2014april21journaldraft1_03-24-08 CAL U JOURNAL.qxd 4/15/14 12:03 PM Page 1
California University
VOLUME 16, NUMBER 7 APRIL 21, 2014 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the‐journal
Honors Convocation Speaker: Reputation Matters eflecting on her journey from Cal U to New York City and a career in television production, Shendy Hershfield ’09 encouraged the University’s Presidential Scholars to be cognizant of their online reputations, as well as their resumes, as they prepare to launch a career. Hershfield delivered the address at the University’s 2014 Honors Convocation, held April 5 in the Convocation Center. A digital product manager at Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, she earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies, with a concentration in TV and radio broadcasting, at Cal U. Formerly a Web show page producer for the channel’s No. 1-rated shows Hannity, Fox Report, America Live and many more, Hershfield left Fox to work for eight months as an associate social media manager for Avon, and then returned to the network in September. “The one thing that sticks out to me in the world of texts and social media that we live in today is your online reputation,” she told the scholars. “You have a personal reputation to uphold, but most people coming out of college do not have a lot of real-life job experience. So what — Continued on page 3
Along with students Josh Worrell (left) and Donovan Barton, Parkway West Career and Technology Center team supervisor Mike Valoski ’07 works on their robot, the ‘ValoskA-Raptor,’ at last year’s competition. The Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ Finals returns Friday and Saturday to the Cal U Convocation Center.
R
It’s a Smash: BotsIQ Returns ast year’s smash hit, the Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ Finals, returns Friday and Saturday to the Cal U Convocation Center. “BotsIQ is a manufacturing workforce development program disguised as a high school robotics competition,” said William Padnos, executive director of BotsIQ. Known as the “smart sport,” BotsIQ asks students to design and manufacture robots that compete one-on-one in a mechanical fight for survival. Along the way, students put science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills into practice. They
L
also build competency in “soft” skills that employers identify as crucial in the 21st-century workplace, such as critical thinking, problem solving, project management, innovation and teamwork. Sixty-six teams from 47 area schools qualified to send their custom-built ’bots into battle at Cal U. The action continues nonstop each day, from the opening ceremony to the final buzzer. Behind the scenes in the “pits,” students tune up their robots and make emergency repairs. In the competition zone, twin arenas contain flying parts as the students steer their remote— Continued on page 4
Grateful Recipients Greet Rutledge Family homas and Karen Rutledge have traveled the world, but their heart still lies with Cal U. On April 11 the Connecticut couple came back to Tom Rutledge’s alma mater, as they do every year, to meet the students whose lives they have transformed through the Rutledge Family Scholarships, the Rutledge Internship Awards and the Rutledge Family Scholarships in Economics. “We’re connected to this place,” Tom Rutledge told scholarship recipients who attended a luncheon with his family in the Kara Alumni House. “It pushed us out into the world and gave us the start we needed. “We want to stay connected — and you are our connection.” In the mid-1970s Tom Rutledge was a nontraditional student at Cal U, a cable TV installer who quit work and took extra classes to finish his degree in economics. Karen Rutledge worked as a waitress, and together they cared for their daughter, “who learned to walk on the Quad,” they recalled. Today Tom Rutledge is CEO of Charter Communications Inc., a cable,
T
Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones joins Karen and Thomas Rutledge in the Kara Alumni House.
Internet and telephone provider operating in 30 states. But he and his family describe their scholarship support as “the most important thing we do.” “We get to see the benefit, see people grow,” Karen Rutledge said. “Education
is all yours; no one can take it away from you.” One by one, students rose to thank the couple: A mom who went on to college “to set a positive example for my son.” An economics major, unsure at the start,
who “developed such a passion for the subject.” A young woman whose internship in Ghana sparked an interest in public health. A single mother who knows that her two preteen daughters are watching, and learning, from her college experience. Over and over, they told the couple, “I couldn’t have done this without your help.” Tom and Karen Rutledge’s generosity has been transformative, said interim President Geraldine M. Jones. It has transformed Cal U by signaling that it’s a welcoming place for nontraditional students, especially those with children. It has bolstered the economics program and made it possible for numerous students to experience a wider world by accepting internships outside the region. “Most of all, you have transformed the lives of so many students,” the President said. “And they are going to be in a much better position to change other people’s lives because of all you have done. “It makes me proud to have you feel like this about our students, and about your alma mater.”
2014april21journaldraft1_03-24-08 CAL U JOURNAL.qxd 4/15/14 12:03 PM Page 2
PAGE 2
APRIL 21, 2014
Conference Looks at Problem Gambling egalized gambling grossed more than $700 billion last year in the United States. And since there are four casinos within a 40-mile radius of the Cal U campus, it’s not surprising that some students wrestle with problem gambling. With support from the Washington County Drug and Alcohol Commission, California University presented a free, one-day conference April 4 to address prevention and treatment strategies. “We are far more familiar with alcohol and drug dependency than we are with problem gambling,” said keynote presenter Dr. John Massella, an assistant professor and clinician in Cal U’s Counseling Center. “People have not really come to the realization that this has been around for a long, long time.” The conference covered a variety of topics, but it emphasized the importance of defining gambling and communicating clearly about the subject. Everyone has an internal mechanism that minimizes problem behaviors, but gamblers are likely to tell themselves “it’s not a problem” — even when others can
L
see that it is. “When you’re working with this disorder, you want to address the communication (problem gamblers) use and not allow them to minimize it,” said Massella, who came to Cal U in 2010 after working for 29 years at Gateway Rehabilitation in Monroeville, Pa. Massella explained that problem gambling affects the entire family. Even more than the loss of money, the loss of trust can be especially hurtful to family members — and that trust is difficult for the problem gambler to regain. “If people go to Alcoholics Anonymous or Gamblers Anonymous they think that will earn the trust back, and it doesn’t work that way,” he said. “Trust is a gift that’s given back to them, and they have no control over when that happens.” Following the keynote presentation, off-campus professionals Jodi Bechtold, Michael Beatty and Timothy Phillips joined Cal U’s LaMont Coleman and Robert Mehalik to lead breakout sessions that examined the psychology of gambling, motivational interviewing with
Dr. John Massella emphasizes the importance of defining gambling and communicating clearly about the subject during a free, one-day conference April 4 to address gambling prevention and treatment strategies.
problem gamblers, gambling prevention, and the “games” gamblers play. The event coordinator was Donna George, alcohol and other drug specialist with the Office of Student Affairs. Amber Preston ’12, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in clinical and mental health, said attending the conference was beneficial. “If I choose to work in addictions,
For Girls, Golf Program Is More Than a Game o one knows whether the free golf program offered by the Professional Golf Management program is training the next Annika Sorenstam or Babe Didrikson Zaharias. But it’s certain that the 8- to 10-year-olds involved are learning valuable life skills during the 12-week educational program for girls. Activities focus on golf, but also include strength training, cardiovascular conditioning and yoga, along with educational material from the Women’s Sports Foundation’s GoGirlGo! Curriculum. “The Women’s Sports Federation’s plan is to positively introduce girls to sport without a lot of pressure and in a fun environment that uses golf as a gateway to talk to them about other things,” said youth program director Dr. Vanessa MacKinnon, assistant professor and internship coordinator for the PGM program. Each weekly session in Cal U’s indoor golf facility inside Gallagher Hall begins with a half-hour discussion of topics such as proper eating habits, stress prevention, positive body image and even substance abuse. “I know they’re very young, but it’s never too early to discuss with them why smoking and drinking are bad,” MacKinnon said. “These discussions are in an all-girls environment, so they’re comfortable with talking about each topic.” Along with MacKinnon, other PGM faculty, students and staff members volunteer to help with the program. Members of the women’s studies program, Options@CalU and the Department of Health Science have led the discussions. After their weekly talk, nearly 20 young golfers hone their game. They practice putting and chipping, use a driver to perfect their full swing, and spend time on the PGM simulators. “I’ve golfed before, but I’m really learning and getting better because I get to play more,” said Martyna Maley, 8, from Rostraver Elementary School. “The (talks) when we start help me think more about things.” The free program is also paying off for PGM students such as junior Chris Rhein, who aspires to be a head golf professional. Conducting junior clinics is an important aspect of internships, he said, and his volunteer work may enhance his options. “A lot of our teaching will be with
N
gambling is something that’s not as well publicized as some of the other addictions,” she said. “So to have a full conference dedicated to gambling is a great opportunity for professionals, counselors in training and people who don’t work in addictions but who have friends or family members that are afflicted by gambling to learn more about it.”
Campus BRIEFS Dance Concert Concludes Spring Theater Season Cal U’s Department of Theatre and Dance will close its 2014 spring season with three performances of the Spring Dance Concert, at 8 p.m. May 1-3 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. This annual event showcases the choreographic talent of Cal U’s dance faculty and students, who perform in a variety of dance genres. Ticket price is $12 for patrons of all ages. Cal U students with valid CalCards pay 50 cents, plus a $5 deposit that is refunded at the show. For more information or to order tickets (with a credit card) by phone, call the Steele Hall Box Office at 724-938-5943.
Students Ready for The Big Event
Junior Chris Rhein practices putting with Samantha Smichnick during the 12-week educational golf program for girls in Cal U’s indoor golf facility inside Gallagher Hall.
young people, and this really prepares us. If the route I want to take does not work out, I can go into the teaching aspect of the game.” Rhein pointed out that golfers who are properly trained when they’re young develop “muscle memory” that can serve them well in years to come.Even the golfers’ parents are fans of the program. Dr. Mary Kreis, an associate professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies, enrolled her daughter, Viva, 9. “It’s a really neat program, and I am glad my daughter goes,” said Kreis, who competes in marathons. “They’re learning a great game, getting exercise and also learning important information about life.” “I like that we get to meet a lot of people, and all of it is fun,” her daughter added. “I enjoy coming.”
The Student Government Association and AmeriCorps students from the Center for Civic Engagement will take the lead when The Big Event starts at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. A student-run service project, The Big Event began at Texas A&M University in 1982, when student leaders saw a need to give back to the community that had long supported their university. Since then, The Big Event has become the largest one-day, student-run service project in the nation. Typically, students complete chores for community members, such as yard work, window washing and painting. Cal U first held The Big Event in 2007. Working from a list created over the past several years, students have distributed forms and made phone calls to identify community residents who can use a hand. Students will meet at 8 a.m. Sunday inside the Performance Center and proceed to community sites by 8:30 a.m. Those interested in volunteering for The Big Event can register online; visit either the Student Government Association’s or Center for Civic Engagement’s Orgsync page on the Cal U website. For more information e-mail Brendan Demmy at dem8620@calu.edu.
2014april21journaldraft1_03-24-08 CAL U JOURNAL.qxd 4/15/14 12:03 PM Page 3
APRIL 21, 2014
PAGE 3
To Donors: ‘Thank You’ Above: Scholarship recipients (from left) Morgan Custer, Mikayla Dicesare, Chandler Carey, Rachel Smith and Alyssia Moss stop for a photo before joining more than 200 scholarship donors, scholarship recipients and other guests at the Scholarship Reception, held April 3 in the Convocation Center’s south wing. The invitationonly event gives donors who have created privately funded scholarships through the Foundation for California University an opportunity to meet the students whose lives have been changed through their generosity. At right: Alumna Teri N. Dunn ’80, who helped to establish the Marcy Rye Blout and Patrick Miller Scholarship in Communication Studies, speaks on behalf of donors. This year’s student speaker was junior Jared M. Schaut, a business administration and accounting major. A member of the University Honors Program, he is a recipient of the Balsano Family Scholarship. To learn more about giving opportunities, call 724-938-5775.
Project Aims to Put Good Food in Reach tudents in the Master of Social Work program are helping the Republic Food Enterprise Center (RFEC) reach out to area farmers with the goal of making nutritious food more readily available to residents of southwestern Pennsylvania. Established by the Fayette County Community Action Agency Inc., the RFEC supports enterprises that focus on providing locally grown food. Last fall students in the Research, Policy and Rural Social Work Practice course, taught by Dr. Pamela Twiss, created a growers’ interest survey for the RFEC. In January, the survey was mailed to local farmers and made available electronically. The current semester’s class is following up with a second mailing, fielding responses, and planning a series of follow-ups and meetings with area farmers. One important goal is to develop retail outlets within “food deserts” — communities that lack access to fresh, nutritious food — throughout the region. The MSW program at Cal U focuses on serving local populations and at-risk people, especially in rural environments. First-year MSW students are required to perform 240 hours of community service as part of their field practicum. Second-year students devote 360 hours to community service. Southwestern Pennsylvania has many communities, like California Borough, that lack ready access to supermarkets and other sources of fresh produce. Low-income families in those areas find it especially difficult to obtain nutritious food. “What our students are doing is helping the RFEC identify those farmers who are willing to partner with them and to supply fruits and vegetables to the enterprise center,” Twiss said. “Our students are really
S
Interim President Geraldine M. Jones and speaker Shendy Hershfield ’09 at the 2014 Honors Convocation.
Reputation Matters, Speaker Tells Scholars — Continued from page 1 the employers do is go online and they Google you. “It’s so important to think about this going ahead, especially after you graduate.” In the summer of 2009, Hershfield interned with Fox News Channel. The channel hired her three weeks before she earned her diploma in December 2009. “I wasn’t a go-get-coffee intern; I did everything an intern probably thinks they’re not going to be allowed to do,” she said. “It was an amazing experience. I encourage all of you to take an advantage of doing an internship anywhere you can.” Before Hershfield’s address, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones congratulated the nearly 400 undergraduate and graduate students who were honored at the convocation. In addition to meeting other requirements, undergraduate Presidential Scholars must maintain a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher, and graduate students must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher. “Your hard work, your diligence and your work ethic have led you to this
special gathering,” said President Jones. “I encourage all of our students here today, our best and brightest, to welcome the roadblocks and setbacks, as well as the satisfying moments of success. Experience them all, good and bad, and you will grow in maturity, judgment and wisdom.” The President began her remarks by congratulating the three Presidential Distinguished Merit Award recipients who were recognized at the start of the convocation — Dr. Jodi Dusi, honored for excellence in teaching; Dr. Craig Smith, recognized for service; and Dr. Laura Tuennerman, honored for research. Each received a medallion and an award, plus a scholarship to be awarded in his or her area of study. As Hershfield concluded her speech, she praised the Presidential Scholars for their academic achievements. She called her decision to relocate to New York from Penn Township, Pa., a “leap of faith” and said her alma mater and faculty had a big impact. “The Cal U family has been nothing but wonderful,” said Hershfield. “Learn where you fit in, what makes you happy, establish your personal brand and pursue your passion.”
interested in this from a social work angle, because of their concern about food deserts, providing employment and helping to rebuild the local food network.” A number of students in the program were raised in rural areas or have experience with farming. “This project absolutely hits home with me,” said Paul Paxton ’10, who grew up on a farm in Perry County, Ohio. “We want the people to have accessible and affordable food — a pound of bananas as opposed to a bag of doughnuts.” The Cal U students got involved when the research subcommittee of the Fayette County Human Resources Council asked MSW program director Dr. Norma Thomas, a committee member, for assistance. “It was a great opportunity to use our students’ skills and talents to give back to the community,” Thomas said. “The field practicum component of the program requires them to integrate theory into practice. This work with the RFEC makes learning real.” Students in the MSW program also volunteer regularly at Center in the Woods, participate in events such as Take Back the Night, and assist community-based agencies such as Fayette County Friends of Animals and local women’s shelters. “Students wouldn’t be in this major if they didn’t want to help people in general,” Paxton said. “Everyone needs help, and this is a good way to impact the community in a positive way. “I think it’s a real example of meeting people where they’re at.”
2014april21journaldraft1_03-24-08 CAL U JOURNAL.qxd 4/15/14 12:03 PM Page 4
PAGE 4
APRIL 21, 2014
Hip-Hop Conference Explores Image, Politics panel of experts discussed issues ranging from rappers as community leaders, to gender and hip-hop, to student engagement at the ninth annual Hip-Hop Conference at Cal U, held April 10-11. Hip-hop artists KRS-One and DJ Drama were joined by Pittsburgh rapper and activist Jisiri X, and Lock Haven University professor Dr. Laurie Cannady, for the keynote presentation on April 10 in the Performance Center. The panel responded to questions posed by moderator Bryon Turman, who teaches hip-hop studies at North Carolina A&T State University. Cannady’s scholarship includes articles on poverty, gender and hip-hop, and community and domestic violence. “Misogyny is difficult to hear in certain lyrics,” she said. “I know what I’m called, but I also know who I am. I look at hip-hop like literature or food. We have to be careful what we take in and how it shapes us.” Jasiri X is the co-creator of 1Hood Media Academy, which helps young people analyze media messages and develop the creative skills to create their own. “Self-esteem is an issue, even with boys and young men. You see the ideal of beauty that you can’t live up to, and
A
Panelists Jasiri X, left, and DJ Drama respond to questions inside the Performance Center on April 10 during the ninth annual Hip-Hop Conference at Cal U.
you’re going to feel a certain way. You need to understand who controls these messages and why, and we have to tell our own stories.” DJ Drama recently made a transition to the business side of hip-hop by joining the team at Atlantic Records that is responsible for finding and signing new talent. He spoke about the genre’s future.
“We have a whole generation of young lyricists, and that’s very exciting. It’s all about what makes people move. Black culture is (a major) export from the United States. You can go anywhere in the world and hear Drake or 50 Cent.” KRS-One, who started an antiviolence movement 25 years ago with his Self Destruction album, urged
BotsIQ: It’s a Smash — Continued from page 1 control creations into combat. And in the stands, fans stomp, chant and cheer for their teams as they vie for the school spirit award. When the battle-scarred robots face off, judges look for aggression, control, damage and strategy — but teams also are judged on their engineering skills, documentation, interviews and sportsmanship. Dozens of industry partners work with the teams and support the competition. “BotsIQ continues to provide students with a true manufacturing experience and has proven to be a career path for many of the participants,” the BotsIQ website reports. A recent survey of the teenage competitors found that 82 percent of respondents plan careers in manufacturing or STEM-related professions. All BotsIQ events are open to the public, including a special session for parents at 11 a.m. Saturday. Professor Dr. Mark Bronakowski, of Cal U’s Department of Applied Engineering and Technology, will join a panel of industry experts to discuss career pathways, with a focus on advanced manufacturing. Running concurrently with the
BotsIQ competition is the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) Fluid Power Challenge, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday in the Convocation Center’s south wing. Teams from 25 middle schools will compete to build, on-site, a hydraulic system that completes a specific task. Points are awarded to teams that follow the specifications and produce a functioning device within the allotted time. “These contests bring some of the area’s best and brightest high school students to Cal U,” said Michael Amrhein, director for the Office of Outreach and Integration for TEAMS (Technology, Engineering, Art, Math and Science) at Cal U. “We want them to have a great experience. And while they’re here, we want to show them and their families what Cal U has to offer.” The BotsIQ competition begins with opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. Friday and 8:45 a.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Crews from KDKA-TV will be on hand to film the “mechatronics mayhem” for a 30-minute television show, BotsIQ, Presented by Cal U, set to air at 7:30 p.m. May 3. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.calu.edu.
students in the audience to think like entrepreneurs. “This is where your mind should be, not on ‘Basketball Wives,’” he said. “What’s your idea? How would you like to reach your future? When Grandmaster Flash put his ‘black intelligence’ on it, a turntable became an instrument, not an appliance. “Think about your invention,” he said. “It could be you that the world wants to hear.” Panel discussions on April 11 included “President Obama’s Impact on Black America,” with Dr. James Stewart, emeritus professor of economics at Penn State; a look at the portrayal of black women on television; and “Macklemore, Swagger-jacking and the Pros and Cons of the Tanning of America,” with Clifton Coates, Justin Laing and Dr. Stefan Bradley. The conference was sponsored by the Office of the President, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Education and Human Services, the Honors Program, the Frederick Douglass Institute, Office of Social Equity, Office of Student Affairs, the History Department, Cal U Women United, Cal U Men United, the Underground, the Black Student Union, SAI, the Student Activities Board, and SABUG.
Lambda Bridges Holds ‘Lavender Graduation’ GBTQA and ally students, families, friends and mentors are invited to attend Cal U’s first Lavender Graduation, a ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of graduating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, asexual (LGBTQA) and ally students. The ceremony, organized by the Lambda Bridges LGBTQA Program Office, will be held from11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday in the north wing of the Convocation Center. The program will include guest speakers and a luncheon. Business casual dress is recommended; no caps and gowns will be worn. The event is free, but registration is requested. Visit www.calu.edu and search “lavender graduation” to register, or contact the Lambda Bridges office at 724-938-5758. The ceremony honors undergraduate and graduate students who are completing their degree requirements in May, August and December 2014. “As a Cal U alum and a member of the Student Affairs team, I am
L
proud to be able to coordinate this event to honor and celebrate our students,” said Sheleta Webb, coordinator of the Lambda Bridges LGBTQA Program Office, and adviser for the Rainbow Alliance student organization. Each graduate may identify a mentor to honor at the ceremony. Graduates are encouraged to invite those who have contributed to their success at Cal U. Students do not have to be LGBTQA or actively involved with LGBTQA issues on campus to participate. “I believe that taking part in the Lavender Graduation is important because representation is vital,” said senior Mariah Emanuel. “It can make a huge difference for someone to see an individual being recognized and celebrated for proudly aiding the LGBTQA community and Cal U.” Students who attend Lavender Graduation may walk with their graduating class at Commencement, and they may wear their lavender stole as a sign of community pride.
The California Journal is published by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Geraldine M. Jones Interim University President
Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance
Dr. Nancy Pinardi Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Bruce Barnhart Acting Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Craig Butzine Vice President for Marketing and University Relations/ Interim Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations
Christine Kindl Editor
Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services
Office of Communications and Public Relations
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers 724-938-4195
wald@calu.edu