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.