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California University
Volume 15, Number 21 oCT. 7, 2013 Read the JouRnal online: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
‘Under the Sea’ Theme for Homecoming
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Former Secretary of State Colin Powell delivers the keynote address Sept. 19 at the fourth annual Pittsburgh Diversity and Leadership Conference in the Convocation Center.
Powell: Young Will Lead in Changing the World
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ormer Secretary of State Colin Powell believes that America has no greater responsibility than educating its children and having them learn to give back and serve their communities. Powell, a retired general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the keynote address Sept. 19 at the fourth annual Pittsburgh Diversity and Leadership Conference in the Convocation Center. The National Diversity Council made free tickets available so the campus community and local residents could hear Powell’s address. “Diversity and inclusion starts out early in life,” he said. “The world is changing, and the kids are going to
be the leaders of that change. If you don’t start the kids off right, they’re not going to be successful.” In her welcoming remarks, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones said Cal U works diligently to foster an atmosphere where every individual is accepted. “I have seen our academic communities make great strides in embracing diversity and inclusion, but I also recognize that our efforts in this area must continue,” she said. “Universities — especially public universities — should lead the way by providing opportunities for — Continued on page 2
nder the Sea” is the theme for events today through Saturday as Cal U celebrates Homecoming 2013. A highlight of the week is Saturday’s Homecoming Day celebration. Pre-parade activities begin at 9 a.m. on the main campus, where inflatables with a seaside theme — including a mechanical shark and a surf rider — will add to the family-friendly fun. Photo novelty booths, mascot appearances, face painting, balloon art and a petting zoo also are planned. The annual Homecoming Parade will step off at noon. The march starts at the Convocation Center and travels down Third Street. Marchers will turn right at Union Street and continue back to campus on Second Street. A tailgating party will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Roadman Park, and a Kid Zone near the alumni pavilion will keep the little ones busy starting at 2:30 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. the Cal U football team will host division rival Clarion University in Adamson Stadium. At halftime, winners of the Homecoming Parade float competition will be announced, and the Homecoming king and queen will be crowned. Homecoming Day concludes with a free concert by rising Nashville star Brynn Marie at 8 p.m. in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. A former Cal U student and a native of Carmichaels, Pa., she recently returned from promoting her debut single, “Bandaid on a Bullet Hole,” and touring with singer Pat Benatar. The concert is open to the community; registration is requested at www.calu.edu. Homecoming week begins tonight with a Cal U Hockey Night at the Rostraver Ice Garden. The Cal U — Continued on page 3
President Addresses Questions at Student Convocation
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Interim President Geraldine M. Jones presents her State of the University report during the Fall 2013 Student Convocation in the Performance Center.
repared with questions about everything from the University’s budget to takeout meals in the Gold Rush and stinkbugs in Morgan Hall, about 200 students gathered in the Performance Center Sept. 26 for the Fall 2013 Student Convocation. Interim President Geraldine M. Jones opened her State of the University report by noting the upbeat mood on campus. This year’s freshman class includes students from nine different countries and 42 states, including Oregon and Alaska, she said. “And I notice one thing they have in common — they are excited about being here at Cal U. I hope all of you gathered here today also are feeling energized about this new academic year.” As she did at the Faculty-Staff Convocation held earlier in the semester, President Jones underlined her three primary objectives: to focus on the core mission of educating students, to stabilize enrollment and to restore financial stability. “I believe we have made significant progress in all three areas,” she said. Students applauded the news that Cal U has erased a financial deficit that stood at nearly $12
million just 16 months ago. In fact, Cal U ended the 2012-2013 fiscal year with a surplus of $5.8 million. President Jones explained that the surplus cannot be used to reduce tuition, which is set by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Instead, it will bolster the University’s fund balance and be earmarked for capital projects, life-cycle improvements and deferred maintenance. “We are still facing financial challenges for the 2013-2014 budget year, and we must continue our efforts to financially secure the University for you and for future students,” she told the audience. The student population dipped by 4.24 percent compared to fall 2012, she explained — sobering news for a university that depends on tuition and fees for roughly two-thirds of its budget. But Cal U’s freshman class is 23 percent larger than last year’s, “a promising sign that we are moving in the right direction as we work to stabilize our enrollment.” Throughout her presentation President Jones stressed that students remain in the forefront whenever decisions about the University’s future are made. “Please know that all of us at Cal U — the — Continued on page 2
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Constitution Day Talk Focuses on Leadership
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Hummel, who is also director of the Linda and Harry Serene Leadership Institute, presented 10 lessons about leadership, which he described as “The Powell Way.” “People will follow you if they trust you,” Hummel said. “He (Powell) would say trust is the essence of leadership. “Humility, selfless service, and a genuine caring for people. That is the leadership of Gen. Colin Powell.” An annual event mandated at all schools that receive federal funds, Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution. The campus chapter of the American Democracy Project at Cal U organized this year’s program in partnership with the Linda and Harry Serene Leadership Institute. Co-sponsors are the University’s Office of the Provost/Academic Affairs, the College of Liberal Arts, the Department of History and Political Science, and the Department of Justice, Law and Society.
s a prelude to former Secretary of State Colin Powell’s appearance on the Cal U campus, this year’s Constitution Day celebration focused on the four-star general’s leadership. Dr. Michael Hummel, professor of leadership and security studies, discussed “Colin Powell: Trademark Leadership” with a group of about 50 students, faculty and staff in Eberly Hall. Powell capped a 35-year military career by serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. In 2001, President George Bush appointed him Secretary of State — at the time, the highest rank ever held by an AfricanAmerican in the U.S. government. “There are a plethora of leadership tools, and Gen. Colin Powell has mastered selecting the right tools for the right situation,” Hummel said. “Leadership is all about influence, and sometimes being able to make unique, timely and sound decisions instantly.”
As a prelude to Colin Powell’s appearance on the Cal U campus, Dr. Michael Hummel discusses the retired general’s leadership traits during a Constitution Day celebration on Sept. 17.
Powell: Young Will Lead in Changing World — Continued from page 1 people from all backgrounds and activities to learn, live and work together.” The son of Jamaican immigrants, Powell described growing up in Harlem, a hardscrabble neighborhood in New York City. He credited his success to hard work, the extended family who “kept all of us in play,” and the free education he received at the City College of New York. “It isn’t where you start in life, it’s where you end up,” he said. “I was never given an opportunity to fail. You never shame the family. “Believe in America and you can do anything you want — but make sure you love doing it.” Since stepping down as Secretary of State, Powell said he has felt moments of “intellectual emptiness,” but now, at age 76, he’s “as busy as I’ve ever been.” He said he enjoys spending time on philanthropy, youth activities and the speaking circuit, where he can hear the public’s concerns. He urged the audience to take an active role in changing current attitudes in Washington, especially among those in Congress who refuse to seek compromise. “I’ve never seen such polarization on the right and left,” Powell said. “The
Retired Gen. Colin Powell passes by a Joint Service Color Guard of Cal U students, including Pfc. Adama Traore (right), on his way into the Convocation Center.
Founding Fathers strongly argued, but they compromised in writing the Constitution. But today, 535 legislators can’t pass a budget. It’s a disgrace. “We have to start pushing back and vote out those who refuse to compromise.” Despite the nation’s recent economic challenges, Powell said he senses the
President Answers Questions at Convocation — Continued from page 1 administration, the faculty and the staff — will continue to work diligently in order to provide to each of you a great academic experience,” she said. After her presentation, President Jones, Cabinet members and student leaders fielded a wide-ranging series of questions. The candid approach made a favorable impression on junior Allison Stemko, a biology major who also attended last spring’s student convocation. “I came back because this is very informative and helpful,” Stemko said. “The students being able to ask
questions which are answered sincerely shows she cares. This is interesting.” The President reminded students about a “campus talk” on Nov. 14. The informal meeting with University leaders provides another opportunity for students to raise questions and discuss items of interest and concern. “I appreciate your questions; we want to address them,” President Jones said. “They challenge us to make this University even better. “I have no doubt that if we continue to work together, and to support one another, we can accomplish great things and make you proud of your University.”
public’s overall optimism and confidence in the future. “I wish I could bottle this up and pour it over the heads of the politicians I see in Washington,” he said to an applauding audience. Powell, who joined the Army just four years after the last segregated unit was disbanded, said America remains the most diverse nation in the free world.
“We need to stabilize our economy and create wealth, but this is still the same great country my parents came to 90 years ago,” he said. “We have disparity, there’s no doubt about it, but we are still the nation of nations, and there’s no place like it in the world.” Antonio Casterlow, a sport management major, said he could relate to Powell. Casterlow grew up in New York, and his family now lives in Newark, N.J. “I thought his entire talk was really good,” he said. “My background is similar to his, and I am the first in my family to go to college, so what he said about the family and what matters is where you end up meant a lot to me.” Seven Cal U students were part of the Joint Service Color Guard ceremonial escort at the Convocation Center, and members of Cal U’s ROTC program greeted the general upon his arrival. Powell also met briefly with a select group of conference attendees and Cal U alumni. “This is my first visit here, and I am impressed by the students, the faculty and the progress this school is making under your interim president,” he said. “The education of a diverse body of young people is so important, because the minority will someday become majority.”
GRANTS AWARDED The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR) reports that: • Dr. Daniel Harris, of the Department of Earth Sciences, has been awarded 20 MOVE academic site software licenses valued at $109,438 from Midland Valley Exploration, Ltd. This software enables geological structural modeling and analysis. • Donna George, of the Student Affairs Office, has been awarded a two-year grant of $40,000 from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The grant will fund “Reaching Each in Our Cal Community,” a series of programs and activities focused on strategies to reduce underage and dangerous drinking. • Dr. David Argent and Kelley Flaherty, both of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, have been awarded a grant of $1,560 from the Regional Science Consortium at Presque Isle. This award will fund their research project “Potential for Seed Dispersal by Resident and Migratory Canada Geese Populations.” The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research serves faculty and staff by providing comprehensive resources related to external funding for sponsored projects. The OSPR provides support in developing proposals for funding from federal, state and local grants, contracts, foundations and related associations. For more information call 724-938-1662 or e-mail vogrig@calu.edu.
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Employers Lined Up for Fall Career Fair
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ore than 500 students and alumni, all seeking internships or full-time employment, are expected to attend Thursday’s Cal U Fall Career Fair in the Convocation Center. Sponsored by the Department of Career Services, the career fair will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No advance registration is required, and admission is free. Representatives from 75 companies and organizations will be on hand to recruit for internship, co-op, job shadowing and employment opportunities. Interim President Geraldine M. Jones is enthusiastic about any event that can help Cal U students and alumni find their place in the region’s workforce. “A survey of recent Cal U graduates shows that 99 percent are either working or attending graduate school,” President Jones said. “Of those who are employed, more than half have jobs in the greater Pittsburgh area, including Washington County.” A Diversity Networking Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. also is designed to connect students and alumni with potential employers. Students and alumni are welcome to attend, but preregistration is required. Information is available online at www.calu.edu, keyword “hire Cal YOU.” Choose the “Career Fairs and Events tab” and click on “Diversity” to register. “How exciting is it that Cal U students and alumni will be able to discuss current openings and network with a vast number employers who will be on-campus to specifically hire them,” said Sheana Bergman, employer development coordinator for Career Services. “Cal U has never had a job fair of this caliber on campus, and it is important for every student and alumnus to take advantage of this opportunity.” For more information, contact Sheana Bergman at 724-938-4825 or bergman@calu.edu.
Cal U Marching band member Erica Beitel ’12 participates in the 2012 Homecoming Parade. This year’s parade steps off at noon from the Convocation Center.
Parade Means Parking Changes
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nyone who wishes to park on campus while attending Homecoming Day events may use Lot 4 (the River Lot) or the Vulcan Garage, where parking will be free from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday. Third Street will be closed on campus, and Hickory Street will be closed from Sixth to Third Street to accommodate the Homecoming parade. Both road closures begin at 7 a.m. Saturday and continue throughout the day. Parade participants can access Lot 4 (the River Lot) via Green Street and Second Street. The River Lot also will be available, via Second Street, to the campus community, alumni and other Homecoming guests. In addition, Lot 21 will be closed to traffic so family activities can be held; Lot 11 will be used for the
Homecoming Queen’s court and parade vehicles; and Lot 2 will be open to permit holders and those attending the President’s Circle Brunch. Vulcan Flyer shuttles will operate until 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Service will resume immediately after the parade, when the shuttle stops at Booker Towers to take fans to the football game at Adamson Stadium. Shuttle service will continue until 11 p.m. No parking will be permitted from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday on Second Street (200 to 500 blocks), Third Street (200 and 400 blocks) and Union Street (200 block). Vehicles that are parked along the parade routes will receive a parking ticket from California Borough Police beginning at 9 a.m. After 10 a.m., vehicles parked along the route will be towed
‘Under the Sea’ Homecoming Theme — Continued from page 1 women’s team plays Slippery Rock at 4:30 p.m. A public skating session from 6:30-7:45 p.m. features appearances by Pittsburgh Penguins players and the IceBurgh mascot. The University’s CHE men’s team plays Penn State-Altoona at 8:45 p.m. Hockey Night admission is free
for Cal U students with a valid CalCard; non-students pay $3.For more information, e-mail Jamison Roth at roth@calu.edu. On Wednesday, a Cal U spirit rally is planned from 4-8 p.m. in front of the Natali Student Center. The event features fireworks, inflatable games, giveaways and the announcement of the 2013
Homecoming Court. The community is welcome to attend. On Friday, interim President Geraldine M. Jones will visit the various fraternities, sororities and other organizations preparing floats for the Homecoming Parade. For more information about Homecoming 2013 events and activities, visit www.calu.edu.
SGA President Learns at I-LEAD
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Reading, Relaxation and Art Taking advantage of a beautiful autumn day, business administration major Justin McGrew relaxes on ‘Ever and Anon,’ a piece of functional public art not far from Noss Hall.
tudent Government President Chelsea Getsy calls attending the Institute for Leadership Education and Development (I-LEAD) “handsdown the most amazing experience of my life.” A student program of the Association of College Unions International (ACUI), I-LEAD emphasizes leadership and community development. The institute builds partnerships between student leaders and university staff with a goal of creating educational student-tostudent and student-toprofessional interactions. Getsy and junior Lea Daltirus, a special education major at Cal U, attended the institute July 28-Aug. 2 at the University of Laverne, in La Verne, Calif. “We were engaged the whole time, because this was an institute and not a conference,” explained Getsy, a junior who has a major in business administration and a minor in leadership studies. “This has made me a better
Student Government President Chelsea Getsy (above) and fellow Cal U student Lea Daltirus will make a presentation at the ACUI Region 4 conference in November at Frostburg State University.
leader and a better person for the community.” It also made her a scholarship recipient, and a published writer. Getsy was the only student from ACUI Region 4 to receive a scholarship to cover the cost of the institute and her article reflecting on her I-LEAD experience was published in the ACUI Region 4
summer newsletter. Both Getsy and Daltirus will make a presentation about their experience at the ACUI Region 4 conference in November at Frostburg (Md.) State University. “What we are learning from these activities are things we can bring back and share with our organizations on campus, which is so important,” Getsy said.
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Rager Balances Academic and Athletic Success Editor’s Note: Cal U will hold its 19th annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Friday at the Performance Center in the Natali Student Center. For reservations, contact Montean Dean at 724-938-4418.
Robert Stinner, a junior business administration major, spins a wellness education wheel during the 26th annual Cal U Health Fair.
Annual Fair Connects Health, Academics
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lways a popular campus event, the Cal U Health Fair is becoming a multi-faceted educational experience. More than 1,600 people visited the Convocation Center Sept. 18 for the 26th annual fair. Coordinated by the Cal U Health and Wellness Education Center, this year’s event featured screenings and information from more than 40 vendors, agencies and Cal U offices. Among the visitors were students from five sections of Introduction to Recreation and Leisure, a general education course taught by Dr. John Confer, Dr. Thomas Wickham and Dr. Harrison Pinckney, all of the Department of Earth Sciences. The students were assigned to visit at least five different booths, where they had to write down what they learned and acquire a staffer’s signature. “There’s a strong link between health and leisure, because recreation or free time is when a person frequently has a chance to make healthy decisions,” Confer explained, pointing specifically to information about drug and alcohol use that was on display.
“I hope this activity can create good behavior patterns for these students, so they choose a healthy lifestyle. They can talk to people who can help them get on the right path. This (health and wellness) information is key.” Sophomore Kylie Sanders, a business administration major, tried some unfamiliar foods as she browsed the various displays. “I definitely did not like the goat cheese, but I am learning things,” she said. Nurse Practitioner Fran Fayish, of the University’s Wellness Center, pointed to the participation of many campus groups, as well as health care industry representatives. “We are all about collaboration now,” she said, indicating a booth staffed by the Office of Academic Success. That booth provided students with information on how to get ready for registration, how to access Degree Works, and how to use Degree Works to look up courses for spring registration. “Anything we can do to support education and reach the students in a positive way is wonderful.”
Discovery Days Continue Oct. 14
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al U has scheduled fall Discovery Days to introduce prospective students to the University. Two remaining Discovery Days are scheduled from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 2. Check-in for each Discovery Days session begins at 8 a.m. in Steele Hall, followed by an overview of the daily schedule at 9 a.m. On Discovery Days, high school students who are beginning their college search are invited to visit the campus and learn about Cal U’s academic offerings, housing, student activities, athletic programs and more. Students also may sit in on a college class and take a guided tour of the campus. For more information or to register online, visit www.calu.edu, keyword “Discovery Days.” Faculty or staff members who are interested in leading tours should contact the Welcome Center at Ext. 1626 or e-mail Carrie Pavtis at pavtis@calu.edu.
As a Cal U student, track and field standout Bradley Rager ’08 won a school-record 14 PSAC championships, which included four consecutive 400-meter indoor titles and three consecutive outdoor titles in both the 200- and 400-meter runs. On Friday, the former conference MVP will be inducted in Cal U’s Athletic Hall of Fame. All told, Rager won eight outdoor and six indoor conference championships for the Vulcans. He was also a two-time All-American as part of Cal U’s 4 x 400 relay team, which topped the conference both indoors and outdoors in 2008. Winner of the PSAC Freshman of the Year Award for both the indoor and outdoor seasons, Rager was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2005 and 2008 indoor and outdoor PSAC championship meets. Rager was also a dedicated student — a U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Academic All-American. With his help, the 2008 team ranked 13th academically among all NCAA Division II programs. He was named to the Cal U Athletic Director’s Honor Roll each semester and was a four-time PSAC Scholar Athlete. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in May 2008. After graduating from Cal U, Rager spent two years working as a chemist for U.S. Steel Corp. in Pittsburgh. He then joined the Army and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in June 2011. Earlier this spring, Rager was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. For the past year he has served a platoon leader in Vilseck, Germany, where he oversees 30 soldiers who have completed tours of duty in Afghanistan. Rager credits his Cal U experience for helping him meet the serious challenges he now encounters. “Balancing track and academics at such a high level was complicated at times,” Rager recalled. “Coming to the military and having to be on a strict schedule, learning soldier skills coupled with balancing your personal life, was something I was used to
A 14-time PSAC champion runner and excellent student, Bradley Rager has earned Hall of Fame honors during his first year of eligibility.
already. So there’s no question my experience at Cal absolutely helped.” Rager is the seventh men’s track and field standout to be inducted into Cal U’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Head coach Roger Kingdom described him as focused, humbled and goal oriented. “As soon as he arrived on our campus, even on his recruiting trip, you knew this young man was going to be successful,” Kingdom said. “He had a plan and a purpose. All I had to do was show him the way and then get out of his way. He took my direction and ran with it.” Rager said Kingdom has been one of the biggest influences on his life, along with Dr. Matthew Price, assistant professor in Cal U’s Department of Chemistry and Physics. Rager attended several Cal U Hall of Fame banquets when he was a student-athlete. “But I did not expect (the induction) so soon,” Rager said. “I know how much of an honor it is, because I saw what a big deal this was when I was a student. It’s a great honor, and I am grateful to receive this on my first year of eligibility.”
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
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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 of University Development and Cal U for Life
Christine Kindl Editor
Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services
Office of Communications and Public Relations
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Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers 724-938-4195
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