Fall 2010 - Cal U Review

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2010

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CREVIEW ALU

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Cal U connections reach around the world


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FALL

CALU REVIEW

The California University of Pennsylvania Magazine CAL U REVIEW Vol. 38 - No. 4 The Cal U Review is published quarterly by the Office of Marketing and University Relations and is distributed free. Third class postage paid at California.

CHANCELLOR John C. Cavanaugh

FROM THE PRESIDENT

In this digital age, ideas have no boundaries. Information travels across borders to anyone with a cell phone or an Internet connection. Pop culture spreads via YouTube. Facebook expands our circle of “friends.” International trade and high-speed transportation link us in countless ways to people around the world. Now more than ever, success in any career requires a global perspective. Cal U is committed to educating students about their role as global citizens, and to helping them learn to live and work effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. Last summer, for example, educators from 15 nations joined local teachers, University faculty and Cal U students for The Leader in Me Global Education Summit, presented by FranklinCovey. Together they explored fresh ideas for nurturing young leaders, no matter where they attend school. This fall, students in the Department of History and Political Science used videoconferencing technology to exchange ideas with students at the University of Cairo, in Egypt. The discussion ranged from politics to popular music. Although differences emerged, students thousands of miles apart found they had much in common. In the following pages, you will read about more Cal U efforts to foster a global perspective through international travel or research. You will meet faculty and students who are expanding their horizons — and bringing their newfound understanding back home. Let me remind you, too, about the growing popularity of Cal U Global Online. These high-caliber programs, delivered 100 percent online, are attracting students from across the country and around the world. A nationwide study of online schools has ranked Cal U No. 1 in the nation for its Internet-based degree programs. Want to learn more? Pay us a visit at www.calu.edu. You can reach us at that address from anywhere in the world.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Kenneth M. Jarin, chairman Aaron Walton, vice chair C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni, vice chair Leonard B. Altieri III Rep. Matthew E. Baker Marie Conley Lammando Paul S. Dlugolecki Thomas L. Gluck Rep. Michael K. Hanna Sen. Vincent J. Hughes

Geraldine M. Jones, provost and vice president for academic affairs Dr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for student affairs Dr. Charles Mance, vice president for university technology services Ron Huiatt, vice president for development and alumni relations Robert Thorn, interim vice president for administration and finance Craig Butzine ‘84, interim vice president for marketing and university relations

INSIDE

COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Leo Krantz, chair Robert J. Irey, vice chair Peter J. Daley II ’72, ’75 Jackie Davis, secretary (student trustee) James T. Davis ’73 Annette Ganassi Lawrence Maggi ’79

DEPARTMENTS

Michael Napolitano ’68 Gwendolyn Simmons Jerry Spangler ’74 Aaron Walton ’68 The Honorable John C. Cavanaugh Chancellor, ex-officio

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Harry Serene ’65, president Tim Gorske ’62, vice president Dr. Lorraine Vitchoff ’74, secretary Deanne Zelenak ’79, treasurer Rosemary Bucchianeri ’69, immediate past president Dr. Roger M. Angelelli ’64 Jim Lokay ’02 Mary Jo (Zosky) Barnhart ’84 Lawrence Maggi ’79 Joseph Dochinez ’51 Don Martin ’89 Kimberly (Mahaffey) Fahey ’97 Dante Morelli ’02 Barbara Williams Fetsko ’75 Michael Napolitano ’68 B. Christina (Kost) Fosbrink ’01, ’03 Melanie Stringhill Patterson ’82 Josh Fosbrink ’01, ’03 Fritz Retsch ’62, ’66 Dr. Paul Gentile ’62 Dolly Rozzi ’64 Alan James ’62 James Stofan ’71 Len Keller ’61 Lynne Stout ’94 Dr. Anthony Lazzaro ’55 Dr. Tim Susick ’76 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., President Geraldine M. Jones ’71 Ron Huiatt

Leo Krantz Linda (Hootman) Serene ‘64 Dr. Michael Slavin ‘74

STUDENT MEMBERS Ashley Baird Josh Giffen

Chase Loper Jason Springer

STUDENT ASSOCIATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jacqueline Davis Nicole Lowry Rachel Fletcher Katie Mercadante Walter D. Harris III Marc Roncone ’03 Robert Irey Dr. Donald Thompson Sam Jessee ’90 Michael R. Wagner Bonnie Keener Joshua Wright Jim Lokay ’02 Leigh Ann Lincoln Larry Sebek

FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda H. Serene ’64, president David L. Amati ’70, vice president Michele Mandell ’69, secretary John Lechman ’74 Paul Kania ’87, treasurer David H. Lee ’71 Roger Angelelli ’64 J. William Lincoln Thomas Crumrine ’64 Robert Lippencott ’66 Nathaniel W. Dixon Michael A. Perry ’63 William R. Flinn ’68 Jerry L. Spangler ’74 Richard C. Grace ’63 Saundra L. Stout ’72 Dale L. Hamer ’60 Steven P. Stout ’85 Annette M. Kaleita ’55 Ben Wright Gary Kennedy ’58 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Angelo Armenti, Jr. Ron Huiatt Dr. Harry Serene ’65 EDITOR Christine Kindl

2 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010

COVER STORY: Dr. Paul Crawford believes that scholars gain understanding when they travel to historical sites.

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA President Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Lenora Angelone ’89,’92,’97 Dr. Nancy Pinardi ’95, ’96, ’98

Angelo Armenti, Jr. President California University of Pennsylvania

Jamie Lutz Jonathan B. Mack Joseph F. McGinn Sen. Jeffrey E. Piccola Guido M. Pichini Gov. Edward G. Rendell Harold C. Shields Thomas M. Sweitzer Christine J. Toretti Mackenzie Marie Wrobel

WRITERS Wendy Mackall Bruce Wald ’85 Jeffrey Bender

Lindy Kravec Cindy Cusic Micco Colleen C. Derda

PHOTOGRAPHERS Greg Sofranko

S. C. Spangler

PAYING IT FORWARD

FEATURES 15

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

16 – 17

Forensic training

ALUMNI CALENDAR

18 – 19

Visitors from Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates receive training through the Institute for Criminological and Forensic Sciences at Cal U.

CAMPUS CLIPS

22 – 23

SPORTS ROUNDUP

26 – 27

MILESTONES

30 – 34

6

International athletes

8

Nearly 50 students have come from overseas to compete as Vulcan athletes this year.

See the world

11 Activities shed light on Native American heritage California University celebrated its first Native American Day on Nov. 9 with a visit from the Americans for Indian Opportunity Ambassadors, a group of Native Americans engaged in leadership and community service based on traditional indigenous values. The group was founded in 1992 by LaDonna Harris, who received an honorary doctorate from Cal U in 2009.

Alumni tours make travel both easy and educational.

Families without borders

12

Faculty and staff members open their hearts to children born abroad.

A working partnership

14

Cal U continues its partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins — a game plan that makes students the winners.

The celebration also included a demonstration of wampum-making by cultural practitioner Kinorea “Two Feather” Tigri, a Cherokee Indian listed on the National Registry of Living Historians. Cal U intends to make Native American Day an annual event. FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 3


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11/9/10

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2010

FALL

CALU REVIEW

The California University of Pennsylvania Magazine CAL U REVIEW Vol. 38 - No. 4 The Cal U Review is published quarterly by the Office of Marketing and University Relations and is distributed free. Third class postage paid at California.

CHANCELLOR John C. Cavanaugh

FROM THE PRESIDENT

In this digital age, ideas have no boundaries. Information travels across borders to anyone with a cell phone or an Internet connection. Pop culture spreads via YouTube. Facebook expands our circle of “friends.” International trade and high-speed transportation link us in countless ways to people around the world. Now more than ever, success in any career requires a global perspective. Cal U is committed to educating students about their role as global citizens, and to helping them learn to live and work effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. Last summer, for example, educators from 15 nations joined local teachers, University faculty and Cal U students for The Leader in Me Global Education Summit, presented by FranklinCovey. Together they explored fresh ideas for nurturing young leaders, no matter where they attend school. This fall, students in the Department of History and Political Science used videoconferencing technology to exchange ideas with students at the University of Cairo, in Egypt. The discussion ranged from politics to popular music. Although differences emerged, students thousands of miles apart found they had much in common. In the following pages, you will read about more Cal U efforts to foster a global perspective through international travel or research. You will meet faculty and students who are expanding their horizons — and bringing their newfound understanding back home. Let me remind you, too, about the growing popularity of Cal U Global Online. These high-caliber programs, delivered 100 percent online, are attracting students from across the country and around the world. A nationwide study of online schools has ranked Cal U No. 1 in the nation for its Internet-based degree programs. Want to learn more? Pay us a visit at www.calu.edu. You can reach us at that address from anywhere in the world.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Kenneth M. Jarin, chairman Aaron Walton, vice chair C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni, vice chair Leonard B. Altieri III Rep. Matthew E. Baker Marie Conley Lammando Paul S. Dlugolecki Thomas L. Gluck Rep. Michael K. Hanna Sen. Vincent J. Hughes

Geraldine M. Jones, provost and vice president for academic affairs Dr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for student affairs Dr. Charles Mance, vice president for university technology services Ron Huiatt, vice president for development and alumni relations Robert Thorn, interim vice president for administration and finance Craig Butzine ‘84, interim vice president for marketing and university relations

INSIDE

COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Leo Krantz, chair Robert J. Irey, vice chair Peter J. Daley II ’72, ’75 Jackie Davis, secretary (student trustee) James T. Davis ’73 Annette Ganassi Lawrence Maggi ’79

DEPARTMENTS

Michael Napolitano ’68 Gwendolyn Simmons Jerry Spangler ’74 Aaron Walton ’68 The Honorable John C. Cavanaugh Chancellor, ex-officio

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Harry Serene ’65, president Tim Gorske ’62, vice president Dr. Lorraine Vitchoff ’74, secretary Deanne Zelenak ’79, treasurer Rosemary Bucchianeri ’69, immediate past president Dr. Roger M. Angelelli ’64 Jim Lokay ’02 Mary Jo (Zosky) Barnhart ’84 Lawrence Maggi ’79 Joseph Dochinez ’51 Don Martin ’89 Kimberly (Mahaffey) Fahey ’97 Dante Morelli ’02 Barbara Williams Fetsko ’75 Michael Napolitano ’68 B. Christina (Kost) Fosbrink ’01, ’03 Melanie Stringhill Patterson ’82 Josh Fosbrink ’01, ’03 Fritz Retsch ’62, ’66 Dr. Paul Gentile ’62 Dolly Rozzi ’64 Alan James ’62 James Stofan ’71 Len Keller ’61 Lynne Stout ’94 Dr. Anthony Lazzaro ’55 Dr. Tim Susick ’76 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., President Geraldine M. Jones ’71 Ron Huiatt

Leo Krantz Linda (Hootman) Serene ‘64 Dr. Michael Slavin ‘74

STUDENT MEMBERS Ashley Baird Josh Giffen

Chase Loper Jason Springer

STUDENT ASSOCIATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jacqueline Davis Nicole Lowry Rachel Fletcher Katie Mercadante Walter D. Harris III Marc Roncone ’03 Robert Irey Dr. Donald Thompson Sam Jessee ’90 Michael R. Wagner Bonnie Keener Joshua Wright Jim Lokay ’02 Leigh Ann Lincoln Larry Sebek

FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda H. Serene ’64, president David L. Amati ’70, vice president Michele Mandell ’69, secretary John Lechman ’74 Paul Kania ’87, treasurer David H. Lee ’71 Roger Angelelli ’64 J. William Lincoln Thomas Crumrine ’64 Robert Lippencott ’66 Nathaniel W. Dixon Michael A. Perry ’63 William R. Flinn ’68 Jerry L. Spangler ’74 Richard C. Grace ’63 Saundra L. Stout ’72 Dale L. Hamer ’60 Steven P. Stout ’85 Annette M. Kaleita ’55 Ben Wright Gary Kennedy ’58 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Angelo Armenti, Jr. Ron Huiatt Dr. Harry Serene ’65 EDITOR Christine Kindl

2 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010

COVER STORY: Dr. Paul Crawford believes that scholars gain understanding when they travel to historical sites.

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA President Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Lenora Angelone ’89,’92,’97 Dr. Nancy Pinardi ’95, ’96, ’98

Angelo Armenti, Jr. President California University of Pennsylvania

Jamie Lutz Jonathan B. Mack Joseph F. McGinn Sen. Jeffrey E. Piccola Guido M. Pichini Gov. Edward G. Rendell Harold C. Shields Thomas M. Sweitzer Christine J. Toretti Mackenzie Marie Wrobel

WRITERS Wendy Mackall Bruce Wald ’85 Jeffrey Bender

Lindy Kravec Cindy Cusic Micco Colleen C. Derda

PHOTOGRAPHERS Greg Sofranko

S. C. Spangler

PAYING IT FORWARD

FEATURES 15

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

16 – 17

Forensic training

ALUMNI CALENDAR

18 – 19

Visitors from Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates receive training through the Institute for Criminological and Forensic Sciences at Cal U.

CAMPUS CLIPS

22 – 23

SPORTS ROUNDUP

26 – 27

MILESTONES

30 – 34

6

International athletes

8

Nearly 50 students have come from overseas to compete as Vulcan athletes this year.

See the world

11 Activities shed light on Native American heritage California University celebrated its first Native American Day on Nov. 9 with a visit from the Americans for Indian Opportunity Ambassadors, a group of Native Americans engaged in leadership and community service based on traditional indigenous values. The group was founded in 1992 by LaDonna Harris, who received an honorary doctorate from Cal U in 2009.

Alumni tours make travel both easy and educational.

Families without borders

12

Faculty and staff members open their hearts to children born abroad.

A working partnership

14

Cal U continues its partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins — a game plan that makes students the winners.

The celebration also included a demonstration of wampum-making by cultural practitioner Kinorea “Two Feather” Tigri, a Cherokee Indian listed on the National Registry of Living Historians. Cal U intends to make Native American Day an annual event. FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 3


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during those years have helped me in my role at Cal U.” As a professor in the Department of Justice, Law and Society, Cencich has accompanied both graduate and undergraduate students on trips to Scotland Yard, the Spanish National Police, Belgium National Police and The Hague. He also has invited students to attend meetings of the International Association of War Crimes Investigators, where he serves as president.

Open doors. Open minds. A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE BENEFITS CAL U

C

ross fertilization of minds outside of your immediate circle is priceless,” says Dr. Paul Crawford, assistant professor of ancient and medieval history in the Department of History and Political Science. Crawford is not just talking about the Cal U circle of influence. One of the few American scholars who specialize in the Crusades, Crawford brings a global perspective to the University, drawing on his relationship with a network of renowned international scholars to expand his research and enrich his classroom presentations. As a graduate student in 1996, Crawford traveled to England and Wales, where he called on five of the most prominent people in his field. “Amazingly, four of these scholars agreed to meet with me in person, and one spoke with me on the phone,” he recalls. It was an experience that shaped his future. Today, as an author, historian and researcher, Crawford actively engages

Dr. John Lennox defends himself a during a fencing demonstration with medieval longswords. 4 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

When students study abroad ... their horizons are expanded, and they have a greater understanding of the rest of the world — and themselves.

DR. PAUL CRAWFORD

Professor Kelly DeVries, internationally recognized as a military historian, discusses the effectiveness of the longbow during a three-day medieval history event that attracted speakers from around the world. Looking on is Cliff Rogers, a professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and event organizer Dr. Paul Crawford.

in international conferences and workshops and interacts regularly with the brightest scholars in the field. This summer Crawford attended a conference in Amsterdam, where he reinforced his relationships with researchers from Israel, Germany and Great Britain. “By attending these conferences, I learn about significant research that’s being done,” he explains. “People also become interested in my work. Often, there are opportunities for collaboration or information sharing.” In October, Crawford hosted eight internationally renowned medieval scholars during a three-day event at Cal U. Dr. Piers Mitchell, a Cambridge University professor, paleopathologist and practicing orthopedic surgeon, delivered the keynote address during Dancing with Death: Warfare, Wounds and Disease in the Middle Ages.

Demonstrations of fencing, a display of Friesian horses and a dramatic performance of the first part of Beowulf broadened the appeal of this event. Seeing is believing Crawford notes that visits to historic places make international conferences even more valuable. “My comprehension of history dramatically improves every time I go to a historic site,” he says. “It’s wonderful to be able to go back to the classroom with that firsthand knowledge and a few pictures and say, ‘See, this is why Smyrna was such a strategic harbor. …’ “Besides, when students study abroad, they never come back the same,” Crawford adds. “Their horizons are expanded, and they have a greater understanding of the rest of the world — and themselves.”

Jessika Boyle, a senior with a double major in psychology and philosophy, kept a journal during a trip to Italy and Greece in May. On the second day of her two-week trip, she wrote, “Why can Italians all speak English, but we barely try to speak Italian?” Boyle said there were many discussions about cultural differences among her group. “It seemed to me that Americans were much more individually oriented in comparison to other cultures,” she says. “We also have less regard for the environment. In Europe, I saw energyefficient cars and windmills throughout the countryside. It made me wish our country would think more seriously about these things.” Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, says his own career in international law enforcement was a truly enriching experience. “Working for the United Nations at the war crimes tribunal at The Hague allowed me the opportunity to travel all over the world,” he says. “I was privileged to interact with key law enforcement and intelligence officers, diplomats and international civil servants. The associations I made

From here to the future Cencich believes a global perspective is key to understanding the issues that face us now and in the years ahead. To that end, he recently traveled to the United Arab Emirates and signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Sharjah. “The agreement opens the door for future collaboration between our two universities,” says Cencich. “We have already welcomed several of their students as part of an internship program, and soon they will reciprocate.” Cal U also has established relationships with the University of Salamanca in Spain and the University of Jordan. Charisse Varga, a junior majoring in modern languages, spent the summer in Jordan. She studied classic Arabic at the University of Jordan — but she learned so much more. “I thought I knew about Islam and the culture of the country,” she says, “but you never really know something until you experience it.

“I spent two-and-a-half months in Jordan, and it was a wonderful experience,” she adds. “Once you understand the people from another culture, you can really communicate with them.” Of course Cal U’s Global Online programs will continue to expand the University’s reach both at home and abroad. Several new programs will utilize the University’s international resources to create offerings that fill niche markets and meet student needs. For example, a new master’s degree with tracks in Applied Criminology and Forensic Linguistics soon will be offered. International in scope, the program will teach cutting-edge theories of behavioral crime. Courses will be taught by Cal U faculty members, as well as international law enforcement and behavioral science experts from around the world. Two new Global Online certificate programs, Spanish for International Business and Spanish for Law Enforcement, will enrich the online offerings for professionals engaged in work overseas. “We are constantly conducting thorough academic analyses to assess our needs and the needs of students,” Cencich says. “There are many initiatives in the works that will make Cal U an even more robust citizen of the world.” ■ By Lindy Kravec, a Pittsburgh-based writer

Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, signs a memorandum of understanding at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 5 ■


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during those years have helped me in my role at Cal U.” As a professor in the Department of Justice, Law and Society, Cencich has accompanied both graduate and undergraduate students on trips to Scotland Yard, the Spanish National Police, Belgium National Police and The Hague. He also has invited students to attend meetings of the International Association of War Crimes Investigators, where he serves as president.

Open doors. Open minds. A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE BENEFITS CAL U

C

ross fertilization of minds outside of your immediate circle is priceless,” says Dr. Paul Crawford, assistant professor of ancient and medieval history in the Department of History and Political Science. Crawford is not just talking about the Cal U circle of influence. One of the few American scholars who specialize in the Crusades, Crawford brings a global perspective to the University, drawing on his relationship with a network of renowned international scholars to expand his research and enrich his classroom presentations. As a graduate student in 1996, Crawford traveled to England and Wales, where he called on five of the most prominent people in his field. “Amazingly, four of these scholars agreed to meet with me in person, and one spoke with me on the phone,” he recalls. It was an experience that shaped his future. Today, as an author, historian and researcher, Crawford actively engages

Dr. John Lennox defends himself a during a fencing demonstration with medieval longswords. 4 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

When students study abroad ... their horizons are expanded, and they have a greater understanding of the rest of the world — and themselves.

DR. PAUL CRAWFORD

Professor Kelly DeVries, internationally recognized as a military historian, discusses the effectiveness of the longbow during a three-day medieval history event that attracted speakers from around the world. Looking on is Cliff Rogers, a professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and event organizer Dr. Paul Crawford.

in international conferences and workshops and interacts regularly with the brightest scholars in the field. This summer Crawford attended a conference in Amsterdam, where he reinforced his relationships with researchers from Israel, Germany and Great Britain. “By attending these conferences, I learn about significant research that’s being done,” he explains. “People also become interested in my work. Often, there are opportunities for collaboration or information sharing.” In October, Crawford hosted eight internationally renowned medieval scholars during a three-day event at Cal U. Dr. Piers Mitchell, a Cambridge University professor, paleopathologist and practicing orthopedic surgeon, delivered the keynote address during Dancing with Death: Warfare, Wounds and Disease in the Middle Ages.

Demonstrations of fencing, a display of Friesian horses and a dramatic performance of the first part of Beowulf broadened the appeal of this event. Seeing is believing Crawford notes that visits to historic places make international conferences even more valuable. “My comprehension of history dramatically improves every time I go to a historic site,” he says. “It’s wonderful to be able to go back to the classroom with that firsthand knowledge and a few pictures and say, ‘See, this is why Smyrna was such a strategic harbor. …’ “Besides, when students study abroad, they never come back the same,” Crawford adds. “Their horizons are expanded, and they have a greater understanding of the rest of the world — and themselves.”

Jessika Boyle, a senior with a double major in psychology and philosophy, kept a journal during a trip to Italy and Greece in May. On the second day of her two-week trip, she wrote, “Why can Italians all speak English, but we barely try to speak Italian?” Boyle said there were many discussions about cultural differences among her group. “It seemed to me that Americans were much more individually oriented in comparison to other cultures,” she says. “We also have less regard for the environment. In Europe, I saw energyefficient cars and windmills throughout the countryside. It made me wish our country would think more seriously about these things.” Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, says his own career in international law enforcement was a truly enriching experience. “Working for the United Nations at the war crimes tribunal at The Hague allowed me the opportunity to travel all over the world,” he says. “I was privileged to interact with key law enforcement and intelligence officers, diplomats and international civil servants. The associations I made

From here to the future Cencich believes a global perspective is key to understanding the issues that face us now and in the years ahead. To that end, he recently traveled to the United Arab Emirates and signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Sharjah. “The agreement opens the door for future collaboration between our two universities,” says Cencich. “We have already welcomed several of their students as part of an internship program, and soon they will reciprocate.” Cal U also has established relationships with the University of Salamanca in Spain and the University of Jordan. Charisse Varga, a junior majoring in modern languages, spent the summer in Jordan. She studied classic Arabic at the University of Jordan — but she learned so much more. “I thought I knew about Islam and the culture of the country,” she says, “but you never really know something until you experience it.

“I spent two-and-a-half months in Jordan, and it was a wonderful experience,” she adds. “Once you understand the people from another culture, you can really communicate with them.” Of course Cal U’s Global Online programs will continue to expand the University’s reach both at home and abroad. Several new programs will utilize the University’s international resources to create offerings that fill niche markets and meet student needs. For example, a new master’s degree with tracks in Applied Criminology and Forensic Linguistics soon will be offered. International in scope, the program will teach cutting-edge theories of behavioral crime. Courses will be taught by Cal U faculty members, as well as international law enforcement and behavioral science experts from around the world. Two new Global Online certificate programs, Spanish for International Business and Spanish for Law Enforcement, will enrich the online offerings for professionals engaged in work overseas. “We are constantly conducting thorough academic analyses to assess our needs and the needs of students,” Cencich says. “There are many initiatives in the works that will make Cal U an even more robust citizen of the world.” ■ By Lindy Kravec, a Pittsburgh-based writer

Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, signs a memorandum of understanding at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 5 ■


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A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Teams travel to study criminology at Cal U FORENSICS INSTITUTE HOSTS GROUPS FROM THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND TAIWAN

T

he long arm of the law, it seems, can reach around the world. This summer the Institute of Criminological and Forensic Sciences at Cal U sponsored training workshops for members of the University of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, and for officers in the Taiwan Police Department. “We provided coursework and training experiences for these international groups,” says Dr. John Cencich, professor of justice studies and dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “Coursework included an introduction to the American criminology justice system, digital forensics, intelligence analysis, profiling and social work.” Dr. Aref Al-Khattar, chair of the Department of Justice, Law and Society, ran training activities for four graduate students and a professor from the University of Sharjah. The students attended lectures, visited local courthouses, toured the Allegheny County Jail and Pittsburgh Police headquarters, and met with social workers. Before arriving on campus, the students visited Washington, D.C. “My students were able to gain a lot of information from this trip,” says Professor Ahmad Falah, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Theory, Family, Crime and Applied Research at the University of Sharjah. “We had the opportunity to

visit different courts and see law performed in the United States at both the local and federal level.” Dr. Raymond Hsieh, an associate professor in Cal U’s Department of Justice, Law and Society, led the training workshop for three members of the Taiwan Police Department. They studied President Angelo Armenti, Jr. (left) accepts a gift from police chief digital forensics Sung Chung Ju (right) of the Hsin-Chu City Police Bureau's forensic on campus, visited science unit. Police officers from Taiwan attended training facilitated the Pennsylvania by Dr. John Cencich (second from left) and Dr. Raymond Hsieh. Regional Forensic Video Laboratory, spoke with FBI agents In addition to presenting theories and toured local courts and labs. of law and information about digital “Our institute’s reputation is growing,” forensics, the training sessions introsays Cencich, who credits his faculty’s duced the groups to our region and gave hard work for the institute’s success. them a glimpse of American culture. “In the United States, we have “This was an opportunity to bring experience training local police departinternational students and professionals ments and FBI agents. We are now to western Pennsylvania and our campus,” expanding internationally and are able says Al-Khattar. “We also want to give to provide training to other countries.” these students the real image of the The ability to reach an international United States — hopefully a positive audience also has a direct correlation image they can share back in their with academics at Cal U, adds Al-Khattar. country.” “The reputation of our program “I learned a lot of things, especially and the University is really helping us,” in the lectures by Cal U professors,” says he says. “When presenting ourselves to Huda Atef, a student at the University the world, we have very good credentials of Sharjah. ”We also had the opportunity in terms of faculty, resources and to experience American culture, eating administration. … That really helps at restaurants at night and visiting when we visit (other countries,) because Pittsburgh. It is very nice.” ■ we have evidence that Cal is successful By Jeffrey Bender, public relations and Web writer not only in forensic science, but as at Cal U an entire university.” Dr. Aref Al-Khattar, chair of the Department of Justice, Law and Society, ran training activities for four graduate students and a professor from the University of Sharjah.

CULTURAL IMMERSION

SCORES POINTS Students explore how sports and culture mix in South Africa

T

he circular glass walls and modern architecture at the High Performance Center of the University of Pretoria have little in common with the shantytowns sitting just a few miles outside South Africa’s administrative capital. The contrast is exactly what Dr. Taunya Tinsley wanted her students to see. Tinsley, an assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education, led a two-week cultural immersion study to South Africa this summer. Seventeen faculty members and students from California and Duquesne universities took part in the trip, which was planned in conjunction with the University of Pretoria. “The apartheid is still apparent in South Africa today,” says Tinsley. “We wanted to immerse the students in this culture and have them take what they learned about counseling, poverty, racism and violence into the classroom.” Undergraduate and graduate students from Cal U’s Department of Counselor Education and athletic training education programs worked with master’s-level counseling psychology students from Pretoria to expand their cultural awareness, as well as their knowledge of sports, spiritual and health counseling. “We participated in a cultural exchange where we looked at how sports and culture intermix in South Africa and compared that to how they intermix in the United States,” says Dr. Caryl Sheffield, a participant in the trip and chair of the Department of Elementary/Early Childhood Education. After learning about different counseling techniques, counselors worked with elite athletes at the High Performance Center, a facility that Sheffield compares to the U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Cal U faculty and students visited the Loreto Education Center to donate school supplies to children, one of many philanthropy projects the group participated in during their cultural immersion study in South Africa.

Dr. Caryl Sheffield (left) and Dr. Taunya Tinsley led a trip to South Africa this summer.

One of the techniques the group learned more about was narrative therapy, which focuses on the stories of people’s lives. “All of the participants engaged in an activity that was based on narrative therapy, titled ‘Creating My Cultural Partner,’ that allowed them to understand who they are as cultural beings in a new environment engaging in cross-cultural experiences,” says Tinsley. Students increased their knowledge, but an additional goal of the trip was for participants to gain a global perspective on issues related to culture, says Tinsley. To get a firsthand account of local culture, the group traveled to schools and shelters to donate supplies. They also visited cultural museums and went on a safari. “In many cases, South Africa is very developed,” says Sheffield. “Yet for a certain population that lives in poverty, it is a hard life.” While visiting the Loreto Education Center, students were motivated to raise money to help improve health conditions for its children. They collected $300 to give to the school. “To see the students mature and grow as they saw what life was like for many people of South Africa was an unbelievable experience,” Sheffield says. The trip also began an exchange program between Cal U and the University of Pretoria, which will send students to visit the United States this spring. “Our goals for this trip were in line with the overall goals of the University,” Tinsley says. “We wanted to expand our program internationally and expose our students to a diverse group of athletes and counseling techniques. I believe we achieved that.” ■ By Jeffrey Bender, public relations and Web writer at Cal U FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 7 ■

FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 7 ■

6 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■


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11/9/10

12:08 PM

Page 6

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Teams travel to study criminology at Cal U FORENSICS INSTITUTE HOSTS GROUPS FROM THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND TAIWAN

T

he long arm of the law, it seems, can reach around the world. This summer the Institute of Criminological and Forensic Sciences at Cal U sponsored training workshops for members of the University of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, and for officers in the Taiwan Police Department. “We provided coursework and training experiences for these international groups,” says Dr. John Cencich, professor of justice studies and dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “Coursework included an introduction to the American criminology justice system, digital forensics, intelligence analysis, profiling and social work.” Dr. Aref Al-Khattar, chair of the Department of Justice, Law and Society, ran training activities for four graduate students and a professor from the University of Sharjah. The students attended lectures, visited local courthouses, toured the Allegheny County Jail and Pittsburgh Police headquarters, and met with social workers. Before arriving on campus, the students visited Washington, D.C. “My students were able to gain a lot of information from this trip,” says Professor Ahmad Falah, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Theory, Family, Crime and Applied Research at the University of Sharjah. “We had the opportunity to

visit different courts and see law performed in the United States at both the local and federal level.” Dr. Raymond Hsieh, an associate professor in Cal U’s Department of Justice, Law and Society, led the training workshop for three members of the Taiwan Police Department. They studied President Angelo Armenti, Jr. (left) accepts a gift from police chief digital forensics Sung Chung Ju (right) of the Hsin-Chu City Police Bureau's forensic on campus, visited science unit. Police officers from Taiwan attended training facilitated the Pennsylvania by Dr. John Cencich (second from left) and Dr. Raymond Hsieh. Regional Forensic Video Laboratory, spoke with FBI agents In addition to presenting theories and toured local courts and labs. of law and information about digital “Our institute’s reputation is growing,” forensics, the training sessions introsays Cencich, who credits his faculty’s duced the groups to our region and gave hard work for the institute’s success. them a glimpse of American culture. “In the United States, we have “This was an opportunity to bring experience training local police departinternational students and professionals ments and FBI agents. We are now to western Pennsylvania and our campus,” expanding internationally and are able says Al-Khattar. “We also want to give to provide training to other countries.” these students the real image of the The ability to reach an international United States — hopefully a positive audience also has a direct correlation image they can share back in their with academics at Cal U, adds Al-Khattar. country.” “The reputation of our program “I learned a lot of things, especially and the University is really helping us,” in the lectures by Cal U professors,” says he says. “When presenting ourselves to Huda Atef, a student at the University the world, we have very good credentials of Sharjah. ”We also had the opportunity in terms of faculty, resources and to experience American culture, eating administration. … That really helps at restaurants at night and visiting when we visit (other countries,) because Pittsburgh. It is very nice.” ■ we have evidence that Cal is successful By Jeffrey Bender, public relations and Web writer not only in forensic science, but as at Cal U an entire university.” Dr. Aref Al-Khattar, chair of the Department of Justice, Law and Society, ran training activities for four graduate students and a professor from the University of Sharjah.

CULTURAL IMMERSION

SCORES POINTS Students explore how sports and culture mix in South Africa

T

he circular glass walls and modern architecture at the High Performance Center of the University of Pretoria have little in common with the shantytowns sitting just a few miles outside South Africa’s administrative capital. The contrast is exactly what Dr. Taunya Tinsley wanted her students to see. Tinsley, an assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education, led a two-week cultural immersion study to South Africa this summer. Seventeen faculty members and students from California and Duquesne universities took part in the trip, which was planned in conjunction with the University of Pretoria. “The apartheid is still apparent in South Africa today,” says Tinsley. “We wanted to immerse the students in this culture and have them take what they learned about counseling, poverty, racism and violence into the classroom.” Undergraduate and graduate students from Cal U’s Department of Counselor Education and athletic training education programs worked with master’s-level counseling psychology students from Pretoria to expand their cultural awareness, as well as their knowledge of sports, spiritual and health counseling. “We participated in a cultural exchange where we looked at how sports and culture intermix in South Africa and compared that to how they intermix in the United States,” says Dr. Caryl Sheffield, a participant in the trip and chair of the Department of Elementary/Early Childhood Education. After learning about different counseling techniques, counselors worked with elite athletes at the High Performance Center, a facility that Sheffield compares to the U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Cal U faculty and students visited the Loreto Education Center to donate school supplies to children, one of many philanthropy projects the group participated in during their cultural immersion study in South Africa.

Dr. Caryl Sheffield (left) and Dr. Taunya Tinsley led a trip to South Africa this summer.

One of the techniques the group learned more about was narrative therapy, which focuses on the stories of people’s lives. “All of the participants engaged in an activity that was based on narrative therapy, titled ‘Creating My Cultural Partner,’ that allowed them to understand who they are as cultural beings in a new environment engaging in cross-cultural experiences,” says Tinsley. Students increased their knowledge, but an additional goal of the trip was for participants to gain a global perspective on issues related to culture, says Tinsley. To get a firsthand account of local culture, the group traveled to schools and shelters to donate supplies. They also visited cultural museums and went on a safari. “In many cases, South Africa is very developed,” says Sheffield. “Yet for a certain population that lives in poverty, it is a hard life.” While visiting the Loreto Education Center, students were motivated to raise money to help improve health conditions for its children. They collected $300 to give to the school. “To see the students mature and grow as they saw what life was like for many people of South Africa was an unbelievable experience,” Sheffield says. The trip also began an exchange program between Cal U and the University of Pretoria, which will send students to visit the United States this spring. “Our goals for this trip were in line with the overall goals of the University,” Tinsley says. “We wanted to expand our program internationally and expose our students to a diverse group of athletes and counseling techniques. I believe we achieved that.” ■ By Jeffrey Bender, public relations and Web writer at Cal U FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 7 ■

FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 7 ■

6 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■


217_573 Fall 2010 Review_F

11/9/10

12:10 PM

Page 8

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE FREDDY APPIAH Men’s Basketball Canada

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WEAR

RED & BLACK

Coaches say overseas recruits have ‘positive effect’ on Vulcan athletics

M

any of California University’s varsity athletic teams have struck gold overseas. In fact, a total of 49 students from outside the United States are competing on NCAA varsity athletic teams this academic year. At Cal U, it’s common to find student-athletes from as a far away as Brazil, Germany and Sweden listed on Vulcan rosters beside players from nearby Belle Vernon and Uniontown — and the results speak for themselves. After winning the 2009 Dixon Trophy, honoring the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s best all-round athletic program, Cal U finished second among all NCAA Division II schools in the final standings of the 2009-2010 Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. On both the women’s tennis and

KATYA KOPANAROVA Volleyball Bulgaria

JACK RANGE Football Canada 8 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

golf teams, international competitors are in the majority. Last spring, the tennis team won its fourth consecutive PSAC title and NCAA II Atlantic Regional championship, and the women advanced to the national quarterfinals for the third time in four years. Formed just six years ago, the women’s golf team won its second consecutive PSAC crown last spring and made its first NCAA National tournament appearance. All but one player on the 2009-2010 roster came from abroad. “The international players I am bringing in are grateful to have this opportunity to come to the United States, get a great education and play on a championship-caliber team,” says Pablo Montana, head tennis coach. “They also have a positive effect on some of our American players, who may take things for granted.” Vulcan tennis has been recognized as an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Academic Team for seven years in a row, and last year six individual players were named ITA Scholar-Athletes.

PAULA JACKSON Women’s Soccer Jamaica

“I think the international students take their studies very seriously and have a discipline that translates to the tennis court,” Montana adds. Finding athletes online Head coach MerriLyn Gibbs came to Cal U in June 2005 and was charged with fielding a women’s golf team in less than three months. “It was late in the recruiting season, and after three weeks of looking in surrounding areas and states, the only way I could fill the team was to be allowed Internet access,” she says. “It worked out tremendously well.” International students often receive less exposure than U.S. players, which gives her a recruiting advantage. “Most coaches aren’t looking at Malaysia as much as the state of Ohio, for instance,” Gibbs says. Many American student-athletes have a “Division I mentality,” she adds. They want to attend a big school, no matter how good a smaller school’s program may be. “The international athlete’s mentality is,

DIANNE LUKE Golf Malaysia

ELENA ANTONENKO Women’s Basketball Russia

‘I want to go to the U.S. to play golf and go to school,’” Gibbs says. “They are more willing to come to a Division II school. That changes everything, because I can sell the Cal U program and our beautiful campus.” Both Montana and Gibbs use international rankings to identify quality players, and the Internet helps them save on travel expenses. As their teams have emerged on the national scene, inquiries from prospective studentathletes have increased — and they agree that word-of-mouth advertising isn’t limited by geography. “The plan is for student-athletes to have a great experience here and start telling their friends they should come to Cal,” Montana says. “A coach’s best recruiters are his players, because if they have a good experience they are going to tell their friends. It becomes a pipeline.” Making hometown connections One returning standout this season is tennis player Anastassiya Zherdeva, of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Last year she chalked up a 22-10 record overall in singles matches and 23-8 in doubles competition. Montana contacted Zherdeva after former Vulcan player Galina Vishnikina, also from Almaty, mentioned her name. “I love it,” says Zherdeva, a business administration major. “In my country we don’t have big schools like this,

KATHRYN MELLON Swimming Australia

and the education system is different. “I really wanted to attend a university. I remember my first semester — at one point I was walking around and thought to myself, ‘I go to this school, and I am so proud.’” Will Zherdeva urge more players to attend Cal U? “Oh yes, for sure,” she says. “A lot of tennis players are trying to come to America.” Gibbs credits 2009 PSAC Player of the Year Simone DeSouza, of Trujillo, Peru, for guiding her cousin, freshman Lorena Aranda, to Vulcan country. “I did not recruit Lorena; Simone did,” the coach says. “Our players publicize the University well and encourage others to take advantage of this great opportunity.” Another golfer, Karina Palmberg of San Paolo, Brazil, says she was thrilled when her coach picked her up at the airport in August so she could begin her second year in California. “I was so ready to come back; I missed it,” Palmberg says. “I am so happy to be back at Cal.” Other teams also have made international connections. • Renata da Silva, of Brazil, won All-America honors in volleyball during the 2009-2010 season, and this year players from Brazil and Bulgaria are on the team. • The women’s soccer team, which reached the national quarterfinals

ANNABEL PIESCHL Tennis Sweden

STEPHANI ELLIS Softball Canada

a year ago, included all-conference goalkeeper Paula Jackson, of Jamaica, and Kayla Klimasko, of Ontario, Canada. • Last spring Clare McSweeney, of Ireland, became the third All-American in the history of the Vulcan women’s track and field team. • Seven players from outside the United States are on the current roster for the Cal U softball team — and two out of three players in the starting lineup for Cal’s NCAA national championship softball teams of 1997 and 1998 were from Canada. • The first two men’s soccer players inducted into the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame were from Jamaica and the Czech Republic. “We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and work with students from across the globe,” says Dr. Karen Hjerpe, Cal U’s associate athletic director and senior women’s administrator. “They enhance each team with the diversity of their backgrounds. We enjoy learning about their culture and their native countries, watching them compete for Cal U’s athletic teams, and celebrating with them as they succeed in the classroom and in life.” ■ By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

ANN MARIE HAYES Cross Country Ireland FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 9 ■


217_573 Fall 2010 Review_F

11/9/10

12:10 PM

Page 8

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE FREDDY APPIAH Men’s Basketball Canada

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WEAR

RED & BLACK

Coaches say overseas recruits have ‘positive effect’ on Vulcan athletics

M

any of California University’s varsity athletic teams have struck gold overseas. In fact, a total of 49 students from outside the United States are competing on NCAA varsity athletic teams this academic year. At Cal U, it’s common to find student-athletes from as a far away as Brazil, Germany and Sweden listed on Vulcan rosters beside players from nearby Belle Vernon and Uniontown — and the results speak for themselves. After winning the 2009 Dixon Trophy, honoring the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s best all-round athletic program, Cal U finished second among all NCAA Division II schools in the final standings of the 2009-2010 Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. On both the women’s tennis and

KATYA KOPANAROVA Volleyball Bulgaria

JACK RANGE Football Canada 8 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

golf teams, international competitors are in the majority. Last spring, the tennis team won its fourth consecutive PSAC title and NCAA II Atlantic Regional championship, and the women advanced to the national quarterfinals for the third time in four years. Formed just six years ago, the women’s golf team won its second consecutive PSAC crown last spring and made its first NCAA National tournament appearance. All but one player on the 2009-2010 roster came from abroad. “The international players I am bringing in are grateful to have this opportunity to come to the United States, get a great education and play on a championship-caliber team,” says Pablo Montana, head tennis coach. “They also have a positive effect on some of our American players, who may take things for granted.” Vulcan tennis has been recognized as an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Academic Team for seven years in a row, and last year six individual players were named ITA Scholar-Athletes.

PAULA JACKSON Women’s Soccer Jamaica

“I think the international students take their studies very seriously and have a discipline that translates to the tennis court,” Montana adds. Finding athletes online Head coach MerriLyn Gibbs came to Cal U in June 2005 and was charged with fielding a women’s golf team in less than three months. “It was late in the recruiting season, and after three weeks of looking in surrounding areas and states, the only way I could fill the team was to be allowed Internet access,” she says. “It worked out tremendously well.” International students often receive less exposure than U.S. players, which gives her a recruiting advantage. “Most coaches aren’t looking at Malaysia as much as the state of Ohio, for instance,” Gibbs says. Many American student-athletes have a “Division I mentality,” she adds. They want to attend a big school, no matter how good a smaller school’s program may be. “The international athlete’s mentality is,

DIANNE LUKE Golf Malaysia

ELENA ANTONENKO Women’s Basketball Russia

‘I want to go to the U.S. to play golf and go to school,’” Gibbs says. “They are more willing to come to a Division II school. That changes everything, because I can sell the Cal U program and our beautiful campus.” Both Montana and Gibbs use international rankings to identify quality players, and the Internet helps them save on travel expenses. As their teams have emerged on the national scene, inquiries from prospective studentathletes have increased — and they agree that word-of-mouth advertising isn’t limited by geography. “The plan is for student-athletes to have a great experience here and start telling their friends they should come to Cal,” Montana says. “A coach’s best recruiters are his players, because if they have a good experience they are going to tell their friends. It becomes a pipeline.” Making hometown connections One returning standout this season is tennis player Anastassiya Zherdeva, of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Last year she chalked up a 22-10 record overall in singles matches and 23-8 in doubles competition. Montana contacted Zherdeva after former Vulcan player Galina Vishnikina, also from Almaty, mentioned her name. “I love it,” says Zherdeva, a business administration major. “In my country we don’t have big schools like this,

KATHRYN MELLON Swimming Australia

and the education system is different. “I really wanted to attend a university. I remember my first semester — at one point I was walking around and thought to myself, ‘I go to this school, and I am so proud.’” Will Zherdeva urge more players to attend Cal U? “Oh yes, for sure,” she says. “A lot of tennis players are trying to come to America.” Gibbs credits 2009 PSAC Player of the Year Simone DeSouza, of Trujillo, Peru, for guiding her cousin, freshman Lorena Aranda, to Vulcan country. “I did not recruit Lorena; Simone did,” the coach says. “Our players publicize the University well and encourage others to take advantage of this great opportunity.” Another golfer, Karina Palmberg of San Paolo, Brazil, says she was thrilled when her coach picked her up at the airport in August so she could begin her second year in California. “I was so ready to come back; I missed it,” Palmberg says. “I am so happy to be back at Cal.” Other teams also have made international connections. • Renata da Silva, of Brazil, won All-America honors in volleyball during the 2009-2010 season, and this year players from Brazil and Bulgaria are on the team. • The women’s soccer team, which reached the national quarterfinals

ANNABEL PIESCHL Tennis Sweden

STEPHANI ELLIS Softball Canada

a year ago, included all-conference goalkeeper Paula Jackson, of Jamaica, and Kayla Klimasko, of Ontario, Canada. • Last spring Clare McSweeney, of Ireland, became the third All-American in the history of the Vulcan women’s track and field team. • Seven players from outside the United States are on the current roster for the Cal U softball team — and two out of three players in the starting lineup for Cal’s NCAA national championship softball teams of 1997 and 1998 were from Canada. • The first two men’s soccer players inducted into the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame were from Jamaica and the Czech Republic. “We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and work with students from across the globe,” says Dr. Karen Hjerpe, Cal U’s associate athletic director and senior women’s administrator. “They enhance each team with the diversity of their backgrounds. We enjoy learning about their culture and their native countries, watching them compete for Cal U’s athletic teams, and celebrating with them as they succeed in the classroom and in life.” ■ By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

ANN MARIE HAYES Cross Country Ireland FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 9 ■


217_573 Fall 2010 Review_F

11/9/10

12:10 PM

Page 10

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Cal U joins Madagascar research consortium STUDENTS LEARN RESEARCH TECHNIQUES ON A TROPICAL ISLAND IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

C

alifornia University has joined an international community to develop a model for tropical research and training in Madagascar, an island nation near Africa’s southeastern coast. The Consortium for Research and Training in Madagascar (CRTM) focuses on Ranomafana National Park, located with the country’s southeastern rainforest. Made up of universities and conservation organizations, the consortium manages the Park’s Centre ValBio Research Station. The consortium’s goal is to promote and to facilitate research, training and conservation in Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island. To accomplish this goal, its members work to bring together international and Malagasy institutions and scholars to increase both national and international interest, biological understanding and land management abilities within the region, as well as to advance the integration of modern scientific methods, technology and research in Madagascar. “By joining this group, Cal U is making a commitment to these efforts and helping to internationalize

educational opportunities for our students by creating study abroad, independent study and internship opportunities in Madagascar,” says Dr. Summer Arrigo-Nelson, assistant professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Founding consortium institutions are the University of Antananarivo and the University of Fianarantsoa in Madagascar; Stony Brook University in New York; and the University of Helsinki, Finland. Other members include California Academy of Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and the Smithsonian Institution. Over the past 11 years, Arrigo-Nelson has worked on several projects in Madagascar, including a multi-site comparison within Ranomafana National Park to document the effects of habitat disturbance on a type of lemur known as the Milne-Edwards’ sifaka. To inaugurate Cal U’s membership in the consortium, Arrigo-Nelson and Dr. Mark Tebbitt, also from the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, recently led eight Cal U students on a five-week, six-credit field

school at the ValBio Research Station. The first group to participate in this program, they learned the methods and techniques of field biology and mapped the distribution of invasive species of animals and plants within a high-altitude region of the park. The Cal U study abroad program is run in cooperation with the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments (ICTE) at Stony Brook University. Arrigo-Nelson and Tebbitt plan to offer this program to Cal U students every two years. Maureen Wood, a senior majoring in environmental studies with a concentration in fisheries and wildlife biology, was one of the Cal U students on the trip. “I had never been out of the country before,” she says. “I gained some wonderful experience because I had never participated in field experiments like that. “The environment there is very delicate, and it was easy to identify a non-native species when we saw one. We had lectures while we were there, and everything was explained thoroughly.” “We had a wonderful group of students participate in the program this year,” Arrigo-Nelson says. “In addition to learning about tropical biology and participating in cuttingedge research, the students also learned about Malagasy culture and traditions. “I can’t wait for the 2012 trip!” ■ By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

ALUMNI TOURS MAKE TRAVEL EASY Well-planned excursions blend enrichment with relaxation

A

fter experiencing separate trips with the Cal U Alumni and Friends Travel Program, two couples have one thing to say: You should be next. Dr. Harry ’65 and Linda ’64 Serene took a cruise with Dr. Michael ’67 and Janice ’67 Serene to the islands of Greece and the Aegean coast of Turkey. And Larry ’79 and Mary Jeanne Maggi traveled through Europe on a Rhine River cruise that University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. and First Lady Barbara Armenti also took last year. “We chose this trip because we didn’t want a large ship,” Linda Serene says. “We really enjoyed the intimacy of a smaller ship and being able to get to know other people.” Offered through the Alumni Association, the trips are developed and booked through Gohagan and Co., which offers travel programs for colleges, universities, prestigious museums and other cultural institutions. “It’s a nice way to reconnect with people,” says Linda, president of the board of directors for The Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania. Her husband, Harry, is president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “If you’ve never traveled internationally, this is the most wonderful way to go. Everything is taken care of for you. They make all the arrangements,” she says.

2011 DESTINATIONS Amy Lombard ’01, executive director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund, has confirmed exciting travel options for 2011. “We are pleased and proud of the trips we are able to offer through Gohagan and Co. as we strive to offer our alumni exciting opportunities after graduation,” Lombard says. Consider these excursions: • Great Journey through Europe: June 11-21; estimated cost: $3,595 • Italian Lakes: Sept. 17-25; estimated cost: $2,995 • Tuscany: Sept. 18-26; estimated cost: $2,995 • Greece/Turkey: Sept. 26-Oct. 4; estimated cost: $3,495 • Dordogne: Sept. 29- Oct. 7; estimated cost: $2,995

In Madagascar, Cal U students encounter a new landscape as they learn to conduct field research. Dr. SummerArrigo Nelson (right) led the trip and hopes to return with students in 2012. 10 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

For more information about the Cal U Alumni and Friends Travel Program, call 724-938-4418 or e-mail alumni@calu.edu.

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ne in fr

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nd Ha Linda a

s in cropoli of the A

. Greece Athens,

Larry and Mary Jea nne Mag with Dr. A gi in the ngelo an Swiss Alp d Barbara s on the Armenti. Matterho rn

Linda recalls asking the travel guide for a local, authentic restaurant in Athens. “So they found a restaurant for us. We sat on the upper deck, listened to live music and watched the sun as it set over the Acropolis.” Larry Maggi, a member of the University’s Council of Trustees, says the cruise along the Rhine was a perfect way to see Europe. “We were in a different area each day. We went from Amsterdam, through Germany and France, and ended up in Switzerland.” His trip, like all the Alumni Association options, had a strong educational component. “We had a lecture that was given by a man who had run for president of Albania at one point,” he recalls. “It was a great way to learn about the politics in that region of the world. “This was probably one of the nicest, most well-planned trips we have ever taken.” ■ By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 11 ■


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Page 10

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Cal U joins Madagascar research consortium STUDENTS LEARN RESEARCH TECHNIQUES ON A TROPICAL ISLAND IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

C

alifornia University has joined an international community to develop a model for tropical research and training in Madagascar, an island nation near Africa’s southeastern coast. The Consortium for Research and Training in Madagascar (CRTM) focuses on Ranomafana National Park, located with the country’s southeastern rainforest. Made up of universities and conservation organizations, the consortium manages the Park’s Centre ValBio Research Station. The consortium’s goal is to promote and to facilitate research, training and conservation in Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island. To accomplish this goal, its members work to bring together international and Malagasy institutions and scholars to increase both national and international interest, biological understanding and land management abilities within the region, as well as to advance the integration of modern scientific methods, technology and research in Madagascar. “By joining this group, Cal U is making a commitment to these efforts and helping to internationalize

educational opportunities for our students by creating study abroad, independent study and internship opportunities in Madagascar,” says Dr. Summer Arrigo-Nelson, assistant professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Founding consortium institutions are the University of Antananarivo and the University of Fianarantsoa in Madagascar; Stony Brook University in New York; and the University of Helsinki, Finland. Other members include California Academy of Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and the Smithsonian Institution. Over the past 11 years, Arrigo-Nelson has worked on several projects in Madagascar, including a multi-site comparison within Ranomafana National Park to document the effects of habitat disturbance on a type of lemur known as the Milne-Edwards’ sifaka. To inaugurate Cal U’s membership in the consortium, Arrigo-Nelson and Dr. Mark Tebbitt, also from the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, recently led eight Cal U students on a five-week, six-credit field

school at the ValBio Research Station. The first group to participate in this program, they learned the methods and techniques of field biology and mapped the distribution of invasive species of animals and plants within a high-altitude region of the park. The Cal U study abroad program is run in cooperation with the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments (ICTE) at Stony Brook University. Arrigo-Nelson and Tebbitt plan to offer this program to Cal U students every two years. Maureen Wood, a senior majoring in environmental studies with a concentration in fisheries and wildlife biology, was one of the Cal U students on the trip. “I had never been out of the country before,” she says. “I gained some wonderful experience because I had never participated in field experiments like that. “The environment there is very delicate, and it was easy to identify a non-native species when we saw one. We had lectures while we were there, and everything was explained thoroughly.” “We had a wonderful group of students participate in the program this year,” Arrigo-Nelson says. “In addition to learning about tropical biology and participating in cuttingedge research, the students also learned about Malagasy culture and traditions. “I can’t wait for the 2012 trip!” ■ By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

ALUMNI TOURS MAKE TRAVEL EASY Well-planned excursions blend enrichment with relaxation

A

fter experiencing separate trips with the Cal U Alumni and Friends Travel Program, two couples have one thing to say: You should be next. Dr. Harry ’65 and Linda ’64 Serene took a cruise with Dr. Michael ’67 and Janice ’67 Serene to the islands of Greece and the Aegean coast of Turkey. And Larry ’79 and Mary Jeanne Maggi traveled through Europe on a Rhine River cruise that University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. and First Lady Barbara Armenti also took last year. “We chose this trip because we didn’t want a large ship,” Linda Serene says. “We really enjoyed the intimacy of a smaller ship and being able to get to know other people.” Offered through the Alumni Association, the trips are developed and booked through Gohagan and Co., which offers travel programs for colleges, universities, prestigious museums and other cultural institutions. “It’s a nice way to reconnect with people,” says Linda, president of the board of directors for The Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania. Her husband, Harry, is president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “If you’ve never traveled internationally, this is the most wonderful way to go. Everything is taken care of for you. They make all the arrangements,” she says.

2011 DESTINATIONS Amy Lombard ’01, executive director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund, has confirmed exciting travel options for 2011. “We are pleased and proud of the trips we are able to offer through Gohagan and Co. as we strive to offer our alumni exciting opportunities after graduation,” Lombard says. Consider these excursions: • Great Journey through Europe: June 11-21; estimated cost: $3,595 • Italian Lakes: Sept. 17-25; estimated cost: $2,995 • Tuscany: Sept. 18-26; estimated cost: $2,995 • Greece/Turkey: Sept. 26-Oct. 4; estimated cost: $3,495 • Dordogne: Sept. 29- Oct. 7; estimated cost: $2,995

In Madagascar, Cal U students encounter a new landscape as they learn to conduct field research. Dr. SummerArrigo Nelson (right) led the trip and hopes to return with students in 2012. 10 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

For more information about the Cal U Alumni and Friends Travel Program, call 724-938-4418 or e-mail alumni@calu.edu.

ont

ne in fr

rry Sere

nd Ha Linda a

s in cropoli of the A

. Greece Athens,

Larry and Mary Jea nne Mag with Dr. A gi in the ngelo an Swiss Alp d Barbara s on the Armenti. Matterho rn

Linda recalls asking the travel guide for a local, authentic restaurant in Athens. “So they found a restaurant for us. We sat on the upper deck, listened to live music and watched the sun as it set over the Acropolis.” Larry Maggi, a member of the University’s Council of Trustees, says the cruise along the Rhine was a perfect way to see Europe. “We were in a different area each day. We went from Amsterdam, through Germany and France, and ended up in Switzerland.” His trip, like all the Alumni Association options, had a strong educational component. “We had a lecture that was given by a man who had run for president of Albania at one point,” he recalls. “It was a great way to learn about the politics in that region of the world. “This was probably one of the nicest, most well-planned trips we have ever taken.” ■ By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

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A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Families without borders Faculty and staff members open their hearts to children born abroad

C

al U’s global connections extend beyond the classroom. These three faculty and staff members are among those at the University who have chosen to adopt children internationally. Their stories reflect the ways that other cultures can enrich the adoptive families’ professional and personal lives and contribute to the diversity on campus.

‘We saw the impact’ For Dr. Daniel Engstrom and his wife, Ronda, the desire to adopt a child into their family blossomed when they spent 2000-2001 teaching in China. “Also, when we lived in Indiana, Pa., we had friends who adopted children from China and another couple who also had adopted. We saw the impact you could have on a child’s life,” says Dan, associate dean and director of student teaching in the College of Education and Human Services at Cal U. After Chinese policy changes made adoptions difficult, the couple began looking elsewhere with the Holt International agency. One of its rules was that an adopted child had to be at least a year older or younger than other children in the home — Isaiah, now 13; Joel, 12; and Danielle, 8. “We knew we wanted a girl, and we wanted her to be close to Danielle’s age,” Dan says. When Maya’s profile came up, Ronda said to me, ‘This is it; this is the girl.’ And then we saw that she is a year and a day older than Dr. Daniel Engstrom and his wife, Ronda, Danielle.” sit down with their children (from left) Isaiah, Danielle, Maya Joy and Joel.

12 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

The Engstroms adopted Maya Joy Girija in March 2008 from the Bharatiya Samaj Seva Kendra (BSSK) orphanage in India, and the second-grader is doing well in school and at home. They were very impressed with how BSSK — which includes a child-care center, foster family care, adoption and a comDr. Daniel Engstrom reads with munity center — is run. Maya Joy, who was born in India. In fact, Dan explains, Cal U has signed an agreement with BSSK that would allow pre-service teachers to spend up to seven weeks there to work with children. Dan and Ronda say their international experiences make them appreciate other cultures as well as the benefits of living in the United States. “Having been in other countries, we have seen that children in America, whether adopted or not, live in a country where they have options,” Dan says. “They can go to school for free. In so many countries, the opportunities that children have are so few and far between.” “You begin to see that not everyone lives the way you do,” Ronda adds. “And it’s not good, it’s not bad — it’s just different.”

‘You have to understand’ Dr. Emily Sweitzer ’92, ’93, associate professor of justice and behavioral crime, and her husband, Scott Bush ’89, ’90, submitted paperwork for a Russian adoption in 2006 only to have the country close to reorganize adoption procedures. Their agency, World Links International Adoption Agency, provided two new options in March 2007, and five months later, a 2-week-old baby girl from Kyrgyzstan was referred to them. Emily and Scott flew to Kyrgyzstan in late January 2008 to bring Helena Sweitzer-Bush home. They faced an emotional ordeal that included spending three weeks in the country because Helena had pneumonia, and then flying to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where they found she also had four broken ribs. In addition, Helena also was severely malnourished from birth. Today, Helena is a thriving 3-year-old. Emily proudly reports she “weighs 25.8 pounds, can count to 30 and can read 50 words.” “Everyone tells us that she’s spirited and feisty. We are very thankful for that, because that’s probably why she survived.” Emily says the Cal U community supported the family while they were in Kyrgyzstan. “Traditional cell phones didn’t work, but a lot of people from the University were in daily contact with my mom, sending prayers and well-wishes,” she recalls. Emily says she uses her international adoption experience when teaching courses in juvenile delinquency, crimes against children and behavioral analysis. “I’m very open, because I want students to understand that other cultures view children very differently,” she explains. “Children who are in orphanages or foster care are not always going to be bright, happy children because they have a lot of emotional needs. “To make changes, you have to understand where people are within a society.”

Dr. Emily Sweitzer reads with daughter Helena, who soon runs off with the book as her mom and dad, Scott Bush, look on. Helena Sweitzer-Bush was born in Kyrgyzstan.

‘A better life’ the family “he started expressing (himself James Ahearn, director of payroll, and in) sign,” James says. “That’s good.” his wife, Amy, adopted their daughter “Now Hannah signs in ASL,” says MacKenzie from China in 2004, when she James, who also communicates in was 9 months old. They planned to adopt American Sign Language. “She has another child within a year, one who adjusted to it very well.” would be close to their daughter’s age. With a smile, James explains some But China changed its adoption rules, of the other “challenges” his new family and four years passed before another faces: a house with only one full bathroom opportunity came for the Ahearns to for five people; the decision two years ago add to their family. to trade in Amy’s van for a Prius; and an “Last February, someone forwarded an ongoing game of “hide the TV remote” e-mail to Amy about Hannah,” James says. that the children love to play. Like her new dad, 10-year-old Hannah “They are blessed,” he says, more is deaf. seriously. “It’s sad about the circumstances “Amy said, ‘Maybe it’s God’s plan for deaf children in China, but we are since we had to wait four years, and we happy to provide a better life for them.” ■ know that China is not a great place for By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications deaf people to live.’” director at Cal U James says it is difficult for deaf people to find jobs in China, and there are no protections such as the Americans With Disabilities Act. “So we decided to go for it. Then a couple of weeks later, our adoption agent, Lin, asked us if we wanted to adopt another deaf child. We did not expect to adopt two children, but we are very glad we did.” Spencer, who is 4, had no language skills at first, James Ahearn and his wife, Amy, sit on the swings with their children but six weeks after joining Hannah, MacKenzie and Spencer. All three children were born in China.

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A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Families without borders Faculty and staff members open their hearts to children born abroad

C

al U’s global connections extend beyond the classroom. These three faculty and staff members are among those at the University who have chosen to adopt children internationally. Their stories reflect the ways that other cultures can enrich the adoptive families’ professional and personal lives and contribute to the diversity on campus.

‘We saw the impact’ For Dr. Daniel Engstrom and his wife, Ronda, the desire to adopt a child into their family blossomed when they spent 2000-2001 teaching in China. “Also, when we lived in Indiana, Pa., we had friends who adopted children from China and another couple who also had adopted. We saw the impact you could have on a child’s life,” says Dan, associate dean and director of student teaching in the College of Education and Human Services at Cal U. After Chinese policy changes made adoptions difficult, the couple began looking elsewhere with the Holt International agency. One of its rules was that an adopted child had to be at least a year older or younger than other children in the home — Isaiah, now 13; Joel, 12; and Danielle, 8. “We knew we wanted a girl, and we wanted her to be close to Danielle’s age,” Dan says. When Maya’s profile came up, Ronda said to me, ‘This is it; this is the girl.’ And then we saw that she is a year and a day older than Dr. Daniel Engstrom and his wife, Ronda, Danielle.” sit down with their children (from left) Isaiah, Danielle, Maya Joy and Joel.

12 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

The Engstroms adopted Maya Joy Girija in March 2008 from the Bharatiya Samaj Seva Kendra (BSSK) orphanage in India, and the second-grader is doing well in school and at home. They were very impressed with how BSSK — which includes a child-care center, foster family care, adoption and a comDr. Daniel Engstrom reads with munity center — is run. Maya Joy, who was born in India. In fact, Dan explains, Cal U has signed an agreement with BSSK that would allow pre-service teachers to spend up to seven weeks there to work with children. Dan and Ronda say their international experiences make them appreciate other cultures as well as the benefits of living in the United States. “Having been in other countries, we have seen that children in America, whether adopted or not, live in a country where they have options,” Dan says. “They can go to school for free. In so many countries, the opportunities that children have are so few and far between.” “You begin to see that not everyone lives the way you do,” Ronda adds. “And it’s not good, it’s not bad — it’s just different.”

‘You have to understand’ Dr. Emily Sweitzer ’92, ’93, associate professor of justice and behavioral crime, and her husband, Scott Bush ’89, ’90, submitted paperwork for a Russian adoption in 2006 only to have the country close to reorganize adoption procedures. Their agency, World Links International Adoption Agency, provided two new options in March 2007, and five months later, a 2-week-old baby girl from Kyrgyzstan was referred to them. Emily and Scott flew to Kyrgyzstan in late January 2008 to bring Helena Sweitzer-Bush home. They faced an emotional ordeal that included spending three weeks in the country because Helena had pneumonia, and then flying to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where they found she also had four broken ribs. In addition, Helena also was severely malnourished from birth. Today, Helena is a thriving 3-year-old. Emily proudly reports she “weighs 25.8 pounds, can count to 30 and can read 50 words.” “Everyone tells us that she’s spirited and feisty. We are very thankful for that, because that’s probably why she survived.” Emily says the Cal U community supported the family while they were in Kyrgyzstan. “Traditional cell phones didn’t work, but a lot of people from the University were in daily contact with my mom, sending prayers and well-wishes,” she recalls. Emily says she uses her international adoption experience when teaching courses in juvenile delinquency, crimes against children and behavioral analysis. “I’m very open, because I want students to understand that other cultures view children very differently,” she explains. “Children who are in orphanages or foster care are not always going to be bright, happy children because they have a lot of emotional needs. “To make changes, you have to understand where people are within a society.”

Dr. Emily Sweitzer reads with daughter Helena, who soon runs off with the book as her mom and dad, Scott Bush, look on. Helena Sweitzer-Bush was born in Kyrgyzstan.

‘A better life’ the family “he started expressing (himself James Ahearn, director of payroll, and in) sign,” James says. “That’s good.” his wife, Amy, adopted their daughter “Now Hannah signs in ASL,” says MacKenzie from China in 2004, when she James, who also communicates in was 9 months old. They planned to adopt American Sign Language. “She has another child within a year, one who adjusted to it very well.” would be close to their daughter’s age. With a smile, James explains some But China changed its adoption rules, of the other “challenges” his new family and four years passed before another faces: a house with only one full bathroom opportunity came for the Ahearns to for five people; the decision two years ago add to their family. to trade in Amy’s van for a Prius; and an “Last February, someone forwarded an ongoing game of “hide the TV remote” e-mail to Amy about Hannah,” James says. that the children love to play. Like her new dad, 10-year-old Hannah “They are blessed,” he says, more is deaf. seriously. “It’s sad about the circumstances “Amy said, ‘Maybe it’s God’s plan for deaf children in China, but we are since we had to wait four years, and we happy to provide a better life for them.” ■ know that China is not a great place for By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications deaf people to live.’” director at Cal U James says it is difficult for deaf people to find jobs in China, and there are no protections such as the Americans With Disabilities Act. “So we decided to go for it. Then a couple of weeks later, our adoption agent, Lin, asked us if we wanted to adopt another deaf child. We did not expect to adopt two children, but we are very glad we did.” Spencer, who is 4, had no language skills at first, James Ahearn and his wife, Amy, sit on the swings with their children but six weeks after joining Hannah, MacKenzie and Spencer. All three children were born in China.

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Penguins partnership benefits students

PAYING IT F O R W A R D

CAL U IS NAMED THE PITTSBURGH HOCKEY TEAM’S EDUCATION PARTNER

Group’s efforts endow scholarship that honors coach Annie Malkowiak award targets students who have overcome challenges

C

alifornia University will continue its partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins — an agreement that already has yielded tangible benefits for students, including scholarship and internship opportunities. Cal U has been designated the official education partner of the Penguins, which has identified the age 15- to 25year-old age group as its core fan base. “The partnership is a strategic marketing and recruiting measure,” says Craig Butzine, interim vice president for marketing and university relations at Cal U. “It is designed to raise awareness of Cal U both in the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond western Pennsylvania. “In addition, our connection to the Penguins directly benefits our students by helping to raise scholarship funds and creating opportunities for internships. As state funding for public higher education declines, we continue to look for creative ways to enhance the University’s image, bring in muchneeded revenue and provide worldclass opportunities for our students.” The Pittsburgh Penguins Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student who holds at least a B average and who demonstrates financial need. Funds to endow the scholarship were generated through two online auctions of memorabilia donated by the Penguins and a silent auction of Pens items at the President’s Gala, a major fundraising event for Cal U. Two Cal U students completed internships with the Penguins’ operation in 2009-2010, and the team anticipates taking on interns again this academic year. The organization also has arranged presentations for campus

14 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

events such as the 2010 Sport Management Conference and a Leadership Club presentation. Cal U students will be invited to assist the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which raises funds for cancer and neonatal research. Last year Cal U’s nationally ranked men’s and women’s hockey teams conducted multiple charity drives at Pens games. Last season, Cal U highlighted its academic programs in IceTime, the game-day program distributed to Pens fans at all home hockey games. This season, fans also will see the Cal U name on the dasher boards and in digital displays high above the ice at the Consol Energy Center, the Pens’ new arena. And both the men’s and women’s hockey

teams had the thrill of playing an exhibition game in the Penguins’ new home. In addition, a conference room on the upper level bears the University’s name. “When Cal U’s new Convocation Center opens next year, executive conferencing is expected to generate revenue for the University,” Butzine says. “Individuals who visit this dynamic meeting space in the Consol Energy Center will be introduced to Cal U and made aware of the opportunity to hold larger meetings — even trade shows, job fairs or national conferences — at our state-of-the-art facilities, which are less than an hour’s drive from downtown Pittsburgh. “It’s one more way to present Cal U to a new audience, and to help support the University’s mission.” ■

A visit to Consol Energy Center is all in a day’s work for Cal U alumnus Kyle Lux ’06, premium seating representative for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lux began his association with the team as an intern.

A

University community member’s fight against two autoimmune diseases has become an inspirational example of paying it forward through an endowed scholarship at Cal U. Annie Malkowiak ’94, ’96 — former standout women’s basketball player, member of the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame, current assistant women’s basketball coach at Cal U and assistant director of athletic development — has been diagnosed with systemic lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome. She has faced myriad health problems directly related to the diseases. “It’s life-altering,” she says. “I have a lot of challenges physically — and mentally, too. But I do my best not to make excuses. You try to keep fighting and doing what you do.” She has established the Annie “MAC” (Master Any Challenge) Malkowiak Scholarship, which will be awarded starting in fall 2011 to a student who has overcome challenges in his or her life and who also is involved in community and campus organizations. Malkowiak and a group of close friends have been raising money for the scholarship through donations and events, which included a benefit comedy show by alumnus Craig Shoemaker at Cal U in August. “I was having a conversation with my friends Ron (Ramsey ’83) and Cris (Winter ’84) about leaving a legacy,” Malkowiak says about deciding to establish a scholarship. Comedian Craig “I’ve really grown to love the Shoemaker, who University, because it’s been good received an honorary doctorate from Cal U to me. I got two degrees from here, last spring, gives a I had the greatest time playing basketbenefit performance ball here and now I’m coaching. in Steele Hall So it just fit to do something at Cal.” Mainstage Theatre. In addition to Ramsey and Winter, Michele Mandell, secretary of the board of directors for The Foundation for California University; Dr. Nancy Pinardi, associate vice president in the Office of Student Affairs; Nancy Skobel, associate dean for Student Affairs and Leadership; and Brenda DePaoli, executive staff assistant for Student Affairs, have supported Malkowiak and her efforts to raise money for the Annie “MAC” fund. “Annie is selfless about this,” Mandell says. “She has given so much to the University, but when you talk to her, all she talks about is what the University has given to her. And that’s the magic and selflessness of Annie.

Annie Malkowiak (center) joins friends Sherri Snyder (left) and Cari Fiore outside Steele Hall, where comedian Craig Shoemaker entertained a crowd with his ‘Lovemaster’ routine. Proceeds from the show support the Annie ’MAC’ Malkowiak Scholarship.

“The needs of our students continue. For those of us who have benefitted by coming to Cal U, it is our legacy and our responsibility to give back to future generations of students.” Malkowiak says her goal is to endow several scholarships. “For me, it’s about making time to raise money to give back to someone who, hopefully, will have the ‘time of their lives’ at Cal U and tell others about it. “I was ‘Cal U for Life’ long before they started it,” Malkowiak says, referring to the program that encourages students and alumni to give of their time, talent and treasure in service to the University. “I think a lot of people are.” ■ By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U.

SUPPORT A SCHOLARSHIP Online donations can be made at www.calu.edu/giving. Click on “make your gift online” and select the Scholarship Fund option. To direct your gift specifically to the Annie “MAC” Malkowiak Scholarship, enter the name of the scholarship in the “comments” box. For more information, contact Jessica Urbanik in University Development at 724-938-4818 or via e-mail at urbanik@calu.edu.

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Penguins partnership benefits students

PAYING IT F O R W A R D

CAL U IS NAMED THE PITTSBURGH HOCKEY TEAM’S EDUCATION PARTNER

Group’s efforts endow scholarship that honors coach Annie Malkowiak award targets students who have overcome challenges

C

alifornia University will continue its partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins — an agreement that already has yielded tangible benefits for students, including scholarship and internship opportunities. Cal U has been designated the official education partner of the Penguins, which has identified the age 15- to 25year-old age group as its core fan base. “The partnership is a strategic marketing and recruiting measure,” says Craig Butzine, interim vice president for marketing and university relations at Cal U. “It is designed to raise awareness of Cal U both in the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond western Pennsylvania. “In addition, our connection to the Penguins directly benefits our students by helping to raise scholarship funds and creating opportunities for internships. As state funding for public higher education declines, we continue to look for creative ways to enhance the University’s image, bring in muchneeded revenue and provide worldclass opportunities for our students.” The Pittsburgh Penguins Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student who holds at least a B average and who demonstrates financial need. Funds to endow the scholarship were generated through two online auctions of memorabilia donated by the Penguins and a silent auction of Pens items at the President’s Gala, a major fundraising event for Cal U. Two Cal U students completed internships with the Penguins’ operation in 2009-2010, and the team anticipates taking on interns again this academic year. The organization also has arranged presentations for campus

14 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

events such as the 2010 Sport Management Conference and a Leadership Club presentation. Cal U students will be invited to assist the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which raises funds for cancer and neonatal research. Last year Cal U’s nationally ranked men’s and women’s hockey teams conducted multiple charity drives at Pens games. Last season, Cal U highlighted its academic programs in IceTime, the game-day program distributed to Pens fans at all home hockey games. This season, fans also will see the Cal U name on the dasher boards and in digital displays high above the ice at the Consol Energy Center, the Pens’ new arena. And both the men’s and women’s hockey

teams had the thrill of playing an exhibition game in the Penguins’ new home. In addition, a conference room on the upper level bears the University’s name. “When Cal U’s new Convocation Center opens next year, executive conferencing is expected to generate revenue for the University,” Butzine says. “Individuals who visit this dynamic meeting space in the Consol Energy Center will be introduced to Cal U and made aware of the opportunity to hold larger meetings — even trade shows, job fairs or national conferences — at our state-of-the-art facilities, which are less than an hour’s drive from downtown Pittsburgh. “It’s one more way to present Cal U to a new audience, and to help support the University’s mission.” ■

A visit to Consol Energy Center is all in a day’s work for Cal U alumnus Kyle Lux ’06, premium seating representative for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lux began his association with the team as an intern.

A

University community member’s fight against two autoimmune diseases has become an inspirational example of paying it forward through an endowed scholarship at Cal U. Annie Malkowiak ’94, ’96 — former standout women’s basketball player, member of the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame, current assistant women’s basketball coach at Cal U and assistant director of athletic development — has been diagnosed with systemic lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome. She has faced myriad health problems directly related to the diseases. “It’s life-altering,” she says. “I have a lot of challenges physically — and mentally, too. But I do my best not to make excuses. You try to keep fighting and doing what you do.” She has established the Annie “MAC” (Master Any Challenge) Malkowiak Scholarship, which will be awarded starting in fall 2011 to a student who has overcome challenges in his or her life and who also is involved in community and campus organizations. Malkowiak and a group of close friends have been raising money for the scholarship through donations and events, which included a benefit comedy show by alumnus Craig Shoemaker at Cal U in August. “I was having a conversation with my friends Ron (Ramsey ’83) and Cris (Winter ’84) about leaving a legacy,” Malkowiak says about deciding to establish a scholarship. Comedian Craig “I’ve really grown to love the Shoemaker, who University, because it’s been good received an honorary doctorate from Cal U to me. I got two degrees from here, last spring, gives a I had the greatest time playing basketbenefit performance ball here and now I’m coaching. in Steele Hall So it just fit to do something at Cal.” Mainstage Theatre. In addition to Ramsey and Winter, Michele Mandell, secretary of the board of directors for The Foundation for California University; Dr. Nancy Pinardi, associate vice president in the Office of Student Affairs; Nancy Skobel, associate dean for Student Affairs and Leadership; and Brenda DePaoli, executive staff assistant for Student Affairs, have supported Malkowiak and her efforts to raise money for the Annie “MAC” fund. “Annie is selfless about this,” Mandell says. “She has given so much to the University, but when you talk to her, all she talks about is what the University has given to her. And that’s the magic and selflessness of Annie.

Annie Malkowiak (center) joins friends Sherri Snyder (left) and Cari Fiore outside Steele Hall, where comedian Craig Shoemaker entertained a crowd with his ‘Lovemaster’ routine. Proceeds from the show support the Annie ’MAC’ Malkowiak Scholarship.

“The needs of our students continue. For those of us who have benefitted by coming to Cal U, it is our legacy and our responsibility to give back to future generations of students.” Malkowiak says her goal is to endow several scholarships. “For me, it’s about making time to raise money to give back to someone who, hopefully, will have the ‘time of their lives’ at Cal U and tell others about it. “I was ‘Cal U for Life’ long before they started it,” Malkowiak says, referring to the program that encourages students and alumni to give of their time, talent and treasure in service to the University. “I think a lot of people are.” ■ By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U.

SUPPORT A SCHOLARSHIP Online donations can be made at www.calu.edu/giving. Click on “make your gift online” and select the Scholarship Fund option. To direct your gift specifically to the Annie “MAC” Malkowiak Scholarship, enter the name of the scholarship in the “comments” box. For more information, contact Jessica Urbanik in University Development at 724-938-4818 or via e-mail at urbanik@calu.edu.

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ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T

West Coast couple enjoy red-carpet careers

CHARLEROI BUSINESS EXEC:

S

‘I hate to lose’ A

dapting to the business world comes naturally to Rob Albinger ’93. “I’m very competitive and driven. I hate to lose,” says the president of Conspec Controls Inc.’s U.S. production, sales and customer support office in Charleroi, Pa. “I have a very aggressive personality when it comes to beating up on the competition.” Conspec Controls is an international company that manufactures and supplies equipment to detect, monitor and control hazardous gases. Although Conspec works with various industries, most of that business is for underground coal mining systems. “We’d like to change the mentality that coal mining is just a pick-andshovel business,” Albinger says. “The automation used in mines is very sophisticated.” Tracking personnel underground — with something akin to a Global Positioning System that shows their whereabouts on a computer screen — is one of the marvels he mentions. “Some people would never imagine what Conspec has working underground.” Albinger started working at Conspec in 1998 as an industrial sales representative, then moved up to the national sales manager’s position. He became general manager, vice president and now president. “I have helped this company turn itself around,” he says, citing sales figures that have climbed from under $2 million in 2002 to more than $8 million in 2010. The company has spent more than $300,000 to renovate and expand its Charleroi facility, Albinger says. In just the last three years, the number of employees has doubled to 18 full-time and two part-time workers.

16 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

Rob Albinger ’93, president of Conspec Controls Inc., says he’s helped the company make a turnaround.

“We have good people in operations, in production and in accounting,” Albinger says, including a Cal U alumnus who works as an industrial engineer. His inspiration is his family, Albinger adds: He is married and the father of four daughters and a son. Albinger has worked with Cal U students as interns and part-time employees. Now he is talking to the University about a potential partnership that would involve researching and testing products. Giving Cal U students experience with Conspec’s products makes for an “almost seamless fit” when the time comes to hire, he says. “I’m always trying to use my Cal U as a recruiting place.” ■

BAND MEMBER BLENDS HARD ROCK, SPIRITUAL MESSAGE

A

s a member of a traveling Christian hard rock band, Mark Anthony ’06 says he sometimes wakes up and wonders where he is. The guitarist and vocalist for The Letter Black has been touring since the fall of 2009, crisscrossing the United States and traveling to Canada and Germany to perform 150 shows a year. A Bahamas cruise called “Shiprocked” in November added a seagoing site to the band’s list of performance venues.

tepping onto the red carpet at the Academy Awards is a rarefied moment that few people experience, but Kodak executive Kimberly Krause Snyder ’84 has been there amid the glitz and glamour to represent her company. The president and general manager of Kodak’s entertainment imaging division, she spends her red-carpet time giving interviews and greeting film industry moguls who are her customers. “It’s really very, very exciting — something I never take for granted,” says Snyder, whose company has a partnership with the Academy Awards that includes sponsoring events and holding the awards ceremony in the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. “I feel blessed.” On a more “average” day, Snyder’s job is to run all aspects of Kodak’s business with the motion picture and television industry. She moved into the entertainment imaging unit in the late 1990s as the chief financial officer, and in 2008 she was promoted to her current job in Los Angeles. Her career with Kodak began in Rochester, N.Y., where she was hired as a systems analyst after graduation. While working at Kodak, she earned her MBA from Rochester University. Snyder worked for 20 years in Rochester and for three years in Toronto, with positions in finance, sales and management. Despite being 2,000 miles away from her alma mater, Snyder says Cal U is never far from her heart. The Alumni Association gave her its Distinguished Alumna Award for 2008-2009. But she has another reason to hold Cal U dear: It’s where she met her husband. Jim Snyder ’85 graduated with an accounting degree and has been in the banking business for 25 years.

In just four years, Anthony and the band have signed with a major record label, toured relentlessly, worked with Grammy award-winning producer Toby Wright to create the album Hanging on by a Thread, and received hundreds of thousands of hits on YouTube. It might seem like an unusual career for an alumnus who studied political science/pre-law, but Anthony says he uses his Cal U education every day. When the band was signed to the Tooth and Nail label, a division of EMI Records, Anthony says he knew what to do when he was handed an 80-page contract — although he is quick to add that he is not a lawyer and that the band did hire a music business attorney. Still, there is a legally binding

Currently he is the vice president and relationship manager for Citibank, serving the Los Angeles market. They got to know each other when she was a cheerleader and he was a football player. Every day he wears the ring that signifies the Vulcans’ 1984 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship. The couple has come full circle through their children — Megan, 14, is a cheerleader and Michael, 11, plays football. “We love being in L.A. We’re in awe of it,” Kimberly Snyder says, “but you never forget where you came from. … I’m still the girl from Crucible, Pa.” ■

On a trip to Los Angeles, Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. (left) presents the Distinguished Alumna Award to Kimberly Snyder ’84, who is joined by her husband, Jim ’85.

contract to sign for every show the band performs, and Anthony says he is comfortable looking them over before signing. The band that originally was called Breaking the Silence formed in 2006 at Abundant Life Church in Uniontown, Pa., where they were members of the worship team. Anthony’s wife, Sarah, is the lead vocalist, Matt Beal plays bass and Mat Slagle is the drummer. “We’re definitely Christian, but not over the top or preachy. We give hope; the hope is in Jesus,” says Anthony, explaining the unusual mix of hard rock and Christian music that can be seen and heard on their website, TheLetterBlack.com. But the key to making the group stand out from any other band is the way they perform, he says.

Mark Anthony ’06 records ’Hanging on by a Thread,’ the latest CD by his band The Letter Black.

“The best way to experience (our music), other than buying an album, is coming to see us live,” Anthony says. “The music is slammin’!” ■ By Cindy Cusic Micco, a Pittsburgh-based writer FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 17 ■


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ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T

West Coast couple enjoy red-carpet careers

CHARLEROI BUSINESS EXEC:

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dapting to the business world comes naturally to Rob Albinger ’93. “I’m very competitive and driven. I hate to lose,” says the president of Conspec Controls Inc.’s U.S. production, sales and customer support office in Charleroi, Pa. “I have a very aggressive personality when it comes to beating up on the competition.” Conspec Controls is an international company that manufactures and supplies equipment to detect, monitor and control hazardous gases. Although Conspec works with various industries, most of that business is for underground coal mining systems. “We’d like to change the mentality that coal mining is just a pick-andshovel business,” Albinger says. “The automation used in mines is very sophisticated.” Tracking personnel underground — with something akin to a Global Positioning System that shows their whereabouts on a computer screen — is one of the marvels he mentions. “Some people would never imagine what Conspec has working underground.” Albinger started working at Conspec in 1998 as an industrial sales representative, then moved up to the national sales manager’s position. He became general manager, vice president and now president. “I have helped this company turn itself around,” he says, citing sales figures that have climbed from under $2 million in 2002 to more than $8 million in 2010. The company has spent more than $300,000 to renovate and expand its Charleroi facility, Albinger says. In just the last three years, the number of employees has doubled to 18 full-time and two part-time workers.

16 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

Rob Albinger ’93, president of Conspec Controls Inc., says he’s helped the company make a turnaround.

“We have good people in operations, in production and in accounting,” Albinger says, including a Cal U alumnus who works as an industrial engineer. His inspiration is his family, Albinger adds: He is married and the father of four daughters and a son. Albinger has worked with Cal U students as interns and part-time employees. Now he is talking to the University about a potential partnership that would involve researching and testing products. Giving Cal U students experience with Conspec’s products makes for an “almost seamless fit” when the time comes to hire, he says. “I’m always trying to use my Cal U as a recruiting place.” ■

BAND MEMBER BLENDS HARD ROCK, SPIRITUAL MESSAGE

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s a member of a traveling Christian hard rock band, Mark Anthony ’06 says he sometimes wakes up and wonders where he is. The guitarist and vocalist for The Letter Black has been touring since the fall of 2009, crisscrossing the United States and traveling to Canada and Germany to perform 150 shows a year. A Bahamas cruise called “Shiprocked” in November added a seagoing site to the band’s list of performance venues.

tepping onto the red carpet at the Academy Awards is a rarefied moment that few people experience, but Kodak executive Kimberly Krause Snyder ’84 has been there amid the glitz and glamour to represent her company. The president and general manager of Kodak’s entertainment imaging division, she spends her red-carpet time giving interviews and greeting film industry moguls who are her customers. “It’s really very, very exciting — something I never take for granted,” says Snyder, whose company has a partnership with the Academy Awards that includes sponsoring events and holding the awards ceremony in the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. “I feel blessed.” On a more “average” day, Snyder’s job is to run all aspects of Kodak’s business with the motion picture and television industry. She moved into the entertainment imaging unit in the late 1990s as the chief financial officer, and in 2008 she was promoted to her current job in Los Angeles. Her career with Kodak began in Rochester, N.Y., where she was hired as a systems analyst after graduation. While working at Kodak, she earned her MBA from Rochester University. Snyder worked for 20 years in Rochester and for three years in Toronto, with positions in finance, sales and management. Despite being 2,000 miles away from her alma mater, Snyder says Cal U is never far from her heart. The Alumni Association gave her its Distinguished Alumna Award for 2008-2009. But she has another reason to hold Cal U dear: It’s where she met her husband. Jim Snyder ’85 graduated with an accounting degree and has been in the banking business for 25 years.

In just four years, Anthony and the band have signed with a major record label, toured relentlessly, worked with Grammy award-winning producer Toby Wright to create the album Hanging on by a Thread, and received hundreds of thousands of hits on YouTube. It might seem like an unusual career for an alumnus who studied political science/pre-law, but Anthony says he uses his Cal U education every day. When the band was signed to the Tooth and Nail label, a division of EMI Records, Anthony says he knew what to do when he was handed an 80-page contract — although he is quick to add that he is not a lawyer and that the band did hire a music business attorney. Still, there is a legally binding

Currently he is the vice president and relationship manager for Citibank, serving the Los Angeles market. They got to know each other when she was a cheerleader and he was a football player. Every day he wears the ring that signifies the Vulcans’ 1984 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship. The couple has come full circle through their children — Megan, 14, is a cheerleader and Michael, 11, plays football. “We love being in L.A. We’re in awe of it,” Kimberly Snyder says, “but you never forget where you came from. … I’m still the girl from Crucible, Pa.” ■

On a trip to Los Angeles, Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. (left) presents the Distinguished Alumna Award to Kimberly Snyder ’84, who is joined by her husband, Jim ’85.

contract to sign for every show the band performs, and Anthony says he is comfortable looking them over before signing. The band that originally was called Breaking the Silence formed in 2006 at Abundant Life Church in Uniontown, Pa., where they were members of the worship team. Anthony’s wife, Sarah, is the lead vocalist, Matt Beal plays bass and Mat Slagle is the drummer. “We’re definitely Christian, but not over the top or preachy. We give hope; the hope is in Jesus,” says Anthony, explaining the unusual mix of hard rock and Christian music that can be seen and heard on their website, TheLetterBlack.com. But the key to making the group stand out from any other band is the way they perform, he says.

Mark Anthony ’06 records ’Hanging on by a Thread,’ the latest CD by his band The Letter Black.

“The best way to experience (our music), other than buying an album, is coming to see us live,” Anthony says. “The music is slammin’!” ■ By Cindy Cusic Micco, a Pittsburgh-based writer FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 17 ■


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ALUMNI N E W S GREETINGS FROM THE ALUMNI OFFICE & ANNUAL FUND!

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s president of the Alumni Association of California University, it is a pleasure to report that our alumni are supporting the mission and goals of Cal U with their financial resources, time and talents. More of us are becoming involved. University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. is an inspiring leader, and the University is a nationally recognized academic institution worthy of its alumni support. The Alumni Association is working closely with the executive director of Alumni Relations and the Annual Fund, Amy Lombard, and her staff in engaging our alumni. Many graduates who have been away from the campus have come back and been incredibly impressed by the University’s appearance and its activities. Through its committees, the Alumni Association is striving to support these efforts. The association supports scholarships for as many as 20 students each year, primarily through alumni donations. We encourage all alumni to welcome the phone calls from our students in the phone bank and to appreciate the courtesy afforded them during those calls. These donations are greatly appreciated by the association and the scholarship recipients. In addition: • The Alumni Events and Chapter Development Committee is working to enable alumni to participate in Cal U arts, athletic and academic programs, and to develop chapters to provide information and continuity to those alumni who find it difficult to get back to campus. There are many ways to support Cal U even if you can’t get here. Alumni support is a critical factor in being recognized as one of this country’s top public universities. • Many of our alumni have distinguished themselves, and therefore the University, academically, professionally and in business. The Awards and Honors Committee continually seeks to identify and honor those alumni with multiple awards given on Alumni Weekend each year in June. • The Internship Committee is actively working with Cal U’s internship director to seek out alumni who can offer, or arrange for, internships for our students. • The Student Engagement Committee is involved with Cal U for Life and other campus activities. It provides a working model for our students, demonstrating how they can remain involved with the University after their own graduation. Members of the board of directors of the Alumni Association are elected for three-year terms, with one third of the board standing for election each year. We encourage alumni to be involved in voting and becoming board members. This association strives to make all alumni feel welcome. Through the Alumni Association, they can remain actively involved in the life of this great University.

Dr. Harry Serene President, Alumni Association 18 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

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alumni calendar DECEMBER

CAL POINT of PRIDE

Pittsburgh Chapter Alumni Gathering — Dec. 2 6 p.m. at Nardi’s Restaurant, 4089 William Penn Highway (in the Jonnett Building), Monroeville, Pa. Join us for a social gathering hosted by Michael Napolitano ’68. The evening will include updates on the campus and sports programs, as well as a chance to engage with fellow alumni. Hearty appetizers, door prizes and a cash bar will be available.

HOMECOMING 2010

Graduates Dinner — Dec. 16 Winter 2010 graduates take their first step toward becoming active alumni at 7 p.m. in Gallagher Hall, on the main campus. Global Online Graduate Reception — Dec. 17 At 6 p.m. in the Grand Hall of Old Main, meet students who have earned their degrees through Global Online, Cal U’s 100 percent online program. Many of these students will be visiting campus for the first time and celebrating their graduation with family and friends. Graduate Commencement — Dec. 17 Master’s degree students receive their diplomas at 7 p.m. in Hamer Hall Auditorium. Undergraduate Commencement — Dec. 18 Undergraduate students receive their diplomas at 10 a.m. in Hamer Hall Auditorium.

JANUARY New Year’s Day — Jan. 1 Mark your calendar: It’s just 154 days until the kickoff of Alumni Weekend 2011! The Class of 1961 will celebrate its milestone “Pioneer” 50th reunion and present a class gift, alumni awards and more! Alumni Association Board of Director’s Retreat — Jan. 21-22 The Alumni Association Board meets at the Holiday Inn Meadowlands. Committee meetings start at 5 p.m. Jan. 21, with dinner at 6 p.m. and a board development workshop at 7 p.m. The board meeting begins at 9 a.m. Jan. 22.

Clock Tower Bell Cast in 1869 by A. Fulton & Son Co. of Pittsburgh, the brass bell in Old Main’s clock tower was created for the South Western Normal School, which later became Cal U. A worker from The Verdin Co., a bell maker in Cincinnati, Ohio, climbs into the clock tower every six months to clean and oil the bell. As part of the maintenance routine, the bell is turned so its surface wears evenly. The 4-foot-tall bell still marks time by chiming on the hour and half-hour.

(Above) Grand Marshall Len Keller ’61 waves to the crowd during the Cal U Homecoming parade. (Top right) The Cal U Band performs during half time. (Right) Homecoming King Nate Dixon and Queen Jami Williams receive their crowns from last year’s queen, Jackie Davis. (Below) Fans show their pride during the Homecoming game against Slippery Rock University.

FEBRUARY Florida Chapter Alumni Gathering — Date to be announced Alumni from the Sunshine State gather in Sarasota, Fla. Watch for details. Washington, D.C. Chapter Alumni Gathering — Feb. 10 Join alumni from the D.C.-area chapter for a 6 p.m. gathering at the BlackFinn American Saloon, 1620 I St. NW. Directions: www.blackfinn.com. ‘Hail to Hamer’ Celebration — Feb. 19 Honor the men’s and women’s basketball teams as we celebrate the end of the regular season in Hamer Hall. Check www.calvulcans.com for details of the day’s events.

MARCH Southern California Alumni Gathering — March 17 Did you know there are more than 800 Cal U graduates in the state of California? Bill ’63 and Diana Monroe will host a gathering in their home so we can share Cal U updates with alumni from southern California. SAVE THE DATE! Upcoming Alumni Events Alumni Weekend — June 3-4 Alumni Couples Weekend — August 5-6 Contact the Office of Alumni Relations & the Annual Fund at 724-938-4418 or alumni@calu.edu for details on how YOU can become involved as a volunteer for your alma mater!

SPEAK UP! WE’RE LISTENING. . . What do you think of the Cal U Review? The editor and staff want to know. Is there a feature you enjoy — or one you don’t? A topic you’d like to read more about? To share your thoughts, send an e-mail to revieweditor@calu.edu, or drop us a line at: Cal U Review, Box 31, 250 University Drive, California, PA 15419-1394.

Alumni have their portraits drawn at the Kara Alumni House during Cal U Couples Weekend.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Would you like to stand for election to the Cal U Alumni Association Board of Directors? Or would you like to place the name of a fellow alumnus on the ballot?

ELECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE THIS SPRING, WITH EIGHT SEATS TO BE FILLED. Candidates will be screened by the Nominating Committee for Board Members (NCB). All candidates must submit a nomination form, a brief essay and a color photo. Nomination forms must be received by the NCB no later than March 19, 2011. For candidates’ qualifications, details about the nominating process and an official nomination form, visit www.calu.edu/alumni.

ONLINE? Look for California University of Pennsylvania’s official Facebook page, and follow @CalUofPA on Twitter. FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 19 ■


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FOCUS O N E B E R LY C O L L E G E O F S C I E N C E A N D T E C H N O L O G Y

wildlife connection Fisheries and wildlife biology program builds relationships with state and federal agencies

California University of Pennsylvania

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overview

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of the EBERLY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Dean:

Dr. Leonard Colelli Department Chairs:

Dr. John Kallis Applied Engineering and Technology

Dr. David Argent Biological and Environmental Sciences

Dr. Burrell Brown Business and Economics

Dr. William Dieterle Chemistry and Physics

Dr. Thomas Wickham Earth Sciences

Dr. Mohamed Benbourenane Math, Computer Science and Information Systems

Dr. Cheryl Hettman Nursing

Dr. Charles Nemeth Professional Studies

Program Directors:

Lt. Col. Ronald Bonomo Military Science

Dr. Anthony Rodi and Michael Amrhein National Center for Robotics Engineering Technology Education

Dr. Charles Nemeth Institute for Law and Public Policy

Dr. Thomas Mueller Peter J. Daley Institute for Analysis of Safety and Security Issues Using Spatial Technologies

From

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Welcome to the fall 2010 edition of Focus On, featuring the Eberly College of Science and Technology. During my 11-year tenure as dean, our College’s dedicated faculty and staff have made great progress enhancing the character and careers of our students with the support of our administration, alumni and elected officials. During this period, we have developed seven new academic programs and achieved nine additional academic program accreditations, reaching an 83 percent accreditation rate in the Eberly College. We completed 19 major renovations of academic facilities, added 45 tenure-track faculty and witnessed exceptional growth in internship experiences for our students. In addition, we have created an endowment; earned more than $3.3 million in Department of Defense funding for agile robotics curriculum development and outreach; obtained State System of Higher Education funding to establish an Entrepreneurial Leadership Center; and negotiated cooperative partnerships with world-class organizations such as the Siemens Corp., the Carnegie Mellon National Robotics Engineering Center, the Carnegie Science Center and the Sen. John Heinz History Center. At 2,432 students, undergraduate enrollment in the Eberly College is at an 18-year high, with 1,000 students added since fall 2000. During this period, significant enrollment growth has occurred in many programs, including chemistry (78 percent), mathematics (74 percent), biology/pre-medicine (71 percent), nursing (67 percent), geology (67 percent), physics (60 percent), and fisheries and wildlife biology (39 percent). Much of this growth can be attributed to accreditation, an influx of energized faculty, an aggressive program of classroom and laboratory renovations, good mentoring by senior faculty and the development of new programs, including computer engineering technology, computer information systems, legal studies, and robotics engineering technology. Program development is ongoing in areas as diverse as jurisprudence and mechatronics engineering technology. Also noteworthy this year were a team effort led by Dr. Gina Boff that resulted in accreditation of our Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems; work led by James Means and John Loney that earned re-accreditation of our Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET Inc.; an effort led by Dr. John Thompson that obtained re-accreditation by the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering for our Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology program. I hope you enjoy reading this issue. On behalf of the Eberly College, I thank all who support our efforts to improve the quality of our programs, faculty, facilities and students.

dean

CIS earns accreditation Cal U’s computer information systems (CIS) program has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET Inc., a national organization responsible for the specialized accreditation of educational programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology. Students who complete the CIS program earn a Bachelor of Science degree. ABET accreditation adds to the value of the degree by assuring that the program meets rigorous quality standards. Cal U’s CIS program, which began in fall 2005, received a four-year accreditation, effective October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2012. 2

Leonard Colelli, Dean Eberly College of Science and Technology


wildlife network FISherIeS and WIldlIFe StudentS lInked WIth State and Federal agenCIeS

Dr. David Argent uses an electrically charged probe to help fisheries and wildlife biology student Beth Stone take samples in Pike Run near California, Pa.

r. David Argent, chair of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, didn’t always know that a career studying fish was in his future. “I always loved to fish, and when I finally got to college, I realized I could actually become a scientist and make a career out of something I love to do,” he says. Argent helped to develop the fisheries curriculum for the fisheries and wildlife biology concentration within the environmental studies program at Cal U. The concentration emphasizes fisheries, wildlife biology and management in North America. Much of the success of the program has come from the department’s commitment to developing ties with state and federal wildlife agencies. “Dr. Bocetti and I have done a lot to build relationships with many wildlife agencies,” says Argent, referring to his work with colleague Dr. Carol Bocetti, an assistant professor in the department. Bocetti focuses on building relationships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey, while Argent works with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

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and the Environmental Protection Agency. Both have connections with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. “We continuously try to bring in professionals from an agency, like the Pennsylvania Game Commission, to talk to our students,” says Argent. Students also find that visitors from wildlife agencies can be great sources for internships. “For one of our labs in fisheries management, we went electrofishing on the Monongahela River with a biologist from the PFBC,” says Cal U junior Levi Kaczka. “Guest lecturers from state agencies who come to campus also provide students with contact information for potential internships.” Argent says many students in the program land internships with wildlife agencies. Students interested in zoo management and captive animals also have found opportunities at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium and the National Aviary in Pittsburgh. “The state agencies are given only so many slots for paid internships each summer, but I think we have developed a nice enough relationship that when internships come up, we are certainly one of the first to know about them,” says Argent.

Students who have completed the fisheries and wildlife biology concentration find jobs at wildlife agencies across the nation. Tim Kimmel ’07, for example, is working with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Jason Hallacher ’04 is a senior technician at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. And Greg Hutchko ’03 is a salmon enhancement biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Game. The concentration is structured around the requirements of the American Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Society, which also helps students to succeed. “When they complete the major, students have completed the course requirements that permit certification by either society,” says Argent. “A student can then apply for certification with either organization and become a professional.” Argent’s interest in the outdoors prompts him to offer some advice to aspiring biologists, who may find themselves working instead of enjoying their seasonal hobby. “One thing I tell my students is that if you like to hunt, study fish,” he jokes. “If you like to fish, study wildlife, because otherwise you will always be tagging deer or studying fish during game seasons.” By Jeff Bender, PR and Web Writer at Cal U

Student Beth Stone conducts tests in Pike Run.

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instrument probes molecular structure Chemistry program adds high-tech equipment required for accreditation

s the Cal U chemistry program moves closer to accreditation, students are using a pair of hightech instruments to explore the structure of organic molecules. Two nuclear magnetic resonance spectrophotometers — a 200-megahertz and a 400 MHz model — were installed this summer in a renovated laboratory in the New Science building. Each instrument uses high-field, superconducting magnets to probe the nuclear structure of organic molecules by looking at the nuclei of carbon and hydrogen atoms, explains Dr. Matthew Price, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Individual atoms found on material samples lowered into the instrument’s core behave like miniature magnets: their atoms either align with, or in opposition to, the strong magnetic field. When the atoms are “excited” by pulses of radio-frequency energy from the NMR console, they act in a characteristic fashion. Within minutes, the instrument’s software reads those behaviors and displays the results graphically on a workstation in the lab. By analyzing the readout — a series of peaks and valleys — a scientist can determine the sample’s bonding structure.

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Chemistry student Bethany Godra works with the high-tech instrument in New Science Hall.

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The NMR spectrophotometer has a wide range of research and industrial applications in fields as diverse as pharmaceuticals, food safety, perfume-making and criminal forensics. “This is the industry standard,” Price says. “It’s a vital tool for determining molecular structure.” Cal U’s new 400 MHz instrument was purchased with a $150,000 accreditation grant from the President’s Office. An additional $50,000 was required to upgrade the NMR lab, which also houses tanks of liquid nitrogen and liquid helium to cool the superconducting magnets. The adjacent nanotechnology lab, where students utilize a high-resolution atomic force microscope, also was remodeled. Millersville University of Pennsylvania gave Cal U its 200 MHz machine. “Millersville was upgrading to a 400 MHz model and didn’t have room for both instruments,” Price says, “but we had space in our new lab. They donated the equipment, and we paid to have it transported and installed.” The NMR spectrophotometer was the last major piece of instrumentation that Cal U needed for accreditation by the American Chemical Society. “After visiting graduate schools and seeing the research they are doing with NMRs, I realized that Cal U was coming one step closer to a big university in terms of researching ability,” says alumnus Chris McNary ’10. McNary, who earned bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and physics at Cal U, now is a graduate student studying physical chemistry at the University of Utah. “Accreditation provides a stronger curriculum,” Price says. “It makes our students better prepared to become part of the scientific research community.”

Dr. Matthew Price and student Alyssa Opsatnik, a senior chemistry major, prepare to lower a sample into the 200 megahertz NMR spectrophotometer.

Cal U’s chemistry program applied for ACS accreditation two years ago, and faculty members spent a full year preparing materials for evaluation. The curriculum, recently revamped, takes an integrated approach that incorporates modern research avenues such as nanotechnology and “green” chemistry into courses throughout the chemistry program. Price anticipates a site visit by an ACS accreditation team, perhaps as soon as this spring. “My lab partner and I were actually the first students here at Cal U to use the equipment,” says Tony Outrich, a senior majoring in chemistry and physics with a minor in mathematics. “I was a little more than excited. It made me feel like an actual chemist.” By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U


lab builds careers in biotechnology education modular deSIgn ImproveS FlexIbIlIty and SaFety aS StudentS develop leSSonS hen people think of college laboratories, they often imagine bubbling beakers and white medical coats. It’s not often that they think of a hands-on classroom that helps to launch students’ teaching careers. The new bio-related technology lab in Coover Hall does just that. “Bio-related technology is such a new concept that hardly any of the K-12 schools teach it yet, but state testing is starting to incorporate it into exams,” says Dr. Mark Nowak, a professor in the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology. “Our students will graduate with a teaching certificate and experience in developing programs for technology education. They will be able to help schools develop their bio-related technology programs to meet state standards.” The laboratory uses a modular layout, with “stations” for separate components of bio-related technology — hydroponics and aquaponics, or growing plants and fish in a closed environment; human factors engineering, or ergonomics; health care technology; fuel production; waste management and treatment; DNA forensics; and biotech safety and regulations. “Dr. Nowak has this lab set up so that groups work on different activities each week, allowing us to have plenty of space to work,” says Lauren Tifone, a junior technology education major. One of many laboratories used in the technology education program at Cal U, the original biotech teaching space was a small, outdated room on the second floor. Relocating to the ground level doubled the laboratory’s footprint. Now the lab features new computers and safer, more spacious activity areas. “This is the only modular-based lab in the technology education program,” Nowak says. In the new lab, a group of students might work together to measure and read electrocardiogram heart tests one week,

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Dr. Mark Nowak enjoys the new bio-related technology lab in Coover Hall.

then analyze the components of bio-fuel the next. After completing eight activities, the students reflect on their experiences. “At the end of every semester, the students spend time developing a new activity or refining ones we have,” Nowak says. “All activities are developed, designed and constructed by the students.” Creating and modifying lessons becomes a valuable part of the students’ education — and it has value for potential employers, too. A middle school might spend as much as $500,000 for a standard, modular bio-related technology system. When technology changes, many schools would rather modify their system than purchase a costly upgrade. Cal U’s “tech ed” graduates will have the experience, and the creativity, to make effective adaptations. Overall, the field of technology education is expanding rapidly. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of technology education positions nationwide is expected to increase by 23 percent between 2008 and 2018. Last year, 25 students graduated from

Dr. Mark Nowak works on a lesson with technology education majors Robert Bateman (left) and Zachary Gallik.

Cal U with a bachelor’s degree in technology education, reports Dr. John Kallis, chair of the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology. “I read a couple of years ago that the impact biotechnology will have on humanity in the next 10 years will exceed the impact that computers have had in the last 10 years,” says Nowak. “The students who go through this program will already be leaders in this developing field.” By Jeff Bender, PR and Web writer at Cal U 5


practical skills for challenging times NiNe out of 10 Graphics aNd MultiMedia studeNts fiNd jobs onathan Richie ’08 says he got more than a quality education from the graphics and multimedia (GM) program in Cal U’s Department of Applied Engineering and Technology. He’d been job hunting “for quite some time,” Richie says, when assistant professor Steven Whitehead gave him a call. “He’d just spoken to a business owner in Morgantown, W.Va., and he requested I call about a potential job interview. That was in March 2009, and I have been working as a data specialist for Morgantown Printing and Binding ever since.” Richie is one of many successful graduates of the graphics and multimedia program, which consistently places 90 percent of its students into jobs upon graduation. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications Inc. The program gives students hands-on experience with transferring data messages created by graphic designers to print or digital media. The end result may be T-shirts, postcards, fliers, posters, e-mail blasts or websites. Students sharpen their skills in the program’s new digital production and screen-printing laboratories, featuring two Xerox 242 digital presses, a wide-format HP printer, process manager workflow system, Variable Data printing software, screen-printing technologies and flexographic technology. The program has served students well, even in a challenging economic climate. “As the media hammered home the fact that America is no longer a manufacturing country, parents guided their children into other areas of study,” says Whitehead.

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“When the economy slipped, many people realized manufacturing is still a large part of the American landscape. This program allows our graduates to find employment.” Although the career options look promising, students must be able to keep up with advances in technology if they hope to be successful. “It is no longer acceptable to prepare students for a career with only a basic understanding of the field in which they are seeking employment,” Whitehead says. “We must prepare them to take on the challenges of a field that is constantly evolving at rapid rate.” The GM program differs from offerings in the Department of Art and Design, which focus more on design concepts, analytical and critical thinking, and the historical role of the graphic designer. Besides learning basic technologies, GM students also complete business and

marketing courses to round out their education. They are required to follow industry-related news and make predictions about industry outcomes. “The skills you learn from the program help those who will be working with you directly,” Richie says. “They don’t have to worry about having to teach you certain programs on the computer or having to show you how to run the printers. “It has already been taught to you, so it makes the transition from student to professional much smoother.” Upon graduation, students may work for printing companies or print brokerage houses, direct mail firms or marketing agencies. “The GM program has been such an asset to my career, it’s almost unbelievable,” says Richie. “If it weren't for the program and the connections I've made, I probably wouldn't be as successful as I am today.” By Jeff Bender, PR and Web writer at Cal U

Steven Whitehead teaches practical skills in the graphics and multimedia program.


What’s New in the eberly college the faculty and staff in the eberly College of Science and technology have numerous individual achievements to share.

Dr. James Serene was recently named the recipient of our third annual Eberly College of Science and Technology Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award. Serene is an assistant professor of orthopaedics and team physician at the Penn State University Medical Center in Hershey, Pa. Dr. Chad Kauffman (Earth Sciences) and students from the Three Rivers Chapter of the National Weather Association received the association’s 2010 Local Chapter Award. Dr. Anthony Rodi (Math/ CS/IS) and Michael Amrhein (NCRETE) developed an international partnership agreement with Siemens Corp. to deliver mechatronics workforce training.

Michael Amrhein (NCRETE) received a $270,000 grant from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education to establish an Entrepreneurial Leadership Center at Cal U.

Dr. Kimberly Woznack (Chemistry and Physics) received a $5,992 instrumentation grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh to purchase a fluorescence spectroscopy microscope.

Dr. Charles Nemeth (Professional Studies) has written three books: Aquinas and King; Law and Evidence; and Private Security and the Investigative Process.

Dr. William Dieterle (Chemistry and Physics) consulted with the Pennsylvania State Police to develop a physicsbased solution to an anticipated security problem at the G-20 Global Economic Summit in Pittsburgh last fall.

Dr. Shirley Lazorchak (Business and Economics) received the Hugh G. Wales Faculty Adviser of the Year Award at the 26th annual International Collegiate Conference of the American Marketing Association in New Orleans, La. Jeff Sumey and Ghassan Salim (Applied Engineering and Technology) and Gary DeLorenzo (Math/CS/IS) conducted Cal U’s first Senior Projects Symposium during the AET 2010 Spring Technology Conference. The event showcased 13 projects developed by 47 students enrolled in senior project capstone courses in computer engineering technology, computer information systems, computer science, and electrical engineering technology programs.

Dr. Susan Ryan (Earth Sciences) received the Distinguished Scholar Award from the Pennsylvania Geographical Society. Dr. Arshad Chawdhry (Business and Economics) was an invited panelist on the Voice of America radio program Urdu News. Dr. Gary DeLorenzo (Math/ CS/IS) received a Best Paper Award for Pedagogy for a recent publication in the Information Systems Education Journal.

Dr. Jeffrey Magers (Professional Studies) was recently appointed a subject matter expert for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Commercial District Assistance (CEDAP) Program. Dr. Cheryl Hettman (Nursing) was honored in the healthcare category by the Washington Zonta Club. Faculty in the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences received more than $186,500 in grant funding during the past year. Faculty members include Drs. David Argent, Summer Arrigo-Nelson, Robert White, Louise Nicholson, Carol Bocetti and Mark Tebbitt. Jeff Sumey (Applied Engineering and Technology) received $45,000 in phase III funding with Augusta Systems of Morgantown, W.Va., to continue the development of advanced panoramic sensor technologies and 360-degree lens systems used in surveillance and military applications for the Department of Defense.

7


eberly College FaCulty expandS by three THE EBERLY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WELCOMES THREE NEW FACULTY MEMBERS THIS ACADEMIC YEAR. THEIR EXPERTISE MAKES EACH ONE A VALUABLE ADDITION TO THE CAL U COMMUNITY. DR. ANTHONY RODI, director of the National Center for Robotics Engineering Technology Education (NCRETE), also is now an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems. He earned his Doctor of Science degree in Information Systems and Communications, as well as his master’s degree in Information Systems Management, at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pa. Before joining Cal U in 2006, Rodi spent 18 years with USAirways. Now he is actively involved in outreach for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and in developing mutually beneficial industry and internal partnerships. “I’ve learned the value of relationships,” Rodi says. “I am passionate about student success and building a pathway to careers through the relationships that I have created.” Since its inception, NCRETE has attracted nearly $3.3 million of Department of Defense funding, launched an associate degree program in robotics engineering technology and sponsored a number of robotics camps and competitions.

DR. MELISSA SOVAK joins the Math, Computer Science and Information Systems Department as an assistant professor. A former market research analyst, she earned her Ph.D. in statistics from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Science in Computational Mathematics from Duquesne University. She has taught at both of those Pittsburgh schools, and her research interests are statistics education and teaching methodology. Sovak has published extensively and given several presentations on statistical reasoning and color models for image decomposition. “I enjoy sharing my passion for math with students and helping them discover that math is achievable for anyone,” she says. With more than 20 years of practical experience as an attorney, DR. CHRISTINA A. TORAS is now an assistant professor of legal studies at Cal U. Before entering private practice, she spent 15 years as general counsel and vice president of real estate at 84 Lumber Co. Also a special arbitrator for the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pa., she received a Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, and a master’s degree in English from East Carolina University. "I maintain an interactive classroom and encourage students to ask questions when they are in doubt,” she says. “I see it as my responsibility to ensure that my students succeed.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

Eberly College of Science and Technology 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419-1394 Phone: 724-938-4169 Fax: 724-938-5743 E-mail: bella@calu.edu www.calu.edu A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Integrity, Civility, Responsibility


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ALUMNI N E W S GREETINGS FROM THE ALUMNI OFFICE & ANNUAL FUND!

A

s president of the Alumni Association of California University, it is a pleasure to report that our alumni are supporting the mission and goals of Cal U with their financial resources, time and talents. More of us are becoming involved. University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. is an inspiring leader, and the University is a nationally recognized academic institution worthy of its alumni support. The Alumni Association is working closely with the executive director of Alumni Relations and the Annual Fund, Amy Lombard, and her staff in engaging our alumni. Many graduates who have been away from the campus have come back and been incredibly impressed by the University’s appearance and its activities. Through its committees, the Alumni Association is striving to support these efforts. The association supports scholarships for as many as 20 students each year, primarily through alumni donations. We encourage all alumni to welcome the phone calls from our students in the phone bank and to appreciate the courtesy afforded them during those calls. These donations are greatly appreciated by the association and the scholarship recipients. In addition: • The Alumni Events and Chapter Development Committee is working to enable alumni to participate in Cal U arts, athletic and academic programs, and to develop chapters to provide information and continuity to those alumni who find it difficult to get back to campus. There are many ways to support Cal U even if you can’t get here. Alumni support is a critical factor in being recognized as one of this country’s top public universities. • Many of our alumni have distinguished themselves, and therefore the University, academically, professionally and in business. The Awards and Honors Committee continually seeks to identify and honor those alumni with multiple awards given on Alumni Weekend each year in June. • The Internship Committee is actively working with Cal U’s internship director to seek out alumni who can offer, or arrange for, internships for our students. • The Student Engagement Committee is involved with Cal U for Life and other campus activities. It provides a working model for our students, demonstrating how they can remain involved with the University after their own graduation. Members of the board of directors of the Alumni Association are elected for three-year terms, with one third of the board standing for election each year. We encourage alumni to be involved in voting and becoming board members. This association strives to make all alumni feel welcome. Through the Alumni Association, they can remain actively involved in the life of this great University.

Dr. Harry Serene President, Alumni Association 18 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

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alumni calendar DECEMBER

CAL POINT of PRIDE

Pittsburgh Chapter Alumni Gathering — Dec. 2 6 p.m. at Nardi’s Restaurant, 4089 William Penn Highway (in the Jonnett Building), Monroeville, Pa. Join us for a social gathering hosted by Michael Napolitano ’68. The evening will include updates on the campus and sports programs, as well as a chance to engage with fellow alumni. Hearty appetizers, door prizes and a cash bar will be available.

HOMECOMING 2010

Graduates Dinner — Dec. 16 Winter 2010 graduates take their first step toward becoming active alumni at 7 p.m. in Gallagher Hall, on the main campus. Global Online Graduate Reception — Dec. 17 At 6 p.m. in the Grand Hall of Old Main, meet students who have earned their degrees through Global Online, Cal U’s 100 percent online program. Many of these students will be visiting campus for the first time and celebrating their graduation with family and friends. Graduate Commencement — Dec. 17 Master’s degree students receive their diplomas at 7 p.m. in Hamer Hall Auditorium. Undergraduate Commencement — Dec. 18 Undergraduate students receive their diplomas at 10 a.m. in Hamer Hall Auditorium.

JANUARY New Year’s Day — Jan. 1 Mark your calendar: It’s just 154 days until the kickoff of Alumni Weekend 2011! The Class of 1961 will celebrate its milestone “Pioneer” 50th reunion and present a class gift, alumni awards and more! Alumni Association Board of Director’s Retreat — Jan. 21-22 The Alumni Association Board meets at the Holiday Inn Meadowlands. Committee meetings start at 5 p.m. Jan. 21, with dinner at 6 p.m. and a board development workshop at 7 p.m. The board meeting begins at 9 a.m. Jan. 22.

Clock Tower Bell Cast in 1869 by A. Fulton & Son Co. of Pittsburgh, the brass bell in Old Main’s clock tower was created for the South Western Normal School, which later became Cal U. A worker from The Verdin Co., a bell maker in Cincinnati, Ohio, climbs into the clock tower every six months to clean and oil the bell. As part of the maintenance routine, the bell is turned so its surface wears evenly. The 4-foot-tall bell still marks time by chiming on the hour and half-hour.

(Above) Grand Marshall Len Keller ’61 waves to the crowd during the Cal U Homecoming parade. (Top right) The Cal U Band performs during half time. (Right) Homecoming King Nate Dixon and Queen Jami Williams receive their crowns from last year’s queen, Jackie Davis. (Below) Fans show their pride during the Homecoming game against Slippery Rock University.

FEBRUARY Florida Chapter Alumni Gathering — Date to be announced Alumni from the Sunshine State gather in Sarasota, Fla. Watch for details. Washington, D.C. Chapter Alumni Gathering — Feb. 10 Join alumni from the D.C.-area chapter for a 6 p.m. gathering at the BlackFinn American Saloon, 1620 I St. NW. Directions: www.blackfinn.com. ‘Hail to Hamer’ Celebration — Feb. 19 Honor the men’s and women’s basketball teams as we celebrate the end of the regular season in Hamer Hall. Check www.calvulcans.com for details of the day’s events.

MARCH Southern California Alumni Gathering — March 17 Did you know there are more than 800 Cal U graduates in the state of California? Bill ’63 and Diana Monroe will host a gathering in their home so we can share Cal U updates with alumni from southern California. SAVE THE DATE! Upcoming Alumni Events Alumni Weekend — June 3-4 Alumni Couples Weekend — August 5-6 Contact the Office of Alumni Relations & the Annual Fund at 724-938-4418 or alumni@calu.edu for details on how YOU can become involved as a volunteer for your alma mater!

SPEAK UP! WE’RE LISTENING. . . What do you think of the Cal U Review? The editor and staff want to know. Is there a feature you enjoy — or one you don’t? A topic you’d like to read more about? To share your thoughts, send an e-mail to revieweditor@calu.edu, or drop us a line at: Cal U Review, Box 31, 250 University Drive, California, PA 15419-1394.

Alumni have their portraits drawn at the Kara Alumni House during Cal U Couples Weekend.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Would you like to stand for election to the Cal U Alumni Association Board of Directors? Or would you like to place the name of a fellow alumnus on the ballot?

ELECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE THIS SPRING, WITH EIGHT SEATS TO BE FILLED. Candidates will be screened by the Nominating Committee for Board Members (NCB). All candidates must submit a nomination form, a brief essay and a color photo. Nomination forms must be received by the NCB no later than March 19, 2011. For candidates’ qualifications, details about the nominating process and an official nomination form, visit www.calu.edu/alumni.

ONLINE? Look for California University of Pennsylvania’s official Facebook page, and follow @CalUofPA on Twitter. FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 19 ■


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Move in Day

Program director Jodi Dusi, who holds a Master of Physical Therapy degree, says her program asks students to prove themselves academically and in the program’s technical phase.

Job prospects appeal to physical therapist assistants HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PROGRAM ATTRACTS NONTRADITIONAL STUDENTS

T

he critical need for physical therapist assistants is drawing adults such as Tara Fronczek back to the classroom. Fronczek, 32, holds a bachelor’s degree in dance and until recently owned a dance studio. Ready for a career change, she began her search for a physical therapist assistant program and found that Cal U matched her criteria for rigorous coursework, well-structured internships and convenient location. The Uniontown, Pa., resident is now in her second year in the two-year course of instruction, working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. Fronczek says she will learn more about career opportunities during three clinical internships that are part of the program. “Absolutely, people are attracted by the jobs,” says program director Jodi Dusi, of the Department of Health Science.

20 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

“Cal U’s program is known to be highly competitive. Approximately 80 students will begin pre-technical courses, but only 26 will be accepted into the technical phase.” After proving themselves academically during the first semester, selected students in the physical therapist assistant program advance into the study of therapeutic modalities; functional kinesiology; interventions in cardiopulmonary, neurologic and orthopedic impairments; and professional issues in physical therapy. Graduates will work in partnership with physical therapists to provide rehabilitation services for individuals who are unable to function because of neuromuscular injury or disease, and those who want to improve function through prevention. Pennsylvania and most other states require graduates to be licensed as physical therapist assistants to practice with indirect supervision.

Cal U launched the associate degree in 1999. The American Physical Therapy Association re-accredited the program in 2007. With the job market for physical therapist assistants especially strong in Pennsylvania, both traditional and nontraditional students are intent on competing for space in the associate degree program. Pennsylvania has the nation’s second oldest population, and the state Department of Labor and Industry predicts the need for physical therapy assistants will increase 15 percent through 2014. Graduates find a wealth of job opportunities in skilled nursing facilities, acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, and with private outpatient companies. The first of three clinical internships begins in the second year of Cal U’s program. This summer Fronczek completed an internship at Mount Macrina Manor, a long-term care facility in Uniontown. She worked 40 hours a week over six weeks, assisting licensed physical therapists and gaining valuable experience. In both internships and in the classroom, Fronczek finds herself drawing upon previous knowledge as she prepares for her new profession. “I see commonalities between dance and physical therapy every day,” says Fronczek, noting that her prior work evaluating body movements and other skills now informs her studies. Like many non-traditional students, she says she appreciates her studies as an adult and enjoys studying with people who also are coming from other careers. Students in the program support each other and serve the greater community through Cal U’s Physical Therapist Assistant Club. In spring 2010, members participated in the Science Olympiad on campus and, via teleconferencing, educated caretakers at a Jamaica mission on range of motion and positioning techniques for children with disabilities. ■

(Left) Tau Kappa Epsilon volunteers Jordan Burgess and Tim Lobb help a new student move in. (Right) First-year student Kaylin Abbiatici carries her gear into Johnson Hall.

Orientation 2010 Students gather around the Vulcan statue for the annual Cal U for Life candle-lighting ceremony during orientation.

(Left) University Choir members Kasey Zemba (left) and Ashley Sexton (right) sing ‘The Awakening’ during the annual New Student Convocation in Hamer Hall.

Party in the Park (Left) Fans enjoy a performance by the rock band Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. (Below) Cal U’s annual party brings student Karli Landis and her friend Nick Michalak to Roadman Park.

By Colleen C. Derda, a Pittsburgh-based writer

FALL 2009 CAL U REVIEW 21 ■


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Page 20

Move in Day

Program director Jodi Dusi, who holds a Master of Physical Therapy degree, says her program asks students to prove themselves academically and in the program’s technical phase.

Job prospects appeal to physical therapist assistants HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PROGRAM ATTRACTS NONTRADITIONAL STUDENTS

T

he critical need for physical therapist assistants is drawing adults such as Tara Fronczek back to the classroom. Fronczek, 32, holds a bachelor’s degree in dance and until recently owned a dance studio. Ready for a career change, she began her search for a physical therapist assistant program and found that Cal U matched her criteria for rigorous coursework, well-structured internships and convenient location. The Uniontown, Pa., resident is now in her second year in the two-year course of instruction, working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. Fronczek says she will learn more about career opportunities during three clinical internships that are part of the program. “Absolutely, people are attracted by the jobs,” says program director Jodi Dusi, of the Department of Health Science.

20 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

“Cal U’s program is known to be highly competitive. Approximately 80 students will begin pre-technical courses, but only 26 will be accepted into the technical phase.” After proving themselves academically during the first semester, selected students in the physical therapist assistant program advance into the study of therapeutic modalities; functional kinesiology; interventions in cardiopulmonary, neurologic and orthopedic impairments; and professional issues in physical therapy. Graduates will work in partnership with physical therapists to provide rehabilitation services for individuals who are unable to function because of neuromuscular injury or disease, and those who want to improve function through prevention. Pennsylvania and most other states require graduates to be licensed as physical therapist assistants to practice with indirect supervision.

Cal U launched the associate degree in 1999. The American Physical Therapy Association re-accredited the program in 2007. With the job market for physical therapist assistants especially strong in Pennsylvania, both traditional and nontraditional students are intent on competing for space in the associate degree program. Pennsylvania has the nation’s second oldest population, and the state Department of Labor and Industry predicts the need for physical therapy assistants will increase 15 percent through 2014. Graduates find a wealth of job opportunities in skilled nursing facilities, acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, and with private outpatient companies. The first of three clinical internships begins in the second year of Cal U’s program. This summer Fronczek completed an internship at Mount Macrina Manor, a long-term care facility in Uniontown. She worked 40 hours a week over six weeks, assisting licensed physical therapists and gaining valuable experience. In both internships and in the classroom, Fronczek finds herself drawing upon previous knowledge as she prepares for her new profession. “I see commonalities between dance and physical therapy every day,” says Fronczek, noting that her prior work evaluating body movements and other skills now informs her studies. Like many non-traditional students, she says she appreciates her studies as an adult and enjoys studying with people who also are coming from other careers. Students in the program support each other and serve the greater community through Cal U’s Physical Therapist Assistant Club. In spring 2010, members participated in the Science Olympiad on campus and, via teleconferencing, educated caretakers at a Jamaica mission on range of motion and positioning techniques for children with disabilities. ■

(Left) Tau Kappa Epsilon volunteers Jordan Burgess and Tim Lobb help a new student move in. (Right) First-year student Kaylin Abbiatici carries her gear into Johnson Hall.

Orientation 2010 Students gather around the Vulcan statue for the annual Cal U for Life candle-lighting ceremony during orientation.

(Left) University Choir members Kasey Zemba (left) and Ashley Sexton (right) sing ‘The Awakening’ during the annual New Student Convocation in Hamer Hall.

Party in the Park (Left) Fans enjoy a performance by the rock band Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. (Below) Cal U’s annual party brings student Karli Landis and her friend Nick Michalak to Roadman Park.

By Colleen C. Derda, a Pittsburgh-based writer

FALL 2009 CAL U REVIEW 21 ■


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CAMPUS C L I P S Enrollment sets another record

Visitors parking in Vulcan Garage

With a headcount of 9,400, enrollment has set a record at Cal U for the 13th consecutive year. The student population for the fall 2010 semester has increased by 4.2 percent over last year’s total. Both undergraduate and graduate enrollment is rising, University officials report. The headcount for undergraduates has increased by 3 percent compared to fall 2009 figures. Graduate student enrollment has grown by 9.4 percent since last year — an increase that reflects interest in both Cal U’s traditional master’s degree programs and its Global Online programs, which are delivered 100 percent online.

Campus visitors may park in the Vulcan Garage, a new five-level parking facility near the campus entrance. Drivers can enter from the former East Alley, where the road has been widened and turning lanes added to ease traffic congestion. Accessible to people with disabilities, Vulcan Garage has two elevators. Motion sensors control high-efficiency LED lighting throughout the structure, and emergency phones are available at every level. Ceiling height is 8 feet, 2 inches, the standard height for multilevel garages. Fees begin at $1 per hour. Drivers who pay by the hour will find pay stations conveniently located on the garage’s first, third and fourth levels. Anyone who forgets to stop at the pay station will be able to pay with a credit card when exiting the garage.

Carnegie Science Center robots hit the road This fall marked the debut of Rockin’ Robots: World Tour, the latest Science on the Road education program developed by Carnegie Science Center and presented in partnership with Cal U. The high-energy, interactive multimedia show visits schools in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Each show incorporates a series of large-scale demonstrations and interactive experiences about robotics, customized by grade level and aligned with national and Pennsylvania academic standards. The show features a childlike, animatronic robot named Quasi, who acts as a robot educator, and Rosie Rivets, a working robot arm. Additional video components include Cal U’s Climb-Bot rope-climbing robot and a number of robotic toys. Schools may contact the science center to book a 45-60 minute show for as many as 250 students, or to arrange an All-Day Adventure for larger groups. Last year Carnegie Science Center and Cal U partnered to provide educational programming in roboworld™, the science center’s permanent robotics exhibition. Cal U earth science students also present StormFest, an annual science education program, at the science center in Pittsburgh.

A Taste of Home A student picks up free cookies during the first week of classes. Members of area churches baked dozens of treats to welcome students back to California. The cookie tables were staffed by members of STAND, an interdenominational campus ministry.

Zipcars roll onto campus Cal U now has two Zipcars available for use by students, faculty and staff. Drivers who join Zipcar can reserve either the fuel-efficient hybrid or the traditional gas-powered vehicle, then pay for drive-time by the hour or the day. Rates include insurance and gas. A sustainable alternative to car ownership, Zipcar has established partnerships with more than 200 colleges and universities. Cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or as long as four days. Marked with the Zipcar logo, Cal U’s two vehicles are parked in marked spaces between residence halls A and B. Reservation rates start as low as $8 per hour or $66 per day. For details, visit www.zipcar.com/calu.

Topping Out Cal U celebrated the installation of the last piece of structural steel in the Convocation Center with a ‘topping out’ ceremony in August. In addition to the traditional flag and evergreen tree affixed to the steel beam, Cal U added a graduation gown, athletic uniforms and business attire — reminders that the building will host Commencement ceremonies, basketball and volleyball games, and executive conference services. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2011.

Mission Day focuses on Fusion On Cal U’s 12th annual Mission Day the campus community examined Cal U Fusion, a campus-wide initiative that has begun to explore innovative ways to use mobile technology as a tool for teaching and learning. The annual Mission Day allows all members of the University community to engage in dialogue, share ideas and voice recommendations as equals. After a call to George Saltsman, action by University of Abilene Christian President Angelo University, delivers Armenti, Jr., speakers the keynote address. George Saltsman and Bill Rankin, both of Abilene Christian University, delivered the keynote address. Saltsman is the director of educational technology for the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning at ACU, which is recognized as a leader in the use of mobile technology in higher education. Rankin is an English professor at ACU who has worked closely with a university-wide team on the mobile technology initiative.

Constitution Day panel discusses civil liberties “Civil Liberties in Time of War” was the theme of a panel presentation marking Constitution Day. Dr. Aref Al-Khattar, chair of the Department of Justice, Law and Society, discussed ethnic profiling, especially in the period following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, described aspects of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and how they apply to both lawful combatants, such as military members, and unlawful combatants who may be prosecuted as terrorists. Dr. Craig Smith, of the Department of History and Political Science, added a historical perspective, discussing Supreme Court decisions affecting civil liberties in wartime. The program opened with Dr. Michael Slaven’s tribute to the late Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who introduced legislation mandating annual Constitution Day observances at all educational institutions that receive federal funding. Program sponsors were the President’s and Provost’s offices, the American Democracy Project, the graduate school and the departments of History and Political Science and Justice, Law and Society.

New chief leads University Police Robert F. Downey, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, is on duty as the director and chief of University Police. Downey began his duties with Cal U’s 18-member police department before the start of the fall semester. A former lieutenant/commander with the Allegheny County Police, he had been the director and chief of University Police at Slippery Rock University since 2008. Downey has a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from LaRoche College. He is a 1980 graduate of the Allegheny County Police Training Academy, a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, and a founding member of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Athletic Association, the governing body for the Pennsylvania Police Olympics. Cal U’s police force offers round-theclock coverage of its 294-acre campus.

Jennie Carter Day President Angelo Armenti, Jr. presents the Jennie Carter Leadership Award to Aaron Walton ’68, a member of Cal U’s Council of Trustees and vice chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors. Walton’s wife, Gloria, was on hand for the awards luncheon on Jennie Carter Day, the annual celebration honoring Cal U’s first African-American graduate.

Students check their mobile devices during a Mission Day breakout session. 22 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 23 ■


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CAMPUS C L I P S Enrollment sets another record

Visitors parking in Vulcan Garage

With a headcount of 9,400, enrollment has set a record at Cal U for the 13th consecutive year. The student population for the fall 2010 semester has increased by 4.2 percent over last year’s total. Both undergraduate and graduate enrollment is rising, University officials report. The headcount for undergraduates has increased by 3 percent compared to fall 2009 figures. Graduate student enrollment has grown by 9.4 percent since last year — an increase that reflects interest in both Cal U’s traditional master’s degree programs and its Global Online programs, which are delivered 100 percent online.

Campus visitors may park in the Vulcan Garage, a new five-level parking facility near the campus entrance. Drivers can enter from the former East Alley, where the road has been widened and turning lanes added to ease traffic congestion. Accessible to people with disabilities, Vulcan Garage has two elevators. Motion sensors control high-efficiency LED lighting throughout the structure, and emergency phones are available at every level. Ceiling height is 8 feet, 2 inches, the standard height for multilevel garages. Fees begin at $1 per hour. Drivers who pay by the hour will find pay stations conveniently located on the garage’s first, third and fourth levels. Anyone who forgets to stop at the pay station will be able to pay with a credit card when exiting the garage.

Carnegie Science Center robots hit the road This fall marked the debut of Rockin’ Robots: World Tour, the latest Science on the Road education program developed by Carnegie Science Center and presented in partnership with Cal U. The high-energy, interactive multimedia show visits schools in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Each show incorporates a series of large-scale demonstrations and interactive experiences about robotics, customized by grade level and aligned with national and Pennsylvania academic standards. The show features a childlike, animatronic robot named Quasi, who acts as a robot educator, and Rosie Rivets, a working robot arm. Additional video components include Cal U’s Climb-Bot rope-climbing robot and a number of robotic toys. Schools may contact the science center to book a 45-60 minute show for as many as 250 students, or to arrange an All-Day Adventure for larger groups. Last year Carnegie Science Center and Cal U partnered to provide educational programming in roboworld™, the science center’s permanent robotics exhibition. Cal U earth science students also present StormFest, an annual science education program, at the science center in Pittsburgh.

A Taste of Home A student picks up free cookies during the first week of classes. Members of area churches baked dozens of treats to welcome students back to California. The cookie tables were staffed by members of STAND, an interdenominational campus ministry.

Zipcars roll onto campus Cal U now has two Zipcars available for use by students, faculty and staff. Drivers who join Zipcar can reserve either the fuel-efficient hybrid or the traditional gas-powered vehicle, then pay for drive-time by the hour or the day. Rates include insurance and gas. A sustainable alternative to car ownership, Zipcar has established partnerships with more than 200 colleges and universities. Cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or as long as four days. Marked with the Zipcar logo, Cal U’s two vehicles are parked in marked spaces between residence halls A and B. Reservation rates start as low as $8 per hour or $66 per day. For details, visit www.zipcar.com/calu.

Topping Out Cal U celebrated the installation of the last piece of structural steel in the Convocation Center with a ‘topping out’ ceremony in August. In addition to the traditional flag and evergreen tree affixed to the steel beam, Cal U added a graduation gown, athletic uniforms and business attire — reminders that the building will host Commencement ceremonies, basketball and volleyball games, and executive conference services. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2011.

Mission Day focuses on Fusion On Cal U’s 12th annual Mission Day the campus community examined Cal U Fusion, a campus-wide initiative that has begun to explore innovative ways to use mobile technology as a tool for teaching and learning. The annual Mission Day allows all members of the University community to engage in dialogue, share ideas and voice recommendations as equals. After a call to George Saltsman, action by University of Abilene Christian President Angelo University, delivers Armenti, Jr., speakers the keynote address. George Saltsman and Bill Rankin, both of Abilene Christian University, delivered the keynote address. Saltsman is the director of educational technology for the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning at ACU, which is recognized as a leader in the use of mobile technology in higher education. Rankin is an English professor at ACU who has worked closely with a university-wide team on the mobile technology initiative.

Constitution Day panel discusses civil liberties “Civil Liberties in Time of War” was the theme of a panel presentation marking Constitution Day. Dr. Aref Al-Khattar, chair of the Department of Justice, Law and Society, discussed ethnic profiling, especially in the period following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, described aspects of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and how they apply to both lawful combatants, such as military members, and unlawful combatants who may be prosecuted as terrorists. Dr. Craig Smith, of the Department of History and Political Science, added a historical perspective, discussing Supreme Court decisions affecting civil liberties in wartime. The program opened with Dr. Michael Slaven’s tribute to the late Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who introduced legislation mandating annual Constitution Day observances at all educational institutions that receive federal funding. Program sponsors were the President’s and Provost’s offices, the American Democracy Project, the graduate school and the departments of History and Political Science and Justice, Law and Society.

New chief leads University Police Robert F. Downey, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, is on duty as the director and chief of University Police. Downey began his duties with Cal U’s 18-member police department before the start of the fall semester. A former lieutenant/commander with the Allegheny County Police, he had been the director and chief of University Police at Slippery Rock University since 2008. Downey has a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from LaRoche College. He is a 1980 graduate of the Allegheny County Police Training Academy, a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, and a founding member of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Athletic Association, the governing body for the Pennsylvania Police Olympics. Cal U’s police force offers round-theclock coverage of its 294-acre campus.

Jennie Carter Day President Angelo Armenti, Jr. presents the Jennie Carter Leadership Award to Aaron Walton ’68, a member of Cal U’s Council of Trustees and vice chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors. Walton’s wife, Gloria, was on hand for the awards luncheon on Jennie Carter Day, the annual celebration honoring Cal U’s first African-American graduate.

Students check their mobile devices during a Mission Day breakout session. 22 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

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★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

SEVEN ENTER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Inductees include standout players and a former University president

P

resident Angelo Armenti, Jr. began the 2010 Homecoming festivities by inducting seven new members into the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame. The hall’s 16th class increases the total membership to 148. Honored at the 2010 Hall of Fame induction banquet were:

★★★ DR. MICHAEL DUDA president emeritus As University president, Dr. Michael Duda led California State College from 1956 until his death in November 1968, helping the school transition from a teacher training institution to a four-year liberal arts college. During his tenure a Master of Education program was instituted, enrollment quadrupled, a dozen new buildings were constructed on campus and the state Board of Education honored Duda for implementing a trimester program that allowed students to complete a bachelor’s degree in three years. An avid sports enthusiast, Duda oversaw the construction of both Hamer Hall and Adamson Stadium. He was inducted into the Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 1956. Before coming to California, Duda worked for 16 years as a teacher, counselor, coach and principal in the Donora School District, and he served for five years as superintendent of the Monessen School District.

After batting .384 with six pitching victories in 2000, Foreman was named the 2001 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Baseball Athlete of the Year. He helped the Vulcans win consecutive PSAC-West championships in 2001-2002. Foreman finished college with a .350 career batting average, a school record 50 doubles and 17 career pitching victories, and a 3.04 earned-run average. He went on to pitch two seasons for the Washington Wild Things and the Chillicothe (Ohio) Paints of the Independent Frontier League.

★★★

★★★

DALE HAMER ’60 Dale Hamer is in his 33rd season as a National Football League official and his ninth year working as an instant replay official. He was the head linesman in two Super Bowls and the referee of an American Football Conference Championship game. Past president and current secretarytreasurer of the National Football League Referees’ Association, he was labeled “The NFL’s Best” in 1998 by Inside Sports magazine. Hamer was president of the Foundation for California University from 2005-2009, and he has been a board member for 13 years. Cal U’s interim alumni director from 1994-1996, he delivered the keynote address at Cal U’s 2007 winter Commencement. Hamer, who retired as a vice president at USX Corp., is a member of four sports halls of fame.

JASON FOREMAN ’02 Jason Foreman was a four-year starting third baseman and pitcher for the baseball team from 1999-2002. He earned all-conference pitching honors in 1999 and all-conference third base accolades in 2000, then won allconference honors in both positions during each of his final two seasons.

JOHN KOVALCHICK ’53 John Kovalchick was a four-year starting shortstop on the baseball team from 1949-1952. He also played two seasons with the football team. On the diamond, Kovalchick helped the Vulcans achieve four consecutive winning

★★★

seasons. He batted over .330 in each of this first three seasons before batting .401 as a senior. On the gridiron, he was a starting defensive back on Cal’s 1951 Pythian Bowl football team, and he also played halfback in 1952. After graduation Kovalchick played second base for a semiprofessional team in Kingsley, Iowa. He had tryouts with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Brooklyn Dodgers, but he bypassed an invitation to the Pirates’ rookies training camp in order to complete his degree. After serving 16 months with the U.S. Army in Korea, he began a 36-year teaching career in Bell Air, Md.

★★★ DINGDING LU ’03 Dingding Lu was a four-time, firstteam, all-conference middle hitter for the women’s volleyball team from 2000-2003. She also was a three-time American Volleyball Coaches Association and two-time Daktronics all-region selection. In 2000, Lu helped the Vulcan volleyball team make the program’s first NCAA Division II post-season appearance, win the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional championship and advance to the NCAA II national semifinals. She was named to the Regional all-tourney team and led Division II with a hitting percentage of .446. In all, Lu led Cal to four consecutive winning seasons. Her single-season hitting mark and her 463 career blocks remain school records. She also finished her Cal U career with 156 service aces and 1,803 total kills.

★★★ SARA MCKINNEY ’05 Sara McKinney was a four-year starting guard/small forward for the women’s basketball team from 2001-2005. She was a three-time Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American,

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ 24 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

2010 HALL OF FAME CLASS These athletic standouts were inducted at Cal U’s 16th annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet: (seated, from left) Dingding Lu ’04 (women’s volleyball 2000-2003); Jason Foreman ’02 (baseball 1999-2002); Veronica ‘Verne’ Duda, widow of the late Dr. Michael Duda (President Emeritus, 1956-1968); and Dale Hamer ’60 (NFL official 1978-present); (standing, from left) Kerry Novak-Drilak ’97 (women’s softball 1994-1997); John Kovalchick ’53 (baseball 1949-1952); Cal U President Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.; and Sara McKinney ’05 (women’s basketball 2002-2005).

and a four-time all-conference and three-time PSAC-West Athlete of the Year selection. Named the 2005 Women’s Division II Bulletin Player of the Year, McKinney was the first player in PSAC history to be named the division’s Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year in the same season. During the McKinney era, Cal compiled a 119-15 cumulative record and a 44-4 divisional mark with four PSAC-West titles, three PSAC championships, two national Final Four appearances and the 2004 National Championship. McKinney finished her career with 2,117 points, 1,204 rebounds, 882 field goals and 315 steals, all school records at the time.

★★★

During Novak-Drilak’s career, Cal won 69 of 70 PSAC-West games. The Vulcans compiled a 184-30 cumulative record with four PSAC-West titles, three NCAA Regional crowns, two conference titles and the school’s first national team championship. After batting .383 as a senior, Novak-Drilak was named the 1997 PSAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and a member of the 1997 national all-tourney team. A two-time Academic All-American, NovakDrilak ended her collegiate career with a PSAC record 214 consecutive games played.

KERRY NOVAK-DRILAK ’97 Kerry Novak-Drilak was a four-year starting right fielder for the softball team from 1994-1997. A three-time all-conference and two-time all-region selection, she received National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America honors in 1997, a season that culminated with the Vulcans winning the first of two consecutive NCAA II national championships.

★★★ 2003-2004 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM The 2003-2004 women’s basketball team achieved a near-perfect 35-1 overall record and won the NCAA Division II National Championship. The team won three consecutive PSACWest and PSAC championships and capped its second consecutive Elite Eight national tourney appearance with a dramatic 75-72 victory over Drury (Mo.) University in a nationally televised title game. Bruce Wald '85, information writer at Cal U

SPORTS STARS

For information about previous Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame classes, visit the Hall of Fame section of the Cal athletics website, www.calvulcans.com

★★★★★★★★★★ FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 25 ■


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★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

SEVEN ENTER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Inductees include standout players and a former University president

P

resident Angelo Armenti, Jr. began the 2010 Homecoming festivities by inducting seven new members into the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame. The hall’s 16th class increases the total membership to 148. Honored at the 2010 Hall of Fame induction banquet were:

★★★ DR. MICHAEL DUDA president emeritus As University president, Dr. Michael Duda led California State College from 1956 until his death in November 1968, helping the school transition from a teacher training institution to a four-year liberal arts college. During his tenure a Master of Education program was instituted, enrollment quadrupled, a dozen new buildings were constructed on campus and the state Board of Education honored Duda for implementing a trimester program that allowed students to complete a bachelor’s degree in three years. An avid sports enthusiast, Duda oversaw the construction of both Hamer Hall and Adamson Stadium. He was inducted into the Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 1956. Before coming to California, Duda worked for 16 years as a teacher, counselor, coach and principal in the Donora School District, and he served for five years as superintendent of the Monessen School District.

After batting .384 with six pitching victories in 2000, Foreman was named the 2001 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Baseball Athlete of the Year. He helped the Vulcans win consecutive PSAC-West championships in 2001-2002. Foreman finished college with a .350 career batting average, a school record 50 doubles and 17 career pitching victories, and a 3.04 earned-run average. He went on to pitch two seasons for the Washington Wild Things and the Chillicothe (Ohio) Paints of the Independent Frontier League.

★★★

★★★

DALE HAMER ’60 Dale Hamer is in his 33rd season as a National Football League official and his ninth year working as an instant replay official. He was the head linesman in two Super Bowls and the referee of an American Football Conference Championship game. Past president and current secretarytreasurer of the National Football League Referees’ Association, he was labeled “The NFL’s Best” in 1998 by Inside Sports magazine. Hamer was president of the Foundation for California University from 2005-2009, and he has been a board member for 13 years. Cal U’s interim alumni director from 1994-1996, he delivered the keynote address at Cal U’s 2007 winter Commencement. Hamer, who retired as a vice president at USX Corp., is a member of four sports halls of fame.

JASON FOREMAN ’02 Jason Foreman was a four-year starting third baseman and pitcher for the baseball team from 1999-2002. He earned all-conference pitching honors in 1999 and all-conference third base accolades in 2000, then won allconference honors in both positions during each of his final two seasons.

JOHN KOVALCHICK ’53 John Kovalchick was a four-year starting shortstop on the baseball team from 1949-1952. He also played two seasons with the football team. On the diamond, Kovalchick helped the Vulcans achieve four consecutive winning

★★★

seasons. He batted over .330 in each of this first three seasons before batting .401 as a senior. On the gridiron, he was a starting defensive back on Cal’s 1951 Pythian Bowl football team, and he also played halfback in 1952. After graduation Kovalchick played second base for a semiprofessional team in Kingsley, Iowa. He had tryouts with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Brooklyn Dodgers, but he bypassed an invitation to the Pirates’ rookies training camp in order to complete his degree. After serving 16 months with the U.S. Army in Korea, he began a 36-year teaching career in Bell Air, Md.

★★★ DINGDING LU ’03 Dingding Lu was a four-time, firstteam, all-conference middle hitter for the women’s volleyball team from 2000-2003. She also was a three-time American Volleyball Coaches Association and two-time Daktronics all-region selection. In 2000, Lu helped the Vulcan volleyball team make the program’s first NCAA Division II post-season appearance, win the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional championship and advance to the NCAA II national semifinals. She was named to the Regional all-tourney team and led Division II with a hitting percentage of .446. In all, Lu led Cal to four consecutive winning seasons. Her single-season hitting mark and her 463 career blocks remain school records. She also finished her Cal U career with 156 service aces and 1,803 total kills.

★★★ SARA MCKINNEY ’05 Sara McKinney was a four-year starting guard/small forward for the women’s basketball team from 2001-2005. She was a three-time Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American,

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ 24 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

2010 HALL OF FAME CLASS These athletic standouts were inducted at Cal U’s 16th annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet: (seated, from left) Dingding Lu ’04 (women’s volleyball 2000-2003); Jason Foreman ’02 (baseball 1999-2002); Veronica ‘Verne’ Duda, widow of the late Dr. Michael Duda (President Emeritus, 1956-1968); and Dale Hamer ’60 (NFL official 1978-present); (standing, from left) Kerry Novak-Drilak ’97 (women’s softball 1994-1997); John Kovalchick ’53 (baseball 1949-1952); Cal U President Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.; and Sara McKinney ’05 (women’s basketball 2002-2005).

and a four-time all-conference and three-time PSAC-West Athlete of the Year selection. Named the 2005 Women’s Division II Bulletin Player of the Year, McKinney was the first player in PSAC history to be named the division’s Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year in the same season. During the McKinney era, Cal compiled a 119-15 cumulative record and a 44-4 divisional mark with four PSAC-West titles, three PSAC championships, two national Final Four appearances and the 2004 National Championship. McKinney finished her career with 2,117 points, 1,204 rebounds, 882 field goals and 315 steals, all school records at the time.

★★★

During Novak-Drilak’s career, Cal won 69 of 70 PSAC-West games. The Vulcans compiled a 184-30 cumulative record with four PSAC-West titles, three NCAA Regional crowns, two conference titles and the school’s first national team championship. After batting .383 as a senior, Novak-Drilak was named the 1997 PSAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and a member of the 1997 national all-tourney team. A two-time Academic All-American, NovakDrilak ended her collegiate career with a PSAC record 214 consecutive games played.

KERRY NOVAK-DRILAK ’97 Kerry Novak-Drilak was a four-year starting right fielder for the softball team from 1994-1997. A three-time all-conference and two-time all-region selection, she received National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America honors in 1997, a season that culminated with the Vulcans winning the first of two consecutive NCAA II national championships.

★★★ 2003-2004 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM The 2003-2004 women’s basketball team achieved a near-perfect 35-1 overall record and won the NCAA Division II National Championship. The team won three consecutive PSACWest and PSAC championships and capped its second consecutive Elite Eight national tourney appearance with a dramatic 75-72 victory over Drury (Mo.) University in a nationally televised title game. Bruce Wald '85, information writer at Cal U

SPORTS STARS

For information about previous Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame classes, visit the Hall of Fame section of the Cal athletics website, www.calvulcans.com

★★★★★★★★★★ FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 25 ■


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SPORTS R O U N D U P

VULCAN TEAMS OFF TO A STRONG START Student-athletes give their best as a new semester begins WOMEN’S SOCCER After winning a school-record 19 games and reaching the national quarterfinals in 2009, the women’s soccer team came up with a fine encore this fall under fourth-year head coach Al Alvine. The Vulcans finished the regular season with a 16-1-1 overall record and 10-1-1 PSAC mark. Cal U was ranked as high as No. 4 nationally and produced a program-best 11-game winning streak. Freshman forward Bethany Smyda and senior forward Sam Regney were the team’s leading scorers, and junior goalkeeper Paula Jackson was again among the nation’s elite with 10 shutouts heading into the post-season.

Picking up where they left off after a record-setting 2009-2010 year, Cal U’s athletic teams began the new sports year impressively.

HAMER FINALE Vulcan basketball teams will play their final regular season games in Hamer Hall on Feb. 19, when Cal U hosts a PSAC-West doubleheader against Gannon University at 3 and 5 p.m. A grand celebration is planned to mark the occasion. Both teams will play at the new Convocation Center beginning in 2011-2012. For more information, contact Pam Artman of Athletic Development at 724-938-4524 or Leslie Fleenor of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418.

As of Homecoming weekend, the women’s golf team had taken the conference title and the Vulcan football team had its sights set on post-season play.

FOOTBALL Coached by John Luckhardt, the football team won eight of its first nine games and was primed for a fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs heading into November. The Vulcans were ranked a school-best No. 3 nationally in October. Team leaders include senior quarterback Josh Portis, sophomore running back Lamont Smith, junior linebacker Brett Diamond and sophomore defensive back Rontez Miles.

TENNIS The women’s tennis team swept both the singles and doubles championships for the fifth straight year at the PSAC Individual Championships. Junior Annabel Pieschl won the singles crown and teamed with sophomore Jade Pondicas to win the doubles title. Pieschl became the first Cal player in five years to win both titles. The team concluded its fall season with sophomore Jutta Bornefield finishing fourth in singles and the doubles team of Bornefield and junior Franziska Steinhardt placing fifth at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Championships. The team’s ninth-year head coach is Pablo Montana.

26 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

Sports Shorts SERVE, SET & SPIKE The women’s volleyball team spiked its way to a 15th consecutive winning season and its sixth straight post-season appearance in 2010. After winning their first four home matches, the Vulcans increased their Hamer Hall record to 59-1 since 2006. The team’s top players in terms of total kills were sophomores Meghan Franz and Kelly Fromknecht. A NEW COURSE This fall the University unveiled a new cross country course made possible by the Student Association Inc.’s purchase of 98 acres adjoining Roadman Park. The course starts and finishes at Roadman Park but includes the new property. Long-distance runners face rolling hills; underfoot is grass and slag, plus one road crossing covered by artificial turf.

Nina Kowalski

GOLF The women’s golf team, under the guidance of sixth-year head coach MerriLyn Gibbs, won its third consecutive PSAC championship with an eight-stroke victory at the state match in Hershey. Senior Jenna Rothermel won the individual title for the second consecutive year.

Nico Price

Kayla Fransko

MEN’S SOCCER Achieving a seventh winning season in eight years was the men’s soccer team, coached by veteran Dennis Laskey, now in his 25th year. The Vulcans finished their regular season with a 11-5-2 overall record. Senior goalkeeper Derek Yobbi earned his school-record 36th win late in the regular season when Cal U defeated nationally ranked Charleston at home, 2-1. The team’s top scorers were freshman forward Russell Bootwright and sophomore defender Nemanja Visekruna.

Christopher Karns

Cal U opened the new course on Sept. 4 by hosting the Marty Uher Invitational, where freshman Aaron Dinzeo won the men’s title in his college debut. The new course also hosted the PSAC Championships in early November. Fifth-year head coach Dan Caulfield leads both the men’s and women’s cross country teams. Freshman Maeve Charlesworth was named the PSAC Women’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week in early October. TEE TIME Junior Paul Babashanian finished seventh at the PSAC Men’s Golf Championships, helping third-year head coach Peter Coughlin’s Vulcans finish sixth in the team standings.

FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 27 ■


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SPORTS R O U N D U P

VULCAN TEAMS OFF TO A STRONG START Student-athletes give their best as a new semester begins WOMEN’S SOCCER After winning a school-record 19 games and reaching the national quarterfinals in 2009, the women’s soccer team came up with a fine encore this fall under fourth-year head coach Al Alvine. The Vulcans finished the regular season with a 16-1-1 overall record and 10-1-1 PSAC mark. Cal U was ranked as high as No. 4 nationally and produced a program-best 11-game winning streak. Freshman forward Bethany Smyda and senior forward Sam Regney were the team’s leading scorers, and junior goalkeeper Paula Jackson was again among the nation’s elite with 10 shutouts heading into the post-season.

Picking up where they left off after a record-setting 2009-2010 year, Cal U’s athletic teams began the new sports year impressively.

HAMER FINALE Vulcan basketball teams will play their final regular season games in Hamer Hall on Feb. 19, when Cal U hosts a PSAC-West doubleheader against Gannon University at 3 and 5 p.m. A grand celebration is planned to mark the occasion. Both teams will play at the new Convocation Center beginning in 2011-2012. For more information, contact Pam Artman of Athletic Development at 724-938-4524 or Leslie Fleenor of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418.

As of Homecoming weekend, the women’s golf team had taken the conference title and the Vulcan football team had its sights set on post-season play.

FOOTBALL Coached by John Luckhardt, the football team won eight of its first nine games and was primed for a fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs heading into November. The Vulcans were ranked a school-best No. 3 nationally in October. Team leaders include senior quarterback Josh Portis, sophomore running back Lamont Smith, junior linebacker Brett Diamond and sophomore defensive back Rontez Miles.

TENNIS The women’s tennis team swept both the singles and doubles championships for the fifth straight year at the PSAC Individual Championships. Junior Annabel Pieschl won the singles crown and teamed with sophomore Jade Pondicas to win the doubles title. Pieschl became the first Cal player in five years to win both titles. The team concluded its fall season with sophomore Jutta Bornefield finishing fourth in singles and the doubles team of Bornefield and junior Franziska Steinhardt placing fifth at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Championships. The team’s ninth-year head coach is Pablo Montana.

26 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

Sports Shorts SERVE, SET & SPIKE The women’s volleyball team spiked its way to a 15th consecutive winning season and its sixth straight post-season appearance in 2010. After winning their first four home matches, the Vulcans increased their Hamer Hall record to 59-1 since 2006. The team’s top players in terms of total kills were sophomores Meghan Franz and Kelly Fromknecht. A NEW COURSE This fall the University unveiled a new cross country course made possible by the Student Association Inc.’s purchase of 98 acres adjoining Roadman Park. The course starts and finishes at Roadman Park but includes the new property. Long-distance runners face rolling hills; underfoot is grass and slag, plus one road crossing covered by artificial turf.

Nina Kowalski

GOLF The women’s golf team, under the guidance of sixth-year head coach MerriLyn Gibbs, won its third consecutive PSAC championship with an eight-stroke victory at the state match in Hershey. Senior Jenna Rothermel won the individual title for the second consecutive year.

Nico Price

Kayla Fransko

MEN’S SOCCER Achieving a seventh winning season in eight years was the men’s soccer team, coached by veteran Dennis Laskey, now in his 25th year. The Vulcans finished their regular season with a 11-5-2 overall record. Senior goalkeeper Derek Yobbi earned his school-record 36th win late in the regular season when Cal U defeated nationally ranked Charleston at home, 2-1. The team’s top scorers were freshman forward Russell Bootwright and sophomore defender Nemanja Visekruna.

Christopher Karns

Cal U opened the new course on Sept. 4 by hosting the Marty Uher Invitational, where freshman Aaron Dinzeo won the men’s title in his college debut. The new course also hosted the PSAC Championships in early November. Fifth-year head coach Dan Caulfield leads both the men’s and women’s cross country teams. Freshman Maeve Charlesworth was named the PSAC Women’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week in early October. TEE TIME Junior Paul Babashanian finished seventh at the PSAC Men’s Golf Championships, helping third-year head coach Peter Coughlin’s Vulcans finish sixth in the team standings.

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Plant your next meeting in fertile ground for fresher thinking. EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE SER VICES AT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Personalized service and amenities in an environment like no other.

Opening in the fall of 2011, our $54-million

When planning your next corporate function, consider our creative, thought-provoking academic setting. Located on our beautiful 92-acre, tree-lined campus just 35 miles from Pittsburgh, Cal U is the perfect destination for your next meeting. We offer...

Convocation Center at California University

• High-tech conference and meeting facilities to accommodate intimate gatherings of 15 people, as well as larger groups up to 600. • Top notch food and beverage services. • State-of-the-art cardio/weight training equipment, indoor track, climbing wall, lap pool and hot tub in our newly renovated fitness facility. • A unique, tranquil setting nestled on a bend of the Monongahela River with campus arboretum and art sculpture tours. • An easy drive from Pittsburgh International Airport.

facility will house 142,000 square feet of

will provide the largest indoor venue between Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV. This state-of-the-art, technologically savvy event space, including two executive conference wings, 16,000 square feet of SMART classrooms, and a 6,000-seat arena. Reserve space for your special event now!

To explore conferencing services at California University of Pennsylvania, contact Juanita Timney, executive director of university conference services, at 724-938-5538 or e-mail us at conferences@calu.edu.

C A L I F O R N I A U N I V E R S I T Y O F P E N N S Y LV A N I A BUILDING CHARACTER. BUILDING CAREERS. www.calu.edu/conferences A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

28 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

CALU

University Conference Services

FALL 2010 CAL U REVIEW 29 ■


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Page 28

Plant your next meeting in fertile ground for fresher thinking. EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE SER VICES AT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Personalized service and amenities in an environment like no other.

Opening in the fall of 2011, our $54-million

When planning your next corporate function, consider our creative, thought-provoking academic setting. Located on our beautiful 92-acre, tree-lined campus just 35 miles from Pittsburgh, Cal U is the perfect destination for your next meeting. We offer...

Convocation Center at California University

• High-tech conference and meeting facilities to accommodate intimate gatherings of 15 people, as well as larger groups up to 600. • Top notch food and beverage services. • State-of-the-art cardio/weight training equipment, indoor track, climbing wall, lap pool and hot tub in our newly renovated fitness facility. • A unique, tranquil setting nestled on a bend of the Monongahela River with campus arboretum and art sculpture tours. • An easy drive from Pittsburgh International Airport.

facility will house 142,000 square feet of

will provide the largest indoor venue between Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV. This state-of-the-art, technologically savvy event space, including two executive conference wings, 16,000 square feet of SMART classrooms, and a 6,000-seat arena. Reserve space for your special event now!

To explore conferencing services at California University of Pennsylvania, contact Juanita Timney, executive director of university conference services, at 724-938-5538 or e-mail us at conferences@calu.edu.

C A L I F O R N I A U N I V E R S I T Y O F P E N N S Y LV A N I A BUILDING CHARACTER. BUILDING CAREERS. www.calu.edu/conferences A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

28 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

CALU

University Conference Services

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CALU M I L E S T O N E S 40s

70s

Richard Reardon III ’73 and his wife, Carol ’72, live in Reedsville, Pa.

Emily G. Catrino Hennell ’44 has

Dom Palmieri ’70 is the founding member of The Streetlights, an a cappella oldies quartet. Dom sings baritone in the group, which formed in 2008. The group’s website is www.streetlights.com. Dom and his wife, Carol ’70, live in Irwin, Pa.

Carmina Vitullo ’74 is a case manager for Greenbriar Treatment Center and is at home in Canonsburg, Pa.

written a note to the University expressing appreciation to Cal U and her parents for an education that allowed her to enjoy a 30-year teaching career. W. Frank Gill ’49 and Frances Keller Gill ’47 are are at home

in New Castle, Pa.

60s Roger McGary ’60 is a retired

assistant fire chief for Montgomery County, Md. He and his wife, Nancy Cohen, live in Takoma Park, Md. Edward Nuzzaci ’65 is a retired executive for Sandvik Materials Technology. He and his wife, Janei Leach Nuzzaci ’64, live in Waverly, Pa. Bill Liptak ’65 visited campus recently, noting that he is still grateful for his educational experiences at Cal, which led to his career as an elementary school teacher for 11 years, a middle school teacher for 14 years, and an administrator for 10 years. He also worked for five years in human resources in the Baltimore, Md., area. He is retired from the Anne Arundel County Public Schools and lives in Pasadena, Md. Linda McLaughlin Markle ’66 is retired and lives in Jacksonville, Fla. Jim Barbo ’67 is general manager of Golden West Casino. He and his wife, Riki, live in Bakersfield, Calif. Aaron Walton ’68 has been elected as chair of the board of directors of the August Wilson Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. Walton also is a member of the Council of Trustees at Cal U and vice chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors. Rick Parmley ’68 and his wife, Marlene, live on St. Simons Island, Ga. Virgnia Acker Newnam ’69 is

retired and living in Sedona, Ariz. David Conn ’69 is a self-employed computer consultant. He and his wife, Linda, live in Middletown, Md. Clare Pokorny ’69 has retired from the Duneland School Corp., in the state of Indiana, after 17 years. Michael M. Caruso ’69 retired from Southeastern Greene School District as superintendent of schools on July 1, 2010. Caruso played football in ’68 for the Vulcans and lives in Carmichaels, Pa., with his wife, Pamela.

Dr. Dennis Eckels, DO, FAAFP, FACOFP ’71 was one of 14 osteopathic family physicians nationwide to receive the fellowship award from the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians at their national meeting in Las Vegas, Nev. The fellowship award is conferred on those osteopathic family physicians who have contributed outstanding national, state and local service through teaching, authorship, research or professional leadership. Joe Grushecky ’71 appeared on the KSAV.org radio program, “Dave White Presents” on June 8, 2010. Dr. Wes Britton ’77 interviewed Grushecky about his career with his band, the Houserockers, what it was like working with Bruce Springsteen, and Grushecky’s 2009 CD, East Carson Street. Jim Brewster ’72, the mayor of McKeesport, Pa., was recently profiled in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Dr. Paul J. Rach ’69, ’72 has been appointed as the superintendent of record for the Duquesne City School District, near Pittsburgh, Pa. Previously, Rach was superintendent of the Yough School District from 1996 to 2003 and the Bentworth School District from 2005 to 2006. He also served as a substitute administrative assistant in the Ringgold School District and as a consultant to the Mon Valley Education Consortium. Diane Fickulak Baker ’73 is a teacher for the Wellsville schools. She and her husband, Daniel, live in Steubenville, Ohio.

Dennis Byers ’74 has taught and coached football and basketball for more than 30 years, mostly in the Palm Beach (Fla.) County (Fla.) School District. He has coached 11 players who made it to the NFL and six who are playing professional baseball. His students consistently score high on achievement tests in the areas of history and government. He lives in West Palm Beach, Fla., with his wife, Ana, and their 10-year-old son, Rodrigo. His daughter, Stephanie, had a daughter last year. Cindy Remphrey Bass ’75 is an instructional assistant for the Scottsboro City Schools. She and her husband, Richard, live in Scottsboro, Ala. David Albright ’69, ’75 is retired from Laurel House Inc. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Uniontown, Pa. David Cavasinni ’76 lives in

James Barr, Jr. ’77 retired after 22 years at Ford Motor Co. He also worked as financial secretarytreasurer for United Auto Workers Local 3000 and lives in Beaver Falls, Pa., with his wife, Elaine. Jeanine Gregory ’77, ’78 has been named the acting superintendent of the South Park School District. Previously, she was the assistant superintendent in the district, near Pittsburgh, Pa. Angela Russo Austin ’79 is the school liaison coordinator for Summit Health in Chambersburg, Pa.

80s Mark Gallo ’80 is an officer in the

U.S. Army. He and his wife, Lisa, live in The Villages, Fla. James Smith ’82 is the new dean of the Ohio University Lancaster Campus. Smith previously worked at Firelands College, a regional branch of Bowling Green State University, where he was a faculty member, an interim dean and associate dean for academic programs and services.

Stella Kosco ’76 worked as a certified school nurse, earned a nurse practitioner certification and assisted physicians in the Belle Vernon School District until her retirement earlier this year. She and her husband, John, continue to live in Belle Vernon, Pa. Patti Bartus Young ’77 has retired after 32 years of working for federal services. For 32 years, she worked with the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Patti was the zoo’s administrative officer for animal care sciences prior to her retirement. She recently relocated from Springfield, Va., to Troy, N.C., with her sons and husband Alan Young ’77. Alan also recently retired after 33 years with the Prince William County, Va., school system, where he was a technology education teacher.

Cal alumnus & professor published Dr. Nickolas Martin ’81, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Cal U, has a new book, The Ego Unmasked: Meeting the Greatest Challenge of Your Life. The book discusses ego awareness, management and enhancement and is available at www.theegounmasked.com. Martin is a certified school psychologist, nationally certified school psychologist and a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. He has worked as a therapist in a mental health clinic for 22 years, taught as a university professor at the undergraduate and graduate levels for 24 years and served as a consultant for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for 22 years.

Daniel Brewer ’88 is a senior financial analyst for Lowe’s Companies Inc. He and his wife, Ann, live in Statesville, N.C. Kevin Ferenchik ’88 is a manager for Sears. He lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Renee Cusack Randall ’82 is a senior marketing manager with QIAGEN.

Cassandra Johnson ’82, ’88 is a reading teacher with Clark County School District. She lives in Las Vagas, Nev.

Jim Sandherr ’83 is a national sales manger for Mat Inc. He and his wife, Paula, live in Cranberry Township, Pa.

Elizabeth Kuhns ’89 is an English teacher for Goochland County Public Schools. She lives in Goochland, Va.

McMurray, Pa. Bruce A. Bartolotta ’76, was posthumously awarded the Louis E. Waller Humanitarian Award by the Washington County Community Foundation.

Kenneth Knesh ’98 is the new principal of Strasburg High School, part of Shenandoah County Public Schools in Virginia.

Terri Ozegovich ’84 is director of strategy, business development and licensing for Novartis Pharma AG. She lives in Basel, Switzerland. Daniel Mosser ’85 has been named vice president of the Corporate and Community Training Institute at the College of Southern Maryland. Most recently vice president of workforce development and continuing education at Prince George’s Community College, Mosser provided leadership and directed the work of more than 80 administrators and staff and 850 adjunct instructors in programs serving more than 24,000 non-credit students each year. Stacy Patterson Hopkins ’86 is a subcontract administrator with Avaya Government Solutions. She and her husband, Joseph, live in Fairfax, Va.

Alice Sivek Iorio ’73 is the author of Champion Parenting: Giving Your Child a Competitive Edge. For more than 25 years, Iorio has inspired her students and parents to achieve success through hard work and perseverance. She has worked in private and public schools across the nation. Iorio is president of Champion Parenting Inc. and has written one other book. For more information, visit www.championparenting.com. She is the sister-in-law of David Amati ’70, ’72 and sister of the late Nancy Sivek Amati ’67, ’73.

Donald Weaver ’89 lives in Surrey, British Columbia.

90s Tracey Simmons Ingram ’90 works for the Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL). She lives in Rock Hill, S.C.

George Zboyovsky ’90 is the city manager of Brentwood, Pa. Dr. Timothy Gabauer ’90, ’99 is the new superintendent in the McKeesport (Pa.) Area School District. He recently was the assistant superintendent at McKeesport. Sharon Wolf ’91 has been hired as director of development for the Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania. Most recently, she was executive director with the Children’s Festival Chorus of Pittsburgh for five years. Barry Leshinsky ’92 is a teacher for Huntsville City Schools. He lives in Huntsville, Ala. Charles Strange ’93 is at home in Belle Vernon, Pa.

Glen Mayers ’94, ’95 is at home in Germantown, Md. Sheree Norris Fetcho ’94 and Chris Fetcho ’97 live in Washington, Pa., with their two sons. Sheree is an accountant at the Physical Therapy Institute in Washington and an adjunct instructor at Waynesburg University. Chris is the general manager/controller at Bolsan Co., located in Eighty-Four, Pa. Daryl Horne ’95 is a project manager. He lives in Belle Vernon, Pa. Richard M. Fine ’95 has been named assistant superintendent of the South Allegheny School District, near Pittsburgh, Pa. Valeri Chronowski Korber ’96 is a teacher in the Windber Area School District. She lives in Davidsville, Pa. Beth Ann Ross Strope ’96 is a homemaker. She and her husband, Aaron, live in Avella, Pa. Brian Ogletree ’97 is a program coordinator with Diversified Human Services. He lives in Donora, Pa. Margret Cheverine Nottingham ’98 is a teacher at Holy Family Institute. She lives in Canonsburg, Pa. Laurie Kmetko Wright ’98 is at home in Pittsburgh, Pa. Frank Shoaf ’98 is a project manager for McLanahan Corp. He and his wife, Tammy ’98, live in Duncansville, Pa. Erin Trimble Corbelli ’98 is a human resources business partner with LANXESS Corp. She and her husband, Joseph, live in Land O’ Lakes, Fla.

Martin Slanoc ’99 is a teacher in the Portage Area School District. He and his wife, Alisha, live in Portage, Pa. Todd Sampsell ’99, deputy director of The Nature Conservancy’s Pennsylvania Chapter, was selected as a recipient of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s 40 Under 40 Awards. He is an ecologist with experience in aquatic and watershed research, invasive species research and management, conservation planning and wildlife biology. Susan Resnik Mejalli ’99 lives in West Mifflin, Pa.

00s Patricia Mays ’00 is at home in

Clearfield, Pa. Brea Kissler ’00 is an employment specialist for Quest Inc. She lives in Lebanon, Pa. Ryan Richmond ’01 is a systems administrator for AURA. He and his wife, Christine ’00, live in Edinburg, Va. Laura Fano ’01 lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Jamie Lynn Blosser Kamp ’01 is a teacher in the Albert Gallatin School District. She and her husband, Jody, live in Farmington, Pa. Collelen Cunningham Perry ’02 is a manager of client care for Hodes iQ. She and her husband, Michael ’00, live in Tampa, Fla. Jessica Curran ’02 is an educator for Kean University, Ocean County College and Gloucester County College. She lives in Blackwood, N.J. Michael Graves ’02 works in finewine sales for Republic National Distributing Co. He and his wife, Jamie, live in Reisterstown, Md. Chris Hardie ’00, ’02 is the new head coach of the Waynesburg University men’s and women’s cross country teams. Hardie is the founder of Chris Cross the County, a charitable organization, and has raised more than $12,000 for organizations such as the American Cancer Society. He is also a competitive runner.

Amanda Yoho Hull ’03 and her husband, Shawn, live in Italy. Jennifer Champ Hartung ’03 is a teacher. She and her husband, Bryan ’03, live in Monongahela, Pa. Justin Garner ’03 is a dolphin trainer at the Georgia Aquarium. He lives in Atlanta, Ga. Becky Siembak ’03 has been inducted into the Cambria County (Pa.) Sports Hall of Fame. As a junior, Siembak was named NCAA Division II Player of the Year and helped lead the Cal U women’s basketball team to the national championship as a senior. Shawna Syme Ricci ’00, ’03 is a school counselor. She and her husband, Anthony, live in Jacksonville, N.C. Lauren Emerick ’04 is a graduate student. She is living in Central City, Pa. John Cobak ’04 lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. Jessica Cleaver Allard ’04 and her husband, Charles, live in South Park, Pa. Jason Greene ’04 lives in

Smock, Pa. Aaron Tuomi ’04 is general manager of the Uniontown, Pa. office of Paramedic Technology Corp. Mark A. John ’04 is the new head men’s basketball coach at Penn State Fayette — the Eberly Campus. Zach Huth ’04 is the president of Huth Technologies. The new technical recruiting firm, based in Pittsburgh, Pa., specializes in placing technical professionals into a variety of different environments. The company’s website is www.huthtechnologies.com. Tracy Satterfield ’04 is a social worker for the Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. She lives in Los Angeles, Calif. Jason Schoff ’04 and Jaime Tomko Schoff ’00 are at home in North Huntingdon Township, Pa. Rob Campbell ’05 participated July 4, 2010, in the USA Roller Sports 2010 Indoor National Speed Skating Championships in Lincoln, Neb. He placed first in the 500 meter event, second in the 2,000 meter and third in the 1,000 meter. Jeremy Rocco ’05 is a senior proposal engineer for ASKO Inc. He and his wife, Karen, live in Wexford, Pa.

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CALU M I L E S T O N E S 40s

70s

Richard Reardon III ’73 and his wife, Carol ’72, live in Reedsville, Pa.

Emily G. Catrino Hennell ’44 has

Dom Palmieri ’70 is the founding member of The Streetlights, an a cappella oldies quartet. Dom sings baritone in the group, which formed in 2008. The group’s website is www.streetlights.com. Dom and his wife, Carol ’70, live in Irwin, Pa.

Carmina Vitullo ’74 is a case manager for Greenbriar Treatment Center and is at home in Canonsburg, Pa.

written a note to the University expressing appreciation to Cal U and her parents for an education that allowed her to enjoy a 30-year teaching career. W. Frank Gill ’49 and Frances Keller Gill ’47 are are at home

in New Castle, Pa.

60s Roger McGary ’60 is a retired

assistant fire chief for Montgomery County, Md. He and his wife, Nancy Cohen, live in Takoma Park, Md. Edward Nuzzaci ’65 is a retired executive for Sandvik Materials Technology. He and his wife, Janei Leach Nuzzaci ’64, live in Waverly, Pa. Bill Liptak ’65 visited campus recently, noting that he is still grateful for his educational experiences at Cal, which led to his career as an elementary school teacher for 11 years, a middle school teacher for 14 years, and an administrator for 10 years. He also worked for five years in human resources in the Baltimore, Md., area. He is retired from the Anne Arundel County Public Schools and lives in Pasadena, Md. Linda McLaughlin Markle ’66 is retired and lives in Jacksonville, Fla. Jim Barbo ’67 is general manager of Golden West Casino. He and his wife, Riki, live in Bakersfield, Calif. Aaron Walton ’68 has been elected as chair of the board of directors of the August Wilson Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. Walton also is a member of the Council of Trustees at Cal U and vice chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors. Rick Parmley ’68 and his wife, Marlene, live on St. Simons Island, Ga. Virgnia Acker Newnam ’69 is

retired and living in Sedona, Ariz. David Conn ’69 is a self-employed computer consultant. He and his wife, Linda, live in Middletown, Md. Clare Pokorny ’69 has retired from the Duneland School Corp., in the state of Indiana, after 17 years. Michael M. Caruso ’69 retired from Southeastern Greene School District as superintendent of schools on July 1, 2010. Caruso played football in ’68 for the Vulcans and lives in Carmichaels, Pa., with his wife, Pamela.

Dr. Dennis Eckels, DO, FAAFP, FACOFP ’71 was one of 14 osteopathic family physicians nationwide to receive the fellowship award from the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians at their national meeting in Las Vegas, Nev. The fellowship award is conferred on those osteopathic family physicians who have contributed outstanding national, state and local service through teaching, authorship, research or professional leadership. Joe Grushecky ’71 appeared on the KSAV.org radio program, “Dave White Presents” on June 8, 2010. Dr. Wes Britton ’77 interviewed Grushecky about his career with his band, the Houserockers, what it was like working with Bruce Springsteen, and Grushecky’s 2009 CD, East Carson Street. Jim Brewster ’72, the mayor of McKeesport, Pa., was recently profiled in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Dr. Paul J. Rach ’69, ’72 has been appointed as the superintendent of record for the Duquesne City School District, near Pittsburgh, Pa. Previously, Rach was superintendent of the Yough School District from 1996 to 2003 and the Bentworth School District from 2005 to 2006. He also served as a substitute administrative assistant in the Ringgold School District and as a consultant to the Mon Valley Education Consortium. Diane Fickulak Baker ’73 is a teacher for the Wellsville schools. She and her husband, Daniel, live in Steubenville, Ohio.

Dennis Byers ’74 has taught and coached football and basketball for more than 30 years, mostly in the Palm Beach (Fla.) County (Fla.) School District. He has coached 11 players who made it to the NFL and six who are playing professional baseball. His students consistently score high on achievement tests in the areas of history and government. He lives in West Palm Beach, Fla., with his wife, Ana, and their 10-year-old son, Rodrigo. His daughter, Stephanie, had a daughter last year. Cindy Remphrey Bass ’75 is an instructional assistant for the Scottsboro City Schools. She and her husband, Richard, live in Scottsboro, Ala. David Albright ’69, ’75 is retired from Laurel House Inc. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Uniontown, Pa. David Cavasinni ’76 lives in

James Barr, Jr. ’77 retired after 22 years at Ford Motor Co. He also worked as financial secretarytreasurer for United Auto Workers Local 3000 and lives in Beaver Falls, Pa., with his wife, Elaine. Jeanine Gregory ’77, ’78 has been named the acting superintendent of the South Park School District. Previously, she was the assistant superintendent in the district, near Pittsburgh, Pa. Angela Russo Austin ’79 is the school liaison coordinator for Summit Health in Chambersburg, Pa.

80s Mark Gallo ’80 is an officer in the

U.S. Army. He and his wife, Lisa, live in The Villages, Fla. James Smith ’82 is the new dean of the Ohio University Lancaster Campus. Smith previously worked at Firelands College, a regional branch of Bowling Green State University, where he was a faculty member, an interim dean and associate dean for academic programs and services.

Stella Kosco ’76 worked as a certified school nurse, earned a nurse practitioner certification and assisted physicians in the Belle Vernon School District until her retirement earlier this year. She and her husband, John, continue to live in Belle Vernon, Pa. Patti Bartus Young ’77 has retired after 32 years of working for federal services. For 32 years, she worked with the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Patti was the zoo’s administrative officer for animal care sciences prior to her retirement. She recently relocated from Springfield, Va., to Troy, N.C., with her sons and husband Alan Young ’77. Alan also recently retired after 33 years with the Prince William County, Va., school system, where he was a technology education teacher.

Cal alumnus & professor published Dr. Nickolas Martin ’81, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Cal U, has a new book, The Ego Unmasked: Meeting the Greatest Challenge of Your Life. The book discusses ego awareness, management and enhancement and is available at www.theegounmasked.com. Martin is a certified school psychologist, nationally certified school psychologist and a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. He has worked as a therapist in a mental health clinic for 22 years, taught as a university professor at the undergraduate and graduate levels for 24 years and served as a consultant for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for 22 years.

Daniel Brewer ’88 is a senior financial analyst for Lowe’s Companies Inc. He and his wife, Ann, live in Statesville, N.C. Kevin Ferenchik ’88 is a manager for Sears. He lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Renee Cusack Randall ’82 is a senior marketing manager with QIAGEN.

Cassandra Johnson ’82, ’88 is a reading teacher with Clark County School District. She lives in Las Vagas, Nev.

Jim Sandherr ’83 is a national sales manger for Mat Inc. He and his wife, Paula, live in Cranberry Township, Pa.

Elizabeth Kuhns ’89 is an English teacher for Goochland County Public Schools. She lives in Goochland, Va.

McMurray, Pa. Bruce A. Bartolotta ’76, was posthumously awarded the Louis E. Waller Humanitarian Award by the Washington County Community Foundation.

Kenneth Knesh ’98 is the new principal of Strasburg High School, part of Shenandoah County Public Schools in Virginia.

Terri Ozegovich ’84 is director of strategy, business development and licensing for Novartis Pharma AG. She lives in Basel, Switzerland. Daniel Mosser ’85 has been named vice president of the Corporate and Community Training Institute at the College of Southern Maryland. Most recently vice president of workforce development and continuing education at Prince George’s Community College, Mosser provided leadership and directed the work of more than 80 administrators and staff and 850 adjunct instructors in programs serving more than 24,000 non-credit students each year. Stacy Patterson Hopkins ’86 is a subcontract administrator with Avaya Government Solutions. She and her husband, Joseph, live in Fairfax, Va.

Alice Sivek Iorio ’73 is the author of Champion Parenting: Giving Your Child a Competitive Edge. For more than 25 years, Iorio has inspired her students and parents to achieve success through hard work and perseverance. She has worked in private and public schools across the nation. Iorio is president of Champion Parenting Inc. and has written one other book. For more information, visit www.championparenting.com. She is the sister-in-law of David Amati ’70, ’72 and sister of the late Nancy Sivek Amati ’67, ’73.

Donald Weaver ’89 lives in Surrey, British Columbia.

90s Tracey Simmons Ingram ’90 works for the Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL). She lives in Rock Hill, S.C.

George Zboyovsky ’90 is the city manager of Brentwood, Pa. Dr. Timothy Gabauer ’90, ’99 is the new superintendent in the McKeesport (Pa.) Area School District. He recently was the assistant superintendent at McKeesport. Sharon Wolf ’91 has been hired as director of development for the Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania. Most recently, she was executive director with the Children’s Festival Chorus of Pittsburgh for five years. Barry Leshinsky ’92 is a teacher for Huntsville City Schools. He lives in Huntsville, Ala. Charles Strange ’93 is at home in Belle Vernon, Pa.

Glen Mayers ’94, ’95 is at home in Germantown, Md. Sheree Norris Fetcho ’94 and Chris Fetcho ’97 live in Washington, Pa., with their two sons. Sheree is an accountant at the Physical Therapy Institute in Washington and an adjunct instructor at Waynesburg University. Chris is the general manager/controller at Bolsan Co., located in Eighty-Four, Pa. Daryl Horne ’95 is a project manager. He lives in Belle Vernon, Pa. Richard M. Fine ’95 has been named assistant superintendent of the South Allegheny School District, near Pittsburgh, Pa. Valeri Chronowski Korber ’96 is a teacher in the Windber Area School District. She lives in Davidsville, Pa. Beth Ann Ross Strope ’96 is a homemaker. She and her husband, Aaron, live in Avella, Pa. Brian Ogletree ’97 is a program coordinator with Diversified Human Services. He lives in Donora, Pa. Margret Cheverine Nottingham ’98 is a teacher at Holy Family Institute. She lives in Canonsburg, Pa. Laurie Kmetko Wright ’98 is at home in Pittsburgh, Pa. Frank Shoaf ’98 is a project manager for McLanahan Corp. He and his wife, Tammy ’98, live in Duncansville, Pa. Erin Trimble Corbelli ’98 is a human resources business partner with LANXESS Corp. She and her husband, Joseph, live in Land O’ Lakes, Fla.

Martin Slanoc ’99 is a teacher in the Portage Area School District. He and his wife, Alisha, live in Portage, Pa. Todd Sampsell ’99, deputy director of The Nature Conservancy’s Pennsylvania Chapter, was selected as a recipient of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s 40 Under 40 Awards. He is an ecologist with experience in aquatic and watershed research, invasive species research and management, conservation planning and wildlife biology. Susan Resnik Mejalli ’99 lives in West Mifflin, Pa.

00s Patricia Mays ’00 is at home in

Clearfield, Pa. Brea Kissler ’00 is an employment specialist for Quest Inc. She lives in Lebanon, Pa. Ryan Richmond ’01 is a systems administrator for AURA. He and his wife, Christine ’00, live in Edinburg, Va. Laura Fano ’01 lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Jamie Lynn Blosser Kamp ’01 is a teacher in the Albert Gallatin School District. She and her husband, Jody, live in Farmington, Pa. Collelen Cunningham Perry ’02 is a manager of client care for Hodes iQ. She and her husband, Michael ’00, live in Tampa, Fla. Jessica Curran ’02 is an educator for Kean University, Ocean County College and Gloucester County College. She lives in Blackwood, N.J. Michael Graves ’02 works in finewine sales for Republic National Distributing Co. He and his wife, Jamie, live in Reisterstown, Md. Chris Hardie ’00, ’02 is the new head coach of the Waynesburg University men’s and women’s cross country teams. Hardie is the founder of Chris Cross the County, a charitable organization, and has raised more than $12,000 for organizations such as the American Cancer Society. He is also a competitive runner.

Amanda Yoho Hull ’03 and her husband, Shawn, live in Italy. Jennifer Champ Hartung ’03 is a teacher. She and her husband, Bryan ’03, live in Monongahela, Pa. Justin Garner ’03 is a dolphin trainer at the Georgia Aquarium. He lives in Atlanta, Ga. Becky Siembak ’03 has been inducted into the Cambria County (Pa.) Sports Hall of Fame. As a junior, Siembak was named NCAA Division II Player of the Year and helped lead the Cal U women’s basketball team to the national championship as a senior. Shawna Syme Ricci ’00, ’03 is a school counselor. She and her husband, Anthony, live in Jacksonville, N.C. Lauren Emerick ’04 is a graduate student. She is living in Central City, Pa. John Cobak ’04 lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. Jessica Cleaver Allard ’04 and her husband, Charles, live in South Park, Pa. Jason Greene ’04 lives in

Smock, Pa. Aaron Tuomi ’04 is general manager of the Uniontown, Pa. office of Paramedic Technology Corp. Mark A. John ’04 is the new head men’s basketball coach at Penn State Fayette — the Eberly Campus. Zach Huth ’04 is the president of Huth Technologies. The new technical recruiting firm, based in Pittsburgh, Pa., specializes in placing technical professionals into a variety of different environments. The company’s website is www.huthtechnologies.com. Tracy Satterfield ’04 is a social worker for the Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. She lives in Los Angeles, Calif. Jason Schoff ’04 and Jaime Tomko Schoff ’00 are at home in North Huntingdon Township, Pa. Rob Campbell ’05 participated July 4, 2010, in the USA Roller Sports 2010 Indoor National Speed Skating Championships in Lincoln, Neb. He placed first in the 500 meter event, second in the 2,000 meter and third in the 1,000 meter. Jeremy Rocco ’05 is a senior proposal engineer for ASKO Inc. He and his wife, Karen, live in Wexford, Pa.

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Michelle Banaszewski Hollenberger ’05 and her husband, George ’05, live in Glenshaw, Pa. Wendy Carroll Encapera ’05 is a medical technologist for Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute. She and her husband, Jesse, live in Winchester, Va. Kimberly Spusta ’05 has been promoted to the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force. As of fall 2010, she was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga. Erica Hunzinger Kaduck ’04, ’05 is an analyst for PNC Bank. She and her husband, Brandon, live in Pittsburgh, Pa. Jamie Lavis ’06 is an athletic trainer at Bucknell University. She lives in New Columbia, Pa. James Kennedy ’06 is a teacher with the Charles County Board of Education. He and his wife, Mary, live in La Plata, Md. Tanika Jordan Stewart ’06 works in medical-device sales. She and her husband, Daniel, lives in Orlando, Fla. Dan Secrist ’06 is the operations coordinator at Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin, Pa. He received an employee excellence award from the Allegheny County Airport Authority for his work during the February 2010 snowstorms. He and his wife, Sara, and daughter, Eve, live in Canonsburg, Pa. Che Regina ’06 is the new assistant principal at Troy Area Middle School, which is located in Bradford County, Pa. He lives in Wellsboro, Pa., with his wife, Gretchen, and two children, Regan and Reese. Katherine Resanovich Brown ’07 is a high school teacher in the McGuffey School District. She and her husband, Mark Jr., live in Munhall, Pa. Jessie Burncheck ’07 is a payroll administrator for Hranec Sheet Metal Inc. She lives in West Leisenring, Pa. Mary Stein ’07 is an athletic trainer at Cabrini College. She lives in Philadelphia, Pa. Alan Alcalde ’07 is a teacher with the New York City Department of Education. He and his wife, Marsha Shanta-Alcalde ’02, live in New York, N.Y. Meredith Hamill ’07 is a paramedic for New Hanover Regional Medical Center and lives in Wilmington, N.C.

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Richard Ruck ’07 is an instructor for Northampton Community College. He and his wife, Kerri, live in Roseto, Pa. Cindy Zimmerman Kudlik ’07 is an environmental scientist for J. Scot Bush Co., P.C. She and her husband, Joshua ’05, live in Belle Vernon, Pa. Ben Moyer ’07 is stadium operations coordinator for the Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team. He lives in Dauphin, Pa. Carl Robison ’07 is a physical science technician for the U.S. Navy. He lives in Annapolis, Md. Derek Scalzott ’07 is the new marketing manager at the Hilton Pittsburgh. He has previous experience in guest services and special events management with SMG at the former Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Public Theater. Sandra Richmond ’07 earned a doctor of nursing practice degree in May 2010 from Duquesne University. She is a school nurse with the Sullivan County (Pa.) School District. Matt Humbert ’07, ‘08 is the new head football coach at Ringgold High School, in Washington County, Pa. Amanda Baker Lehman ’08 and her husband, Sean, live in Greensburg, Pa. Matthew Bain ’08 is an athletic trainer for Professional PT. He lives in Long Beach, N.Y. Bill McCambley ’08 is a a New Jersey-based fitness trainer. He recently participated in Boot Camp for Education, which raised money for local school districts. His website is www.billmccambley.com. Lynette Hill ’08 lives in Elizabeth, Pa. Joanne Duncan-Carnesciali ’08, ’09 is an instructor for the Walk NYC program, a free initiative that encourages New Yorkers of all ages to get fit while enjoying the outdoors. She is an exercise physiologist and an American College of Sports medicine certified member. Shendy Hershfield ’09 is a production assistant with Fox News Channel and is at home in Hoboken, N.J.

Lauren Flowers ’09 is a counselor for Meridian Behavioral Healthcare Inc. She lives in Gainesville, Fla. Stephanie Hayes ’09 lives in Perryopolis, Pa. Charles “Charlie” Roche ’09 has been hired as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for the University of Redlands. He and his wife, Michelle, are living in Southern California. Josh Eachus ’09 is a meteorologist

and reporter for WTOV-TV Channel 9 in the Steubenville, Ohio-Wheeling, W.Va. area. Skylar Saar ’09 is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a performance enhancement specialist. He works with athletes at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Md. Brittney D’Alessandro ’09 was selected by her peers to receive the Cameo of Caring award, which is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. D’Alessandro was instrumental in the development of the stroke care program and continues to play a key role in the care of stroke patients at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Erica McGrath ’09, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is a member of the Maryland Conservations Corps. In fall 2010, she helped to run nature programs and assisted the staff at Pocomoke River State Park in Maryland. Brad Fields ’09 has been named athletics director at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pa.

as assistant director of marketing and promotions for Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. He also served as media relations assistant and assistant director of multimedia at Radford University in Virginia.

WEDDINGS

Brittany Prater ’09 has completed two golf internships. The first was with the PGA Tour in tournament service operations. The second was with tournament operations for the United States Golf Association at the U.S. Open Championship at Pebble Beach, Calif.

Joseph Paul Yurcho ’02, ’07 and Gretchen Mary Raupp were married July 23, 2010, in St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church, Pittsburgh, Pa. They are both teachers for Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Kevin Wagner ’09 works for Montgomery County as a municipal planning specialist in the Department of Public Safety, Office of Emergency Management.

Hugh Mallick ’85 and Courtney Bernal were married July 7, 2010. Hugh is the general contractor and owner of Hugh’s Home Services Inc., in Woodstock, Md. Courtney is a professional flamenco dancer and a registered representative with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC in Columbia, Md. The couple honeymooned in the Caribbean and are at home in Woodstock.

Anthony Canzonieri ’10 lives in West Newton, Pa. Richard Menkel ’10 works for Washington Hospital. He and his wife, Donna, live in Washington, Pa.

Dustin Devine ’03 and Allison Vegh were married Aug. 21, 2010, in Amherst, Ohio. Dustin is a meteorologist with WeatherBug in Germantown, Md.

Brooque Williams ’10, who was a Division II All-American women’s basketball player at Cal U, recently competed in the Citiparks/IBA Women’s Summer Basketball League in Pittsburgh, Pa. Williams’ team, Sudden Impact, won the championship game.

Justin Tarovisky ’07, ’08, of Maidsville, W.Va., and Kimberly Nowakowski ’08, of Butler, Pa., were married Oct. 4, 2010. Kimberly works at Anderson Dubois, Pittsburgh, Pa., and Justin is a federal officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Caitlin Lawrence ’10 was the guest speaker at the Carmichaels Women’s Civic Club. Caitlin spoke about her meteorological experience.

Jennifer Lynn Letz ’03 and Jeremy Dille were married Feb. 25, 2010, in Key West Courthouse, Key West, Fla.

Kelly Simms ’10 lives in Canal Winchester, Ohio.

Jennifer Carrozza ’96 and William Schumacher were married July 11, 2009, at Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe, Washington County, Pa. Jennifer co-owns Kids Unlimited Child Development Center. Williams works in the transportation division of Sherwin Williams, Corp. The couple went to the Riviera Maya, Mexico, for their honeymoon.

Kevin Beitzel ’09 has been hired by Precision Fitness in Somerset, Pa. He is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Kevin is married and lives in Somerset. George Sisley ’09 is an engineer for Alstom. He lives in Coal Center, Pa. Christa Forquer Beebe ’09 is a case manager with LifeSpan Inc. She and her husband, Zach ’08, live in Pittsburgh, Pa. Drew DeHart ’09 has joined Cowboy Sports Properties as an account executive based in Tulsa, Okla. For the past two years, he was an account executive for LSU Sports Properties in Baton RouGe, La. Prior to that, he served one year

David Commesso ’01 and Brie VanRees were married Aug. 7, 2010, at Tippecanoe Country Club, in Canfield, Ohio.

Cecil Howard has applied for graduation after completing his final Cal U courses while serving in Afghanistan with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Sally Elizabeth Meeks ’08 and David Edward Groves were married July 28, 2009, on the beach in Ocean City, Md. Sally is a teacher in the Washington School District. David is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician at McMurray Cooling and Heating. They went to Hawaii for their honeymoon and are living in Washington, Pa. Britany Lynn Morris ’07, ’10 of McClellandtown, Pa., and Matt Lambert ’10 were married July 24,

2010, in the Mastontown United Methodist Church. Britany is a family therapist at Family Counseling Center in Armstrong County, Pa. Matt works in the athletic department at Slippery Rock University. After a honeymoon cruise to Mexico, Grand Cayman and Jamaica, the they are living in Slippery Rock, Pa. Harry James Kaufman III ’07 and Danielle Mullen were married June 18, 2010, at the Melia Caribe Tropical Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Harry is an educator and coach with the Uniontown Area School District. Danielle is a physician assistant at West Virginia University Hospitals. They are living in Uniontown, Pa. Tawnya Zucatti ’00 and Brent Rockwell ’09 were married June 13, 2009, in Immaculate Conception Church in Connellsville, Pa. Tawnya is the controller and event coordinator at the Youghiogheny Country Club. Brent is a special education teacher in the Connellsville Area School District. For their honeymoon, the couple traveled to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Shawna Syme Fite ’00, ’03 and Jennifer Moyer Hooper ’00 served as maid and matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Kyra Popp ’98, Amy Syme Dinello ’96, Sandy Steffan, Lauren McCormick, Heather Riley ’06 and Megan Scholtes ’99. The groom’s brother, Brian Rockwell, was best man. Groomsmen were Mark Riggin ’03, Christopher Weibl, Kevin Hiles, Tanner Burd, Joshua Burd, Chad Kezmarsky and the bride’s brother Frank Chisowsky. Aubrie Hooper and Avery Siska served as the flower girl attendants. Daniel Egan ’09 and Andrea Morelle, both of Cumberland, R.I., were married July 31, 2010, at Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham, Mass. Daniel works for Stoughton (Mass.) Public Schools. Andrea works for The Miriam Hospital in Provience. The couple went to Cancun for their honeymoon. They are living in Cumberland. Carol Smitley Williams ’89 of Altoona, Pa., and Mike Nelsen of Clarksburg, Pa., were married on March 26, 2010. They are planning a delayed honeymoon in Montana.

Wedding Bells Lindsay M. Logue ’06, ’09 and Michael K. Pecosh ’97, ’05 were married in May 2010 in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, Pa. Lindsay is a client service specialist in the Office of Web-Based Programs at Cal U. Michael is a licensed professional counselor and owner of Pecosh Counseling & Consulting in Washington, Pa. “Cal holds a very special place in our hearts and has meant so much to both of our families,” Lindsay says. Her parents — Dr. Ricky Logue ’71, ’87 and Linda Oest Logue ’72, ’95 – met at Cal, got engaged at Roadman Park and have been married for almost 39 years. Dr. Joseph Pecosh ’59, the groom’s father, is an emeritus faculty member who taught from 1967 to 1999 in the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology. And Michael’s brother and sister-in-law — Thomas Pecosh ’00 and Laura David Pecosh ’00, ’10 met at Cal and are married, as well.

The wedding party (listed from left to right) included nine Cal U alumni: Bradley Ball ’96, ’09; Ashley Trevena, Brandon Logue, Nadine Logue; Lindsay Logue Pecosh; Michael Pecosh; Sarah Eichner Skirpan ’06; Thomas Pecosh ’00; Laura David Pecosh ’00, ’10; Lawrence DiSilvestro ’00; Lacey Care ’07; and James Purtell ’00, ’03, ’05. Jenelle Miller ’05 and Dan J. Wall were united in marriage by Rev. Joseph Sredinski at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. After a honeymoon in Hawaii, they are living in Pleasant Hills, Pa. Jennifer Patterson ’05 and Scott Barkey ’05 were married June 19, 2010, at St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church. Jennifer is a fourth-grade science teacher for the Belle Vernon Area School District, and Scott is employed with United Tech Lender Services, where he is an evaluations vendor manager. The couple honeymooned at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and will reside in Belle Vernon, Pa. Mistie L. Hatfield ’03 and Jeffrey C. Haddix were married on the beach at Kill Devil Hills, N.C., on May 15, 2010. Mistie has a master’s degree in social work and is employed as a hospital social worker.

education and is a teacher for the Washington School District. They couple visited Hawaii on their honeymoon. They will live in Washington, Pa. Travis Paul Shandor ’02 and Jonnie Elizabeth Mansberry were married in August 2010. Travis works for the city of Uniontown, Pa. Jonnie works for the Uniontown School District. Becky Bodnar ’95 and Stephen Basel, Jr. were married Dec. 19, 2009, in Plum Borough. Becky works at the Parkvale Bank headquarters in Monroeville, Pa. Kevin Misiewicz ’02 and Alli Greene were married June 26, 2010, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Kevin is an environmental scientist for Tampa Bay Watch in St. Petersburg. Alli is a high school science teacher. They traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for their honeymoon and are living in St. Petersburg.

Sally Elizabeth Meeks ’08 and David Edward Groves were married July 28, 2010, on the beach in Ocean City, Md. Sally earned a certificate in elementary and special

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Michelle Banaszewski Hollenberger ’05 and her husband, George ’05, live in Glenshaw, Pa. Wendy Carroll Encapera ’05 is a medical technologist for Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute. She and her husband, Jesse, live in Winchester, Va. Kimberly Spusta ’05 has been promoted to the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force. As of fall 2010, she was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga. Erica Hunzinger Kaduck ’04, ’05 is an analyst for PNC Bank. She and her husband, Brandon, live in Pittsburgh, Pa. Jamie Lavis ’06 is an athletic trainer at Bucknell University. She lives in New Columbia, Pa. James Kennedy ’06 is a teacher with the Charles County Board of Education. He and his wife, Mary, live in La Plata, Md. Tanika Jordan Stewart ’06 works in medical-device sales. She and her husband, Daniel, lives in Orlando, Fla. Dan Secrist ’06 is the operations coordinator at Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin, Pa. He received an employee excellence award from the Allegheny County Airport Authority for his work during the February 2010 snowstorms. He and his wife, Sara, and daughter, Eve, live in Canonsburg, Pa. Che Regina ’06 is the new assistant principal at Troy Area Middle School, which is located in Bradford County, Pa. He lives in Wellsboro, Pa., with his wife, Gretchen, and two children, Regan and Reese. Katherine Resanovich Brown ’07 is a high school teacher in the McGuffey School District. She and her husband, Mark Jr., live in Munhall, Pa. Jessie Burncheck ’07 is a payroll administrator for Hranec Sheet Metal Inc. She lives in West Leisenring, Pa. Mary Stein ’07 is an athletic trainer at Cabrini College. She lives in Philadelphia, Pa. Alan Alcalde ’07 is a teacher with the New York City Department of Education. He and his wife, Marsha Shanta-Alcalde ’02, live in New York, N.Y. Meredith Hamill ’07 is a paramedic for New Hanover Regional Medical Center and lives in Wilmington, N.C.

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Richard Ruck ’07 is an instructor for Northampton Community College. He and his wife, Kerri, live in Roseto, Pa. Cindy Zimmerman Kudlik ’07 is an environmental scientist for J. Scot Bush Co., P.C. She and her husband, Joshua ’05, live in Belle Vernon, Pa. Ben Moyer ’07 is stadium operations coordinator for the Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team. He lives in Dauphin, Pa. Carl Robison ’07 is a physical science technician for the U.S. Navy. He lives in Annapolis, Md. Derek Scalzott ’07 is the new marketing manager at the Hilton Pittsburgh. He has previous experience in guest services and special events management with SMG at the former Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Public Theater. Sandra Richmond ’07 earned a doctor of nursing practice degree in May 2010 from Duquesne University. She is a school nurse with the Sullivan County (Pa.) School District. Matt Humbert ’07, ‘08 is the new head football coach at Ringgold High School, in Washington County, Pa. Amanda Baker Lehman ’08 and her husband, Sean, live in Greensburg, Pa. Matthew Bain ’08 is an athletic trainer for Professional PT. He lives in Long Beach, N.Y. Bill McCambley ’08 is a a New Jersey-based fitness trainer. He recently participated in Boot Camp for Education, which raised money for local school districts. His website is www.billmccambley.com. Lynette Hill ’08 lives in Elizabeth, Pa. Joanne Duncan-Carnesciali ’08, ’09 is an instructor for the Walk NYC program, a free initiative that encourages New Yorkers of all ages to get fit while enjoying the outdoors. She is an exercise physiologist and an American College of Sports medicine certified member. Shendy Hershfield ’09 is a production assistant with Fox News Channel and is at home in Hoboken, N.J.

Lauren Flowers ’09 is a counselor for Meridian Behavioral Healthcare Inc. She lives in Gainesville, Fla. Stephanie Hayes ’09 lives in Perryopolis, Pa. Charles “Charlie” Roche ’09 has been hired as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for the University of Redlands. He and his wife, Michelle, are living in Southern California. Josh Eachus ’09 is a meteorologist

and reporter for WTOV-TV Channel 9 in the Steubenville, Ohio-Wheeling, W.Va. area. Skylar Saar ’09 is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a performance enhancement specialist. He works with athletes at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Md. Brittney D’Alessandro ’09 was selected by her peers to receive the Cameo of Caring award, which is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. D’Alessandro was instrumental in the development of the stroke care program and continues to play a key role in the care of stroke patients at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Erica McGrath ’09, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is a member of the Maryland Conservations Corps. In fall 2010, she helped to run nature programs and assisted the staff at Pocomoke River State Park in Maryland. Brad Fields ’09 has been named athletics director at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pa.

as assistant director of marketing and promotions for Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. He also served as media relations assistant and assistant director of multimedia at Radford University in Virginia.

WEDDINGS

Brittany Prater ’09 has completed two golf internships. The first was with the PGA Tour in tournament service operations. The second was with tournament operations for the United States Golf Association at the U.S. Open Championship at Pebble Beach, Calif.

Joseph Paul Yurcho ’02, ’07 and Gretchen Mary Raupp were married July 23, 2010, in St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church, Pittsburgh, Pa. They are both teachers for Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Kevin Wagner ’09 works for Montgomery County as a municipal planning specialist in the Department of Public Safety, Office of Emergency Management.

Hugh Mallick ’85 and Courtney Bernal were married July 7, 2010. Hugh is the general contractor and owner of Hugh’s Home Services Inc., in Woodstock, Md. Courtney is a professional flamenco dancer and a registered representative with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC in Columbia, Md. The couple honeymooned in the Caribbean and are at home in Woodstock.

Anthony Canzonieri ’10 lives in West Newton, Pa. Richard Menkel ’10 works for Washington Hospital. He and his wife, Donna, live in Washington, Pa.

Dustin Devine ’03 and Allison Vegh were married Aug. 21, 2010, in Amherst, Ohio. Dustin is a meteorologist with WeatherBug in Germantown, Md.

Brooque Williams ’10, who was a Division II All-American women’s basketball player at Cal U, recently competed in the Citiparks/IBA Women’s Summer Basketball League in Pittsburgh, Pa. Williams’ team, Sudden Impact, won the championship game.

Justin Tarovisky ’07, ’08, of Maidsville, W.Va., and Kimberly Nowakowski ’08, of Butler, Pa., were married Oct. 4, 2010. Kimberly works at Anderson Dubois, Pittsburgh, Pa., and Justin is a federal officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Caitlin Lawrence ’10 was the guest speaker at the Carmichaels Women’s Civic Club. Caitlin spoke about her meteorological experience.

Jennifer Lynn Letz ’03 and Jeremy Dille were married Feb. 25, 2010, in Key West Courthouse, Key West, Fla.

Kelly Simms ’10 lives in Canal Winchester, Ohio.

Jennifer Carrozza ’96 and William Schumacher were married July 11, 2009, at Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe, Washington County, Pa. Jennifer co-owns Kids Unlimited Child Development Center. Williams works in the transportation division of Sherwin Williams, Corp. The couple went to the Riviera Maya, Mexico, for their honeymoon.

Kevin Beitzel ’09 has been hired by Precision Fitness in Somerset, Pa. He is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Kevin is married and lives in Somerset. George Sisley ’09 is an engineer for Alstom. He lives in Coal Center, Pa. Christa Forquer Beebe ’09 is a case manager with LifeSpan Inc. She and her husband, Zach ’08, live in Pittsburgh, Pa. Drew DeHart ’09 has joined Cowboy Sports Properties as an account executive based in Tulsa, Okla. For the past two years, he was an account executive for LSU Sports Properties in Baton RouGe, La. Prior to that, he served one year

David Commesso ’01 and Brie VanRees were married Aug. 7, 2010, at Tippecanoe Country Club, in Canfield, Ohio.

Cecil Howard has applied for graduation after completing his final Cal U courses while serving in Afghanistan with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Sally Elizabeth Meeks ’08 and David Edward Groves were married July 28, 2009, on the beach in Ocean City, Md. Sally is a teacher in the Washington School District. David is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician at McMurray Cooling and Heating. They went to Hawaii for their honeymoon and are living in Washington, Pa. Britany Lynn Morris ’07, ’10 of McClellandtown, Pa., and Matt Lambert ’10 were married July 24,

2010, in the Mastontown United Methodist Church. Britany is a family therapist at Family Counseling Center in Armstrong County, Pa. Matt works in the athletic department at Slippery Rock University. After a honeymoon cruise to Mexico, Grand Cayman and Jamaica, the they are living in Slippery Rock, Pa. Harry James Kaufman III ’07 and Danielle Mullen were married June 18, 2010, at the Melia Caribe Tropical Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Harry is an educator and coach with the Uniontown Area School District. Danielle is a physician assistant at West Virginia University Hospitals. They are living in Uniontown, Pa. Tawnya Zucatti ’00 and Brent Rockwell ’09 were married June 13, 2009, in Immaculate Conception Church in Connellsville, Pa. Tawnya is the controller and event coordinator at the Youghiogheny Country Club. Brent is a special education teacher in the Connellsville Area School District. For their honeymoon, the couple traveled to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Shawna Syme Fite ’00, ’03 and Jennifer Moyer Hooper ’00 served as maid and matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Kyra Popp ’98, Amy Syme Dinello ’96, Sandy Steffan, Lauren McCormick, Heather Riley ’06 and Megan Scholtes ’99. The groom’s brother, Brian Rockwell, was best man. Groomsmen were Mark Riggin ’03, Christopher Weibl, Kevin Hiles, Tanner Burd, Joshua Burd, Chad Kezmarsky and the bride’s brother Frank Chisowsky. Aubrie Hooper and Avery Siska served as the flower girl attendants. Daniel Egan ’09 and Andrea Morelle, both of Cumberland, R.I., were married July 31, 2010, at Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham, Mass. Daniel works for Stoughton (Mass.) Public Schools. Andrea works for The Miriam Hospital in Provience. The couple went to Cancun for their honeymoon. They are living in Cumberland. Carol Smitley Williams ’89 of Altoona, Pa., and Mike Nelsen of Clarksburg, Pa., were married on March 26, 2010. They are planning a delayed honeymoon in Montana.

Wedding Bells Lindsay M. Logue ’06, ’09 and Michael K. Pecosh ’97, ’05 were married in May 2010 in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, Pa. Lindsay is a client service specialist in the Office of Web-Based Programs at Cal U. Michael is a licensed professional counselor and owner of Pecosh Counseling & Consulting in Washington, Pa. “Cal holds a very special place in our hearts and has meant so much to both of our families,” Lindsay says. Her parents — Dr. Ricky Logue ’71, ’87 and Linda Oest Logue ’72, ’95 – met at Cal, got engaged at Roadman Park and have been married for almost 39 years. Dr. Joseph Pecosh ’59, the groom’s father, is an emeritus faculty member who taught from 1967 to 1999 in the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology. And Michael’s brother and sister-in-law — Thomas Pecosh ’00 and Laura David Pecosh ’00, ’10 met at Cal and are married, as well.

The wedding party (listed from left to right) included nine Cal U alumni: Bradley Ball ’96, ’09; Ashley Trevena, Brandon Logue, Nadine Logue; Lindsay Logue Pecosh; Michael Pecosh; Sarah Eichner Skirpan ’06; Thomas Pecosh ’00; Laura David Pecosh ’00, ’10; Lawrence DiSilvestro ’00; Lacey Care ’07; and James Purtell ’00, ’03, ’05. Jenelle Miller ’05 and Dan J. Wall were united in marriage by Rev. Joseph Sredinski at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. After a honeymoon in Hawaii, they are living in Pleasant Hills, Pa. Jennifer Patterson ’05 and Scott Barkey ’05 were married June 19, 2010, at St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church. Jennifer is a fourth-grade science teacher for the Belle Vernon Area School District, and Scott is employed with United Tech Lender Services, where he is an evaluations vendor manager. The couple honeymooned at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and will reside in Belle Vernon, Pa. Mistie L. Hatfield ’03 and Jeffrey C. Haddix were married on the beach at Kill Devil Hills, N.C., on May 15, 2010. Mistie has a master’s degree in social work and is employed as a hospital social worker.

education and is a teacher for the Washington School District. They couple visited Hawaii on their honeymoon. They will live in Washington, Pa. Travis Paul Shandor ’02 and Jonnie Elizabeth Mansberry were married in August 2010. Travis works for the city of Uniontown, Pa. Jonnie works for the Uniontown School District. Becky Bodnar ’95 and Stephen Basel, Jr. were married Dec. 19, 2009, in Plum Borough. Becky works at the Parkvale Bank headquarters in Monroeville, Pa. Kevin Misiewicz ’02 and Alli Greene were married June 26, 2010, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Kevin is an environmental scientist for Tampa Bay Watch in St. Petersburg. Alli is a high school science teacher. They traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for their honeymoon and are living in St. Petersburg.

Sally Elizabeth Meeks ’08 and David Edward Groves were married July 28, 2010, on the beach in Ocean City, Md. Sally earned a certificate in elementary and special

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Kristopher Shumay ’08 and Jessica Lightcap, both of Royersford, Pa., are engaged. Kristopher is a certified performance enhancement specialist and tennis instructor at Delaware Valley Tennis Academy. Jessica is a physical therapist assistant at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital and an associate professor at Harcum College. They are planning a May 2011 wedding at the Loft at Limerick Golf Club. Cassie Nichole Householder ’05, ’07 and Ryan Gregory Harvey are engaged. Cassie is a counselor at Mason Dixon Elementary School, in West Virginia. Ryan is a plant engineer at Allegheny Energy, Fort Martin Power Plant, near Maidsville, W.Va. They are planning a fall 2011 wedding. Sara Marhefka ’09 and Daniel Link are engaged. Sara is a substitute teacher with several districts in Cambria and Somerset counties. Daniel works as a delivery technician for Rezk Medical Supply. They are planning a December 2010 wedding. Amanda B. Pritchard ’05, ’10 and Stephen F. Fetsko ’05 are engaged. Amanda participated in California University of Pennsylvania’s marching and concert band, was the president of the Social Work Alumni Association and treasurer of the Graduate Social Work Association. She is a drug and alcohol counselor for Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services CARE in Washington,

FAX

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✃ JUST THE

12:13 PM

Pa. Stephen is a blended case manager with Centerville Clinic in Carmichaels, Pa., and also an assistant coach for the Jefferson Morgan wrestling team. They are planning a December 2010 wedding. Jonnie Elizabeth Mansberry ’00 and Travis Paul Shandor ’02 are engaged. Jonnie works for the Uniontown (Pa.) Area School District, and Travis works with the city of Uniontown. Kati Wise ’10 and David Heefner ’09 are planning a July 30, 2011, wedding. Kati is a technology education teacher at Catoctin High School in Thurmont, Md., and David is a technology education teacher at Winters Mills High School in Westminster, Md. Nicole R. Jordan ’08 and Joshua T. Schmidt ’09 are engaged and planning a May 2011 destination wedding at Holden Beach, N.C. Nicole, of North Huntingdon Township, Pa., is a service coordinator at Westmoreland County Housing Authority. Joshua, of McKeesport, Pa., works as a pricing specialist for Kennametal Inc. Jenna Fortunan ’07 and Jon Lodovico ’09 are planning a September 2011 wedding. Jenna, of Belle Vernon, Pa., is a reading specialist for Intermediate Unit 1. Jon, of Manor, Pa., is a business manager for Mamaux Suppy Co. in Pittsburgh, Pa.

ANNIVERSARIES

IN MEMORIAM

Rosemary Tarka Geibel ’59 and Ted Geibel ’60 recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Ted is a retired project architect for Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann in Butler, Pa., and Eckles Architects in New Castle, Pa. Rosemary was owner and operator of the Rosemary T. Geibel Nursery School. They live in Jeannette, Pa.

Joseph Keller Brady, anthropology professor Alden Wade Corbin ’65 Helen Stephens Titus Dorsey ’32 Dorothy Catherine Wood Donovan ’26 Frederic Feldman ’33 William W. “Winnie” Fowkes, custodian for more than 18 years Josephine Snyder Groff ’48 James Edward Harley, Sr. ’63 Richard J. Hayducko ’80 Marty Watson Hibbs ’56 Bryan Hoover ’09 Robert G. Jubin, Sr. ’66 Nellie M. Mancini, retired dining services worker Jay McElravy ’66 John Bernhardt Miller III ’64 Lawrence C. Miller ’49 John M. Minerd ’55 Sara D. “Sally” Durigon Newcomer ’34 Mary Anne Cooley Pilanski ’57 Myrtle Marie Wainwright Posten, member of Cal U Art Club Eric Karl Rippel ’09 Elizabeth H. Roule ’25 David W. Russman* James G. Smith ’70 Judith M. Smith ’66 Jimmy Lee Stringer ’71 Robert S. Virgin ’93 Frances V. Weise ’33 Mary Catherine Welsh ’59 Nunzio Yocca ’48 James Daniel Zack, Sr., former custodian and groundskeeper Dr. Matthew John Zopetti ’56

BIRTHS Kris Mintmier Hoover ’99 and her husband, Andy, announce the birth of their daughter, Lillian Ruth, on March 5, 2010. Joshua Adams ’09 and Emelia Amato ’10 are the proud parents of a baby girl, Anna Marie Adams, born on March 28, 2010. Michael ’03 and Margaret ’01 Sklencar and big sister, Marissa, announce the birth of Cassandra Jayne on April 14, 2010. The family lives in Butler, Pa. Michael is enrolled as a graduate student at Geneva College. Margaret is a preschool teacher. Loren Martello ’99 and wife Jacqueline announce the birth of their second child, daughter, Loralai Marie Martello, on September 1, 2010.

Send your Milestones news or address changes by fax to 724-938-5932, by mail to Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 668, California, PA 15419, or by e-mail to alumni@calu.edu. Questions? Call 724-938-4418.

NAME

MAIDEN NAME

CLASS YEAR

ADDRESS

PHONE

E-MAIL

MAY WE LIST YOUR E-MAIL ON OUR WEB SITE?

OCCUPATION

EMPLOYER

SPOUSE’S NAME

SPOUSE’S CLASS (IF CAL U GRAD)

Information will be published as space and deadlines allow. Please indicate on another sheet what activities or sports you participated in while you were a student. We welcome photographs. Please do not send computer printouts or low resolution digital photos, as they will not reproduce well in this magazine.

Stay connected to the Cal U Alumni Association’s online community! Your personal ID number is on this magazine’s mailing label. 34 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

*No class year provided or on file

CAREER SERVICES The Career Services Office at Cal U can help alumni with job searches and companies with recruiting. Best of all, the services are free! • Cal U graduates who are interested in one-on-one career and job-search planning may call alumni career counselor Bridgett Nobili at 724-938-4826 or e-mail nobili@calu.edu. • Anyone who can identify job opportunities that might be suitable for Cal U students or alumni may contact employer development coordinator Sheana Malyszka at malyszka@ calu.edu.


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Kristopher Shumay ’08 and Jessica Lightcap, both of Royersford, Pa., are engaged. Kristopher is a certified performance enhancement specialist and tennis instructor at Delaware Valley Tennis Academy. Jessica is a physical therapist assistant at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital and an associate professor at Harcum College. They are planning a May 2011 wedding at the Loft at Limerick Golf Club. Cassie Nichole Householder ’05, ’07 and Ryan Gregory Harvey are engaged. Cassie is a counselor at Mason Dixon Elementary School, in West Virginia. Ryan is a plant engineer at Allegheny Energy, Fort Martin Power Plant, near Maidsville, W.Va. They are planning a fall 2011 wedding. Sara Marhefka ’09 and Daniel Link are engaged. Sara is a substitute teacher with several districts in Cambria and Somerset counties. Daniel works as a delivery technician for Rezk Medical Supply. They are planning a December 2010 wedding. Amanda B. Pritchard ’05, ’10 and Stephen F. Fetsko ’05 are engaged. Amanda participated in California University of Pennsylvania’s marching and concert band, was the president of the Social Work Alumni Association and treasurer of the Graduate Social Work Association. She is a drug and alcohol counselor for Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services CARE in Washington,

FAX

Page 34

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ENGAGEMENTS

✃ JUST THE

12:13 PM

Pa. Stephen is a blended case manager with Centerville Clinic in Carmichaels, Pa., and also an assistant coach for the Jefferson Morgan wrestling team. They are planning a December 2010 wedding. Jonnie Elizabeth Mansberry ’00 and Travis Paul Shandor ’02 are engaged. Jonnie works for the Uniontown (Pa.) Area School District, and Travis works with the city of Uniontown. Kati Wise ’10 and David Heefner ’09 are planning a July 30, 2011, wedding. Kati is a technology education teacher at Catoctin High School in Thurmont, Md., and David is a technology education teacher at Winters Mills High School in Westminster, Md. Nicole R. Jordan ’08 and Joshua T. Schmidt ’09 are engaged and planning a May 2011 destination wedding at Holden Beach, N.C. Nicole, of North Huntingdon Township, Pa., is a service coordinator at Westmoreland County Housing Authority. Joshua, of McKeesport, Pa., works as a pricing specialist for Kennametal Inc. Jenna Fortunan ’07 and Jon Lodovico ’09 are planning a September 2011 wedding. Jenna, of Belle Vernon, Pa., is a reading specialist for Intermediate Unit 1. Jon, of Manor, Pa., is a business manager for Mamaux Suppy Co. in Pittsburgh, Pa.

ANNIVERSARIES

IN MEMORIAM

Rosemary Tarka Geibel ’59 and Ted Geibel ’60 recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Ted is a retired project architect for Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann in Butler, Pa., and Eckles Architects in New Castle, Pa. Rosemary was owner and operator of the Rosemary T. Geibel Nursery School. They live in Jeannette, Pa.

Joseph Keller Brady, anthropology professor Alden Wade Corbin ’65 Helen Stephens Titus Dorsey ’32 Dorothy Catherine Wood Donovan ’26 Frederic Feldman ’33 William W. “Winnie” Fowkes, custodian for more than 18 years Josephine Snyder Groff ’48 James Edward Harley, Sr. ’63 Richard J. Hayducko ’80 Marty Watson Hibbs ’56 Bryan Hoover ’09 Robert G. Jubin, Sr. ’66 Nellie M. Mancini, retired dining services worker Jay McElravy ’66 John Bernhardt Miller III ’64 Lawrence C. Miller ’49 John M. Minerd ’55 Sara D. “Sally” Durigon Newcomer ’34 Mary Anne Cooley Pilanski ’57 Myrtle Marie Wainwright Posten, member of Cal U Art Club Eric Karl Rippel ’09 Elizabeth H. Roule ’25 David W. Russman* James G. Smith ’70 Judith M. Smith ’66 Jimmy Lee Stringer ’71 Robert S. Virgin ’93 Frances V. Weise ’33 Mary Catherine Welsh ’59 Nunzio Yocca ’48 James Daniel Zack, Sr., former custodian and groundskeeper Dr. Matthew John Zopetti ’56

BIRTHS Kris Mintmier Hoover ’99 and her husband, Andy, announce the birth of their daughter, Lillian Ruth, on March 5, 2010. Joshua Adams ’09 and Emelia Amato ’10 are the proud parents of a baby girl, Anna Marie Adams, born on March 28, 2010. Michael ’03 and Margaret ’01 Sklencar and big sister, Marissa, announce the birth of Cassandra Jayne on April 14, 2010. The family lives in Butler, Pa. Michael is enrolled as a graduate student at Geneva College. Margaret is a preschool teacher. Loren Martello ’99 and wife Jacqueline announce the birth of their second child, daughter, Loralai Marie Martello, on September 1, 2010.

Send your Milestones news or address changes by fax to 724-938-5932, by mail to Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 668, California, PA 15419, or by e-mail to alumni@calu.edu. Questions? Call 724-938-4418.

NAME

MAIDEN NAME

CLASS YEAR

ADDRESS

PHONE

E-MAIL

MAY WE LIST YOUR E-MAIL ON OUR WEB SITE?

OCCUPATION

EMPLOYER

SPOUSE’S NAME

SPOUSE’S CLASS (IF CAL U GRAD)

Information will be published as space and deadlines allow. Please indicate on another sheet what activities or sports you participated in while you were a student. We welcome photographs. Please do not send computer printouts or low resolution digital photos, as they will not reproduce well in this magazine.

Stay connected to the Cal U Alumni Association’s online community! Your personal ID number is on this magazine’s mailing label. 34 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2010 ■

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CAREER SERVICES The Career Services Office at Cal U can help alumni with job searches and companies with recruiting. Best of all, the services are free! • Cal U graduates who are interested in one-on-one career and job-search planning may call alumni career counselor Bridgett Nobili at 724-938-4826 or e-mail nobili@calu.edu. • Anyone who can identify job opportunities that might be suitable for Cal U students or alumni may contact employer development coordinator Sheana Malyszka at malyszka@ calu.edu.


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California University of Pennsylvania Building Character. Building Careers. 250 University Avenue California, PA 15419-1394 www.calu.edu A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

HUMAN HAMSTERS? Student Yahnae Weldon (left), a sport management major, and public relations major Ronald Taylor collide as they race Criss Cross giant hamster balls on the turf field outside the Natali Student Center. The field is often used for student activities.

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA


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