California University
Volume 16, Number 13 oCT. 6, 2014 Read the JouRnal online: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
HOMECOMING PARKING
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One of many Homecoming highlights is the annual parade, which begins at noon on Saturday.
Stars Shine for Homecoming
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star-spangled week of festivities is planned as Cal U celebrates Homecoming 2014 with a talent showcase and a float-filled parade honoring the “Spirit of America.” Weekend events begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, when interim University President Geraldine M. Jones invites alumni, employees and friends of Cal U to attend “Our Showcase of Stars” in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Some of Cal U’s most talented alumni, students and faculty — including one very special performer — will appear onstage to benefit the Student Scholarship Fund for Academics, Arts and Athletics. Ticket price is $5 for students with valid CalCards, $25 for others. All Cal U alumni are invited, and the public is welcome to attend. Tickets will be available at the door, or by calling the Steele Hall Box Office at 724-938-5943. After Our Showcase of Stars, President Jones will visit the various
fraternities, sororities and other organizations preparing floats for the Homecoming Parade, a traditional highlight of the weeklong celebration. Pre-parade activities begin at 9 a.m. Saturday on the main campus, where inflatables with a U.S.A. theme 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 begins at noon. The lineup of bands, floats and marchers will step off from the Convocation Center courtyard and travel down Third Street. Marchers will turn right at Union Street and return to campus on Second Street. A Vulcan Huddle tailgate 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 Slippery Rock University at
Adamson Stadium. At halftime, winners of the parade float competition will be announced, and the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned. Hockey fans can watch Cal U’s men’s teams play on Homecoming Day at the Rostraver Ice Garden. At 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Cal U’s College Hockey East I team will host East Carolina at 4:15 p.m. The CHE II team entertains Community College of Allegheny County at 7:15 p.m.
Other events The announcement of the 2014 Homecoming Court will be made at noon Tuesday in the Gold Rush Dining Hall in Gallagher Hall. On Wednesday, a Vulcan Fan rally is planned from 2-6 p.m. on Third Street, in front of the Natali Student Center. The event features bathtub races and inflatables. The community is welcome to attend. For more information about Our Showcase
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. 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 11:30 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 between Roadman Park and the main campus 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 parked along the parade routes will receive a ticket from California Borough Police beginning at 9 a.m. After 10 a.m., vehicles parked along the route will be towed.
of Stars, visit www.calu.edu. For a complete schedule of Homecoming events, visit sai.calu.edu/homecoming/ 2014/schedule.html.
Register Now for Online Winter College
S Emeritus Professor Returns for Talk Professor emeritus Dr. Richard Cavasina will speak at 11 a.m. Thursday as part of the Noss Lecture Series. See story on page 3.
tudents who attend any college, including the 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, may register for online Winter College courses at Cal U. Registration for the 2014-2015 Winter College session is open now. All Cal U Winter College courses are delivered 100 percent online. The fiveweek courses begin Dec. 15 and end Jan. 17. This year, Cal U’s Winter College offers 30 undergraduate and 16 graduate courses on a wide variety of topics. “Winter College can help some stu-
dents to finish a minor, or even a second major, and still graduate on time,” says Kathy Gavazzi, director of the Summer College and Winter College programs at Cal U. “Other students use the winter session to focus on a single course, or to take a class in a subject they’ve always wanted to learn more about. “Because Winter College courses are 100 percent online, they are especially convenient for students who may be busy with work or family obligations between the fall and spring semesters.” More than 750 students took courses
during Cal U’s inaugural Winter College session last year, and course offerings have been expanded for the upcoming Winter College session. A complete list of winter online courses is available online, along with information about tuition and fees, financial aid, library services and technology support. Online registration is available for students currently enrolled at Cal U, and for visiting students from other colleges and universities. To learn more about Winter College, visit www.calu.edu. Look for a link on the homepage, or search for “winter college.”
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Panel Discusses Ethics in Government
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ith every decision, action and even perception, politicians walk a fine line between failure and success. On Constitution Day, Sept. 17, Cal U held two back-to-back sessions exploring ethics in government. An annual event mandated at all schools that receive federal funds, Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Alumnus Stephen V. Russell, an educator and historian of political, Hollywood and sports culture, joined Cal U faculty members Dr. Ambrus Price and Dr. Melanie Blumberg, both of the Department of History and Political Science, and Dr. Emily Sweitzer, of the Department of Modern Languages, Philosophy and Socio-Cultural Studies. Dr. Gary DeLorenzo, of the Department of Math, Computer Science and Information Systems, served as moderator. Russell has been a consultant to ESPN SportCentury, Turner Classic Movies, Peter Jones Productions for the A&E television network, and Hofstra University’s nationally known presidential conferences. He retired as Belle Vernon Area School District’s superintendent in 2012. He began by citing a message President John F. Kennedy wrote to Congress on April 27, 1961: “No responsibility of government is more fundamental than the responsibility of maintaining the highest standards of ethical behavior by those who conduct the public business. The basis of effective government is public confidence, and that confidence is endangered when ethical standards falter or appear to falter.” “Ever since Theodore Roosevelt ushered in the modern presidency in 1901, American presidents have led the way in emphasizing ethical government,” Russell said. “Successful presidents are candid in responding to the issues of both their victories and defeats.”
Stephen V. Russell greets students following the Constitution Day sessions exploring ethics in government.
Russell believes that America began losing its trust in American leadership following Kennedy’s assassination. He cited the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, the malaise of the 1970s, the Iran-Contra crisis and the lost opportunity to reshape a new world order after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “The lessons learned are that presidents who practice candor and have no hidden agenda, who are devoted to the American people, will be the most successful stewards of the American experience,” he said. Sweitzer began the panel discussion by listing five overarching ethical principles — autonomy, benevolence, justice, fidelity and non-malfeasance. “Ethical decisions are an everyday occurrence,” she said. “The conflict
between being fair or doing what’s best for what’s thrown at them is a moral dilemma our leaders constantly face. There is no wrong or right.” Discussing the role of ethics prompted DeLorenzo to bring up the role of the media not only in politics, but also in current events. “The media is important to keep people accountable, but they can also explode an issue by grinding and grinding it,” Russell said. Price spoke to the students about the “crime of being a public official.” “We are in a social era now and losing our best and brightest because they are not going into politics,” he said. “Think about your personal life and what you’ve done that will prevent you from running for public office, because it will be turned up.
Annual Health Fair Draws 1,300
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early 1,300 people visited the Convocation Center Sept. 17 for Cal U’s 27th annual Health Fair, “A Wealth of Health.” Fifty vendors from the health care industry presented information, conducted screenings and offered giveaways at the event coordinated by the University’s Health and Wellness Education Center. “Our event gives our students, faculty, staff and community a head start on a healthy academic year,” said Cal U nurse practitioner Fran Fayish, who thanked the faculty and staff for encouraging students to attend. Joshua Richardson, a sophomore majoring in criminology, enjoyed receiving a mini-massage from Monongahela-based Chancey’s Natural. “It helps my lower back pain considerably. If there’s a free massage on campus, I’m taking advantage every time,” he said. “I also went to the health fair last year, and it’s something I wouldn’t miss.” Sarah Gregory, a freshman psychology major, also enjoyed the minimassage. “I just came upstairs and there was the booth,” she said. “It did feel really good, and I also enjoyed the information that was available on nutrition.” Ciara Crow attended her first health fair as a First-Year Seminar requirement
“Stop judging people on personal behavior and judge them on how they govern.” Blumberg, campus director of the American Democracy Project, discussed “Forgiving Voters: Prudent, Tolerant or Oblivious?” “The relationship between ethical misconduct and the election base is very, very complicated,” she said. “Voters will give incumbents the benefit of the doubt. It usually takes quite a while for them to get disgruntled enough that they vote someone out of office.” The campus chapter of the American Democracy Project, the Office of Academic Affairs, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Department of History and Political Science presented Cal U’s Constitution Day program.
Employers Lined Up for Career Fair
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Sarah Forsyth of Chancey’s Natural administers a mini-massage to Cal U sophomore Joshua Richardson at the Cal U Health Fair.
when she was a freshman. Now a senior peer educator, she was swiping CalCards so that students could get OrgSync credit. “The health fair is beneficial to so many and for so many different reasons,” she said. “There’s such a variety of vendors that anyone who visits will find something that interests them.”
After two years in the Convocation Center’s South Wing, this year’s health fair took place in the building’s lobby and second-floor concourse. “I love holding the fair in the Convocation Center,” Fayish said. “Everyone enjoyed it being more spread out this time.”
undreds of 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 Career and Professional Development Center, the career fair will run from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. No advance registration is required, and admission is free to students and alumni. Students from schools other than Cal U pay a $10 walkin fee (cash only). Representatives from more than 50 companies and organizations will be on hand to recruit for internship, co-op, job shadowing and employment opportunities. Information is available at the Career and Professional Development Center Web page, www.calu.edu/currentstudents/career-services/ index.htm.
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Campus Feels Effect of Enrollment Dip
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t the Fall 2014 Faculty-Staff Convocation, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones reported that a 3.2 percent drop in enrollment has put pressure on the University’s budget, and the effect will be felt across campus. Speaking Sept. 16 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre, President Jones reported that Cal U’s headcount stands at nearly 8,000 students. Although the enrollment dip is less severe than last year’s decline, the decrease in tuition, fees and housing revenue has a “significant financial impact,” she said. On Sept. 3, the University’s leadership team presented a balanced budget to the Council of Trustees for the second year in a row. But the $115 million spending plan includes sharp cuts in all areas, including personnel costs. Calling it “the most difficult decision I have made,” President Jones told the convocation that 12 unionized staff members and four non-represented managers would be furloughed, and an additional 14 faculty, staff and management positions vacated by retirements or attrition will remain unfilled.
Faculty-Staff Convocation
Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones speaks Sept. 16 at the Faculty-Staff Convocation in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.
Personnel costs are the largest segment of the University budget, representing about 75 percent of the total. Personnel costs for 2014-2015 have increased by about $4 million compared to last year, the President noted.
“Achieving that (balanced budget) required us to make some very painful decisions,” she said. “I can assure you that downsizing was considered only after every other alternative had been exhausted.”
Overall, Cal U’s undergraduate headcount slipped by 5.8 percent, while the headcount for graduate students grew by 6.2 percent, the President reported. President Jones emphasized that in the months ahead, the administration will make every effort to keep personnel, student enrollment and resources in balance, while bearing in mind both the budget and students’ needs. In the meantime, committees are working to shape an effective plan for shared governance, as well as a strategic plan that will guide the University’s progress toward academic excellence and financial stability. Campus-wide participation is being solicited for both projects. “Over its long history, California University has witnessed many changes and weathered many storms,” she said. “It has sometimes been painful, but we have always faced our difficulties, found solutions and emerged stronger than before. We can — and we will — do so again.”
Students Updated on Governance, Planning
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campus’s particular goals and objectives. early 300 students packed the Convocation Center’s south Again, students will have conference wing on Sept. 18 for opportunities for input. their Fall 2014 Convocation. “Key elements of this In her “State of the plan will focus on the things Student University” address, interim that matter most — Convocation positioning California University President Geraldine M. Jones University as a vibrant and explained the concept of shared competitive institution, and providing governance, which gives all stakeholder you, our students, with an outstanding groups on campus “a voice in the educational experience,” she said. decision-making process.” President Jones’ voice turned somber In recent months a Shared as she spoke about one of society’s most Governance Task Force, led by history pressing issues: the use of alcohol and professor Dr. Craig Smith, has been other drugs. working to devise an alternative to the She reminded students that Cal U’s University Forum, which was dissolved Alcohol and Other Drugs program last spring. provides interactive educational Minutes of the task force meetings are programming and awareness initiatives. available online, along with the group’s Another resource for students is final recommendation. Students are Option@CalU, whose volunteer peer encouraged to read the recommendation educators can help their classmates make and provide feedback before the responsible choices or access campus completed report is submitted for the resources. President’s approval. “I ask each of you to keep your “I encourage you to take part in the health, welfare and future in mind when process,” President Jones said. “Your you are faced with choices about alcohol input is important, and your voice should and/or illegal drugs,” President Jones be heard.” said. “This is a serious matter that The University also is developing a requires your serious consideration.” strategic plan to guide its progress and Dr. Larry Sebek, associate vice measure its success, the President president for Student Affairs, stepped to reported. Although there is an overall the podium to report on the Natali strategic plan for the State System of Student Center renovations. The two-year Higher Education, Cal U’s plan will project was initiated by students, who reflect both that collaboration and this approved the upgrade and expansion
Danielle Burns, a senior and Alpha Kappa Alapha sorority member, talks with President Jones after the 2014 Fall Student Convocation.
through a 2011 referendum. In addition to improving the building’s infrastructure, the project will expand the center by about 31,000 square feet. Shared conference rooms accessible to students, as well as an upgraded dining area, are among the project’s benefits. The Career and Professional Development Center, the Women’s Center, and the Volunteer Programs and Service Learning
office will be housed in the renovated center. Completion is scheduled for 2015. “It was interesting and informational to here about what is going on,” said Isaiah Alford-Williams, a sophomore who is studying graphics and multimedia. “I especially wanted to hear about Natali. I’m looking forward to using the finished product.”
Emeritus Professor Returns as Noss Speaker
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al U’s Noss Lecture Series will host a presentation by professor emeritus Dr. Richard Cavasina, director of the patient advocacy program at the Pittsburgh-based Abdominal Transplant Institute. The free talk will be presented during the common hour, at 11 a.m. Oct. 9 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. The campus community is encouraged to attend. Cavasina, a former member of the Psychology Department, will present “Dealing with Life and Career Goals Through Positive Mental Health.” He will discuss
how life and career goals are affected by mental health, how to achieve positive mental health, and his own experiences as a liver transplant patient. During his 28-year career at Cal U, Cavasina served in many roles, including director of the school psychology clinic. He retired from in June 2012 and was named an emeritus professor in March 2013. Shortly after he retired, Dr. Cavasina received a liver transplant at Allegheny General Hospital. Since his recovery, he has drawn on his experience in the field of mental health as director of the patient advocacy
program at the Pittsburgh-based Abdominal Transplant Institute, which helps to support transplant patients and their families through surgery and recovery. Chair for the Cavasina Endowment for Transplant and Research, Cavasina currently is conducting research regarding psychological issues involved with transplantation. He says his own surgery has “given me a second life,” and he is pleased to share both his insights into obtaining positive mental health and his firsthand experience as a successful transplant patient.
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oCT. 6, 2014
Choir Joins WSO for ‘Wicked’ Concert
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Kiefer Shaw (left) and Jesse Burrell will compete at the International Tennis Federation National Championships in Sumter, S.C.
Tennis Duo Heads to Nationals
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ennis players Kiefer Shaw, a sophomore, and Jesse Burrell, a senior, will compete at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) National Championships Thursday through Sunday in Sumter, S.C. The Cal U women’s duo qualified for the event after winning flights at the ITA Atlantic Regional Championships last month in Erie, Pa. Shaw and Burrell won four consecutive matches at the regional competition, including a 4-6, 6-1, 12-10 victory over teammates Ramona Czakon and Lucie Rey in the championship finals. Last spring’s Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Freshman of the Year, Shaw earned the singles title by wining six matches. She capped her singles play with a straight-set victory over Czakon in the finals.
Hockey Night Oct. 7 at Ice Garden
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layers strap on their skates for a Cal U Hockey Night Tuesday at the Rostraver Ice Garden. Cal U’s CHE II men’s team will host Washington & Jefferson at 4:15 p.m. A public skating session from 6:457:45 p.m. features appearances by Pittsburgh Penguins players and the IceBurgh mascot. The University’s CHE I men’s team plays Pitt-Johnstown at 8:15 p.m. Former WTAE meteorologist Joe DeNardo will be on hand as Cal U recognizes that channel’s Project Bundle-Up efforts. Hockey Night admission is free for Cal U students with a valid CalCard; non-students pay $5. For more information, e-mail Jamison Roth at roth@calu.edu.
The Vulcans, who are coached by 13th-year head coach Pablo Montana, won both the singles and doubles regional titles for the ninth consecutive season. “Any time our players can win an ITA event, it’s a good statement for our team,” Montana said. “You have a lot of teams from the conference that we’ll see later in the year, so it helps our team tremendously to know we have … players who won the Regionals. “Our players have experience competing at the national level, and they are working hard to hopefully bring back home a national championship.” Cal U will conclude the fall portion of its 2014-2015 season by hosting Goldey-Beacom (Wilmington, Del.) at 4 p.m. Oct. 17.
GRANTS AWARDED The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research reports that: • John Kula and Laura Giachetti, of the Department of Academic Development Services, have been awarded two Upward Bound continuation grants from the U.S. Department of Education. For the 2014-2015 project year, Upward Bound has been awarded $386, 967 for Fayette County and $262,500 for Greene County. The program helps to prepare eligible high school students for success in college. • Craig Butzine, vice president for Marketing and University Relations, has been awarded $375,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers. This funding will support the New Stanton Wetland Mitigation Project. • Christine Crawford, of the Department of Academic Support Services, has been awarded continued funding of $287, 754 from the U.S. Department of Education for student support services. • Dr. Michael Brna, of the College of Education and Human Services, has been awarded continued funding of $185, 000 from the U.S. Library of Congress for the Teaching with Primary Sources project “Toxic Home Assessment, Intervention and Training (THAIT).”
ore than 100 University Choir singers will perform with the Washington Symphony Orchestra Saturday when the WSO opens its 13th season with “Something Wicked.” The 8 p.m. concert at Trinity High School in Washington, Pa., will include music from stage and screen, as well as classical music and original compositions. “Every concert is an event that has a personality, a “geist” of its own,” said Music Department chair Dr. Yugo Ikach, who also serves as the WSO’s music director and principal conductor. “We’re really looking forward to it.” The entire University Choir will team with the WSO to perform a world premiere entitled “Cthulhu Rising” by Graham Plowman. Also, they will be singing music form Danny Elfman’s Sleepy Hollow and Mozart and Verdi’s realizations of “Dies Irae.” The WSO also will perform a new work by Derek Pegritz, a recent graduate of Cal U’s commercial music technology program. The University Choir and some Cal U instrumentalists will join the symphony for the overture to Pegritz’s opera, The Hellbound Heart. Senior Matt Shorraw, a current commercial music technology major and president of the Cal U Choir, also will perform. “I absolutely enjoy this,” said Shorraw, who has sung with the WSO in the past. “It really challenges you, because you must know what you’re doing in order to sing over the orchestra. Everyone of us has to know our parts and be very solid together as a choir.” To add a “wicked” feel to the performance, students and faculty from the special make-up effects program at the Douglas Education Center in Monessen will use their artistic skills to create a cast of the “undead,” who will appear when least expected. Ikach stressed the value of collaboration, and he noted that Cal U musicians have been performing with the WSO for many years. At all WSO concerts, Cal U students are admitted free of charge with a valid CalCard. “Our orchestra is made up of community members, and we encourage any music student to attend or even play,” Ikach said. “We always encourage the youth, because they will be the patrons and lovers of the arts 10 to 15 years from now. We want to cultivate that.” The Washington Symphony Orchestra will perform “Something Wicked” at 8 p.m. Thursday in Trinity High School Auditorium, 231 Park Ave., Washington, Pa. Tickets are available online at www.washsym.org or by calling 1-888-71TICKETS. Advance tickets also are available at Washington Financial Bank branches, Citizens Library and Peters Township Public Library.
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
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wald@calu.edu