Anna, 22, graduated summa cum laude in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and worked at the University this summer.. Emily, 20, is a communication studies major with a minor in political science. Sarah,19, is a secondary education major with concentrations in Spanish and communications, and a minor in theater. And Ben, 18, is an incoming freshman who will be studying business and economics. It’s possible that Maria and Vanessa, 14, might choose a different college. But in this family, which oozes Vulcan pride, you have to think the odds are against it. “We are huge supporters of Cal U,” Deanna Martik says. “We are always encouraging others to attend.” The family has spent a lot of time at the University over the years, starting with on-campus preschool, where all the children began their education. “President Armenti attended all the pre-K graduations,” Deanna Martik recalls. “He always said to the kids, ‘We’ll see you here when you come to college,’ and it’s been true!” Greg Martik, who played baseball at Cal State, has enjoyed attending games at the University. “I like the sports here,” he says. “You don’t have to travel to a bigger college to see good athletics.” The children have participated in a variety of other activities on campus, as well. “They each learned to swim by taking lessons in either Herron or Hamer,” Deanna Martik says, and they all have participated in various camps. For the past three years, Maria and Vanessa have appeared in A Christmas Carol, the holiday production presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance. Greg Martik says Cal U has done a great job of reaching out to the community through sporting events, camps, shows and other activities, and he has noticed something else, as well. “It’s gotten better educationally,” he says. “Ben was in the National Honor Society in high school, and many of those members are going to Cal U this fall.”
Cal U also has remained a more affordable option, says Greg Martik, who is a financial planner. “It’s close to home, and it’s a nice atmosphere,” Anna adds. “It’s definitely a win-win.” The sisters’ lists of activities at Cal U have been long. The highlights: They all have held work-study jobs, as will Ben. Anna was active with campus tours and marketing projects, including one for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Emily is in the Honors Program and edits its newsletter, and she plays clarinet in the marching band. Sarah, also in the Honors Program, was the assistant stage manager for the Theatre Department’s production of Cabaret last spring, and she worked at the theater over the summer. “We are very proud,” Deanna and Greg Martik agree. “They make it very easy to be parents. And President
MEET ThE MaRTikS See what the martik family has to say about Cal u and the scholarships that have helped their children attend the university. Visit www.calu.edu/news, click on “Cal u review” and look for “As seen in the review.”
Armenti has done a great job with his vision for the campus. I am proud of what the college has become.” “I just knew it was the right road,” Emily says. “How’s it going so far? I just want to wax ecstatic about Cal U!” continued on page 6
Working together: Parents become active partners In addition to being a mentor or coach for their student, parents can play another active role at Cal U through the Parent Program. The program gives families of current and former Cal U students three main ways to partner with the University, says Randi Minerva ’98, coordinator of Parent and Alumni Relations: • Families can work with Career Services by attending networking events or by offering internships or other jobshadowing opportunities. • Families can attend annual events such as Family Weekend, open houses and off-campus activities that introduce freshmen and their families to the University before the start of the academic year. • Parents can join the Parent Leadership Council (PLC), whose members serve as University ambassadors to enhance the Cal U experience for students and their families.
The PLC works with Cal U to welcome parents of first-year students, plan parent events and communications, encourage parent giving, thank parent donors, and host or attend University events in their area. “Similar to Cal U for Life, the Cal U Parent Program aims to build a sense of family and partnership,” Minerva says. “Through a variety of programs across many campus departments, we want to support our students’ character-building education.” Families are invited to campus Sept. 23-25 for Family Weekend, which is “a great way to showcase the University,” says Minerva. “Last year was the first time we had events all weekend instead of one day, and we had 200 more people who participated.” For a schedule of events and to register for Family Weekend, visit www.calu.edu/events/familyweekend. For more information about the Parent and Alumni Relations Program, including upcoming events, visit www.calu.edu/ families-parents, or look for “Information for … Parents & Families” at the top of the Cal U homepage, www.calu.edu.
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