Fall 2016 Cal U Review

Rising to

the FUTURE California inaugurates its seventh president

The California University of Pennsylvania Magazine

CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 • VOL. 44 - NO. 3 The Cal U Review is published by the Office of Communications and Public Relations and is distributed free. Third class postage paid at California.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

CHANCELLOR

facebook.com/CalUofPA

Frank T. Brogan

linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19227

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Cynthia D. Shapira, chair David M. Maser, vice chair; chair, Academic and Student Affairs Aaron A. Walton, Vice Chair; Chair, Human Resources Sen. Ryan P. Aument Rep. Matthew E. Baker Audrey F. Bronson Secretary of Policy and Planning Sarah Galbally, governor’s designee Rep. Michael K. Hanna Ronald G. Henry, chair, Finance, Administration and Facilities

David Houser Jr. Jonathan B. Mack, chair, Audit Daniel P. Meuser Thomas Muller Guido M. Pichini Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera Sen. Judy Schwank Harold C. Shields Barbara McIlvaine Smith Governor Tom Wolf Two vacancies

@CalUofPA @CalUofPA

PAGE 17 A freshman Honors Program student is finding time not only for classes and homework, but for keeping his business afloat.

Lately I’ve been reminiscing about my years as a California student.

As I mentioned in my inaugural address, I was the first in my family to attend college. At first, I wasn’t sure where I’d fit in. But gradually I made friends, joined activities and started enjoying my classes. From there … well, I never looked back.

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

My experience is not unique. Research shows that students are more likely to stay in school when they feel connected, when they feel supported, and when they can see themselves making progress toward their educational goals.

COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES

Nowadays, several programs help new students find their place at Cal U. Peer Mentoring connects incoming students with upperclassmen who can answer questions and provide support. We’ve found that Cal U freshmen who engage with a mentor move on to their second year at a 10 percent higher rate than those who don’t join the program.

Our 1-credit First-Year Seminar course helps students make a smooth transition to the University environment. New students learn about campus services, discuss college life and develop a “success plan” for graduating in four years.

We are exploring the potential benefits of learning communities, groups of incoming students who take the same core classes together. And our counselors are researching “hives,” social support groups that plan regular activities to build a sense of belonging.

These programs, and others, help Cal U students to experience success. They build strong bonds and encourage students to remain enrolled. And I’m proud to report that they are working well.

Eduventures, a firm that analyzes the forces transforming higher education, recently examined our student success outcomes. It ranked our University No. 16 among 206 public master’s universities for outcomes related to student retention and graduation rates.

What are your Cal U connections? Did a memorable activity or a special friend help you find your place at California? Have you maintained those ties through the years?

Please drop us a line at alumni@calu.edu and tell us how you found your niche at Cal U — and how you’re staying connected through your alumni years. We’d love to hear from you.

With warm wishes,

Geraldine M. Jones, University president Dr. Bruce Barnhart, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance Dr. Nancy Pinardi, vice president for Student Affairs

Lawrence Maggi ’79, chair Annette Ganassi, vice chair Roberta M. Betza Sarah R. Cassin ’97 James T. Davis ‘73 Sean T. Logue Michele M. Mandell ’69

Robert Miner Jr. ’78 Thomas Uram Aaron Walton ‘68 Claudia J. Pehowic, student trustee/secretary Frank T. Brogan, chancellor, ex-officio

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jesse Hereda ’04, president Ashely (Baird) Roth ’10, ’12, vice president Dante Morelli ’02, secretary Justin Binion ’11, treasurer Lynne (Moltz) Stout ’94, immediate past president Colleen (Murphy) Arnowitz ’75, ’97 Alisha Carter ’06, ’11 Robert Crall ’10, ’12 Shelly (Fetchen) DiCesaro ’94

Bobbi (Williams) Fetsko ‘75, ‘83 Mindi (D’Auria) Fisher ’07 Brendan Garay ’15 David Gwyer ’65 Erica McDill ’92 Melissa McKean ’07 Marc Quann ’88 Bryan (Tolle) Schuerman ’09, ’16 Tim Susick ’76, ’78 Judy (Durko) Zilkowski ’77, ’83

President, California University of Pennsylvania

CAMPUS CLIPS

FEATURES

12–15

ALUMNI NEWS

18–19

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

22–23

SPORTS ROUNDUP

26–27

MILESTONES 29–33

Paul Gentile ’62 Anthony Lazzaro ’55

4 8

LIFETIME HONORARY MEMBERS

Michael J. Napolitano ’68 George Novak ’55

'Rising to the Future'

With respect for tradition and an eye on the future, the University celebrates a presidential inauguration.

'Treasures' Hidden No More

At the third annual President's Showcase, guests explore archival items and cutting-edge gear.

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Geraldine M. (Johns) Jones ’72 ’80 Lawrence Maggi ’79 Anthony Mauro ’92 ’93

William Flinn II ’68 Barbara Hess Leslie (Berdar) Fleenor ’08

SAI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ellen Mari Boyle, undergraduate student Hope Cox, ’00, ’01, alumni Justin DiPerna, undergraduate student Jonathan Hershey, undergraduate student Shaina Hilsey, undergraduate student Ryan Jerico, ’09, alumni Maura O’Brien, undergraduate student

Marc Roncone, ’03, alumni Ashley Roth, ’10, ’12, alumni Leah Seader, undergraduate student Rachel Simmons, undergraduate student Bryan (Tolle) Schuerman, ’09, ‘16, alumni Kelsey DeNardo, ‘16, graduate student

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Dr. Nancy Pinardi, ’94, ’96, ’98, vice president for Student Affairs Leigh Ann Lincoln, chief financial officer for S.A.I. Larry Sebek, ’90, ’94, associate vice president for Student Affairs

FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

William R. Flinn II ’68, president Harry E. Serene ’65, vice president Annette M. Kaleita ’55, secretary Armand E. Balsano ’74, treasurer William R. Booker ’74 Therese J. Gass ’77 Chelsea Gump Jesse G. Hereda ’04 Reginald A. Long ’81

Lawrence Maggi ’79 Michael Napolitano ’68 Frederick A. Retsch ’62 Anthony J. Saludis Linda H. Serene ’64 William G. Stough Lynne Stout ’94 Steven P. Stout ’85 Donald J. Thompson

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Geraldine M. Jones

DEPARTMENTS

Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ‘80, University President Anthony Mauro ’92, ’93, associate vice president for Development and Alumni Relations

EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christine Kindl

Greg Sofranko Kelly Tunney Aaron McGregor Scott McCurdy Don Wright

WRITERS

Wendy Mackall Bruce Wald ’85

FIT & FRESH Greatist, a website devoted to health and fitness news, counts Cal U among the “26 Healthiest Colleges in the U.S.” The website evaluates schools based on many criteria, including dining options, fitness centers and wellness resources on campus.

Cal U was singled out for its “extensive fitness facilities” and wide variety of fitness classes, from yoga to boot camp and circuit training. The Gold Rush dining facility’s allergen-free “safe zone” and helpful dietary staff also put Cal U on the list.

10 16 20

50 Years of College Access

Upward Bound points high school students from Fayette and Greene counties toward higher education.

Farm Life Lessons

Planning and financial skills come to the fore as roommates earn the American FFA Degree.

Carnival Comes to Town

Step right up! Cal U's 2016 Homecoming delights alumni and students with its 'carnival' theme.

A NOTE TO OUR READERS The Cal U Review is published three times a year to keep you updated with alumni news and information from all four Colleges at California University. Both the current edition and back issues, along with Cal U Review “extras,” are available online at calu.edu/review.

To stay updated, alumni may send their email address to alumni@calu.edu.

Email Milestones items to revieweditor@calu.edu.

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 3 n

As always, (my father) left no doubt about what he expected. I can only imagine what he might be whispering if he were here today.

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT GERALDINE M. JONES

Rising Future

to the

community celebrated by spotlighting academic excellence in all its many forms.

In keeping with Cal U’s core values, students observed a Day of Responsibility by washing storefront windows and tackling other chores in downtown California. Then they welcomed the community to campus for an outdoor edition of the Underground Café, an entertainment tradition at Cal U for more than 20 years.

The week’s highlight, of course, was the Oct. 14 investiture ceremony, which opened with a colorful procession of dignitaries, University administrators and trustees, deans and faculty members.

Dressed in academic regalia, they marched from the Convocation Center to Steele Hall behind faculty marshal Dr. William Biddington, who carried the University mace.

A brass ensemble played a fanfare as the procession entered the auditorium.

Among the honored guests were Cynthia D. Shapira, chair of the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education; immediate past chair Guido Pichini; and Dr. Peter Garland, the State

System’s executive vice chancellor.

Faculty members from 26 academic departments filed into their seats behind banners representing the School of Graduate Studies and Research, the College of Education and Human Services, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Eberly College of Science and Technology.

Larry Maggi, chair of the University’s Council of Trustees, presided over the ceremony, introducing the trustees, numerous college presidents and their designees, and a number of federal, state and county legislators. Alumni, students, staff and University friends filled the theater’s remaining seats.

“An investiture, steeped in tradition and rich in pageantry, is a significant ceremony in higher education,” Maggi told the audience.

“It has a two-fold purpose: to present the new president in formal convocation to the public, and to permit the University to reaffirm its commitment to … advancing the excellence of the institution in all its endeavors.”

Continued on page 6

I University President Geraldine M. Jones delivers her inaugural address.

4 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

Dr. Robert M. Steele California State Teachers College

1928-1952

Dr. C. Herman Grose California State Teachers College

1952-1956

Dr. Michael Duda California State College

1956-1968

California State College

1968-1976*

as the audience laughed.

“As always, he left no doubt about what he expected. I can only imagine what he might be whispering if he were here today.”

Dr. John P. Watkins ’53 California University of Pennsylvania

Seventh president

The presidential inauguration was just the seventh in California’s long history. With a theme of “Honoring Tradition, Rising to the Future,” the weeklong celebration included a series of academic events organized by Cal U’s three undergraduate Colleges.

The Langston Hughes Poetry Society presented readings by one of President Jones’ favorite writers, and a performance by student actors highlighted key moments in her career. With images and music, scholarship and fellowship, the campus

As a seminary and later a normal school, California was led by principals. In 1928, California became part of the state college system, with a president as its chief administrator. Prior to the tenure of Geraldine M. Jones, these individuals served as president:

Dr. George H. Roadman ’41

Cal U inaugurates a new leader n the same auditorium where she and her father sat side by side on her first day as a college student, Geraldine M. Jones was installed as president of California University of Pennsylvania.

At her formal investiture ceremony in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre, she recalled emeritus President Michael Duda’s remarks to a “roomful of nervous freshmen” and their parents more than 45 years ago.

“Look at the student to your right.

Now look to your left. One of you won’t be here on graduation day.”

Her dad, the late Ronald Johns, had other ideas.

“My father leaned close and whispered in my ear: ‘But YOU will,’” she said wryly,

Past presidents

1976-1992* Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. California University of Pennsylvania

1992-2012 During Inauguration Week, a digital storytelling project by junior Elizabeth Brueggman illustrated key points in the University’s history.

* Includes time as acting or interim president

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 5 n

Delivering greetings

One by one, delegates stepped to the podium to deliver greetings to the President, who had served nearly four years in acting and interim roles before the Board of Governors unanimously selected her as president in April.

Shaina Hilsey, student government president, spoke on behalf of her fellow students.

“We are so lucky to have a personable President we can see walking her dog on campus, eating at our new dining establishment … and attending campus talks and student convocations. … We stand with her to make this campus the best that it can be.”

Councilman Pat Alfano proclaimed Oct. 14, 2016, as “President Geraldine M. Jones Day throughout the Borough of California.”

And James Davis ’73, a member of the University’s Council of Trustees, spoke as both the President’s colleague and a lifelong friend.

“Gerri Jones is a leader who provides great hope for the future of this University,” he said. “She can talk to young people because her life demonstrates that your dreams can come true.”

Chancellor Frank T. Brogan was unable to attend the ceremony because of ongoing negotiations with the faculty union in Harrisburg.

In his place, vice chancellor Garland charged President Jones “to use your demonstrated qualities of leadership, sound judgment and personal integrity, together with the applied strengths of this university … to advance the level of teaching, research and public service that will most benefit the citizens of Pennsylvania.”

Presidential greetings These members of the Cal U community presented official greetings to the President during her investiture ceremony: Shaina Hilsey, president of the Student Government Association, representing Cal U students.

Barbara L. Hess, chapter president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, speaking for California’s faculty.

6 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

After Shapira administered the oath of office, Maggi and William Flinn II, board chair of the Foundation for California University, presented the official medallion and chain of office.

Jurnee Lantz, 14, placed it around her grandmother’s neck.

“I am grateful to those who have walked beside me on this journey,” President Jones said.

“The Board of Governors members and University trustees who have placed their faith in me, the many colleagues and scholars who share my devotion to California and its academic mission, the remarkable students who give purpose to our work, the alumni whose success is our greatest reward, and, of course, my family, who have loved and supported me every step of the way.”

Breaking barriers

President Jones delivers her inaugural address, ‘Honoring Tradition, Rising to the Future.’

In her inaugural address, President Jones noted that she was the first in her family to attend college, a point she makes when talking with firstgeneration students she meets on campus.

“If a girl from Brownsville, Pa., can do it, they can do it, too. I remind them that we are all part of the Cal U story — and it is up to them to write the next chapter.”

President Jones is also the first woman, and the first person of color, to serve as California’s leader.

In addition to past University presidents, she acknowledged Sue Ammons, the first female graduate of Cal U’s forerunner, the South Western Normal School, and Elizabeth “Jennie” Adams Carter, California’s first African-American graduate.

Academic traditions The inauguration of a university president draws on academic traditions that are centuries old.

Faculty members and distinguished guests wear academic regalia. The style of cap and gown identifies each participant’s degree; the colorful trimmings on doctors’ gowns, edgings of hoods and tassels of caps signify the wearer’s field of study. Presidents traditionally wear a robe in their university’s color, trimmed with velvet chevrons to indicate their rank.

Campus minister Pete Ware takes a selfie with the President outside Steele Hall.

Larry Maggi ‘79, chair of California University’s Council of Trustees, shares a smile with the newly inaugurated President.

The Medallion She also singled out two trailblazing female administrators, Mary Graham Noss and Dr. Nancy Nelson.

“These groundbreakers, and many others, hold special meaning for me,” the President said. “More importantly, they serve as shining examples for our students — proof that achievement depends not on how we look, but what we do.”

President Jones gives a thumbs up to members of the marching band as the procession of dignitaries and faculty members makes its way to Steele Hall for her investiture.

Sheleta Webb ’89, ’94, president of the State College and University Professional Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association and National Educational Association, representing University staff.

Ashley Roth ’10, ’12, vice president of the board of directors for the California University Alumni Association, speaking for California alumni.

Toni S. Kendrick, regional director of the Great Lakes Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., speaking for the sorority in which President Jones was both a member and an adviser.

Pat Alfano, chair of California Borough Council, representing the borough.

Dr. C. James Trotman, founding director of the Frederick Douglass Institute, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, representing the institute.

Dr. Leonard A. Colelli ’77, special assistant to the provost at West Virginia University, speaking as a former colleague. Colelli and President Jones served together as College deans.

James T. Davis ’71, member of the California University Council of Trustees, speaking both for the trustees and as a lifelong friend.

Daring to dream

In keeping with the inaugural theme, the President reflected on California’s historic mission of educating teachers, its special mission in science and technology, and its longtime support for the liberal arts.

“We will not abandon our past as we rise to a promising future,” she pledged.

“While maintaining that commitment, we will meet the challenges of a new age.”

Cal U will continue to focus on academic excellence, the President said, while energizing the curriculum with new programs in high-demand fields.

She called for increased collaboration with corporate partners and a renewed emphasis on philanthropy “to preserve access and affordability for new generations of Cal U students.”

“We will dare to dream big,” she vowed.

“We will ally ourselves with visionaries, so that together we can impact the future

of our University and the world beyond our campus.”

President Jones concluded her address with the announcement of a new initiative, Rising to the Future. Her gift is the first in an inaugural-year campaign to raise an additional $1 million for student-scholars, student-athletes and students who otherwise could not afford to earn a degree.

“Now is the time to commit our resources, as well as our good wishes, to the challenging task before us,” she said, as she called for alumni and friends to join the fundraising campaign.

“Through this effort we signal loud and clear that our students come first. That even as we move into a new phase of our University’s history, California remains a place of opportunity for hard-working students who view higher education as the route to a better life.”

After the ceremony, the audience crossed Third Street to the Natali Student Center, where the campus community celebrated with a reception in the Heritage Lounge.

“This is a historic day for California University,” Maggi said. “Today, we officially welcome President Jones as she brings a new direction that will lead the University well into the future.” 

By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

A medallion, or chain of office, is worn by a university president on ceremonial occasions as part of his or her regalia. The University seal forms the centerpiece medallion of the ceremonial chain worn by presidents of California University of Pennsylvania. The presidential medallion presented to Geraldine M. Jones at her investiture ceremony was given by the Foundation for California University.

The Mace The University mace is a symbol of authority carried in all formal academic processions. California’s mace, created by Maryland artist Thomas Shimrock, features a 6-pound, cast-silver depiction of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and metalsmithing, working at his forge. The mace’s circular display cabinet is crafted from bubinga, ebony and anegre woods, with silver finials. Its carrying case is made from quarter-cut sycamore lined with velvet.

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 7 n

The California Singers hit a high note during the talent portion of the President’s Showcase.

Sheet music from the silent film era — and a talented student pianist — are among the treasures on display at the President’s Showcase.

University President Geraldine M. Jones pleases the crowd with her rendition of ‘My Funny Valentine.’

HIDDEN NO MORE Archival items on display at President’s Showcase

8 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

I

t involved a lot of climbing into attics and shining flashlights into basement storage spaces, but that was fine by California librarian Georgianna Baldwin.

She was on a mission.

Her discoveries — plus more from the decades since — were on display in the Convocation Center at the President’s Showcase: Hidden Treasures.

This year the annual fundraiser highlighted the University’s past and present as students, faculty, staff, alumni and University friends gathered in support of the Student Scholarship Fund for Academics, Arts and Athletics.

Baldwin was Cal U’s first archivist, and in 1971 she worked with president emeritus Dr. George H. Roadman to create the library’s Archives and Special Collections Department. Located originally in the north tower of Old Main, it now is housed on the second floor of Manderino Library.

symbol of authority carried in all formal academic processions, including the October inauguration of President Geraldine M. Jones.

Displayed throughout the room were other conversation starters, such as a letterman’s sweater, old diplomas and pictures of buildings no longer on campus.

Models of buildings made by the Works Progress Administration during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal were also on display, recalling their use as visual aids for teachers at the Noss Demonstration School, where generations of California teachers practiced their skills.

Learning from the past

In a nod to the “now,” commercial music technology majors Harrison Oldham and Matthew Palichat sat close to the sheet music display, playing piano music as the guests socialized.

Nearby, students representing Cal U’s three undergraduate colleges and the graduate school — another collection of “treasures” — talked with visitors about the value of a Cal U education, the hands-on opportunities the University has provided, and the importance of student scholarships.

Even in Special Collections and Archives, material from the past is being used in the present to help students with various projects.

“There’s been a push to have students learn through primary sources,” explains Julia McGinnis, resource acquisition, metadata and special collections librarian at Manderino Library.

“Instead of relying on someone else’s interpretation of events, students have access to letters, diaries, mine records or journals — all the ways people communicated before the Internet — to draw their own conclusions about historical events.”

On to the future

Guest William Flinn II ’68, president of the Foundation for California University, expressed his excitement at being part of the University’s next chapter.

“I loved being here as a student,” the former industrial arts major says. “It was one of the top programs in the country,” and with it he began a career in education before opening his own insurance agency.

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity that solicits and receives private gifts for the benefit of Cal U and its students. Most gifts support scholarships.

“I can see that we are making a difference in the lives of students at Cal U,” Flinn says.

“People who have graduated from Cal U have gone on to do very, very well. And now we have a chance to pay that back. When you raise funds and then see what that means for students, it warms your heart.

“Our goal is to create a legacy of philanthropy, and gathering together to share memories of our time at Cal U is one way to do that.” 

By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

Foundation board president William Flinn II ‘68 and his wife, Pam Linnon-Flinn, chat with Annabel Lorence, a theater major and costume designer.

The centerpiece of the Showcase reception, pulled from file drawers in the archives, was a collection of sheet music from the silent film era.

It was used by pianists who accompanied the silent movies screened at the Coyle Theatre in Charleroi, Pa. The collection later was donated to the California State College Community Symphony Orchestra, then a part of the Music Department.

The department, in turn, gave many thousands of pages to the archives.

“A music expert looked at it and said it’s probably the largest collection of silent film music outside of Hollywood,” says Daniel Zyglowicz, archives and special collections technician.

Showcase organizers also displayed an antique scale once used in the former science building (now Watkins Hall) to weigh materials for lab experiments. And they showed off the University mace, a

Dr. Harry Serene ‘65 talks with biology major Stephanie Murray, who traveled to Madagascar for a study abroad experience.

Students from the Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy perform at the talent showcase.

REMEMBER WHEN? Alumni and friends who attended the President’s Showcase in support of student scholarships are also among the University’s treasures. So are the memories they shared at the event.

We met on campus.

We were in a play together called ‘The Crucible’ — she was a witch. And we got married the same evening that I graduated from Cal.” Dr. Roger Angelelli ’64, who teaches a course in advanced audiology and speech pathology at Cal U

My mom and I were both students together. She commuted from Bentleyville.”

Lynne Angelelli ’65, who works as an artist and majored in education

Having a TV in your dorm room was a big deal in the ’70s. I remember all of us gathering around to watch Rhoda’s wedding (on the show Rhoda, with Valerie Harper). And having a phone in your room was a big deal in the 1970s, too.”

Colleen Murphy Arnowitz ’75, an Alumni Association board member who transferred to Cal U and majored in education

I actually started at Cal as a kindergartener.”

Kirk Holman, a friend of the University who took some courses at Cal U and who attended the Noss School on campus. His mom, Merrell, was a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher and then director of the laboratory school

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 9 n

OF COLLEGE ACCESS Upward Bound propels students toward higher education

B

y the time she’d reached eighth grade, Amber M. Preston ’12, ’14 had faced more than her share of challenges.

Her family was economically disadvantaged, and both parents struggled with addiction.

Relatives and teachers told Preston she was bright enough to attend college. But as the first in her family to consider higher education, she had no idea how to go about it.

When a Cal U counselor visited Brownsville Area Middle School and described the Upward Bound program, Preston jumped at the chance.

“I remember Ms. Jennifer Ramsey speaking in the middle school auditorium. She said we’d have the opportunity to see colleges and universities, to go on tours, and to get help with math and science so we’d be ready.

“I knew it was my opportunity to get that foot up.”

Today, Preston has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with minors in sociology and women’s studies, plus a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

She has turned her passion for helping others into a career, combining part-time work as a community outreach advocate for Connellsville (Pa.) Area Community Ministries with her role as an outpatient

10 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

therapist and mobile therapist/behavioral specialist consultant with Connellsville Counseling and Psychological Services.

“Had it not been for the Upward Bound staff showing me what college is, I don’t know that I could have done it,” she says.

“I was not the only child in Fayette County to come from a dysfunctional family. But luckily, I had my Upward Bound family who were only a phone call or an email away.”

where household income falls within federal guidelines — factors that, statistically, weigh against college enrollment.

Today, Cal U’s Department of TRIO and Academic Services administers three competitive federal grants. One provides support services for Cal U students, with the goal of improving the graduation rate for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities.

The others support two Upward Bound programs. The Fayette County program serves 93 students in five school districts, while the newer Greene County program has 63 students from four school districts enrolled.

“The success of this program depends on the support of our University and of the community, especially our partner schools,” says Laura Giachetti, Cal U’s director of Upward Bound.

“Our students make a big commitment, too.”

Once they have applied as eighth-graders, Upward Bound students sign on to a yearround schedule that continues until they enter college.

They meet weekly after school with Cal U staff and students who provide tutoring and help with study skills. About twice a semester they are bused to Cal U for a Saturday Academy, where they are introduced to professors and a range of academic programs.

“This gives our students firsthand information about college and career fields,” Giachetti explains. “Our Cal U professors are a wonderful resource.”

Participants also meet with career advisers, prepare for standardized tests and visit college fairs. Field trips to museums and historical sites expand their cultural awareness.

The annual five-week Summer Academy, an optional experience, immerses Upward Bound students in university life. They live on campus and are introduced to college-level studies.

Half-century of support

This summer Preston spoke at a luncheon celebrating a Cal U milestone: 50 years of supporting young people on their path to a college education.

The first Upward Bound program was offered at California State College in the 1966-1967 academic year, beginning a commitment to college access that has continued to this day.

Upward Bound is a nationwide, federally funded TRIO program whose roots stretch back to President Lyndon Johnson’s “war on poverty” and the Educational Opportunity Act of 1964.

It targets students from families where neither parent has a college degree, or

Had it not been for the Upward Bound staff showing me what college is, I don’t know that I could have done it.

AMBER M. PRESTON '12, '14

Through these shared experiences, they build ties to classmates and friends who share their aspirations.

“When we talk about the Upward Bound ‘family,’ we really mean it,” Preston says.

“I was so nervous at first, but there were no cliques like there were in high school. We were all just people doing things together, often for the first time. The Upward Bound staff was incredibly supportive. And I made a lot of friends that I’m still in touch with today.”

University President Geraldine M. Jones was Cal U’s Upward Bound director for 20 years. Program graduates still keep in touch with her and send updates about their families and careers.

President Jones recalls the program’s early days, when counselors traveled Fayette County’s back roads to interview prospective students at their homes.

“Back then, social services were not what they are today. Some families were living in very, very difficult circumstances. But we met many bright students who just needed that opportunity to excel.”

College search

Laura Giachetti, Cal U’s director of Upward Bound.

Upward Bound students also get help with their college search — an essential step for young people whose families aren’t familiar with the process. Staff present family workshops focused on college planning and financial aid. During “senior trip week,” older students visit Washington, D.C., stopping en route to tour several college campuses.

“We go on a lot of college tours,” says Shelby Haney, of Uniontown, Pa., who attended this summer’s five-week Bridge Program for new high school graduates.

“I didn’t know about half the colleges around here or the majors they have. If it wasn’t for Upward Bound, I wouldn’t be going somewhere that I really enjoy.”

Since the programs began, more than 2,000 Cal U Upward Bound students have enrolled in college. Some choose California; others find their “dream school” elsewhere.

This summer, all eight Bridge Program students were awarded scholarships, and they entered their chosen schools with college credits and campus experience already on their transcripts. All signs point toward college success.

Program graduate Noelle Elliott, also of Uniontown, summed it up in just eight words: “Things would be so different without Upward Bound.” 

By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

SCHOOL DISTRICTS SERVED IN FAYETTE COUNTY: • Albert Gallatin • Brownsville Area • Connellsville Area • Laurel Highlands • Uniontown Area

IN GREENE COUNTY: • Carmichaels Area • Jefferson-Morgan • Waynesburg Central • West Greene

To learn more about Upward Bound, email upwardbound@calu.edu.

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 11 n

CAMPUS C L I P S

Anthropologists Fuad Abdul Kader ‘15 (left) and Dr. John Nass look for evidence of Wolff’s Fort.

Anthropologists hunt for fortified dwelling Anthropology professors, alumni and students conducted an exploratory dig this summer, seeking the site of a fortified stone house built in the mid-18th century.

Dr. John Nass and Dr. Cassandra Kuba led the search for Wolff’s Fort at a site along Route 40, not far from Washington, Pa. Lending a hand with the excavation were William Zinn ’10, who earned a history degree from Cal U and now is studying anthropology; program graduates Casey Bricker ’15 and Fuad Abdul Kader ’15; and senior Robert Milhoan.

Property owner John Bruner, a former police officer, has been a speaker in Kuba’s forensic anthropology classes. Three years ago a team from National Geographic explored his land and found more than 100 artifacts believed to date from the 1700s.

The Cal U group did not locate the fortified house, which has been described in journals and oral histories.

Nevertheless, Kuba says, Bruner “has been really supportive of our efforts … and we are always looking for hands-on opportunities for our students.”

to California, he taught in the Wilkinsburg and Jeannette school districts and held administrative positions at U.S. Steel and Pittsburgh Public Schools.

The annual award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the spirit, resilience and leadership of Elizabeth “Jennie” Carter, California’s first AfricanAmerican graduate.

In her presentation remarks, University President Geraldine M. Jones praised James as “an advocate of equality and fairness.”

Sheleta Webb, ’89, ’94, director of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Education, added that James “was instrumental in promoting the University’s commitment to diversity and seeing that all students made the most out of their Cal U experience.”

Students return to class after three-day strike Students and professors returned to classes Oct. 24 after a three-day strike by the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF), which represents faculty at all 14 State System universities, including Cal U. This was the first strike in the history of the State System. Faculty took to the picket lines after working for 15 months under terms of an expired contract.

“Our job now is to come together and, with mutual respect, return to our primary purpose: providing every Cal U student with a high-quality academic education and a college experience that is second to none,” President Geraldine M. Jones stated in a message to the campus community once a tentative agreement had been reached.

“We will move forward in the spirit of our core values — Integrity, Civility and Responsibility. I am proud to say that those values were on display even during the past three days, and I expect them to guide our interactions in the days ahead.”

12 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

Inejih Abeid (right) the University’s first Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant, discusses Arabic language and culture with faculty member Dr. Razak AbedallahSurrey. Abeid, of Mauritania, is tutoring students enrolled in Cal U’s online bachelor’s degree program in Arabic, where Abedallah-Surrey is an instructor. The Fulbright FLTA program brings early-career educators from around the world to study at U.S. colleges while they teach their native languages, assist in language instruction and serve as cultural ambassadors. Abeid develops short instructional videos and uses Skype to help Cal U Global Online students develop proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Arabic.

Intern spends semester at state health department The student member of Cal U’s Council of Trustees has seen the complexities of state government firsthand.

Senior Claudia Pehowic worked for the state Department of Health as part of a 15-week internship sponsored by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.

Pehowic, who has dual majors in communication studies and political science with a minor in French, was one

of 12 students participating this fall in The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS) program.

“The legislative process now reminds me of Chockablock Clock (a large and intricate timepiece) in Harrisburg’s Strawberry Square,” she says. “This has been a great experience.”

As an intern with the Health Department’s Office of Legislative Affairs, Pehowic worked with legislative staffers to resolve constituent concerns about vital records, hiring processes and upcoming legislation.

More than 600 students from State System universities have taken part in THIS since the program began in 1989.

Interns have worked with dozens of state agencies and offices.

Greeks pitch in on flood cleanup

Former dean receives Jennie Carter Award Alumnus Alan James ’62 received the 2016 Jennie Carter Leadership Award at a ceremony held as part of Family Day celebrations.

James was a staff member at California University for 22 years, retiring as the dean of Student Development and Services. Before coming

Fulbright assistant

First day of school On Move-In Day, student volunteers from the Delta Zeta sorority pack an elevator as they help to carry a first-year student’s belongings into a room at Johnson Hall. This year’s class of first-year students represents 330 high schools and includes residents of 43 Pennsylvania counties and 11 U.S. states, plus Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands. In addition, 30 students from countries outside the United States arrived at Cal U for the first time this fall.

Cal U fraternity and sorority members joined the recovery effort after flooding devastated homes in one Fayette County community.

More than 60 students from 10 Greek organizations volunteered to clean up, rebuild and help to salvage houses in Connellsville, Pa., and neighboring Bullskin Township, where flooding caused heavy damage this summer.

According to published reports, about 50 families were displaced by the high water, and at least 29 properties were condemned.

Students used power-washers to clean

houses, tore down water-damaged walls, put up insulation and shoveled mud out of sheds.

“We just felt that we should be on the front lines, putting in the work,” says senior Nicole Stephens, a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

“The unity that these (Greek) organizations showed was phenomenal.

It made me really proud to call myself part of the Greek community at Cal U.”

‘Concussion’ author tells doctor’s story A wide-ranging conversation with the author of Concussion explored both the writing process and the groundbreaking work of a Pittsburgh pathologist and the National Football League’s response to his research into the long-term effects of repeated head injuries.

Jeanne Marie Laskas, a former syndicated columnist for The Washington Post Magazine, was the latest speaker in the University’s Noss Lecture Series. She is director of the creative writing program at the University of Pittsburgh and the originator of the “Ask Laskas” column in Reader’s Digest.

Laskas discussed her GQ article “Game Brain,” which described the

work of neurobiologist Dr. Bennet Omalu, and the book based on that reporting.

Concussion was released in 2015 to coincide with the Will Smith movie of the same name.

Noting that the NFL has been slow to embrace Omalu’s research findings, Laskas urged the athletic training students in the audience to “be straightforward and honest and open to new information. Be open to new ideas.”

And she reminded the would-be authors in the room that you can make a living as a writer.

“Stop listening to the people who tell you … to do something more practical.

(Publishers and editors) are always looking for … new writers. They are looking for the new voices.”

Keep in touch with myCALU app Whether you’re an alumnus looking to keep in touch, a visitor to campus or a future college student who’s thinking about Cal U, the myCALU app should be on your smartphone.

The new app offers one-click access to a wealth of campus resources, including GPS-enabled maps, Cal U news, Vulcan athletics information, videos and photos.

In addition, Cal U students who log in with their campus ID and password can use the app to check course schedules, grades and financial accounts.

Recent studies show that 83 percent of American adults ages 18-29 own a smartphone, and the percentage rises to 86 percent among college students.

The myCALU app is available for free for iOS or Android devices.

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 13 n

CAMPUS C L I P S Speaking to a near-capacity crowd in Eberly Hall, he urged students to examine the scientific literature rather than listening to “deniers for hire” paid by the fossil fuel industry.

The Meteorology Club regularly hosts talks by authors, subject matter experts and Cal U alumni who are working in the field. The presentations are free and open to the public.

Chapter works to engage voters

Employer of the Year Rhonda Gifford (left), director of the Career and Professional Development Center, and Dr. John Kallis, dean of the Eberly College of Science and Technology, present the Cal U Career Advantage Advisory Board’s 2016 Employer of the Year award to Jamie Timms, of Enterprise Holdings Inc. The award was presented during the annual Fall Job and Internship Fair, which brought a record 465 students and more than 70 companies and organizations to the Convocation Center. Timms has been recruiting Cal U students through internships and a management training program for the past 16 years, hiring 21 Cal U students for full-time positions in the past two years alone.

Club joins global mapping project Members of Cal U’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Club are joining university students from around the world to update OpenStreetMap, an interactive, editable global mapping program that is being used in crisis response and international humanitarian aid efforts.

The OpenStreetMap program was founded by Texas Tech University in 2015. In the project’s first seven months, students worldwide had used open spatial data to make more than 1 million edits to the mapping program.

Cal U’s GIS Club joined the inaugural YouthMappers network of chapters. With guidance from GIS expert Dr. Thomas Mueller, a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, students have been working on a “humanitarian mapping” project aimed at assisting USAID and the Peace Corps with malaria prevention efforts in Kenya.

14 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

Club members also have digitized buildings and roads in the California area.

At one “mini mapathon” on campus, 30 students managed to map more than 1,100 buildings in less than two hours.

Speaker uses humor to address climate change Dr. Michael Mann, a Penn State University professor and wellknown expert on climate change, kicked off the Cal U Meteorology Club’s fall colloquia series.

His new book, The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial Is Threatening Our Planet, Destroying Our Politics and Driving Us Crazy, takes a light-hearted look at this serious topic.

The book is co-authored by Tom Toles, an editorial cartoonist at the Washington Post.

Describing climate change as “the greatest issue affecting our national security,” Mann also discussed the effect or rising global temperatures on food and fresh water supplies, land use and global politics.

Throughout a tumultuous election season, the campus chapter of the American Democracy Project worked to educate students about the candidates and help them explore the issues and get to the polls on Election Day. In September, a Constitution Day panel featured firsthand accounts of the presidential conventions. Classmates and moderator Courtney Cochran’12, ’13 questioned seniors Claudia Pehowic, who covered the Republican National Convention as an intern for Talk News Media, and Kirra Lent, who interned with FOX News at the Democratic National Convention.

They also heard from senior Ellen “Mari” Boyle, a delegate at CollegeDebate 16. The national initiative worked to engage young voters and place millennials’ concerns in front of the presidential contenders.

Campus drives and online information helped students, including many firsttime voters, register to vote. Nonpartisan guides created by the Campus Election Engagement Project gave students a sideby-side look at major party candidates for president, Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate seat and third-party candidates.

As Election Day neared, faculty panelists discussed current events at two Issue Expos, and students at lively DebateWatch parties alternately groaned and cheered as the presidential candidates faced off on television.

“The goal of the American Democracy Project is to produce graduates who are committed to being active, involved citizens in their communities,” says Dr. Melanie Blumberg, Cal U’s ADP adviser. “Voter turnout, especially among younger voters, truly can make a difference.”

The Peters Township High School Mighty Indian Marching Band performs at Cal U.

Home games feature high school bands High school bands took the field at Adamson Stadium this season, entertaining Vulcan football fans with pregame performances.

Then they settled into the stands to watch the games and perform pep tunes alongside the Cal U Marching Band.

Members of the University’s undergraduate admissions team talked with the young performers and handed out Cal U spirit items and information packets.

“It’s a nice recruiting tool,” says Dr. Frank Stetar, director of bands. “We enjoy giving the younger musicians a more personal look at who we are, and everyone has a good time.”

Bands from California Area, Bentworth, Brownsville Area and Washington high schools took part in the game-day programs, and marching bands from Allderdice (Pittsburgh, Pa.), California, Brownsville, Charleroi, Monessen and Peters Township high schools performed at Cal U’s Homecoming celebration.

Rugby player scores championship berth Junior Erica Long returned to the Women’s Rugby Club this season with a new line on her resume: participation in one of the largest women’s rugby competitions in the nation.

Long, a criminology major, played for the National Small College Rugby Organization’s Select Sides team at the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championships in Philadelphia, Pa. The team finished in fifth place.

“It was by far the best experience of my life,” says Long, who has played rugby for just over a year. She credits Cal U coach Brittany Marnell and her NSCRO coaches with preparing her for top-level competition.

Cal U has 26 teams in its 23 sports clubs, and these groups continue to achieve national and regional success, says Jamison Roth, Cal U’s director of sports clubs.

“Many of our students simply cannot compete in NCAA athletics. However, by participating in sports clubs, they still are able to compete, and many of them are earning recognition for themselves and the University.”

Technology programs earn re-accreditation Two undergraduate degree programs, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology and the B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology, have been re-accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. A specialized accreditor, ABET assures quality standards for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.

ABET accreditation “adds critical value to academic programs in the technical

disciplines, where quality, precision and safety are of the utmost importance,” the organization says.

Accreditation is one assurance that an academic program meets high standards for educational quality and prepares students to enter the workforce.

Cal U seeks and maintains accreditation for all academic programs where it is required for professional licensure or certification. Accreditation for other programs is maintained when it is deemed to offer a tangible benefit for Cal U students and the University.

Commuters have option for overnight stay Now commuter students facing inclement weather, a late-night activity or an early-morning meeting can spend the night on campus.

Blaze Express Housing provides temporary overnight lodging on the first floor of Residence Hall B. Guests may “check in” for no more than three nights per week and a total of six nights per month during the fall and spring semesters. The $40-pernight fee includes linens.

The seven Blaze Express rooms are in a wing separated from the rest of the residence hall. Only Blaze Express guests will have access, and rooms are secured with a keycard.

Prompted by student requests, the program was instituted by University Housing and the Office of Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services.

In appreciation University President Geraldine M. Jones signs a proclamation designating Nov. 7-11 as ‘Military and Veterans Appreciation Week’ at Cal U. Looking on are Capt. Robert Prah ’06, ’10 (left), director of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Maund ’11, Army ROTC instructor at Cal U. In addition to the annual Veterans Dinner, banners on campus honored past and present service members, and thank-you packages were sent to service members enrolled in Cal U Global Online.

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 15 n

Somerset Area FFA members Autumn Bridge (left) and Paige Stahl

FARM LIFE Lessons

and

Roommates receive national agricultural awards

F

armers, then friends, then college roommates — and now national award-winners.

Cal U freshman Autumn Bridge and sophomore Paige Stahl, both members of the Somerset (Pa.) Area FFA, traveled to Indianapolis, Ind., this fall to receive the American FFA Degree, which is awarded to the most outstanding members of the National FFA Organization.

To earn the award, students must participate in a supervised agricultural experience, which helps them become aware of possible careers in agriculture.

The national award requires students to demonstrate comprehensive planning skills and managerial and financial expertise. Students also must earn and then “productively invest” money back into their project.

“If I raised a steer my first year and it sold for, say, $2,000, I’d use the money to buy the steer for the next year,” explains Stahl, a sophomore who is studying to become a special education teacher.

The third member of her family to win an American FFA Degree, she raised the

16 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

grand champion steer at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in 2011 and the reserve grand champion in 2014. She also raises lambs and pigs.

Adds Bridge, who raises market lambs and also gained experience working for Diane’s Pet Parlor and Boarding Base, in Somerset, “You have to learn how to keep a lot of records.”

Stahl is the fourth generation to work on the family-owned White Oak Farm, which grows a variety of fruits and vegetables to sell.

Her career choice was influenced by her sister, who is doing very well despite a learning disability. “So I’ve seen the important role of a special education teacher,” she says.

Both women have good things to say about FFA, which has expanded beyond its Future Farmers of America past. The organization welcomes members who “aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more.”

“I went to a lot of county and regional FFA conferences, and it helps you so

BAITS BookS

much,” Stahl says. “When I started, I was a shy, scared ‘farm girl,’ but then I eventually became president of my chapter and treasurer of my county FFA group. It has helped me grow as a person.”

“The FFA conferences and leadership experiences helped me a lot with basic training,” says Bridge, a specialist with the U.S. Army National Guard who is majoring in criminal justice. “I already had a lot of skills when I got to Fort Jackson (S.C.).”

“Agriculture is such a huge category today,” says Dan Overdorff, agriculture instructor and FFA adviser at Somerset Senior High School.

“You think just traditional farming, but it’s landscaping, forestry, aquatics, wildlife management and so much more.

And FFA teaches students other skills, like leadership and public speaking.”

“And you become like a family,” Bridge says. “We still talk to Mr. Overdorff; he calls to check up on us, see how we’re doing, make sure we’re still in school.” 

By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

Angler adds business to freshman schedule

T

ime management can be a challenge for any college freshman.

But Honors Program student Nick Fulks is finding time not only for classes and homework, but for keeping his business afloat.

The owner of Fulks Custom Cranks paints and sells “crankbaits,” wood or plastic fishing lures that resemble bait fish or crawfish. A competitive angler, Fulks began selling the customized lures so he could fish in high school bass tournaments.

Three years after starting his business, the Canon-McMillan High School graduate has 1,000 customers and paints 8,000 to 10,000 crankbaits a year.

His Cal U studies are a perfect fit, he says — a major in fisheries and wildlife management, with a minor in business. But making it all work takes discipline.

“I need to keep a really tight schedule, keep my time straight and use my weekends wisely,” says Fulks, who’s taking a full course load.

“As soon as I get home, I do my homework and get to painting.”

‘Match the hatch’

Fulks buys his crankbaits in bulk and gives them several coats of paint with an airbrush, followed by epoxy. He finishes each one individually by adding split rings, hooks and eyes.

He hasn’t mapped his sales, but he believes he’s sold lures to anglers from nearly every U.S. state. He has customers in Canada, too.

Unlike mass-production bait companies, Fulks paints lures to “match the hatch,” mimicking the aquatic life in a specific river or stream.

“It’s painting the baits to (look like) what the fish eat,” Fulks explains. “If someone sends me a picture of a shad or minnow from their local river, I can get that matched.

“A lot of crawfish in the river have a greenish-and-brown look with orange pinchers, so I do that a lot.”

Crankbaits are the go-to lures for avid anglers, says Dr. David Argent, a fisheries expert from the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

“Having custom painted ones, as opposed to some off-the-rack deal, is special.”

Bass fishing

When he’s not in the classroom or painting lures, Fulks is likely to be fishing.

In 2015 he won the West Virginia B.A.S.S. High School Nation title and finished third in the Pennsylvania version of the event. He took fifth in the B.A.S.S Nation Mid-Atlantic Championship, which draws anglers from multiple states.

From 2009-2013 he was the junior club champion for Penn’s Waters Bass Busters, his home club, and he hopes to start a competitive bass fishing team at Cal U. “I’ve been fishing since I could walk,” says Fulks, whose father and grandfather are both competitive fishermen.

Hearing Argent speak at his high school made Fulks aware of the many environmental programs offered at Cal U. “He made me realize the classes I could take here went right along with my interests.”

Now Fulks wants to learn more about operating a business.

“And I’m really looking forward to going out and collecting samples, so I can base new colors on things I never knew were in the river.” 

By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 17 n

ALUMNI CALENDAR E OF FROM THE OFFIC NS! ALUMNI RELATIO is all decked out for the The Kara Alumni House d ’re already looking ahea winter holidays, but we and d the return of spring to warmer weather an summer sports.

sketball, golf or baseball Whether you prefer ba plan versation - I hope you’ll or just enjoy a lively con . of our 2017 alumni events to attend one or more r with friends and forme We’ll reminisce, catch up l U. the latest news from Ca classmates, and hear all you soon!

I look forward to seeing

FEB

25

BASKETBALL ‘RED OUT’

Red is the color of the day when basketball alumni join a “red out” in the Convocation Center. The Vulcan men’s and women’s basketball teams take on the IUP Crimson Hawks; tip-off is 3 p.m. for the women’s game, 5 p.m. for the men’s. At half-time of the men’s game, Cal U welcomes members of the 1967 men’s basketball team and marks the 50th anniversary of their first PSAC-West championship. For details, visit calvulcans.com.

MAR

12

SPRING TRAINING CAMP

Attention all Florida-area alumni! Cal U will be heading south in March for the annual alumni event at a Pittsburgh Pirates spring training game.

Plan to join us at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla., when the Pirates face the Minnesota Twins. Watch your mailbox for details.

’08 Leslie Berdar Fleenor ations Director of Alumni Rel

APR

22

ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

Be there when Cal U honors its Vulcan sports standouts at the annual Athletics Hall of Fame dinner. Watch for more information, including a list of honorees, on our athletics website, caluvulcans.com.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Are you interested in becoming more involved with your alma mater? Would you like to become a member of the Cal U Alumni Association Board of Directors?

Selections will take place this spring, with eight (8) seats to be filled.

Candidates will be screened by the Nominating Committee for Board Members. All candidates must complete a nomination form to be considered.

Nomination forms must be received by the Nominating Committee no later than March 31, 2017.

To download the nomination form and the position description, visit www.calu.edu/alumni or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418.

18 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

APR

27

CAL GALS LUNCHEON

You won’t find a more welcoming group than the Cal Gals, retired female school teachers who get together for lunch and friendly conversation. If you were a teacher, please take a seat at the Cal Gals’ annual spring luncheon in the Kara Alumni House. For details, contact Staci Tedrow in the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418.

JUNE

12

CAL U GOLF OUTING

Mark your calendar for the 36th annual Cal U Golf Outing, held this year at the Uniontown Country Club. Proceeds from this popular event benefit the General Athletic Scholarship Fund. Learn more at www.calu.edu/alumni.

For more information on these and other events, visit www.calu.edu/alumni or call the Alumni Office at 724-938-4418.

HERE’S WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING: June 23: More than 80 athletic training alumni, faculty and guests gathered in Baltimore for the annual Athletic Training Alumni Society event. First-time donors and Global Online graduates helped the group raised more than $2,845 for its scholarship.

July 17: Sixty Cal U alumni and guests watched the Pittsburgh Pirates claim a 2-1 victory after 18 innings on July 17 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The group enjoyed a pregame picnic inside the stadium and heard an update from President Jones.

Step inside A chilly drizzle on Homecoming Day moved the Picnic on the Patio indoors. Enjoying the event despite the indoor venue are (clockwise from lower left) Tracey Heinen Gilpin ’90, ’95 and her husband, Earl Gilpin II ’88, of Clarksville, W. Va.; Bob Lippencott ’66 and his wife, Suzanne, of Naperville, Ill.; and Dorothy Allen Merchant ’63 and her sister Margaret Allen Ryan ’66, of Greensboro, N.C.

Time for talk Justin Binion ’11, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Alisha Carter ’06, ’11, of California, Pa. chat after lunch in the Kara Alumni House. Both are members of the Alumni Association board of directors and the African American Alumni Society.

Warming up William Flinn II ’68, president of the Foundation for California University, and his wife, Pam Linnon-Flinn, warm up inside the Kara Alumni House on a chilly Homecoming Day.

Cute critters Debbie Russell ’82, ’85 and her daughter Julie Russell ’09, both of Uniontown, Pa., pose with the Stuff-A-Buddy toys they made at Cal U’s carnival-themed Homecoming celebration.

July 20: More than 100 alumni and friends enjoyed a pregame tailgate before Cal U Night at PNC Park. Fans received redand-white Pirates caps with the Cal U logo. The University Choir sang the national anthem, and President Jones and her husband, Jeff, threw out the first pitch.

Aug. 16: Men’s head basketball coach Kent McBride joined President Jones at a meet-andgreet with about 30 Fayette County alumni and friends at the Park Inn Radisson in Uniontown, Pa. Aug. 18: President Jones traveled to Philadelphia for the first time since her official appointment.

About 30 well-wishers gathered at the Pyramid Club to hear updates about progress at Cal U. Aug. 22: University trustees and members of Cal U’s Foundation and Alumni Board joined McMurray-area alumni at Atria’s restaurant in Peters Township, Pa., to hear President Jones discuss her vision for the future of Cal U.

50 years and counting Members of the Class of 1966 enjoy their 50th class reunion Oct. 21 on campus. At the Pioneer Dinner were (front row, from left) Mary Ann Gallo, Constance Manes Miller, Carol Lucostic Galvin, President Jones, Margaret Allen Ryan, Lois Foehringer Morris, Elaine Spadafore Zavage; (back row, from left) Linda Gray Eppinger, John Tweardy, Bob Lippencott, Victor Warych, Phillip Shushnar, John Ashoff, John Zavage, Susan Regola Ciarimboli.

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 19 n

The parade’s grand marshal, University President Geraldine Jones, waves to the crowd on Third Street.

COMES TO TOWN Circus sets the mood for 2016 Homecoming

A

lumnus John Frazier ’77 still remembers his GPA — a sterling 3.97 grade-point average. But that’s not what draws the former history major back to Cal U, where his son Benton is a senior this year.

“I’m just amazed by all the changes,” says Frazier, of Mount Morris, Pa., as the Homecoming parade passes by.

“We come to all the football games and never miss Homecoming. It’s just …

Cal U!” After a week of campus events, including a one-ring circus, a Saturday-morning drizzle moved some Homecoming events indoors.

But by midday there was a carnival atmosphere on Third Street, where the annual parade drew a cheerful crowd

20 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

of students, employees, alumni and community members.

The Cal U Marching Band and musicians from six local high schools provided a lively sound-track for the lineup of marchers and floats.

University President Geraldine M. Jones led the way as grand marshal, and kids scrambled to collect candy and tiny plush animals tossed to the curb.

“I can’t remember ever missing the Homecoming parade,” says Amy Augustine ’02, an office manager with ViaQuest Home Healthcare in Monongahela, Pa. “I love the parade and now enjoy taking my children (Adam, 9, and Alex, nearly 2). It’s a tradition!” 

Flag-waver Isaac Burrall hitches a ride on Corey Blosser’s shoulders. Both are members of Sigma Tau Gamma.

President Jones lines up with Homecoming royalty past and present. From left, Homecoming King Jonathan Hershey, Co-Queen Samantha Middlemiss, 2015 King Ernest Brackins Jr., Co-Queen Lakijai Bynum and 2015 Queen Shannon Barnett.

Homecoming court members Jon Hershey and Emma Rawlings toss candy to the crowd.

Five-month-old Weston Burgess, of Houston, Pa., enjoys his first Homecoming with dad Jordan Burgess ‘11

FLOAT AWARDS Theme Park by Phi Sigma Sigma sorority and Acacia fraternity Cal Du Soliel by Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and Theta Xi fraternity Jumping Through Hoops for Service

by Gamma Sigma Sigma sorority Animal Circus Train by Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity

HIGH SCHOOL BAND AWARDS Allderdice High School Peters Township High School Charleroi High School

Lakijai Bynum, one of two 2016 Homecoming Queens crowned after a tie in the voting, gets a hug from 2015 Homecoming King Ernest Brackins Jr.

Rachel Wildinson, a Gamma Sigma Sigma member, puts herself in a photo frame.

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 21 n

ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T

CHANGING WITH THE TIMES

A

lot changes in 25 years. Just ask Trooper First Class Bart Lemansky ’92, ’16.

“Technology does, for sure,” he says.

“When I got my bachelor’s degree in political science in 1992, I was carrying backpacks and books and binders. This time around, I went to the Cal U Writing Center with a flash drive in my hand to brush up on footnotes.

“That was like science fiction compared to when I first came to school,” he adds with a chuckle.

While working as a Pennsylvania State Police trooper stationed in Waynesburg, Pa., Lemansky turned to Cal U Global Online to earn his master’s degree in legal studies, with a concentration in criminal justice.

CUE THE

VOICE-OVER A

s a kid growing up in Belle Vernon, Pa., David Zema was already a radio star.

Granted, his work was only “broadcast” to his living-room audience, but no one can deny that Zema — who grew up to possess a four-octave range and create a very successful career as a voice-over artist based in New York City — fell in love with the spoken word.

“My brother Sam and I would play ‘radio,’” Zema recalls.

“My dad had a Telefunken AM-FM radio that would pull in stations from all over, and I was into imitating the announcers.”

At Cal U, Zema says he took all the classes he could.

“Dr. (Patrick) Miller and Dr. (Marcy) Blout were terrific professors. I was involved with the Theatre Department and the campus radio station. I took some speech pathology classes. I put together all the classes that seemed appropriate.

“I even took some teaching classes, because I thought of being a teacher. And I

22 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

am today, as a private voice coach.”

After graduating in 1975 with a media communications degree, Zema moved to New York City to pursue a career as a voice-over artist for TV commercials, audiobooks, corporate communications and more.

“It’s like a singer, dancer, musician or actor,” he says. “You have to know what you can do with your voice and how to read industrial or corporate copy. That takes practice and study and rehearsal.”

Zema’s most recent work is for footwear retailer DSW Inc. Other clients have included Verizon, CBS Radio, Fuse TV and the Discovery Networks.

He also has fun with his craft, giving voice to all of the characters in the Tom Terrific children’s books, based on an animated series that was part of the Captain Kangaroo TV show, one of his childhood favorites.

David Zema Enterprises provides voice coaching and presentation skills seminars through his Voices of Success program.

He also has written book chapters and articles on honing performance skills. A new book, Your Guide to Winning Voice Over Auditions: Essential Techniques for VO Talent — with Online Videos, is expected in 2017. 

By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

LISTEN UP To hear the work of voice-over artist David Zema ’75 performing ‘Tom Terrific’s Greatest Adventure’ and a DSW commercial, ‘Blame It on the Shoes,’ visit calu.edu/review.

“There were a lot of middle-of-the-night homework sessions,” he says of the 100 percent online degree program.

For the past year and a half, he has been an instructor at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, specializing in defensive tactics, physical training and use-of-force law. He also coordinates the Criminal Justice Training Center courses that are offered at Cal U. “With my master’s degree and academy instructor experience, I am eyeing a career in academia or teaching when I retire.”

Lemansky credits the Cal U faculty for helping with a mid-career transition.

“I cannot say enough good things about them. The professors are highly qualified, with real-world experience. That gives them

As an instructor, it’s exciting to use my 20 years of stories and anecdotes as a patrolman (as teaching tools).

I get to make police officers now.

BART LEMANSK Y ’92, ’16

a lot of credibility. Not everyone can teach something new to someone who has been a trooper for 20 years.”

To be sure, Lemansky has seen a lot. He was a first responder at the Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Pa., on Sept. 11, 2001, helping to secure the scene as the investigation progressed.

Another memorable assignment came in 2009, when he provided protection for the delegation from Saudi Arabia during the G20 summit in Pittsburgh.

“Every day is a different adventure,” Lemansky says of being a trooper.

“As an instructor, it’s exciting to use my 20 years of stories and anecdotes as a patrolman (as teaching tools). I get to make police officers now.” 

By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

ANSWERING QUESTIONS

THROUGH CHEMISTRY

C

lean water, safe food, quality control for the medicines we take. And much, much, much more.

It all comes down to chemistry.

“Medical, pharmaceutical, water, forensics, solar, food — basically every industry out there requires quality control and research to be done,” says Dr. Susan Rae Anderson ’88, of Chattanooga, Tenn., an independent consultant in analytical chemistry at S.R. Anderson Consulting.

“Analytical chemistry is the tool. It answers the questions of where, what, how much and sometimes who,” she explains, by using instruments, computers and statistics to provide information and solve problems.

As a consultant, she recommends instrumentation, sets up equipment, develops

analytical methods and trains personnel.

With her master’s degree and Ph.D. in physical chemistry, she also is trained to answer the questions of “why?” and “how?” at the molecular level.

“A good analytical chemist understands the physical chemistry behind the instrumentation,” Anderson says.

She serves on the NSF/ANSI Standard 60 for Drinking Water group, which writes standards for safe drinking water in the United States and Canada. And she has extensive experience in research and development and technical support for a variety of companies.

What’s next in the field?

“There is definitely a demand for computational chemistry, pharmaceutical and medical research, forensics, and with the air and water quality regulations becoming more stringent every year, there is also demand for analytical chemists who can improve

instrumentation,” Anderson says.

“There are so many opportunities in the field: patent law, teaching, medical research, pharma research … the list goes on.”

Computers, a novelty at the beginning of Anderson’s career, are now a constant.

“They are used for most everything from process control to the instruments used in quality control and research. Learning word processing programs, spreadsheets, tracking software and presentation software is a must!”

Anderson remembers Cal U fondly, especially classes with the late emeritus professor Dr. Milton Kells, whom she recalls as a tough teacher whose door was always open for questioning students.

“He is the reason I decided on physical chemistry for my Ph.D. That was my way of honoring his memory,” she says. 

By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 23 n

Cal U got me going and has a special place in my heart. I am still doing — and enjoying — what I went to Cal U for.

SPORTS P R O F I L E

PAUL CHESTNUTT ’86

Alumna’s team finishes first in reality TV show

T

hree countries, seven Canadian provinces, 14 cities and more than 15,000 miles later, meet the winners of The Amazing Race Canada.

Kristen McKenzie ’12, along with her race and real-life partner, Stephanie LeClair, conquered challenges in such places as Vietnam and Cuba en route to coming out on top in Season 4 of the show.

Like its U.S. version, The Amazing Race Canada follows contestants who must decipher clues and participate in physical and mental challenges in order to finish first — or, at least, not last — in each stage of the game.

A communication studies major, McKenzie graduated from Cal U with a concentration in television and radio. She and LeClair, the first all-female team to win The Amazing Race Canada, live in Toronto.

“We feel so lucky; there were so many strong ladies and it could have gone to anyone, but we wanted to prove that we’re just as tough as the guys,” McKenzie says.

The winning couple earned $250,000, and each won a Chevy Silverado and a trip around the world. They’ll be taking trips to Sydney, Delhi, Rome and New York City, too.

Since the show’s season finale they have been busy enjoying other perks of victory, including meeting Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and hiking part of the Appalachian Trail.

The show, which is broadcast throughout Canada, was filmed from April through early May. But McKenzie and LeClair were not permitted to share the news of their victory until after the final episode aired in September.

The coaches and trainers pushed us physically and mentally and taught us to push ourselves.

Being a student-athlete prepares you for tasks and challenges.

KRISTEN McKENZIE ’12

Broadcaster has been delivering play-by-play for 30 years

P Stephanie LeClair (left) and Kristen McKenzie ‘12

“It’s been so hard, especially because my sister and I are so close,” McKenzie told Canadian website tv-eh.com. “But I wanted to experience it with her and have it be a surprise for everyone.

“I think it was harder when we first got back, because we had all of these amazing things to tell all the people that we love.”

As a former left fielder for the Vulcan softball team, McKenzie relishes competition, and she says her experience on the team, along with being an international student at Cal U, helped her during the grueling contest.

“The coaches and trainers pushed us physically and mentally and taught us to push ourselves. Being a student-athlete prepares you for tasks and challenges. Not everyone has that preparation.

“And going to school internationally was a big help, too, to learn how to adjust to different surroundings.

“You think you’re prepared, but I was pushed harder than I’ve ever been pushed before,” McKenzie says. “It was an awesome experience.” 

By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal

24 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

aul Chestnutt ’86 learned sports broadcasting as a student at Cal U. Thirty years later, he’s still behind a microphone.

For the past 20 years, Chestnutt has been the voice of the Pensacola (Fla.) Ice Flyers hockey team, known until 2008 as the Pensacola Pilots.

He also provides play-by-play commentary for high school football games aired on ESPN Pensacola, and he hosts a daily Sports Roundtable show that features twice-weekly appearances by 1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward.

Chestnutt began his broadcasting career in Erie, Pa., where he won Associated Press and Golden Quill awards.

He’s hosted numerous talk shows and covered minor league hockey and baseball, college football and basketball, arena football and World Basketball League games. He even covered two Super Bowls, in Pasadena, Calif., in 1993 and in New Orleans, La., in 2013.

“Cal U got me going and has a special place in my heart,” Chestnutt says, crediting an internship at KDKA

with giving him a start.

He remembers broadcasting the Vulcan football and basketball teams’ PSAC championship seasons in 1984-1985.

And the former communication studies major recalls the influence of emeriti professors Dr. Marcella “Marcy” Blout ’65 and the late Ron Forsythe ’61, a former minor league pitcher.

“I learned the phonetic dictionary from Marcy (Blout) and wanted to take as many classes of hers as I could.

“Ron Forsythe’s Baseball in Literature course was more about life than baseball.

My career has meant many bus trips, and he taught me how to survive on the road.”

Chestnutt says he learned to sell advertising at Cal U, where he helped the radio station begin its weekly broadcast of high school football games.

He graduated the year before CUTV began covering high school football, but he was a guest commentator for the Cal U television station in 1988, when the Vulcans competed in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Gannon University in Erie.

“I was proud that our (campus) radio coverage of high school football helped to lay the groundwork for TV,” he says. “It’s amazing what CUTV has done.”

Times have changed, Chestnutt says, and aspiring sports broadcasters need to hustle.

“In order to survive you’ve got to do everything — social media, blogs, the website, sales, TV, newspaper and radio.

“The last thing a general manager or owner will look at is your play-by-play. But if you can do many things, you’ll get your foot in the door.”

Last year Pensacola won its third Southern Professional Hockey League championship in four years. Chestnutt’s son, Matty, who has cerebral palsy, joins his dad at every home game and was with him for the celebration.

“It was an awesome feeling,” Chestnutt says. “Being down on the ice, celebrating with my son and the team … that’s a memory you can’t take away.

“I am still doing — and enjoying — what I went to Cal U for.” 

By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 25 n

SPORTS R O U N D U P

Five former Vulcans land on NFL rosters

Carla Maestre

New head coach for women’s tennis

Rachel Lim

When the National Football League began its 102nd season in September, five former Vulcan football standouts were on the 53-man rosters.

Paul Skrok has joined the Cal U athletics program as head coach of the women’s tennis team.

Rontez Miles, who played for Cal U from 2009-2012, is a safety for the New York Jets. Last season he played in nine Jets’ games and made 39 tackles with one interception.

Skrok previously served as the head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Robert Morris University and at Washington and Jefferson College.

C.J. Goodwin (2009-2012) made the Atlanta Falcons’ roster as a defensive back after spending two seasons as a receiver on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad.

A tennis professional at many prominent tennis facilities, he is the teaching pro at Glen Creek Tennis Club in South Park, Pa.,

Erik Harris (2008-2011) found a home with the New Orleans Saints, and Dewey McDonald (2013) was traded to the Seattle Seahawks after spending training camp with the Oakland Raiders. Both are defensive backs.

Garry Brown

Receiver adds his name to football record book Vulcan football records don’t stand a chance against receiver Garry Brown.

During the team’s 52-26 home win over Slippery Rock on Oct. 1, the senior broke the all-time school records for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

After making six receptions for 136 yards and scoring two touchdowns in that game, Brown’s career total reached 2,690 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns — both school records.

Center Eric Kush (2008-2012) joined the Chicago Bears after receiving considerable TV exposure in HBO’s popular Hard Knocks reality series, which followed his exploits in the Los Angeles Rams’ training camp. Kush previously played for two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rontez Miles ‘12

Then, during the Vulcans’ Homecoming victory over Gannon University, Brown surpassed the record of 165 receptions set in 1983 by Vulcan great and former Green Bay Packers standout Perry Kemp ’84.

Women’s golf closes season with No. 2 finish, scholar award The women’s golf team closed out its fall season with a second-place finish at the PSAC Championships — and for the first time a female golfer brought home the conference’s Champion Scholar Award.

Scholar Award. Presented at each of the PSAC’s 23 team championship finals, the award honors the student at each contest with the highest cumulative grade-point average.

The Vulcans finished with a 67-over-par 635 in the championships at Hershey, Pa., taking the runner-up spot for the second consecutive season.

Lim maintains a 3.91 GPA while majoring in sport management with a concentration in professional golf management and minors in business and accounting.

Individually, seniors Rachel Lim and Carla Maestre led Cal U, finishing in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Junior Cai Yan Ho tied for seventh place.

One week later, after a big game against Mercyhurst University, Brown headed into November holding all-time school records with 184 receptions, 3,253 receiving yards and 35 receiving touchdowns. He previously had set the school record for receiving yards in one game, when he totaled 282 yards against Mercyhurst during his sophomore season.

Rounding out the championship team were senior Mercedes Epondulan, who placed 20th, and junior Jenna Lucas, who finished 31st.

Lim became the first Cal U women’s golfer to receive the PSAC Champion-

Skrok graduated from PSAC rival Edinboro University in 1998. He captained the Fighting Scots’ men’s tennis team from 1995-1997, earning the team’s Most Valuable Player title in all three seasons.

He was a four-time, first-team, allconference selection and ranked among the top 50 singles players in NCAA Division II for 1996 and 1997.

Paul Skrok

She is a three-time Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar and three-time first-team allconference player.

The Vulcans have finished either first or second at the PSAC Championships every year since 2008. They have won five league titles, most recently in 2014.

First baseman playing Minor League ball Former All-American first baseman Kyle Petty ’13 continues to produce in the Minor Leagues with the Seattle Mariners organization.

Before joining the Mariners, Petty played for the Bakersfield (Calif.) Blaze of the Class A California League. There he won the Midway Classic Home Run Derby, which featured sluggers from both the California and Carolina leagues.

The event was held in San Diego, Calif., aboard the retired aircraft carrier USS Midway. Home runs landed in the Pacific Ocean.

Kyle Petty ‘13

26 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

Petty hit 22 homers over three rounds before slugging eight each in the semifinals and finals.

Petty, who earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management, is one of only four Vulcan baseball players to chalk up at least 175 hits, 100 runs scored, 100 RBI and 50 stolen bases in his Cal U career.

In 2016, he was second among all batters in the 10-team California League, with a .329 batting average and 14 home runs, 62 RBI, 24 doubles and 12 stolen bases.

Men’s golf finishes third at PSAC Championship The men’s golf team finished in third place at the PSAC Championships, just three strokes behind the winning team, with a 380-over-par 606.

Senior Matt Cioffie finished in a tie for sixth place with an 8-over-par 150, the Vulcans’ best score.

Seniors Kirby Manown and Alex Patricio tied for ninth place, and classmate Tyler Robinson ended the day at 19th overall.

Dates set for annual Hall of Fame events Cal U’s 22nd Athletic Hall of Fame class will be announced in January, and the 2017 banquet and induction ceremony will take place April 22 in the Performance Center, inside the Natali Student Center.

The public may attend this annual celebration of former Vulcan athletics standouts. Tickets for the Hall of Fame dinner are $30 each, or $10 for children 10 and younger.

For reservations, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418, or email Staci Tedrow at tedrow@calu.edu.

Proceeds from the dinner will be used to establish a Hall of Fame Scholarship for Cal U student-athletes.

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 27 n

CAL U M I L E S T O N E S

50s Raymond Carlson ’56, of Portville, N.Y., is retired.

He majored in education at Cal U.

60s

Drummer keeps the beat for Steelers Nation

R

ob Berletich ’08 enjoyed playing drums at Vulcan football games, but nothing matches the thrill of drumming for 60,000 screaming Pittsburgh Steelers fans.

Berletich is a founding member of the Pittsburgh Steeline, a professional entertainment drumline.

In 2012, the 25-member percussion line performed outside Heinz Field and inside the stadium at two Steelers games. The next year they were hired as the football team’s official drumline.

“This one of the best gigs I’ve ever landed. It’s brought me a lot of respect among my peers,” says Berletich, the percussion instructor for the California Area High School Marching Band and the percussion technician for Cal U’s marching band.

A full-time employee of Drum World in Castle Shannon, Pa., he’s also an independent drummer for various singer-songwriters To stay on the line, Steeline players must pass two summer auditions before each new season begins. Three-hour weekly rehearsals keep them in sync.

28 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

The Steeline begins playing three hours before each Steelers home game, starting on Art Rooney Avenue near Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Rain or shine, they roam the stadium’s parking lots for two hours, performing multiple 10-minute shows.

“The fans are very receptive,” Berletich says. “You are dealing with people who obviously are in a festive mood, and you throw in 25 professional drummers who are there to fire them up. They just lose their minds.”

The Steeline marches into Heinz Field an hour before kickoff. The line has its own slot during the pregame show, and it helps form the tunnel when the Steelers run onto the field.

Then the players set their drums on stands in their designated area near the opposing team’s entrance.

“Being part of the tunnel puts my size in perspective,” Berletich says. “You feel the ground move when some of those big guys run by.”

Guided by a producer, the drumline plays 20- to 30-second bursts of percussion throughout the game — but never when the Steelers are on offense.

“No NFL team’s drumline or marching band is allowed to play when the home team is on offense,” Berletich explains. “I guess that adds to the home-field advantage.”

After a Pittsburgh win, the Steeline performs one final set back on Art Rooney Avenue. If the Steelers are beaten, the drums fall silent.

“We don’t celebrate a loss,” Berletich says.

The drumline is active year-round, performing at parades, races, conventions and corporate events.

Dr. Frank Stetar, Cal U’s director of bands, was Berletich’s band director at California Area High. They worked together to bring the Steeline to Cal U’s Homecoming parade.

That was great, Berletich says, but nothing compares to the energy inside Heinz Field.

“I can’t convey what it feels like when you step out onto that field with 60,000 people screaming. The gift of playing music is making people happy, and when they wave the (Terrible) Towels, clap and yell, it makes me feel that’s my purpose.

“That’s why I do what I do.” 

By Bruce Wald ’85, information director at Cal U

80s

Robert Saltarelli ’60 is retired. He was an education major and class president at Cal U. He and Mollie Saltarelli live in Blairdsen, Calif.

Mark Pawelec ’81 is a computer programmer with a degree in graphic communications technology. He lives in Donora, Pa.

Andria Horgos Wood ’67, of Latrobe, Pa., is retired from a job in Pennsylvania state government. She majored in psychology at Cal U.

Kathy Iacconi ’82, a math teacher at Laurel Highlands High School, was chosen as the Fayette County school district’s Herald-Standard Excellent Educator for September 2016.

James Frezzell ’69, of Albany, N.Y., works in human resources for J.R. & Associates Inc. He majored in math and physics at Cal U, where he played football and was a member of Alpha Psi.

rHythm king

Warren Werntz ’79 is retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources after more than 35 years as a park manager. He and Brenda Werntz live in Bonita Springs, Fla.

Michael Kostick ’85, of Enola, Pa., is a teacher in the Gettysburg (Pa.) Area School District. He studied technology education at Cal U, where he was a member of the Industrial Arts/ Technology Education Club and was involved with WCAL radio.

Stephen Pruszenski ’85 is a retired registered nurse. He studied anthropology at Cal U, where he was active with Lambda Alpha and various clubs.

Heather Hitchcock ’89 is the community outreach manager for Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, in Connecticut. She has a degree in gerontology from Cal U.

M. Dolan Evanovich ’80, ’82 is now the senior vice president for enrollment and student experience at Syracuse University. He moved on from Ohio State University, where he was vice president of strategic enrollment planning. His Cal U bachelor’s degree is in urban planning, and his master’s degree is in geography and regional planning.

90s

Nancy Herr Schleicher ’69 was a candidate for Deltona (Fla.) City Commission District 4. She majored in education at Cal U.

Lynn Bellaver Fellenstein ’84, of Glen Allen, Va., is a cytotechnologist for University of Virginia Health Systems. She studied biology at Cal U.

Aaron Selekman ’92 is now the principal of Newark High School in the Christina School District, in Delaware.

70s

Kim Krause Snyder ’84 is president and CEO of Panavision, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision camera systems, lenses and accessories for the motion picture and television industries. Her husband, Jim ’85, is senior vice president for Citibank. Kim and Jim live in Los Angeles, Calif., and have two children, Megan and Michael.

Saroyi Chandler Morris ’92, of Brunswick, Ga., is a program manager for the Georgia Department of Public Health. She majored in biology at Cal U.

Richard Sammartin ’69 is retired. He was a history major at Cal U and a member of Sigma Tau Gamma. He and Irene Sammartin live in San Antonio, Texas.

Fred Tosi ’70 has self-produced a CD of folk and blues numbers, Road to Canaan. He dedicated an adaptation of The Pardoner’s Tale to the late Professor Sumner Ferris. Inquiries: joaquinantique@aol.com.

Jerry Guthrie ’70 is a retired secondary teacher from Deerfield Beach High School, in Florida.

At Cal U he was a member of the Intrafraternity Council and Delta Sigma Phi. He also played Vulcan baseball. He and Carrie Guthrie live in Boynton Beach, Fla. Leslie Salandro Phillips ’71, of Allison Park, Pa., is a singer-songwriter.

C. David Cook ’71, an education major who was a wrestler at Cal U, is retired from State Farm.

He and Patricia Cook ’71 live in Johns Creek, Ga. Kenneth Minyon ’72, of Charlotte, N.C., works in district sales for Wheatland Tube Co. He majored in education at Cal U. Richard Cornell ’74, who retired last year after 13 years as the middle school principal, is the temporary principal of Mars (Pa.) High School during the current principal’s maternity leave.

Carl Dengler ’76, of Greensburg, Pa., is a senior designer for Siemens LDA. He majored in industrial arts education at Cal U. Carl Minor ’79, of Rosenberg, Texas, is a safety manager for Chevron Phillips Chemical. He studied environmental science at Cal U, where he also participated in track, fencing and volleyball.

Jennifer Rodgers ’85, of Lock Haven, Pa., is a teacher in the Williamsport Area School District.

She earned a master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from Cal U.

Rebecca Kuma ’91 is a practice educator with more than 20 years of service with OrthoSynetics. She provides guidance in the areas of customer service, new-patient access, case acceptance, financials, scheduling and team building to dental and orthodontic clients.

Amy Philips-Haller ’93 is the director of the Mount Pleasant (Pa.) Glass Museum. She earned her degree in communications at Cal U. Douglas Drazga ’93, of Uniontown, Pa., works in sales operations for NTT DATA Americas. He studied journalism at Cal U, where he was on the Cal Times staff.

FORT MEADE MEETING U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Alan R. Lynn ’79 greets Capt. David Schott ’11 at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Headquarters at Fort Meade, Md. David arrived at Fort Meade in January 2016 and is assigned as the chief of operations, Global Operations Center, SIGINT, 704th Military Intelligence Brigade. Alan is director of DISA, a combat support agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, and commander of the Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Networks, based at Fort Meade. David says the general invited him to the meet-and-greet luncheon. ‘We had 10 people in our Army ROTC detachment at Cal U — we were pretty small,’ he says. ‘But in meeting with Lt. Gen. Lynn, a three-star general, (I realized that) anyone has the potential to do this.”

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 29 n

CAL U M I L E S T O N E S Dr. William J. Englert Jr. ’90, ’96 is serving as acting athletic director in the Upper St. Clair (Pa.) School District. He retired from the West Allegheny School District, where he was assistant superintendent for personnel and student support services.

Joe Kuhns ’97 is the football coach at BethCenter Senior High School in Washington County, Pa. Scott Hoover ’98 is a self-employed landscaper.

He studied social science at Cal U. Scott and Sharon Hoover live in Tyrone, Pa.

00s Kary Coleman ’00 was honored as one of “Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest” in 2016 by WHIRL Magazine and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. The award was presented at the annual CFF gala in Pittsburgh, Pa. Kary is director of development and alumni relations at Penn State New Kensington. She earned her master’s degree in communication studies from Cal U. Sue Snyder ’01 is the new director of the associate degree nursing program at Westmoreland County Community College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Cal U. Dr. Diane Moore Fine ’01 is a professor in the Department of Childhood Education at Cal U. She and Steve Fine live in Farmington, Pa. Valeria Nebo ’02 is now the vice principal of Mendenhall Middle School, in the Livermore Valley (Calif.) Joint Unified School District. She earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Cal U.

Earlglenn Bowser ’04, stationed in South Korea, is a logistics officer for the U.S. Army. At Cal U, he was in Army ROTC and the Veterans Club.

Heather Cutler Trinidad ’04 is a case manager for CenClear. She studied criminal justice at Cal U. Heather and Todd Trinidad live in Clearfield, Pa.

Dr. Michael Sears ’99, ’02 is superintendent of the California (Pa.) Area School District. Prior to his appointment he had been principal of California Elementary School since 2006. He received his principal and superintendent certifications from Cal U.

Dr. Michelle Saylor ’05 is the interim superintendent for the Bellefonte (Pa.) Area School District. Michelle, who earned her master’s degree in education and her principal certification from Cal U, is also president of the Women’s Caucus of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.

Luke Goas ’03, who majored in geography, is self-employed. He was president of the Travel Club and a member of Theta Upsilon and Phi Beta Lambda. He and Hilary Goas live in Johnstown, Pa. Elizabeth “Betsy” Rohanna McClure ’03 was a Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 50th Legislative District. She is a nurse in the Trinity School District and earned her master’s degree in education from Cal U. She has served as a case manager for Albert Gallatin Hospice and Washington (Pa.) Hospital, in addition to teaching college and vocational technical nursing classes.

Laura Kalcevic ’04 is vice president of HVS, which provides services to the hospitality industry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in geography at Cal U. Laura has specialized in hotel and resort valuations, master-planned developments, market studies, feasibility reports and investment counseling.

Mark Shires ’04 is the athletic trainer for the Norfolk Tides, a minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball.

Before receiving his doctorate from West Virginia University, Bruce earned an associate degree as a physical therapist assistant at Cal U, followed by bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.

Bruce joined the Cal U faculty in 1984 and was director of the accredited athletic training education program from 1992-2008, when he was named an associate provost/associate vice president for Academic Affairs.

30 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016 n

Simeon Hinsey ’06 runs the nonprofit International Youth Education and Sports Foundation, which helps young people prepare for post-secondary education through recreation and sports. His previous position was director of student-athlete development for women’s basketball at the University of Arkansas.

Fred Redden ’06 is now the principal of the Clearfield County (Pa.) Career and Technology Center. Previously, he served as assistant principal of Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School.

Jason Metz ’06 has joined the faculty at West Liberty University in West Virginia. He earned his master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion at Cal U. Dr. Carla Brown Zedicher ’07 and Todd Zedicher live in Lincoln, Neb. Carla earned her master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from Cal U. Casey Durdines ’07 is a member of the Stockdale Volunteer Fire Department. Earlier this year he traveled to West Virginia to assist with flood cleanup. Casey, who works in the gas industry, is a former mayor of California, Pa.

CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER Dr. Bruce Barnhart ’83, ’89, ’01 has been appointed as Cal U’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. His appointment as the University’s chief academic officer was effective at the start of the fall semester. He had served as the University’s acting provost since 2012.

William Staffen ’05, an applied computer science major from California, Pa., is an applications manager at Cal U. He was involved in choir and theater at the University.

Rod Hidalgo ’07 is now the head coach for men’s and women’s soccer at the University of Guam.

He earned his master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from Cal U. Karen Johnson ’07 is a human resources assistant at Aquatech, in Canonsburg, Pa. She majored in business administration at Cal U. In addition to teaching, he was Cal U’s first football athletic trainer, from 1983-1992, and the athletic trainer for Cal U’s 2004 NCAA national champion women’s basketball team.

He is a former western representative to the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society Board of Directors.

In 2014 he received the Alumni Association’s Pavlak/Shutsy Special Service Award, which recognizes years of dedication and service to Cal U and its students.

Nicholas DeWitt ’08, of Glen Burnie, Md., is a teacher in the Anne Arundel County (Md.) Public Schools. He majored in secondary education at Cal U, where he was a member of the marching, jazz and concert bands. He also was on the residence life staff and a member of Kappa Kappa Psi. Jonathan Jennings ’08 is a state-licensed meteorologist for the West Texas Weather Modification Association in San Angelo, Texas.

Steve Zurbach ’08, of Freedom, Pa., is a teacher in the North Allegheny School District. He majored in technology education at Cal U.

Tyler Phillips ’08 is a technology education teacher for the Washington (Pa.) School District. He and Rosanna Haught are engaged to be married in March 2017.

The Rev. Jack Demnyan ’09 has been ordained as a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

He has been assigned to St. Bernard Parish in Mount Lebanon, Pa. Jack studied business administration at Cal U. Cassandria Baier ’09 is the new director of strength and conditioning for the Iowa State University women’s basketball team. Her previous position was assistant strength and conditioning coach at Bucknell University. She earned her Cal U master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion, with a concentration in performance enhancement and injury prevention.

Neil Cronin ’09 has joined the English faculty at Wyoming Seminary, in Pennsylvania. He earned his master’s degree in education from Cal U. Jerry Morris ’09 has added the responsibilities of deputy director to his role as research manager in the Law and Justice Unit of the Legislative Policy and Research Office in the state House of Representatives in Harrisburg, Pa. Chad Gearing ’07, ’09 is mortgage processing manager for Clear Mountain Bank’s Bruceton Mills (W.Va.) office, where he is responsible for managing the bank’s mortgage processing department and developing investor and purchaser relations. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration at Cal U.

10s Lorilyn Van Dyke ’10 is a co-owner of Compass Fitness and Wellness, with locations in Hull and Sioux Center, Iowa. Lorilyn earned her degree in exercise science and health promotion from Cal U. Sara McMullen ’10 is the head women’s volleyball coach at St. Francis University, in Loretto, Pa.

FAMILY VISIT Ed Robbins ’12, wife Stephanie and their children (from left) Sadie, 10 months, Eli, 4, and Lily, 2, visit Old Main to see the model of Cal U’s campus outside the President’s Office. It was the first visit to campus for Ed, who earned his master’s degree in exercise science, with a concentration in performance enhancement and injury prevention, through Cal U Global Online. A former exercise physiologist, Ed has since earned a doctorate in pharmacy. He and his family live just south of Salt Lake City in Sandy, Utah.

Derek Partsch ’10 is an account manager for the Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League. He graduated with a degree in sport management and previously worked for the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team and Washington Wild Things baseball team. Derek is the co-founder of Second Chance, a nonprofit organization that raises money for organ donation awareness.

Jeff Lewis ’10 is a part-time police officer for the Evans City-Seven Fields (Pa.) Regional Police Department. Jeff also is an officer for Ohio Township, Pa. Kaitlin Descutner ’10 is a professional actress living in Columbus, Ohio.

Kara Crissey ’11, of Easton, Md., is a landscape designer for Good Earth Gardeners.

James Camastra ’11, of Wantagh, N.Y., is a personal trainer for Progressive Personal Training.

He studied exercise physiology at Cal U. Jessica Lance ’11, of Searcy, Ark., is a secretary.

She studied sport management at Cal U. Angelo Testa ’07, ’11, a science teacher at Geibel Catholic High School in Connellsville, Pa., was chosen as the Herald-Standard Excellent Educator for July 2016. Angelo majored in environmental studies and education at Cal U. Dan Christopher ’07, ’11 has moved from UPMC’s ER and Hyperbaric Oxygen Department to a position as regional director of operations at RestorixHealth, in the private-industry sector.

His degrees are in nursing.

‘JOURNAL’ FOUNDER HONORED Robert Hill, a former vice chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh, was honored by the Pitt Alumni Association African American Alumni Council. Robert is known to the Cal U community as a former vice president for University Advancement and founder of the California University Journal, now a biweekly news publication.

Jessica Rayman ’12 is the head softball coach at Montana State University Billings. She earned her master’s degree in sport management from Cal U. Melissa Gates ’12 has joined the Franklin and Marshall College swim team staff. Melissa was a three-time Division II national champion swimmer at Cal U and graduated with a degree in environmental studies.

Jackie Wynkoop ’12 is the director of Gifted and Learning Enrichment Services in the State College (Pa.) Area School District. She earned her master’s degree in educational administration from Cal U. Tammy Bimber ’12 has received a 2016 Emergency Nurses Association Achievement Award for the creation of a sexual assault video. She is a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) and unit director at UPMC Horizon.

Brody Carcella ’12 has exchanged a career in real estate for one in the arts. His work is on display at Sweet as Studios in Beaver County, Pa. Nicholas Patton ’13 is a hydrologic technician for ISDA-ARS in Boise, Idaho. He graduated from Cal U’s geology program.

Bryan Nicholson ’13 has completed his master’s degree in geology at Idaho State University.

Brian Stanchak ’13 is the founder and president of the BDS Agency, which represents college basketball coaches. Brian also has experience as an intercollegiate director of athletics. He earned his master’s degree in sport management from Cal U. Kenneth Pitts ’13 has been hired as a sports performance coach by the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League. He earned his master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion, with a concentration in rehabilitation science, from Cal U.

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 31 n

CAL U M I L E S T O N E S Melissa Risko Intrepido ’05, ’13 is a major gifts officer for Saint Vincent College, near Latrobe, Pa. She earned her MBA from Cal U. She and Patrick Intrepido ’12 live in Latrobe.

Brianne Globig ’14 is the head women’s swimming coach at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. Brianne earned her master’s degree in sport management from Cal U. Cody Nuzzo ’14 has signed a contract with the Gold Coast Kings, a member of the new National Gridiron League, an American-style football league. The team is located in Australia.

Kristin Deichler ’15 is now the middle school principal in the South Fayette School District.

Kristin, who received her K-12 principal certification from Cal U, was named Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Young Educator of the Year in 2008.

Mark Jamison ’15 is the head strength and conditioning coach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He earned his Cal U master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion, with a concentration in rehabilitation sciences.

Carl Jurkowski ’15 has been accepted into the geosciences graduate program at Idaho State University.

John Harrison ’15, of Paterson Air Force Base, Colo., is a space systems operator for the U.S. Air Force. He studied criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security at Cal U, where he was Criminal Justice Club president and a member of both the Forensic Science Club and Recreation Club.

Zack Noel ’15, of Hanover, Pa., is a product specialist for TE Connectivity. He majored in business administration with a concentration in marketing.

Aaron Wade ’16 is pursuing his Ph.D. at Temple University, in Philadelphia, Pa. He graduated from Cal U with a degree in mathematics and a concentration in statistics. Aaron was a member of Pi Mu Epsilon, the MAA Club and the FMT Association. He also played intramural softball.

Miranda Gumbert ’16, of Canonsburg, Pa., is an analyst for Creehan & Company. She studied computer engineering technology and computer science at Cal U, where she was a member of the Engineering Technology Club.

Christopher Rawdon ’16 is a sports conditioning coach.

Catherine Smrekar ’16 is a teacher for Erie (Pa.) Public Schools. She earned her master’s degree from Cal U and lives in Erie.

John Skoff ’16 is a geographic information systems technician and mapping specialist at the John T. Boyd Co. He graduated from Cal U’s geology program.

Kristen Hammett ’16, of Dunbar, Pa., is a sales and marketing coordinator for Springhill Suites.

Trent Frey ’16, of Culver City, Calif., is the UCLA football strength and conditioning coach. Trent majored in exercise science and health promotion, with a concentration in performance enhancement and injury prevention.

Jamie Miller ’16, of Renton, Wash., is an athletic trainer at Northwest University, in Washington.

She majored in exercise science and health promotion at Cal U. Abbey Averitt ’16, who earned her master’s degree in nursing from Cal U, presented the poster of her practicum project at the annual Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders Conference.

ENGAGEMENTS Jessica Popeck ’13 and David Kraeer ’09 are engaged to be married in October 2017. Jessica studied early childhood education at Cal U and now works for Select Medical as a NovaCare Rehabilitation correspondence representative.

David studied meteorology and is a selfemployed farmer.

Sarah Hamilton ’08, ’14 and Barry Hinchliffe are engaged to be married in August 2017. Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education and also played the trombone in the Cal U marching, concert and jazz bands.

John Staniszewski ’04 and Juliette Mangino, both of Pleasant Hills, Pa., are engaged to be married in September 2017. John, who recently took a job as a rolltender for RRD Donnelly in Pittsburgh, Pa., majored in graphic communications technology at Cal U.

Terri Lynn Lipchinsky ’03 and Joshua Greene were married Oct. 15, 2016. Terri is a budget analyst at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

WEDDINGS Elizabeth Fegely ’10 and Steven Ueltzen were married May 6, 2016, in Foresthill, Calif.

Elizabeth, who majored in athletic training at Cal U, is a trauma care physician assistant in Fresno, Calif. Steven is deputy district attorney for Fresno County. They live in Clovis, Calif., with their two dogs.

Ryan Martelli ’10 and Tara Jo Gillerlain were married July 17, 2016. Ryan is a substitute teacher in Monongalia County, W.Va. Tara Jo is a registered nurse at Ruby Memorial Hospital, in Morgantown, W.Va. Britni Brenneman ’13 and Scott Beitzel were married in September 2016. Britni is a licensed social worker.

Ashley Arison ’08, ’14 and Eric Abraham are engaged. Ashley is a teacher in the Uniontown (Pa.) Area School District. Eric is a journeyman sheet metal worker. They plan to be married in July 2017.

Kristopher White ’05 has co-authored a book, Don’t Give an Inch: The Second Day at Gettysburg. Kristopher and his co-authors look at the south end of the battlefield during the Battle of Gettysburg, sharing real and often-overlooked stories of that fateful summer day. More information is available at publisher Savas Beatie’s website, www.savasbeatie.com.

n

Christina Cuppett ’06 and Richard Smith ’05, of Uniontown, Pa., were married April 9, 2016.

Richard works for the Laurel Highlands School District.

Jeremy Scott ’16 is a math teacher at Martinsville High School, in Virginia.

IN PRINT

32 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2016

Candace Croner ’12, ’15 and Ryan Donaldson were married June 18, 2016. Candace is a sixth- and seventh-grade learning support teacher for the Conemaugh Township (Pa.) Area School District.

Thomas S. Leturgey ’90 and Marion Shipton were married at the Bill Mazeroski statue outside of PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa., on July 16, 2016. They met during their part-time, game-day jobs for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Thomas graduated with a degree in communication studies. In addition to working for the Pirates, he is a freelance writer and a professional wrestling ring announcer, and he works for the Allegheny County Courts. Marion also works for the Giant Eagle corporation. Their engagement story was featured in the Pittsburgh Sporting News, and the wedding was mentioned on a Pirates telecast. The couple, who live in Shaler, Pa., have four grown children.

Jessica Lelich ’07, ’09, a fifth-grade teacher in the Monessen (Pa.) City School District, and Evan Schoss were married in August 2016. They live in Pittsburgh, Pa. Kristina Fenninger ’13 and Jason Spackman were married July 3, 2016. Kristina is a speech therapist for Coastal Speech. They live in Sneads Ferry, N.C.

Will Moore ’11 and Katelyn Dicks were married June 25, 2016, in Washington, Pa. Will majored in communication studies at Cal U and was one of the on-air personalities for CUTV.

Andy Hughes ’13 and Jennifer Kidner, of Bridgeville, Pa., were married May 14, 2016.

Andy is a procurement operations specialist for SAP Ariba. He also is a producer for the Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network.

Kaitlyn Rabaey ’15 and Ryan Seiffert were married in October 2016. Kaitlyn earned her MBA from Cal U, and she works in specialty loan operations for OnDeck Capital. The couple are living in Denver, Colo.

Jessica Dearing ’16 and Mathew Lilley were married Sept. 3, 2016. Jessica majored in technical studies with a concentration in radiologic technology. She is an X-ray technician at Washington (Pa.) Hospital.

Jordan Conrad and Thomas Musser were married June 4, 2016. Jordan is a member of the Air Force National Guard and a personal trainer for the Allegheny YMCA. She is studying health and fitness at Cal U.

Jacob Ely ’16 and Tina Marie Mickey are planning to marry in November 2017. Jacob majored in criminal justice and is pursuing a Master of Social Science in Applied Criminology at Cal U. He is a juvenile probation monitor.

ANNIVERSARY Paul and Mary Ann Keruskin celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 16, 2016.

Mary Ann retired in 2005 as a nurse in Cal U’s student health center.

BIRTHS Stephen Fetsko ’05 and Amanda PritchardFetsko ’05, ’10 announce the birth of their second son, Spencer Felix Fetsko, on June 26, 2016. Stephen works for Fetsko Heating and Cooling. Amanda is an instructor with Douglas Education Center and a licensed clinical social worker/program director for Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services.

The family lives in Allenport, Pa. Lindsey Manown McNeil ’05, ’10 and her husband, Thomas, celebrated the birth of their daughter, Lydia Charlotte McNeil, on March 10, 2016.

Lindsey is a sixth-grade language arts teacher in the Belle Vernon (Pa.) Area School District, where she has taught for more than 10 years. The family lives in Belle Vernon, Pa.

AT THE PODIUM Lt. Col. Jon Brierton ’94 was the keynote speaker Nov. 9 at the 43rd annual Veterans Day Dinner.

Jon earned a degree in manufacturing technology at Cal U and was active with ROTC and Sigma Tau Gamma. He entered full-time military service in 1996 and deployed to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2012.

Jon now serves as installations management directorate strategic planner for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve, based near Washington, D.C. He has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star and six Meritorious Service awards.

Jon and his wife, the former Laurie Braun ’93, live in Clinton, Pa., with sons Adam, Nathan and Jacob.

IN MEMORIAM Geneva Ballou ’72 Dr. R. Michael Barber,* retired professor of sociology Edward John Bedner ’57 John D. Bontempo ’95 Carl Allan Bontrager ’61 Sergio “Serge” John Botticchio ’74 Mary L. Bucher ’55 Joseph Raymond Carion ’64 Judy Garcia Carion ’64 Robert “Bobby” Clark* Alieen J. Spaugy Clay ’66 Clara M. Clayton ’71 Charles A. Coburn ’69 Traci Wheeler Dixon ’92 Dr. Dilawar Mumby Edwards,* emeritus professor of education Judith Nevin Emmers ’65 William Fowler,* former custodian at Cal U J. William “Bill” “Stu” Gates Jr. ’60 Joseph J. Germinario ’86 Marian “Pat” Gillot ’98 Jerilynn Hainaut ’77 William F. Hamacher ’67 John Hatfield ’77 James F. Hawkins* Richard L. “Rick” Henderson ’72 The Rev. William Harold Hiles ’67

Robert George Hodinko ’58 Cynthia Tadej Holcomb ’83 Kathy A. Hollowood* Olive Germaine Sloan Jansante* Paul A. “P.J.” Jones Sr. ’73 Margaret Kalis ’60 Joan M. Leonard ’65 Jeannette Martino ’87 Eric Frank Nemec ’89 Dr. Iraldo O. “Raldo” Parascenzo,* emeritus professor and former chair of the Modern Languages Department Marlene Snyder Myden ’59 Betty Jane Tatar Pramuk ’68 Mary Alice Puskarich ’72, ’75 Andrew Ruschak ’57 Sandra “Tim” G. Myers Sawyers,* employee in Cal U’s food service department Richard William Schohn ’66 Robert A. Simmons ’82 Carl “Jay” S. Steele, Jr. ’66 Joseph J. Szymusiak ’62 Robert H. “Pap” Tomi, retired from the Cal U maintenance department Patricia Jo Wald ’14 Linda Marie Aloisi Warnick ’74 Nicholas J. Williams ’73 *No graduation year on file

FALL 2016 CAL U REVIEW 33 n

WISH-LIST

In her inaugural address, President Geraldine M. Jones issued a bold challenge: Let’s work together to raise $1 million in additional scholarship funds during this inaugural year.

President Jones’ personal gift opened the Rising to the Future Fund. Now you can play a part in this ambitious goal to supplement our current scholarship initiatives.

Your gift to the Rising to the Future Fund will be put to use immediately. It will benefit student-scholars, student-athletes and students who, without this help, might be forced to set aside their dreams of earning a college degree.

Let us acknowledge your gift to the Rising to the Future Fund. Donations in any amount are welcome — and every gift, large or small, will have a positive impact on a Cal U student’s future.

In the words of President Jones: “Now is the time to commit our resources, as well as our good wishes, to the challenging task before us. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of our students and the strength of our University.

Together, we can meet this goal!”

To learn how you can join us in Rising to the Future, contact the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations at 724-938-5775 or email future@calu.edu.

– President Geraldine M. Jones Send your Milestones news or address changes by email to alumni@calu.edu, by fax to 724-938-5932, or by mail to Office of Alumni Relations, California University of Pennsylvania, 250 University Ave., Box 89, California, PA 15419.

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 high-resolution electronic photographs. Please email images to revieweditor@calu.edu; put the words “Milestones photo” on the subject line of your email, and be sure to tell us your name, year of graduation and the identity of everyone in the picture. 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.

NAME

MAIDEN NAME

CLASS YEAR

ADDRESS

EMAIL

MAY WE LIST YOUR EMAIL ON OUR WEBSITE?

PHONE

OCCUPATION

EMPLOYER

SPOUSE’S/PARTNER’S NAME

SPOUSE’S/PARTNER’S CLASS (IF CAL U GRAD).

WORTHY! GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

California University of Pennsylvania 250 University Avenue California, PA 15419-1394 www.calu.edu A proud member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education.

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

Honey business Dr. Sarah Meiss examines honeycomb from a beehive at SAI Farm. Meiss and her students in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences have been tending honeybees at the farm for two years. The project provides students with research opportunities and gives community members a chance to learn about beekeeping.