July 23, 2012 - Cal U Journal

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California University

VOLUME 14, NUMBER 18 JULY 23, 2012 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal

Kallis Named Interim Dean of Science, Technology r. John Kallis, a professor in the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology, has been named interim dean of the Eberly College of Science and Technology at Cal U. “Dr. Kallis is professional, knowledgeable, and brings considerable experiences and expertise to his new role at Cal U as interim dean of the Eberly College,” said Acting President Geraldine M. Jones.

“He has been a member of the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology for over 27 years; therefore, he is familiar with the Eberly College, the students, the faculty members and the programs in that area. I know he will do an outstanding job in the interim dean position, and I look forward to working with him in the coming months.”

“The Eberly College of Science and Technology has had growth in student enrollment, curricula and research due to the efforts of our outstanding faculty and staff,” Kallis said.

“I will continue to embrace and encourage innovative curricula, teaching techniques, student discovery and entrepreneurial activities, and to pursue leadership in global outreach development through the engagement with industries and regions that will advance our mission in science and technology — a legacy that began in the 1970s.”

Kallis most recently served as department chair, a position he held for three years.

Prior to coming to Cal U, he taught at East Allegheny High School, giving him more than 35 years of teaching and industry experience in print publishing, networking, computer platforms and — Continued on page 4

D Cal U Acting President Geraldine M. Jones and Allan Simons, from Westmoreland County Community College, discuss technology education during the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Instructor Certification Program, held last month in Eberly Hall.

Mechatronics Instructors Gain Industry Certification econdary and post-secondary teachers from six states earned industry certification — and gained a better understanding of mechatronics engineering technology — during a two-week program hosted by Cal U. The Siemens Mechatronic Systems Instructor Certification Program, held June 11-22 in Eberly Hall, took a systems approach to teaching mechatronics, an emerging field that blends electrical engineering technology with computer science.

Instruction was provided by personnel from the Siemens Technical Academy in Berlin, Germany. The Academy is the education provider for Siemens AG, one of the world’s largest high-tech manufacturing corporations.

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“This certification process legitimizes what we do as teachers,” said Ken Peddler, a teacher at Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, near Latrobe, Pa. “We teach industry standards across multiple industries, so we have to make sure our teachers receive the best training possible.

“I think I understand a Red Hot Chili Peppers song better than this material,” he quipped, “but I’m sure I’ll have it down by the end of the week.”

Two instructors and an administrator were on hand to teach the rigorous course material and assist with class assignments, including a system design project and a class presentation.

— Continued on page 3

New Era Ahead for Vulcan Football new coaching era for Cal U’s football program begins next month when the Vulcans start preparing for the 2012 season.

Veteran head coach John Luckhardt has announced his retirement, and the University has announced that Mike Kellar will become head coach of the Vulcan football program.

Kellar served as Cal U’s offensive coordinator from 2004-2008, and then spent two years as head coach at Concord (W.Va.) University, where he led the Mountain Lions to a two-year record of 14-8. The Mountain Lions had won just one game in the two seasons before Kellar’s arrival.

In 2011, Kellar returned to Cal U for his sixth season as offensive coordinator and his first as associate head coach for offense.

Cal U has averaged 31 points or more per game each season under Kellar, including a school-best 42.1 points per

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game average in 2005.

“Coach Kellar is committed to both academic and athletic excellence,” said Acting President Geraldine M. Jones.

“I fully support and enjoy the rich football tradition we have at Cal U, and I look forward to Coach Kellar, his staff and our student-athletes continuing our national prominence.”

Luckhardt cited health concerns when he announced that he intends to retire on Aug. 3. He has led the Vulcans for the past 10 seasons.

“I would like thank the administration at Cal U for this opportunity, and I would especially like to thank Coach John Luckhardt for all he has done,” said Kellar, 41. “I plan to build on the success he had here. Our goal is to win a championship — that has not changed.”

A West Virginia native, Kellar began his — Continued on page 2

New Cal U head football coach Mike Kellar hopes to lead the Vulcans to a sixth consecutive NCAA Division II playoff appearance this fall.

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In Britain, Students Study Shakespeare hristina King’s dream of seeing Shakespeare’s Globe Theater became a reality this summer when she and 15 other students enjoyed an educational experience May 14-June 14 in London.

During the Cal U-Lock Haven-Bloomsburg London Theatre Tour, students explored some of the world’s best-known theaters and watched a number of performances while taking three-credit courses in Modern Drama and Shakespeare in Theatre.

This academic collaboration among the three PASSHE universities began more than a decade ago.

In London, the students spent two hours a day studying for each course, then attended evening shows.

Other highlights included visits to the The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and to the reconstructed Globe Theatre in the London district of Southwark.

“The trip to London exceeded my expectations by far,” said King, a junior communication studies/theatre major who is also vice president o the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

“As I grew up learning about the Globe, it was always a dream of mine to see it. The performances were amazing, and the culture and people are so much different. I also got to meet a few of the professional actors.

“This trip was very special and inspiring for me.”

Students saw performances of Shakespeare’s King John, Julius Caesar and Hamlet. Their reactions pleased their summer teacher, Dr. Michael Slavin, chair of Cal U’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

“They could not wait to be standing in the Globe Theatre seeing Hamlet — one of the greatest pieces … ever written — performed as it is meant to be done on stage,” he said. “To see our students come alive watching this was what’s so exciting for me.”

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During the Cal U­Lock Haven­Bloomsburg London Theatre Tour earlier this summer, students explored some of the city’s most vibrant open spaces, such as Trafalgar Square.

Sophomore Molly Maladay was thrilled to see the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of King John at the one-room Royal Shakespeare Theatre. After the performance, she and the group spoke with the actor who played the title character.

“He seemed so genuinely appreciative of everything we had to say about his phenomenal performance, and it was great to get a different take on the theater, as well,” she said, describing how audience members were seated on three sides of the Globe’s “thrust” stage.

Maladay said she also enjoyed a weekend train trip to Paris.

“This London trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she added. “However, I never forgot that I was there to study, and I always made sure I set time aside to study outside of class.”

King was one of three friends who accompanied Malady on the memorable train ride to Paris.

“You don’t realize how big the world is until you go somewhere like that,” said King. “I would go again in a heartbeat.”

Armentis Express Gratitude in Statement

Leadership Challenge Continues During last month’s third annual Leadership Challenge summer camp, Rob Joseph of Upper St. Clair, Pa., attempts to scale across one of the obstacles at Outdoor Odyssey, a 500­acre facility in Boswell, Pa. Sponsored by the Linda and Harry Serene Leadership Institute, the Leadership Challenge is a weeklong summer adventure for high school students entering their senior year.

For a slideshow of the 2012 Leadership Challenge, visit www.calu.edu and seach for Leadership Institute.

To the California University Community:

New Era for Vulcan Football — Continued from page 1 coaching career at Fairmont State, his alma mater. During his eight years as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, the Falcons won a pair of WVIAC championships.

Kellar accepted the offensive coordinator position at Northern Michigan in 2002. That season the Wildcats set school records for passing attempts, completions and yards; in 2003 they finished second in the conference in both total offense and passing yards.

“Cal U looks forward to the leadership Mike Kellar will give the football program as head coach,” said Dr. Karen Hjerpe, interim athletic director. “His energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the game are contagious. Coach Kellar will continue the academic and athletic success in football, and we are excited about the 2012 season.”

Luckhardt guided the Vulcans to a program-best 88-33 cumulative record,

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including a 56-12 mark over the past five seasons. He led the Vulcans to three NCAA Regional Championships, two appearances in the PSAC Championship Game, three top-10 finishes and seven consecutive PSAC West titles. The Vulcans have won 42 of 46 divisional games since 2005, including 24 straight from 20072010.

He missed the last game of the 2011 season when he was hospitalized with a kidney infection.

“This is an incredibly demanding job,” he said. “It has become obvious to me that I can no longer work at the level needed to lead this program most effectively.”

Including his highly successful 17year coaching stint at nearby Washington and Jefferson College, Luckhardt has won 225 games — third highest among active NCAA Division II football coaches after last season.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work at this institution for

the past 10 years, and a tremendous experience for me and my family,” he said Luckhardt’s success extended into the classroom. In addition to 10 or more wins in the last five years, the Vulcans have had 68 PSAC ScholarAthletes, seven CoSIDA Academic All-District selections and two Academic All-Americans.

Dr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for Student Affairs at Cal U, spoke of Luckhardt’s confidence and passion for the game.

“John Luckhardt came to Cal 10 years ago with a belief that anything is possible,” she said. “He moved his belief into reality by modeling his confidence to his coaching staff and his players. His strength and courage were uncompromising, and his energy was unbridled.

“Coach Luckhardt leaves a legacy of accomplishments on the field and a coaching staff uniquely prepared to carry on the great tradition of Vulcan football.”

Since our 20-year tenure as president and first lady of California University of Pennsylvania ended, we have been moved by the many expressions of support and encouragement we have received from the students, alumni, faculty, staff, community members and other friends whom we came to know and love during our time at Cal U. Our only regret after 20 wonderful years at the University — and the reason for this public statement of gratitude — is that there was neither time nor opportunity to say thank you and goodbye personally to every one of the wonderful colleagues and friends whom we met at, and through, Cal U. And while we are obviously pleased and excited to be living “back home,” much closer to our children, grandchildren and other family members, we will deeply miss the kind and generous people we met and worked with at the University, in Pennsylvania, and beyond since 1992.

Finally, we will cherish the memories of our time together, continue the critically important work we committed ourselves to, and celebrate the numerous achievements, large and small, that we were fortunate enough to accomplish.

We were honored to serve as president and first lady of Cal U for the last two decades, and we wish all of God’s blessings on the University, its students, alumni, faculty and staff for the future.

Angelo and Barbara Armenti

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Three Share STEM Lessons with Overseas Educators hree educators from California University of Pennsylvania presented innovative approaches to STEM education at JOSTI 2012, the annual Jefferson Overseas Schools Technology Institute sponsored by the U.S. State Department’s Office of Overseas Schools.

Michael Amrhein, director for the Office of Outreach and Integration for TEAMS (Technology, Engineering, Art, Math and Science) at Cal U; Dr. Stephen Whitehead, of the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology; and Christopher Allen, a graduate student in Cal U’s Master of Arts Teaching program, gave presentations at the institute June 25-29 at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. The Office of Overseas Schools promotes high-quality K-12 educational opportunities for dependents of American citizens who are carrying out U.S. government programs and interests abroad.

Amrhein discussed “Formula 1 in Schools,” a multidisciplinary challenge and international competition for students ages 9-19. Formula 1 competitors use computer-aided design software to design, build and race miniature gas-powered, balsa wood cars.

“Through the excitement of international motorsports, the challenge inspires students to use computer technology to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacturing, branding, graphics, marketing, leadership, teamwork, media skills and financial strategy,” Amrhein said.

The presentation is part of Amrhein’s work with the Wexford-based SAE Foundation, the U.S. sponsor of Formula 1 in Schools and a leader in supporting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

Whitehead and Allen presented “Mobile Devices for Engagement in K-9 Classrooms,” which demonstrated how

Student to Present Research

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Cal U graduate student Kaitlyn Sippel has been asked to present her senior research paper at the Kappa Omicron Nu (KON) Leadership Conclave and Undergraduate Research Conference, set for Aug. 912 at Michigan State University.

Sippel graduated in May from Cal U’s athletic training education program and began graduate work in ATEP last month. Her paper, Prevention and Treatment of Pediatric and Adolescent Overuse Injuries, was initially submitted to the KON Human Sciences Honor Society for review.

Presenters receive complimentary registration, a $375 value, plus an honorarium check for $50, and reimbursement of transportation costs Sippel is one of three students selected for this honor. She the first student from Cal U’s ATEP program asked to present her research at KON’s annual conference.

Walton Re-elected Vice Chair of Board of Governors

Graduate student Christopher Allen (left), Dr. Stephen Whitehead and Dr. Joseph Schickel judge a ‘Crazy Contraption’ earlier this year. Allen and Whitehead recently presented information about how mobile applications and handheld digital devices can be used to motivate students, reinforce teaching and enrich learning at the Jefferson Overseas Schools Technology Institute. The ‘Crazy Contraptions’ were built, in part, based on research done with iPod Touches.

mobile applications and handheld digital devices, such as the iPod Touch, can be used to motivate students, reinforce teaching and enrich learning.

Their presentation highlighted two examples: how students in grades K-5

learned about ancient Egypt through the Britannica Kids: Ancient Egypt app; and how middle school students learned STEM principles by using the iPod Touch to research, design, build and race a Rube-Goldberg-style contraption.

Instructors Certified — Continued from page 1

All in a Day’s Work Eric Glover, of Facilities Management, enjoys an elevator ride with a baby robin he and col­ league Wally Balla rescued. On July 3 the lit­ tle bird fell through a grate in the generator area at the loading dock of Manderino Library. While the mother bird fluttered around the grate, Glover and Balla accessed the area through the basement of Manderino and scooped up the frightened fledgling.

Once at ground level, the baby bird was released to be reunited with its mother.

Campus BRIEFS

“Part of the reason we held this certification training at Cal U is because the University already has the necessary equipment and facilities to make this training possible,” said Gerd Voigt, a former vice president for the Siemens Technical Academy.

Voigt, who is semi-retired, said he now participates only in international certification programs.

“We use a systems approach to our teaching, so it is important that we have complex machines for teachers to analyze,” he explained.

That classroom technology, coupled with connections to technology education programs at other schools, helped Michael Amrhein convince the highly regarded Siemens Technical Academy to make Cal U one if its 13 partner schools in the United States.

“I knew we had the equipment and pipelines to teachers in other states who would want to attend the conference,” said Amrhein, director of the Office of Integration and Outreach for TEAMS (Technology, Engineering,

Arts, Math and Science) at Cal U. “I told (the Academy) what we had available, and suggested that Cal U should host their next training session held in the United States.”

Most out-of-town participants arranged for affordable lodging and meals on campus, Amrhein said. Still, the certification comes at a cost that many high schools, community colleges and universities cannot easily afford.

A grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation made it possible for teachers from Eastern Westmoreland and Western Area career and technology centers, along with faculty from Westmoreland County Community College and Cal U, to take part in the program.

“It is expensive to get world-class certification, so grants are important,” said Tim Callinan, a faculty member at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Md. “I think almost everyone here is getting funding from grants. We are fortunate to have people out there who truly care about the education of our youth in an emerging field of study.”

Aaron A. Walton of Allison Park, Pa., a retired senior vice president for Highmark Inc., has been re-elected as one of two vice chairs for the State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors.

Walton is a member of California University’s Council of Trustees, and he served as its chair from 1999 to 2003. He holds a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Cal U and a master’s degree in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University.

Also re-elected as vice chair of the Board of Governors is Marie Conley of Harrisburg, Pa. Executive director of the recently formed Paterno Foundation, she is a graduate of Bloomsburg University and a former member of its Council of Trustees. Guido M. Pichini of Wyomissing has been elected to a second term as chair of the Board of Governors.

Chancellor’s Contract Extended The Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) voted unanimously last month to extend the contract of Chancellor Dr. John C. Cavanaugh through June 30, 2015. He has served as PASSHE Chancellor since July 1, 2008.

Dr. Cavanaugh has been elected by his peers to leadership roles with, among others, the State Higher Education Executive Officers, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the National Association of System Heads. He also is chair of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Board of Trustees and of its executive committee, and a commissioner of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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246 Cal U Students on AD Honor Roll record total of 246 California University student-athletes, representing all fall, winter and spring sports, were named to the Spring 2012 edition of the Athletic Director Honor Roll.

For the 12th consecutive semester, Cal U athletic programs compiled a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

Overall, the Vulcans posted a cumulative GPA of 3.167 last semester, and 31 student-athletes achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA. To be eligible for the academic honor, student-athletes must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher during the semester.

With 16 players on the honor roll, women’s volleyball earned the highest team GPA at 3.672. The soccer team posted the top GPA (3.335) among the eight men’s sports teams, with 18 players holding a 3.0 GPA or better.

Women’s track and field led in the headcount for all sports with 41 athletes on the honor roll, followed by football (35), women’s cross country (27), men’s track and field (26) and women’s soccer (20).

Volleyball led all programs with 94 percent (16 of 17) members of its team on the honor roll, followed by tennis (89

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percent, or eight of nine players) and women’s golf (88 percent, or seven of eight).

Also this past year, Cal U athletics led the entire NCAA Division II in Capitol One Academic All-Americans, with 13.

Interim athletic director Dr. Karen Hjerpe stresses that teamwork helped the student-athletes to shine. In particular, she praised the work of the athletic academic area led by Kelly Collins, faculty athletic representative Dr. William Biddington, and the University’s coaches, faculty and staff.

“All are integral to the mission of Division II, which supports the success of students first and athletes second,” she said.

“The record number of student-athletes who are on the Athletic Directors Honor Roll shows the commitment of our students to their academic programs,” Hjerpe added.

“We are especially proud of the number of academic All-Americans this year, those recognized at the conference championships for their outstanding academic achievements, and of course the 246 student-athletes who have achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher.”

Cross country standout Tim Lahmers, a first­team Capitol One Academic All­American who graduated in May, was one of a record total 246 of Cal U student­athletes named to the Spring 2012 edition of the Athletic Director Honor Roll.

Kallis Interim Dean of Teens Look at Justice Studies Science, Technology ore than a dozen high school students investigated careers in justice studies during a daylong excursion to Cal U. The young visitors on June 12 were part of a career exploration summer camp offered through Southwest Training Services Inc., a company that helps employers and job seekers make informed employment and training decisions.

Many students involved in the program have had little exposure to various career paths or university settings.

“A lot of these kids have obstacles in their lives,” said camp teacher and Cal U alumna Angela Belcastro ’10.

“I really wanted to show the students they do not have to let those obstacles stand in the way of their dreams.”

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— Continued from page 1 applications, digital communications and electronic media.

Kallis is the president-elect for TEEAP, the Technology and Engineering Education Association of Pennsylvania. In 2009, he received a distinguished service citation from Epsilon Pi Tau, the International Honor Society for technology professionals. In 2008, he received the technology faculty award from the Faculty Professional Development Committee.

Kallis is a respected expert in the technology field. Among his accomplishments: • He developed the Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, which has been approved by PASSHE. • He has conducted teacher training and developed curriculum for the TIME Dr. John Kallis (Technology and Innovation in Manufacturing and Engineering) Center in Maryland.

• He has presented at the local, state and international levels in the areas of robotics and electronic media/communication technology • He was a consultant for the Department of Defense NCRETE grant in the areas of electronic media development and robotic teacher outreach training • He developed robotic curriculum for a three-week course as part of the R Benjamin Wiley Partnership Program, a collegepreparation initiative for urban high school students.

• He served as a judge for the BotsIQ competition, in which high school students design, build and battle robots in a gladiator-style competition.

Kallis earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial arts education from Cal U, and his doctorate in educational communication technology from the University of Pittsburgh.

He succeeds Dr. Leonard Colelli, who is the new provost at Potomac State College in West Virginia.

Belcastro said the trip to Cal U was a perfect opportunity for the students to visit a college campus and learn more about careers in protective services, a recent theme of the camp.

Students started their campus experience by splashing in the Emeriti Fountain on their way to Azorsky Hall.

Dr. Emily Sweitzer, chair of the Department of Justice, Law and Society, and Dr. Michael Hummel, director of the Linda and Harry Serene Leadership Institute, introduced students to the types of programs and courses the department offers.

Students then took a tour of campus and ended their journey in Duda Hall, where Cal U junior Ryan Spencer gave a presentation on careers in protective services.

His talk gave students a firm grasp of possible careers, their potential salaries and the skills needed to be successful in the industry.

“No one spoke to me about college or a specific major when I was in high school,” Spencer said. “Since I frequently work with local police departments, I was able to give them an idea about this field and the possibilities they have.”

The smiling students seemed to be enjoying their time at Cal U. “I think this trip greatly benefited us,” said Oshai Wright, a sophomore at Washington High School in Washington, Pa. “It was is great to come to Cal U and have that first-time experience on a college campus.”

Openings Available in SEEK Program hildren entering grades 1-8 this fall still have time to register for SEEK, the annual Summer Educational Enrichment for Kids program.

SEEK’s final weeklong session, Aug. 6-10, has a “Hollywood” theme. Classes will be held from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. on campus. Cost is $135 per child for a full-week, full-day program, or $90 per child for a full-week, half-day (morning

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or afternoon) program.

Registration and payment information, plus a list of SEEK classes, can be found online at www.calu.edu/academics/seek. Payment can be made by credit card, using MasterCard, VISA or Discover.

For more information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs at 724-938-4407 or e-mail seek@calu.edu.

The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Geraldine M. Jones Acting University President

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

Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services

Sharon Navoney Interim Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Read the Journal online at www.calu.edu

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