Cal U Review Winter 2012 by NFM + Dymun

2012

WINTER

CREVIEW ALU

MACHINES IN MOTION Interactive exhibit showcases the genius of Leonardo da Vinci

2012

WINTER

CALU REVIEW

The California University of Pennsylvania Magazine CAL U REVIEW Vol. 40 - No. 1 The Cal U Review is published quarterly by the Office of Marketing and University Relations and is distributed free. Third class postage paid at California.

CHANCELLOR Dr. John C. Cavanaugh

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Big things are happening at Cal U. Right now, one of the biggest is a world-class museum exhibition based on the works of a world-renowned artist, inventor and engineer. Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion has been attracting a steady stream of visitors since it opened in January. Our Cal U students aren’t the only ones who are fascinated by this hands-on exploration of applied science. School teachers are booking field trips for their classes, and families are taking weekend drives to turn gears, move levers, spin ball bearings and set da Vinci’s machines in motion. The exhibition will be housed through May 6 in the Convocation Center on our main campus. With more than 142,000 square feet of floor space, it’s quite literally another “big thing” at Cal U. We opened the new facility with an athletic event, the Convocation Center Tip-Off, in early December. Just two weeks later we held our first academic event there, welcoming graduates, families and friends to Cal U’s 173rd Commencement. Machines in Motion is the first cultural event presented in the Convocation Center. From its inception, the building was planned as a regional asset, so I’m pleased to see our western Pennsylvania neighbors stopping by. Please watch for news of a grand opening celebration for the Convocation Center this spring. In the meantime, I urge all our alumni to spread the good news about Cal U. Students who choose our University get far more than an affordable education. Cal U’s state-of-the-art buildings and “smart” technology support nationally accredited programs taught by professors who are experts in their fields. Our campus is a diverse and lively community where arts and culture thrive. And our world-class affiliations create unique opportunities for Cal U students — just ask the young men and women who had the extraordinary experience of helping to assemble Machines in Motion. If you haven’t been to campus lately (or even if you have), please make a point of visiting us soon. Big things are going on, and I invite you to be a part of them. With warm regards,

Angelo Armenti, Jr. President California University of Pennsylvania

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Guido M. Pichini, chairman Marie Conley Lammando, vice chair Aaron Walton, vice chair Leonard B. Altieri III Rep. Matthew E. Baker Jennifer Branstetter (designee for Gov. Corbett) Gov. Tom Corbett Sarah C. Darling, student member Rep. Michael K. Hanna Ronald G. Henry

Kenneth M. Jarin Bonnie L. Keener, student member Jonathan B. Mack Joseph F. McGinn C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni Sen. Jeffrey E. Piccola Harold C. Shields Robert S. Taylor Ronald J. Tomalis, secretary of education Sen. John T. Yudichak

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., president Geraldine M. Jones, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for Student 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 Sharon Navoney, interim vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Robert J. Irey, chair Lawrence Maggi ’79, vice chair Peter J. Daley II ’72, ’75 James T. Davis ’73 Annette Ganassi Autumn Harris, student trustee Leo Krantz

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

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tim Gorske ’62, president Lorraine Vitchoff ’74, vice president Barbara (Williams) Fetsko ’75, ’83, secretary Deanne (Sovich) Zelenak ’79, treasurer Harry Serene ’65, immediate past president Jim Lokay ’02 Roger M. Angelelli ’64 Lawrence Maggi ’79 Colleen (Murphy) Arnowitz ’88, ’97 Don Martin ’89 Rosemary (Rich) Bucchianeri ’69 Dante Morelli ’02 Joseph Dochinez ’51 Michael Napolitano ’68 Kimberly (Mahaffey) Fahey ’97, ’99 George Novak ’55 Brian Fernandes ’99, ’00 Melanie (Stringhill) Patterson ’82, ’88 Christina (Kost) Fosbrink ’01, ’03 Fred Retsch ’62, ’66 Josh Fosbrink ’01, ’03 Dolly Rozzi ’64 Abigail Grant ’07 James Stofan ’71 Paul Gentile ’62 Lynne (Moltz) Stout ’94 Alan James ’62 Tim Susick ’76, ’78 Len Keller ’61 Judy (Durko) Zilkowski ’77, ’83 Marc Keller ’94 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Angelo Armenti, Jr., president David Amati ’70, president for Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania Geraldine (Johns) Jones ’72, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Robert J. Irey, chair of the Council of Trustees Amy (Gardner) Lombard ’01, executive director for Alumni Relations and Annual Fund Sharon Navoney, interim vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations Michael Slavin ’74, APSCUF president STUDENT MEMBERS Courtney Cochran Josh Giffin

Walter Harris Cory Stoner

STUDENT ASSOCIATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Mutich Ashley Baird Marc Roncone ’03 Hope Cox ’00, ’01 Shane Speicher Walter Harris Jenna Terchanik Robert J. Irey Dr. Donald Thompson Sam Jessee ’90 Michael Wagner Bonnie Keener Kevin McEvoy EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Lenora Angelone ’89,’92,’97 Leigh Ann Lincoln

Dr. Nancy Pinardi ’95, ’96, ’98 Larry Sebek

FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. David L. Amati ’70,’72 president Michele M. Mandell ’69, vice president Gary Kennedy ’58 Steven P. Stout ’85 secretary Robert Lippencott ’66 Paul Kania ’87, treasurer Lawrence Maggi ’79 Armand E. Balsano ’74 Michael A. Perry ’63 William R. Booker ’74 Linda H. Serene ’64 Christie A. Conrad ’76 Walter J. Sigut ’64 Nathaniel W. Dixon Dr. Saundra L. Stout ’72 William R. Flinn ’68 William J. Urbanik ’01 Richard C. Grace ’63 Dr. Lorraine G. Vitchoff ’74 Annette M. Kaleita ’55 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., president Sharon Navoney

Tim Gorske ’62

EDITOR Christine Kindl

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WRITERS Wendy Mackall Colleen C. Derda

Bruce Wald ’85 Jeff Bender

PHOTOGRAPHERS Greg Sofranko

S. C. Spangler

COver STOry: On display until May 6, dozens of full-size machines based on Leonardo da Vinci's designs draw visitors to the Convocation Center. Page 4

inside Departments

Features

Campus Clips

12 – 13

alumni Calendar

16 – 17

alumni spotlight

20 – 21

sports roundup

24-25

paying it Forward milestones

Good Company

Cal U promotes science, technology, engineering and math as a founding partner in the Chevron Center for STEM Education at the Carnegie Science Center.

28 30– 34

dunkard Creek

Art and science mingle with memories in the exhibition ‘Reflections: Homage to Dunkard Creek.’

Winter Commencement

14 High achiever At a ceremony honoring grant writers, Dr. Katherine Mitchem was recognized as Cal U’s latest “Million Dollar Achiever.” A professor in the Department of Early, Middle, and Special Education, Dr. Mitchem was awarded four U.S. Department of Education grants this academic year, for a total of nearly $250,000. Those awards pushed Mitchem’s career awards total over the $1 million mark, making her the 12th Cal U faculty member to reach that milestone. During the 2010-2011 academic year, Cal U’s Office of Grants and Contracts administered 125 grants and contracts totaling $4.4 million. Of those, 64 new awards were received, totaling $1.7 million.

As graduation ceremonies move to the Convocation Center, two distinguished alumnae share their thoughts.

Convocation Center Tip-off

Alumni, students and fans applaud the new home of Vulcan men’s and women’s basketball.

On ice

Hand her the snowplow: A Cal U alumna finds her bliss skating with the Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Crew.

yOUr revieW iS Online The Cal U Review is available online in an easy-to-read format. Visit www.calu.edu/news and click on “Cal U Review” to see the current issue or previous editions. “As Seen in the Review” also provides links to special online-only features!

WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 3 ■

Leonar∂o ∂a Vinci

MACHINES IN MOTION Interactive exhibit showcases Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions

Handcrafted replicas of da Vinci’s machines were built with Renaissanceera tools and materials.

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nside the new Convocation Center at California University, pure genius is on display. There, in the south conference wing, visitors will find 40 full-size machines painstakingly crafted from designs created 500 years ago by Leonardo da Vinci, the famous artist, inventor and engineer. Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion invites visitors to interact with most of the displays — an armored vehicle, a printing press, a working robot and more — by turning gears, spinning wheels and pulling levers. The machines are grouped into four sections, reflecting da Vinci’s fascination with the “four elements” — Earth, Water, Air and Fire. Interpretative panels explain each of the inventions, and a large-screen

display focuses on da Vinci’s drawings and notes. Scientists and skilled artisans built the 40 replicas in collaboration with the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence, Italy. Each handcrafted replica is built from materials available during da Vinci’s lifetime (1452-1519), using Renaissance-era techniques and tools. The traveling exhibition, which has been to Mexico City, Athens and Istanbul, is open from noon-8 p.m. every day through May 6. Admission is free. Machines in Motion is the first cultural event to be held in the new Convocation Center at Cal U, built to be a regional resource. Cal U is the only site in western Pennsylvania scheduled to host the exhibit.

Visitors welcome Tim Buchanan, the University’s executive director of special initiatives, says Machines in Motion has the potential to draw thousands of visitors to campus. “Part of Cal U’s strategic plan is to create opportunities for the region and the University,” he says. “We often say these exhibits are for ‘K-90,’ and we anticipate serving many groups.” Students in elementary, middle and high schools throughout the region will have explored Machines in Motion by the time it closes in early May. As part of Cal U’s commitment to providing educational resources to the community, age-appropriate lessons will be presented to each group of students that visits the exhibition, Buchanan says. “Many of these students have never been to a museum or a college campus. Every exhibit has downloadable materials that help us measure learning, and we

Leonardo’s pillar lifter was designed to lift heavy pillars and obelisks from the ground to their place in a new building. Gearwheels, lantern pinions and worm screws are all part of the design.

know that we are dynamically impacting kids’ lives.” Cal U students also will benefit from having Machines in Motion on campus. A core group of more than 30 have contributed in a variety of ways, such as helping to assemble each of the exhibit’s pieces and working during the University’s winter recess in January to meet and greet visitors. Richard Maffett was hard at work in mid-December, sanding and retouching the replicas. He’s in his second year as a graduate student in the business administration program. “It’s exciting to have such a nice exhibit in a brand-new building,” says Maffett, who has been involved with many of the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibitions that have been on display in the Manderino Gallery at Cal U. continued on page 6

Tim Buchanan, Cal U's executive director of special initiatives, sets up a display.

Before the exhibition opens, student Malarie Munden gives a pedestal a fresh coat of paint.

DISCOVER DA VINCI Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion is open from noon – 8 p.m. seven days a week through May 6 in the Convocation Center. Admission is free. Visitor parking is available in the Vulcan Garage; rates begin at $2 for the first hour. Visitors may ride the free campus shuttle to and from the Convocation Center. For directions or more information, visit www.calu.edu. To arrange a group tour or educational field trip, contact Walter Czekaj, director of University exhibitions, at 724-938-5244 or czekaj@calu.edu

alUMni & FaMily day: Cal U invites alumni and their families to visit ‘Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion’ from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. March 24. See the exhibition and enjoy light refreshments, children’s activities, a tour of the new Convocation Center and more. To attend, register with the Alumni Office at alumni@calu.edu or 724-938-4418. WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 5 ■

MACHINES IN MOTION continued from page 5 Last summer, Maffett completed an internship at the SITES offices in Washington, D.C., helping to research the best places to send the traveling exhibitions. Also gaining valuable experience is graduate student Shania Wilkes, who expects to graduate in May with a degree in community and agency counseling. She volunteered to work at the Machines in Motion exhibition over the winter break and will be available this spring to provide tours to schoolchildren and other visitors. “I didn’t mind volunteering,” says Wilkes. “I want to work with families and children as a career, so being exposed to that and learning to interact with them is good.”

Reagan Johns (left) helps graduate student Richard Maffett ‘09 assemble the revolving crane designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Learning opportunities

A mysterious sketch of this bicycle was found in da Vinci’s sketchbook. Some say it was drawn by one of his students.

“ This hydraulic saw uses a complex system of gears and other mechanical elements to move the blades up and down, slicing the tree trunk into lumber.

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Cal U faculty have been invited to use the display as part of their classroom instruction. Maggy Aston, assistant professor of art and design, is excited about showing her students the genius of da Vinci. “This exhibition will give students the opportunity to discover how prolific and versatile Leonardo was as a designer, inventor, scientist and artist,” she says. “Drawing students will research Leonardo’s manuscripts and examine his unique flow-form style of mark-

the goal is to awaken, enlighten and enliven. tim BuChanan, eXeCutiVe direCtor oF speCial initiatiVes

”

More to see visit Cal U to see these exciting exhibitions from SiTeS, the Smithsonian institution Traveling exhibition Service:

native Words, native Warriors January 30 – March 25 Manderino educational resource Center

When the United States issued the call to arms in World Wars I and II, American Indians answered as warriors. Some men discovered that words — in their Native languages — would be their most valued weapons. History major Kathryn Brunetta helps to set up a series of pulleys that visitors can manipulate.

making as they make sketches of the machines on exhibit. By examining Leonardo’s broad range of subjects, students hopefully will gain a better understanding of drawing as a means of investigation for all types of research.” Students from the Eberly College of Science and Technology also are expected to use the exhibition as a hands-on learning opportunity. The goal, Buchanan says, is to “awaken, enlighten and enliven” those on campus and in the community who will come to see Machines in Motion. “We are running a top-notch show here,” he says. Even in an Internet age, “you will never do away with the value of a hands-on exhibition.” ■ By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

Native Words, Native Warriors tells the remarkable story of the code talkers, Indian soldiers from more than a dozen tribes who used their Native languages in the service of the U.S. military. Developed with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, this exhibition was made possible in part through the generous support of Elizabeth Hunter Solomon. Additional support has been provided by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee and the AMB Foundation.

american letterpress: The art of Hatch Show print March 5 – July 29 Manderino library Gallery Like all art, the posters of Hatch Show Print in Nashville, Tenn., are designed to stop us in our tracks, draw us in for a closer look, and make us pause for a moment of reflection. Hatch Show Print, founded in 1879, is still a working letterpress and design shop, creating posters today using the same letterpress methods as yesterday. Only the faces of the customers have changed: from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello, Buddy Guy to Bruce Springsteen, Etta James to Emmylou Harris, the Carter Family to Coldplay, and many, many others. While Hatch’s name is synonymous with the music business, its posters promoting football games, vaudeville shows, state fairs, stock car races and picture shows reflect the breadth of American popular culture.

It’s a tank! Visitors can step inside this armored vehicle designed for use in war.

Created by Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, American Letterpress is supported by America’s Jazz Heritage, A Partnership of the Wallace Foundation and the Smithsonian Institution.

don’t miss the Magic planet Also on display in Manderino Library is the Magic Planet digital video globe. This interactive spherical display gives viewers a new way to look at our world and its wonders. Programs vary; the Magic Planet is on display during regular library hours on the second floor of Manderino Library. For Manderino Gallery hours, visit www.calu.edu.

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stepping up for

stem education COUnT Cal U aMOnG THe FOUndinG parTnerS in THe CHevrOn CenTer FOr STeM edUCaTiOn and Career develOpMenT aT THe CarneGie SCienCe CenTer al U is joining the Carnegie Science Center and Chevron Corp. as a founding partner in the Chevron Center for STEM Education and Career Development. Launched Nov. 30 at the Science Center in Pittsburgh, the new “center without walls” is dedicated to improving education in the subject areas collectively known as STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“The Chevron Center … encompasses the Science Center’s existing STEM education programs and brings together teachers, students, parents, corporations, universities, foundations and legislators to collectively address STEM education challenges,” says Ann Metzger, the Henry Buhl Jr. co-director of Carnegie Science Center. In a news release announcing the launch, Metzger calls the STEM subjects “key to maintaining our global competitiveness and driving our future economic growth.” The new center will manage many of the Carnegie Science Center’s current programs for preschool through high school students, including its Science on the Road outreach offerings. Among them is Rockin’ Robots World Tour, a hands-on exploration of robotics, sponsored by Cal U, that travels to elementary and middle schools throughout the region.

“

... this partnership will open new doors.

”

proVost geraldine Jones

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“Our faculty members are excited about this partnership in the Chevron Center,” says Craig Butzine ’84, vice president for Marketing and University Relations. “It aligns with the University’s special mission in science and technology, as well as our historic role in preparing high-quality teachers to work in public schools. “We believe it will create opportunities for synergy, both with the Science Center and with industry, that can benefit our Cal U students and K-12 students and teachers throughout the region.” The Science Center reports that its “informal science education” reaches about 700,000 people, and millions more view its websites, exhibitions and planetarium shows. The new center intends to address STEM education through a multifaceted approach that includes student programming and teacher training. “A high-profile organization such as the Carnegie Science Center can turn a spotlight on the good work in STEM

in good company in addition to the Carnegie Science Center and Chevron Corp., other founding partners in the Chevron Center for STeM education and Career development are: • duquesne light • eaton Corp. • lanXeSS Corp. • nOva Chemicals • ppG industries Foundation

education and career building that already is going on at Cal U,” says Provost Geraldine Jones. “And with its focus on STEM education, this partnership will open new doors. Our University is widely recognized as a leader in teacher preparation and professional development for educators. We have much to gain from building connections with the center’s other founding partners, and we have much to contribute, as well.”

Cal U has partnered with the Carnegie Science Center in the past. In addition to sponsoring the Rockin’ Robots program, students in the Earth Sciences Department created StormFest, an interactive exploration of geoscience hosted by the Science Center. Cal U also offered educational programming in roboworld™, the Science Center’s permanent robotics exhibit that opened in June 2009. The family-friendly activities provided hands-on experience for Cal U students in programs such as robotics and technology education. “We look forward to working with all the partners in this new enterprise,” said University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. “Cal U has long been a leader in STEM education. This new center directly addresses the need to engage both teachers and learners in these important subject areas, and it reflects Cal U’s mission of building careers in science, technology, engineering and math.” ■ By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

Cal U’s collaboration with Carnegie Science Center has provided family-friendly educational activities inside roboworld™, the Science Center’s permanent robotics exhibition. The University also is a partner in the Rockin’ Robots program that travels to area schools. WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 9 ■

where art meets science Multidisciplinary exhibition reﬂects on 2009 ﬁsh kill at dunkard Creek rt and science shared center stage when Cal U hosted Reflections: Homage to Dunkard Creek, a multidisciplinary exhibition displayed in the lobby of Frich Hall. A traveling collection of paintings, collages and sculptures by 90 regional artists recalled a 2009 fish kill in the 43-mile-long waterway on the border between Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Each artist depicted one aquatic species killed when industrial pollution and the release of toxins from golden algae, a non-native organism, combined to poison the water. “I grew up in West Virginia and had been in many streams, but I never saw anything like this,” says Ann Payne, of Morgantown, W.Va. A member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Payne organized Maggy Aston the traveling exhibition and spoke at a Nov. 30 reception marking its opening at Cal U. “I was traumatized,” she told the crowd. “There were bodies of fish everywhere you looked, and seeing the mudpuppies suffocating trying to escape broke your heart.” The Reflections artists chose their subjects from a West Virginia Department of Natural Resources listing of fish, crayfish and mussel species killed. They also depicted insect species whose populations dropped significantly after the algae bloom. Viewers experienced the artworks in an aquarium-like setting inside the biology building. The Music Department

created a soundtrack of bird, frog and cricket calls, and the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences contributed fish and insect specimens in clear glass vessels. “What happened to Dunkard Creek is something we should never forget, and that’s what this exhibition is about,” says exhibit curator Maggy Aston, an assistant professor in Cal U’s Department of Art and Design. “It was meant to raise awareness. It features many nationally recognized artists who all have a concrete tie to the Monongahela watershed, into which Dunkard Creek flows.” Aston team-teaches a course called Biological Illustration: Form and Function with Dr. Mark Tebbitt, who teaches botany and tends the rooftop greenhouse in Frich Hall. “This continues the collaboration between departments,” Aston says. “The (illustration) course and exhibition point to the idea that you can combine science and art as a career path.” Cal U was one of nine sites in the Monongahela watershed to host the exhibition, which was sponsored by the Mountain Institute Appalachia Program. “We welcomed the opportunity to display biologically related art in our building,” says Dr. David Argent, chair of the biology department and a researcher who studies water quality issues. “Given the tragedy of Dunkard Creek, I could not pass up the opportunity to offer a venue in which patrons could see firsthand what species were lost, what the immediate ecological impact was, and what the long-term recovery will be for this stream.” ■ By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

Biology major Britany Ruffcom (left) and nursing student Kayla Todak discuss the exhibition.

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15 yearS OF THanKS at the annual Scholarship recognition dinner, gratitude is on the menu mid the buzz of conversation in Gallagher Hall, one phrase was repeated again and again: “Thank you.” In late October the University hosted its 15th annual Scholarship Recognition Dinner, an event that has grown in both size and impact since its inception. The annual banquet gives generous benefactors an opportunity to meet the students who receive their scholarships. “It’s our biggest event of the year,” says Lynn Baron, director of donor relations and stewardship for the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations. “It’s always wonderful to watch the interaction between our students and the donors who, in many cases, have made it possible for them to complete their education.” A record total of 477 scholarship recipients and benefactors attended this year’s dinner, which recognized nearly $1 million in scholarship awards. That’s a long way from the $5,000 that was awarded annually in the mid-1990s, when the first Scholarship Recognition Dinner was held. Since 2000, private donors have committed a total of $19.4 million in

scholarship support, creating an average of 20 new scholarships at Cal U each year. In 2011, Cal U benefactors did even more: By the date of the banquet, $3.3 million in private gifts had been received, and 28 new scholarships had been created to assist deserving students. “Our Campaign to Build Character and Careers has been focused on ensuring that our students can pursue their academic and personal aspirations, especially in these difficult economic times,”says Sharon Navoney, interim vice president for University Development. “Through our campaign efforts and the generosity of alumni and friends, we are proud to say that since 2000, an average of $1.6 million dollars has been contributed annually toward scholarships for our students.” Speaking on behalf of benefactors at the annual dinner, Armand Balsano ’74 described his family’s motivation for creating an endowed scholarship. Student Dayna Domaso ’11, who graduated in December with a degree in social work, spoke on behalf of students about the importance of scholarship aid. “Because of my scholarships and the support that I receive from my Cal U family, I am able to focus on my school

President Angelo Armenti, Jr. poses for a portrait with scholarship recipients.

responsibilities and balancing life’s challenges without being distracted by my financial situation,” she said. “This generosity has touched my life and taught me the importance of giving. I hope someday to become a donor myself and give the gift of scholarship.” Before the meal, scholarship recipients posed for photos with their benefactors, creating a memento of invest in the evening. student success “Providing For more information about creating a accessibility and scholarship for California financial support for our students is University students or giving to the Campaign a high priority at to Build Character and Cal U,” Navoney Careers, visit www.calu.edu says, reflecting and click on “Giving” at on the successful the top of the homepage. By phone, contact the event. Office of University Expressing Development and Alumni gratitude is high Relations at 724-938-5759. on the agenda, too. In conjunction with the Scholarship Recognition Dinner, students mailed more than 300 personal notes to benefactors, thanking each one individually for making a difference in their lives. ■ By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U

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CAMPUS C L I P S project merits visit from national center for missing children A student project on child trafficking blossomed into a daylong conference at Cal U created in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). “The purpose of the event was to draw attention to a growing epidemic of sexual exploitation and trafficking among children and adolescents,” says Dr. Peg Christopher, an associate professor in the Department of Social Work. Students created more than 200 slides to raise awareness of the issue after their initial poster project caught the attention of NCMEC. The national organization sponsored an online webinar so students could share their ideas, and it provided support for the conference on campus. Russell Petty, NCMEC’s diversity outreach coordinator, gave the keynote address at “Shatter The Silence: A Campaign Against Child/Adolescent Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking.”

entrepreneurs tour offers ‘extreme’ motivation Students and community members were challenged to dream big and take action when the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour made a stop at Steele Hall during Kelly Hunt its national tour. The high-energy event urged students, in particular, to help change the economy and pursue their passions by owning their own businesses. “I learned today that you can do anything you put your mind to,” said Cal U freshman Kembia Munsanje. “By being here, we are actually putting ourselves ahead of the game.” The tour stop was hosted by Cal U’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Center and Student Incubator, based in Coover Hall. “Our goal is to create a culture of entrepreneurship here on the Cal U campus,” says Kelly Hunt, the center’s executive director. “We want students to realize that starting a business can be one way to build a successful career.” 12 CAL U REVIEW WINTER 2012 ■

University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. presents the Corporate Core Values Award to David Peart, a senior vice president for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Corporate core values win award for pens Cal U recognized its ongoing partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins by presenting the hockey club with the Corporate Core Values Award. The award honors a corporation, organization or institution that epitomizes the University’s core values of integrity, civility and responsibility. Cal U is the official education partner of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Through this continuing partnership the Penguins have created scholarships, made internships and other resume-building activities available

Best in the U.S. for online education Cal U again has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for its online degree and certificate programs. The Online College Rankings are compiled annually by SR Education Group, an educational resource provider based in Kirkland, Wash. The 2012 Top 30 Online Colleges are listed on its flagship site, Guide to Online Schools (www.guidetoonlineschools.com). The online guide is intended “to help prospective students make informed decisions about how to invest in their education,” the report says. “Our goal is to hold online schools accountable to the same high standards we expect of traditional institutions.” To determine the rankings, SR

to Cal U students, and provided unique marketing opportunities for the University. University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. presented the Corporate Core Values Award to David Peart, a senior vice president for the Penguins, during a ceremony and news conference in the Cal U Conference Center at CONSOL Energy Center. He gave the Penguins a ship’s compass, which he said symbolizes the organization’s “ongoing efforts to move always in the right direction, and to live by the core values that also guide Cal U.”

Education Group examines accreditations, the cost of tuition and books, student-to-faculty ratios, graduation and retention rates, and the rate at which students repay their college loans on time. Statistics come from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Student feedback also plays a role in the rankings. Global Online now provides more than 1,800 students with more than 30 affordable, high-quality master’s degree, bachelor’s degree and certificate programs. Compared to 2010-2011, total enrollment increased by 6.1 percent this year. For a complete list of programs and accreditations, or more information about Global Online, visit www.calu.edu.

Indian Opportunity, an advocacy organization founded by Harris. About 300 people turned out to hear Harris describe her own experiences and discuss “The Power of Indigenous Female Leadership.”

Magazines rank Cal U among best for veterans Dr. Clarissa Confer, Dr. LaDonna Harris and President Angelo Armenti, Jr.

native american leader pledges support for institute On Cal U’s second annual Native American Day, activist Dr. LaDonna Harris promised her support for a new University institute that bears her name. The LaDonna Harris Indigenous Peoples Institute will add another multicultural element to the Cal U experience and align with Harris’ decades-long advocacy efforts on behalf of Native Americans, including her own Comanche people. “The mission of the institute will be to expand the awareness and understanding of indigenous issues by means of research, teaching, experiential learning and crosscultural dialogue,” said Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. Dr. Clarissa Confer, of the Department of History and Political Science, will lead the institute. This year’s Native American Day celebration included classroom presentations by “ambassadors” from Americans for

Two national magazines once again have listed Cal U among the best universities in the nation for military veterans. Military Times EDGE magazine ranked Cal U No. 4 in the nation — behind only Concord (W.Va.), Eastern Kentucky and Rutgers (N.J.) universities — in its second “Best Colleges for Vets” survey, a supplement to its November issue. And Military Advanced Education, a magazine for service members who are continuing their studies, named Cal U one of America’s Top Military Friendly Colleges and Universities for the fourth consecutive year. The recognition is based on services to veterans, including financial assistance and the presence of a central veterans office with a knowledgeable staff. Cal U’s convenient online offerings and GoArmyEd participation also were factors in the rankings. About 230 military veterans attend classes on Cal U’s campus, and an additional 260 service members around the world are enrolled in Global Online, Cal U’s Internet-based learning community.

no humbug here John Gresh, of Pittsburgh, Pa., portrays Ebneezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical,’ produced by the Department of Theatre and Dance. Also appearing in the musical version of the Charles Dickens holiday classic are (from left) theater major Zach Thomas as Bob Cratchit, 9-year-old Delaney Harvey as Tiny Tim, and theater major Sarah Orletsky as Mrs. Cratchit. The production has become a December tradition at Cal U.

Calling the roll Capt. Robert Prah, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, introduces the Remembrance Day National Roll Call. At Veterans Day ceremonies across the country, the names of all service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001, were read aloud. Cal U was one of 180 colleges and universities participating in the event.

Ceremony dedicates new Science labs. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 7 formally recognized three spaces in New Science Hall that were renovated with the Department of Chemistry and Physics in mind: • The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility houses two instruments that use high-field superconducting magnets to probe the nuclear structure of organic molecules. These NMR spectrophotometers are the industry standard for working chemists. • The Nanoscience Lab houses an atomic force microscope and other delicate instruments that support learning and research for students adding a nanoscience concentration to their degrees. • The computing facility accommodates the department’s growing enrollment with a 20-seat computer lab, two large study tables and a huge whiteboard to facilitate individual and group study. The renovated spaces and the instruments they house represent a significant investment in the chemistry and physics programs and a step toward achieving accreditation from the American Chemical Society. WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 13 ■

neW venUe FOr a neW BeGinninG Winter 2011 graduates receive diplomas in the Convocation Center tudents wore the customary caps and gowns. The choir sang the familiar Alma Mater. But Cal U began a new tradition when graduating students filed into the Convocation Center for the University’s 173rd Commencement. At the first formal academic event in the new facility, on Dec.16, 2011, graduate students received their master’s degrees and were vested in their academic hoods. Bachelor’s and associate degrees were awarded the following day. In all, more than 1,400 students were eligible to accept their diplomas, including 15 who were recognized for completing the new Cal U Leader for Life leadership development process. University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. greeted the students, who completed their studies in August or December. He urged them to embrace the spirit of Cal U for Life and to “make Cal U’s core values a part of your personal legacy.” He welcomed families and friends with special warmth, eliciting a round of applause when he asked, “What do you think of the new building?” Before undergraduates received their diplomas, student Brittany Balaz, chair of the Senior Gift Drive Committee, presented President Armenti with a check for more than $11,500 contributed by seniors and their families. To date, more than $20,000 has been raised for endowed scholarships since this Cal U for Life initiative began with the first senior class donation in spring 2010. A distinguished alumna spoke at each ceremony, sharing advice with students eager to join the ranks of Cal U alumni. Excerpts from the speakers’ comments are included here. To read the complete text of their remarks or to see video of the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies, visit www.calu.edu and search for “Commencement videos.”

Matt Mowrylak gets a hug from his daughter, Anna, 3, after Cal U’s 173rd Commencement. 14 CAL U REVIEW WINTER 2012 ■

One opinion, 10 insights Dr. Barbara Chandler-Wright ’88 is a longtime educator with a background in social work and counseling. She currently volunteers with a nonprofit organization that coordinates services for criminal offenders as they return to the community. The former executive director of East End United Community Center, in Uniontown, Pa., she also has taught at community colleges and universities in the greater Pittsburgh area. Dr. Chandler-Wright addressed master’s degree candidates on Dec. 16, 2011.

‘‘i

came to California University to be promoted on my job and left with the understanding that my opinion about my skills and knowledge was the only opinion that counted. My growth had nothing to do with additional credentials. My growth was internal. I can only hope that obtaining your degree is just the beginning of many great achievements for you. In looking back at my journals from my experiential class in 1987, I would like to leave you with my 10 insights on life at that time. I am proud to say that my view on navigating the world and life has not changed. So, in the David Letterman format: 10. Have faith, and never lose hope. 9. Do what you love — and love everything. Even bad experiences teach you something. 8. Don’t underestimate the impact you have on the world. 7. You have only failed if you think you have. 6. Stop listening to others’ negative opinions of your decisions. Those of you who have goals, don’t share them with others. (Instead,) commit them to paper and review them daily. Goals not committed to paper are only wishes or dreams. There is an old Zen saying:“You can’t take aim without a target.” 5. Use your education as a motivator for yourself and others. Encourage others. 4. Live every day as if it were your last. Try writing your obituary. What would you like people to say about you? 3. The greatest things in this world started somewhere, with someone. Think about the late Steve Jobs. He was born out of wedlock. He was given up for adoption and raised by a middle-class couple. He founded (Apple) in his garage. 2. Dream big for yourself and others. 1. Life is what you think it is.

”

Again thank you all for your attention, and remember: ‘California for Life.’

‘Challenge your assumptions’

‘‘F

Teri Gass ’77, an insurance industry specialist for more than 25 years, is a director at Aon Global Risk Consulting in Atlanta, Ga. As a member of the Aon Global Risk Consulting Business Development team, she develops pre- and postloss mitigation strategies for major corporations. She has multi-line claims experience and special expertise in Workers’ Compensation issues. Ms. Gass spoke to students who received their bachelor’s or associate degrees on Dec. 17, 2011.

irst, let me tell you a short story about parenting: After having my only child, Dina, I continued to work. One day Dina returned from playing at a friend’s house. She was about 4 years old and came home with a very serious expression. She looked at me and said, “Mom, do you know dads travel for business, too?” Well, I came to understand early on that you assume and make decisions based on what you know — even at 4 years old! … As you (graduates) enter the working world or continue on to higher education, you will likely hear the acronym CYA — yes, CYA, cover your assets — meaning make sure you are in a position to defend and prove all your actions. … But when you hear CYA, I ask you to please think of it a different way: Challenge Your Assumptions. Make sure you always dig just a little deeper, ask just a few more questions. Change is a constant, and life is full of opportunities to take advantage of changing events or circumstances, so it is definitely worth taking some time to challenge

what you are considering to be true or factual based on your experiences. Remember the 4-year-old assuming. We adults have a tendency to do the same thing. It is for your own opportunity and your own benefit — your own journey to success — that I suggest each and every chance you get to CYA, you go ahead and Challenge Your Assumptions. Branch out. Relocate. Try something different — a new path to success. Good luck, graduates. I hope this bit of information sticks with you and makes a difference; it did for me!

”

The audience applauds 2nd Lt. Andrew Sinclair, a former ROTC cadet, as he receives his diploma.

Online students meet face to face Before they attended winter Commencement, graduating Global Online students gathered for a reception hosted by President Armenti in the Grand Hall of Old Main. For many, this was their first visit to campus. To see photos from the event, visit www.calu.edu/news; click on “Cal U Review” and choose “As Seen in the Review.”

Grace Dorohovich does double duty, collecting the two diplomas she earned at Cal U.

Christina Tolfa, who received a degree in communication disorders, adjusts her cap.

WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 15 ■

ALUMNI N E W S GREETINGS FROM THE ALUMNI OFFICE!

ot long ago I watched a brandnew group of Cal U alumni receive their diplomas at Commencement — the first formal academic event held in our state-ofthe-art Convocation Center. It was our school’s 173rd Commencement, and this year will mark the 160th anniversary of our alma mater. It’s hard to believe the changes that have taken place at Cal U over the past 10 years, let alone since our beginnings in 1852! As we celebrate the big things happening at California this year — especially the grand opening of the Convocation Center, with its potential to host cultural, academic and athletic events like none other in the region — this is the perfect time for you to reconnect with Cal U. When was the last time you visited California? I hope that your answer isn’t “not since graduation!” I understand that we all get busy with our day-to-day lives after Commencement, and in the years that follow it’s easy to become wrapped up in our careers, our families, our community and other organizations. But I encourage you to take time from your busy schedule and visit the University. Come and walk the Quad, wander into a classroom or visit a residence hall. Stop in at the Natali Student Union and chat with some current students. And, of course, tour the Michael and Julia Kara Alumni House. I promise that you will be greeted warmly every step of the way. So I challenge you to schedule time to visit your “Cal U family” here. The Alumni Relations staff is eager to help you plan your visit. Stop by and see what Cal U has become. And please encourage your neighbors, family and friends with college-bound students to consider California. We have so much to offer, and with your support, our “Cal U family” will continue to grow.

Amy Lombard Executive Director Alumni Relations and Annual Fund

16 CAL U REVIEW WINTER 2012 ■

alumni calendar MarCH Pittsburgh Networking and Business Card Exchange — March 20 Cal U’s Alumni and Career Services offices team up to bring job-seekers this interactive opportunity to make new business connections. Join us at at 6 p.m. in Las Velas in Market Square for this lively networking session. Pittsburgh Education Recruitment Consortium (PERC) — March 21 Cal U graduates are invited to attend this regional and national recruitment event, held 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Monroeville Convention Center, just 12 miles east of Pittsburgh in Monroeville, Pa. Job-seekers can meet employers of certified teachers from across the United States, including Pennsylvania. Participating employers interview and hire teacher candidates in all PreK-12 disciplines, as well as those in related certification areas such as counseling, therapies and administration. For details, contact Rhonda Gifford, director of Career Services, at gifford@calu.edu. Alumni & Family Day: Leonardo’s Open House — March 24 Here’s an outing the whole family will enjoy! Explore the hands-on exhibition ‘Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion’ between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Convocation Center. Enjoy light refreshments, children’s activities, a tour of the new facility and more. To attend, register with the Alumni Office at alumni@calu.edu or 724-938-4418. WestPACS Job and Internship Fair — March 28 Looking for a new position? Don’t miss this job fair, the largest in the Pittsburgh region. Doors are open to college students and alumni from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Monroeville Convention Center. For details, contact Rhonda Gifford, director of Career Services, at gifford@calu.edu.

april Red and Black Affair Extraordinaire — April 1 Fashion models stroll the runway at the sixth annual luncheon and fashion show in the Performance Center at Cal U. As in previous years, all tickets have been sold. This event benefits the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, which awards about 20 renewable scholarships every year. Nomination deadline, Alumni Association Board — April 12 Are you interested in serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors? Today is the deadline for the Alumni Office to receive your nomination form, photo and essay.

Cal U for Life Cal Pride Weekend — April 19-21 Cal U honors the 2012 winner of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on April 19. The following day, many Cal U faculty members open their classes so current students can meet some of our most successful alumni. Also this weekend, each of Cal U’s four Colleges recognizes outstanding alumni who have distinguished themselves and brought credit to the College through their professional and community work. Alumni awards will be presented by the Eberly College of Science and Technology, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Education and Human Services, and the School of Graduate Studies and Research. On April 21 the Alumni Association Board of Directors holds its annual spring meeting at 10 a.m. in the Kara Alumni House. Afterward, members of the Young Alumni Advisory Council, Student Leaders and Parents Leadership Council enjoy a reception with Alumni Board members to further develop intergenerational outreach efforts for our students and alumni. Washington, D.C., Area Alumni Networking Night — April 26 It’s all about networking! Meet your fellow alumni from our nation’s capital at 6 p.m. at Patton Boggs, 2550 M St., NW. Make new business contacts at this event hosted by Alumni Board member Judy Zilkowski ’77, ’83.

May Graduate Commencement — May 11 Master’s degree candidates are vested in their academic hoods and awarded their diplomas at 7 p.m. in the Convocation Center. Undergraduate Commencement — May 12 Undergraduates receive their associate and bachelor’s degrees at 10 a.m. in the Convocation Center.

Save the date! Alumni Weekend — June 1-2 All alumni are welcome to join the classes of 1987 and 1962 for their 25th and 50th reunion celebrations. You won't want to miss the Alumni Awards of Distinction luncheon, Alumni Board election meeting, President’s Gala and more! Send us your e-mail address at alumni@calu.edu to stay connected with the most up-to-date happenings at Cal U, including alumni chapter and sporting events, campus lectures, student events and more!

SUpport Cal U StUdentS with a donation to the annUal FUnd today! As alumni, we are important players in California University’s continued success. This year, Cal U celebrates its 160th anniversary. Although our campus may look very different from when you attended, one thing remains the same: Cal U’s commitment to giving all students the opportunity for an outstanding education. Every alumni donor helps Cal U to meet the increasing need for scholarships and to embrace new opportunities for our students. Your participation and support are needed. Make your gift today! Visit www.calu.edu/giving.

At undergraduate Commencement, University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. receives a check from Brittany Balaz, chair of the Senior Gift Drive Committee.

Provost Geraldine Jones (right) talks with Cal U events coordinator Daphne Livingstone in the hospitality room at the Convocation Center.

Alumni Richard Bucchianeri ’70 (left) and Dale Hamer ’60 chat with official scoreboard operator Don Woodward before the New Convocation Center Tip-Off.

WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 17 ■

A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SEEKS NOMINEES FOR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS BaCKGrOUnd Nominations are now being sought from alumni interested in being recommended to stand for election to the board of directors of the California University of Pennsylvania Alumni Association. Elections will take place in the spring of 2012, with eight open seats to be filled. Interested alumni may self-nominate, or others may submit information on their behalf. Individuals interested in being recommended must submit their nomination form to the Nominating Committee for Board Members (NCB) so as to be received no later than April 12, 2012. The NCB will screen the candidates according to guidelines listed below and found in the Alumni Association bylaws, and will forward the names of recommended candidates to the Alumni Association board for its approval. Approved candidates will then stand for election by the membership of the Alumni Association. Those individuals elected to board seats as a result of the spring 2012 election cycle will be installed at the Alumni Association annual meeting on June 2, 2012.

QUaliFiCaTiOnS FOr CandidaCy In evaluating an individual’s qualifications to stand for election to the board of directors of the Alumni Association, the NCB shall emphasize the following: • A significant contribution to public, educational or charitable endeavors; please include philanthropic giving history; • A knowledge of and commitment to the mission and goals of California University of Pennsylvania; • A record of experience and achievement since graduation in his/her chosen field; • Leadership and consensus-building skills; • A willingness to represent all alumni in providing counsel to the University; • A commitment to serve the University on a wide variety of issues encountered in its planning and operations; • A willingness to commit a significant amount of time and energy necessary for effective service; • A history of active involvement with the University. nOMinaTiOn prOCeSS Individuals interested in being considered for nomination to the board should complete a nomination form and an essay on qualifications and return them, along with a color photograph, to the Alumni Relations Office by April 12, 2012. The Nominating Committee for Board Members will review the information that is submitted and develop a slate of recommended candidates. This slate will be presented to the Alumni Association board of directors for its approval at its spring 2012 meeting. All California University alumni will be eligible to vote either by e-mail or mail ballot.

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ELECTION NOMINATION FORM California University of Pennsylvania Alumni Office 250 University Ave. California, PA 15419

Please attach to this form a brief essay (500 words or less) that addresses the following qualifications: • A significant contribution to public, educational or charitable endeavors; • A knowledge of and commitment to the mission and goals of California University of Pennsylvania; • A record of experience and achievement since graduation in his/her chosen field; • Leadership and consensus-building skills; • A willingness to represent all alumni in providing counsel to the University; • A commitment to serve the University on a wide variety of issues encountered in its planning and operations; • A willingness to commit a significant amount of time and energy necessary for effective service; • A history of active involvement with the University.

NAME / CLASS YEAR

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

TELEPHONE

ZIP

E-MAIL

EMPLOYER/OCCUPATION

Upon recommendation by the NCB and approval by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, your personal information (above), your essay and color photograph will be included in the official ballot materials distributed to all alumni prior to the election. 18 CAL U REVIEW WINTER 2011 ■

Please return this form, your essay, and your photograph by April 12, 2012.

FOCUS O N T H E S C H O O L O F G R A D U AT E S T U D I E S A N D R E S E A R C H

LAW, Crime And forensiC sCienCe graduate school delivers high-caliber programs

California University of Pennsylvania

overview

of the SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH Dean:

Dr. John R. Cencich Graduate Program Coordinators: Dr. Silvia Braidic Administrative Principals Program/ Superintendent Letter of Eligibility

Dr. Thomas West Athletic Training

Dr. Arshad Chawdhry Business Administration

Dr. Ralph Belsterling Communication Disorders

Dr. John Patrick Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Dr. Christine Peterson Early Childhood Education

Dr. Caryl Sheffield Elementary Education

Dr. Barry McGlumphy Exercise Science and Health Promotion: Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention

Professor Christina Toras Legal Studies: Homeland Security, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice

Dr. Joseph Zisk Master of Arts Teaching

Dr. Mary O’Connor Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration and Leadership

Dr. Kalie Kossar Mentally and Physically Handicapped Education

Dr. Connie Armitage Reading Specialist Program

Dr. Grafton Eliason School Counseling

Dr. Angela Bloomquist School Psychology

Dr. J. William Hug

Once again it is my pleasure to welcome you to an edition of Focus On featuring the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The Graduate School is perhaps the most eclectic academic unit at Cal U. In the past, this publication has featured outstanding members of the Graduate School faculty who teach in programs ranging from athletic training to school psychology, communication disorders and education. Of course, our Office of Web-Based Programs also has been the key to many success stories. This edition will focus on Graduate School programs and activities that relate to law, crime and forensic science. You will read about our exciting new Master of Arts track in applied criminology, which combines coursework taught by regular, full-time faculty with supplemental teaching by specialized experts working in the field. This program was developed with input from some of the original criminal profilers from the FBI Academy at Quantico, Va., and it is on the leading edge of solving crime. Our online programs in legal studies, with tracks in law and public policy, criminal justice, and homeland security, provide students with insight into real-world problems. And our technology-based certificate program in Spanish for law enforcement already has made an impact on local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The Graduate School also is developing related programs in forensic science and forensic linguistics. The high quality of these practical programs, along with their convenient online format, makes them a great value for students. Ultimately, these programs — like many others in the Graduate School — prepare our students to provide meaningful service to the commonwealth, the nation and the global community. We are especially fortunate to have some of the best professors, scientists and practitioners in their respective fields sharing their expertise with our students. Finally, a personal note: Through Cal U’s Office of University Development and Alumni Relations, I had the pleasure of attending an alumni gathering in Bethesda, Md. It was a great opportunity to meet some of our outstanding alumni. Their careers and personalities are nothing short of amazing. It was such a wonderful experience that I plan to attend other gatherings as they arise. I look forward to meeting you! All the best,

F R O M

T H E

Dean

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education

Dr. Aref Al-Khattar Social Science: Applied Criminology

Dr. Norma Thomas Social Work

Dr. Robert Taylor Sport Management

Dr. Taunya Tinsley

John R. Cencich, J.S.D. Professor and Dean School of Graduate Studies and Research California University of Pennsylvania

Sports Counseling

Dr. John Kallis Technology Education

Learn more For more information about Cal U’s Graduate School or Global Online programs, visit www.calu.edu. Or contact the Office of Web-Based Programs at 866-595-6348 or via e-mail at calugo@calu.edu.

on the cutting edge of solving crime applied Criminology program has praCTiCal value in many professions

imberly Kowalik has a goal: To be admitted to one of the nation’s few doctoral programs in clinical forensic psychology. To become a more competitive candidate, she enrolled in three separate graduate programs, including the Master of Arts in Social Science: Applied Criminology track offered through Cal U Global Online. “The program has exceeded my expectations,” says Kowalik, of Milford, Pa. “It offers a unique and very practical perspective on the criminal justice system.” The program began in fall 2011. Already it has attracted students from across the country, says program coordinator Dr. Aref Kimberly Kowalik Al-Khattar, a former law enforcement officer with 17 years’ experience in the kingdom of Jordan. “In this first cohort our students have a wide range of backgrounds, from state-level law enforcement and private security officers to new graduates looking to continue their education.” Psychologists, sociologists, social workers, correctional counselors and criminal investigative analysts also can benefit, adds Dr. John Cencich, professor and dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “Most criminology coursework is theoretical only, but this program offers real-life applications for a variety of fields,” says Cencich, a former police investigator with extensive experience working international and violent crime cases. “It’s a behaviorally based program that’s all about understanding criminal minds, and then putting the theories to the test. Graduates will be on the cutting edge when it comes to solving crimes.” In this 36 credit-hour program, highly qualified faculty from California University guide students through advanced studies of criminological and behavioral crime theories. They offer challenging courses in applied and qualitative research methods, and they supervise a capstone experience — either a thesis, an internship or study abroad. Outside experts from world-recognized criminal investigative agencies — professionals with years of experience in the field — address applied topics such as criminal investigative analysis, equivocal death analysis and geographical crime analysis. Kowalik says she enrolled at Cal U, in part, because of the program’s link to the Academy Group Inc., founded by some

Courses in the applied criminology track are taught by highly qualified faculty and outside experts from world-recognized criminal investigative agencies.

of the original criminal profilers with the Behavioral Science Unit at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. “I’d completed the Academy Group’s certificate program in violent criminal behavior over the summer,” she said. “I considered other master’s degree programs in criminology, but when you actually get down to the nuances of what’s offered, Cal U was head and shoulders above the rest.” Cal U’s program is far more affordable than many others, she adds. “It’s extraordinarily reasonable, especially when you consider the bang you get for the bucks. When I considered the credentials of the program, the qualifications of the staff and the (Institute) director, plus the Academy Group connection and the chance to work with the Institute for Criminological and Forensic Science at Cal U, there was just no comparison.” Hoping her Cal U experience will lead to other exciting opportunities, Kowalik recently applied for an internship with the FBI in New York. More than 350 applications were reviewed initially, and an FBI agent called to tell Kowalik that she’d made the first cut. A second call informed her that she’s likely to be accepted. “I know I’m a competitive candidate at this point,” she says. “I consider that a compliment, both to me and to Cal U.” ■ By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U 3

on The horizon:

Advanced programs in forensic science Cal u finalizes professional sCienCe masTer and forensiC linguisTiCs programs

indful of the growing demand for practitioners with advanced skills in forensic science, Cal U is preparing to launch two new online programs. • The Professional Science Master (PSM) degree program in forensic science combines world-class science and business courses, targeting professionals who need a strong but multifaceted background in this specialized field. • The one-of-a-kind Master of Arts in Social Science: Forensic Linguistics track is being developed with the help of the only certified criminal profiler and forensic linguist in the history of the FBI. The PSM in forensic science at Cal U will be one of at least five new Professional Science Master programs offered by universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). In contrast to traditional master’s degree programs, which enhance a student’s expertise within a narrow subject area, a PSM program offers a wide spectrum of practical knowledge. “One of the major distinctions is that students in a PSM program will complete professional skills classes and an internship in addition to their core science classes,” says

“

Cal U’s forensic linguistics online program was conceptualized and developed with one purpose in mind: to make it one of the most comprehensive forensic science master’s degree programs in the world.

”

Jim fiTZGerALd, fBi ProfiLer And forensiC LinGuisT

Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “It’s not just 36 credit hours of learning the main subject. When students complete this degree, they also will be able to run a business or become a leader within their organization.” Many forensic science courses emphasize how to process a crime scene, but the PSM coursework also includes studies in biology, chemistry, statistics and law. This combination can help students advance their careers as coroners, sex crime investigators, homicide detectives or prosecutors, for example. Once the PSM program in forensic science is approved by the PASSHE Board of Governors and the Council of Graduate Schools, Cal U anticipates enrolling students for the Spring 2013 semester. The notion of a forensic linguistics program arose after Jim Fitzgerald, a retired supervisory special agent for the FBI and a consultant for the Academy Group Inc., gave a lecture through Cal U’s Institute for Criminological and Forensic Sciences. The FBI’s only certified criminal profiler and forensic linguist, Fitzgerald has worked on high-profile cases involving Ted Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber; the kidnapping and assassination of journalist Daniel Pearl; the murder of JonBenet Ramsey; and the 2002 sniper attacks near Washington, D.C. Forensic linguists analyze communications such as emergency phone calls, suicide notes and death threats, Fitzgerald explains. They also may be asked to detect forgeries in legal documents and to serve as expert witnesses during legal proceedings. “Cal U’s forensic linguistics online program was conceptualized and developed with one purpose in mind: to make it one of the most comprehensive forensic science master’s degree programs in the world,” he says. Cal U is developing the program with Fitzgerald’s help and with input from Dr. Natalie Schilling, an associate professor of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. It will undergo a curriculum review this spring, with an eye toward enrolling the first student cohort in fall 2012. The forensic linguistics program is designed for law enforcement officials such as detectives, violent crimes and intelligence unit specialists, and FBI agents, as well as behavioral scientists in a variety of fields. “The instruction will not be just theoretical, but practical-oriented, too,” Fitzgerald says. “That is the best of both worlds in an academic degree program.” ■ By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U

speCialized serviCes, experT adviCe forensics institute stands ready to assist law enforcement hey evaluate cold cases and recover deleted files from computers. They examine gambling devices and racketeering records, and use radar to find buried evidence. They even train law enforcement officers from around the world. These are the members of the Cal U Institute of Criminological and Forensic Sciences.

At the institute, Cal U faculty members with expertise in a variety of disciplines offer professional services for police officers, detectives, district attorneys, coroners, public defenders and others involved in the administration of justice. “Our Cal U faculty serve as consultants to the law enforcement community, whether it’s for evaluating cases, conducting research or utilizing equipment,” says Dr. John Cencich, director of the institute and professor and dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Clients turn to the institute when they need an expert opinion on a particular case or lack the funding for specialized equipment and personnel. Cal U faculty experts are available in multiple areas of forensic science, including, anthropology, psychological and behavioral science, DNA and genetics, meteorology, crime mapping, chemistry, and cyber crime. The institute can provide language services in Arabic, Chinese and Spanish, as well as access to equipment such as ground-penetrating radar. Although real-time consulting plays a major role in its success, the institute’s educational programming may be the most valuable service it provides to criminal justice professionals. University faculty offer courses on a wide variety of forensic science topics. Some classes are held at Cal U’s Southpointe Center in Canonsburg, Pa., while others are conducted online. The institute also has an exclusive arrangement with the Academy Group Inc. (AGI), a forensic behavioral science

firm composed of former FBI supervisory special agents and other law enforcement veterans. “We capture training presentations by the AGI that are held on-site and broadcast them across the world,” Cencich says. “These courses are being presented by some of the original criminal profilers in the FBI. Law enforcement officers are not going to receive this level of training anywhere else.” AGI practitioners who have presented courses at Cal U include Roy Hazelwood, a former FBI supervisory special agent and a nationally recognized violent crime expert with the FBI Academy’s Behavioral Science Unit; Mike Napier, a former FBI supervisory special agent, field office program manager and violent crime assessor with the FBI's National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime; and Jim Fitzgerald, a former FBI supervisory

special agent assigned to the Behavioral Analysis Unit and program manager of the Threat Assessment/Forensic Linguistics program. Training seminars with Cal U faculty and practitioners from AGI have been well attended, Cencich says. Law enforcement officers from Pennsylvania and New Jersey regularly fill the seats at on-site presentations, and the video training materials have sparked interest overseas. “We’ve had people from Greece, the Netherlands, Australia and other parts of the world participate in our online training,” Cencich says. “We are really happy to have this relationship with the Academy Group, and we hope our presence around the world grows in the future.” ■

Dr. John Cencich, director of the Institute of Criminological and Forensic Sciences, addresses the Washington County Chiefs of Police Association.

Cal U faculty experts are available in multiple areas of forensic science, including DNA analysis and forensic anthropology.

By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U

For more information about the Institute for Criminological and Forensic Sciences at Cal U, or for a list of online courses available from the Academy Group Inc., visit www.calu.edu; look for “Information for … Business and Community,” then click on “Forensics Institute.” 5

Homeland security studies Specialized legal STudieS Track inTegraTeS law and pOlicy TO aTTracT ‘beST and brighTeST’

after the devastating terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a variety of homeland security education programs arose to address national security issues. To give students a competitive advantage in this critical field, California University developed a unique, online master’s degree program in Legal Studies: Homeland Security track. “Our graduate program is more than courses focused on the process and structure of homeland security,” explains Dr. Jeffrey Magers, an assistant professor in the Department of Professional Studies. “Since our program is embedded in the Master of Science in Legal Studies, we focus a significant amount of time on examining the complex law and policy issues involved in homeland security.” Dr. Jeffrey Magers Students enrolled in the program take core legal studies courses, as well as five specialized courses: U.S. Homeland Security; Terrorism, Threat and Vulnerability Analysis; Biological, Chemical, Nuclear and Weapons of Mass Destruction Threats; Intelligence Practice; and Law and the International Community. Adding an in-depth examination of these special topics to a solid base of legal studies, students engage in complex legal and policy analysis of the most difficult homeland security issues our nation faces. This intellectually rich environment has attracted top-flight students from across the country. “I always find it interesting to read the student introductions for each course,” Magers says. “Our students often have fascinating careers, and they are some of this nation’s best and brightest people.” Past and current student cohorts have included special agents from the FBI and NCIS, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; commanders and officers in all military branches; employees in the federal Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and Defense Logistics Agency; and law enforcement agents on the local, state and federal levels. In addition to the program’s emphasis on legal studies, many students appreciate the flexibility of 100 percent online classes, especially when they are pursuing challenging careers. “Because of my schedule, it is impossible to enroll in classes that have a set time, and even weekends are difficult because we work one weekend a month,” says current student Lt. Col. Ros L. Gammon, chief of operationsfor the 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard. “The online option allows for much more flexibility, and I could still stay in school should I be deployed while I’m enrolled.”

Many class activities are designed to give students real-world experience. For example, rather than turning in traditional term papers, students are asked to prepare “white papers” — policy analyses that require students to recommend a course of action. This approach helps students learn the process for addressing complex issues should they seek career advancement in any number of government agencies. Completing the homeland security program will prepare mid-career professionals to move up, Magers says. It also provides a solid entry-level background for individuals who are seeking positions in homeland security, law enforcement, or corporate and private security. “Since the National Guard is involved in emergency preparedness and response, having a degree in homeland security will provide more opportunities for me professionally,” Gammon says. “Once I retire from active service, my military background combined with this degree should prepare me for further government service.” ■ By Jeff Bender, PR and Web writer at Cal U

professors share speCialized knowledge Cal u faculty members from various disciplines lend their expertise to the school of graduate studies and research. among them are: DR. EMILY SWEITZER Professor and chair of the Department of Justice, Law and Society

JOSEPH SCHWERHA Associate professor in the Department of Business and Economics

Sweitzer is teaching a specialized course on behavioral analysis of violent crime in the new Master of Arts track in applied criminology. Trained by former criminal profilers from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, she provides both in-depth theoretical and foundational aspects of crime analysis. Sweitzer is the 2011 recipient of the Alumni Association’s Pavlak/ Shutsy Special Service Award and an investigative consultant with the Institute for Criminological and Forensic Sciences.

Schwerha teaches graduate-level courses in business law, and he specializes in cybercrime and relevant forensic applications. He has been invited to share his expertise at the NATO Summer Program in Kiev, Ukraine. Schwerha also is an investigative consultant for the Institute for Criminological and Forensic Sciences.

CHRISTINA TORAS Assistant professor in the Department of Professional Studies

DR. LOUISE NICHOLSON Assistant professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Toras is director of the undergraduate legal studies program and the coordinator of Global Online programs, which include a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and a master’s degree in law and public policy, with additional tracks in criminal justice and in homeland security.

Nicholson helped to design the new PSM program in forensic science, working with biology professor Dr. Edwin Zuchelkowski to create a course in forensic biology. Nicholson’s expertise in genetics and DNA is being applied to the Institute for Criminological and Forensic Sciences.

DR. CHARLES NEMETH Professor and chair of the Department of Professional Studies

DR. EDWIN ZUCHELKOWSKI Professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Nemeth teaches courses in the Master of Science program in law and public policy. A prolific writer and legal scholar, he developed the Bachelor of Arts program in jurisprudence that is scheduled to begin in fall 2012. His most recent book, the second edition of Criminal Law, was released in December 2011.

Zuchelkowski contributed to the PSM program in forensic science by helping to develop the forensic biology course. He also teaches in the graduate athletic training program, where students gain valuable experience working with cadavers.

DR. RAYMOND HSIEH Associate professor in the Department of Justice, Law and Society

DR. MATTHEW PRICE Assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics

Hsieh was involved in developing the new Professional Science Master (PSM) initiative in forensic science and a new course in advanced forensic investigation. He is well known for his expertise in crime scene investigation, video imaging and computer forensics. As a member of the Institute for Criminological and Forensic Sciences, Hsieh has provided consultation services for local, state and international law enforcement agencies.

Price also helped to develop the PSM program, by designing a new course in forensic chemistry. He has assisted a local coroner’s office pursuing federal grants, and the Institute for Criminological and Forensic Sciences will utilize his expertise.

The new language of law enforcement CerTifiCaTe program helps offiCers inTeraCT wiTh spanish-speaking publiC ur nation’s ethnic diversity is changing: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 50 million U.S. residents identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and people of Hispanic/Latino origin accounted for more than half the growth of the total U.S. population between 2000 and 2010. To help law enforcement agents engage more effectively with members of these communities, Cal U now offers a certificate program in Spanish for Law Enforcement. This 100 percent online program is designed specifically for law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and public and private security personnel who need to understand the language and culture of this fast-growing population. “We start the program with learning

the technical vocabularies of the Spanish language and build into advanced law enforcement scenarios,” says Andrea Cencich, an instructor in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and in Cal U’s Global Online program. “We really want our students to understand Andrea Cencich the specific cultural pieces and how they are related to the job a law enforcement professional performs.” Although the Hispanic/Latino population is still greatest in California, Texas and Florida, demographics are never static. Increasingly, law enforcement officers across the United States find it necessary to communicate with and understand Spanishspeaking people. “For example, the Hispanic/Latino community has cultural norms on how to approach different age groups,” says Cencich,

a native Spanish speaker. “The more you understand how to approach members of the community, the better outcome you will achieve as a law enforcement agent.” Cal U’s program offers condensed eight-week sessions geared toward working professionals. Students who are just beginning their careers also can benefit from the certificate in Spanish for Law Enforcement. Working entirely online, students complete the certificate program in one academic year. They learn how to make arrests and question witnesses in Spanish, how to assist victims of crimes, how to conduct searches, and how to work effectively with citizens and community leaders. “I hope to go into some sort of law enforcement career, and I want to be well prepared for any situation,” says Khyalyani Whitaker, a senior criminal justice major at Cal U. “America is diverse, and its citizens are diverse. Law enforcement must now become diverse in all aspects.” ■ By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U

Increasingly, law enforcement professionals find it necessary to possess Spanish language skills.

California University of Pennsylvania The School of Graduate Studies and Research 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419-1394 Phone: 724-938-4187 Fax: 724-938-5712 E-mail: gradschool@calu.edu www.calu.edu A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Integrity, Civility, Responsibility

leaders in liFe The Foundation for California University presents its annual awards for achievement and service aT iTS annUal MeeTinG in deCeMBer, THe FOUndaTiOn FOr CaliFOrnia UniverSiTy OF pennSylvania HOnOred THree alUMni and a renOWned leader WHOSe prinCipleS Cal U HaS eMBraCed.

Now retired, IVAN ’41 AND ADELAIDE IVILL ’38 GUESMAN have enjoyed distinguished careers in education. Although World War II interrupted Ivan Guesman’s teaching career, he went on to earn his master’s degree in school administration in 1952 from West Virginia University. Adelaide Guesman pursued postgraduate studies during the summers, earning a master’s degree from Duke University in 1943. Ivan Guesman was superintendent of West Greene School District and later taught in California University’s education department from 1968 to 1981. He is a former president of the University’s Emeriti Faculty Association. His wife was a lifelong teacher, devoted to the children of the Jefferson-Morgan School District in Greene County. Civic-minded and generous, the couple donated a guest room at the Kara Alumni House in honor of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Ivill and Mr. and Mrs. Homer Guesman. They also established a charitable gift annuity at Cal U that will establish a scholarship fund to promote excellence among students in the College of Education and Human Services. The Guesmans received Cal U’s 2007 Alumni Couple of the Year Award, and both were awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at Cal U’s December 2008 undergraduate Commencement ceremonies. Named for a University founder, the Job Johnson Award recognizes alumni who have received recognition outside the University.

DR. STEPHEN R. COVEY, a worldrenowned authority on effective and inspirational leadership, has an unprecedented connection with California University. His bestselling books, including The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, are the foundation for Cal U Leader for Life, a leadership development process available to all Cal U students, faculty and staff. Covey is a co-founder and vice chairman of FranklinCovey, a global professional services firm. A prolific author, he has sold more than 20 million books. Covey earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Utah, his MBA at Harvard and his doctorate at Brigham Young University, in Utah. He accepted an honorary doctorate at Cal U’s 1997 Commencement, and the University presented its first Corporate Core Values Award to FranklinCovey in 2006. Cal U has welcomed Covey to campus, most recently as a speaker at the annual Global Education Summits based on his book The Leader in Me. Covey appeared in person at the 2009 and 2010 gatherings, and he presented a video greeting at the 2011 summit, when Cal U was named the world’s first FranklinCovey Leadership University. The Society of 1852 Award celebrates the year of the University’s founding and recognizes an individual whose efforts have enhanced the mission of the University.

DR. JAY D. HELSEL ’59 enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career at his alma mater. After teaching industrial arts, he served as director of campus planning from 19661975. That year he was named vice president for administrative affairs, a position he held until 1980, when he returned to teaching. He became department chair in 1990 and retired in 1996 with emeritus status. In 1998, the Dr. Jay D. Helsel Computer Assisted Drafting and Design Laboratory in Coover Hall opened in his honor. In 2005, the Coover Annex building was renamed Helsel Hall. The author of more than 75 textbooks and educational publications, Helsel holds an M.Ed. from Penn State University and a D.Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh. He is one of Cal U’s most generous benefactors, having established several endowed and school district scholarships with his wife, Joan. A co-founder of the Industrial Arts/Technology Education Alumni Society, Helsel serves on the steering committee for the University’s capital campaign and on the Board of Presidential Advisors. In 1980, Helsel received the Alumni Association’s C.B. Wilson Distinguished Faculty Award. He was the 2005 recipient of the President’s Emeriti Faculty Award, and in 2010, he accepted the Lillian M. Bassi Core Values Award. The Dixonians Award is named for University founder John N. Dixon, who served on the Board of Trustees for 46 years. It honors those who unselfishly serve the University.

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ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T

Michael Valoski ’07, ’08, ’11 looks forward to the preliminary Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ contest March 23-24 at Cal U.

reaching out, with robots hen a 15-pound robot launches 10 feet in the air and crashes back into the BotsIQ arena, spectators and participants react. Students from area high schools spend nearly a year designing and building robots to withstand such moments. At least that’s their intent. But as in life, things don’t always go according to plan, says BotsIQ program manager Michael Valoski ’07, ’08, ’11. “One of the things the BotsIQ competition teaches the kids is that it’s OK to fail, because you can apply the knowledge and make the process better the next time. We are all about the preparation. But of course the kids can’t wait to try to smash and destroy their opponents’ robots. For them, the competitions are a lot of fun.” Valoski will welcome students from 43 high schools to Cal U March 23-24 for the preliminary Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ competition of 2012. The gladiator-style event will be held at the Natali Student Center. Sixty to 70 people will help, including Cal U students and faculty, local teachers and representatives of area companies. “We have close to 100 manufacturers participating now,” says Valoski, who plans the spring competitions and works with the schools and companies year-round. “Many of the manufacturers meet with students at their schools to help with design. Others machine needed parts and/or invite students to observe the process at their plants. And others send volunteers to the competitions. It’s great for the kids to gain exposure to these companies and professionals.”

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Local industries and the National Tooling and Machining Association have embraced BotsIQ as a workforce development initiative to generate interest in STEM-related jobs in southwestern Pennsylvania. The NTMA’s Pittsburgh chapter helps to fund the competition and Valoski’s position. Now 26, Valoski has been assisting with robotics competitions for six years. Last summer he also taught robotics at Cal U’s Upward Bound program and camps for middle and high school students. And from 2007 to 2010, while studying first for a master’s degree in education and then for an MBA, he served as mechatronics research lab manager for the National Center for Robotics Engineering Technology Education at Cal U. Valoski says he loves the hands-on teaching that BotsIQ offers. “I’m not an office person,” he says with a laugh.

‘The Smart Sport’ Students participating in BotsIQ competitions, known as “the smart sport,” are learning about: • Problem-solving • Applied science, technology, math and engineering (STEM) • Related associate and bachelor’s degrees • STEM/manufacturing Jobs • Southwestern Pennsylvania employers To see some “greatest hits” from a BotsIQ competition, visit www.calu.edu/news; click on “Cal U Review” and choose “As Seen in the Review.”

Strength, conditioning and acrobatics irque du Soleil presents stage artists, athletes and acrobats, all performing at the height of their creative energies. The company has seven resident productions in Las Vegas. Typically, 20 to 96 performers are part of each show, and all bring diverse expectations for strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. This was the challenge that attracted Bryan Burnstein ’05. In 2007, two years after earning his master’s degree in Exercise Science and Sport Studies through Cal U Global Online, Burnstein became Cirque du Soleil’s first strength and conditioning adviser. He developed the role while also serving as a certified athletic trainer with the troupe’s Performance Medicine Department. Only two years later he was promoted to strength and conditioning supervisor for the Resident Shows Division. Today he oversees a staff of six strength and conditioning specialists.

“The new position was really a mandate,” says Burnstein, 32. “It paid off. The division has seen a steady rise in artist participation ever since.” In 2007, the division counted about 60 individualized and progressive interventions for injury prevention and performance enhancement for Cirque du Soleil artists. Today it is “pushing 300” corrective exercise and performance conditioning services for individual artists and small groups each year. Thanks to Burnstein’s leadership, the division has steadily become proactive rather than reactive. It now has an online system to track and manage strength and conditioning. And more than 100 of its professionals have completed a performance enhancement specialist course. Burnstein also serves as an adjunct instructor in Cal U’s Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies, where he teaches an online course in Performance Enhancement in Physical Activity.

Since 2008 Burnstein has taught students from Asia, South America, Europe and North America. Many are working toward their master’s degrees while employed full-time in high school and collegiate sports, professional sports, military training and other areas. “My job is to get across theory,” says Burnstein. “But the best part is when they start to engage in the discussions and open up and share their experiences. You can see how they are learning from each other and applying what they learned in class throughout the semester. It’s very rewarding.”

Bryan Burnstein ’05

regulating medical technology edical technology innovations are improving the lives of people around the world every day. One Cal U alumna leads a team of regulatory experts representing many of the companies Janet E. Trunzo ’69 that are creating the medical devices, products and systems transforming health care. Janet E. Trunzo ’69 is executive vice president, technology and regulatory affairs, for the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed). She also works on global regulatory issues as a representative of the U.S. medical device industry. AdvaMed members produce diagnostic products, information systems and medical devices such as X-ray machines, blood pressure equipment, intravenous infusion pumps and heart

defibrillators typically found in U.S. hospitals. “Every needle, every syringe, every pacemaker, every heart valve is regulated,” says Trunzo, noting that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies consider risks associated with devices of all sizes and complexities. Her work at AdvaMed has included coordinating efforts for passage of the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act of 2002 and leading industry negotiations with the FDA on its reauthorization in 2007. Trunzo assumed the health policy role in 1996 after years of experience with a medical device and diagnostic equipment manufacturer and a hospital and research facility, and completing an education focused on radiological physics. Growing up in Glassport, Pa., Trunzo says she loved chemistry. So much so that in high school she conducted her own experiments during lunch hour. With her family’s encouragement she

enrolled in what was then California State College to study chemistry, one of only two young women in the program. A professor who taught her radiation biology encouraged Trunzo to explore graduate programs in nuclear physics. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree from California and teaching high school chemistry for a year, she entered the master’s program in health physics at Rutgers University. Today she applies the science behind her degrees to her regulatory work in the United States and around the world. Her work on global regulatory harmonization includes chairing the board of trustees for the Global Medical Device Nomenclature Agency, which studies technology and product names. Trunzo is passionate about her multiple roles in health care technology. “It’s exciting to be part of an industry where new products are being developed that can improve and save people’s lives.” ■ By Colleen C. Derda, a Pittsburgh-based freelance writer WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 21 ■

one tremendous

tip-OFF neW FaCiliTy nearly UpSTaGeS aTHleTeS aT THe FirST SpOrTS COnTeST in THe COnvOCaTiOn CenTer

verwhelming.

That’s the word that came to mind when California University senior Mike Price first walked along the main concourse of the new Convocation Center. “This is the nicest facility I have ever seen, and I can’t believe we have a building like this on our campus,” he says. Along with about 2,000 Vulcan basketball fans, Price explored the 142,000-square-foot facility for the first time during the New Convocation Center Tip-Off, when the men’s and women’s basketball teams played their first games in the new arena.

Danielle Luckett makes a shot.

The digital message board outside the Convocation Center is visible across campus. Another key feature, the courtyard fountain, will be turned on once warmer weather arrives. Cal U’s Quentin Harding takes flight.

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“It’s a showcase.”

Both Vulcan teams surged to early leads before closing out a two-game sweep Dec. 3 over the Mountaineers of Mansfield University. The Tip-Off celebration included music, family activities and an alumni reception. The first 1,000 fans to arrive received commemorative T-shirts, and two lucky students were awarded $1,000 scholarships. There was great Vulcan basketball and no shortage of entertainment, but fans focused much of their attention on the brand-new facility. “When we got Hamer Hall we thought that was outstanding, but this is magnificent. It’s something many of us could never have imagined,” says emeritus professor Myles Whichey, a former coach who led the men’s basketball team to its first PSAC title in 1970.

The arena can accommodate about 5,000 fans in fixed and retractable seating, with room for 1,000 more seats on the floor. It features a suspended electronic scoreboard and sound system, NBA-caliber baskets and a hardwood floor that can be removed to accommodate events such as farm shows and trade shows. Two wings of the building are equipped for executive-level conference services. In the outdoor courtyard, an 80-foot tower lights up with digital images and a scrolling electronic message. Between games at the Tip-Off, University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. led a brief dedication ceremony for the new arena. The men’s and women’s head basketball coaches and a player from each team joined him at the podium.

President Angelo Armenti, Jr. leads a brief dedication ceremony for the new arena.

Michele Mandell ’69 serves as guest coach for the women’s basketball team.

Cal U students Nakia DeBlanc and Ronald Taylor give a thumbs-up for the new facility.

“I’ve read that architecture is supposed to inspire and evoke emotion, and this building certainly achieves those results,” the President said. “I am proud that our Cal U athletes now have a world-class facility to use.” Many alumni admitted to feeling nostalgic as they explored the new building. Others could barely contain their pride in their alma mater. “When I was in school, this part of campus was a parking lot,” recalls Mary Jo Barnhart ’84. “Now this building is a symbol of the progress the University has made. It is an amazing facility.” The Convocation Center, like many current campus buildings, is part of the master plan for the University first outlined in 1994. “It is absolutely phenomenal how much this campus has grown under President Armenti’s leadership,” says Tammy McIntire Mandich ’91, a former Vulcan basketball player and a member of Cal U’s inaugural Hall of Fame class. “It really makes us proud to be alumni. People are excited about this. The facility is breathtaking.” ■ By Jeff Bender, PR/Web writer at Cal U WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 23 ■

SPORTS R O U N D U P

Scholar-athletes make the grade vUlCan COMpeTiTOrS MaKe BiG playS in THe ClaSSrOOM and On THe Field

hree Cal U student-athletes — Kristen Orrett, a defender on the women’s soccer team; Abbey Freund, a setter on the volleyball squad; and Tim Lahmers, a cross country runner — all received the PSAC Champion Scholar Award in their respective sports. The award, new this year, 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. The selection criteria for the awards are identical to those for NCAA Elite 88 awards, which honor the studentathletes with the top GPAs at each of the 88 NCAA championship sites across divisions I, II and III. • Orrett, a senior, is a three-time PSAC Scholar Athlete. At the time of the awards she had a 3.98 cumulative GPA as a secondary education major with a concentration in social studies. She and goalkeeper Paula Jackson both were named Capital One First-Team National Academic All-Americans.

• Freund, a sophomore, is a communication disorders major who boasts a cumulative GPA of 3.97. She recently was named to the Capital One Academic All-District First Team.

Carly Work

• Lahmers, a senior earth sciences and mathematics major, owns a 4.0 cumulative GPA. He is a two-time U.S. Track and Field All-Academic recipient. Collectively, Cal U athletics ranks first among the 16 PSAC schools for its Academic Success Rate, according to a report by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Introduced in 2005, the NCAA Division II Academic Success Rate is a rolling average of the graduation outcomes for studentathletes competing at this level. With 89 percent of its 2004 cohort graduating within six years, Cal U far exceeded the national average of 73 percent. The Vulcans also topped the 76.3 percent overall graduation rate for PSAC schools.

Women’s soccer Cal U women’s soccer won the program’s first-ever PSAC championship this fall, and the team advanced to the NCAA II National Quarterfinals for the second time in three years. The Vulcans finished with a schoolbest overall record of 20-1-2. With 19 goals to her credit, junior forward Carly Work was named a Daktronics First-Team National All-American, only the second Cal U athlete to achieve that honor. Work also was named the PSAC and the region’s Player of the Year. Fifth-year head coach Al Alvine received PSAC Coach of the Year honors, and forward Chelsea Crockett was named Freshman of the Year. In all, Cal placed nine players on the all-conference team.

Women’s volleyball

Abbey Freund

Kristen Orrett

Tim Lahmers

For the latest vulcan sports information, visit www.calvulcans.com.

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The women’s volleyball team won its fifth PSAC championship in seven years and advanced to the NCAA II Atlantic Regional championship match for a sixth consecutive season. The team finished the 2011 season with a 33-5 overall record. First-year head coach Peter Letourneau was named PSAC-West Coach of the Year, and juniors Meghan Franz and Brandy Harris received first-team allconference honors.

Men’s soccer The men’s soccer team reached the NCAA II Tournament for the second time in four years. The Vulcans advanced to the second round after defeating Shippensburg, 4-2, to chalk up the program’s first NCAA postseason victory. Competing in the PSAC tourney for the seventh time since 2000, Cal U finished with a 12-4-4 overall record. Senior defender Mike Kalas received Daktronics All-America Honorable Mention honors, and senior goalkeeper Charlie Dagnal, an allconference selection, was named a Daktronics third-team All-American.

Football

The Vulcan men finished the season by placing 10th for the second consecutive year at the NCAA II Atlantic/ East Regional, where Babashanian ended the day at No. 28. ■ By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

Silver medalist Golf

Sophomore Aaron Dinzeo became the fifth All-American in program history when he finished 20th out of 187 runners at the NCAA II Cross Country National Championships, with a time of 31 minutes, 45.6 seconds. Dinzeo finished fourth at the NCAA II Atlantic Regional meet and fifth at the PSAC championships. Highlights of the women’s cross country season were a win at the St. Vincent (Pa.) Invitational and a second-place showing at the Buffalo (N.Y.) Stampede Invitational. The Vulcan women had five top-10 finishers at St. Vincent, including Erin Kling, the 2009 PSAC Freshman of the Year, who placed second.

The men’s golf team placed fourth at the PSAC championships, with junior Paul Babashanian and freshman Charlie Durman finishing third and eighth, respectively.

Maria Lopez

The Vulcan football team qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs for the fifth consecutive year after tying for the PSAC-West championship. Cal U finished the season with a 10-3 overall record and reached the round of 16. A dozen Vulcan players were selected for all-conference recognition. Among them was junior safety Rontez Miles, who was named both the PSAC-West and Daktronics Super Region One Defensive Player of the Year. He recorded 71 tackles with five interceptions.

Cross country

Kim Thomas finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Narrowly missing out on a fourth consecutive PSAC championship, the women’s golf team placed second at the state meet. Junior Maria Lopez finished second overall in individual play, and senior Dianne Luke and junior

Vulcan softball player Jillian Russell shows off the silver medal she won at the 2011 Pan American Games, where she competed with the Canadian National Senior softball team. Russell, along with former Vulcan standout Megan Timpf, represented Canada at the games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Canada won seven of nine games before bowing to Team USA in the gold medal game.

Freestyle feature Cal U swimmer Melissa Gates, the reigning Division II 50-yard freestyle champion, was profiled in a story on the NCAA website. Gates credits her horse, Badger, for helping her to balance the demands of academics and swim training. Find a link to the story at www.calu.edu/news; click on “Cal U Review” and then “As Seen in the Review.”

WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 25 ■

President Angelo Armenti, Jr. and Army Reservist Jordan Settle ’05 drop the ceremonial first puck to Cal U’s Nick Posa (left) at CONSOL Energy Center.

Vulcan Justin Locante celebrates his first-period goal en route to a 7-5 win over Robert Morris.

Calu Chills out It was all about students, and all about fun. Cal U’s second Hockey Night in Pittsburgh brought more than 1,800 fans to the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh for an evening of on-ice athletics and just plain good times. Back-to-back games featured all three of Cal U’s hockey teams, and more than 100 students and alumni strapped on their skates and took a spin on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ home ice. Four Penguins players signed autographs, the Penguins Ice Crew made an appearance and alumni enjoyed a reception in the Cal U

Conference Room. Students took care of the rest. Sport management majors were instrumental in planning the event. CUTV provided media coverage. On the concourse, student clubs and organizations staffed giveaway tables and collected toys for needy children. The University’s mascot, dance team, cheerleaders and pep band provided entertainment during the games. “We had a great turnout,” says student organizer Josh Giffin,“and I didn’t see anybody who wasn’t having a good time.”

Robert Prah, director of Veterans Affairs, and 2nd Lt. Joseph Hummel, a liberal studies major, wait for an autograph from Pittsburgh Penguins player James Neal.

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Goalie Nicole Jones (left) is congratulated by Lena Merlino after recording a win over Slippery Rock, 3-1.

Iceburgh takes a nip at Nixen Erdely, 6, who joined the Hockey Night fun with his dad, Roger Erdely ’91.

SPORTS P R O F I L E

skater sparkles on nhl ice With the penguins ice Crew, alumna glides into action during hockey timeouts hile she contemplates earning a Ph.D., Rhiannon Kallis ’08 ice skates alongside the world’s greatest hockey players in front of more than 18,000 fans. Kallis is in her first year with the Pittsburgh Penguins’ skating Ice Crew, formed when the National Hockey League team opened CONSOL Energy Center in 2010. “Putting the snow removal crew on skates added a new level of speed and excitement to the Penguins’ game presentation,” the hockey club says. Ice Crew members clean the ice during TV timeouts, interact with fans, execute game-night promotions and take part in community and charity events throughout the season. “It’s literally a dream come true,” Kallis says. “Being able to skate on NHL ice with players I really respect — it’s indescribable.” Trained as a figure skater, Kallis has met the U.S. Figure Skating Association’s “gold” standard, passing senior-level skills tests in free skating and field moves. It’s an achievement only about 3 percent of U.S. Figure Skating athletes can claim. After competing for seven years, she coached, gave lessons and served as co-coordinator of the figure skating program at Kirk S. Nevin Arena in Greensburg, Pa.

Kallis earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies through the University Honors Program at Cal U. In August she completed her master’s degree at the University of Delaware, where she played one season of ice hockey with a club team. She saw the Ice Crew in action at a Penguins game and applied online. Last summer Kallis endured two demanding auditions that evaluated her speed and skating skills. After a series of drills, about 100 initial applicants were asked to perform tricks such as spirals and jumps, and to work with snowplow tools on the ice. Candidates who reached the second audition performed again. “The judges deliberated right there, and I was so nervous waiting,” Kallis says. “After a while they came out and wrote down the numbers of the seven women who made the team.” The coed Ice Crew practiced weekly from late summer until the first preseason game. On game nights, nine crew members work the ice while four others help with promotions and giveaways. During TV timeouts the skaters have just two minutes to clean excess snow from the blue lines to the goal creases and around the bench and penalty box areas.

In addition to cleaning the ice during timeouts, Penguins Ice Crew member Rhiannon Kallis ’08 takes part in fan activities and promotions.

Even when the action gets heated, Kallis says, the Ice Crew has no problem working around the hockey players. “The bench area can be difficult, but they will move for you right away. Everyone is very cooperative and professional.” Kallis and the Ice Crew skated during Cal U’s Dec. 6 Hockey Night in Pittsburgh. The University is the official education partner of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Kallis — the daughter of faculty member Dr. John Kallis — says she enjoys seeing her alma mater’s logo on the perimeter boards at CONSOL Energy Center. “It makes me very proud to be an alumna, and I’m really glad Cal U is the sponsor,” she says. “I loved my four years there.” ■ By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 27 ■

PAYING IT F O R W A R D

sisters who share delta Zeta Sorority creates an endowed scholarship for members he Delta Zeta Sorority sisters stick together, even though they may have attended Cal U decades apart. Recently, alumni of the Zeta Epsilon chapter — which in 1958 became the first national social organization on campus — participated in a successful fundraising campaign to endow a need-based scholarship for current Delta Zeta students. Their efforts built on a scholarship fund that was established by more recent members of the sorority but that had not yet reached the $10,000 total necessary to ensure it could be awarded annually. Midge Kennedy ’60 was a member of the first Delta Zeta pledge class at Cal U, and she was instrumental in the endowed scholarship drive. She and other members of the original pledge class reconnected on campus two years ago as part of “Cal U Women of Accomplishment: An Oral History Project,” an initiative of the Women’s Center and the Teaching with Primary Sources Center for Oral History at Cal U. They also met current Delta Zeta members and shared stories of how sorority life has changed over 50 years. “After the charter members were invited back to campus to make a video

about the sorority,” Kennedy recalls, “I happened to think that since we were the first sorority on campus, we should be the first to have an endowed scholarship.” In addition to Kennedy, a core committee of Janis Zivic ’64, Linda Serene ’64, Esther Pevarnik ’64 and Kim Fahey ’97, ’99 were instrumental Midge Kennedy ’60 (seated, fourth from left) joins other Delta Zeta in helping to Sorority sisters for a get-together in the Kara Alumni House. endow the Delta Zeta scholarship. The campaign illustrates the bonds SOrOriTy STandOUTS that many alumni form at Cal U as part In the past five years, the University of social organizations, says Randi Minerva has recognized a number of Delta Zeta ’98, coordinator of parent and alumni women for their commitment and relations at Cal U and also a Delta Zeta. dedication. Among them are: “We have noticed that some donors Linda Serene ’64 are more likely to give to support 2006 Alumna of the Year organizations they were involved with as students,” Minerva says. Kennedy says the scholarship drive proves the importance of Cal U for Life, which fosters lifelong connections to the University and encourages everyone to give back to Cal U in some way. “When we graduated,” Kennedy says, “much more of the tuition was funded by the state. But scholarship money is much more important now.” Alissa Williams, a senior criminal justice major and the first to receive the new Delta Zeta scholarship, affirms the importance of the financial support. “The scholarship is very important to me because it’s just me and my mom, so money is an issue,” she says. Efforts are under way to endow scholarships for members of other sororities and fraternities at Cal U. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Randi Minerva at 724-938-4248 or minerva@calu.edu. ■

Midge Kennedy with the first Delta Zeta scholarship recipient, Alissa Williams. 28 CAL U REVIEW WINTER 2012 ■

By Wendy Mackall, assistant communications director at Cal U

Esther Pevarnik ’64 2007 Alumna of the Year Marcy Blout ’65 2010 Alumna of the Year Midge ’60 and Gary Kennedy ’58 2010 Couple of the Year Janis Zivic ’64 2011 Alumna of the Year Teri Gass ’77 Undergraduate Commencement speaker, Dec. 17, 2011 Six original members of the Delta Zeta sorority at Cal U sat down with Kay Dorrance ’08, ’10, also a sister, for interviews as part of “Cal U Women of Accomplishment: An Oral History Project.” For a link to their videotaped conversation, visit www.calu.edu/news; click on “Cal U Review” and choose “As Seen in the Review.”

N G

THROUGH HER BEQUEST, A LEGACY LIVES ON A GENEROUS GIFT FROM A TEACHER AND BUSINESSWOMAN WILL HAVE IMPACT FOR YEARS TO COME

lga Toth Gazalie ’41 was a scholar, musician, educator, businesswoman … and a gift planner Brice Meyers whose bequest will help students achieve their dreams of a college education for many years to come. Her generosity came to the attention of the Foundation for California University shortly after she passed away last summer at age 92. Her gift arrived on a wintry December day, personally carried by her nephew and trustee of her affairs, the Rev. Jason Gary DelVitto ’76. Gazalie’s advance planning had instructed him to distribute funds to her alma mater, just as the estate of her late husband, Albert, had done to create a scholarship endowment at his university in 2000. Gazalie must have known the value of her education. Learning was a thread woven throughout her life. From the age of 12 she had helped around the neighborhood store her parents operated. P. Toth Groceries was an institution in Brownsville, Pa. — a store within walking distance that people counted on when they needed to shop for food. Gazalie embarked on her own career after earning her degree at California. She taught English, French and choral subjects, first at Redstone and then in Brownsville schools, and she pursued graduate studies in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York. She had a lifelong love of classical music. An accomplished violinist, she had directed the California College Sinfonietta while she was a student, and after graduation she led choral performances in the schools where she taught. She lived to see the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra perform in the newly renovated Steele Hall on the Cal U campus. And she continued to balance the two fields she valued, education and commerce. P. Toth Groceries closed in 1972, but the Gazalies opened A. Gazalie Wholesale that same year. From the new business near the former site of P. Toth

Groceries, they distributed variety goods to merchants throughout the area. In 1979, Gazalie retired from teaching to work at her husband’s side. After he passed away, in 2000, she operated the business alone until the time of her death. Her legacy continues. Gazalie has passed along more than $200,000 to help preserve and enhance educational opportunities at California University. Her understanding of value is clear, and because of that, she kept Cal U in the equation. If you are considering provisions to benefit Cal U, the University wants to honor your intentions and assure that your gift will have the greatest impact for the benefit of students and programs. Suggested wording for your bequest is online at www.calu.edu/giving. Contact Gordon Core, director of planned giving, for additional information. He can be reached by phone at 724-938-5985 or by e-mail to core@calu.edu.

Rev. Jason Gary DelVitto ’76, his wife, Anna DelVitto and President Angelo Armenti, Jr.

WINTER WINTER 2012 2012 CAL CAL U U REVIEW REVIEW 29 29 ■■

CALU M I L E S T O N E S Patricia Murphy ’69, ’73 is the

accompanist for the West Newton (Pa.) Community Singers. Patricia, who began playing the piano at age 5, has played for a number of churches in the area and has accompanied a variety of groups at Cal U. Carmina Vitullo ’74 is a case man-

ager at Greenbriar Treatment Center. She and her husband, Joseph McGarry, live in Canonsburg, Pa. Kathy J. Wright ’74 retired from

Together again Alumni from the 1960s and 1970s who had not seen each other since graduation reunited recently for a tour of the Cal U campus. Visiting were (from left) Kenneth Murray ’63; Tess Hunter ’67; Paul ‘Larry’ Lancaster ’66; Judyth Lampkins ’64; Hazel Robertson Murray ’64; Arnold Everson ’72; Astrid Ware ’66; Beatrice Ford Charles ’65; Vince Neal ’73; Gloria Minor Walton ’70; Nadine Harley, wife of the late James Harley ’63; George Simmons ’65, who organized the reunion; and Aaron Walton ’68, a member of the Cal U Council of Trustees and the Board of Governors for the State System of Higher Education.

60s

Elizabeth Adams Bellicini ’71

Charlotte LoPresti Peterson ’66 is

a retired teacher. She and her husband, Delwyn ’68, live in Clairton, Pa. Martin Wallach ’69 is retired.

He and his wife, Sandra, live in Sharon, Pa. At Cal U, he played football and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma. Tom Virag ’64, ’69 was named a

recipient of the 2011 Margaret Elliott Knox Excellence Award, which is presented each year to a researcher who has made outstanding contributions to RTI, a nonprofit research and development organization with headquarters in North Carolina. With RTI since 1969, Tom is an expert survey director with extensive technical and fiscal management experience. He is married to the former Jo Ann Cicchetti ’65, who was a member of Delta Zeta sorority at Cal U.

70s

was an elementary teacher for 40 years in the Canon-McMillan School District. She retired from Wylandville Elementary School in June 2011. She has two sons, Shawn ’97 and Christopher ’99, and lives in Eighty-Four, Pa., with her husband, Paul ’65. Frank K. Georgiana Jr. ’73 is

an information resources and services support specialist at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. He also is the author, editor, and publisher of the book T/E Ratios and Steroids: The Gray Areas of Athletics, copyright 2010.

Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC), where she was an associate professor of English. At Cal U, Kathy was the first recipient of the Minor Major Award for excellence in English. She received her master’s degree at Penn State in 1975 and did further graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh. During her career at WCCC, Kathy was awarded the Professional Award for excellence in teaching and twice received the Association Award for her work on behalf of faculty and staff members. She lives in Rostraver Township with her husband, Gene Schmidt. Their son, Eliot, a dual-diploma graduate of Penn State University, is a consultant for SRA International and lives in North Carolina while pursuing an online master’s degree from Cal U. John V. Rapano ’76, ’79 was

awarded a Ph.D. in administration and leadership studies for nonprofits from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. John is a senior instructor of human development and family studies at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. He and his wife, Sandra, live in Uniontown, Pa.

80s Nancy Taylor ’80 has been named

the 2011 Educator of the Year by the Gateway Education Association. She teaches special education

ON THE ROAD

Bruce Kraynack ’71 is retired from

teaching in the Gateway School District in Monroeville, Pa. He and his wife, Kathy Marraccini ’69, live in Lewes, Del. Dr. Dennis L. Eckels ’71 has published a paper titled “Patient Centered Diabetic Care: The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring.” A family practitioner with a degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he has been asked to present his research at the EPS 2011 Chongqing International Forum on Sports Medicine in Chongqing, China. 30 CAL U REVIEW WINTER 2012 ■

Mary Anne ’’62 and Anthony Talarek ’65 recently displayed

their Cal U pride in this photo taken in the Old Town section of Warsaw, Poland.

Have you recently explored an exciting destination while dressed in Cal U apparel? Send us a high-resolution digital image showing where you went and what you wore. Be sure to include your name, class year(s), an e-mail address and the name of your destination. Your photo may appear in a future edition of Milestones! Forward submissions to mackall@calu.edu; please put the word “Milestones” in the subject line.

to children in kindergarten through fourth grade at University Park Elementary School in the Gateway School District in Monroeville, Pa. She and her husband, Jack, live in North Huntingdon Township, Pa. Teena Williams Adams ’81 is a

compliance officer at Texas Southern University. She and her husband, Charles, live in Sugar Land, Texas. At Cal U, she was involved in Student Government, the Black League, Kappa Kitten and women’s intramural basketball. Scott Goodall ’82 is director of

field operations for the PGA Tour. He lives in Florida.

Greg Kennedy ’87 received the

prestigious Naval Air (NAVAIR) Systems Command T. Michael Fish Award. The award recognizes excellence in organizational leadership and work-life enhancements for members of the Research and Engineering Division in the Human Systems Department at NAVAIR. He is pictured receiving the award from Vice Admiral David Architzel (left) and T. Michael Fish, former chief of staff, NAVAIR research and engineering. Greg heads the Human Systems Department in the Research and Engineering Division. Clayton Kinlan ’87 recently was

inducted into the Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair/Bethel Park (Pa.). He is a relationship banker at Brentwood Bank. Jill Cignetti Fetzer ’88 is director

of the lower school and campus director at Winchester Thurston School, which has campuses in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, Pa. Valerie Galatic Mihota ’88, who

played basketball at Cal U, is the mother of two standout football players. Anthony recently finished his second season as the center for the University of Virginia, and Vinny is making his mark as a sophomore defensive end for the Panthers of Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg, Va. In the 1970s, Valerie’s husband, John, was a standout offensive guard at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Today he is a science teacher at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Va.

90s James Tomasek ’91 was the

speaker at the annual fundraising dinner for the Grantsville (Md.) Community Museum. James has been employed by the National Park Service at Fort Necessity National Battlefield, in Fayette County, Pa., since 1991. Kristie Strunk Rémillard ’93

recently received her Canadian Provincial B coaching license for soccer. A fourth-grade teacher at N.J. Macpherson Elementary School in the Northwest Territory of Canada, she manages the Drillers under-16 girls soccer team and coaches territorial goalkeeping. Her daughter Taylor represents the Northwest Territory at the 16-and-under Canada Western Summer Games. Kelly Henson Miller ’94 is a

teacher at Chesterbrook Academy. She lives in Frederick, Md. Lynne Stout ’94 has been elected a

trustee of the Washington County Community Foundation. Lynne served for 15 years as social services coordinator for Presbyterian SeniorCare in Washington, Pa. Now she works part time for the familyowned business Atlas Services Corp., a site development and excavation contractor in EightyFour, Pa. Previously, she was a legislative aide in the state Senate. Amanda Mushrush ’98, a partner

at marketing communications firm 3PC Media in Wexford, Pa., was featured in a recent article in the Pittsburgh Business Times. Marcy Brozik Park ’93, ’96 was

named one of the most powerful and influential women in Pennsylvania by the National Diversity Leadership Council. Marcy is a market manager for Walmart. The award recognizes her work but also her community service. Among her activities, she is co-vice chair for the Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army Advisory Board and is involved in the Project Bundle-Up program, which provides children and seniors with winter outerwear. Marcy, her daughter, Mattie Sloneker, and her husband, Donnie Park, live in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. Randy Finfrock ’98 was a candi-

date for a seat on Greensburg (Pa.) City Council. Marc Henshaw ’98 is the owner

and field director of Nemacolin Archaeological Services in Brownsville, Pa. He expects to

receive his Ph.D. in industrial archaeology and heritage in 2012 from Michigan Technical University. He lives in Washington, D.C. Yiohwa Guo ’99 lives in Richmond,

British Columbia, Canada. At Cal U, Yiohwa was involved in the International Student Club and the Art Club.

00s Teresa Fry ’00 is a registered nurse

at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. She and her husband, Charles, live in Bradenton, Fla. Mark Katarski ’00 is in the midst

of his first coaching position at an NCAA Division I school. He is a women’s basketball assistant for Niagara University in Lewiston, N.Y. Most recently, Mark was the head women’s basketball coach at NCAA Division III Chatham University. His wife, Hadara, is an assistant men’s and women’s cross country coach at Niagara. Dr. Tammy Duncan Stern ’95, ’00

is an administrator in the Connellsville (Pa.) Area School District. She and her husband, Christopher, live in North Huntingdon Township, Pa. Ryan Astor ’01 recently was

promoted to regional recruitment manager at the University of Alabama. Along with his recruitment responsibilities throughout western Pennsylvania and upstate New York, he oversees a team of regional recruiters in the central region of the United States. Ryan has been with the University of Alabama since 2009. Justin B. Kennedy ’01 recently

graduated from Montreat College with a Master of Arts in Education. After graduation, he presented his research on kindergarten readiness and placement at the fall 2011 forum of the North Carolina Association of College Teachers and Educators (NC-ACTE) conference. In his 10th year of teaching, Justin teaches kindergarten for CharlotteMecklenburg Schools. He lives in Fort Mill, S.C. David Ferris ’95, ’01 was named

the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists’ Reporter of the Year. A published author, he teaches at the University of Akron. David is the son of the late Sumner Ferris, a Cal U English professor and former vice president for Academic Affairs. James Lokay ’02 is the new

weekend morning news anchor and weekday reporter for ABC

Change of command Three Cal U alumni recently celebrated the change of command ceremony for Scott Croyle ’06, ’10. With 12 years of Army service, Scott now is the commander of Battery A of the 1st Battalion, 107th Field Artillery Regiment in Hermitage, Pa. Joining him are (from left) his wife, Erica Croyle ’06; Maj. Scott North, battalion commander of 1-107th Field Artillery, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team; and Capt. Robert Prah ’06, ’10, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs at Cal U. Scott and Robert are both 2006 graduates of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at Cal U. affiliate WCVB-TV in Boston, Mass. Previously he was the traffic and transportation reporter for KDKATV in Pittsburgh, Pa. Nick Addlery ’03 is playing for the

Puerto Rico Islanders Football Club. At Cal U, he played on the men’s soccer team. Anthony Barbati ’04 is a global

marketing manager with MEDRAD Inc. He and his wife, Jennifer Koren Barbati ’04, live in Gibsonia, Pa. Jason Long ’04 is an athletic trainer

for the Middle Country Central School District. He and his wife, Christina, live in Port Jefferson Station, N.Y. Martin Diaw ’04 plays for JSA

Bordeaux Basket in the French Pro B basketball league. Videographer Paul Ruggieri ’04, a native of Connellsville, Pa., worked on a program for WQED Multimedia that won an Emmy in September 2011 from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-Atlantic Chapter. “Leo Beachy: A Legacy Nearly Lost” won in the historic/cultural program feature/segment category. Paul also was nominated for his work on “Green Innovations: Marcellus Shale, The Price of Progress.” He is married to Marie Alesantrino, and they have six children, ages 3 to 15. Dana Davis Newcomer ’04 has

been named the 2011 High School Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Technology Education Association. The award is given for leadership,

excellence of instruction, professionalism, and commitment to ensuring that students develop knowledge and abilities pertaining to the study of design, engineering and technology. Todd Tomczyk ’04 was hired

as head athletic trainer for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. Todd spent the past five seasons as assistant athletic trainer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Prior to joining the Dodgers, he spent eight years in the Cleveland organization, working as an athletic trainer for Triple-A Buffalo and Double-A Akron, Class-A Columbus and Class-A Burlington. He also served as Cleveland’s minor league rehabilitation coordinator for two seasons. A native of Bethel Park, Pa., he is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Jessica Hess Guess ’04 is a seventh-

grade language arts teacher. She and her husband, William ’06, live in Perryopolis, Pa. Amanda Ryce Hoeppner ’02, ’04

was promoted to human resources consultant at Vera Bradley in Fort Wayne, Ind. She lives in Woodburn, Ind., with her husband, Justin Hoeppner, a senior project manager at Shambaugh & Son, and their son, Luke. Dustin Thomas ’05 was named

compliance manager at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee, Wis. Previously he served as the lead gaming inspector for the Seneca Gaming Authority at the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel in Niagara Falls, N.Y. WINTER WINTER 2012 2012 CAL CAL U U REVIEW REVIEW 31 31 ■■

CALU M I L E S T O N E S Ryan Moravec ’07 of Belle Vernon,

Carol L. Ackerman ’05, MSN, BSN,

a clinician at UPMC McKeesport, recently received the 2011 Clinical Leadership Award presented by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN). Carol was honored at the academy’s 20th annual national convention in Boston, which was attended by more than 1,000 nurses. The award celebrates a medical-surgical nurse whose leadership qualities emulate the highest professional standards and who has improved the image and practice of medical-surgical nurses. Pictured with Carol (center) are Andreas Bindszus of Phillips Healthcare, which sponsored the award, and Jill Arzouman, treasurer of the AMSN. Bart Donley ’03, ’05 is the new

principal of Jefferson-Morgan High School in Jefferson, Pa. Most recently, he was the assistant principal of West Greene High School. Jim R. Bayer ’06 is a speech

Pa., was spotted at the annual It’s a Wonderful Life festival in Indiana, Pa. Ryan won a 5K race that was part of the event held in the hometown of Jimmy Stewart.

the online Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion program at Cal U and is valued at more than $15,000. Cordell graduated from the program in December 2011.

Nadine Hawk Dulis ’08 is manager

Bryan W. Richardson ’10 of North

of development information services at DeSales University. She and her husband, Noah, live in Bethlehem, Pa.

Huntingdon Township, Pa., has accepted a position with the Allegheny County Adult Probation and Parole Department.

Kami Small ’09 is a securities

Samantha Frost ’10 is an athletic

lending administrator for BNY Mellon. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.

trainer for Boone Rehab Services/ Ogden High School, in Iowa, and will provide coverage for various high school sporting events. Most recently, Samantha was an intern/graduate assistant at Louisiana College. She joined Boone Rehab Services in May 2011.

Bryan Tolle ’09 is an on-air meteor-

ologist for WHAG-TV/Nexstar Broadcasting Inc. He lives in Hagerstown, Md. At Cal U, he was involved with the University Choir, Student Government, Student Cabinet, the Student Association Inc. Board of Directors, the Meteorology Club, the Internship Ambassador Club, and the 7 Habits Club. Michael Tulett ’09 lives in Ypsilanti,

Mich. Brian Shipley ’00, ’09 is a health

and physical education teacher in the Connellsville (Pa.) Area School District. He and his wife, Theresa Lee-Shipley, live in Scottdale, Pa. At Cal U, Brian was a graduate assistant baseball coach.

Sam DiMatteo ’10 recently signed

a contract with the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League. The outfielder helped the Cal U baseball team win the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship in 2010. A native of Beaver County, Pa., he was the first player in Pennsylvania State Athletic Association history to steal 100 bases in a career. Damian McCoy ’10 is a computer

Canonsburg, Pa.

won the Summer 2011 National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship in collaboration with Cal U. This award provides tuition funding for

Adam Links ’11 handles the

acquisition of pre-owned cars via different sales outlets for Auto Handlers LLC, a family-owned business in Wanaque, N.J. Meredith Decker ’11 lives in Kent,

Notable Women

Ohio.

Domenica “Dee” Stalvey ’11 and Tina McLee ’11 were chosen as

Jillian Anderson ’11 lives in West

■

ton, Pa., and Jennifer Lupi, of Canonsburg, Pa., are engaged to be married. Matthew has a degree in graphic communication technology and works for the Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Jennifer is pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership at Geneva College. They are planning a June 2014 wedding. Kelly Robison ’09 and Andrew

Weaver are engaged. Zeke works in sales for Trugreen of Johnstown, Pa. Madelyn expects to graduate from Cal U in 2012 with a degree in business administration, accounting concentration. They are planning a wedding for June 2012.

Christina Budeit ’11 lives in

32 CAL U REVIEW WINTER 2012

Matthew Hayes ’04, of Washing-

Zeke Werner ’11 and Madelyn

Dan Cordell ’10, of Atlanta, Ga.,

the Fall 2011 Women of the Year by the President’s Commission for the Status of Women at Cal U. Dee (right) who received her award in the graduate student category, is executive associate to President Angelo Armenti, Jr. She graduated Dec. 16 with a master’s degree in legal studies with a concentration in law and public policy. Tina, who received her award in the nontraditional undergraduate category, graduated Dec. 17 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

ENGAGEMENTS

for the Valley Independent newspaper, part of Trib Total Media. He and his wife, Jill, live in Belle Vernon, Pa.

social worker for Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services Inc. He lives in Brownsville, Pa.

coordinator of premium seating for the Pittsburgh Pirates. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Houston, Texas, where she is a yoga instructor and owns YogaWithKat.

Jeremy Sellew ’01, ’10 is a reporter

Jeremiah Waltz ’07 is a chemist for

Julia Drost ’07 is the marketing

Katalin Axmann ’11 lives in

Mease are engaged. Kelly is a salesperson with Get The Picture Group. They are planning a wedding for April 2012.

10s

Mylan Inc. He and his wife, Angela, live in Lemont Furnace, Pa.

of career and technical education at Parkway West Career and Technology Center, in Oakdale, Pa. Brock has been a paramedic and firefighter for the past 16 years and was promoted to his current position after teaching the center’s public safety technology course for the past six years. Prior to becoming a teacher at Parkway West, Brock worked at WheelingPittsburgh Steel Corp. in Martins Ferry, Ohio.

network troubleshooter at a FedEx Ground headquarters location in Moon Township, Pa.

therapist at a hospital/rehab center. He and his wife, Jenny, live in Fairview Park, Ohio, with their baby girl, Emma Grace, born on June 2, 2011.

Brandon Watson ’10 is a

Brock Snedeker ’11 is supervisor

Newton, Pa. John Wilson, Jr. ’11 has been

appointed assistant athletic director at Virginia State University. Most recently, he was the head men’s basketball coach at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. Wanda Gunderson ’11 is a self-

employed wellness and fitness coach. She and her husband, Steven, live in Whitmore Lake, Mich. Lindsey Allerton ’11 lives in

Farmingdale, N.J.

Jessica Coughenour ’07 and Cory

Buterbaugh, both of Somerset, Pa., are engaged to be married. Jessica is an administrative assistant in the Meyersdale School District in Pennsylvania and an adjunct instructor at Frostburg State University, in Maryland. Cory also works for the Meyersdale School District as an executive skills coach and co-director of the school musical. They are planning a June 2013 wedding. Jeff Crum ’08 and Jessica Dayton

’09 are engaged. Jeff is a police officer in East Bethlehem Township, Pa., and Jessica is a learning support teacher at Avella (Pa.) Elementary School. They are planning a July 2012 wedding.

Kaly Farabee, a senior at Cal U,

and Kenneth Gluth are engaged. Kaly works as a nanny, and Kenneth is serving as a U.S. Navy Seabee in Gulfport, Miss. They are planning a wedding for May, 2012. Darrin Dillow

’03, of Smithfield, Pa., and Tina Ross ’04, ’06, of Coal Center, Pa., are planning a wedding for July 2012, in Grace United Methodist Church in Coal Center, with a reception following at Nemacolin Country Club in Beallsville, Pa. Darrin is a high school history teacher, and Tina is a kindergarten teacher, both in the California (Pa.) Area School District. At Cal U, Tina was a mentor, orientation leader, member of Kappa Delta Pi, treasurer of the PSEA and a graduate assistant.

MARRIAGES

Church in Smithfield, Pa. Ryan is a business/accounting instructor at the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology in Uniontown, Pa. Megan is a registered nurse at the UPMC Cancer Center in Uniontown. They are living in Smithfield. Kristi Rooker ’06 and Stephen

Kassimer were married May 21, 2011, in Asbury United Methodist Church in Uniontown, Pa. Kristi is director of marketing and communications for the Pennsylvania Beef Council. Stephen is an account executive at Results Radio. They live in State College, Pa. Joseph Gudac ’06 and Tiffany Kopacko ’06, ’09 were married

Oct. 8, 2011, in the Jumonville (Pa.) Green Cathedral. Joseph is pursuing a master’s degree in business management. Tiffany is a first-grade teacher in the Laurel Highlands School District. They live in Brownsville, Pa. Michael J. Pappas ’99 and Kara

were married May 28, 2011, in First United Methodist Church in Washington, Pa. Phillip operates his own business, Patton Lawn Service. Kayla works in the supply chain for Mylan Pharmaceuticals. They took a honeymoon trip to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Patrick were married July 30, 2011, in Heinz Memorial Chapel in Pittsburgh, Pa. Michael is a technology education teacher in the Belle Vernon (Pa.) School District. Kara is a special education teacher in the South Fayette School District in McDonald, Pa. After a honeymoon in Jamaica, they are living in Washington, Pa.

Alana Otto ’11 and Michael Letizia

Erica Stuart ’10 and Sean Call

Phillip Patton ’09 and Kayla Burns

were married July 30, 2011, in St. Eugene Church in Chicago. Alana is a mathematics teacher at Rockwood (Pa.) Area High School. Michael is a sales representative at Ziggy’s Sports in Johnstown, Pa. He also is a regional hockey scout for MgmtOne Sports Agency. They visited the Bahamas on their honeymoon. John Mateka ’66 and Janice Braithwood Boulton ’63 are plan-

ning to be married Feb. 18, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church in North Belle Vernon, Pa. — more than 58 years after they first met in sixth grade at Belle Vernon Elementary School. The two reconnected at the Bellmar High School Class of 1960’s 50th reunion. The couple plans to live in Belle Vernon. Amanda McCafferty ’10 and Verle

Haines were married Sept. 10, 2011, in Darlington, Pa. Amanda works for Fidelity Bank. Verle works for Range Resources. They visited Aruba on their honeymoon. Ryan Langley ’09 and Megan

Davis were married July 30, 2011, in White House Free Methodist

were married Oct. 15, 2011, at Oglebay Formal Gardens in West Virginia. Erica is in her final year of the doctoral program in physical therapy at Wheeling Jesuit University. Sean is a physical therapist assistant at Elite Physical Therapy in Steubenville, Ohio. Daniel Spinda ’03 and Julie

Mathew were married Sept. 17, 2011, in Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church in Elizabeth, Pa. Daniel is a rate specialist for Pitt-Ohio in Pittsburgh, Pa. They live in Bethel Park, Pa. Brianna Barger ’08 and Timothy

Grunsky were married May 14, 2011, in St. Sebastian Church in North Belle Vernon, Pa. Brianna works in security at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino, and Timothy works as a highway foreman with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Benjamin Caldwell ’00, ’01 and

Karly Mauro, both of Myrtle Beach, S.C., were married July 16, 2011, in Saint Alphonsus Church in Springdale, Pa. Ben works as an assistant

zoning administrator in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. Karly is a fifthgrade teacher at North Myrtle Beach Intermediate School. Leya Rachelle Dean ’99 and Ronald James Fecek Jr. ’98 were

married July 23, 2011, at the bride’s home. Leya is a third-grade teacher at Masontown Elementary School in the Albert Gallatin School District. Ronald is a postdoctoral research scientist at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. They live in Fairchance, Pa. Johnathan Gamon ’05, ’10 and

Kristin Breakiron were married July 2, 2011, in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Scottdale, Pa. Johnathan is a sixthgrade math and science teacher at Bobtown (Pa.) Elementary School in the Southeastern Greene School District. Kristin works with Mine Safety Appliances as a customer satisfaction analyst. Jesse Joseph Saxon ’06 and Ashley

Christine Gessler Hanna were married May 21, 2011, at the H.C. Frick Mansion in Pittsburgh, Pa. Jesse graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and is a vice president of mortgages/ foreclosures with Bank of America. Ashley is employed as an insurance manager with Howard Hanna Real Estate/Westfield Insurance Agency. Amanda Bailley ’01 and Mark

Deforno were married Sept. 26, 2011, in Myrtle Beach S.C. Amanda is a nanny. Mark is a senior electrical

engineer for Emerson Corp. They live in Delmont, Pa. Jon Lodovico ’09 and Jenna Fortuna ’07, ’09 were married

Sept. 10, 2011, at The Church of St. Anne in Belle Vernon, Pa. Jenna works for Intermediate Unit 1 in Coal Center, Pa., as a nonpublic instructor. Jon works for Mamaux Supply Co. in Pittsburgh, Pa., as a sales manager. They visited the Riviera Maya, Mexico, on their honeymoon and live in Irwin, Pa. Noraann Zimmerman

’00 and Justin Peel were married Oct. 22, 2011, and live in Schuylkill Haven, Pa. She played softball while attending Cal U and was a member of the 1997 and 1998 national championship teams. She is an income maintenance caseworker for the Department of Public Welfare.

ANNIVERSARY Barbara Peta Brodak ’61 and her

husband, Matthew, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 18, 2011, in Mount Pleasant, Pa., with their five children and spouses, and 21 grandchildren. Barbara was a member of Sigma Kappa. Before retiring, she taught at elementary schools in Aliquippa and Moon Township, Pa. She and her husband now live in Temecula, Calif.

In Print Maryann Balcik Sawka ’93 has written Good

Table Manners Made Easy. She is the founder of Charming Manners, a training company that educates those who are seeking self-confidence. A native of Brownsville, Pa., says she developed the book because she wanted to offer a simple guide for her students. For more information about Charming Manners and author visits to your school, visit www.charmingmanners.net or e-mail info@charming manners.net. Cost is $12.95; the book is available through Halo Publishing International, www.halopublishing.com. Glenn Tunney ’72, ’77 has written Volume II

of Looking Back: The Best of Glenn Tunney, “an anthology of local history and nostalgia-themed stories, supplemented by more than 90 historical photographs,” according to a recent review. It includes selected writings published originally in the Herald-Standard of Uniontown, Pa. The book was published by Mechling Bookbinder of Chicora, Pa. Cost is $19.95; and available online at sites.google.com/site/lookingbackbooks, by phone at 724-562-8886 or at the Brownsville Free Public Library or the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.

WINTER 2012 CAL U REVIEW 33 ■

MILESTONES

BIRTHS

Louise, born Oct. 6, 2011. Rob is employed by Trib Total Media, and Heather is employed by Synergy Financial. They live in Elizabeth Township, Pa.

Gavin Mathias

’05 and his wife, Jessica, welcomed their first child, Oliver Gavin Mathias, on Sept. 10, 2011.

Colleen Cunningham Perry ’02 and Michael Perry

’00 are proud to announce the birth of their first child, Ireland Aoife, on July 14, 2011. The family lives in Tampa, Fla.

Kristie DeJuliis

’03, ’07 and Christopher “C.J.” DeJuliis

’02, ’04 are pleased to announce the birth of their first child, Aveigha Elisabeth, on Oct. 24, 2011.

Rob Ludwig

’00, ’04, Heather Kovka Ludwig ’00

Chad Hensler ’98 and his wife,

and big sister Rylee are pleased to announce the birth of Brynn

Elizabeth, recently celebrated the birth of their son, William “Will” Charles Hensler, on Oct. 20, 2011. They live in North Huntingdon, Pa.

REMEMBRANCES Roy “Don” Mains ’53 was a member of Cal U’s Athletic Hall of Fame and a member of Cal U’s All-Time

Football Squad. In the fall of 1951, he rushed for 104 yards in a 26-7 victory over West Liberty. At the time, this 100-yard-plus performance was only the fifth in Vulcan football history. Don also was captain of Cal’s 1953 baseball and football teams, and a basketball player. Professionally, he was a history teacher at Frazier High School and later a guidance counselor at Ford City High School. He enjoyed extraordinary success as a head football coach at Frazier and as a baseball and football head coach at Ford City High School, where he also was a guidance counselor. Leonard M. Colelli died Oct. 13, 2011. Leonard was born in Italy and came to American in 1929. He was

a World War II veteran. An emeritus professor at Cal U, he retired as an associate professor in the Music Department in 1982, after a 24-year career at the University. He directed the marching and stage bands at Cal U, and he also founded and conducted the California College-Community Symphony Orchestra. His son Leonard, one of his six surviving children, is dean of the Eberly College of Science and Technology.

✃ JUST THE

FAX

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

NAME

MAIDEN NAME

CLASS YEAR

ADDRESS

PHONE

E-MAIL

OCCUPATION

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

EMPLOYER

SPOUSE’S NAME

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Information will be published as space and deadlines allow. Please indicate on another sheet what activities or sports you participated in while you were a student. We welcome high-resolution electronic photographs. Please e-mail images to revieweditor@calu.edu; put the words “Milestones photo” on the subject line of your e-mail, and be sure to tell us your name, year of graduation and the identity of everyone in the picture. Please do not send computer printouts or low-resolution digital photos, as they will not reproduce well in this magazine.

Stay connected to the Cal U Alumni Association’s online community! Your personal ID number is on this magazine’s mailing label. 34 CAL U REVIEW WINTER 2012 ■

IN MEMORIAM Mary Alyce Adamson ’05 Paula Burggraf ’69 John G. Clair*, retired carpenter at Cal U Marian E. “Buttons” Burden Dantzler ’77 Alberta Ruth Dorsey ’54 Richard P. Grove ’52 Charles I. Hodgson ’64 Regis Francis Huschak ’67 Dorothy Krucker Katusa ’82 Jeffrey W. Kramer,* Cal U student Susan Gargus Kubincanek,* worked at Cal U Dorothy Valla Lucy,* retired secretary John T. Mazzocco ’66 James Michael Parnell ’89 John Peteritis,* retired assistant physical plant superintendent George E. Petrisek ’62 Susan R. Rapp,* food service worker Lawrence E. “Larry” Roman ’71 Kenneth E. Seamon ’50 Thomas E. Smith ’68, ’70 Sherry A. Christopher Thomas ’79 Melvin “Bucky” Whiting, Jr.,* campus electrician *No class year provided or on file

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT Incorrect dates were included in the Fall 2011 edition of The Review. These individuals have served as president of the board of directors for the Foundation for California University: William Boyd 1987-1997 Charles Pryor 1997-2002 Richard Grace 2002-2005 Dale Hamer 2006-2009 Linda H. Serene 2010-2011 Dr. David L. Amati began his term as president on Jan. 1, 2012. The Review regrets the error.

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

CAL U TRADITION Shop the best selection of Vulcans apparel and gifts at the Cal U Student Bookstore

Cal U Student Bookstore 724-938-4324 | www.calupa.bkstr.com

2012

WINTER

CALU REVIEW

California University of Pennsylvania Building Character. Building Careers.

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

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

Cal U ConvoCation Center

Grand openinG CeleBration

KENNY ROGERS LIVE IN CONCERT Friday, april 20 Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of the Convocation Center at California University of pennsylvania with a special performance by music legend and american icon Kenny rogers.

✱ With hits such as “The Gambler, “lady,” “lucille,” “Buy Me a rose” and “islands in the Stream,” rogers is one of music’s legendary voices. The winner of 3 Grammy awards, 11 people’s Choice awards, 18 american Music awards and 5 Country Music association awards will headline our special Grand Opening celebration.

✱ For event information and details about our concert lineup, visit www.calu.edu.