California University
VOLUME 14, NUMBER 15 MAY 7, 2012 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
Alumni to Address Graduates wo distinguished alumni will address graduating students when Cal U holds Commencement ceremonies this weekend in the Convocation Center. Degrees will be awarded to nearly 1,000 undergraduates and 300 graduate students in separate ceremonies. Dr. Robert Delamontagne ’66 will address master’s degree candidates at 7 p.m. Friday. The founder and past chairman of EduNeering Inc., the first company to create computer-based training programs for business and industry, he retired from the firm in 2007 after 25 years at the helm and managing more than 7 million computerbased course completions by learners. After his retirement Dr. Delamontagne authored The Retiring Mind: How to Make the Psychological Transition to Retirement, a book dedicated to helping retirees manage the negative psychological effects often encountered after retiring. He also has written Honey, I’m Home: How to Prevent or Resolve Marriage Conflicts Caused by Retirement. This book helps the reader gain a greater understanding of the causes of marital disagreements after retirement, with particular emphasis on resolving personality conflicts. During the ceremony, master’s degree candidates will be vested in their academic hoods. Maj. Gen. Donna Barbisch ’84 will speak to undergraduates at 10 a.m. Saturday. Among the foremost subject matter experts in emergency preparedness and building resiliency for catastrophic disasters, terrorism and unconventional threats, she retired from the Army in 2005 as a major general. Today she is president of Global Deterrence Alternatives, a consulting firm focused on developing creative solutions to emerging threats, and a distinguished fellow at George Mason University’s Center for
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Dr. Robert Delamontagne ’66
Maj. Gen. Donna Barbisch ’84
Cleanup Includes ‘Ecycling’ “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 7-10 and May 1417, in addition to regular Friday garbage pickups on May 11 and May 18 in California Borough. Electronic recyclables may be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. May 10 and 11 at Third Street between Green and East Streets. No fee will be charged. 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. — Continued on page 3
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Muriel Summers
Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security. An honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa, will be awarded during the undergraduate ceremony to Muriel Summers, principal of the A.B. Combs Leadership Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C. Summers turned the once-failing school into a thriving magnet school when she focused on leadership and infused the principles of Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into every class, creating The Leader in Me model. Summers and her students have been regular presenters at The Leader in Me Global Education Summits held at Cal U. Her school has been featured in Covey’s books The Leader in Me and The 8th Habit, Its success inspired California University of Pennsylvania to become the world’s first FranklinCovey Leadership University. Campus television station CUTV will rebroadcast both ceremonies on Armstrong Cable (Channel 61 ArmstrongConnellsville) and Atlantic Broadband Communications (Channel 17). More information about Commencement, including links to directions and parking, is available at www.calu.edu/events/ commencement . For more information, contact Jodie Rooney, academic events coordinator, at 724-938-1584 or rooney@calu.edu .
Students Stage 2012 Wildlife Conclave rom the first planning session to the closing awards ceremony, students in Cal U’s chapter of The Wildlife Society took the lead as hosts of the 2012 Northeast Student Wildlife Conclave. A lineup of 13 workshops, plus a variety of competitions, drew a total of 135 students from 13 colleges and universities to the Laurelville Conference Center April 13-15. Dr. Carol Bocetti, associate professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, said it was the largest conclave in the Northeast since the event was resurrected seven years ago. “It was an honor and a challenge to host this,” she said. “Our students put in untold hours planning and running this. We had such positive feedback from visiting faculty advisers and students saying what a great job we had done.” In particular, Bocetti praised the efforts of Frank Christopher, a junior fisheries and wildlife biology major and vice president of The Wildlife Society’s student chapter at Cal U. Christopher visited several venues last spring, took photographs and presented options to the chapter, which voted to hold the conclave at the conference center near Mt. Pleasant, Pa. He and Bocetti devised a list of potential workshop programs, and he contacted most of the experts who served as instructors. “Frank and I worked very closely, and he really put this thing together,” said Bocetti. “We had 30 or so of our students setting everything up and helping the presenters. “For the Quiz Bowl alone, our students came up with
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Dr. Carol Bocetti (right front) and students in Cal U’s chapter of The Wildlife Society worked as a team to organize and host the 2012 Northeast Student Wildlife Conclave, which drew a total of 135 students from 13 colleges and universities.
more than 330 different questions. We had a great team effort.” Christopher will be the student chapter president in 2012-2013. He said the year of planning brought the chapter’s members together. “This event gave our chapter a chance to reach the next level, and further introduce our name and work ethic to others,” he said. “Some new student leaders stepped forward throughout the past nine months. We had to work together and organize everything about this event. I now
have a new appreciation for any conference I have attended or ever will attend.” Bocetti and her department colleague Dr. Mark Tebbitt took part in a workshop panel about writing résumés and cover letters and interviewing for a job. Bocetti also led a workshop on using lightweight “mist nets” in wildlife research, and Tebbitt conducted a session on entomological (insect) sampling. Greg Sofranko, creative services director in the Office of Marketing and University Relations, led a — Continued on page 4
Gifford Honored for Career Success he respect of co-workers and students combined with professional dedication has led to a higher education award for Cal U’s director of Career Services. On Thursday, Rhonda Gifford will accept the Ronald Lunardini Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Student Affairs in Higher Education. She is the first career services professional to receive the award, which first was presented in 2006. “I do this because I love to Rhonda Gifford help students and alumni develop their career interests,” said Gifford, who graduated from IUP in 1993. “That’s my passion. To be recognized for that makes me feel like I’m doing something right.” She thanked President Angelo Armenti, Jr. for the University’s commitment to building careers, and her staff and the entire Cal U community for helping Career Services be successful. Gifford was nominated by Gene Sutton, associate director of Career Services, with support from the staff and students in the office. Also supporting her nomination was Mark Anthony, the director of career services at IUP. “Rhonda is so great,” Sutton said, mentioning her effective management of the Career Services staff. “We are very proud, and I thought this would be a great way to say ‘thank you’ to her for all that she does.” Samantha Burney and Aaron McFadden, both seniors, are workstudy students in Career Services. Both are Career Educators, responsible for answering students’ questions, posting jobs and directing potential employers to the appropriate people at Cal U. They contributed comments about Gifford as part of the nomination process. “Her best trait is her devotion to Cal U,” said McFadden, an accounting major who was hired by Deloitte after a successful internship. “She’s giving and always makes time, no matter how busy she is. She’s booked till 4 p.m., but she’s always available to help anyone who comes into Career Services.” He also pointed out Gifford’s contributions to Alpha Lambda Delta, the freshman honor society. She educated members at Cal U on the importance of career readiness and preparation, helping the organization to win the Order of the Torch, an award given to the nation’s top chapters. Burney noted Gifford’s dedication. “Rhonda is a ball of energy who always has a positive outlook on things. It makes you want to work hard, too. She gives you opportunities, and you want to make her proud.”
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Jennifer Brunner, winner of a Profile in Courage Award and secretary of state for Ohio from 20072011, emphasizes the importance of voting during her presentation on primary election day.
Acclaimed Voting Rights Advocate Speaks on Election Day al U marked primary election day with a talk by a voting rights advocate who has received national honors for her work. Jennifer Brunner, who served as secretary of state for Ohio from 20072011, spoke to students, faculty and a few community members April 24 in Eberly Hall. A 2008 winner of the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award, she was recognized for her “dauntless commitment to the enfranchisement of every Ohio voter,” said Caroline Kenney, daughter of the late president. As secretary of state Brunner addressed voting irregularities in Ohio. During the 2008 primary she ordered that paper ballots be provided to voters who requested them. After problems were found with the state’s new electronic voting systems, she called for them to be replaced with paper ballots and optical scan technology before the November 2008 election, and she supported Department of Justice efforts to offer a bilingual ballot in a county that was home to thousands of eligible voters with limited proficiency in English. “Democracy is fragile, and the right to vote is at its core,” Brunner said. “You cannot put a price on a vote.”
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Brunner has served as a judge, and she now is an attorney in private practice. She addressed questions about voter fraud by noting that it is a felony. “In general, Republicans think that Democrats want to allow ineligible people to vote, and Democrats think that Republicans want to suppress the vote,” she said. “In either case, that’s voter fraud — but it’s a crime that seldom actually happens.” Last year, legislatures in 34 states debated voter identification legislation, she said, describing the bills as “solutions in search of a problem.” Pennsylvania recently signed into law a provision requiring every voter to show photo ID at the polls. Such measures make voting more difficult, especially for people living in poverty, who may not have a valid driver’s license and who may find it difficult to gather the required documents, she explained. People who depend on public assistance, food stamps, public transportation and programs such as Head Start should vote if they hope to keep supporters of those programs in office, she added. “I have told many people in poverty that they have an even greater stake in an election, especially local and statewide
elections, because they rely on the system to help them get a better start in life.” Voters from all backgrounds must go to the polls, she added. “We want that diversity reflected in our public officials.” Brunner’s talk was organized by the American Democracy Project at Cal U. The election day lineup also included two panel presentations in Duda Hall. “New Barriers to the Ballot” featured a roundtable talk with Dr. Michael Slaven, Dr. Craig Smith and Dr. Kwame Botwe-Asamoah, all of the Department of History and Political Science, and student Courtney Cochran, who recently completed a research project on the new voter identification law. “Leadership and Politics” included panelists Dr. Michael Hummel, director of the Linda and Harry Serene Leadership Institute at Cal U; Washington County Commissioner Lawrence Maggi, a member of the University’s Council of Trustees; and the Hon. Janet Moschetta Bell, a Washington County judge. Program organizer Dr. Melanie Blumberg noted that Brunner required around-the-clock police protection during the heat of her voting rights campaign. “Jennifer is a woman of courage and a true role model,” Blumberg said.
Showcasing Academic Excellence Junior Jennifer Kevech, a Spanish major, displays her work at Academic Excellence Days, Cal U’s annual showcase of student research and scholarship. Kevech has raised more than $8,000 for a project that provides training and solarpowered cooking devices to residents of Ethiopia. Each solarpowered cooker costs about $7 to create; the cookers are a sustainable way for lowincome people to prepare food. The sixth annual Academic Excellence Days, ‘Connecting Faculty and Students Through Academic Achievement,’ was held April 2425 in the Natali Student Center.
Eckels Addresses Presidential Scholars eflecting on his journey from the military to a distinguished career in medicine, Dr. Dennis L. Eckels ’71 encouraged Cal U’s Presidential Scholars to continue building on their education. Eckels delivered the address at the University’s 2012 Honors Convocation, held April 21 in Hamer Hall. Nearly 2,000 people were in attendance. Eckels has been in private practice since 1976 at Valley Ambulatory Health Center in Seward, Pa. A member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), he holds additional qualifications in geriatric and osteopathic manipulative medicine. In 2010 he was one of 14 osteopathic family physicians nationwide to receive the ACOFP Fellowship Award, an honor conferred on those osteopathic family physicians who have contributed outstanding service through teaching, authorship, research or professional leadership. “Once you graduate, don’t stop learning,” he said. “You must continue to learn, and that will help you climb the corporate ladder of success. As Vincent Lombardi once said, ‘The only time that success comes before wisdom is in the dictionary.’” A U.S. Army veteran, Eckels was discharged following a serious motor vehicle accident that hospitalized him for five months. He attended an evening
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Guest speaker Dr. Dennis L. Eckels ’71 told the Presidential Scholars at Honors Convocation that continuing to learn after they graduate would help them climb the corporate ladder.
math class at Cal U with a friend and was so moved by the dedicated teacher he met that he soon transferred his credits from the University of Maryland. Eckels earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Cal U, then went on to graduate in 1975 from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. “I could not absolutely say I was perfect with my sciences in medical school,” said Eckels, a certified master scuba diver and a scuba rescue diver. “However, I can tell you what I learned
at Cal U was as good if not better then what those med students from the Ivy League schools learned. “I have nothing but respect for California. During my experience here I met many animated professors who encouraged me and helped me enormously to get things done.” In addition to maintaining his medical practice, Eckels also serves on medical response teams that assist with deep mine rescue and urban search-andrescue assignments.
Cal U on ‘Green’ List Again al U again has earned a listing in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges, a comprehensive directory produced annually in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council. The directory presents “green highlights on the nation’s most ecofriendly campuses,” spotlighting colleges and universities that “demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.” Cal U is one of 322 schools included in the directory. The University’s profile focuses on the sustainable geothermal energy used for heating and cooling Cal U
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residence halls, as well as the Cal U Weather Center’s participation in the G.L.O.B.E. data collection program. In addition, the profile notes Cal U’s commitment to serving local and organic foods in its dining hall; transportation options such as free bus service and car sharing; internships and career counseling in conservation-related industries and “green” jobs; and degree programs in environmental studies. Cal U has been included on the directory since 2010. To read more about the Guide to 322 Green Colleges, visit www.princetonreview.com/greenguide .
Cleanup Includes ‘E-cycling’ — Continued from page 1 The curbside pickup of bulk items is especially helpful for students who are discarding furniture or other large items as they move out of rental properties. The electronics recycling program was inaugurated last year, and nearly 6,000 pounds of unwanted desktop and laptop computers, monitors, printers, stereo equipment, fluorescent bulbs and other electronic equipment were collected. After meeting with borough and University officials, County Hauling moved the designated “e-cycling” area closer to campus and set collection dates closer to the end of the semester. Members of the Eco-Action Club, AmeriCorps students and the Alpha Lambda Delta freshman honor society will oversee the electronics recycling area and monitor the collection. The University’s Center for Civic Engagement is coordinating their efforts.
“Next year, electronics recycling will be mandated by the government,” noted Diane Williams, the center’s director. “I’m glad that California is getting a head start and involving the students.” Beginning in January 2013, it will be illegal to dispose of television sets and other electronics in landfills. “Last year’s recycling program was successful, but we still found a lot of TVs and other electronic recyclables in the trash,” McGarvey said. “Everyone wants a clean and attractive community, and we are glad to have the University more involved. This should really help keep the area cleaner and safer.” “It’s important to get the word out about this,” said Norman Hasbrouck, Cal U’s special assistant to the president. “The Princeton Review recognizes Cal U as a ‘green college,’ and this fits right in. With strong participation, this project will go a long way to enhance our community and promote green initiatives.”
He has established a scholarship at Cal U, and he urged the Presidential Scholars to do something similar once they are able. “I can’t say enough about this University and what it’s done for me,” Eckels said. “I would not be where I am today without the University and the teachers I had.” Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. spoke prior to Eckels’ address. Before outlining Cal U’s history and its Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, the President explained the purpose of the Honors Convocation and urged all of the Presidential Scholars to participate in the Cal U Leader for Life program. “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 achievements in the future. This is your day, and we honor and salute you publicly.” In all, 450 undergraduate and graduate students 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.
Autism Conference Deadline Today egistration closes today for the fifth annual Autism Conference co-sponsored by Intermediate Unit 1 and California University. Activities from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 15 in the Convocation Center, are designed for educators, service providers and family members of people with autism spectrum disorders. ASDs are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimates that 1 in 88 American children has an autism spectrum disorder. Keynote speakers will be Drs. Lynn and Bob Koegel, co-founders of the Koegel Autism Center at the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The Koegels are nationally recognized for helping children with autism. Their Pivotal Response Training is an acclaimed, researchbased intervention that focuses on pivotal developmental areas rather than individual behaviors.
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The couple received the first annual Children’s Television Workshop Sesame Street Award for Brightening the Lives of Children and the first annual Autism Speaks Award for Science and Research. In addition, Lynn Koegel has been the expert called in to assist nanny Jo Frost on a segment of the hit ABC television show The Supernanny. At the Autism Conference, participants can attend breakout sessions on topics that range from toilet training and “The ABC’s of Challenging Behavior” to building social skills and navigating the transition to college. They also can shop or find information at booths staffed by product vendors, agencies and service providers. Act 48 credits are available for educators. The Autism Conference website has registration information, a complete conference schedule and other details. Look for a link on the Cal U homepage, www.calu.edu , or visit www.calu.edu/events/autism-conference . For more information, or for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please e-mail AutismConference@calu.edu .
Pippy at ROTC Ceremony tate Sen. John Pippy is scheduled to speak for the Cal U Department of Military Science commissioning ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. ROTC cadets Joseph Friedman, Lindsey Potter and Ben Snyder will be commissioned as second lieutenants. Pippy represents the 37th District, which includes portions of Allegheny and Washington counties. Previously he served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 44th District for eight years.
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Coach Honored as ‘Guardian of the Game’ ill Brown, head coach for the Vulcan men’s basketball team, recently accepted the Guardians of the Game Pillar Award for Advocacy from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The award was presented at the AT&T NABC Guardians of the Game Awards Show, held earlier this month in conjunction with NCAA Division I Final Four in New Orleans, La. Guardians of the Game is a national awareness and education program of the NABC. Its goal is to focus attention on the positive aspects of basketball, the role that coaches play in the lives of studentathletes, and the contributions coaches make to their communities The award is given to an NABC coach who is an advocate for the game of basketball, for studentathletes and for coaches, providing leadership and guidance on issues affecting the basketball community. Brown currently serves as a chairman from the Atlantic Region for the NABC All-America Teams, and he works in the organization’s Division II Congress. A committee member for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he also is a member of the board of directors for Cal U Men United, a peer mentoring group for men of color at Cal U. Last summer Brown served as head coach for a team of 10 collegiate basketball players assembled
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Cal U’s Bill Brown was one of four NCAA coaches to receive a 2012 Guardians of the Game Award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
through Global Sports Academy. The team played five games in four European countries. Brown was one of four NCAA coaches to receive a 2012 Guardians of the Game Award. “Coach Bill Brown has always recognized the importance of total player development, both on and off the court,” said Dr. Karen Hjerpe, Cal U’s interim athletic director and senior woman administrator. “His dedication to the campus, the community and the men’s basketball program shows his commitment to being a teacher of the game and a role model to his players. The entire athletic department is very proud of Coach Brown and this tremendous achievement.” A two-time NABC Regional Coach of the Year, Brown has more wins than any coach in Cal U men’s basketball history, with a 321-145 cumulative record (.689) after 16 seasons. His teams have recorded eight 20-win seasons and 12 PSAC playoff appearances, highlighted by league titles in 1999 and 2008. The 2008 team also reached the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. Overall, Brown has 446 coaching victories at the collegiate level. At the awards ceremony Brown talked about the importance of student-athletes being responsible citizens, earning a degree and respecting the game. They have been fortunate to receive this opportunity, he said.
Cal U Hockey Teams Succeed Again Students Stage 2012 Wildlife Conclave
al U hockey players and coaches enjoyed continued success during the 2011-2012
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season. The men’s College Hockey East (CHE) team finished the regular season at 22-3, winning its sixth consecutive Kaleina Cup and CHE Championship. The Vulcans also earned their third straight ACHA National Tournament bid, advancing to the national semifinals and finishing with an overall record of 28-5. The Cal U women’s team finished the regular season 8-12 and qualified for its first American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II National Tournament in Wooster, Ohio. The women finished the season with an overall record of 9-16. The men’s College Hockey America (CHA) team finished the regular season 15-5 and went on to win its first CHA Championship, finishing the season with a record of 17-5. Individual achievements include: • Senior Nick Posa (Pittsburgh, Pa.) was named first team ACHA AllAmerican, first team ACHA Atlantic All-Region, first team AllTournament, CHE Playoff Most Valuable Player and CHE Defensive Player of the Year. Posa also became the fifth Cal U player and the first defensemen to record 200 career points. • Senior Shane Bickar (South Park, Pa.) was named second team
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Senior Nick Posa (right) capped his highly successful Cal U hockey career by becoming the first Vulcan defenseman to record 200 career points.
ACHA All-American, first team ACHA Atlantic All-Region, ACHA Academic All-American and CHE Goalie of the Year. • Senior Nate Bohn (Canonsburg, Pa.) was named second team Atlantic All-Region. He became the 11th player in club history to record 100 career points. • Senior Josh Werner (New Eagle, Pa.) became the 12th player in club history to record 100 career points • Freshman Justin Locante (South Park, Pa.) was named first team ACHA Atlantic All-Region and CHE Most Outstanding Forward. • Head Coach Justin Berger (Jefferson Hills, Pa.) was named the
ACHA Atlantic Region Coach of the Year. • Senior Ashley Schlag (Pittsburgh, Pa.) set a club record for most career games played, with 86. • Sophomore Alli Paratore (Johnstown, Pa.) was named first team ACHA All-American and second team ACHA All-Tournament. • Junior Pete Ellis (Murrysville, Pa.) was named the CHA Playoff MVP. All teams return to action May 19 when the Cal U Hockey Club holds its annual mini-camp at the Bethel Park BladeRunners. To learn more about the club, visit www.caluhockey.com .
workshop on nature photography. Pennsylvania Game Commission officers presented sessions on black bear telemetry, wild turkey management and wildlife disease, while a speaker from The Wilds conservation reserve in Ohio discussed “Science-Based Ecological Restoration.” Cal U students Jeffrey Ambrose and Joshua Reffner joined alumnus Tyler Brown ’11 to lead the “Rapid Stream Bioassessment” workshop when Dr. David Argent, chair of Cal U’s biology department, was unable to attend. “Dr. Argent was so committed to helping that even though he could not make it, he got his students certified to do it in his place,” Bocetti said. “He still made it happen and benefitted our students in the process.” Cal U’s efforts did not go unnoticed. “It was a great event,” said Dr. Peter Paton, of the University of Rhode Island’s Department of Natural Resources. “Dr. Bocetti and her students should be proud, because everything was organized and ran smoothly. “ Bocetti believes that hosting such an important event will give her students a competitive advantage as they begin their careers. “To have the line on their resume saying they planned and ran a conclave is certainly more meaningful to a professional than just attending,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong, a student builds excellent professional skills by attending something like this. But our students not only attended — they did it all.”
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