Cal U Journal - January 17, 2014

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California University

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 3 FEB. 17, 2014 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal

President Projects Year­End Surplus More work to be done, faculty, staff told at convocation fter a remarkable financial turnaround during the 20122013 fiscal year, Cal U is again on track to end the year in the black. At the Spring 2014 Faculty-Staff Convocation, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones reported that the University expects to end the current fiscal year with a surplus of more than $866,000. Restoring financial stability was one of three goals the President emphasized during her State of the University address on Jan. 30 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Despite a spring enrollment drop of 5.5 percent and the accompanying dip in tuition revenue, University officials anticipate setting aside $1 million toward eventual construction of a new science building and $900,000 for deferred maintenance and building repairs, in addition to the projected surplus.

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Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones delivers good news Jan. 30 at the FacultyStaff Convocation in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.

But complacency is not an option, the President told the audience of administrators, faculty members and staff.

“Even with this projection of a small surplus, we still face financial pressures created by a combination of flat or

Counselor Education Programs Re-accredited

Day of Service Mariah Robertson (left) and Christina Causer create red-heart window decorations for senior citizens during Cal U’s 11th annual Day of Service. Please see story on page 2.

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he Board of Directors of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has approved re-accreditation for two Cal U counselor education programs. Both the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Master of Education in School Counseling have been re-accredited through March 31, 2022. The department chair is Dr. Elizabeth Gruber. Associate professor Dr. Jeff Samide, the University’s liaison with the council, called CACREP “one of the premier accreditation agencies in the country” and noted that Cal U’s programs meet the highest standards for counselor preparation. “Our faculty is completely dedicated to providing our students with the finest possible education, and the region with highly competent, ethical and effective counselors,” Samide said. “We always knew we provided top-flight counselor training, and we are delighted that our hard work has once again been recognized.” CACREP accreditation is more of a process than an event, he added, because the Counselor Education Department continuously evaluates its programs. “With the CACREP ‘seal of approval,’ current and future students can be assured of what past students have known all along,” he said. “That is, students don’t have to move away from southwestern Pennsylvania to obtain a quality education. “It is all waiting here for them at Cal U.”

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Ex-Labor Official Discusses Inequality Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy ormer U.S. Secretary of Labor at the University of California at Robert Reich will discuss Berkeley and a Senior Fellow at the economic inequality in the Blum Center for Developing United States during a live, Economies. nationwide webcast Reich has written 13 conversation starting at 6:30 books, including the best p.m. Thursday. The webcast sellers “Aftershock,” “The will be aired in Eberly Hall, Work of Nations” and Room 110. “Beyond Outrage.” The webcast will follow a Through a singular 5 p.m. screening of Reich’s perspective, “Inequality for documentary “Inequality for All” paints a portrait of Reich All,” which examines the Robert Reich as he explains how the argument that the widening extreme wealth of a few threatens the income gap has had a devastating middle-class worker and the entire impact of the American economy. American economy. More than 150 college campuses “Robert Reich is a longtime across the country will be participating advocate for social justice,” said Dr. in this event simultaneously to help Melanie Blumberg, director for the raise awareness about economic American Democracy Project at Cal U. inequalities in the United States. Reich was the former U.S. Secretary “Make no mistake: His message takes direct aim at America’s love affair with of Labor during the Clinton individualism and capitalism. administration. He is currently a

declining state appropriations, increased personnel costs and continuing enrollment challenges. “Cabinet members and I have spent many, many many, many hours examining our budget, always keeping in mind our core mission of providing a quality education for our students. Our work is not done, and it continues daily.” One aspect of that work has been a continuing review of the University’s workforce, with an eye toward deploying personnel as effectively as possible. That has meant transfers for some employees, and vacancies in some areas after workers retire or resign. “I want you to know that every possible effort is being made to cut costs, to transfer employees as needed, and to take steps that will enable us not to furlough our staff, at least for now,” the President said. — Continued on page 3

“However, he does not speak of leveling the playing field; rather, he speaks of society’s obligation to its citizens. Critics say his message primarily resonates with the choir, and it is a pipedream to think policy makers will listen.” Cal U professors will expand on topics discussed in the presentation through a multifaceted panel discussion on economic issues later this semester, Blumberg said. The Black History Month event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. This American Democracy project event is co-sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, Department of History and Political Science, Frederick Douglass Institute, Women’s Studies program and the LaDonna Harris Indigenous Peoples Institute. See page 2 for more Black History Month events.


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Warm Hearts, Busy Hands Mark Day of Service ot even a winter chill could stop Cal U students from putting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy into practice. The third time proved the charm as Cal U’s 11th annual Day of Service took place on Feb. 7 in Carter Hall’s Multipurpose Room. The program, originally scheduled for Jan. 28, was postponed twice when the University closed because of wintry weather. But warm hearts eventually prevailed, and volunteers from various campus clubs and organizations tackled dozens of service projects that assisted nearly 30 nonprofit organizations. The national Day of Service is held annually on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. For the third consecutive year, Cal U’s extended winter break shifted the campus event to the early part of the spring semester. “Although we had to scale down the event somewhat because of the postponements, the students’ interest continues to get stronger,” said Diane Hasbrouck, director of the Center for Civic Engagement, which coordinated the activities. “They are excited to help, and over the past few years they have become more accustomed to this being a regular part of their community service responsibilities.” The event normally takes place during the University’s common hour on a Tuesday or a Thursday, but Hasbrouck extended this year’s Day of Service so students could participate throughout the day. The volunteers worked on projects to benefit American Legion Post 377, the California Food Pantry, Center in the Woods, Golden Living Center, Meals on Wheels, Medi-Home Hospice Care, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and other local, regional and national agencies and organizations. The Delta Zeta sorority, led by philanthropy chair Abbi Petrosky, sponsored a table at the event. Students stopped by to decorate CD cases for The Painted Turtle, an innovative camp-based program for children with serious medical conditions, in Lake Hughes, Calif. “Each camper receives a CD at the end of the camp session, and they told me that CD cases are what they need most,” said Petrosky, a junior who is studying social work. “The Day of Service provides an ideal opportunity to do this. “I enjoy this event because you get to meet other students from other organizations who also are willing to help,” she added. “You have something in common.” Freshman Nathan Huffman, a technology education major, spent the Day of Service making journals with positive and motivational quotations. “They’re for anyone who wants them,” said Huffman, a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. “Dr. King wanted to help people, so I hope we are helping to carry on his legacy.” For more information about other volunteer opportunities or the Center for Civic Engagement, contact Diane Hasbrouck at Hasbrouck_d@calu.edu or at 724-938-4794.

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Above, Dr. Chris T. Harman, of the Department of Health Science, prepares a plate for English major Donyisha Wooley at the annual Soul Food Dinner, held Jan. 30 in the Convocation Center. The traditional meal opened Cal U’s celebration of Black History Month, which continues with a series of events throughout February. Along with great food, the Soul Food Dinner featured entertainment by the Young and Gifted Gospel Choir, including, from left, students Lialdon Donovan-Green, Daniel Meighan and Romello Johnson. The choir will perform again, at JoyFest, to close the celebration.

Photos of Key Figures Highlight Black History Month In addition to “Inequality for All,” a webcast at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Eberly Hall (see Page 1), the following events are planned for Black History Month. All are free and open to the public. • Feb. 25: Panel discussion, “Partisanship, Disenfranchisement and Race,” at 11 a.m. in Duda Hall, Room 103. Panelists are Dr. Melanie Blumberg, Dr. Michael Slaven and Dr. Kelton Edmonds, all from the Department of History and Political Science, and Dr. Mohamed Yamba, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. • Feb. 27: Presentation by photographer Eunique Jones, creator of a project to teach children and adults about key figures in black history, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Convocation Center. Jones created “Because of Them, We Can,” which features photographs of children

emulating notable figures in history, from Muhammad Ali to Rosa Parks to Run DMC to Barack and Michelle Obama. In 2012, she launched an awareness campaign related to the death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin. • March 1: JoyFest, featuring Cal U’s Young and Gifted Gospel Choir, 7 p.m. in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Gospel music producer Trent Phillips will lead Cal U’s choir and choirs from local churches. Black History Month at Cal U is sponsored by the Office of Social Equity, the Black Student Union, the Frederick Douglass Institute, the Office of Multicultural Student Programs, the Young and Gifted Gospel Choir, and the Office of Admissions. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.calu.edu.

Foundation Presents Annual Awards he Foundation for California University elected a slate of officers Dec. 9 and presented its annual awards to two individuals and one corporation. Elected were Steven P. Stout ’85, president; Armand Balsano ’74, vice president; William R. Flinn ’68, secretary; and Paul Kania ’87, re-elected as treasurer. The board added two new members: past president Linda H. Serene ’64, and William Stough. This year’s recipient of the Job Johnson Award for leadership and community service is Thomas L. Crumrine ’64 the board announced. Recipient of the Dixonians Award for service to the University is Mitchell Kozikowski, associate vice president for leadership giving in the Office of University Development. The Society of 1852 Award for philanthropy was presented to U.S. Steel Corp.

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Accepting the Foundation for California University’s annual awards inside the Kara Alumni House are (from left) Mitchell Kozikowski, Dixonians Award; Jeffrey Peters and Steve Bugajski of U.S. Steel Corp, The Society of 1852 Award; and Thomas L. Crumrine ’64, the Job Johnson Award.


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Forecast Again Calls for Stormfest early 100 Cal U students will take part in presenting the seventh annual StormFest, set for Friday and Saturday at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. StormFest is a family-friendly educational event that explores geology, geography, meteorology and more. The 2014 event is hosted in part by the Southwestern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Meteorological Society (Cal U Meteorology Club) and the Department of Earth Sciences, in collaboration with the science center. From 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, schoolchildren in grades K-6 will visit the Carnegie Science Center to take part in StormFest activities. StormFest is open to the general public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Participation is free with paid admission to the science center. Cal U students have designed more than 30 hands-on activities to teach children about the science behind weather and other natural phenomena. Crowd favorites include making rocks, lava lamps, rain sticks and “glurch,” a substance with both solid and liquid properties. Cal U meteorology students will staff the event, along with students majoring in geology, geographic information systems, and parks and recreation. The Alpha Sigma Tau sorority will

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lend a hand, and Cal U has recruited volunteers from Ohio University’s meteorology club. Nick “the Weather Dude” Walker, the oncamera meteorologist from The Weather Channel, will be at StormFest 2014 on Saturday, with performances scheduled at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visitors on Saturday will receive a free souvenir T-shirt if they complete at least 18 activities. Kids aren’t the only ones who can enjoy all the StormFest fun. The science center plans a “21+ Night” adult program from 6-10 p.m. Friday. Patrons ages 21 and older will have access to all four floors of science center exhibits, including SpacePlace, SeaScape, roboworld™, the Earthquake Café, the weather station and more. A cash bar will be open, and snacks will be available for purchase. Cost is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. In the Works Theater, Cal U students will conduct hands-on activities, such as using liquid nitrogen, Tesla coils and air cannons to explain weather effects. Guests also can step in front of the video “green screen” to see if they have what it takes to be a weather presenter. For more information about StormFest 2014, e-mail Elizabeth Smith, president of the Cal U Meteorology Club, at CalUStormFest@gmail.com.

Online Auction Includes Team USA Gear, Penguins Collectibles ats and replica jerseys signed by hockey greats playing for Team Canada, Team Russia and Team USA are among the items up for bid in the sixth Pittsburgh Penguins Online Auction. The auction opened Feb. 14, and bidding ends Feb. 28. Proceeds support scholarships for Cal U students. In addition to gear signed by 2014 winter games competitors, the auction includes Penguins collectibles autographed by NHL superstars Sidney Crosby, James Neal, Marc-Andre Fleury and Evgeni Malkin; a birthday party appearance by Iceburgh, the Pens’ mascot; and a once-in-a-lifetime VIP gamenight experience. California University of Pennsylvania is the official education partner of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since 2009, online auctions and other events have raised more than $39,000 for the endowed Pittsburgh Penguins Scholarship, which is awarded annually at Cal U. For a complete list of items and a link to the online auction, visit www.calu.edu.

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Nearly 100 Cal U students and Nick ‘the Weather Dude’ Walker (front center) will again take part in presenting StormFest, set for Friday and Saturday at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.

Sports Historians Tap Professor’s Mapping Skills Marino, Joe Namath and Jim Kelly. r. Tom Mueller, a professor in the “With the baseball players, we will look Department of Earth Sciences, at where their high schools and colleges has been named to the executive have been over the past 40 years and board for the Society of North American determine if we see a concentration of Historians and Researchers. players coming from a particular state, a SONAHR began a decade ago in New particular region or a particular part of a York to recognize the importance of state, and how that may have changed over globalism and multicultural influences in the past four decades.” sports history. Its membership includes During his 15 years at Cal U, Mueller’s sports historians, filmmakers, researchers Dr. Tom Mueller scholarly interests have included and journalists in seven countries on four Geographic Information Systems (computer continents. mapping), as well as geography education and sports “They are starting to do some research on the geography. His work centers on efforts to apply spatial spatial aspects of sports, basically the spread of theory to the real world, particularly using GIS. sports,” said Mueller. “I spoke with their vice Students in his courses have completed hands-on, president (Darril Fosty), and he believes my interests sports-related projects for the Philadelphia 76ers, the lineup with their group and asked me to join.” Washington Wild Things and United States Lacrosse. Mueller anticipates helping the society with its He expects to get Cal U students involved with research. “My area will emphasize the spatial movement or his work for SONAHR, too. “I’ve started working on some maps for diffusion of sports, along with creating maps,” he (SONAHR), and as soon as I get a sense of those said. maps that will be initiated, then I absolutely hope to For instance, Mueller will be looking at a pilot have our students help to make them. study focusing on players who have been selected “To have the opportunity to network with these through the Amateur Baseball Draft. He compared researchers can only help my own research, and this study to the notion that western Pennsylvania is those skills then can trickle down to my students,” he a “cradle” for NFL quarterbacks, producing such notable passers as Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas, Dan said.

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President Predicts Surplus, Plus More Work to Come — Continued from page 1 Although severe weather has wiped out any hope of savings on utilities, winter supplies or overtime costs, the University’s new Winter College appears to have boosted the bottom line. During the five-week session between semesters, 762 students were enrolled in 22 graduate and undergraduate courses, all offered 100 percent online. “It appears that we were able to make a profit on the winter session,” the President said, citing preliminary figures. “Plans will be under way shortly for our Winter College session for 2014-2015, and we are looking forward to continued success.” President Jones also touched on initiatives meant to increase enrollment. She outlined plans to recruit international students and described a pilot tuition-

reduction program for U.S. military members and their families. A new marketing campaign and an increased emphasis on fundraising also are designed to attract students and help them stay enrolled. In the face of flat or declining state support, tuition dollars are a key component of the University’s budget, the President stressed. “We are encouraged that our deposits (from prospective students) for fall 2014 have increased 11 percent over the same time last year.” Both President Jones and Dr. Michael Slavin, president of the faculty union, discussed the Shared Governance Task Force established after the underattended University Forum was dissolved last spring. Led by history professor Dr. Craig Fox, who also chairs the Faculty Senate, the task force has begun to examine all campus governance structures. The President has charged the group — which

includes faculty, staff, students and University Trustees — with suggesting ways to “codify, simplify and streamline” the governance process so all stakeholders have a voice. “Under this administration, the Shared Governance Task Force is not just a mouthpiece,” Slavin said. “I believe shared governance begins with self-governance. … We must all strive for excellence. All of us need to be the best we can be, so we can help our students be the best they can be.” A proud alumna, President Jones concluded her address with her trademark phrase, “We are ALL Cal U.” “Please know that I have no doubt that if we continue to work together, and to support one another — keeping our students front and center in all we do — we can, and will, accomplish great things.”


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Two Honored at Alumni Basketball Day wo former Vulcan basketball players, both members of the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame, were honored Jan. 25 at the 15th annual Cal U Alumni Day basketball celebration. Dr. Cleveland Steward Jr. ’73 and Tammy McIntire-Mandich ’91 were named the basketball alumnus and

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Dr. Cleveland Steward Jr. ’73 makes remarks after accepting the Alumnus of the Year Award.

alumna of the year during the event in the Cal U Convocation Center. A 2009 Hall of Fame inductee, Steward was a member of Cal U’s 1970 PSAC championship team. He was named an NAIA honorable-mention AllAmerican during his senior season at Cal U, and he averaged more than 15 points and eight rebounds his final two years as a Vulcans player. After a 40-year career in education, Steward retired in 2010 as superintendent of the Gateway School District. This season he is serving as a volunteer assistant coach for the Vulcans. Part of Cal U’s inaugural 1995 Hall of Fame Class, McIntire-Mandich helped the women’s basketball program to its first winning season as an NCAA Division II affiliate and the program’s first two PSAC Tournament appearances. An All-American and two-time allconference selection, she finished her career as a Vulcans player with 1,122 points. Today, McIntire-Mandich is the director of special education for the Central Greene School District.

Her daughter, Mercedes, is a student manager with the current Vulcan varsity team. “Cleveland and Tammy are true Cal U student-athlete success stories,” said men’s basketball coach Bill Brown. “Both of them were great players here, and they sincerely care about the basketball programs and the school. After earning their degrees, they both have gone on to meaningful careers in education that help so many young people get on the right path.” In the annual men’s alumni game, the black jerseys out-scored the white jerseys 108-98. Rashawd Hatten ’11 was named Most Valuable Player after scoring 37 points. Steve Swiech ’12 added a game-high 42 points for the winners; the white jerseys’ scoring leaders were Keith Lowe ’13 and Quentin Harding ’13, with 33 and 32 points, respectively. As snow blanketed area roadways, the event concluded with varsity games against PSAC rival Seton Hill. The Vulcan women and third-year head coach Jess Strom defeated the Griffins, 78-70.

Tammy McIntire-Mandich ’91 receives the Alumna of the Year Award from Bill Brown, now in his 18th year as head coach of the men’s basketball team.

The Vulcan men lost 56-46. “It was a great day, and we appreciate the basketball alumni who braved the weather and came out,” said Leslie Fleenor, Cal U’s director of Alumni Relations.

Vulcans Second in Dixon Trophy Race ith a PSAC championship in women’s soccer and three runner-up finishes on its scorecard, Cal U athletics currently ranks second in the 18-school Dixon Trophy standings. The Dixon Trophy is awarded annually to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) member institution with the most successful allaround program. The winner is determined by a point system based on the results of conference playoffs and/or regular-season records. Last season the league adopted a new scoring format to calculate the Dixon Trophy standings, which now are based on an average score for every PSAC Championship sport that an institution sponsors. The point values for each sport remain the same, with 18 points awarded to each conference champion and descending point values depending on placement. In previous years, only an institution’s top 12 finishes — six men’s, six women’s — were used to calculate a point total. This academic year Cal U averaged 13.56 overall points through the fall sports season. Women’s sports led the way for the Vulcans, with a 15.25-point average. In November, women’s soccer earned 18 points when it won its second conference title in three years. Also earning double-digit points were women’s volleyball (17), women’s golf (15), men’s golf (15), men’s cross country (14),

Students Make Impact at Conference

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uccess in theater begins well before the curtain opens, as 26 Cal U students learned when they participated in the North Central Regional Auditions and Technical Interviews. The conference and professional development event for actors, dancers and theater technicians was held last month at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio. Nine students served as event volunteers, including Emily Lorence. As stage manager for dance auditions, she guided more than 200 dancers through three rounds of auditions. Accompanying the students were Dr. Michele Pagen, professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, and Ben Geibel, facility manager for Steele Hall. Among other responsibilities, Pagen presented a workshop titled “Sound Off! Putting Your Best Voice Forward.” Geibel coordinated and facilitated interviews for theater technicians. “The organizers once again noted that the Cal U students were vital to the success of the conference,” Pagen said. “Our student volunteers all completed their responsibilities well and received an invaluable experience that will make them stronger at their own auditions and interviews.”

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Goalkeeper Ashley Magruda helped lead the women’s soccer team to a PSAC championship, part of the winning fall sports efforts that have the University in second place in the Dixon Cup standings.

women’s cross country (11) and football (10.5). The women’s volleyball and both golf teams placed second at their respective conference tournaments. Rounding out the total were the men’s soccer team, with eight points, and the women’s cross country team, which posted its best finish in a decade at the league championships. Shippensburg leads the Dixon Trophy standings with an average of 14.93 points. Edinboro ranks third in the standings with an average of 11.50. Eight different institutions have won the Dixon Trophy, which began in the

1995-1996 academic year. Since 2008, Cal U has finished no less than sixth in the standings each year. The Vulcans won the Dixon Trophy in 2009, placed second in 2010, and finished third in 2011. Cal U athletic teams are competing for five PSAC Championships during the 2013-2014 winter season: men’s and women’s basketball, women’s swimming, and men’s and women’s indoor track and field. The Dixon Trophy standings will be updated next after basketball championships are completed in early March. The trophy will be awarded in May.

The California Journal is published by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Geraldine M. Jones Interim University President

Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance

Dr. Nancy Pinardi Interim Vice President for Student Affairs

Dr. Bruce Barnhart Acting Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Craig Butzine Vice President for Marketing and University Relations/ Interim Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations

Christine Kindl Editor

Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services

Office of Communications and Public Relations

250 University Avenue

California, PA 15419

Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers 724-938-4195

wald@calu.edu


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