 4-6 in the borough parking lot on Second Street. Electronic items also will be collected for recycling on May 4 in the borough lot. There is no fee for dropping off recyclables and electronics.

John McGarvey, manager of County Hauling Corp. of Belle Vernon, said the program is intended to promote electronic recycling and improve the borough’s appearance during the time when many students are vacating their off-campus residences.

“Everyone wants a clean and attractive community,” he said. “We hope students take advantage of this program. This should really help keep the area cleaner and even safer.”

Residential recyclables include metal cans, glass bottles, newspapers and glossy inserts. No magazines or telephone books will be collected.

There is no need to sort the recyclables, but all containers should be emptied and rinsed well before recycling.

All electronic equipment will be accepted, unless it contains radioactive, biohazard or other hazardous waste. Items such as computer monitors and hard drives, CD players, cell phones, VCRs, microwave ovens and laptop computers will be accepted.

“It’s important to get the word out about this,” said Barry Niccolai, Cal U’s dean for residence and off-campus student life. “With strong participation, this project will go a long way to enhance our community and promote green initiatives.”

For more information about the program, contact County Hauling at 724-929-7694.

PASSHE Extends Contracts — Continued from page 1 mode of operation, he continues to energetically and enthusiastically improve this University,” said Leo Krantz, chairman of Cal U’s Council of Trustees. “I believe this University is very fortunate to have President Armenti at the helm.”

Chancellor Cavanaugh was appointed to lead the State System in July 2008. During his nearly three-year tenure, the PASSHE universities have

experienced record enrollment growth and an increase in programs accredited by professional organizations.

“Through his focus on student success, Dr. Cavanaugh … has emerged as one of the leading voices in higher education in the Commonwealth,” said Marie Conley, chair of the Board’s Human Resources Committee. “(He) also has positioned the State System universities as the educational institutions of choice in the Commonwealth.”

Campus BRIEFS Academic Excellence Days

Hundreds of children are expected to participate in the Pike Run Fishing Festival on Saturday to try their luck at landing a trophy fish.

Kids Fish for Free at Festival

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oung anglers can try their luck at the 16th annual Pike Run Youth Fishing Festival, set for 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 23 at Rotary Park, off Route 88 (Third Street) in California.

The free event is open to boys and girls ages 15 and younger. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult.

Participants may bring their own fishing gear, or they can borrow equipment from a Cal U student volunteer as part of the state Fish and Boat Commission’s Borrow-A-Rod-and-Reel program.

The Pike Run Fishing Festival Committee will stock the stream with nearly 800 rainbow, brook and golden trout, some as big as 24 inches. As it has done in the past, the committee will provide entertainment and food for the event.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. Besides excellent fishing, participants can look forward to family-friendly games, raffles, fishing contests and many other activities.

The festival closes with a weigh-in, prizes and the awarding of trophies.

Youngsters are encouraged to help stock the stream at 2 p.m. April 22, the official date of Earth Day 2011.

The fishing festival is co-sponsored by Cal U’s Student Government, the Department of Earth Sciences’ parks and recreation program and the Cal U Eco Learning Community, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the California Rotary Club, the Borough of California and the California Borough Recreation Authority.

Dr. John Confer, the faculty adviser for this event, says the festival has attracted as many as 200 youths in each of the past five years.

“Everyone involved in the event learns about environmental stewardship,” said of the Cal U Earth Sciences Department.

In addition to introducing children to fishing, “this is excellent experience in community involvement for the college students who work the event,” he said.

For more information, call Confer at 724-938-4211, send e-mail to confer@calou.edu or visit the Pike Run Youth Fishing Festival Facebook page or website, http://workforce.calu.edu/confer/PRYFF .

Board Approves Arabic Degree

To showcase the talents of faculty and students, the Faculty Professional Development Committee will present the fifth annual Academic Excellence Days this Wednesday and Thursday.

This year’s theme is “The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.”

A variety of activities designed to stimulate academic excellence will take place from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day in the Performance Center. Dozens of faculty and student presentations will be given during the two-day event.

Attendees will have the opportunity to win a USB flash drive at every presentation.

In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to win an iPad that will be given away each day.

Cal U vocal groups will perform from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, and student artwork will be on display both days.

For more information and each day’s schedule, contact the FPDC office at 724-938-4505 or e-mail fpdc@calu.edu .

Pick Your Favorite Robot ‘Hits’ Visit the Cal U homepage, www.calu.edu , to see highlights from the BotsIQ competition held on campus earlier this month and to rank the robot clashes.

BotsIQ asks students to design and build robots that meet one-on-one in a gladiatorstyle contest. Supported by industry partners, the contest builds skills in science, math, engineering and technology.

Visitors can vote for their Top 10 favorite robot “hits” once a day through April 29.

Read the Journal The online Journal is easier to read! Just click on “News” at the top of the Cal U homepage, www.calu.edu , then choose “Cal U Journal” to see the current edition in its new format or review past editions from 2011.

Mandell Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

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other PASSHE universities, and to working with the U.S. State Department, the Department of Justice and other state and local agencies that have identified Arabic as a critical language,” he said.

The online degree program also is appropriate for individuals who wish to work within Arab-American communities, or who have friends or business colleagues in the Middle East. In addition, Cencich anticipates interest from secondgeneration Arab-Americans who wish to learn more about their family’s language and culture.

Odeese Khalil, who currently teaches Arabic I and Arabic II in faceto-face classes at Cal U, developed the program and will serve as program Odeese Khalil coordinator. A native speaker of Arabic, she also will teach courses in the new program, which is expected to begin in the Fall 2011 semester.

The curriculum will follow the guidelines of the American Council for Teaching of Foreign Language, providing students with the foundation to become certified interpreters.

Partnerships also have been established with two international universities, including the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, to further expand learning opportunities for students who enroll in the program.

retail stores operation, including sales volume in excess of $1.5 billion, profitability, merchandise presentation and human resource development.

A frequent speaker at business conferences throughout the country, Mandell has delivered talks at the National Retail Federation, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the Harvard Business School, where she also completed a program for senior executives.

Nevertheless, “receiving this award will always be one of my greatest achievements,” Mandell said. “I am proud to say there’s no place like home – and that’s here at Cal U. I am so grateful for this honor.”

In a special address delivered to students, alumni, family members and other well-wishers in the Performance Center, Mandell said her Cal U experience and her family’s support were the foundation of her success.

“I embraced my studies in liberal arts full force,” she said. “My degree gave me a broad base of knowledge and the confidence that I could succeed.”.

Growing up with three “lttle brothers” helped her to advance in a male-dominated workplace, Mandell added.

“It was very challenging for women in the late 1960s and ‘70s. The world was very different.

Usually, women didn’t go into the operations and

financial end of the business. They became buyers or merchants, which are wonderful careers. But I wanted the nuts-and-bolts component. I’d like to think I helped pave the way for women moving into executive positions at Talbots.”

In fact, the current President/CEO of Talbots is Trudy F. Sullivan, a woman Mandell described as “a dear friend.”

At Cal U, Mandell has been a strong proponent of gender equity, both within the faculty and especially in athletics.

“Gender equity has always been near and dear to my heart,” she said. “Gender should never factor into the equation of talent, ability and opportunity.

“In every element of your life, it’s your integrity and your ethics that define you,” she told the audience. “We are most defined not by what we do but by who we are. As Abraham Lincoln said, ‘Whatever you are, be a good one.’”

Since leaving Talbots, Mandell said she is enjoying “Act II” of her career, which includes work as a retail consultant. She also is secretary of the board of directors for the Foundation for California University and a member of the Board of Presidential Advisors.

“Regardless of how the next acts in my life unfold, there will always be a commitment to Cal U and it will always be a big part of my life,” she said. “We must give back in recognition of all we have been afforded.”

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THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM

THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM April 19, 2011 4:00 p.m, LRC Auditorium TENTATIVE AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA IV. MINUTES OF MARCH 15, 2011 (Approved by e-mail ballot – refer to Forum website or Public Folders in Outlook) V. MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Informational Only – Minutes of April 5, 2011) VI. PRESIDING OFFICER’S REPORT A. Miscellaneous Information Forum Meeting dates 2011/2012: September 6, 2011 October 4, 2011 November 1, 2011 December 6, 2011 January 24, 2012 February 21, 2012 March 20, 2012 April 17, 2012 B. Notice of Executive Committee Meeting: August 30, 2011 – University Community Welcome VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS VIII. INTERPELLATION MOTION: That the Forum extends its gratitude to the students who served on the Forum – Brittany Balaz, Jessica Bettilyon, Alexandra Brooks, Jacqueline Davis, Candice Kmetz, Darla Kurnal, Sarah Scholar, Marguerite Smith, Cory Stoner, Mike Wagner, Taylor Williams – whose service to the Forum will end with this meeting.

IX. NEW BUSINESS X. ANNOUNCEMENTS Next FORUM Meeting September 6, 2011 XI. ADJOURNMENT

MARCH 15, 2011 / 4:00 p.m., LRC Auditorium APPROVED MINUTES The California University Forum met in regular session Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in the LRC Auditorium.

Presiding Officer Hoover called the meeting order at 4:05 p.m.

The following senators were in attendance: Dr. Lenora Angelone Ms. Brittany Balaz Dr. Bill Biddington Dr. Jane Bonari Ms. Alexander Brooks Ms. Roberta Busha Mr. Craig Butzine Dr. Leonard Colelli Ms. Sharon Elkettani Ms. Fran Fayish Prof. Barbara Hess Ms. Candice Kmetz Dr. Kevin Koury Dr. Charles Mance Dr. Tom Mueller Ms. Rebecca Nichols Dr. Nancy Pinardi Dr. Susan Ryan Ms. Sarah Scholar Mr. Gary Seelye Mr. Cory Stoner Dr. Emily Sweitzer 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. Angelo Armenti, Jr. Mr. Rick Bertagnolli Ms. Jessica Bettilyon Ms. Betsy Clark Ms. Jacqueline Davis Mr. Shane Fox Ms. Geraldine Jones Mr. Keith Kappel

Ms. Darla Kurnal Dr. Sean Madden Mr. Josh Mrosko Dr. Michael Slaven Ms. Marguerite Smith Mr. Robert Thorn The agenda was presented, approved and the meeting proceeded Presiding Officer Hoover stated that the approved Forum minutes of February 15, 2011 are available on the Forum website ( http://www.calu.edu/facultystaff/administration/forum/index.htm ) or Public Folders in the Microsoft Outlook. The executive committee meeting of March 1, 2011 was canceled.

Presiding Officer’s Report Presiding Officer Hoover noted the next executive committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 in Room 408 of the Manderino Library and the University Community is welcome to attend.

Public Comments There were no public comments offered at this time.

Interpellation There were no questions offered at this time.

Academic Policy Committee’s Review/Recommendation regarding Decision Making Process for English Composition John Cencich, Chair of the Academic Policy Committee, presented the following response regarding the decision making process for English composition: The Academic Policy Committee of the University Forum acknowledges the concerns addressed in the Senate resolution and expresses its gratitude to the Faculty Senate for its sincere consideration of the writing curriculum. However, since there are ongoing efforts currently underway

to address the writing curriculum by different university groups, the Committee believes it is unnecessary at this time to make any statements concerning the temporary substitutions, other than such substitutions are an appropriate means of fulfilling the General Education requirements until permanent changes are made to the writing curriculum by way of a collaborative process.

The Committee commends the ongoing efforts currently underway to address the writing curriculum, believing they represent collaborative decision-making processes, including: (1) the current review of the process of making curriculum changes by the University Curriculum Committee; and (2) the present efforts of the dean of the College of Liberal Arts in working collaboratively with the English Department on the issue relating directly with English Composition. In the event the concerns have not been adequately addressed after these two processes have run their course, the Committee is of the view that the Faculty Senate should renew their concerns through the governance process.

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 April 19, 2011. There being no further business, Presiding Officer Hoover adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording Secretary.

MINUTES APPROVED BY MAJORITY VIA E-MAIL BALLOT.

Berger Named Coach of Year

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fter guiding Cal U’s College Hockey East (CHE) men’s hockey team to 28 wins and an appearance in the national semifinals, Justin Berger was named the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s Division III Coach of the Year.

Senior defenseman Nick Posa and forward Ryan Jones, a graduate student, received ACHA first- and second-team All-American honors, respectively.

“While our team came up a little short of winning the national championship, these are impressive individual honors,” said Jamison Roth, general manager for Cal U hockey and director of sports clubs for the University. “Our CHE team has clearly established itself as one of the top teams in the country.”

Cal U fields two men’s hockey team and one women’s team. All are club sports.

The Vulcans won a fifth consecutive CHE

championship and their second straight ACHA Atlantic Region crown last season. Cal U won two of four games at the national tournament in Holland, Mich., and lost two in overtime.

Posa and Jones also were named to the national alltourney team. In December, Berger, Posa and Jones also were named to the ACHA II Select Team, which competed in Europe.

Berger completed his sixth year as the Vulcans’ head coach last month .

“He’s a very good coach who knows how to get the best out of you,” said Jones. “He is not a rah-rah kind of coach, but he knows the game well and pushes all the right buttons.”

Cal’s CHE hockey team has competed in five of the past seven ACHA National Tournaments. The team ended the season with 28 wins.

Raising championship trophies has been a common occurrence for the Cal U hockey team under head coach Justin Berger. The 2010-2011 Vulcans won 28 games, a fifth straight league title and reached the national semifinals.

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 Communications 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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