Cal U Journal - October 20, 2014

California University

Volume 16, Number 14 oCT. 20, 2014 Read the JouRnal online: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal

State System Approves New Graduate Programs

C

al U will offer two new graduatelevel programs in high-demand fields.

Cal U’s career-focused Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Master of Science in Applied Mathematics were approved by the University’s Council of Trustees at a special meeting on Sept. 23, and by the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education on Oct. 9.

Both programs will be delivered 100 percent online, with courses scheduled to begin in the Summer 2015 semester.

Students can complete each of the programs in 18-24 months.

Cal U intends to secure the National Professional Science Master’s Association’s (NPSMA) Professional Science Master designation for both programs.

According to the State System, “The PSM degree combines rigorous study in science or mathematics with professional skills-based coursework in business, management, communications, policy and other fields.” Instead of a thesis, students typically complete a collaborative research project, as well as an internship in the business, government or nonprofit sector.

The 30-credit program in cybersecurity addresses the growing need

Beginning in Summer 2015 Cal U will offer two new graduate-level, 100 percent online programs in high-demand fields.

for specialists who can ensure the security, confidentiality and integrity of the world’s computing and information systems infrastructure. The program builds knowledge and technical skills in network security, teaches management and leadership skills, and develops an awareness of legal and ethical issues.

The 30-credit program in Applied Mathematics responds to the need for professionals trained in advanced mathematics and “big data” analysis to work in business, industry and government.

The program advances mathematics knowledge while developing technical,

professional, management and leadership skills that can lead to employment as operations research analysts, statisticians, actuaries and mathematicians.

For more information about Cal U’s new graduate program in cybersecurity or applied mathematics, contact Cal U Global Online at calugo@calu.edu or call 866-595-6348.

Cal U Again ‘Military Friendly’

F

Homecoming Royalty Sarah Barger and JaQuan Cornish are Cal U’s 2014 Homecoming Queen and King. They were crowned during halftime festivities of the Oct. 11 homecoming football game, in which Cal U defeated Slippery Rock 48-26. For more photos and a story, please see page 3.

Emeritus Professor Focuses on Mental Health

A

fter six years on a waiting list, emeritus professor Dr. Richard Cavainsa received a liver transplant and a new lease on life at Allegheny General Hospital.

“I have a cadaver’s liver in me,” said Cavasina, who visited campus Oct. 9 as a speaker for the Noss Lecture Series.

“That may sound morbid, but that’s the nature of the transplant business. About 8,500 people in Pennsylvania need liver transplants. I just got lucky, or I would not be here today.”

Cavasina retired from Cal U in 2012, after 28 years in

the Psychology Department, and he was named an emeritus professor the following year.

His Steele Hall address, “Dealing with Life and Career Goals Through Positive Mental Health,” drew heavily on his own experiences as a transplant patient.

“As I look back on my transplant, it was an eyeopening experience for me as far as mental health,” he said. “We all have mental health issues, whether we want to admit it or not. The important thing is how we deal with these issues.”

Now that he has recovered from his surgery, Cavasina — Continued on page 2

or the sixth consecutive year, Victory Media has honored Cal U as a Military Friendly School, recognizing its service and commitment to military service members, veterans and their families.

The 2015 Military Friendly Schools® list honors the 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are most responsive to the needs of veterans and the military community.

“Cal U takes care of our student veterans and our active-duty service members,” said Capt.

Robert Prah, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs at Cal U. “It’s what we do.”

Benefits information, scholarship opportunities, career advising and an active Veterans Club are just some of the services provided by the Office of Veterans Affairs at Cal U. A dedicated military coordinator assists online students, and a First-Year Seminar specifically for veterans and service members eases the transition to campus life.

Staff members in Cal U’s Office of Veterans Affairs know what vets and service members need, Prah added. “We have been in their shoes, from inquiring and applying to Cal U through graduation and seeking employment. We are proud to serve as a resource for students, both on campus and online.”

To learn more, visit www.gijobs.com/schools.

Page 2

oCT. 20, 2014

Kansas Storm-Chaser Stresses Safety

H

ailstones and deer are more likely to harm a storm-chaser than an actual tornado. And yes, following a meteorologist’s request to seek shelter immediately can prevent injury or even save lives.

Dr. Grady Dixon answered some “frequently asked questions” when he opened the Cal U Meteorology Club’s Fall Colloquia Series.

A physical geographer, meteorologist and chair of the Department of Geosciences at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan., Grady also has been a storm-chaser for more than 15 years.

“I’ve been storm-chasing since 1998, and every year I learn something in humbling, embarrassing or fantastic fashion,” he said. “There is no real liability from tornados. It’s the other things you don’t think about.”

Hail and white-tailed deer, for example.

“Hail … will end your trip immediately,” Dixon said. “It knocks out windows, can cause injuries, and it frightens me because it covers the road and it’s just like driving on ice.

“Deer are everywhere, and you have to be sharp all the time, especially at night, because wildlife will jump right in

Dr. Grady Dixon speaks with Cal U students following his presentation during the opening of the Cal U Meteorology Club’s Fall Colloquia Series in Eberly Hall.

front of you.”

Dixon said lightning scares him more than other weather events, but as with tornadoes, keeping your distance is key.

“It’s very easy to not get struck by lightning. The answer is to be conservative … and go inside whenever it’s around.”

Late May is the best time to view

tornadoes, he said, because the storms have great power but less speed. Grady said he often drives 500 miles in a day when he is chasing storms from west of the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.

“Being patient is the difficult part.

You want to be there before the storm initiates. Seeing a storm that’s barely

moving is fantastic.”

Dixon called storm-chasing a great way to see the country, but he stressed the importance of safety.

“There’s nothing sexy or appealing whatsoever about dying from a tornado.

It is a barbaric and terrible way to die, because it’s quite literally a death by thousands of pricks and bruises.”

John Troutman, a junior meteorology major, is the Colloquia Series chair. Last summer he chased storms with Dr. Chad Kauffman, a professor in Cal U’s Department of Earth Sciences.

“As Dr. Dixon said, you can be a mile away from a tornado and not even see it,” Troutman said. “It’s so important to keep your distance and follow the safety procedures.”

Kim Wilson, from Cal U’s Campus Ministry, also enjoyed Dixon’s presentation.

“I’m just fascinated by tornadoes and weather, and I wanted to learn more,” she said. “I almost went storm-chasing a couple of years ago. … I want to see a tornado someday.”

For more information on future Colloquia Series speakers, contact John Troutman at TRO7075@calu.edu or Dr. Mario Majcen at majcen@calu.edu.

Professor Receives WING Award

D

Emeritus professor Dr. Richard Cavasina draws heavily on his own experiences as a liver transplant patient as he speaks to the Cal U community in Steele Hall.

Emeritus Professor Focuses on Mental Health — Continued from page 1 has found a way to blend the professional with the personal. He serves as director of the patient advocacy program at the Pittsburgh-based Abdominal Transplant Institute, which helps to support transplant patients and their families.

He and his wife, Toni, promote patients’ well-being by listening to their concerns, offering advice and sharing practical tips based on their own firsthand experiences.

One aspect of mental health is the capacity to adapt to the unexpected, Cavasina said. “You can see what is straight ahead, but you can’t see what’s around the corner.”

In his own case, simple blood tests prior to wrist surgery ultimately led to a diagnosis of non-alcoholic cirrhosis, a potentially fatal condition.

“I was blind-sided,” he admitted, but he took time to assess his circumstances, and he reached out to family and friends.

“Being proactive — taking time to think about what you’re doing and then doing it, as opposed to being reactive and doing something right now — that helped,” he said. “In mental health, it’s always better to be proactive.”

He urged others to accept support in difficult times, even when asking for help is uncomfortable.

“You can’t do this by yourself; you need a supportive group around you. So I learned to let other people get involved.

People will help to support what they help to create,” he said.

In 2005 Cavasina received Cal U’s prestigious Presidential Faculty Award for Research. Today, he is conducting research into psychological issues involved with transplantation.

“Cal U gave me the opportunity to become a good professor and a better person. The students really did that for me. I treated them like I would want to be treated.

“Today, I have a greater respect for life. I’ve learned that it’s the little things, not the big things, that truly matter.”

r. Christina A. demand academic Toras, chair of programs that meet the Department industry needs, and to of Professional Studies, provide our new land was honored by the management students Shale Media Group at with the skills required the second annual to succeed in the Women in Natural Gas prosperous natural gas WING Awards industry.” celebration.

The awards Known as SMG, the ceremony was held Oct. group is a news, 16 at the Monroeville information, education Holiday Inn, in and mapping resource conjunction with SMG’s dedicated to the shale oil Elite Energy Event.

Dr. Christina A. Toras and gas industries.

“The idea for the The WING Awards honor women WING Awards originally came to employed in the shale oil and gas fruition when one of our editors, Chris industry who contribute to community Stroyne, beat cancer. In support, we outreach efforts, acts as role models decided to celebrate women in energy and provide leadership for other last year during Breast Cancer women in the energy sector.

Awareness month,” explained Tejas “I am both humbled and ecstatic to Gosai, CEO of the Shale Media receive such a prestigious award,” said Group.

Toras, program coordinator for the “Our goal was to commend leaders Global Online legal studies and land and role-models in the shale oil and gas management programs. industry. SMG is very proud and “Being recognized in this manner honored to recognize the achievements gives me additional impetus to of extraordinary women in the continue the development of highindustry through the WING Awards.”

Cal U Delivers ‘Best Value’

F

or the second consecutive year, Cal U has been ranked among the nation’s top 100 colleges by Educate to Career, whose fact-based analysis indicates which schools do the best job of improving graduates’ earnings potential and boosting their chances for quality employment.

Using data from more than 1,200 schools, the ETC Index analyzes the total cost of attending each college and measures it against outcomes when graduates enter the labor market. Metrics used to develop the rankings included the percentage of graduates employed in their field of study, graduates’ average salaries, student loan default rates and more.

To learn more about the “best value” that Cal U delivers, visit educatetocareer.org.

oCT. 20, 2014

Page 3

Campus Celebrates ‘Spirit’ of Homecoming

C

al U welcomed alumni back to campus for a 2014 Homecoming celebration that featured a talent showcase and a parade honoring the “Spirit of America.”

Beginning the busy weekend was “Our Showcase of Stars” Oct. 10 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.

Some of Cal U’s most talented alumni, students and faculty performed onstage to benefit the Student Scholarship Fund for Academics, Arts and Athletics.

Among the performers was interim University President Geraldine M. Jones, who belted out a rendition of “When October Goes” that brought the crowd to its feet.

“What a fabulous night!” said emcee Dr. Yugo Ikach, chair of the Music Department. “Once we started looking for talent, the calls kept coming in.

Everybody wanted to be involved.”

Steven Stout ’85, board president for the Foundation for California University, joined his wife, Lynne Stout ’94, as grand marshals for the annual Homecoming Parade.

The Cal U Marching Band provided musical accompaniment for a lineup of floats celebrating the American spirit.

ACACIA fraternity and Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority took first place with their float, “Freedom Isn’t Free.” Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity and Alpha Sigma Tau sorority took second place with “Sea to Shining Sea,” and third-pace honors went to the Technology Education Association of California for “Route 66.”

The Anime Club and the Black Student Union took first and second place, respectively, in the banner competition.

Phi Sigma Pi sorority and the Associated Artists club received the Spirit Award.

In addition to the parade, a petting zoo and other family-friendly activities brought alumni and community members to campus. The fun continued with an afternoon of Vulcan football at Adamson Stadium, where Cal U rolled to a 48-26 victory over previously unbeaten Slippery Rock.

Students JaQuan Cornish and Sarah Barger were crowned Homecoming King and Queen during halftime festivities at the stadium.

Students from Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Sigma Tau sororities cheer the USA and Cal U during the Homecoming parade.

Other members of the Homecoming Court were Coby Detar, Jesse McQuillan, Morgan Moltz, Demetrius Moye, Santina Murin, Jordan Severo, Ce’Asia Thorpe, Ryan DJ Tubbs and Daniel Zwick Alumni Marjorie “Midge” ’70 and Dennis Petcovic ’70, traveled from McDonough, Ga., for the festivities.

Midge Petcovic is a retired college professor who taught elementary education, and Dennis Petcovic served 30 years in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of colonel.

On the Monday after Homecoming, Midge Petcovic and her former classmates met for lunch.

“Going to Cal U was a pivotal time for me growing up and meeting what are now lifelong friends and my husband,” she said. “Homecoming is wonderful, and the lunch is special because I don’t have any sisters, but I look at my friends here as sisters.”

Dennis Petcovic played on the Vulcans’ 1968 PSAC co-championship team, and the couple enjoyed the football alumni pavilion at Roadman Park after

Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones sings ‘When October Goes,’ which brought the crowd to its feet during the talent showcase in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.

the parade. For them, it’s a home game ritual initiated by another former Vulcan, Joe Lutz ’68.

“It’s that corps of players that put this

(alumni gathering) together, but it looks to me that the younger players are catching on,” Dennis Petcovic said. “We’re becoming the oldest people here.”

Campus BRIEFS Four Attend Workshop Four Cal U employees traveled to The College of New Jersey to participate in a three-day, invitationonly workshop organized by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). Cal U was one of 10 universities from six states to participate in the workshop, which focused on “Integrating Undergraduate Research into Faculty Workload and Tenure and Promotion Guidelines.”

Cal U participants were Professor Barbara Hess, of the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems, and president of the faculty union; Dr. Jennifer Wilburn, of the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology; chemistry professor Dr. Gregg Gould, director of the Cal U Center for Undergraduate

Research; and Dr. Stan Komacek, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Funded through a grant to the CUR from the National Science Foundation, the workshop is part of an effort to institutionalize undergraduate research among state systems and college/university consortia.

Cal U, which has participated in the effort for three years, was one of two State System schools selected for the workshop in New Jersey.

Women’s Commission Sets Meeting Dates The President’s Commission for the Status of Women at California University of Pennsylvania meets monthly from noon to 1 p.m. in Dixon Hall, Room 327. Meeting dates for the 2014-2015 academic year are Nov. 5,

Dec. 3, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1 and May 6.

The commission’s mission is to promote a University culture supportive of inclusiveness, diversity and civility that empowers women and provides them with equality in the pursuit of study, work and career so they can be fully contributing members of the greater community.

Commission meetings are open to the public.

Annual Charity Appeal Hits Homestretch Through Oct. 31, members of the campus community can show they care by participating in the annual SECA/United Way campaign.

This year’s theme, “Not All Heroes Wear Capes,” encourages employees to change lives for the better by

making a contribution.

SECA, the State Employees Combined Appeal, supports a number of local, regional, national and international charities.

Contributions help families and individuals in need of shelter, medical care, food, job training and other services.

This year’s goal for Cal U’s campaign is $21,416. Overall, the 14 State System universities hope to raise nearly $315,000.

Donations can be made directly or through a payroll deduction that goes into effect in January.

The United Way of Mon Valley is a parent organization of the SECA/Cal U drive.

For more information about SECA, contact Douglas Hoover at Ext. 4096 or hoover@calu.edu; or Dana Turcic at Ext. 1633 or turcic@calu.edu.

Page 4

oCT. 20, 2014

Cue the First-year Thespians!

T

Cal U Hockey Night Former WTAE meteorologist Joe DeNardo and current WTAE news anchor and sports director Andrew Stockey drop the puck in a ceremonial faceoff to start the College Hockey East I (CHE I) men’s game at Cal U Hockey Night, held Oct. 7 at Rostraver Ice Garden. The CHE I team beat Pitt-Johnstown after the CHE II men’s team bested Washington and Jefferson in games that kicked off a full week of Homecoming festivities. Between games, hockey fans enjoyed a public skate. During the event Cal U helped to raise funds for Project Bundle-Up, a WTAE and Salvation Army project that helps childen and seniors purchase outerwear. The next home action for the CHE women’s team, national semifinalists a year ago, is Nov. 1 when the Vulcans host West Chester at 7:30 p.m. The CHE I men’s team will begin play that day by hosting East Stroudsburg at 4:15 p.m., while the CHE II men’s team hosts Carnegie Mellon this Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

GRANTS AWARDED The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research reports that: • Dr. Daniel Harris, of the Department of Earth Sciences, has received approval to continue 20 MOVE licenses for structural modeling and analysis software for the upcoming academic year. The academic site licenses are valued at nearly $118,000.

awarded a $3,000 subcontract for her work with the Pennsylvania STEM Girls Collaborative during 20142015. The funds originate from a National Science Foundation grant awarded to the EdLab Group Foundation.

• Dr. Margaret (Peg) Christopher of the Department of Social Work, has been awarded $11,904 from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This funding will support her project, “Shatter the Silence,” which aims to reduce human trafficking.

• Dr. James Bove, of the Department of Art and Design, has been awarded $1,495 from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. This funding will support his nontoxic saltwater etching workshop for jewelry and printmaking.

• Dr. David Argent, of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, has been awarded $5,000 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This funding will support the sampling of 20 unassessed streams for brook trout.

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.

• Dr. Lisa Kovalchick, of the Department of Math, Computer Science and Information Systems, has been

Explore Cal U at Nov. 8 Discovery Day

T

o introduce prospective students to the University, Cal U will hold its final fall Discovery Days event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 8.

Check-in begins at 8:30 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 can visit campus and learn

about academic offerings, housing, student activities and athletic programs. Guided tours are on the agenda.

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.

he second fall-semester presentation by the Department of Theatre and Dance showcases the talents of Cal U’s newest crop of aspiring actors and technicians.

First-year students will appear onstage and work behind the scenes to present Midsummer/Jersey, a high-octane retelling of the familiar Shakespearean tale, Midsummer Night’s Dream, set on the Jersey shore.

Suitable for the whole family, the comedy follows four young lovers, a vivacious crew of fairies and the staff of the local beauty salon as they play in the sand, sea and, of course, the boardwalk.

Curtain time is 8 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31, with shows at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 1. All performances are in the Gerald and Carolyn Blaney Theatre in Steele Hall.

Cost is $12 for adults, seniors and children.

Cal U students with valid CalCards pay 50 cents, plus a $5 deposit that is refunded at the show.

For ticket information, or to charge tickets by phone, call the Steele Box Office at 724-938-5943.

Procurement Fair Set for Wednesday

T

he 27th annual Procurement Opportunities Fair, sponsored by Cal U‘s Government Agency Coordination Office (GACO), will take place from 9 a.m.-3p.m.

Wednesday at the DoubleTree hotel in Washington, Pa. The event is designed for business owners who are interested in selling products or services to federal, state and local government agencies and prime contractors.

The fair will provide companies with contracting and subcontracting information.

Nearly 60 booths will be staffed by representatives of government agencies, corporations, regional service organizations and area businesses.

Some of the participants for this year’s fair include construction firm DCK Worldwide, Lockheed Martin Aeroparts, Mascaro Construction Co., National Energy Technology Laboratory, Simplex Grinnell, the state departments of Corrections and General Services, Fisher Scientific, and Cobham Mission Systems.

A series of breakout sessions will address topics such as understanding the commonwealth’s small-business procurement program, responsive and responsible bidding, and social networking for small businesses.

Registration fee is $45 per person; a buffet lunch is included. For more information, contact Tracy Julian at 724-938-5881 or julian@calu.edu.

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

Dr. Nancy Pinardi Interim Vice President for Student Affairs

Christine Kindl Editor

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

Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers

Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance

Office of Communications and Public Relations

250 University Avenue

California, PA 15419

724-938-4195

wald@calu.edu