Cal U Review - Spring 2014 by California University of Pennsylvania

SPRING

2014

NEVER STOP LEARNING Education adds value in every season of our lives

The California University of Pennsylvania Magazine

CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2014 • VOL. 42 - NO. 1 The Cal U Review is published by the Office of Marketing and University Relations and is distributed free. Third class postage paid at California.

FROM THE INTERIM PRESIDENT There are many paths to California University. Some students take the direct route, arriving straight out of high school. Others enroll after spending time in the workforce, the military or perhaps a community college. Some are looking to start a career. Or change jobs. Or land a promotion. Some are returning to complete a degree they never quite finished. And some are chasing a dream — to be the first in their family to earn a college diploma. Whatever brings them to California, our students quickly discover they can never stop learning. The world simply moves too quickly. Stand still and it passes you by. So in every program, at every level, our faculty impart the skills required for lifelong learning. Our students are taught to gather and evaluate information, to embrace new technology, to analyze data and solve problems. They are encouraged to think critically, embrace diversity and open their minds to new ideas. At Cal U, we recognize that education is an ongoing process, so we prepare our students for success, both now and in the future. And we welcome both new and returning students, no matter what road may lead them to our doors. In this edition of the Cal U Review, you will meet some nontraditional students whose past experiences inform their current studies at Cal U. You will read about students involved in meaningful discovery — an area of emphasis supported by the new Cal U Center for Undergraduate Research. And you’ll encounter alumni and community members whose love of learning keeps them returning to campus. Just outside Manderino Library stands a bust of philanthropist Dr. Robert E. Eberly. Its inscription — “Never stop learning, never stop learning” — is a reminder to us all: No matter where life’s path may lead us, there is always more to learn. With warmest wishes,

CHANCELLOR Frank T. Brogan BOARD OF GOVERNORS Guido M. Pichini, chairman Laura E. Ellsworth, vice chair Ronald G. Henry, vice chair; chair, Finance, Administration and Facilities Sen. Richard Alloway II Rep. Matthew E. Baker Jennifer G. Branstetter, Governor’s designee Marie Conley, chair, Human Resources Gov. Tom Corbett Sara J. Dickson Carolyn C. Dumaresq, acting Secretary of Education

Christopher H. Franklin Todd Garrett, student member Chelsea E. Getsy, student member Rep. Michael K. Hanna Jonathan B. Mack, chair, External and Public Relations David M. Maser Joseph F. McGinn, chair, Audit Robert S. Taylor Sen. John T. Yudichak Aaron A. Walton, chair, Academic and Student Affairs

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Geraldine M. Jones, interim president Dr. Bruce Barnhart, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles B. Mance, vice president for University Technology Services Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance Craig Butzine, vice president for Marketing and University Relations / interim vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations. Dr. Nancy Pinardi, interim vice president for Student Affairs COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Lawrence Maggi ’79, chair Annette Ganassi, vice chair Roberta Major Betza R. Tyler Courtney Peter J. Daley II ’72, ’75 James T. Davis ’73

Michele M. Mandell ’69 Robert Miner Jr. ’78 Thomas Uram Aaron Walton ’68 Kembia Munsanje, student member Frank T. Brogan, chancellor, ex-officio

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Barbara (Williams) Fetsko ’75, ’83, president Brian Fernandes ’99, ’00, vice president Lynne (Moltz) Stout ’94, secretary Alan James ’62, treasurer Lorraine Vitchoff, ’74, immediate past president Colleen (Murphy) Arnowitz ’75, ‘97 Donald Lee ’69 Loralie (Koerbel) Bruce ’05 Chase Loper ’10, ’12 Trinette (Schmidt) Cunningham ’93 Melissa McKean ’07 Shelly (Fetchen) DiCesaro ’94 Dante Morelli ’02 Mindi (D’Auria) Fisher ’07 Michael Napolitano ’68 Paul Gentile ’62 George Novak ’55 David Gwyer ’65 Fred Retsch ’62, ’68 Jesse Hereda ’04 Abigail (Grant) Scheg ’07 Len Keller ’61 Bryan (Tolle) Schuerman ’09 Marc Keller ’94 Tim Susick ’76, ’78 Anthony Lazzaro ’55 Judy (Durko) Zilkowski ’77, ’83 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Geraldine M. (Johns) Jones ’72, ’80, interim president Craig Butzine ’84, vice president for Marketing and University Relations / interim vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations Michael Slavin ’74 Leslie (Berdar) Fleenor ’08 STUDENT MEMBERS Michael Crosen Jonothan Dashiell

Amy Dunn Elizabeth Lynerd

SAI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hope Cox, alumna Brendan Demmy, student president Brendan Garay, student treasurer Chelsea Getsy, student vice president Sam Jessee, alumnus Emily Lorence, student

Spencer Lynn, student Kembia Munsanje, student Brian Proud, student Marc Roncone, alumnus Bryan Schuerman, graduate student Dr. Donald Thompson, retired faculty

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Nancy Pinardi ’95, ’96, ’98, interim vice president for Student Affairs Leigh Ann Lincoln, chief financial officer, SAI Larry Sebek, interim associate vice president for Student Affairs

Geraldine M. Jones Interim President, California University of Pennsylvania

Interim President Geraldine M. Jones communicates regularly with the campus community vie e-mail and online. To see all her messages, visit www.calu.edu; click on “About Us” and choose “Meet the President.” To stay up-to-date with the latest happenings at Cal U, alumni may send their e-mail addresses to alumni@calu.edu.

FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steven P. Stout ’85, president Robert Lippencott ’66 Armand E. Balsano ’74, vice president Reginald A. Long ’81 William R. Flinn ’68, secretary Lawrence Maggi ’79 Paul Kania ’87, treasurer Michael A. Perry ’63 Dr. David L. Amati ’70 Dr. Harry E. Serene ’65 William R. Booker ’74 Linda H. Serene ’64 Robert E. Eberly III William G. Stough Dr. Annette M. Kaleita ’55 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80, interim president Craig Butzine ’84, vice president for Marketing and University Relations / interim vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations Barbara (Williams) Fetsko ’75, ’83 alumni association president CAL U REVIEW EDITOR Christine Kindl WRITERS Wendy Mackall Jeff Bender PHOTOGRAPHERS S.C. Spangler

Bruce Wald ’85

Greg Sofranko

ON THE COVER

Created by sculptor Alan Cottrill, the oversized bust of philanthropist Dr. Robert E. Eberly stands near the entrance to Manderino Library. It features a quote from Dr. Eberly: ‘Never stop learning, never stop learning, whether it be self taught or school learning.’ Below the text, a bronze plaque depicting a book, scroll, inkwell and pen symbolizes Dr. Eberly’s commitment to education, as evidenced in the Eberly Family Scholarships awarded each year.

INSIDE DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

CAMPUS CLIPS

12–15

ALUMNI NEWS

18–19

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

20–21

SPORTS ROUNDUP

24–25

PAYING IT FORWARD

SPORTS PROFILE

MILESTONES

28–34

The Road Less Traveled

At Cal U, nontraditional students fulfill educational goals that were postponed, interrupted or simply realized later in life.

Independent Exploration

An enhanced commitment to undergraduate research extends learning — and meaningful discovery — far beyond the classroom.

Learning Aloud

As graduate and undergraduate students gain clinical experience, Cal U’s Speech and Hearing Clinic responds to the needs of clients from preschoolers to older adults.

Connecting the Dots

Spread the good news

Share the Cal U Review with your clients and customers! Request a low-cost business subscription, and help your customers discover what’s happening at Cal U. To add your business to our mailing list, e-mail revieweditor@calu.edu or call Wendy Mackall at 724-938-5640 today.

At Winter Commencement, speaker Dante Morelli ’02 reminds graduates to recognize those special people who helped to shape their ‘biography.’

Community Champions

A new award honors three community members whose efforts have made a difference for Cal U and its students.

A NOTE TO OUR READERS To address rising costs, we have made some changes in the Cal U Review. Your University magazine will arrive three times a year to keep you updated with alumni news and information from all four Colleges at California University. As always, both the current edition and back issues are available in an easy-to-read format online at www.calu.edu/news/cal-u-review, along with photos, videos and other special features “As Seen in the Review.” SPRING 2014 CAL U REVIEW 3

After 14 years in the Merchant Marine, Martha Roege envisions working as a scientist aboard a research vessel.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED Nontraditional students find success at Cal U

artha Roege has worked in a manufacturing plant, captained a riverboat and spent 14 years in the U.S. Merchant Marine. She is a certified scuba diver who’s licensed to work on any ship deck on any body of water in the world, and she helped to break down barriers for female deckhands in a maledominated industry. But after working on a research vessel in Hawaii, Roege decided to dock herself at Cal U. “While I was working on that ship, my love transformed from what was happening on top of the water to the amazing world below,” she said. “It was a very pivotal point in my life.” Now Roege has successfully navigated her first year in Cal U’s fisheries and wildlife biology program, and she has her sights set on a bachelor’s degree.

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Flexible options

Like Roege, many nontraditional students on campus are fulfilling educational goals that were postponed, interrupted or simply realized later in life. Whether they are starting a degree program from scratch, finishing up a degree or taking courses for professional advancement, nontraditional students find a warm welcome at Cal U. “I didn’t have the opportunity to attend college was I was younger, and I never thought I would be able to be a part of a university like Cal U,” says Roege. “I have worked for other people my entire life. I wanted to do this for myself.” The convenience of evening and online classes makes all the difference for students like Jessica Reams, a

Don’t be scared about the culture shock. The professors here are fantastic and always willing to help out. There are just so many options on campus, it’s hard not to find students and professors you can relate to. Gregg Bucy U.S. NAV Y VETERAN, CAL U STUDENT

business administration major who does most of her coursework at Cal U Southpointe Center in Canonsburg, Pa. “I decided to attend Cal U because of the flexibility and convenient location,” she says. “Being the mother of three, a wife, a full-time employee and a fulltime student, I have very limited time. Flexibility is essential for my success.” Reams schedules online courses whenever possible, but that takes self-discipline, she warns. “It is really difficult to study and complete homework in the summer with family and friends stopping over for swimming and cookouts!”

Support systems

Starting school later in life can be challenging. So can returning to college after years or even decades away. But Cal U can help ease the transition. “From the application process to checking on transfer credits to assisting them along the way, we really do a lot

Veteran Gregg Bucy is preparing for a career as a high school counselor.

to help nontraditional students,” says Ellie Nesser, assistant to the dean in the Office of Admissions. “These students really strive to be successful, and we end up creating a family-like atmosphere.” University staff can assist with scheduling and credit transfers. Tutoring is available, and career services are a lifetime benefit for students and Cal U alumni. “The University was extremely accommodating and waived many of the general education requirements because of my life experience,” says Gregg Bucy, a secondary education major who served in the U.S. Navy for more than 25 years. “There were times when I wanted to quit, but my wife talked me out of it,” he adds. “You definitely need people behind you to succeed.” Unlike young adults who move directly from high school to college, nontraditional students often have careers and families to consider. “I am very thankful for my support system,” says Reams. “My husband is especially helpful, doing anything I need him to do so I can study or take an exam. Sometimes I miss seeing soccer games or dance practices, and it breaks my heart, but I am setting an example for my children.” Older students sometimes worry about fitting in on a college campus, but Bucy waves off those concerns. “Don’t be scared about the culture shock,” he advises. “The professors here are fantastic and always willing to help out. There are just so many options on campus, it’s hard not to find students and professors you can relate to.” Bucy works in the Office of Veterans Affairs a few days each week. It gives him a spot on campus where he can always find someone to talk to. “I have made friends all over campus, from traditional students to staff,” says Roege.

As a busy working mother, Jessica Reams appreciates the flexibility of online and evening classes.

“Everyone on campus wants you to succeed, and they all are willing to help. The people at Cal U are amazing.”

Chasing the dream

Despite their unique backgrounds, many nontraditional students echo a common theme: They are accomplishing something they never thought would be possible. Each one has a dream. Bucy hopes to become a high school counselor, so he can guide students through the college selection process. “When I was in high school, no one ever gave us advice about college,” he says. “I want to be that person and help impact the lives of students.” Reams is contemplating a master’s degree, so she can advance at independent oil and gas company EOG Resources Inc. “I landed a good job with a company that I love, giving me an opportunity to work in a field in which I had no previous work experience,” she says. “My employer has encouraged me to carry on with my goal of continuing education.” Roege is fascinated by marine biology, and she envisions working as a scientist on a research vessel. She encourages others to pursue their dreams, no matter what stage of life they have reached. “It should light a fire in you when people tell you that you can’t do something,” she says. “The road may be difficult, but you can use that fire and the wonderful people at Cal U to help you succeed.” By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U

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Dr. Gregg Gould (left) leads the new Center for Undergraduate Research.

Independent Exploration Undergraduate research extends learning beyond the classroom

arielle Silvio has a lot on her plate. She’s finishing her degree in secondary education with a concentration in mathematics, as well as a minor in physics. She’s also part of a research group that solved original mathematics problems involving the Fibonacci sequence, published articles in academic journals, and gave a presentation to a chapter of the Mathematical Association of America. These weren’t classroom activities. Instead, they were part of Silvio’s undergraduate research at Cal U. “Undergraduate research is as much work, if not more, than a normal class,” she says. “The difference is that there’s no set time in your schedule to complete it, so you must manage your time in order to work on research while meeting other course deadlines.” Research like Silvio’s helps to supplement classroom education. It’s been identified as a “high-impact 6 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2014

practice” that boosts critical thinking skills, promotes innovation and helps college students prepare for a career. That’s why Cal U has committed to expanding both opportunities and funding for undergraduate research projects.

New research center

Until now, research projects typically grew out of course lectures, and professors helped to guide students through the process. Because most undergraduates don’t know how to initiate a research project on their own, the University has created a center to promote opportunities and help to provide funding. The new Cal U Center for Undergraduate Research is intended to raise awareness across all disciplines, facilitate research experiences for students and celebrate the achievements of students and their mentors. Leading the center is Dr. Gregg

Gould, a longtime member of the advisory board for the University Honors Program and a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Physics since 1991. “We had several outstanding, highly qualified applicants for the director’s position, and the search committee had some difficulty selecting one person for the job,” says Dr. Stan Komacek, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “Professor Gould presented a clear vision of how this center could develop and what our faculty and students might achieve, given the opportunity and resources.” The idea for a new research center stemmed from a two-year program funded by the National Science Foundation to integrate undergraduate research into Pennsylvania’s public universities. “I have always been attracted to the research side of being a professor, but I

could never figure out how to balance it effectively with teaching,” Gould says. “I am really excited to be able to focus my attention on promoting undergraduate research and opening up a world of possibilities for our students.”

New approaches

The research center is in its early stages, but undergraduate research has long been a part of the Cal U experience. For example, during his senior year Nick Patton ’13 conducted an “Investigation of Inorganic Species in the Oregon Hollow Wetlands in Washington County, Pa.” His research showed that agricultural fertilizers and repositories of road salt and other chemicals led to moderate levels of unnatural elements in the wetlands, but posed no concern for humans or the environment. The project won an award at the statewide PASSHE Undergraduate Research Conference, and Patton’s combination of academic and research experience helped him to land an internship at engineering firm Hatch Mott MacDonald, where he is working to monitor and restore streams affected by longwall coal mining. “Having the chance to conduct research taught me the applications of my class work in everyday life, along with providing exposure to new instrumentation and field approaches,” Patton says.

Anthropology students Fuad Abdulkader and Casey Bricker dug into a separate project, exploring whether items buried in graves could help to determine the gender of unidentified remains. “We learned different aspects of research, such as time management and analysis of artifacts and skeletonized remains,” Abdulkader says. “There are still many studies that lie ahead of us, but we now have a much clearer picture of what to expect in the future in this field.”

Getting started

The new research center is gaining traction, Gould says. Guidelines for awarding funds to undergraduate research projects are being drafted, and a campus-wide event is being planned so that students can share their discoveries. “I cannot overstate the enthusiasm and support we have received from the University administration and the entire Cal U community,” he says. “There are many fine faculty members who are doing excellent research projects with undergraduate students right now. Really, we are just starting to scratch the surface of what is possible.” By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U

GrANtS SUpPoRt ReSeArCH PrOJeCTs Three undergraduates in the Eberly College of Science and Technology received 2013-2014 grants supported by the Jesse B. Guttman Research Endowment, the first permanent fund for research at Cal U. The grants program honors the late Jesse B. Guttman, who along with his brothers, Leo and Howard, founded Guttman Oil Co., Guttman Realty and Mon River Towing. These companies, now under the umbrella of The Guttman Group, employ numerous individuals in the Mon Valley. Recipients of the 2013-2014 Guttman research grants are: Caitlin Birmingham, an environmental studies major who is examining the microbial ecology of agricultural soil with and without pesticides. Her faculty sponsor is Dr. Sara Meiss, of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Carl Jurkowski, a geology major who uses uranium-thorium-lead (“common lead”) dating in research with zircons from the Adah Kimberlite Intrusion in Adah, Pa. His sponsor is Dr. Daniel Harris, of the Department of Earth Sciences. Colin Stuart, a biology major who studies how the begonia plant colonizes in different Andean mountain environments. His sponsor is Dr. Mark Tebbitt, of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. To learn how you can provide scholarship support for undergraduate researchers or other Cal U students, contact the Office of University Development at 724-938-5775 or visit www.calu.edu/giving.

(Above) Undergraduate Marielle Silvio conducts research in mathematics. (Left) Anthropology student Fuad Abdulkader explores a research site. SPRING 2014 CAL U REVIEW 7

DIGITAL STORYTELLING Videos shine new light on historical societies

“I

didn’t know there was a castle in Brownsville,” says Emily Ritchie, a freshman in Cal U’s Honors Program. She does now. Ritchie, along with fellow Honors Program students Laura Owens and Ali Steiner, learned all about Bowman’s Castle, or Nemacolin Castle, while participating in a digital storytelling project. Teams of 14 freshmen Honors Program students visited historical societies in Brownsville, California, Donora, Dormont and McKeesport to produce two videos — an overview of each society and a feature on a noteworthy artifact or collection. The societies are members of the Senator John Heinz History Center Affiliates Program (HCAP). At Cal U, the project was coordinated by Dr. Christina Fisanick, associate professor of English, and Dr. Gary DeLorenzo, associate professor of information technology. Students in DeLorenzo’s classes have provided application solutions to the Heinz History Center as part of their senior capstone projects. In their video, Owens, Ritchie and Steiner used photographs and narration to illustrate the historical significance of the castle. “I was so surprised at all the information they had on this little town,” Owens says of the Brownsville Historical Society. Rachel Fawley and Corrine Dowlin produced a somber, dramatic video about the smog that covered the town of Donora in 1948 and killed 21 people. Newspaper headlines and photos of steel mills and victims accompany Dowlin’s haunting narration of a poem about the tragedy by German writer Gunter Kunert. “No one is going to forget the smog incident, but I don’t think people realize as much how the town’s population has diminished” from roughly 14,000 in the 1940s to 5,000 today, Dowlin says. Fisanick says the project teaches skills such as writing, editing and interviewing. “We did story circles, where students read their stories out loud

Honors Program students Rachael Fawley (left) and Corrine Dowlin tell the story behind the Donora Smog Museum.

and get feedback. They also learned about story arcs and how to ask dramatic questions.” The digital storytelling project has expanded to the Manderino Library at Cal U, and to the Mt. Lebanon, Washington County and Fayette County historical societies, in addition to more work with California, Donora and McKeesport. Students also are exploring ways to use digital storytelling techniques in careers such as education. “Cal U's Honors Program and Dr. Fisanick have given these students a unique opportunity not just to learn about the community around them, but to share that knowledge in an innovative and accessible format,” says Dr. M.G. Aune, director of the Honors Program. Robert Stakeley, educator and manager of HCAP, says the project benefits Cal U students’ education while increasing awareness of the region’s historical societies. “One of the underlying objectives of this project is to entice people to visit these sites, both online and in person,” he says. “We believe that once you view these stories, you’ll want to jump in your car to visit these historical societies.” “I’m thrilled about it,” says Mary Beth Graf, president of the California Area Historical Society. “We’re a research center, but we also have mining and river boat displays. The students seemed to gain an appreciation for it.” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

SEE THE STORIES

Honors Program students (from left) Clair Harris, Julianna Aguirre and Shannon Chilcote examine artifacts in the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center, where they presented their digital storytelling projects.

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For video clips from the University Honors Program’s digital storytelling project, visit www.calu.edu/news. Click on ‘Cal U Review’ and choose ‘As Seen in the Review.’

Roundtable Draws yyy Civil War Enthusiasts More than 100 meet monthly to share their passion for history

or one day each month, the Kara Alumni House at California University hosts a scene from the past. Union and Confederate flags hang from the rafters. Banjo music fills the air. And the Booker Great Room buzzes with friendly debates about the actions of Lincoln, Grant and Lee. The Civil War Roundtable has been bringing regional and national Civil War experts to California University since 2006. The meetings welcome community members who are eager both to listen and to discuss the War Between the States. Roundtable members not only learn about this significant chapter in American history, they meet others who share their interest in the war. “Once you leave the classroom, people often stop exposing themselves to new information,” says Dr. Clarissa Confer, director of the Civil War Roundtable and a history professor at Cal U. “By coming to something like this, you get to hear different viewpoints and meet others who share your passion. It is a continuous learning experience.” Over the years, speakers have included Cal U alumni who studied history and descendants of Civil War veterans who shared personal accounts of the war. Historians, authors and tour guides all have found their way to California. Joe Mieczkowski, a licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Military Park, spoke at a roundtable meeting last year. He calls the participants “keepers of the flame.” “The flame was lit when 620,000 men were killed for freedom and democracy,” he says, recalling the total of Civil War dead. “I think it is important for us to keep that flame alive, so that generations to come remember the sacrifices of the country.“

Bill Kistler (left) and Harry Fisher perform music from the Civil War era. To hear the re-enactment group Acoustic Shadows of the Blue & Gray, visit www.calu.edu/news. Click on 'Cal U Review' and choose 'As Seen in the Review.'

Dressed in his Civil War cap, Jim Smith talks with Dr. Clarissa Confer at a meeting of the Civil War Roundtable.

You don’t have to be a history buff to get immersed in the roundtable events. Bill Kistler, who works for Cal U’s food service vendor, also performs with a re-enactment band that plays at roundtable meetings. “I wasn’t interested too much in the Civil War growing up, but I met someone at church who taught me how to play the banjo,” he says. “To me, it’s about keeping the music alive and enhancing the stories we pass on to the future.” Both the speakers and the socializing draw Civil War enthusiasts. In just eight years, attendance at the monthly meetings has grown from 20 to about 100 members. Much of the success can be credited to the group’s strong corps of volunteers, Confer says. “We have been fortunate to have great volunteers to help book speakers, plan activities and giveaways, and even bring a pot of coffee.” One member, Walter Klorczyk of Monongahela, Pa., has been leading the roundtable since its inception. “He brings the best available speakers, and he has been a major influence in the roundtable’s growth,” Confer says. “It is volunteers like Walt that not only make the roundtable successful, but enrich the entire Cal U community.” By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U

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Graduate student Katie Deverts (left) and Dr. Barbara Bonfanti keep tabs on the progress of Megan Hess, 3, as she practices enunciation.

LEARNING ALOUD Speech clinic benefits clients, provides clinical experience for students

ddy Allen, age 4, is a ray of sunshine. Quiet, but clearly excited to begin her session for speech articulation, she bounces off to one of the therapy rooms at Cal U’s Speech and Hearing Clinic. Sessions at the clinic, part of the Department of Communication Disorders, are led by graduate students in the speech-language pathology program. These students, assisted by undergraduates in the communication disorders program, test and evaluate clients, devise treatment plans, provide therapy, and obtain results. All sessions with clients are monitored via video by department faculty, each of them certified by the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association and licensed as a speech-language pathologist. Faculty members also supervise the development of treatment plans. Addy’s mom, Marcie Allen ’96, describes her daughter’s needs. “She spoke early, but there was a problem understanding her, so there was also frustration at home. She’d try to say things over and over and over again. I’d ask her to show me. Sometimes she could, but sometimes she couldn’t.” With school on the horizon for Addy, Allen sought help at Cal U.

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“There’s such a difference now. She wouldn’t talk on the phone to her grandma, but now she talks for an hour and I don’t have to translate.” Dr. Barbara Bonfanti, who chairs the Department of Communication Disorders, says every effort is made to accommodate those who seek help at the Speech and Hearing Clinic. “Kids need help now,” she says, noting that even very young children can learn and benefit from therapy. “Problems can affect their success at school. And peers can be cruel. Adult patients with medical conditions are also in urgent need of treatment. We try not to turn anyone away.”

Undergraduate experience

“We provide a clinical, hands-on experience not only for our graduate students, but also for our undergrads,” Bonfanti says. “The undergraduate experience is what makes us unique. New undergrad students can enroll in this clinical experience during their freshman year.” The department has about 160 undergraduate and 50 graduate students. The bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are extremely competitive, Bonfanti says.

A 3.0 grade-point average is a bare-minimum requirement to be accepted into the graduate program. “Often, we fill the program before we get below a 3.5 or 3.6. These students are the crème de la crème.” Between the clinic and the Learning and Language Center Preschool, also housed within the Communication Disorders Department, students are exposed to a diverse patient population. “Our youngest patient now is 16 months old; our oldest is a woman who is 60 years of age and had a cerebro-vascular accident, a ‘stroke.’” At the clinic, children and adults with autism, stroke patients, those with swallowing disorders, children struggling to articulate certain sounds or to speak without stuttering, those who are adjusting to cochlear implants and more are assessed and treated, Bonfanti says. In the preschool, children ages 3 to 5 who may be experiencing delays in their social/emotional, physical, cognitive or language development learn alongside children who are developing normally. “The magic there,” says Bonfanti, “is that children who have communication problems are surrounded by normal peers as role models. “Students who graduate from our program are qualified to work in public and private schools, hospitals and rehab centers with both children and adults,” she adds. “That makes us different, because our curriculum covers every piece you need to work with both populations.”

No limits

Undergraduate Maura Bizzozero recalls her experience with a man with Down syndrome. “His communication was really unintelligible,” she says. “It was so difficult to understand him. But by the end of the semester, he was using gestures to communicate, and his speech really improved. I get chills just talking about it.” Bonfanti emphasizes that the ability to learn new communication techniques knows no age limit. “This man is 45 years old. Forty years ago, many therapies weren’t available, but there are many things we can do today. You aren’t too old for therapy or to learn new ways to adapt.”

In the Speech and Hearing Clinic, Terry Martin uses the text-tospeech app on his iPad as graduate student Jocelyn Fenyar (left) and undergraduate Ashley Weyant look on.

Among the modern-day options used in the Cal U clinic are tablet devices to help with communication. One example is Proloquo2Go, an iPad “app” that provides text-to-speech options and can be customized to include names of users’ family members or pets, favorite restaurants, likes and dislikes, and more. Under the direction of Dr. Samantha Procaccini, the clinic director, clients learn to use their iPads to communicate with family members and others, even ordering their own meals in a restaurant. “The iPad is user-friendly,” says graduate student Jocelyn Fenyar. “This technology is widely used and acceptable in today’s society,” so clients don’t feel singled out. As clients practice with the device, the student clinicians learn to offer guidance, or “prompts,” then step back gradually to encourage independence. “The clinical experience we’ve received at Cal U has been extremely beneficial,” says graduate student Elizabeth Adamson. “We are able to conduct the initial testing and then come up with a treatment plan. Instead of just learning from a textbook, I am able to apply what I’ve learned when I see my client.” Bizzozero agrees. “It’s nice to observe at the clinic, and it’s great to have the experience at the preschool, too. “Sometimes you’re just taking data to assist the therapist, but you still get to bounce treatment options off other people or see the way they approach a case. And you become more familiar with what you’re learning in class. It all comes together.” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

FIND OUT MORE

Graduate student Elizabeth Adamson uses a word game to help Braedin Lunger, of Charleroi, Pa., improve his speech.

For more information about the services offered at the California University Speech and Hearing Clinic, the Audiology Clinic and the Learning and Language Center at Cal U, visit www.calu.edu and search for ‘Department of Communication Disorders.’ Services are by appointment.To schedule an appointment or to discuss a problem with a licensed, certified faculty member, call 724-938-4175.

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CAMPUS C L I P S held a quick media briefing with regional and campus reporters, and toured Cal U’s main and upper campuses. “It’s becoming clearer and clearer to me that what you offer at California is a very well-balanced opportunity, both in STEM education as well as the arts, humanities and fine arts,” he said. “The opportunity is here for each student to come away with a well-balanced education.”

Accreditations verify programs’ quality Chancellor Frank T. Brogan: 'The opportunity is here.'

PASSHE Chancellor pays a campus call Six weeks after becoming the fourth chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Frank T. Brogan made his first official visit to California University, his ninth stop on a tour of all 14 PASSHE universities. A lifelong educator, Brogan previously served as chancellor of the State University System of Florida, was president of Florida Atlantic University and twice was elected lieutenant governor of the Sunshine State. He now serves as PASSHE’s chief executive officer, working with the Board of Governors to recommend and develop overall policies for Pennsylvania’s stateowned universities. “I am very excited to be working for a system that not only has such enormous regional impact, but at the same time … has such an enormous impact on the entire state of Pennsylvania,” he told an audience of students, faculty and staff. The Chancellor said he hopes to link the 14 PASSHE schools more closely to create a stronger knowledge-based environment for its 112,000 students. At the same time, it’s important for each school to maintain its own identity. “In this market today, it’s not only important to be broad-based, it is equally important to be able make your case that therein lies something unique to your institution,” he said. In addition to holding an open forum, Brogan met privately with interim University President Geraldine M. Jones,

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Five Cal U programs have earned accreditation, an assurance that each continues to meet the highest standards of excellence. • The graphics and multimedia program has been reaccredited through 2015 by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications Inc., an independent body supported professionally by

‘Wicked’ weekend

education leaders and managers in the graphic communications industry. The program, in the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology, is one of just 11 nationwide to receive this ACCGC distinction. • The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, designed for registered nurses, has been re-accredited through 2023 by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The BSN program is offered in either traditional face-to-face classes or 100 percent online. • The Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration and Leadership program has received its initial CCNE accreditation, which extends through 2018. Designed with busy, working nurses in mind, the MSN program is offered 100 percent online.

Dr. Michele Pagen, of the Department of Theatre and Dance, looks on as performer Ben Cameron describes his work in the original Broadway cast of the musical ‘Wicked,’ based on ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ The Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy hosted Cameron’s campus visit, which included discussions with Cal U students, workshops for students and academy ‘MVPs,’ and a master class featuring music and choreography from the popular show.

• The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has been re-accredited through March 31, 2022, by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. CACREP accredits a variety of counseling degree programs at the master’s and doctorate levels. • The Master of Education in School Counseling program also earned CACREP re-accreditation through March 31, 2022. In all, more than 80 percent of Cal U’s academic programs are accredited, and that figure is expected to increase. This spring the Department of Business and Economics applied to begin the accreditation process with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Learning continues at Summer College Cal U opens its doors to Summer SUMMER College students, COLLEGE who can choose from a selection of more than 100 undergraduate and 40 graduate-level courses. Cal U students, as well as students at other colleges, may enroll in Summer College courses that offer the same academic content as courses taught during the spring and fall semesters. Online and traditional face-to-face classes are offered at many convenient times. Daytime and evening classes are available during five-week, 10-week and special sessions. Registration continues. For a course catalog, visit www.calu.edu/academics/ summer-college.

2014

SUMMER COURSES TO ADVANCE YOUR EDUCATION AND YOUR CAREER.

History lesson

Singers from Cal U’s Young and Gifted Gospel Choir trace the history of a uniquely American musical style in ‘Transformed, The Musical: The Story of African American Gospel Music.’ Directed by Dr. Randy Tilmutt, an associate professor of music and a Frederick Douglass Institute Scholar at Cal U, the performance depicted the development of gospel music from the 18th through the 20th centuries. The talented cast received production assistance from students in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

A proud member of the Pennsylvania State Sytem of Higher Education.

Banners honor military veterans The Office of Veterans Affairs hopes to add to the collection of 33 red, white and blue banners that decorated the Cal U campus in November. Faculty, staff and students purchased the banners, each one depicting an active-duty service member or military veteran. Local businesses also contributed to the project.

Speaking at a Veterans Day dedication ceremony, President Jones called the display “both public and deeply personal.” “Many students, alumni and University friends have served our great nation with distinction,” she said. “This project is one more way for California University to thank our veterans, to remember those who are no longer with us, and to remind the entire campus community of their role in preserving the freedoms we all enjoy.” The dedication ceremony included comments from 1st Lt. Joseph Sinclair ’12, who is serving with the U.S. Army. Speaking via cellphone from Afghanistan, he recalled opening an e-mail attachment and seeing the banner bearing his name. “It’s like Christmas getting e-mails, and seeing that banner made by day,” Sinclair said. “Even after graduation, Cal U is still reaching out … and I appreciate it.” Order forms are available online for those who would like to add a banner to the November 2014 display. For details, visit www.calu.edu/veterans.

Capt. Carolyn Clements (left), military coordinator for Cal U Global Online, reviews banners with ROTC cadet Pvt. Ben Miller and Jesse Maundi ‘11, National Guard recruiter at Cal U.

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CAMPUS C L I P S Mueller says he expects to involve students in his latest project. In the past, students in his courses have completed hands-on, sports-related projects for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Washington Wild Things and United States Lacrosse.

Conference explores disaster management roles

Clifford Hammonds '13 is among the dozens of students, young alumni and faculty featured in Cal U's latest advertising campaign.

New advertisements feature students, employees Variety and authenticity are hallmarks of the University’s latest advertising campaign, which features images of Cal U students, faculty and staff. “The World Is Waiting” is making an impact with television, print, online and outdoor advertisements. In focus groups, prospective students repeatedly said that “having the right major” is their first consideration when choosing a college. So the campaign emphasizes Cal U’s 130 programs of study, using dozens of photos that show students actively engaged in learning and enjoying campus life. To reach the greatest number of potential students at the most affordable cost, television ads aired on local stations during high-profile events, including the Super Bowl, the Winter Olympics, the Grammy Awards show and the Oscars. The ads are continuing to appear on television and in unique venues such as movie theaters in Allegheny and surrounding counties. To see Cal U’s “The World Is Waiting” TV ads online, visit www.calu.edu/news. Click on “Cal U Review” and choose “As Seen in the Review.”

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Sports historians tap professor’s mapping skills Dr. Thomas Mueller, a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, has been named to the executive board for the Society of North American Sports Historians and Dr. Thomas Mueller Researchers. “My area will emphasize the spatial movement or diffusion of sports, along with creating maps," Mueller explains. For instance, in a pilot study focusing on players who have been selected through the Amateur Baseball Draft, “we will look at where their high schools and colleges have been over the past 40 years and determine if we see a concentration of players coming from a particular state, a particular region or a particular part of a state, and how that may have changed over the past four decades.” During his 15 years at Cal U, Mueller’s scholarly interests have included Geographic Information Systems, as well as geography education and sports geography. His work centers on efforts to apply spatial theory to the real world, particularly using computer mapping.

At the University’s seventh annual Conference on Homeland and International Security, a specialist in domestic security and civil-military relationships outlined the responsibilities of local and federal governments when a disaster occurs. Bert B. Tussing, director of homeland security for the Center for Strategic Leadership at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., gave the keynote presentation at the conference, titled “Defense Support of Civil Authorities in Disaster Management.” Speaking to an audience of students, faculty and security professionals, Tussing dissected the roles of local, state and federal governments in responding to both natural disasters and acts of terrorism. Because of the separation of powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution, there will always be a “seam of ambiguity” between the post-disaster responsibilities of federal military forces and local law enforcement. “That is how our country is designed,” he said. Sponsored by the Department of Justice, Law and Society, the annual conference examines a different aspect of domestic or international security each year. Past conferences have focused on school and corporate security, cyber crime, and emergency preparedness, among other issues.

Bert B. Tussing, of the U.S. Army War College, headlines the seventh annual Conference on Homeland and International Security.

Alumnus joins celebration of Black History Month Food for the body and food for thought were two components of this year’s Black History Month celebration at Cal U. The calendar of special events opened with a traditional soul-food dinner and included roundtable discussions, a trip to Washington, D.C., and a presentation by photographer Eunique Jones, whose online “Because of Them, We Can” project teaches children and adults about black history. Among the featured speakers was Reuben Brock ’08, who earned his master’s degree in community counseling at Cal U. A doctoral student in counseling psychology and a Reuben Brock '08 W.E.B. Dubois Fellow at West Virginia University, he is currently an adjunct faculty member in psychology at Cal U and an intern in the counseling center. In his talk “Black Student Success in Higher Education,” Brock spoke to students about self-efficacy, stressing that if students hope to be successful, they must believe in their own ability to earn a college degree.

'Million Dollar Achievers' John Kula and Laura Giachetti.

Professors bring in $1 million in grants The grant-writing efforts of two faculty members have brought more than $1 million in external funding to Cal U. Professors John Kula and Laura Giachetti, both of the Department of Academic Services, were honored as “Million Dollar Achievers” at the University’s annual Grant Writers Recognition Ceremony.

‘Shiny, not slimy’ As his classmates line up for their turn, Danny Kelly, an eighth-grader at Charleroi Middle School, touches the smooth skin of a reptile during a visit to the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Sean Gillis ’06, ’12, a special education teacher with Intermediate Unit 1, arranged for students from the class to visit Cal U and explore the department, including reptiles under the care of Dr. Brian K. Paulson (left). The department conducts several community outreach projects each year.

Kula is director of the Upward Bound program at Cal U, and Giachetti is the program’s assistant director. Upward Bound is a federally funded program that helps to prepare eligible high school students for college. Cal U’s program serves students in Fayette and Greene County high schools. Last summer the U.S. Department of Education awarded Cal U two Upward Bound continuation grants totaling more than $615,000, pushing Kula’s and Giachetti’s career totals over the $1 million mark.

Global Online offers price break for military A two-year pilot program approved to begin this summer will make online education more affordable for active-duty service members and their families. Under the program, the cost of undergraduate tuition for Global Online courses will match the Military Tuition

Assistance reimbursement rate offered by the U.S. military. Currently, the reimbursement rate is $250 per credit for undergraduate programs. Service members and their families who enroll in online graduate programs will pay about 90 percent of the in-state tuition rate, or $399 per credit. The pilot program at Cal U is one of six “flexible tuition” initiatives approved at various state-owned universities. Cal U officials project a 5 percent annual increase in Global Online military enrollment, resulting in a 5 percent gain in revenue in the program’s second year. Program results will be evaluated after year two. Both veterans and active-duty service members recognize Cal U as a militaryfriendly institution, says Lawrence “Larry” Maggi ’79, chair of the Cal U Council of Trustees and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “Our support of military students vibrates through the veterans community. It’s clearly a morale booster.”

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CONNECTING THE DOTS SPEAKER REMINDS GRADUATES TO ACKNOWLEDGE SUPPORTERS, SEEK HAPPINESS

WINTER COMMENCEMENT

DANTE MORELLI ’02, an assistant professor at

Suffolk County (N.Y.) Community College, is the first Commencement speaker in recent history to address both master’s degree candidates and undergraduates at California University. Morelli earned his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, at Cal U, where he was a student member of the Council of Trustees and president of the Student Association Inc. He holds a master’s degree in corporate and professional communication from Radford University in Virginia, and he is completing his doctorate in communications at Ohio University.

Lilia Drew, who earned her master's degree in exercise science through Cal U Global Online, shows off her brand-new diploma. 16 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2014

hen Dante Morelli ’02 looks back at his college years, he sees a network of friends and mentors who helped him along the way. “Steve Jobs stated in his 2005 commencement address at Stanford University that ‘you cannot connect the dots moving forward; you can only connect them looking backward.’ As I look back on my life, I can see all of the people who played a vital role in my success,” Morelli told graduates at Cal U’s 177th Commencement. “It’s important to ask yourself, ‘Who was there in my life when those dots were being connected? Who helped me along? Who has helped me build my biography?’” Morelli reviewed his own “biography of the collective” as he spoke to master’s degree candidates on Dec. 13 and bachelor’s and associate degree candidates the following day. Both graduation ceremonies were held in the Convocation Center. Addressing the undergraduates, Morelli noted the impact of his Cal U classmates, professors and administrators as he prepared for a successful career in higher education. He recalled the roommate who helped to smooth his transition to college life, the “exceptional professors” who sparked his interest in teaching, and the University staff members and administrators who nurtured his leadership abilities. “All of these people were not only my mentors, but they also became colleagues and friends. … In graduate school, I was again lucky enough to have the same relationships with my professors, who mentored me about what it takes to be an exceptional teacher. “My story is not very different from yours,” he told the graduates. “Looking back at the biography of my life, it is actually not my own, but it is one that I share with many people. I would not be where I am today without the help of others.” Speaking to graduate students, Morelli acknowledged the effort it takes to earn an advanced degree: “The journeys you have taken to arrive at this point were not easy. … You probably passed on going out to socialize with friends and family to spend a little more time trying to complete that research project or paper. … Perhaps you lost a job in the recession only to take the great risk of re-entering a classroom to retrain and educate yourself in a field that would make you more competitive and marketable in the workplace. “Regardless of your narrative, you’re here and you made it.”

It’s important to ask yourself, ‘Who was there in my life when those dots were being connected? Who helped me along? Who has helped me build my biography?

Honors Program graduate Ali L. Dodson acknowledges applause for her 4.0 grade-point average.

Dante Morelli '02 SPEAKER, 2013 WINTER COMMENCEMENT

In all, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones conferred degrees upon nearly 1,400 students who completed their studies in August and December. The total includes those who did not attend the winter ceremonies. She also accepted a check from Brian Higgins, chair of the Senior Gift Drive Committee, for more than $15,000 contributed by graduating seniors and their families. In her remarks, President Jones urged the graduates to “help change lives, reshape communities and make the world a better place.” She reminded the graduates to savor their success, and to thank those who helped them reach their goals. “You have worked hard, you have persevered, and you have accomplished something significant,” she said. “Please think of your parents, family members and friends who helped you and encouraged you along the way. Give those special people an extra hug today, and let them know how much their encouragement, love and support means to you.” Recalling the words of Nelson Mandela, who died just a week before Commencement, President Jones urged the graduates to remember that “a good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” The President concluded her remarks by wishing the graduates “continued success and abundant joy.” Morelli also addressed the subject of happiness, quoting the late John Lennon: “When I was 5 years old, my mother told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” “Never, ever settle for mediocrity,” Morelli added. “I wish you the best in your endeavors and in your pursuit of happiness.”

Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones gets a helping hand from husband Jeff as she prepares for Cal U's 177th Commencement.

President Jones accepts the senior class gift from Brian Higgins '13. By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

SEE THE CEREMONIES To read the complete text of the speakers’ remarks at Cal U’s 177th Commencement, or to view the graduate or undergraduate ceremonies, visit www.calu.edu and search for ‘Commencement videos.’

California University Police chief Edward McSheffery is vested in his academic hood before receiving his master's degree. SPRING 2014 CAL U REVIEW 17

ALUMNI N E W S JUNE S

GREETINGS FROM THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS! Spring is here, and as always, it is an exciting time on campus. Students are wrapping up the semester and we are preparing to welcome the Class of 2014 into the alumni community. We wish our graduating students well as they begin their new endeavors. As the Class of 2014 prepares to leave our campus, I ask you to do the opposite: come back. Come back and reconnect with your University. Walk through the Quad, stop to visit Old Main or the Kara Alumni House. Come back and see the many ways Cal U has grown and evolved over the years. Regardless of the physical changes, you’ll find that one thing remains the same: This is still your University, and there is no better time than right now to renew your Vulcan pride. Several years ago we began the Cal U for Life program. This initiative encourages students and alumni to create a lifelong relationship with their alma mater. On campus we encourage students to get involved in groups and activities that will help them grow and also nurture their bond with Cal U. As alumni, you have many ways to continue this relationship. Join us at alumni events on campus and elsewhere, so you can meet and network with other Cal U graduates. Donate to an existing scholarship or create one of your own. There are many ways to reconnect with Cal U. Discover what interests you most, and get involved. As always, I thank you for your continued support of our alma mater. Go, Vulcans!

alumni calendar

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SAVE THE DATE June 26 · Athletic Training Reception at NATA Cal U Athletic Training will hold its annual alumni reception during the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s 65th Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, in Indianapolis, Ind. Cal U alumni will meet from 7-9 p.m. June 26 at Ike and Jonesy’s, 17 W. Jackson Place, Indianapolis. For details, contact Shelly DiCesaro at dicesaro@calu.edu or 724-938-5831.

September 27 · 50th Reunion, Class of 1964 The Class of 1964 returns to campus Sept. 27 to celebrate its 50th Class Reunion. Please join us as we commemorate this milestone event. It’s your chance to reconnect with classmates, share memories and make new ones! Class of ’64 members who have not received information about the reunion should contact Leslie Fleenor ’08 in the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-938-4418 or fleenor@calu.edu.

October 11 · Homecoming 2014 Plans are under way for Cal U’s Homecoming 2014 festivities — but they won’t be complete without you! Mark your calendar and plan to bring the family or reconnect with friends and former classmates. It’s a day you won’t want to miss.

MAKE AN IMPRESSION.

BUY A BRICK. Leslie Berdar Fleenor ’08 Director of Alumni Relations

Now it's easier than ever to become a part of California University history. Make a permanent impression when you have a customengraved brick installed on the Cal U campus. Add your name, or the name of someone special, to one of the paths near historic Old Main, the Emeriti Fountain or the Kara Alumni House. A commemorative brick is a wonderful way to honor a graduate, remember a relative or make a lifelong connection with your alma mater. And your purchase helps to support scholarships for Cal U students.

To learn more or to purchase a brick, contact Randi Minerva ’98 at 724-938-4248 or minerva@calu.edu.

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Ice scraper

At the Cal U Ice Rink at PPG Place, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones checks out a Zamboni decorated with the names of Cal U’s academic programs. Joining her at the rink in downtown Pittsburgh were (from left) granddaughter Jurnee Lantz, husband Jeff Jones, daughter Autumn Lantz and son-in-law Aaron Lantz.

Just chillin’

Student Government President Chelsea Getsy (left) joins Cal U students Suzy Hart, Brendan Garay and Jose Negron on the ice at the Cal U Ice Rink at PPG Place. Students and alumni enjoyed special events at the rink, which hosted thousands of skaters from the Pittsburgh area and beyond.

Court awards

Meeting and greeting

President Jones and Durce Jackson '56 pause for a photo at a reception for Baltimore-area alumni. Alumni gatherings in various parts of the country let Cal U graduates network and hear updates about the University without traveling too far from home.

Diehard fans and dedicated alumni braved wintry weather to attend the annual Alumni Basketball Day reception. Joining men’s head basketball coach Bill Brown were Dr. Cleveland Steward ’73, who received the Basketball Alumnus of the Year award, and Tammy Mandich ’91, Basketball Alumna of the Year.

Name change

At an alumni gathering in Arlington, Va., Gaylord Wargo ’64 shows off a custom-made sweatshirt that illustrates how Cal U has grown. California State Teachers College became California State College in 1960, and Pennsylvania’s 14 stateowned colleges became universities in 1983.

Ready to walk

President Jones chats with Benjamin Vazquez, of Lancaster, Mass. (left), and Alvin Fuentes '09 at a reception for Global Online students who arrived at Cal U to take part in Winter Commencement. Online students are invited to receive their diplomas in person, and many visit campus for the first time on graduation day.

Presidents’ day

Past presidents of the Cal U Alumni Association Board of Directors meet the current office-holder at an alumni reception in Monroeville, Pa. Sharing the spotlight are (from left) Mark Vallozzi ’73; Pete Gialames ’69; Colleen Arnowitz ’75, ’97; current President Bobbi Fetsko ’75, ’83; Vince Soom ’85; and Mike Napolitano ’68.

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ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T

I love Cal U. I believe I received a very good education that obviously prepared me to go out and get a job in my field. Britanny Wilcosky '11 HOUCK DANCE STUDIOS

Partners in success

s a student at California State College, Michele Houck Wilcosky ’78 entered a pageant and danced away with the Miss California Talent prize. She and her sisters, Dorothy and Melody, had opened the Houck Dance Studio in 1974 — never suspecting that 40 years later, the Uniontown business still would be going strong. Considering the family business, it was only natural for Michele’s daughter, Brittany Wilcosky ’11, to follow in her mother’s footsteps. After high school Brittany spent two years dancing in New York City, where she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and worked at the Broadway Dance Center. Then she enrolled at Cal U, joined the dance team, and became a regular performer at basketball games and the annual spring dance concert. Brittany also made the leap to athletic training, earning her degree after completing two internships, at Daytona (Fla.) State College and at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando. In 2012 she landed a job with UPMC Sports Medicine. She

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works primarily at Penn Hills High School, but also tends to dancers with the Pittsburgh Ballet. “I danced from the time I was 2 years old, and I still do,” Brittany says. “And I still help my mom teach and run the business when I have time. That’s a second job; it’s not a hobby.” Michele says she chose California State because it was close to home, but even as a commuter student she was active in campus life. And later, her elementary education degree let her work as a substitute teacher while keeping the studio running and judging dance competitions throughout North America. Mother and daughter agree that partnering with California paid off. “I love Cal U,” Brittany says. “I believe I received a very good education that obviously prepared me to go out and get a job in my field. I also made a lot of friends.” Adds Michele: “We are both thankful for Cal’s education, which definitely helped us to succeed.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

Making every hour count

ime management skills helped to make Justin Nwokeji ’05 a successful college student, and they continue to serve him well as he balances a full-time career as an event planner with work at his own interactive marketing agency. At Cal U, Nwokeji earned a bachelor’s degree in political science while serving as vice president of Student Government and a member of the SAI Board of Directors. Today, he works full time as an event director for the American Liver Foundation in Pittsburgh, where he coordinates and manages large-scale fundraisers. Since 2006 Nwokeji also has devoted time to his own business, SAVVY LLC, an interactive marketing agency that provides opportunities for Pittsburgh’s young and emerging professionals to network, partner and promote their businesses. “By holding those (extracurricular) positions during my undergraduate days I learned a lot about negotiation, budgets and business practices,” he says. “I enjoyed Cal U.”

Originally from Erie, Pa., Nwokeji attended Cal U on a Board of Governors scholarship. He credits former political science professor Dr. Mohammed Yamba, now dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and retired administrators Alan James ’62 and June Dowdy with having a positive influence. “They were all huge contributors to my success at Cal U,” he says. “They encouraged me to take leadership roles both in and outside of the classroom. “ Last year the New Pittsburgh Courier recognized Nwokeji as one of “Pittsburgh’s Fab 40” — young AfricanAmerican professionals who are making a difference in the region. At spring 2014 Commencement he expects to collect his master’s degree in geography and regional planning from Cal U. Nwokeji looks to make a difference by mentoring students and steering them toward possible internships at both the American Liver Foundation and his own business. His advice to current students is

Business savvy: Justin Nwokeji ’05

uncomplicated: Get started now. “I’d advise students to look into starting their own business in either marketing or event planning while still in school,” he says. “It’s never too early to begin with an LLC.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

Guide to the information highway

fter years of hard work to build a technology infrastructure able to meet the needs of the 21stcentury student, the Baldwin-Whitehall School District has turned to a former math teacher and assistant high school principal to improve the experience for young travelers on the district’s information highway. Janeen Peretin ’09, the newly hired director of information and instructional technology for the district, located near Pittsburgh, Pa., says she can’t wait to begin. “There’s definitely a misconception with kids,” she says. “We think they know so much because they have access to smartphones and tablets. But when you begin to work with them, a lot of them don’t have the level of sophistication you might think. “You need a much bigger skill set today to be competitive, not just in region, but in the world.” Peretin, who earned her principal certification from Cal U and may be back for her superintendent letter of eligibility, says she has always been interested in ways

to apply technology for a greater learning experience. She cites a recent example from a social studies classroom using ThingLink, which adds music, video, text and more to photographs. “Now the students are learning while they’re doing research into Pennsylvania history, but they’re also making tourist videos, which you can access from an interactive map. They really have to understand the subject in order synthesize it in video form.” Peretin’s goals include starting coding camps to get students excited about computer programming. On her website she offers ideas for students, teachers and administrators, in addition to an “app of the month.” She wants everyone to get comfortable with using technology in everyday life. “Use FaceTime to connect with your grandkids or a friend in another state,” she urges those who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with technology. The free software adds video capabilities to the traditional phone call.

Tech specialist: Janeen Peretin '09

“For me, the fun thing I get to do is tutor my niece, who is in seventh grade. She’ll ‘FaceTime me,’ and we can catch up and see each other, but also have these algebra tutoring sessions.” By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

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The Natali Student Center’s signature rotunda will offer room for students to meet, study or relax after class.

Renovation plans address student requests collected through surveys and focus groups.

‘NEW’ NATALI T

TAKING SHAPE

he new shape of a revitalized Elmo Natali Student Center is beginning to emerge, and the two-year construction project is on track for completion next year.

The project will upgrade electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems in the 40-year-old building, which had its last major renovation in 1992. The student center will be expanded to make room for Career Services, the Center for Civic Engagement and student organizations. Plans also include more space for commuter students, improved accessibility, and an expanded kitchen and food service area. The building will remain open during renovations, but beginning this fall, Cal U students will share an experience with many alumni — dining in Gallagher Hall.

Plastic wrap retains heat and keeps out the rain so work can continue in all weather. The project is slated for completion in 2015.

While the Gold Rush Dining Hall is being upgraded, meals will be served in a refreshed Gallagher dining area, and retail “food court” venues will be relocated temporarily to the Performance Center inside the student center.

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The Gallagher Hall dining room (shown here in 1968) has been refreshed to serve as a temporary dining facility during the student center renovations.

UNIVERSITY HONORS COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS New award recognizes three who support Cal U and its students

ach has been a true champion for California University and its students. So this spring wildlife educator Joseph Stefko, Civil War Roundtable organizer Walter Klorczyk and residence life professional Justin Schiefelbein were selected to receive the Cal U Community Champions Award. Initiated this year, the award honors community members who have made exceptional contributions in areas such as academic enrichment, research or internship opportunities, mentoring, and career development. “In various ways, these community champions are connecting our students with valuable learning opportunities,” says Craig Butzine '84, Cal U’s vice president for Marketing and University Relations. “Their efforts enrich the educational experience we offer and add to the value of a Cal U degree. This award is the University’s way of saying ‘thank you.’” Stefko, who recently retired, served for many years as a wildlife education supervisor for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. He initiated the internship program between Cal U and the game commission in 2000, and in 2011 he obtained funding to provide a stipend for those interns. Stefko has delivered talks about wildlife conservation, conducted workshops and provided hands-on education for students in the fisheries and wildlife biology program. “He follows every single intern throughout his or her career,” says biology professor Dr. Carol Bocetti, who nominated Stefko for the award. “Joe shares not only his professional knowledge, but also his passion and wisdom in our field. He is an outstanding mentor,

leader, teacher and friend to so many Cal U students.” Klorczyk is a founding member of the all-volunteer group that organizes the Civil War Roundtable held monthly in the Kara Alumni House. He seeks out the historians and other speakers who give the roundtable talks, which typically attract more than 100 people. “He is always searching for the best available professionals. His success has greatly improved the quality of the roundtable and, correspondingly, the attendance,” says history professor Dr. Clarissa Confer, who nominated Klorczyk for the award. He also provides refreshments and runs a book raffle at the meetings, Confer adds. “Walt represents the best in volunteer spirit and enriches the Cal U community with his efforts.” Schiefelbein is the assistant director at Vulcan Village, the student housing complex on Cal U’s upper campus. An employee of EdR Inc., which manages Vulcan Village, he supervises and mentors the Cal U students who serve as Community Assistants. Schiefelbein also is an ambassador for Cal U and its University Housing Office, traveling to off-site events where he speaks with accepted students and their families. “This is the first time that a Vulcan Village employee attended the statewide receptions in the history of our community,” says Vulcan Village director Dr. Scott Helfrich, who nominated Schiefelbein for the award. “Justin typically works 10- to 12-hour days in the name of student development and customer service.”

Joseph Stefko

Walter Klorczyk

By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

NOMINATE A CHAMPION The Cal U Community Champions Award recognizes individuals outside the campus community whose efforts benefit the University or its students. Cal U faculty, staff and students are not eligible for the award. To learn more, or to submit a nomination, visit www.calu.edu, keyword ‘Community Champions.’

Justin Schiefelbein

SPRING 2014 CAL U REVIEW 23

SPORTS R O U N D U P

UNIVERSITY NAMES ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

r. Karen Hjerpe ’97, ’05 has been named the University’s athletic director. Hjerpe began her Cal U career as head volleyball coach in 1993 and was named Senior Woman Administrator the following year. She went on to serve as athletic business manager and associate athletic director, and was named interim athletic director in 2011. "Dr. Hjerpe has done a great job as interim athletic director, and I am very pleased to officially remove the 'interim' from her title," says interim University President Geraldine M. Jones. "She is very knowledgeable about

our University, our student-athletes and our athletic programs. She also is an expert in intercollegiate athletic administration, and she possesses great business sense. Our student-athletes, our coaches and Cal U will be well served by having Dr. Hjerpe in this important position." A 1991 graduate of Gannon University, Hjerpe earned her undergraduate degree in accounting. She holds master's degrees from Cal U both in business and in performance enhancement and injury prevention. In 2009 she completed a terminal degree in instructional management and leadership at Robert Morris University.

Women’s soccer wins PSAC title

Two join track and field coaching staff

With an 18-3-2 overall record, the women’s soccer team won its second PSAC title in three years. Junior goalkeeper Ashley Magruda was named PSAC Tournament MVP after earning shutouts in the semifinals and finals. The Vulcans advanced to the third round of the NCAA Division II Tournament for the fourth time in the last five years and finished 12th in the final National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top 25 poll.

Under head coach Daniel Caulfield, the track and field program has added assistant coaches Brenton Emanuel and Tyler Throener to its staff. Emanuel served for the past four years as an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois University, his alma mater, where he had been a three-time team captain for the Panthers. Throener spent last season at Texas Tech after coaching for four years at the University of Nebraska, where he was a standout hurdler. This fall, Caulfield will begin his ninth year as head coach for both the men’s and women’s cross country teams. He was named head coach of the Vulcans track and field teams after the departure of former head coach Roger Kingdom, in 2013.

Volleyball player nets third scholar award

Ashley Magruda makes a save.

24 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2014

Vulcans volleyball player Abbey Freund has become the first studentathlete to receive three consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Champion Scholar Awards. Freund accepted her latest award

Dr. Karen Hjerpe

during the 2013 PSAC Final Four Championship Tournament at Shippensburg University. The spring 2014 graduate was a setter for the team. The Champion Scholar Award is presented at each of the PSAC’s 23 team championship finals. It honors the student at each contest with the highest cumulative grade-point average.

Three-time PSAC Champion Scholar Abbey Freund

Freund’s GPA was 3.94 at the time of the award. A communication disorders major from Cottage Grove, Wis., she is also a two-time Capital One Academic All-District First-Team selection. On the volleyball court, Freund ranked among the conference leaders last season with 7.12 assists per set. She helped the Vulcans advance to the NCAA Division II post-season tournament for a 10th consecutive year.

All-American, PSAC Top 10 honors for runner

Runner Aaron Dinzeo finished fifth at the 2013 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships and earned All-American honors for the second time in three years in that sport. On the track he is a two-time AllAmerican in the 5,000-meter run. Dinzeo also was named to the PSAC Fall Top 10 list, which recognizes student-athletes who have achieved a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA. Only five men and five women from each sports season are honored during the academic year.

achieved a cumulative 3.203 GPA with women’s swimming (3.54) and men’s cross country (3.48) topping the list. To view the honor roll and find current information about Cal U athletics, visit www.calvulcans.com. Giovanni Morales

Jesse Burrell

Two Vulcans attend forum

The Cal U Athletic Department selected baseball infielder Giovanni Morales and women’s tennis player Jesse Burrell to attend the annual NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum this spring in Providence, R.I. The annual Leadership Forum is one of the largest noncompetitive gatherings of NCAA student-athletes. It allows student-athletes to discuss key issues collectively, develop into more effective leaders and take ideas back to their respective Student-Athlete Advisory Committees on campus.

Athletic director posts honor roll

Among the PSAC Top 10: Aaron Dinzeo

A total of 231 Cal U student-athletes were named to the Fall 2013 Athletic Director Honor Roll, which requires a minimum GPA of 3.00. Among that group are 42 Vulcans players who earned a perfect 4.00 grade-point average. Overall the varsity sports teams

Softball coach also guides pro team

Vulcans softball coach Rick Bertagnolli also will serve as head coach of the Pennsylvania Rebellion, a first-year team in the National Pro Fastpitch League. The Rebellion will begin playing in June at Consol Energy Park, in North Strabane Township, Pa. The field also is home to the Vulcans baseball team and Washington Wild Things. “Being the first head coach of the women’s pro league here is a great honor and very exciting,” said Bertagnolli, who began the 2014 season with a 705-227 (.756) cumulative record at Cal U. “This will also give Cal U and our softball program considerable exposure. It will be a great avenue to get our name further out there. “Our players also can see that they can play in a pro league someday. By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

A forensic anthropology and archaeology major, Dinzeo owned a 3.88 cumulative GPA at the time of the award. He enters his senior year as the first Vulcan student-athlete to earn PSAC Top 10 recognition three times.

Baseball coach reaches 500 career wins

Head baseball coach Mike Conte ’95 picked up his 500th career victory earlier this spring, more than any other men’s sports coach in school history. Heading into the 2014 season, Conte had guided the Vulcans to 30-win seasons eight times in the past 10 years. He has been named the PSAC-West Coach of the Year seven times, and in 2013 he led the Vulcans to the PSACWest title.

In the dugout: Head baseball coach Mike Conte '95 (center)

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PAYING IT F O R W A R D

Couple’s gift benefits future educators

s lifelong educators, Dr. Chester “Chet” ’63 and Yvonne Vance Chichin know the value of a college degree. They also realize the important role that teachers play in molding the lives of their students. As a tangible way to support Cal U students who also are pursuing degrees as educators, the couple, from New Castle, Pa., have established the Dr. Chester and Yvonne Vance Chichin Endowed Scholarship for education majors, which will be awarded for the first time this fall. “We are very grateful for the many opportunities presented to us while we were in college,” the Chichins say. “Now, we wish to make those same opportunities available to others.” Dr. Diane Nettles, chair of the Childhood Education Department at Cal U, says such generosity makes a notable difference in students’ lives. “The thing I’ve noticed about these scholarship students is their dedication to their academic careers and their commitment to doing well,” she says. “It’s as if they’re inspired to be successful in their classes because they know someone cared enough to make sure they got the financial help they needed to go to college and meet their personal and professional goals.” Chet Chichin says Cal U proved to be a good fit as he pursued his own goals after being discharged from the military. He began by taking one class a week, on Saturday mornings. After a semester he enrolled as a full-time student, majoring in secondary education with an emphasis in biology and a minor in special education. “I was impressed with the warmth and friendliness of the faculty,” he says. “My instructors took a personal interest in me, encouraging me to do well.”

The thing I’ve noticed about these scholarship students is their dedication to their academic careers and their commitment to doing well. Dr. Diane Nettles CHAIR, CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

26 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2014

Lifelong educators themselves, Dr. Chester 'Chet' ’63 and Yvonne Vance Chichin support a scholarship for future teachers.

With a smile, he recalls a favorite class. “I can still remember the fun we had in entomology class, catching moths at night at the local golf course using butterfly nets.” Chet Chichin’s career in the Pittsburgh Public Schools included positions as a teacher, athletic director and finally as a school psychologist. He retired with 36 years of service and then worked as a school psychologist in both the New Castle and Ellwood City school districts. “In addition to student teaching for eight weeks at Elizabeth Forward High School while at Cal U, I also spent eight weeks serving as a psychological intern at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh. The experiences I gained there were both educational and enlightening. They planted the seed for my professional career as a school psychologist.” Yvonne Vance Chichin also has enjoyed a successful career in education. She was a teacher in the New Castle Area School District and retired with 35 years of service. She still holds a part-time faculty position at Youngstown State University, supervising student teachers in the early childhood education program. She has served on the Professional Educator Program Review team as a content reviewer for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She also was certified as a Praxis III assessor for the Ohio Department of Education. The couple are involved in church activities and enjoy attending cultural and charitable events, traveling and spending time with their family and friends. Scholarship donors may designate how their generous gifts are used. To learn more about giving opportunities at Cal U, visit www.calu.edu/giving. By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

SPORTS P R O F I L E

A CAREER ON THE SIDELINES

Gym owner capitalizes on popularity of cheerleading

devastating knee injury during his first collegiate football start sent Scott “Crasher” Braasch ’93 to the sidelines. But there he took his first steps toward a career in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports: cheerleading. Knee surgery followed Braasch’s 1989 injury on the football field at Lock Haven. “I woke up bawling, with a leg cast on, realizing I would never play football again,” he recalls. “My life had changed.” Once he recovered, his Theta Xi fraternity brothers dared Braasch to try out for the cheerleading squad. “Their thought was I could still be on the sidelines and see all the games,” he says. “At that first practice I sort of stood in the doorway and peeked in. Then I saw the guys tossing the girls in the air and catching them, and that looked pretty cool.” Braasch spent three years as a Vulcans cheerleader. He competed in the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) National Championships in 1992 and was named an NCA All-American. Cal U cheerleading coach Tim Versprille and staff sponsor Joy Helsel introduced Braasch to summer cheerleading camps, and he soon became an NCA instructor. By the time he earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Braasch was part of the NCA’s elite college staff. “The seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit were planted with the NCA, and I learned the business side of cheerleading,” he says. Braasch met his future wife, a former Penn State cheerleader, at an NCA summer camp. In 1996 they founded Central Penn All Stars, and two years later they opened Cheer Tyme Inc., Pennsylvania’s first cheerleading gym. “The concept was to have all the athletes in your area train together in one location and then compete against other gyms across the country,” Braasch says. “You could compare it to select soccer or all-star baseball. And the kids love it.” Cheer Tyme now has two locations, with more than 30 employees and nearly 700 participants, from tots to college students. The gym’s teams have won 150 national titles.

I really am appreciative of the people at Cal U who helped set me on the right path.

Scott 'Crasher' Braasch '93 coaches cheerleading at his Cheer Tyme gyms.

Braasch continues to teach at Cheer Tyme, along with running the business. “I loved working with Crasher. He was one of the best cheerleading coaches I’ve had,” says Alex Page ’13, former tricaptain of the Vulcan cheerleading squad. She trained at Cheer Tyme in elementary and junior high school, and Braasch helped to coach her Cumberland Valley High School squad. “He was always energetic and always pushed everybody to do their best. He was a great mentor — and it’s kind of cool to know that my former coach and I went to the same school.” Braasch also owns All Spirit Productions and Custom Cutz, which deal with summer camps, clinics and custom choreography. Cal U’s current cheerleading coach, Justin Mason, has asked Braasch to choreograph routines for the Vulcans. Although his career took an unexpected turn, it fulfills Braasch’s dream of working with children. “I really am appreciative of the people at Cal U who helped set me on the right path,” he says. “Everything happens for a reason, and now I am capitalizing on another opportunity that was presented to me. … It’s great being in the kid business.” By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer for Cal U

Scott ‘Crasher’ Braasch '93 CHEER T YME INC .

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CAL U M I L E S T O N E S 100 candles Emeritus professor John Swearingen ’38, a longtime resident of Brownsville, Pa., marked his 100th birthday on Feb. 19. He retired in 1975 after teaching for 20 years in Cal U’s Department of Industrial Arts. He was the department’s second chair, following the late Dr. Shriver L. Coover, and served in 1972 as president of the Industrial Arts Association of Pennsylvania. John and his late wife, Virginia, were married for 42 years. Their children, Robert ’74, and Sandra ’71, both are Cal U alumni. John has been an active member of the University’s Emeriti Faculty Association since it was founded in 1980. He frequently attends campus events and says he never misses the Emeriti Faculty Luncheon. “I like to come down to campus whenever I can. I am proud that quite a few of my students have gone on to good careers as teachers or in the (industrial arts) profession.”

40s Charles Keller ’47 was a guest speaker at a Washington (Pa.) High School program marking Veterans Day. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

50s Jack Kosuh ’55 is a retired guidance director at Paulsboro High School. He and his wife, Elaine, live in Paulsboro, N.J.

60s The Class of 1963 has completed its 50th Reunion fundraising campaign, establishing an endowed scholarship fund of $16,725 with 29.3 percent of the class participating. The class set a new record for 50th Reunion overall giving with a total of nearly $591,000 for scholarships, athletics, annual support, personal endowments and planned gifts. Roger McGary ’60 is retired. He majored in secondary education at Cal U, where he was active with Tower Times and the tennis team, and was founding president of Alpha Kappa Lambda. He lives with his wife, Nancy, in Takoma Park, Md. C. Lawrence Kavolak ’64 is retired and now lives in Venice, Fla. David Hykes ’65 is a retired engineering technician for Cleaveland/Price Inc. He majored in industrial arts education at Cal U, where he was in the choir and glee club and worked in the dining hall. David and his wife, Elizabeth “Libby” Mertz, live in Trafford, Pa.

28 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2014

Dr. David Myslewski ’65 is an emeritus associate professor of English at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Pa.). In his retirement, he teaches applied music (guitar) at the school.

Peggy Eckman Mannella ’74 is chief executive officer for PA Connecting Communities. She and her husband, Tony ’75, live in Bethel Park, Pa. At Cal U, Peggy studied special education. John Lombardo ’74, dean of faculty at The Kiski School in Saltsburg, Pa., recently won the Sherrard-Slease Teaching Prize. The award is given to a faculty member at the school for innovative pedagogical practices, solid knowledge of subject matter and interest in students’ success. David Schwille ’74 has been nominated to head the human services division for Luzerne County, Pa. David spent the past 12 years as human services director for Venango County, Pa. He earned his degree in social work at Cal U. Teri Gass ’77 has been appointed chief supporting officer of Sterling Risk Advisors, a full-service risk management and insurance brokerage firm based in Atlanta, Ga. Previously, she worked for Hummingbird Risk Advisors as chief operating officer. Teri studied psychology at Cal U, with minors in political science and sociology. She addressed associate and bachelor’s degree candidates at Winter Commencement in 2011.

John ’66 and Elaine Spadafore ’67 Zavage, of South Park Township, Pa., are the parents of children John, Lisa and Julie and one son-in-law, all of whom are graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. The family and its exceptional service were profiled in a Veterans Day article in the Valley Independent newspaper in Monessen, Pa.

Timothy ’77 and Nancy Guglielmi ’78 Pearson live in Richmond, Ky.

70s

Mary Beth Buchanan ’84 has joined Bryan Cave LLP as a partner practicing in both the New York and Washington, D.C., offices. She served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania from September 2001 to November 2009. She joins the firm from the United Nations, where she served as the ethics and reputational risk officer.

The Right Rev. Bishop Basil Essey ’70, leader of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Wichita (Kan.) and Mid-America, recently returned to his hometown of Monessen, Pa., to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church of Monessen. Tom Cox ’73 is principal of Fountain Hills Charter School. The Chandler, Ariz., resident is married to Zana. They have four children and 14 grandchildren. Judy Biagini Cioccio ’73 works part time as a substitute teacher for Madonna Catholic Regional School in Monongahela, Pa., and finds time to devote to her second love, cooking, at Ponce’s Place in Monongahela. Art Edwards ’74 is a retired teacher. He lives in Hertford, N.C. At Cal U, he played baseball and football and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Daniel Church ’74 is retired from the Department of the Navy. He participated in track and field and Epsilon Pi Tau at Cal U. Daniel and his wife, Patricia, live in Venice, Fla.

Terry Dunlevy ’79 is an attorney with Roedel Parsons. He and his wife, Laura, live in Baton Rouge, La. He majored in political science at Cal U.

80s

Gregory St. Germain ’85 is retired. He and his wife, Laurie, live in Uncasville, Conn. He majored in business administration at Cal U and was in the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. Ian Imber ’87 is an engineer for Kipcon Inc. He majored in engineering technology at Cal U, where he played rugby and was involved with Phi Kappa Sigma. He lives in Tinton Falls, N.J., with his wife, Bobbie. Tina D’Andrea Hoy ’88 is a research assistant at Penn State University. She majored in elementary and early childhood education at Cal U. Tina lives with her husband, Thomas, in State College, Pa. Greg Homrock ’88, of Cecil, Pa., is retail banking manager at the Mars, Pa., office of Mars National Bank.

90s Raymond Durant ’90 is a social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He majored in social work at Cal U. He and his wife, Azeta, live in Augusta, Ga. Carly Jo Snyder ’90 is a human resources coordinator for Snavely Forest Products. At Cal U, she studied business administration and was a cheerleader. Carly lives in Pittsburgh, Pa. Dr. Timothy Gabauer ’90 is the superintendent of the Mt. Pleasant (Pa.) Area School District. Don Hartman ’91 resigned in late 2013 as head baseball coach at California Area High School. He began his coaching career in 1991 and compiled a 229-92-1 record. Rachel Wilson ’93 lives in Dayton, Ohio. She was a theatre major at Cal U. Timothy Spiess ’94 is a special agent with the U.S. Secret Service. He studied industrial technology at Cal U and was a member of the men’s cross country team. Kathy Beyer McKinney ’90, ’95 is the principal of Saint Ann Catholic School in Charlotte, N.C. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood/ elementary education. She and her husband, Daniel, have lived in Charlotte for 17 years. Ruth Marbury ’96 is a retired social worker from Republic, Pa. Martin Samek ’97 is the head football coach at Parkland High School in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was an education major and played safety on the Cal U football team. Amy Liberatore Swartz ’97 received the Russell Galt Award from Susquehanna University. Named for a former Susquehanna dean, the award honors secondary-level educators who have made a significant impact on students’ success. Amy has been teaching social studies at Warrior Run High School, in central Pennsylvania, for 17 years. Julianna Ribar ’97 is a bilingual child psychologist in Philadelphia, Pa. Theresa Ribar ’98 won the Teacher of the Year Award at Northport High School in Florida. She played soccer at Cal U and in Hawaii. Both are daughters of Professor Margarita Ribar, a faculty member in the Modern Languages and Cultures Department at Cal U. Marykate “Katie” Brown Evans ’98 is an operations officer for Tekla Research Inc. She studied elementary and early childhood education at Cal U and was a member of Kappa Delta Pi. She lives in California, Md. Amanda Nickeson Cherry ’97, ’99 is director of philanthropy for the Nature Conservancy. She studied special education and regional planning at Cal U and was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha. She and her husband, Steve, live in McMurray, Pa.

April Burrell Rucker ’99 is an office manager. She majored in business management at Cal U, where she was a member of the marching band and equestrian team. April and her husband, Jeffrey, live in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mike Yurcich ’99 is the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State University. He was a quarterback at Cal U.

00s Michael S. Perry ’00 is a licensed real estate broker and owner of Consult Realty and Management in the Tampa, Fla., area. He recently earned his Master of Science in Real Estate from the University of Florida. Shawn McClelland ’01 is a recreation specialist for the Bureau of Prisons. He lives in Uniontown, Pa., with his wife, Tia ’03. At Cal U, he majored in parks and recreation management and was a quarterback and wide receiver for the Vulcans. James Grosik ’01 is an EMI/EMC engineer for NTS. He lives in Phoenix, Ariz. At Cal U, he studied electrical engineering technology. Samantha Jallah ’01 is in her third year of law school at Penn State University. She has worked as a legal intern at the Coca-Cola Co.; as a summer clerk at Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn and Dial; and as an intern for a judge at the Superior Court of Delaware. Luke Yarbrough ’01 now lives in Flint, Texas. Amber McDonald ’02 has signed a TV contract with homeshopping channel QVC, where she is the network’s host for Dell computers. She is a former news anchor and reporter for the FOX affiliate in Nashville, Tenn. She also has appeared in several TV commercials, TV shows, films and music videos. In addition to her TV career, Amber is the director of governmental and external affairs for the Department of Commerce and Insurance’s Emergency

Communications Board, where she is responsible for legislative, media, public relations, legislative analysis and outreach projects for the state of Tennessee. In 2011, Amber was the opening act for Kenny Rogers, Billy Dean and Andy Gibson at the Cal U Convocation Center. She lives in Philadelphia, Pa., and Nashville. Chris Watson ’03 made his professional debut in a mixed martial arts match at the Provincial Fighting Championships in London. He studied sport management at Cal U and was a fullback on the football team. Nick Damico ’03 is head coach of the California (Pa.) Area High School baseball team. He served as the team’s pitching coach for the past six seasons. Linda Marcolini ’99, ’03 is the superintendent of the Bethlehem-Center School District in Washington County, Pa. William Burgess ’04 is a teacher for Wake County (N.C.) Schools. At Cal U, he majored in broadcast meteorology and was a peer mentor and member of the Meteorology Club. He lives in Raleigh, N.C. Jared Zinn ’04 lives in Morgantown, W.Va., with his wife, Marissa. At Cal U, he studied environmental science, fisheries and wildlife concentration. Chris Szupinka ’04 is a sergeant for the Virginia State Police. He and his wife, Laura, live in Bristow, Va. He studied homeland security, criminal justice and computer information systems at Cal U. Nate Yarbrough ’04 lives in Morrisville, N.C. Laura Grimm ’04 is head coach of the Ringgold High School girls’ basketball team. The school is in Washington County, Pa. Dr. Patrick Taylor ’04, part of a research team at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., has been named one of 102 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the federal government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their research careers. Patrick, whose team

Transplant advocate Emeritus professor Dr. Richard G. Cavasina is a counselor in the patient advocacy program at the Pittsburgh-based Abdominal Transplant Institute of Allegheny Health Network. The program helps to support abdominal transplant patients and their families through the surgery and recovery process. Cavasina retired from Cal U in June 2012 and subsequently received a liver transplant at Allegheny General Hospital. He says the successful surgery, coupled with his career at Cal U, has “given me a second life,” and he is pleased to share his firsthand experience as a successful transplant patient.

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CAL U M I L E S T O N E S studies clouds and radiation, earned a degree in meteorology at Cal U. He and his wife, Jessica, have a daughter, Claudia. Dr. Darby Copeland ’04 has been appointed executive director of Parkway West Career and Technology Center in Oakdale, Pa. He earned his Master of Education degree at Cal U. Leah Taylor ’03, ’05 is a senior analyst in accounts payable for PNC Financial Services. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pa. Rebecca Lentz ’05 is a program manager at Duke University. She lives in Durham, N.C. Rebecca studied business administration and marketing at Cal U. Kevin Spinola ’05 is a quality engineer for Westinghouse Electric Co. He studied industrial technology and nanomanufacturing at Cal U. He and his wife, Nina, live in Chapin, S.C. William Boyer ’05, of Allentown, Pa., is a medical educator for the Lehigh Valley Health Network. He earned his master’s degree in exercise science at Cal U. Tim Bender ’05 is the head football coach at Norfolk (Va.) Christian Schools. Tim spent two seasons coaching the offensive line for the Houston Texans of the National Football League before joining the staff of Texas A&M as assistant offensive line and tight ends coach. Janice Barnhart Gibson ’06 is a manager for Bank of America. She lives in North Huntingdon Township, Pa., with her husband, Brendan. Janice majored in liberal arts at Cal U.

Joseph Costantino ’06 is a melt operator for Perryman. He studied parks and recreation management at Cal U. He and his wife, Heather, live in Monongahela, Pa. At Cal U, Joseph was a member of the Parks and Recreation Society, the Wildlife Society and the Archery Club. Arlea Hoffman ’06 is digital marketing manager for Reimagine Main Street, a small-business marketing agency that uses social media, e-mail, search engine optimization, reputation management, blogging and other tools to build businesses. She and her husband, Joel ’06, live in McDonald, Pa. William Best ’07 is a workforce management specialist for Teldtech. He majored in math with a minor in business management at Cal U. He and A.J. Best live in Dickerson Run, Pa. Guy Flament ’07 is a contract analyst for United States Steel. He lives in Charleroi, Pa. Guy majored in business administration at Cal U. Carla Dyann Brown ’07 is an educator who lives in Peachtree City, Ga. She majored in exercise science at Cal U. Colleen Minerd ’92, ’07, a biology instructor in the Mt. Pleasant (Pa.) Area School District, was one of 35 instructors to be honored at St. Vincent College’s Great Teachers Recognition Program. Jessica Shirk Tague ’07 is a graphic designer for Omni Prepaid. She studied graphic design at Cal U. Jessica and her husband, Matt ’07, live in Imperial, Pa. Ryan J. Straney ’07 is the business manager for the Ashville Tourists minor league baseball team. He and his wife, Kimmy, live in Arden, N.C. Ryan’s father, Robert Straney ’65, is also a Cal U graduate.

Va., where he lives with his wife and son. He earned a master’s degree in sport management from Cal U. Autumn Weleski ’09, a life skills support teacher at Deer Lakes High School, has been certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. She was one of 97 teachers in Pennsylvania to be certified in 2013. The voluntary certification process involves peer review to determine whether candidates meet specific standards of excellence. Autumn earned her master’s degree in education at Cal U. Melissa Nelson ’09 is the assistant principal of Mellon Middle School in the Mt. Lebanon (Pa.) School District. She earned her master’s degree in elementary and special education at Cal U. Before accepting her current position, Melissa worked as the American Sign Language coordinator and instructor for grades K-5 at Dilworth Traditional Academy in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. She also has worked at Pressley Ridge School for the Deaf, and at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Shendy Hershfield ’09 is a digital product manager for FOX News Channel. She majored in communication studies at Cal U and was a member of Cal Campaign Consultants and College Republicans. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. Karly Kunkle ’09 is a library media specialist with the Karns City Area School District. She shares her time between Sugarcreek and Chicora elementary schools. Karly earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education services from Cal U. She lives in Bruin, Pa. Joshua Eachus ’09, ’10 was hired as the weekend meteorologist for WBRZ News2 in Baton Rouge, La. After a promotion, he now reports the weather on weekday mornings.

Erin Keenan ’08 is a print production supervisor for GNC. Erin studied graphic communications technology and business at Cal U, where she was a peer mentor and member of Delta Zeta. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Photo by Joelle Wa

Top Teacher Ryan Devlin ’08, a teacher at Brockway (Pa.) Area High School in Jefferson County, is one of four national finalists for the 2014 National Teacher of the Year Award. In December 2012, Ryan was named Pennsylvania’s 2013 Teacher of the Year. He teaches English and technology, is the senior high school’s gifted-student adviser, and serves as the school’s head cross country coach. Ryan earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Cal U.

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Elisse Bolin Bachman ’08 is a behavior consultant who is contemplating post-master’s degree coursework to become a board-certified behavior analyst. She and her husband, Corey, live in Selinsgrove, Pa. Chad Vorderbrueggen ’07, ’09 is a fitness director at St. Clair Country Club. His degrees are in sport management and exercise science. He and his wife, Melissa, live in Canonsburg, Pa. At Cal U, Chad was a member of the Sport Management Club. Bryan Schuerman ’09 is a broadcast meteorologist at WHAG News–Nexstar Broadcasting and also a substitute teacher. He studied meteorology and music at Cal U and lives in Hagerstown, Md. Brian Murphy ’09 is head baseball coach at the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg,

10s Marc Stempka ’10 is the web editor and producer for WJAC-TV in Johnstown, Pa. Katie Angel ’10 lives in Fayetteville, Pa. Steve Zurbach ’08, ’10 is a technology education teacher in the North Allegheny School District. He lives in Freedom, Pa. Steve Pearson ’10, public relations and social media coordinator for Smith Brothers Agency in Pittsburgh, Pa., recently provided expertise at a networking event for media internships. He majored in communication studies at Cal U. Amy Shimonovich ’10 is a teacher of the visually impaired for Intermediate Unit 1. She studied elementary and special education at Cal U,

where she enjoyed playing Ultimate Frisbee. She lives in Monroeville, Pa.

Virginia University. He earned his undergraduate degree at Cal U in commercial music technology.

Thomas Koontz Jr. ’11 lives in Fayetteville, Pa.

Hannah Fitch Schiren ’12 and her husband, Bryan ’09, live in Frostburg, Md.

Mercedes Himmons ’10, ’11 is an athletic trainer for Moss Rehab. At Cal U, Mercedes was a peer mentor, orientation leader and student ambassador for the University Forum. She also was a member of Phi Sigma Pi and the Athletic Training Club. Zach Haas ’11 is the merchandising manager for the Reading (Pa.) Fightin’ Phils, the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. Zach earned his master’s degree in sport management from Cal U. Royce Repka ’11 is a patrol officer for the Lower Pottsgrove (Pa.) Police Department. He earned his master’s degree in education from Cal U. Royce is a former high school teacher and U.S. Army veteran. Brock Snedeker ’11 was appointed principal of Parkway West Career and Technology Center, in Oakdale, Pa. He earned his Master of Education degree at Cal U. Christie Amatangelo ’12 is a teacher in the Wake County (N.C.) Public School System. She majored in elementary and early childhood education at Cal U. Christie lives in Cary, N.C. Ashley Baird Roth ’10, ’12 is a pre-kindergarten teacher. She earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education and her master’s degree as a reading specialist from Cal U. She was active as a student member of the Council of Trustees and a Pennsylvania State Education Association member. She also was on the Student Association Inc. board of directors, served on Student Cabinet and was active with Alpha Lambda Delta. She and her husband, Jamison Roth ’06, ’08, live in California, Pa. Stephen Poorbaugh ’12 is an associate investigator for USIS/OPM. He studied criminal justice at Cal U, where he played lacrosse and was in the Bowling Club. He lives in Alexandria, Va. Rachel Schleicher ’12, of Summerville, S.C., is an animal care specialist for the International Primate Protection League. She earned her degree in biology at Cal U, where she also played rugby. Autumn Miller ’12, who studied environmental science at Cal U, is working on several mission projects in Burkina Faso, in West Africa. Annie O’Shea ’12 was a member of the U.S. National Skeleton Team. She is in her eighth year on the team and is a two-time national champion, World Cup medalist, National Push Champion and two-time America’s Cup Champion. She earned her degree from Cal U in sport management, with a wellness and fitness concentration. Kirill Tyulkov ’12, of Russia, is pursuing his master’s degree in music education at West

Melissa Gates ’12, a three-time NCAA national champion, 10time Division II AllAmerican and eight-time record holder at Cal U, is the head swim coach at Midtown Athletic Club in Bannockburn, Ill. Melissa continues to train for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sara Edwards ’09, ’13 is a therapist. She majored in psychology and mental health counseling at Cal U. Sara lives in Mt. Pleasant, Pa., with her husband, Tom Kern. Thomas Stanko ’13 lives in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. He was an education major at Cal U. Mary Kwong ’13 lives in Elmhurst, N.Y. At Cal U she earned her master’s degree in legal studies with a public policy concentration. Kiara Barton ’13 lives in Aliquippa, Pa. Shannon Crombie ’13 is assistant high school principal in the Plum (Pa.) School District. She earned her master’s degree and principal certification from Cal U.

Engagements Fred John David III ’12 and Jessica Marie Cronin are planning a September 2014 wedding at St. George Maronite Church in Uniontown, Pa. Fred graduated with a bachelor’s degree in professional golf management. He is a manager with Rock Bottom Motors. Jessica is a nurse at West Virginia University Health System. Shanna Yourchik ’08 and Johnathan “Tip” Meyers, both of Clarksville, Pa., are engaged. Shanna, who was a member of the women’s volleyball team at Cal U, works for Greene County Human Services. Johnathan works for Lincoln Contracting. They are planning a wedding in August 2014. Davis Slagle ’10 and Chelsea Stotka ’09 are engaged. Davis is vice president of Bee Graphix. Chelsea is a regional sales associate for Mylan Pharmaceuticals. They are planning to marry in May 2015. Nicholas Naddeo ’02 and Lauren Solack, both of New York, N.Y., are engaged. Nicholas is a senior wine broker with Sokolin in Bridgehampton, N.Y. Lauren is a senior private equity accountant at

In Print John Tiech ’05, ’09 is the author of Pittsburgh and Television, his second book on the history of film and television production in the Pittsburgh area. John, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Cal U, is an adjunct professor of writing at Westmoreland County Community College, near Youngwood, Pa., and at Waynesburg (Pa.) University. He is also co-founder and historian of the Greater Pittsburgh Entertainment Museum, a project planned for the Hollywood Theatre in Dormont, Pa. His second book includes photos that did not appear in his first, Pittsburgh Film History: On Set in the Steel City. Carol Cowie Moessinger ’90 is a retired social worker. Her first novel, A Woman’s Role: A 1950s Romance, was released in January 2014. Carol majored in English at Cal U. Visit her website at www.carolmoessinger-historicromance.com. Elizabeth Lydia Bodner ’79 is the author of Seven Women in Maine, a series of interviews that capture the women’s stories during a five-year period. This is Elizabeth’s first nonfiction work. She also authored Equilibrium, in 2006, and Uncompromising: Family Style, in 1997. A native of western Pennsylvania, she and her husband relocated to South Portland, Maine, in 1995. David ‘D.X.’ Ferris ’95, ’01 hit No. 1 on the Amazon Kindle Store’s popular culture and music charts with his new book, Slayer 66 2/3: The Jeff and Dave Years (6623 Press). David is the son of Cal U English professor Sumner J. Ferris, who passed away in 1997. Joyce George Mari ’07 is an author writing under the pen name C.J. Galaway. Joyce, who grew up in Uniontown, Pa., and is now at home in Albermarle, N.C., is the author of Bite Marks, a paranormal romance novel. The book is available at www.createspace.com/4492378.

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CAL U M I L E S T O N E S Och-Ziff Capital Management in New York. They are planning an August 2014 wedding. Jenna Boyce ’08 and Andrew Cope are engaged. Jenna is an information technology coordinator at Mylan. Andrew is a sales representative for Alro Steel. They are planning a wedding in August 2014. Daniel Corsale ’11 and Rachel Shambaugh are engaged. Daniel studied engineering at Cal U and works as a designer for Code Plus Components in Martinsburg, W.Va. Rachel is employed by the West Virginia Air National Guard in Martinsburg and is studying to become a nurse. They are planning a June 2014 wedding. Ryan Ruffa ’05 and Heather Mohr are planning to marry in October 2014. Ryan studied psychology at Cal U and is an asset protection manager for Sam’s Club near Pittsburgh, Pa. Heather is a gifted-student support teacher for the Trinity Area School District, near Washington, Pa. Stevi Miller ’11 and David Kovach are planning a wedding for October 2014. Stevi studied gerontology at Cal U and works for Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy Associates Inc. as a physical therapist assistant. David is a quality assurance supervisor for Quality Driven Custom Packaging. Christopher “C.J.” LaRoche ’08 and Stacy Sikole are engaged. C.J. owns LaRoche Tree Service in Bellaire, Ohio. Stacy owns Olympic Tae Kwon Do Academy in St. Clairsville, Ohio. They are planning a June 2014 wedding. Michelle Brown ’09 and Matthew Myers are engaged. Michelle is a kindergarten teacher in the Albert Gallatin School District in Fayette County, Pa. Matthew is a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Complex Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, W.Va. They are planning a wedding in September 2014. Leigh Ann Walters ’07 and Dave Morsey are engaged. Leigh Ann is a fifth-grade teacher in the Frazier School District. Dave is an

accountant at Jones Lang LaSalle of Pittsburgh, Pa. They are planning to marry in June 2014 at St. Mary (Nativity) Church in Uniontown, Pa. Kyle Lux ’06 and Janelle Kaufold are engaged. Kyle is a manager of premium seating for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He studied sport management at Cal U. Janelle works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They are planning a wedding in August 2014. Maria Greco ’11 and Matthew Nichols are engaged. Maria studied education at Cal U. They are planning to marry in July 2014 at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, near Farmington, Pa. Garry J. Bella ’10, ’12 and Taylor Amanda Williams ’11 are engaged to be married in May 2014. Taylor earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics education and is a math tutor at Albert Gallatin High School, in Fayette County, Pa. Garry received his bachelor’s degree in history and his master’s degree in secondary social studies education. He is an academic adviser for Education Management Corp.

Weddings Nathalie Paulus ’08 and James Murray were married in November 2013. Nathalie earned her master’s degree in communication disorders and works as a speech-language pathologist at Bellaire (Ohio) City Schools. James is an occupational therapist at Wheeling (W.Va.) Hospital. Kyle Williams ’10 and Tara Slover, both of Dana Point, Calif., were married July 27, 2013. Kyle earned his master’s degree in exercise science from Cal U. Rachael Crooks and Aaron Dunfee were married July 27, 2013, in Shadyside, Pa. Rachael is pursuing her master’s degree in communication disorders at Cal U. Aaron works for Perryman Co., in Houston, Pa. They live in Brownsville, Pa.

Patriotic service Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones awards the Presidential Patriotic Service Medallion to Charles B. Williamson ’90, a Vietnam veteran and director of the Office of Veterans Affairs at Cal U from 1992-2007. Looking on as the award was presented at the 40th annual Veterans Day Dinner were past Veterans Club presidents Jason Vipperman ’05 and Earl Bowser ’04.

32 CAL U REVIEW SPRING 2014

Brittani Klingeman ’12 and Benjamin Kunkel were married Dec. 31, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in State College, Pa. Brittani earned her master’s degree in exercise science from Cal U. She works for Foxdale Village in State College, Pa. Benjamin works for Mack Trucks Inc. in Macungie, Pa. Gabriela Brova ’12 and Charles Selvoski were married Oct. 12, 2013, in Church of the Covenant, Washington, Pa. Gabriela studied business and psychology at Cal U. She works in human resources at ROC Service Co. Charles is a geomechanic driller for Test Boring Services. They live in Eighty Four, Pa. Frederick Locey Jr. ’09 and Rosamaria Schillaci were married July 13, 2013, at St. Mary’s Visitation Church in Dickson City, near Scranton, Pa. Frederick earned a master’s degree in exercise science from Cal U. He works for Geisinger Wyoming Valley as an athletic trainer. Rosamaria is an elementary school teacher. They live in West Pittston, Pa. Allison Dzurnak ’07 and Robert Kotarsky were married Aug. 10, 2013, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Uniontown, Pa. Allison is a graphic designer at the Dominion Post, and Robert works for Mylan Pharmaceuticals, both in Morgantown, W.Va. Laura Christy ’05 and Rob Davenport were married June 28, 2013. Laura is a history teacher at Northeastern School District in York County, Pa. Christopher Paschke ’06 and Sara Nieman were married Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at Chestnut Ridge Church in Morgantown, W.Va. Christopher works for Ductmate Industries, and Sara works for WVU Healthcare. They live in Uniontown, Pa. Jon R. Serra Jr. ’97 and Andrea Snyder were married Dec. 21, 2013. John studied chemistry at Cal U and is an assistant professor of chemistry at West Liberty University, near Wheeling, W.Va. Andrea is a learning support teacher with the Corry (Pa.) Area School District.

Anniversaries Peter Regal ’56 and his wife, Paula, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 19, 2013. They have three daughters who attended Cal U, and eight grandchildren. Tony ’65 and Mary Anne Lacey ’63 Talarek celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 3, 2013, with a dinner party. Their three children, four grandchildren and close friends were there to help them celebrate.

Births

Remembrances Dr. Ivan H. Guesman ’41, an emeritus faculty member and a generous University benefactor, died Jan. 8, 2014, at his home in Jefferson, Pa., with his wife, Adelaide ’38, at his side.

April Alling '03 and her husband, Larry, welcomed their third child, Garrett Austin, on Feb. 7, 2013. The family lives in Burgettstown, Pa. April homeschools the children. William Schill ’08 and Jodie Lynn Schill ’08 welcomed Penelope Raine Schill on Oct. 16, 2013.

VaLisa Ford Welsh ’99 and her husband, Jacob, welcomed a baby boy, Grayson Lee Welsh, on May 29, 2013. Felicia Yuhasz Rieck ’03 and her husband, Marty, announce the birth of their second child, Aidan John Rieck, on Aug. 14, 2013. Felicia works for Bayer in Robinson Township, Pa., and Marty is a teacher in the South Park (Pa.) School District. Melanie Graznak Switalski ’03 and her husband, Jason, of Dilliner, Pa., welcomed their daughter, Jemma Elizabeth, on Dec. 21, 2012. Jemma was born prematurely, and was 2 pounds, 9 ounces and 15 inches long at birth. She left the hospital after 55 days and is doing well. Amanda Florence Yoho Hull ’03 and Shawn Hull welcomed their daughter, Brooke Elizabeth, on Oct. 9, 2013. They live in Colorado Springs, Colo. Kristie R. DeJuliis ’03, ’07 and Christopher J. DeJuliis ’02, ’04 welcomed their second child, Savino John Dejuliis, on Dec. 26, 2013. He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces. He joins his big sister, Elizabeth, who turned 2 in October. C.J. is an instructional technology manager at Cal U.

A lifelong educator, Ivan began his teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Greene County, then taught in an elementary school and served as a school superintendent in West Greene School District. He taught in the Department of Education at California State College from 1968-1981. In retirement, he was a member and past president of the Emeriti Faculty Association. Together, Ivan and Adelaide donated a guest room at Kara Alumni House in honor of their parents, and they made provision to fund scholarships for Cal U students.

Ivan and Adelaide were recipients of Cal U’s 2007 Alumni Couple of the Year Award. For their lifelong commitment to those in need, Cal U in 2008 awarded them each an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. In 2013, Cal U renamed a residence hall in their honor. Dr. Lawrence D. “Larry” Romboski, an emeritus professor of math and computer science, died Jan. 22, 2014. He won the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Exceptional Academic Service Award in 1975 and 1976, the C.B. Wilson Distinguished Faculty Award in 1989, the University’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1997, and the Emeriti Faculty Award in 1997. In 2007, he received the Dixonians Award for meritorious service from the Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania.

In Memoriam John T. Ballentyne ’84 Josephine A. Retucci Bane* Dr. William R. Black ’64 John E. Bondarenka,* former employee Betty Jane Croftcheck Bradley ’56 Sandra L. Browning ’67 Mabel Eleanor Hahn Bubonovich ’71 Lt. Cmdr. Albert G. Burton ’50 Doris Burton ’54 Dr. Daniel A. DeFigio ’61 Mary Ellen Grote Donovan ’70 Margaret “Peggy” Matsko Farrow ’74 Lois Marie Smiley Fields ’60 Paul Anthony Flores Jr., emeritus faculty, student affairs; associate athletic director; head women’s basketball coach Frank C. Gagus ’69 Betty Burdock Gallas ’70 Linda S. Arnett Grake ’69 Raymond E. Greene ’71, Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, 1995 William Dennis Hannen ’75, computer programmer at Cal U Donna L. Amistadi Hansen ’79 Helen Ann “Yecka” Morich Harenchar,* former employee Kayla Elaine Hauger-Lensbouer ’05 Mary Lee Carl Hodinko ’56 Pauline P. Huber ’37 Ruth I. Staley Johnson ’43 Patricia Jane Bryant Jones ’78 John J. Kevech ’68 Cheri Lucille Larrydale ’89 Jerry R. Magone ’68 Judith Tanner Mann ’64

Robert “Bob” McClure ’62 Gregory Martinelli ’88 Linda Yartin Hudock McCracken ’68 Rose Marie “Dolly” Cimaglia Meese ’72, ’77 Joseph J. Menarchek ’63 Charles A. “Cheezy” Miller Jr. ’72 John R. Morgan ’61 Garnet Irene Stephens Morris,* retired from Cal U’s payroll department David Olson,* art instructor at Cal U Thaddeus J. “Tad” Paterra ’05 Melvin Peterson ’47 Rodney John Pompei ’70 Paul Edward Priselac ’70 Vincent Quattro ’64 Lynn Keener Reardon ’89 Robert P. Rochford ’73 Anthony William Rolaf* Arthur Ray Snyder ’47 Tracy Lynn Stack ’91 Peggy Ann Funk Stewart ’82 Francis E. Stumpf ’68 Ronald F. Todd Jr. ’72 Diane B. LaCarte Tragesser ’75 Steve Tselepsis ’53, emeritus faculty, health and physical education Ruth Vance ’84 John J. “Jack” Walton ’66 Roy H. Waugaman III ’73 Regis J. “Rick” Wolf ’67 Donald M. Zubic ’67 Joseph Zunic ’60 Daryl J. Zupan ’77 *No class year on file SPRING 2014 CAL U REVIEW 33

EFFICIENT LEGACY PLANNING

reparation enhances efficiency in the use of tax, legal and estate planning professionals. The planned giving office at Cal U has resources to help. Along with years of experience, the director of planned giving has reference and printed materials, as well as expert contacts to share. Or visit www.calu.edu/ plannedgiving for an array of online features, e-brochures, timely articles and estate planning tools. You can test your knowledge, too! Create your legacy at Cal U by naming the Foundation for California University in your will, trust, life insurance or retirement plans. You and your family may also choose to enjoy a lifetime of secure and stable retirement income from a gift to the foundation. Understanding your legacy helps the University to honor your intentions for the ultimate benefit of students and programs at Cal U.

To read more about planned gifts, visit www.calu.edu/plannedgiving. Or contact Gordon Core, director of planned giving, by phone at 724-938-5985 or via e-mail to core@calu.edu.

Send your Milestones news or address changes by e-mail to alumni@calu.edu, by fax to 724-938-5932, or by mail to Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 89, California, PA 15419. Questions? Call 724-938-4418.

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Remembering a winter wonderland The Cal U Ice Rink at PPG Place sparkles on a crisp winter night. From Thanksgiving weekend through Valentine’s Day, the Cal U logo and website address were on display at the one-of-a-kind outdoor ice rink in downtown Pittsburgh. The rink is a destination for thousands of skaters from the Pittsburgh area and beyond, and the icy ‘billboard’ made Cal U a presence in one of the city’s most visible locations.