Journal - Nov. 4 2013

98121 MSL Cal U Journal Nov4_03-24-08 CAL U JOURNAL.qxd 10/30/13 12:26 PM Page 1

California University

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 23 NOV. 4, 2013 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal

Banners, dinner honor veterans he University will dedicate 33 banners honoring active-duty service members and military veterans in a ceremony at 11 a.m. today on the lawn in front of Old Main.

The campus-wide project was initiated by Cal U’s Office of Veterans Affairs as a way of honoring past and current service members who have ties to the University.

Faculty, staff and students purchased the banners, sometimes with the support of a local business, to honor family members or friends. Each banner includes a photo of the honoree, along with his or her hometown, branch of military service, era of service and other information.

The banners will be displayed throughout the campus during November, and then stored for use in coming years.

Among the speakers expected at the dedication are interim University President Geraldine M. Jones; Capt.

Robert Prah, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs at Cal U; and Charles B. Williamson, a Vietnam veteran who headed the office from 1992-2007. In 2002, Williamson received the U.S. Army’s Commander’s Award for Public Service in recognition of his work with the University’s ROTC program.

A military honor guard will be present as the final banner is hung during the ceremony.

“I’m very excited about the roll-out of the veterans banners,” said Carolyn Clements, military coordinator for the Office of Web-Based Programs. “As a veteran, I believe those who took an oath to defend our nation should be honored within our community. This is a great way to showcase our military community here at Cal U.” The public is invited to visit campus during November to view the banners, which recognize those who served in conflicts from World War II through Afghanistan, and in all branches of the military.

“We are pleased that we can honor so many service members and veterans, especially during the month that includes Veterans Day,” says Prah.

“This project puts a very human face on military service. It will introduce our campus community to individual veterans and service members as we walk past these banners every day.”

T

Veterans Day dinner The University also will honor past and current service members at the — Continued on page 3

University Forges Ties with Slovakia egend describes the Slovak language as the most beautiful in the world: “As pleasant as a breeze in May, as nice as the smile of an innocent child.”

But the language also has sounds and syntax that aren’t found in English, and only about 40,000 Americans speak it fluently.

Slovakia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport would like to expand that number. And it has asked Cal U to help.

Last month interim University President Geraldine M. Jones met with ministry officials in Bratislava, the Slovak capital, to sign a memorandum of understanding that will formalize a strategic partnership to promote Slovak language learning in the United States.

The visit also may open the door to exchange programs or other collaborations between Cal U and educational institutions in Slovakia.

“We hope this visit will be the first step toward an ongoing relationship that will benefit our Cal U students, as well as anyone who is interested in learning the Slovak language,” President Jones said.

As an initial step, Cal U is preparing to offer continuing education courses in the Slovak language through its website, www.calu.edu. Cal U will handle online registration, and the Web-based learning modules will be developed and maintained by the ministry.

User testing is under way, but no

L

Cal U interim President Geraldine M. Jones signs the memorandum of understanding with Dušan Čaplovič, the minister of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic.

starting date for the online courses has been set.

“This is a low-risk, high-potential project,” said Provost Bruce Barnhart.

“We can use our existing Web capabilities to handle registrations and make the online program available.

With so many people of Slovak ancestry living in the region, we anticipate success.”

University officials were invited to Bratislava by the Ministry of Education, which hosted the delegation during its stay. Dr. William Edmonds, dean of admissions, and Dr. Gary DeLorenzo, associate professor of computer information systems, accompanied the President.

During the visit, President Jones was the sole representative of a U.S. university invited to speak at the international conference “Slovak Language in the World — Current Situation and Perspective.” Delegations from 46 nations were invited to attend.

“This mutual cooperation … furthers the mission of the University to provide educational services to its surrounding community, while providing an opportunity for positive international relations,” President Jones told the delegates, after delivering a short greeting in Slovak.

“Your warmth and hospitality will remain with us long after we leave you.”

Softball Makes Academic Top 10 he National Fastpitch Coaches Association recently honored the women’s softball team for academic excellence.

The team earned a cumulative grade-point average of 3.512 during the 2012-2013 academic year — the ninth highest GPA among nearly 300 NCAA Division II softball programs.

The Vulcans were also among the top 30 programs in all levels of the NCAA, according to the NFCA. This marks the second time in four years Cal U has been honored as an NFCA Top 10 All-Academic Team.

All told, nine Cal U softball players attained PSAC Scholar-Athlete honors in 2013 for having a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher.

On the field, the Vulcans finished 20th in this year’s final NFCA top 25 poll after compiling a 38-6 overall score and winning their fifth consecutive PSAC-West title.

“The women on our team are students first and then good

T

Sophomore pitcher Haley Bashada, a recipient of the PSAC Scholar Athlete Award, helped the softball team earn academic honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

ballplayers,” said head coach Rick Bertagnolli, who also credited faculty and the Athletics Department’s academic support staff for their

contributions.

“We are very proud of this academic success. It may be a cliché, but it is indeed a team effort.”

98121 MSL Cal U Journal Nov4_03-24-08 CAL U JOURNAL.qxd 10/30/13 12:26 PM Page 2

PAGE 2

NOV. 4, 2013

At left, Vulcan fans cheer the football team on to an impressive 35‐7 Homecoming victory over divisional rival Clarion. Above, Cal U interim President Geraldine M. Jones enjoys the halftime festivities with newly crowned Homecoming King Shawn McCoy and Queen Amy Dunn.

A Happy Homecoming at Cal U nder the Sea” was the theme as Cal U welcomed alumni back to campus for the 2013 Homecoming celebration.

Washington County commissioner Larry Maggi ’79, chair of the University’s Council of Trustees, served as grand marshal for the annual parade while interim University President Geraldine M. Jones waved to the eager crowd.

The Cal U Marching Band provided musical accompaniment for a lineup of floats, each with a saltwater motif.

ACACIA fraternity and Alpha Sigma Tau sorority took first place with their float, “Jaws.” The Technology Education Association of California (TEAC), along with the Shooting Sports Club and Games Club, took second place with “Lost City of Atlantis,” and thirdplace honors went to Sigma Kappa sorority and Theta Xi fraternity for “Shipwrecked.”

“U

The Inter-residence Hall Council and the Black Student Union took first and second place, respectively, in the banner competition.

Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity 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 35-7 victory over conference rival Clarion.

Students Shawn McCoy and Amy Dunn were crowned Homecoming King and Queen during halftime festivities at the stadium.

Other members of the Homecoming Court were Daeshawn Ballard, Dan Bickerton, Jonathan Boscan, Christina Causer, Reesa David, Eileen Flamini, Farath Raphael and Gavin Volosky.

The festivities concluded with a free concert by former Cal U student and rising Nashville star Brynn Marie, who performed in Steele Hall. A founding member of the Cal U Dance Team, she invited the current dance team to join her onstage for a special number.

Diane Kownacki ’84, of Mt. Lebanon, said she enjoyed returning to her alma mater. “Every time I come back I see something or someone new.

Homecoming is always fun.”

Justin Taucher ’09 returned to campus for the annual Athletic Hall of Fame banquet, where he and his teammates from the 2008 PSAC champion soccer team were recognized.

“It’s always a good time to come back and see people,” he said. “When I was a student we were always playing on Homecoming, so it’s nice to see the parade and the whole atmosphere here.”

Government Shutdown Focus of Talk hree Cal U faculty members took on a complex subject on Oct. 17 as they explored issues related to the recent government shutdown.

Drs. Melanie Blumberg and Sean Madden, from the Department of History and Political Science, and Dr. Paul Hettler, from the Department of Business and Economics each offered facts, sprinkled with their expert opinions, at the teach-in.

They gave the audience of about 100 Cal U students and faculty an overview of both the government shutdown — a temporary halt of government services when lawmakers fail to pass funding measures in time — and the debt ceiling crisis — caused by a failure of Congress to raise the limit on the amount of money the government can borrow.

The shutdown lasted 16 days, and the “fiscal cliff ” was averted in the 11th hour.

Madden provided a historical perspective.

“These recent events were seen as the end of all ends. But is that true?” he asked.

Madden provided examples of “calamitous, Armageddon moments” from the nation’s history, including 19 presidential assassination attempts, 11 major conflicts, amendments to the U.S. Constitution that were seen as monumental shifts at the time, and 17 government shutdowns since 1976.

“It’s a resilient republic, and that has been proven again and again,” he said.

Blumberg provided background on the current political situation that led to

T

Homeland Security Conference Tomorrow al U’s seventh annual Conference on Homeland and International Security will take place from 9 a.m.1 p.m. Tuesday in the Performance Center.

This year’s topic is “Defense Support of Civil Authorities in Disaster Management.”

Bert Tussing, the director of Homeland Defense and Security Issues for the Center for Strategic Leadership at the U.S. Army War College, will be the keynote speaker.

He will discuss military support plans to assist missions normally carried out by civil authorities, including response to natural disasters, criminal activity and special events.

Other presenters will address legal and leadership roles in the defense support of civil authorities. Capt. Eric Augustine, Brigade Judge Advocate for the 56 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, will discuss “Legal Aspects of Defense Support of Civil Authorities.” And Dr. Richard Hughbank, managing editor of the Homeland Defense and Civil Support Journal, published by the U.S. Army War College, will address “Leadership in Response to Disaster.”

The conference is open to professionals in the security and disaster management fields, as well as the general public. Cost is $20; fee includes refreshments and a certificate of completion.

For more information or to register for the conference, visit www.calu.edu.

C

Dr. Sean Madden provides a historical perspective about government shutdowns during the Oct. 17 teach‐in event inside Duda Hall.

the shutdown.

“Many observers likened it to game theory, where each side was just waiting the other out,” she explained.

A deal to reopen the government was developed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican.

The deal funds the government through mid-January and raises the debt ceiling through Feb. 7.

Hettler explained that passing a budget and raising the amount of money the country can borrow to meet those obligations are two different processes.

He also explained that the second Liberty Bond Act, in 1917, allowed the president to issue bonds without congressional approval. But the total

amount of bonds issued must stay within the debt ceiling amount mandated by Congress.

He likened the ramifications of the government defaulting on its loans to how creditors might react to a student who doesn’t make a car payment.

“Banks are unhappy, your credit rating is damaged, there is an immediate impact,” he said. “The U.S. can borrow at low rates, and we can find people to lend us money because we are considered risk-free. Bad credit means interest rates go up.

“And when you are $16 trillion in debt and the interest rates go up, that’s a big deal.”

The teach-in was sponsored by the American Democracy Project at Cal U, the Department of History and Political Science and the College of Liberal Arts.

98121 MSL Cal U Journal Nov4_03-24-08 CAL U JOURNAL.qxd 10/30/13 12:26 PM Page 3

NOV. 4, 2013

PAGE 3

Actors Help with Interview Training or the second year in a row, Cal U theater students have worked with ChildFirst Pennsylvania to help child-protection professionals perfect their interview techniques.

ChildFirst Pennsylvania is a nationally recognized provider of training for forensic interviewers and multi-disciplinary investigative teams, which may include law enforcement officers, caseworkers, prosecutors, child protective attorneys and other professionals.

Weeklong ChildFirst programs are designed to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases while teaching interviewers to place the welfare of the child ahead of all other considerations — and that takes practice.

So Cal U students Jordan Brooks, Jason Capello, Christina King, Molly Malady, Sarah Martik and Sarah Schumaker, all trained actors, traveled to the Pennsylvania State Police Training Center in Greensburg to play the roles of children who have been sexually abused.

Five other Cal U students — Maddie Dudley, Alex Hagerty, Emily Lorence, Stephen Reedy and Clayton Rush —

F

Senior Jordan Brooks works with ChildFirst Pennsylvania, which trains forensic interviewers to make the welfare of children their first priority.

attended an orientation session and observed the training.

“It is imperative to have well-trained professionals who understand how to

communicate in an age- and developmentally appropriate manner,” said Cindy Stone, a ChildFirst Pennsylvania instructor. “This exercise is an integral part of ChildFirst training, and it would not have been possible without our amazing Cal U actors.”

Dr. Michele Pagen, a professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, facilitated the first collaboration with ChildFirst in March 2012.

“This gives our students the opportunity to take their skills off campus and do something that significantly helps the community,” she said. “I think it is an awesome thing that Cal U was chosen as (ChildFirst’s) resource when they easily could have selected other schools closer by.”

Brooks, a senior theatre and dance major, accepted a contract to work as an actor later this month with the National Child Protection Training Center in Winona, Minn.

“This has been a great experience,” he said. “Being able to use acting to help these important people is very rewarding and just makes my love for the theater grow.”

Jennie Carter Award Winner Shujuane Brown Martin ’01, ’03 (center) accepts the 2013 Jennie Carter Award from interim University President Geraldine M. Jones and William Carter, a descendant of Elizabeth ‘Jennie’ Adams Carter, the University’s first African‐American graduate. Martin, a former member of the Vulcan women’s basketball team, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration.

Today she is the director of Head Start, Early Head Start and PA PreK Counts in Fayette County, programs offered through the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette Inc. She also serves as a board member for the Westmoreland County Food Bank, Fayette County Human Services Council and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Fayette County.

The Jennie Carter Award is presented annually to a young leader who exemplifies the spirit of Jennie Carter, Class of 1881. Martin accepted the award at a luncheon on Oct. 8.

Campus BRIEFS Civil War Roundtable Nov. 14 Scott Adrian, a National Park Service ranger from Gettysburg National Military Park, will be the featured speaker at this month’s Civil War Roundtable, to be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Kara Alumni House.

Each monthly meeting features a speaker who shares the results of research and inquiry into a specific topic related to the Civil War. Adrian will speak about the important role of Culp’s Hill at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Faculty adviser for the roundtable meetings is Dr. Clarissa Confer, of the Department of History and Political Science. For information about the program or attending a roundtable, e-mail stonewall1863@comcast.net or call 724-258-3406.

Fogerty in Concert Tomorrow Tickets are on sale for a performance by Grammy Awardwinner John Fogerty, appearing in concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Convocation Center.

A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Creedence Clearwater Revival, the singer-songwriter was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.

Tickets for the concert are on sale now at the Convocation Center Box Office, at www.ticketmaster. com, by phone at 800-745-3000 and at participating Giant Eagle stores.

Prices are $100, $69 and $49. A special $39 ticket for the Cal U community only will be available throughout the day tomorrow at the Convocation Center Box Office.

Banners, dinner honor vets — Continued from page 1 annual Veterans Day gathering, set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the Convocation Center’s south conference wing.

Guest speaker is Lt. Gen. Claude “Mick” Kicklighter, a colleague of former Veterans Affairs directors Col. Arthur L. Bakewell and Charles B. Williamson.

At the dinner the Office of Veterans Affairs will be selling stemmed glasses at $7

each to benefit the Cal U Veterans Club and its Post-9/11 scholarship fund for student veterans.

The event is open to the Cal U community and to the public. Students, local veterans and special guests are admitted at no cost. For all other attendees, the cost of the dinner is $10. Registration and pre-payment is required by 3 p.m. today.

To RSVP, please contact veterans@calu.edu or 724-938-4076.

Dr. Sheri Boyle, assistant professor in the Department of Social Work, discusses the upcoming open house and other opportiunities with Cal U student Allisyn Herre.

MSW Open House Set Artworks Sought for ‘Paradisio’ The Department of Art and Design will present “Paradisio,” a multi-media exhibition, from Nov. 14-22 in the Vulcan Gallery, on the first floor of Vulcan Hall.

Artwork may be submitted through Nov. 11 by Cal U students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Creative works in any medium will be considered.

All should attempt to express or visualize the idea of paradise.

Two entries per person are allowed.

Artworks, written works and abstracts for performance pieces should be brought to the Vulcan Gallery, framed or matted (if appropriate), by 11 a.m. Nov. 11.

The exhibition will be curated and installed by students from advanced drawing and painting courses. All works will be eligible for prizes chosen by a panel of faculty judges.

An opening reception for “Paradisio,” with live music and food, will be held from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Vulcan Gallery.

he Master of Social Work (MSW) program will hold an open house from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Kara Alumni House.

Anyone interested in learning more about the program or the benefits of an advanced degree in social work may register for the free event no later than Nov. 11.

Cal U’s MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the only accrediting body for social work education programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.

Students may earn an MSW degree in two years by enrolling in Cal U’s full-time program. A part-time, three-year program also is available, and the University offers an advanced-standing program for those students with bachelor’s degrees in social work from CSWE-accredited programs.

To register, or for more information, contact program secretary Tammy DeRocco at 724-938-4022 or derocco@calu.edu.

T

98121 MSL Cal U Journal Nov4_03-24-08 CAL U JOURNAL.qxd 10/30/13 12:27 PM Page 4

PAGE 4

NOV. 4, 2013

PASSHE Funds Repairs to ‘University’s Home’ t its meeting last month in Harrisburg, the PASSHE Board of Governors approved an allocation to fund renovations to Cal U’s official residence, the 4,629-square-foot “President’s apartment” in South Hall.

An informational document submitted by the board’s Finance, Administration and Facilities Committee indicates that the residence, constructed at the end of the 19th century, received its most recent major renovation in 1930.

“Since that time, a few minor renovations have occurred, with the last one taking place in 1992,” the committee reported.

Board of Governors Policy 1984-07A permits expenditures of no more than $650,000 from the System Reserve to cover life cycle renovations of official residences at PASSHE universities.

The scope of the work at Cal U has yet to be determined, but it is intended “to correct significant deferred maintenance and lifecycle renewal issues, and improve accessibility in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.” Primary goals of the renovation, according to the document, include a partial roof replacement; brick repointing; termite damage repairs; asbestos abatement; repairs to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; and updating of interior finishes, kitchen and bathrooms.

The residence has been vacant for more than a year. Interim President Geraldine M. Jones and her husband, Jeff, have described the residence as the “University’s home” and said they look forward to hosting visitors in the historic dwelling.

A

Geology Club Adopts Road Students from the Geology Club gather Oct. 12 on East Malden Road, which runs past SAI Farm, after picking up litter on a 1.5‐mile stretch of the roadway. The club has ‘adopted’ East Malden through PennDOT’s Adopt–A‐ Highway program. In return for keeping the roadway clean, the state Department of Transportation has posted signs crediting the club for its efforts. The project was organized by Dr. Daniel Harris, assistant professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, and club adviser Dr. Kyle Fredrick. Geology Club members plan to repeat the cleanup in the spring semester and during the summer break.

Coleman Credits Others for Hall of Fame Honors Editor’s Note: Cal U held its 19th annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Oct. 11 at the Performance Center in the Natali Student Center. The Journal is profiling each of the 2013 Hall of Fame inductees ill Coleman ’61 prefers to credit his teammates, coaches and family for his induction into the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame.

A four-year letterman and starting cornerback for the Vulcan football team from 1957-1960, Coleman is the fifth Vulcan from the 1958 team, including head coach Ted Nemeth, to earn Cal U Hall of Fame honors.

Coleman helped the team achieve a perfect 8-0 record. The Vulcans won 21 of 24 games, with eight shutouts, over his final three seasons.

“I think it was just luck that I was able to meet and play with such great people all at one time,” Coleman said. “The NAIA eliminated strict in-game substitution rules in 1958, which really helped because we could platoon. We were a close team with many players from the same high schools, and we just clicked.”

He also praised assistant coaches Andy Sepsi and Bill Hepner, who went on to be Cal’s head coach in 1962. The coaching staff also included former standout players such as Mitch Bailey ’53, Fran Herron ’53 and Gary Kennedy ’58.

“Ted Nemeth always had things well organized, and Sepsi and Hepner were so intelligent,” said Coleman.

“My brother used to joke that Hepner could not only pronounce big words but spell them, too. We had brilliant coaches.”

Bernadowski, a safety on those Vulcan teams, says that teamwork enhanced the Vulcans’ defensive backfield.

B

Bill Coleman ’61 is the fifth player from Cal U’s undefeated 1958 football team to be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

“Bill was a great football player, and he and I were really connected out there,” Bernadowski recalled. “I knew what he was doing before he’d do it, and he knew what I was going to do, so that’s one reason why we were very successful.”

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Coleman taught for two years in South Connellsville schools before the county schools

office hired him to work with visually handicapped children.

He earned certification in that specialty from the George Peabody College of Education and Human Development in Nashville, Tenn., and in 1965 he completed a master’s degree in administration at West Virginia University.

Coleman also returned to Cal U and attended workshops to earn certification as a school psychologist. He became a Pennsylvania-licensed psychologist in 1970 and served as a supervisor for the California Intermediate Unit from 1970 until his retirement in 1993.

Coleman still works part-time for Alliance Health Wraparound in Uniontown, Pa., where he supervises therapists who work with children with special needs.

“California did everything for me, and my education there was the basis for my entire career,” he said. “I started teaching school, and one of the supervisors saw me and asked me about working for the county schools and everything branched out from there.

California has been so important to me and even influenced my children.”

Coleman and his wife of 55 years, Susan ’62, now live in Connellsville, Pa. They are the parents of four grown children: William H. ’81, Mary Ann Bauer ’82, Nancy Moser and John. The couple also enjoys six grandchildren.

Coleman is especially pleased to join longtime friends Dick Majernik ’55 and Sibby LoNigro ’57 on the Hall of Fame roster.

“I’ve been thrilled ever since I knew I was even nominated,” he said. “Most of my family has returned to the area now, and the banquet was a great night.

Your friends and family is what makes life wonderful.”

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

Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance

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 for 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

250 University Avenue

California, PA 15419

Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers 724-938-4195

wald@calu.edu