September Impact

September 2010 Vol. 5, No. 1

IMPACT Inspiring Students to Pursue Lives of Purpose

Criminal Justice courses enhanced by interactive simulation Waynesburg University’s Criminal Justice Program recently introduced a new simulation program that will teach students how to safely use weapons. The simulation program will elevate critical thinking skills and aid students’ ability to make a forced decision.

W

hile most weapon training is practiced on a shooting range, Waynesburg

University criminal justice students will train on campus through a new hands-on simulation program called the Laser Shot Firearms Training Simulator.

Laser Shot is “recognized around

the world for being a growing leader in firearm training solutions for the military and law enforcement.”

Through the Laser Shot Simulation

program, students will feel the impact of a firearm without having it affect their safety. It allows users to act in the manner of a police officer, while giving commands to handle varying situations including traffic stops and house disturbance calls. It also teaches safety, an important benefit according to senior criminal justice major Mike Quinn.

“A firearm should never discharge

unless it is needed in a situation, and this program will help teach gun safety,” Quinn said. “It is as close as you can get to a real life situation.”

Through the new simulation,

students will continue to gain valuable

law enforcement field experience.

to shoot at the on-screen targets.

its emphasis on the use of hands-on

Accompanying already established

Regulation size hand guns, tasers and

scenarios in both the Laser Shot Program

interactive courses, students experience

pepper spray containers are programmed

and other activities built into courses.

situations similar to what they would

with a laser system instead of containing

expect in the field.

live ammunition, but according to

of one such course. Students participate

Filippi the feel of the laser weapon is

in processing crime scenes, conduct

Program give criminal justice students a

very close to its real counterpart.

surveillance, conduct interviews and

head start on the firearms training that

serve a search warrant.

they will probably need in the future,

Simulator exposes our students to

it also trains them to deal with real life

marksmanship training through

Administration, allows students to

scenarios that happen on the job,” said

skills development, marksmanship

develop a security plan for campus

sophomore criminal justice and forensic

evaluation and the use of force decision

buildings.

science major Caiti Filippi. “By exposing

making,” said John McIlwain, instructor

students to these situations, Laser Shot

of criminal justice at Waynesburg

students an in-depth look at all of the

gives them a chance to develop quicker

University.

various career paths in the criminal

reactions, faster response times and

justice system in a very hands-on,

better critical thinking skills in high

without the safety concerns associated

interactive way,” Filippi said.

pressure situations.”

with live firearms training at a shooting

“Not only does the Laser Shot

Filippi explained that the program is

“The Laser Shot Firearms Training

“It allows them to develop skills

Criminal Investigation is an example

Another course, Private Security

“The Criminal Justice Program gives

“The Criminal Justice Program has

range.”

such a good balance between theory

controlled by a laptop computer while

McIlwain said Waynesburg’s

and practical application, and this gives

a projector displays images onto a large

Criminal Justice Program sets itself

students a better understanding of what

screen as students use laser weapons

apart from competing programs through

to expect once they graduate.”

Mariner named Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies

D

r. Robert Graham, Waynesburg

assistant to both the Provost and the

development.

counseling, education and nursing are

University Provost, recently

Dean of Graduate and Professional

experienced leaders in their respective

announced that Waynesburg

Studies.

for our graduate programs on quality

fields. They have done a great job

University’s Graduate and Professional

and integrity. He is an inspiration

of creating and maintaining quality

Studies Programs will be led by David

initiative have significantly contributed

for students, faculty and staff alike,”

programs in higher education.”

Mariner, assistant dean of graduate and

to the University’s success in this area.

Mariner said.

professional studies.

Mr. Mariner has worked closely with Joe

University since 1999, holds a Bachelor

Mariner’s new responsibilities are

“Mr. Graff’s vision, dedication and

“Dean Graff laid the foundation

Mariner is confident that he and the

Mariner, who has been with the

Graff for many years, and it is expected

present graduate and professional studies

of Science degree, a Master of Business

effective immediately and have resulted

that he will continue the successful

team will continue to make strides.

Administration degree and is currently

in a title change to Dean of Graduate

momentum of these programs,” Graham

pursuing his Ph.D. in instructional

and Professional Studies. Mariner

said.

and changes that higher education will

succeeds Mr. Joseph A. Graff, who

continue to experience as we move

was instrumental in the development

to take on a new leadership role, and

onward,” he said. “I feel fortunate to

of Waynesburg University’s graduate

gives much credit to Graff for the way

work with really great people. The

programs. Graff now serves as a special

he has encouraged his professional

directors of our programs in business,

Mariner said he is excited and eager

“I look forward to the challenges

management and leadership.

IMPACT NEWS & NOTES

University, Frattare host first Sports Announcing Camp

the Convenant located in Washington,

B

communication professor, 37 high school

business.

Pa., and Mark A. Harner, vice

students were recently afforded the

When asked how they have handled

president for shared services at Waste

opportunity to learn the ins and outs of

some of sports’ greatest moments,

Management, Inc., have recently

the business in an unforgettable way.

Hillgrove shared the importance of

joined the Waynesburg University

The Waynesburg University Sports

being prepared.

Board of Trustees. In addition, the

Announcing Camp, hosted by

“There are great moments where

Rev. Dr. Donald P. Wilson, interim

Lanny Frattare, assistant professor

pictures tell the story and its best to

pastor at Hewitt Presbyterian Church

of communication at Waynesburg

let the crowd wash over the moment,”

in Rices Landing, Pa., will return to

University and longtime voice of the

he said. “It’s also important to be ready

the Waynesburg University Board of

Pittsburgh Pirates, allowed campers

for those moments and have an idea

Trustees.

to take in advice, hear stories related

of what you might say so that your

• The Rev. Dr. Stuart D. Broberg, Designated Pastor of The Church of

ecause of the passion for sports

of announcing experience. Hillgrove

announcing that exists within

and Steigerwald offered campers

a Waynesburg University

insight related to breaking into the

to the business from well-respected

emotions don’t take over.”

“When I was in high school and

• Rachel Saeler, a junior nursing

professionals and gain hands-on

Eric Bost, from West Mifflin, Pa., said

thinking of sports announcing as a

student at Waynesburg University,

experience in the field.

the information presented by Hillgrove

possible college major, there were no

was recently selected to receive

Frattare was joined by Paul

and Steigerwald left him with a lot to

camps out there like this that I knew

a $1,000 Commonwealth Good

Steigerwald, voice of the Pittsburgh

think about.

of,” said Waynesburg University junior

Citizen Scholarship provided by the

Penguins, and Bill Hillgrove, voice of the

“This is what I’m interested in, and

communication major Katherine Ghion,

Association of Independent Colleges

Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers, for

it gave me a really good perspective

a camp counselor. “The students not

and Universities of Pennsylvania

one day of the camp.

and a head start on where my focus

only took away a basic understanding

(AICUP). Her selection was a result

According to Frattare, it was the

should be,” he said. “I tried to take as

of the broadcasting and communication

of her commitment to community

passion of the campers for sports

many notes as I could, and I hope to

fields of study, but also new friendships

service. Saeler is one of only eight

announcing that insured the success of

incorporate every piece of information

and lasting memories.”

recipients to receive the scholarship.

the inaugural camp.

into my future career.”

Brandon Reed, camper from Gibsonia,

Forty students applied from across the

“Each one of the 37 students arrived on

The camp allowed a variety of unique

Pa., said the camp offered tremendous

state of Pennsylvania.

campus with a thirst for learning about

opportunities for the campers. They

insight into the sports announcing field.

the business,” Frattare said. “We were

experienced a TV and radio play-by-play

“We were surrounded by more than

• Aaron Thompson, a senior

able to offer a blend of lecturing, hands

scenario by broadcasting live from a

100 years of talent, and I learned a lot

communication major at Waynesburg

on experience and fun.”

Washington Wild Things game at Consol

about different ways to get a job and the

University, is one of two students

Campers received advice from the

Energy Park; they also attended daily

things that I should be doing in college

selected to receive the James Clark

three Pittsburgh sports broadcasting

sessions that helped them improve their

to help myself have an advantage in the

Montecalvo Presidents’ Athletic

legends who, combined, exceed 100 years

announcing skills.

field,” Reed said.

Conference (PAC) Distinguished Scholar Award. The Montecalvo family awards the scholarship to a student attending a school within the PAC who represents the qualities of integrity, loyalty and perseverance — the same qualities that defined James Montecalvo, the young man for whom the scholarship is named. While few are selected to apply for the scholarship, Thompson received an application as a result of his nomination by a Waynesburg University faculty member. The selection committee wrote, “Your talents in journalism are obvious. This means much to us, as this was Jim’s livelihood. You obviously possess the qualities that mirror our late son by standing for family, community and faith.”

• Waynesburg University Master of Science in Nursing degree program student Brittney D’Alessandro, BSN, RN, was recently selected by fellow nurses to represent Jefferson Regional Medical Center at the Cameos of Caring Awards Gala. The Award was created in 1999 to honor outstanding nurses for their dedication to quality patient care, increase public awareness of the nursing profession and recruit a new generation of nurses to offset future nursing. D’Alessandro was one of 14 registered nurses from Jefferson Regional Medical Center nominated for the award and joins approximately 50 registered nurses from the region that will also be recognized.

Facilitator receives Outstanding Young Educator Award For those who know Bryan O’Black, a graduate and professional studies facilitator at Waynesburg University, his recent award comes as no surprise.

Given to an “emerging educational leader who demonstrates exemplary commitment and exceptional contribution to the profession,” O’Black recently received the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development 2010 Outstanding Young Educator Award.

PASCD is an organization committed to the improvement of curriculum development, supervision, instruction, promotion of professional growth and the education of children.

As a result of the award, O’Black, director of Technology & Assessment for the Shaler Area School District Administrative Team, will be recognized at the 60th Annual PASCD Conference in November and represent Pennsylvania in the International Competition at the International Conference in March 2011.

“This award is a true testament to the teaching profession and how we as educators, young and old, have an impact on our children,” O’Black said. “This award reaffirms for me the importance of moving forward with innovative ways to teach in order for schools to produce high-quality learners for our competitive society.”

In his current role, O’Black is responsible for network administration, online course development, strategic planning and the integration of technology into the classroom and curriculum, among other things.

Inspired by his fifth grade teacher, who made learning informative and fun, O’Black knew he wanted to be involved with education at a very young age.

“Seeing the impact that he had on me and my growth as a child, I came to quickly know that I wanted to be able to impact children in the same way,” he said.

Driven by his current school district, O’Black said he is “continually amazed by the effort that our teachers put into educating young minds.”

“When students are engaged through the use of new technologies, they are excited to learn and it puts a smile on their face. When I see the ‘I got it moment’ on a student’s face, it makes me want to come to work every day.”

New tennis courts ready for fall season

F

or the second time in the past calendar year, Waynesburg University is undergoing a major change to its athletic facilities.

Due to construction on campus for the new Roberts Chapel, the school’s tennis courts will be

permanently relocated. Veteran head tennis coach Ron Christman’s men’s and women’s teams will inaugurate the courts during the 2010-2011 seasons.

“Not having six courts was always a huge issue for us in recruiting and even in scheduling home matches,” Christman said. “The significant increase in home matches for both men and women this coming year is due specifically to the new facility with six courts.”

The new home facility is located next to the new baseball field. The venue showcases six courts with enclosed fencing featuring rounded California corners, replacing the over 100-year-old predecessors.

The court surface is green Decoturf, which is the same surface used at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. The Waynesburg women are scheduled to play the first match on the courts Sept. 14 against Frostburg State.