California University
Volume 17, Number 15 oct. 26, 2015 Read the JouRnal online: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
The Cal U Marching Band, shown above performing at Collegiate Band Marching Festival in Allentown, is assisting with the University’s recruiting efforts.
Marching Band Hosts High School Players
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n addition to entertaining fans at Vulcan football games, the Cal U Marching Band is assisting with the University’s recruiting efforts. Under the guidance of Dr. Frank Stetar, who was appointed interim director of bands this summer, Cal U has revived its tradition of incorporating local high school bands into home-game activities at Adamson Stadium. Earlier this season the marching bands from Bentworth and California Area high schools performed at Vulcan home games. Musicians from Brownsville Area High School will visit the stadium Nov. 7. “This is something that Cal U did a long time ago under (emeritus professor and retired band director) Max Gonano. As a former local high school band director, I always enjoyed bringing my band here,” said Stetar, who served as California Area High School’s band director for 15 years. “I thought it would be a great
recruitment tool to do this again.” After performing during the pregame show, the high school musicians join Cal U band members in the stands. “They do their (high school) halftime show during our pregame and right before the National Anthem, so it gives them the opportunity to perform on our stadium field in front of all the people,” Stetar said. “Then they hang out with our band students during the game, play along, and just have a good time.” He said the endeavor has succeeded through a team effort. In addition to Music Department chair Dr. Yugo Ikach, he thanked acting Provost Dr. Bruce Barnhart for his support, especially with providing food and transportation for the visitors. After the high school musicians perform, members of the University’s undergraduate admissions team meet them to provide small gifts and information packets.
“That student-to-student interaction provides a wonderful introduction to the Cal U experience,” Barnhart said. “Many high school students are looking for a college where they can feel at home. Frank and our band students have done a great job of providing that warm welcome.” Members of the visiting bands are asked to fill out cards so the admissions team can follow up. “We‘ve received very positive feedback. A lot of students are showing interest in coming to Cal U and being part of our band as a result of this experience,” Stetar said. The experience also is rewarding for Cal U’s 103-member marching band, said junior Makayla Kolat, a commercial music technology major who graduated from nearby Jefferson-Morgan High School. “It’s actually a lot of fun, and it’s great that they show an interest in (the band) and Cal U,” said Kolat, who plays
Space Set Aside for Devotions
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ampus community members of all faiths now have a space for devotions, meditation and prayer. The University has designated two rooms in the Carter Hall Multicultural Center (G-25, rooms 18-19) as meditation rooms. Two rooms have been set aside because some religious traditions require men and women to pray separately. The rooms are close to restrooms for the convenience of those whose faith requires ritual washing of hands and feet. “When I was a student here, I had Muslim friends who just found a space wherever they could to pray,” said Sheleta Webb ’89, ‘94, director of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Education, as well as Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services. “I think today’s students want more privacy. Now they have a quiet place in a specific location to pray, meditate, or to do whatever they need.” Dr. John Burnett, special assistant to the President for EEO, identified the need for devotional space and developed a policy for the meditation rooms, Webb said. She also singled out Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance; Tim Susick, associate — Continued on page 2
clarinet. “It’s nice to get the word out about what we do here.” University band students also spread the word about Cal U when they return home for Friday night football, or when the marching band performs at high school band festivals. This fall the Cal U Marching Band performed at locations as near as Charleroi and North Huntingdon, and as far away as Allentown. For the first time since the late 1980s, the Cal U Marching Band will also participate in the California Community Halloween parade at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28. In addition, Stetar arranged for seven high school bands to march in this year’s Homecoming Parade, and the Cal U band is looking forward to hosting Brownsville Area musicians at Senior Day festivities next month. “It’s a great opportunity for everyone involved,” Stetar said. “Anything we can do to help get our band and overall enrollment numbers up, we want to do.”
Grad Named Employer of the Year
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Abdullah Alsharari, a senior English major, prays in one of the new meditation rooms inside the Carter Hall Multicultural Center.
rianna Riggi ’10, manager of agency recruiting at Prudential, is this year’s recipient of the Cal U Career Advantage Advisory Board’s Employer of the Year Award. Riggi received the award Oct. 6 during the Fall Job and Internship Fair at the Convocation Center. Sponsored by the Career and Professional Development Center, the jobs fair brought more than 60 companies and organizations to campus to recruit students and alumni for internship, co-op, job shadowing and employment opportunities. Riggi, who was nominated by several Cal U faculty and staff members, earned her Cal U degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. After serving on the Career Advantage advisory board for several years, she now — Continued on page 4