How are civil liberties affected when a nation is at war? The Cal U community will examine this topic at a Constitution Day program 11 a.m. Sept. 17 in the Performance Center.

The purpose of Constitution Day is to ensure students in the United States are gaining an increased knowledge and appreciation for this valuable and important document of freedom.

Following welcoming remarks by Provost Geraldine Jones, Dr. Michael Slaven of the Department of History and Political Science will present a tribute to the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia.  Byrd introduced the legislation mandating Constitution Day observances at all educational institutions that receive federal funding.

A panel of Cal U faculty members will discuss "Civil Liberties at Time of War." Speakers and their topics are:

• Dr. Aref Al-Khattar, of the Department of Justice, Law and Society - "Ethnic Profiling During Time of War."
• Dr. Craig Smith, also of the Department of Justice, Law and Society - "War and the Supreme Court: A Historical Perspective on Constitutional Interpretation."
• Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research - "The Applicability of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 to the Detention of Unlawful Combatants."

Moderator will be Dr. Emily Sweitzer, associate professor of justice and behavioral crime and director of the Justice Studies Program.

The program is co-sponsored by the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, the American Democracy Project, the School of Graduate Studies and Research, the Department of History and Political Science, and the Department of Justice, Law and Society.

For the second consecutive year, incoming students at Cal U participated in a four-day New Student Orientation.

Held Aug. 26-29, it introduced students to Cal U traditions and provided information about the University's history, mission and values.

Orientation began with Move-in Day. As new students and their families unloaded cars full of clothing, stereo equipment, televisions and books, more than 160 peer mentors, fraternity and sorority members volunteered to carry the items into residence halls. 

Later in the evening, Playfair ­gave students a chance to meet new people in an entertaining way.

The night's highlight was a performance by award-winning comedian Craig Shoemaker, a Cal U alumnus. Music and games continued until well after midnight.

Orientation continued Aug. 27 with a presentation by President Angelo Armenti, Jr. After welcoming the students, President Armenti briefly discussed the history of the University, the importance of character on campus, and the increasingly important role of private funding at Cal U.

New students then attended classes that taught leadership and values based on Dr. Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. They also learned about Cal U Fusion, the campus's new mobile technology initiative.

The weekend concluded with the New Student Convocation and a candlelight vigil emphasizing Cal U's core values.

At the convocation, students were asked to donate $1, slipping the bill into an envelope with their name written on the outside. President Armenti drew six envelopes and awarded each of those students a $500 scholarship to demonstrate that giving a little can reap big rewards.

Click the image below to view photos from the New Student Orientation.

For the second consecutive year, G.I. Jobs magazine has named California University of Pennsylvania one of the nation's top Military Friendly Schools.

The 2011 list honors colleges, universities and trade schools for their academic accreditations and their efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students.

Of more than 7,000 institutions surveyed, just 15 percent were named to the list.

"Both veterans and active-duty service members are a vital part of the Cal U community," said Angelo Armenti, Jr., president of California University. "We make every effort to support these students, whether they take classes on campus or complete their studies online.

"Cal U recognizes the many sacrifices made by military members and their families. We are committed to helping them achieve academic success and build satisfying careers."

Through its comprehensive Office of Veterans Affairs, Cal U provides resources for veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard, dependents and survivors of veterans, as well as active-duty military members.

In addition, Cal U has joined forces with GoArmyEd, a gateway to higher education for soldiers stationed anywhere in the world. Through the GoArmyEd portal, soldiers and their families have easy access to bachelor's and master's degree programs offered by Global Online, Cal U's Internet-based learning community.

Even after they graduate, service members have free, lifelong access to the university's Career Services Office, which offers one-on-one career and job-search planning for all Cal U alumni.

The Institute of Criminological and Forensic Sciences at California University sponsored a training workshop for members of the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and the Taiwan National Police Agency.

Coursework for the workshop included an introduction to the American criminal justice system, digital forensics, criminal intelligence analysis, criminal profiling and social work.

Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research and the director of the institute, helped facilitate planning for the workshop and lectured throughout the event. 

"Our institute's reputation is growing and becoming very well-known," he said. "In the United States, we have experience training local police and FBI agents. We are now expanding internationally and are able to provide training to other countries."

Dr. Aref Al-Khattar, chair of the Department of Justice, Law and Society, ran the activities for 5 students and a professor from the UAE from July 26 - Aug. 5. Dr. Raymond Hsieh, an associate professor in the Department of Justice, Law and Society, led the training workshop for three forensic members of the Taiwan National Police Agency from Aug. 3 - Aug 10.

Visitors participated in lectures on campus, visited local courts and police headquarters, toured regional forensic laboratories, and spoke with FBI agents.

Before returning to Shargah, students visited Washington, D.C., to tour the White House, the Capitol and a number of monuments.

"The reputation of our program and the University is really helping us," said Dr. Al-Khattar. "We have very good credentials when presenting ourselves to the world in terms of faculty, resources and administration."

Other professors who provided training include: Dr. Emily Sweitzer and Mr. Barry Noel (Department of Justice, Law and Society); and Dr. Norma Thomas and Ms. Sheri Boyle (Department of Social Work).

Comedian and Cal U alumnus Craig Shoemaker will bring his high-energy, adult-oriented comedy performance, "An Evening with Craig Shoemaker: The Lovemaster," to Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre at 8 p.m. Aug. 25.

Proceeds will support the Annie "MAC" (Master Any Challenge) Malkowiak Scholarship, which honors a Cal U graduate, coach and staff member who is battling a chronic disease.

Pittsburgh radio personality and Cal U alumna Cris Winter '84 will emcee the event.

Ticket price is $25 for general admission seating in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Parking is free, and a cash bar will be available. The show is open to adults age 21 and older.

To reserve tickets, call The Foundation for California University at 724-938-4559. Patrons can pay by credit card when they make reservations, then pick up their tickets at the Foundation office on the second floor of the Kara Alumni House (8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays) or at the Steele Hall Box Office after 7 p.m. on the night of the performance.

About Craig Shoemaker

Craig Shoemaker is a writer, stand-up comedian and comic actor who has appeared in more than 100 television shows and feature films. Viewers voted his "Lovemaster" routine on Comedy Central one of the network's top 20 stand-up specials of all time. A student at California University from 1977-1979, Shoemaker continued his studies at Temple University. He received both a bachelor's degree and an honorary doctorate from Cal U in May 2010.

Support scholarships at Cal U

To learn more about supporting scholarships at Cal U, including the Annie "MAC" Malkowiak Scholarship, call Jessica Urbanik at 724-938-4814, e-mail urbanik@calu.edu or give online.

About The Annie "MAC" (Master Any Challenge) Malkowiak Scholarship

Family and friends of Annie Malkowiak are working to endow a scholarship in her honor. Malkowiak is the assistant women's basketball coach and associate director of athletic development at Cal U. She graduated from Cal U in 1994, and earned her master's degree there in 1996. A 2000 inductee into the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame, she is ill with systemic lupus and Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. The scholarship will be awarded to a Cal U student who has overcome challenges in his/her life and who also is involved in community and campus organizations.

For the sixth consecutive year, The Princeton Review has named California University of Pennsylvania one of the best colleges and universities in the northeastern United States.

The education services company selected Cal U as one of the 218 institutions it profiles in its "Best in the Northeast" section of its website feature "2011 Best Colleges: Region By Region," posted at www.PrincetonReview.com.

It also profiles the school in its book, The Best Northeastern Colleges: 2011 Edition, available Aug. 10 from Random House/Princeton Review Books.

In a two-page profile on Cal U, The Princeton Review notes the university's "state of the art" classrooms and "variety of majors."

The profile also says students at Cal U enjoy a "very beautiful campus" with "many new buildings and facilities." There are "tons and tons of clubs" and one student said the suite-style residence halls "are the best I've ever seen."

Colleges designated as "best" were chosen primarily for their excellent academic programs, according to Robert Franek, The Princeton Review's vice president for publishing. Schools were selected based on data collected at hundreds of institutions, visits to schools and the opinions of independent and high-school based college advisers who are invited to share them.

"We also took into account what students attending the schools reported to us about their campus experiences at them on our student survey for this project," Franek said.

The 218 "Best Northeastern Colleges" are located in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and the District of Columbia.

More than 1,000 educators from 33 U.S. states and 14 nations listened as Dr. Stephen R. Covey discussed leadership principles at The Leader in Me Global Education Summit.

The crowd filled Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre, and events on stage were transmitted live to the Performance Center.

Covey is the world-renowned author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. His recent book, The Leader in Me, explains how teachers can foster leadership in their students by creating a classroom culture based on habits such as "be proactive," "think win-win" and "put first things first."

During the opening keynote session, summit participants saw young leaders in action when a group of children from A.B. Combs Elementary in Raleigh, N.C., joined Covey on stage. One by one the children, ages 6-11, described the seven habits and explained their influence both at home and in school.

Poised and articulate, the children answered questions from the audience, advising a new assistant principal to leave his office and get to know students by name, and suggesting that students be "pre-forgiven" for their inevitable mistakes.

Covey also introduced the principal of A.B. Combs School, Dr. Muriel Summers, who turned around the failing school by transforming it into a magnet school focused on leadership and 7 Habits training.

Summers spoke to educators about "Developing Leaders: One Child at a Time." Her talk was followed by a "state of the union" address by Sean Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.

Other speakers at the summit include David Langford, Dean Collinwood, Salome Thomas-el and Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr.  Break-out sessions on the second day of the summit focus on issues of particular interest to elementary, secondary and university educators.

Dr. Stephen Covey holds an honorary doctorate from Cal U. He has spoken previously on campus, most recently at the 2009 education summit.

California University offers 7 Habits classes, free of charge, to all students, faculty and staff. The University's Character Institute provides training to business and school groups, while supporting Cal U's mission of building both character and careers.

The 2010 summit was sponsored by Franklin Covey, California University and AVI Fresh. University Conference Services organized housing in campus residence halls for many of the out-of-town guests.

Cal U plans to host a similar summit in August 2011.

View slides from President Armenti's keynote address and breakout session presentation:

• "From Dreams to Reality: Achieving the End in Mind" - Global Education Summtt Keynote Address, California University of Pennsylvania, August 4, 2010 
• "Where Character Meets Careers: The 7 Habits at Cal U" - Global Education Summit Breakout Session, California University of Pennsylvania, August 5, 2010

View photos from Dr. Stephen R. Covey's keynote address.

Video Recap

Members of the Cal U community watched as a pair of 300-ton cranes lifted two 99-foot trusses during a "topping out" ceremony for the new Convocation Center. The ceremony marked the installation of the last piece of structural steel in the building.

"Topping out" is a custom kept by ironworkers, who traditionally hoist an American flag, an evergreen tree and a broom along with the "last beam" of a bridge, skyscraper or other significant building. The tree symbolizes growth and longevity; the broom designates a "clean sweep" for the new building.

The steel truss at Cal U also carried an academic robe, men's and women's basketball jerseys, a volleyball jersey, and business attire. These items illustrate the multi-purpose nature of the Convocation Center, which will host Commencement and other academic gatherings, serve as the arena for Cal U's basketball and volleyball teams and function as an executive conferencing center.

President Angelo Armenti, Jr. signed the truss before it was raised 72 feet in the air and he thanked each of the ironworkers for their dedication and hard work on the project.

The building will house a 6,000-seat arena, the largest indoor venue between Pittsburgh and Morgantown, W.Va. Cal U plans to host athletic tournaments, trade shows, job fairs, country music concerts and other public events in this spacious facility.

The Convocation Center is scheduled to open in Fall 2011.

View images from the "topping out" ceremony.

Watch a recap of the "topping out" ceremony below or see the unabridged version with full remarks by President Armenti

By the numbers

46 - The Convocation Center is supported by 46 trusses in all. They were made in Chemung, N.Y., near Buffalo, and trucked to the Cal u campus.

72 - The top of each truss is 72 feet off the ground, the height of a 6-story building

99 - Each half of the two-part truss is 99 feet long. When the pieces are joined, the truss will measure 198 feet.

141 - The building is supported by 141 concrete caissons, each 85 feet deep and about 3 feet in diameter. About 11,000 cubic yards of concrete have been poured below the building.

300 - Two 300-ton cranes will lift the last piece of structural steel into place.

300-400 - Between 300 and 400 laborers and skilled trades workers have had a hand in the Convocation Center project so far - and we're not done yet!

A small cemetery across the street from Chartiers Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Washington, Pa., always has mystified worshipers. Approximately 50 gravestones mark the remains of past parishioners - hardly a number that fits a church established in 1810.

In order to clarify this mystery, a Cal U forensics team dedicated their time and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to help the church locate unmarked burial locations. GPR measures disruptions in the ground as much as 15 feet below the surface. At this particular location, a soil disturbance is likely to represent buried caskets and remains.

Dr. Cassandra Kuba, assistant professor and chief forensic anthropologist in the Department of Justice, Law and Society; Dr. John Nass, professor and archaeologist in the Department of Justice, Law and Society; and students Adina Necciai, Donetta Snook and Donovan Marcoux worked together to measure disruptions and estimate the number of graves that have lost markers throughout the past two centuries. 

The team first tested the GPR on July 23, to make sure all components were working properly. Using wooden dowels as markers, they then mapped a grid on the property to help determine the specific location and direction in which the remains were buried. 

The following day, team members pushed the GPR along the grid and sent digital records of data to a computer for further review by the forensics team.

As part of an ongoing celebration marking the church's 200^th anniversary, parishioners were encouraged to participate in the field research and use the GPR. 

Many of the gravestones remaining in the cemetery are from the mid-1800s, and bear surnames of Scottish, Irish and Welsh descent. It is estimated that the cemetery has 200 to 300 unmarked gravesites.

In addition to using specialized radars and other equipment, forensic anthropology students at Cal U learn to distinguish human remains from animal bones, determine individuals' ancestry and examine specimens for signs of trauma. Please visit the Department of Justice, Law and Society for more information.

View images from the field research

Provost Geraldine Jones is one of 50 Women of Excellence honored this year by the New Pittsburgh Courier, one of the oldest and most prestigious black newspapers in the United States.

The third annual award was presented July 14 to some of the Pittsburgh area's most successful and influential African-American women.

Nominated by New Pittsburgh Courier readers, the awardees were honored for their contributions to fields as varied as education, health care, finance, social services, media, law enforcement, business and the arts.

"I am truly honored to be a part of this event, and to be included in this amazing group of women," Jones said.

The awards were presented by Rod Doss, editor and publisher of the Courier, during a luncheon at the Westin Convention Center Hotel in Pittsburgh.

"One can not speak of the greatness of our city without including the distinctive contributions of African-American women," Doss said. "These women are living examples of how hard work, integrity and determination lead to success."

Jones graduated from Cal U in 1971 and began her career in education as a second-grade teacher. She served as program director for Upward Bound for 20 years, and in 2001 was named provost and vice president for academic affairs.

A member of the Cal U Alumni Association board of directors, Jones has received numerous honors, including the Cal U Alumni Association's John R. Gregg Award for Loyalty and Service, the Black Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Award, and the Community Service Award given by the Minority Students Association at Penn State Fayette.

Jones is a lifelong member of Mt. Zion AME Church of Brownsville, where she has been the church pianist since age 14. She has been married to Jeffrey B. Jones of 35 years; they have two adult daughters and a granddaughter.

For the third consecutive summer, Dr. Kyle Fredrick, assistant professor of Earth Sciences, led 14 students on a 15-day excursion to study geological formations. This year, the geology field course studied vegetation, rock structures and sand variations native to the New England region.

The group left campus in University-supplied vans and traveled to Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. Students also visited the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, where they toured a research facility and met with distinguished scientists.

All students earned three credits and had to complete a research paper on the geology of New England before their departure. They also were required to keep journals that highlighted their experiences, and collect samples for use in other courses.

The participating students were Samuel Ambrose, Karen Babyak, Matthew Baird, Evan Bruce, David Danko, Tana Deklevar, Matthew Erkel, Joshua Greene, Nathan Hartman, Renee Jardine, Matthew Miller, Chantelle Parrish, Andrew Tomcik and Kristen Wesolowsky.

For more information regarding the course, please contact Dr. Kyle Fredrick via email or at 724-938-4463.

View images from the geology field course

Golf fans who purchase tickets for the inaugural Mylan Classic Presented by CONSOL Energy can support athletic programs at California University of Pennsylvania.

Cal U athletics is one of the nonprofit organizations eligible to receive funds generated by the PGA TOUR's new Nationwide Tour event, to be held Sept. 2-5 at Southpointe Golf Club in Canonsburg, Pa.

The 72-hole, stroke-play tournament will feature 156 players from 19 countries competing for a purse of $600,000. The Golf Channel will televise all four rounds of the Mylan Classic in the United States, and the PGA TOUR will distribute it to 72 countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

25 PGA TOUR cards for 2011 will be awarded at the conclusion of the Nationwide Tour Championship, based on the final money list.

As with all events sanctioned by the PGA TOUR, 100 percent of the net revenues generated by the Mylan Classic Presented by CONSOL Energy will be donated to regional charities and nonprofit groups.

Golf fans can order tickets - and direct their donation to California University athletics - by visiting www.mylanclassic.com/buytix/CALUOFPA. Fans who visit www.mylanclassic.com/buytix may use the pull-down menu to designate "California University of Pennsylvania Athletics" as their favorite charity.

President Angelo Armenti, Jr., has announced that seven individuals will comprise the 16th class named to the University's Athletic Hall of Fame.

These former Vulcan standouts will be inducted officially at the 2010 Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame banquet at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, in the Performance Center inside the Natali Student Center. Inductees also will participate in the University's annual Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 16.

In addition to individual acknowledgements, this year's banquet will recognize Cal U's 2003-2004 women's basketball team. The Vulcans won the 2004 NCAA Division II National Championship and finished 35-1 overall.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame banquet are $35 each. For reservations, contact Montean Dean, of Cal U Alumni Relations, at 724-938-4418. Proceeds from the banquet will benefit a Hall of Fame athletic scholarship.

2010 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Dr. Michael Duda was Cal U's third President. He served from 1956 until his untimely death in November 1968. A four-sport standout at Donora High School, Duda went on to play football at Saint Vincent College. He returned to Donora to teach, coach and became the junior and senior high principal. One of the athletes he coached was Hall of Fame baseball player Stan Musial. He superintendent of the Monessen School District in 1950 and was inducted into the Mid Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame in 1956. A visionary, he helped California State College transition from a limited training institution into a four-year liberal arts college. A Master of Education program was instituted in 1961, enrollment quadrupled and more than a dozen new buildings were constructed during his presidency. 

Jason Foreman was a four-year starting third baseman and pitcher for the baseball team from 1999-2002. He earned all-conference honors in both positions each of his final two seasons after earning all-conference pitching honors in 1999 and all-conference third base accolades in 2000. Foreman, 2001 PSAC-West Player of the Year, finished as Cal's career leader in doubles (50) and was one of only two players at the time in school history with more than 200 career hits. On the mound he made 43 total appearances.  Foreman helped the Vulcans win consecutive PSAC-West titles in 2001 and 2002. He went on to play two seasons for the Washington Wild Things and Chillicothe (Ohio) Paints of the Independent Frontier League.

Dale Hamer will begin his 33^rd season this season as a National Football League official and his ninth as an instant replay official this fall. He was the head linesman in two Super Bowls and past president of the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA).  A generous university benefactor, he served as the Cal U Foundation's president from 2005-2009 and has been a board member for 13 years. He was Cal U's interim alumni director from 1994-96. Hamer has been inducted into the Western and East Boros chapters of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Belle Vernon High School Football Hall of Fame, and the Mon Valley Hall of Fame. In  1992 he retired as a vice president after a 28-year career with USX Corp.  

John Kovalchick was a four-year starting shortstop and standout defensive back and halfback for the baseball and football teams from 1949-53. He was a member of the football team's 1951 Pythian Bowl team, which won seven games. Kovalchick batted .401 his senior year and the Vulcans went 10-5-1 overall. Also an excellent fielder, Kovalchick helped California's American Legion team reach the state finals and was selected to several local all-star baseball teams. He went on to play semipro baseball in Kansas and enjoyed a distinguished scholastic teaching and coaching career in Maryland.

Dingding Lu was a four-time, first-team, all-conference middle hitter for the women's volleyball team from 2000-2003. She was also a two-time AVCA and Daktronics all-region selection. She helped the 2000 team make the program's first-ever NCAA Division II post-season appearance and win 27 matches. Cal won the Atlantic Regional championship in its initial NCAA tourney and advanced all the way to the national semifinals, which remains the deepest a Cal volleyball team has advanced nationally. Lu led the NCAA Division II in hitting percentage (.446) that season and finished with career school records at the time in blocks (463), service aces (156) and kills (1,807).

Sara McKinney was a four-year starting guard for the women's basketball team from 2001-2005. She was a three-time WBCA All-American, four-time all-conference selection and three-time PSAC-West Athlete of the Year. She earned both PSAC-West Rookie and Athlete of the Year honors in 2002. During the McKinney years, Cal compiled a 119-15 cumulative record with four PSAC-West titles, three PSAC championships, two National Four appearances and the 2004 NCAA Division II National Championship. She was the first Cal U women's basketball player to score more than 2,000 points and pull down more than 1,000 rebounds (all at Cal). McKinney finished her career with 2,117 points, 1,204 rebounds, 882 field goals, 423 assists, and 315 steals.

Kerry Novak-Drilak was a four-time all-conference right fielder from 1994-97. She was a 1997 NFCA All-American and two-time Academic All-American who was the 1997 PSAC Scholar Athlete of the Year. Novak-Drilak helped the Vulcans win four PSAC-West titles, three NCAA Regional championships, two PSAC titles and the 1997 NCAA II National Championship. Novak-Drilak finished with a PSAC record 214 games played which still ranks ninth in PSAC history. She was named to the 1997 NCAA All-Tournament team after hitting a three-run homer in Cal's opening game and knocking in the winning run in the title game. Cal compiled a brilliant 184-35 cumulative record during her four years.

The 2003-2004 Cal U women's basketball team compiled a school-best 35-1 overall record and joined the 1997 and 1998 softball teams as Cal U's three NCAA Division II National Championship teams. Coached by Darcie Vincent, the Vulcans won a third straight PSAC-West and PSAC championship and advanced to the National Final Four for a second consecutive season. Cal capped its 6-0 NCAA tourney run with a 75-72 win over Drury in the nationally televised championship game contested at St. Joseph, MO.

More information on Cal U athletics

California University's highest-ranking academic officer, Provost Geraldine Jones, was recognized for 35 years of service at Cal U's 29^th annual Staff Recognition Dinner.

In all, the University honored the hard work and dedication of more than 100 people who have retired recently or reached service milestones. The dinner was held June 25 at the Performance Center, located inside the Natali Student Center.

"This dinner is our formal way of thanking each and every one of you for what you do on a daily basis," said Cal U President Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. "Your efforts and contributions have a profound impact on our University's success and are greatly appreciated."

The dinner recognized these employees and recent retirees:

• 35 years:
 Geraldine Jones. 
• 30 years:
 Cheryl Golembiewski and Janet Woods. 
• 25 years:
 Bruce Barnhart, William Binns, Don Bittner, Paul Burns, Debra Cochran, Michael Green, Adraine Howell, George Kyle, Bonnie McGary, MaryLou Price, Joyce Sheppick, Amy Woodward and David Wyvratt. 
• 20 years:
 Lillian Ambrose, Richard Ambrose, Lanie Bilitski, Janet Booker, Gena Caeti, Michelle Cheatham, Elizabeth Crouse, Vivian Dawson, John Dejuliis, Terri Downer, Patti Dziak, John Edgar, Toni Gwyn, Edward Hagyari, Patti Kent, Linda Kiefer, Harry Langley, Bonnie Manos, Christine Matty, Mark McMonagle, Susan Rapp, Lawrence Sebek, Sandy Staley, Elizabeth Swartz, Janie Walmsley, Janet Wheatley, Robert Winwood, Shannon Wolfe and Celeste Wukovich.
 
• 15 years:
 Terri Anderson, Carol Berkovitz, Joseph Bilitski, Ronald Dellarose, Cathy Gmiter, Scott Hackinson, Joyce Hanley, Tracy Julian, Katherine Nogy, Karlene Petrisek, and Melissa Sheridan.
• 10 years: Pamela Beck, Kevin Black, Leonard Colelli, Brenda Fetsko, Kathy Gavazzi, Traci Gerber, Howard Goldstein, Charles Harris, Kevin Koury, Nancy Loughman, Brenda Newman, Suzanne Powers, Christine Russell, Janice Santo, Rendie Settles, Denise Smith and Robert Williams. 
• 5 years:
 James Ahearn, Lois Arison, Shelly Bastin, Peggy Bice, Bobbie Jo Cetera, Gordon Core, Lisa Gillis, Patricia Godla, Eric Hartman, Janet Houston, Boleslaw Jankowski, Tim Jones, Mitchell Kozikowski, Judith Laughlin, James Layhue, Harry Marks, Melissa McKean, DeAnne Pavelko, Nadine Potega, Robert Richard, Anthony Roberts, Carolyn Robinson, Millie Rodriguez, Jill Sabol, Cindy Speer, Jessica Spence, Janice Stirling and Linda Takash.
• Retirements:
 Marcia Boyd, Andrew Butorac, Allan Golden, John Gray, James Hansen, Frank Koterba, Eileen Kunca, Richard Lacey, Eric Larmi, Vickie Laubach, Wanda McMahon and Edward Spitek.

The good times continue to roll for Cal U's athletic programs.

After a successful spring sports season highlighted by an NCAA Regional championship in women's tennis, the Vulcans finished second in the final standings of the 2009-2010 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup.

This is the highest finish ever by a school in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

Announced through the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the Director's Cup annually honors institutions maintaining a broad-based program in both men's and women's sports. The scoring system is based on the national finishes of seven men's and seven women's sports teams.

In all, Cal U won NCAA Regional championships this past athletic year in football, women's volleyball, women's soccer and women's tennis. Other teams competing in NCAA post-season tournaments were women's basketball, baseball, softball, women's swimming and both the men's and women's golf and track and field teams.

Grand Valley State (Mich.) earned top honors for the seventh consecutive year with 1021.50 total points, while Cal finished with 703.00. Rounding out the top five were Central Missouri (672.50), Minnesota State-Mankato (660.50), and St. Cloud (Minn.) State University (643.50).

In 2008-2009, the Vulcans placed ninth in the final Learfield standings for NCAA Division II. 

"This is a tremendous accomplishment that really reflects on the quality of our student-athletes and coaches that we have here," said Cal U athletic director Dr. Tom Pucci. "This is a direct reflection on the leadership of President Angelo Armenti, Jr. and his support of our athletic program."

More information

A recent broadcast of the Allegheny Front environmental radio program featured an initiative led by Dr. J. William Hug and a group of future teachers to teach young children about science through hands-on outdoor activities.

The event held earlier this year at Ohiopyle State Park was funded by a grant from PNC Grow Up Great With Science.

More than 500 preschool children enrolled in Fayette County Head Start and their families were invited to the event.

Hands-on lessons about rocks and soil were taught by Cal U students enrolled in the Instructional Strategies course. The event was designed to introduce students to basic principles of science and reinforce academic skills necessary for success in school.

Cal U was one of just 15 colleges and universities to receive a PNC Grow Up Great With Science grant last year. The project targets preschoolers in Fayette County, where research shows that critical social conditions place many young learners at risk for low educational achievement.

Cal U has entered into a partnership with Highlands Hospital, a not-for-profit community hospital in Connellsville, Pa., that promises advanced training for Cal U students in the Department of Special Education and a brighter future for children with autism.

The hospital in Fayette County - one of Pennsylvania's most medically underserved regions - has announced it will work with the nationally recognized Cleveland Clinic to develop state-of-the-art services for children with autism in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The program's building, staff training and curriculum will mirror a program that has been operating for 10 years at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism in Ohio.

Graduate students from Cal U will prepare for careers in special education by participating in clinical experiences at the new autism center, scheduled to open next year at Highlands Hospital.

Dr. Kevin Koury, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, represented Cal U when the partnership was announced June 16 near Connellsville.

Cal U's graduate program in special education offers a certificate in teaching children with autism, he said, "and the certificate of study in autism adds to the value of our students' degree."

Cal U's graduate program has taught Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), the approach used by the Cleveland Clinic's autism program, for many years, he added.

"Our graduate students are energetic, well-prepared and well-supervised," he said. "With the increasing incidence of autism spectrum disorders, we are proud to be a part of this, and we thank you for including us in this partnership."

The Centers for Disease Control reports that 1 in every 94 children in the United States has some form of autism. In rural Fayette County, Pa., an estimated 444 individuals ages 5-24 are affected by this complex developmental disability that appears in early childhood and affects communication and social interaction. Statistics suggest that an additional 82 Fayette County children younger than 5 also will be diagnosed.

Cleveland Clinic Autism Development Solutions (CCADS) will assist Highlands Hospital in designing and staffing the new Autism Center, which will offer developmental screening and a day program that children with autism will attend five days a week, year-round.

Empirical studies conducted by Cleveland Clinic show that the program's approach, Applied Behavioral Analysis, is effective in teaching basic and complex skills to children with autism. California University students will learn to apply their ABA skills by working with Highlands professionals who have been trained by CCADS staff. 

This is the first time that Cleveland Clinic has partnered with a health-care provider in southwestern Pennsylvania.

No similar program is available in the region, which has one of the highest poverty rates in Pennsylvania. Many Fayette County families lack both economic resources and basic transportation, making it difficult for them to access services for their children on the autism spectrum. The hospital will offer both community-based autism services and community awareness education to encourage early diagnoses.

Highlands Hospital will be the nation's third health-care provider to open an Autism Center with assistance from Cleveland Clinic Autism Development Solutions. Successful programs are under way at Highlands Regional Medical Center in Prestonburg, Ky., and at the Ozark Center for Autism in Joplin, Mo.

-

Highlands Hospital is a not-for-profit community hospital located in Fayette County in rural southwestern Pennsylvania. Licensed for 71 beds, the hospital provides emergent, in-patient and ambulatory family care to Connellsville, Pa. (population 9,200) and the surrounding region. Highlands Hospital employs approximately 400 full-time and part-time staff.

Cleveland Clinic Autism Development Solutions is a highly specialized business within the Autism Center at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital in Ohio. CCADS makes available a full service development product to other agencies and health-care systems. CCADS provides the total framework for large-scale facility and clinical program development, from designing "eduscapes," staff development and individual student curriculum to establishing all necessary procedures and organizational processes and opportunities for research collaboration.

California University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1852, is a mid-size university located along the Monongahela River just 35 miles from Pittsburgh, Pa. Its 9,000 students may choose among 150 undergraduate majors/concentrations and 50 graduate programs in liberal arts, science and technology, education and human services, and professional studies. A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Cal U is dedicated to building character and careers.

Manderino Gallery, summer hours:

• Monday-Friday - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday - Closed

Roberto Clemente Walker (1934-1972) remains a legendary figure in sports, in philanthropy and in the hearts of millions of Puerto Ricans and Americans - especially those in western Pennsylvania.

With a cannon arm and lightning speed, he was an outstanding baseball player, but the Puerto Rico native's legend reaches beyond the diamond.

A Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition honors this sports hero and dedicated humanitarian.

Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente continues through Aug. 24 at Cal U, the only western Pennsylvania venue to host the exhibition.

Beyond Baseball was developed by the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico with the Carimar Design and Research studio and organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. It is complemented by an interactive Web site - at www.robertoclemente.si.edu - with a virtual exhibition, children's activities, lesson plans, biographical highlights and historic photographs. The exhibition is made possible by the generous support of the Smithsonian Latino Center.

The Clemente Museum in Pittsburgh has collaborated with Cal U during this SITES exhibition by providing more than 100 historical objects and photographs. They offer rare and unique insights into Roberto Clemente's life and complement the visitor's experience.

See the exhibition

California University is proud to host tours and educational field trips that introduce the community to SITES exhibitions.

While on campus, school groups can engage in various interdisciplinary activities related to the exhibition and tied to Pennsylvania State Academic Standards. Curriculum materials related to the exhibition are available upon request. Field trip groups are able to visit the gallery outside of its normal operating hours.

For more information or to register your group, contact Walter Czekaj, university exhibitions coordinator, at 724-938-5244 or czekaj@calu.edu. A Field Trip Request Form is available online at www.calu.edu; search for "SITES" or follow the links from "Information for ... Business & Community" to "World-Class Affiliations."

UPDATE:

Graduate student Clare McSweeney and junior Brice Myers earned All-America honors at the 2010 NCAA Division II Championships in Charlotte, N.C., on May 29.

McSweeney placed sixth overall in the women's 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes, 8.63 seconds.

Myers finished third in the men's 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.12 seconds.

Both athletes set personal bests at the Nationals.

All told, eight student-athletes from Cal U's men's and women's track and field teams competed at the NCAA Division II National Championships.

PREVIOUSLY:

Eight student-athletes from Cal U's men's and women's track and field teams will compete at the NCAA Division II National Championships May 27-29 in Charlotte, N.C.

Women competitors are Claire McSweeney, who will compete in the 800-meter race, and the 4 x 400 relay team of Shakeria Love, Jerrica Sneddon, Sandy Estep and Yahnae Wilson.

Competing individually on the men's side will be Brice Myers (110-meter hurdles), Frank Ehrensberger (400-meter race), and Alex Smith (800 meters). 



At the PSAC meet held May 13-15, McSweeney, Myers and the women's 4 x 400 relay team all won state titles, while Smith and Ehrensberger finished second and fourth respectively.

Follow all of Cal U's athletic teams at www.calvulcans.com

UPDATE:

Cal U's 13th-ranked softball team ended its 2010 season with a 7-0 loss to sixth-ranked Bloomsburg at the 2010 NCAA Division II Atlantic Super Regional on May 22.

The host Huskies scored three runs in the first inning and added four more runs in the sixth. Seven different Vulcans had singles

The Vulcans finish with a 37-14 overall record, while  Bloomsburg (49-6) advances to the eight-team College World Series May 27-31 in St. Joseph, Mo.

Coached by 17th-year veteran Rick Bertagnolli, Cal U softball made its 16th NCAA post-season appearance in the past 17 years this spring.

Earlier this spring the Vulcans won their 13 PSAC-West title in the past 17 seasons

PREVIOUSLY:

Cal U's 13^th-ranked softball team opened play at the 2010 NCAA Division II Atlantic Super Regional with a 9-0 loss at sixth-ranked Bloomsburg University on May 21.

Designated player Kayleigh Braim had Cal's lone hit.

The Vulcans fall to 37-13 overall and continue the best-of-three Super Regional series May 22 at Bloomsburg (48-6), beginning at 11 a.m.

Cal U will have to defeat the Huskies twice to join the seven other super-regional winners in the College World Series May 27-31 in St. Joseph, Mo.

A third game, if needed, will take place at 1:30 p.m. May 22. 



Coached by 17th-year veteran Rick Bertagnolli, Cal U softball is making its 16th NCAA post-season appearance in the past 17 years.

Earlier this spring the Vulcans won their 13 PSAC-West title in the past 17 seasons.

-----

The softball team won the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional championship May 16 with a 3-2 win over Kutztown at Lilly Field.

Left fielder Kristen McKenzie hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning, and Maria Greco pitched a complete game for her 16th win of the season.

The  Vulcans improved to 37-12 overall and advance to a best-of-three Super Regional series next weekend  (May 21-22) at Bloomsburg. The winner of that series will join the seven other super-regional winners in the College World Series May 27-31 in St. Joseph, Mo.

Coached by 17th-year veteran Rick Bertagnolli, Cal U softball is making its 16th NCAA post-season appearance in the past 17 years.

-----

The softball team won its second consecutive game at the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional competition May 15 with a 1-0 win over Shepherd (W.Va.) at Lilly Field.

Junior right fielder Amanda Wallace doubled in the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning, and Maria Greco tossed a five-hit shutout for her 15th win of the season.

The Vulcans improved to 36-12 overall and will play either Kutztown or Shepherd (W.Va.) on May 16 in the championship round at Cal U's Lilly Field. The game begins at noon.

The winner of this double-elimination tourney will advance to a best-of-three series next weekend against the winner of the Regional's other four-team tourney, which is taking place at Bloomsburg University.

Each of the eight super-regional winners will advance to the College World Series May 27-31 in St. Joseph, Mo.

Coached by veteran Rick Bertagnolli, Cal U softball is making its 16th NCAA post-season appearance in the past 17 years.

----

The Vulcan softball team opened NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional competition with a 7-4 home win over Fairmont State (W.Va.).

The Vulcans improved to 35-12 overall and will play either Kutztown or Shepherd (W.Va.) on May 15 at Cal U's Lilly Field.

The double-elimination tourney concludes on May 16, and the winner will advance to a best-of-three series next weekend against the winner of the Regional's other four-team tourney, which is taking place at Bloomsburg University.

Each of the eight super-regional winners will advance to the College World Series May 27-31 in St. Joseph, Mo.

Coached by veteran Rick Bertagnolli, Cal U softball is making its 16th NCAA post-season appearance in the past 17 years.

Follow all Cal U athletic teams at www.calvulcans.com.

UPDATE:

Cal U's baseball team finished its season by taking third place at the 2010 NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional at West Lawn, Pa.

On May 15 the Vulcans defeated Seton Hill 6-5 before losing 7-2 to West Chester. The Vulcans won two of four games in the six-team, double elimination tourney.

Coached by veteran Mike Conte, Cal finished the 2010 season with a 34-18 overall record.

Earlier this spring the Vulcans won the program's third PSAC championship ever by winning four straight games at the conference tournament.

PREVIOUSLY:

After defeating Kutztown on May 13, Cal U's baseball team lost to West Virginia State by a 7-2 score on May 14 at the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional at Owls Field in West Law, Pa.

The loss ended a six-game win streak for Cal and dropped the Vulcans' overall record to 33-17.

Cal will play either Seton Hill or West Chester at 11 a.m. on May 15. The Vulcans will have to win twice on Saturday to advance to the championship round on Sunday.

Cal U's baseball team opened play at the 2010 NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional with a 4-3 win at top-seeded Kutztown on May 13.

Winning pitcher Randy Sturgill improved to 9-1 overall and allowed just three earned runs over 8-1/3 innings.

Reliever Nick Schreiber earned the save by retiring the final two Kutztown batters with the bases loaded. Sam DiMatteo had two hits including a two-run double.

Coached by veteran Mike Conte, Cal improves to 33-16 overall. The PSAC champions have won six straight games.

The Vulcans play West Virginia State on May 14 at 2:30 p.m.

Follow all of Cal U's athletic teams at www.calvulcans.com

California University will honor alumni, recognize faculty and raise funds for student scholarships during the 2010 Alumni Weekend and President's Gala, set for June 4-5.  President Angelo Armenti, Jr. and First Lady Barbara Armenti will host the annual President's Gala, "The Golden Age of Hollywood," in the Grand Ballroom of the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.  Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit student scholarships.

The Gala reception begins at 6 p.m. on June 5, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. A silent auction, casino games and dancing also are on the agenda.
During the festivities, President Armenti will honor Dr. Jay D. Helsel '59, '63, winner of the Lillian Bassi Core Values Award.
Other honors to be presented at the gala:

• President's Faculty Award for Teaching: Dr. David Boehm, of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
• President's Faculty Award for Research: Dr. Andrae Marak, of the History and Political Science Department and the Cal U Honors Program.
• President's Faculty Award for Service: Dr. Mohamed Yamba, also of the History and Political Science Department.
• President's Emeriti Faculty Awards: Retired professor Dr. Anthony Saludis and Professor Joanne Raleigh.

Honorary chairs are Dr. David '70, '72 and Kathleen Amati.

Alumni Weekend festivities

The President's Gala is the highlight of Alumni weekend festivities that begin June 4 with a 5 p.m. reception at the Kara Alumni House.  The annual Pioneer Dinner follows at 6 p.m. Special recognition will be given to the classes of 1960 and 1985, but all alumni may attend; ticket price is $15.  On June 5, the annual meeting of the Alumni Association will open at 9 a.m. in Room 206 of the Natali Student Center.  At 11 a.m. guests will convene for the annual Alumni Association Awards of Distinction Luncheon in the Performance Center of the student center. Cost is $15.  Alumni award recipients are:

• Dr. Paul Gentile '62 - John R. Gregg Award for Loyalty and Service.
• Dr. Mary Seman '82 - C.B. Distinguished Faculty Award.
• Dr. John Cencich - W.S. Jackman Award of Distinction.
• Coach Darcie Vincent - Michael Duda Award for Athletic Achievement.
• Joan Helsel, - Pavlak/Shutsy Special Service Award.
• Joe Grushecky '71 - Professional Excellence Award.
• Thea Kalcevic '06 - Young Alumni Award.
• Dr. Charles Gorman '57- Meritorious Award.

Graduating seniors gathered by college for the processional into the stadium, then listened as Commencement speaker Fred Gladney '71 delivered an inspirational message and comedian Craig Shoemaker accepted both an honorary doctorate and a long-awaited bachelor's degree.
 
When the ceremonies ended, more than 700 students had received their bachelor's or associate degrees.
Graduate students received their master's degrees during Commencement ceremonies May 7 in Hamer Hall gymnasium.

To provide more recreational space for students as University enrollment grows, the Student Association Inc. (SAI), a nonprofit corporation owned and operated by all students at California University of Pennsylvania, has purchased a 98-acre parcel adjoining the University's south campus.             

Paperwork finalizing the sale of land at 377 East Malden Drive, Coal Center, was filed May 4 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds for Washington County, Pa.

The $1.1 million purchase of the former Harris property increases the overall size of the California University campus by 50 percent. The property adjoins Roadman Park, home to the University's football stadium and track, tennis courts, softball and baseball practice fields, and other recreational facilities.

The Student Association also owns Roadman Park, which was purchased in the 1930s by the Women's Athletic Association, a forerunner of the SAI.  A shuttle operates regularly between Roadman Park and Cal U's main campus beside the Monongahela River.

The newly purchased parcel will enhance the quality of student life and expand recreational opportunities for Cal U students. Plans call for adding a track and playing fields, and using the 100-year-old farmhouse on the property for club meetings and other student activities.

"Cal U's enrollment has reached record levels for 12 consecutive years, and we anticipate further growth in the years ahead," said University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. "Expansion of Cal U's main campus is limited by its location between the river and the town, but this parcel expands the recreation area available for our students.

"I applaud the SAI for its foresight in making this purchase, and I expect this land to become a well-used part of our campus."

The SAI serves Cal U's diverse student body by providing activities and programs and supporting new facilities on campus. The nonprofit association promotes the University's core values, provides leadership opportunities and serves as an advocate for Cal U students. It has been at work strengthening Cal U since 1937.

Three outstanding female students were honored April 30 for their excellence in the support and advancement of women at California University.

Katie Kingsley, Kim Luccini and Anne Blakeslee accepted their Spring 2010 Outstanding Woman of the Year plaques at a luncheon presented by the President's Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW).

The awards are given each semester by the commission, which was established with the support of President Angelo Armenti, Jr.

"These women are definitely the architects of a better society, wouldn't you agree?" said Dr. Lisa M. McBride, special assistant to the president for equal employment and educational opportunity. McBride also serves as University ombudsperson and interim president of the PCSW in the Office of Social Equity.

Kingsley was honored as a graduate student, Lucchini as a non-traditional undergraduate and Blakeslee as a traditional undergraduate student. All three are scheduled to graduate this spring.

- Kingsley will graduate with a Master's of Education in school counseling. She has been a graduate assistant, working with Fran Fayish, a nurse practitioner and wellness educator in the Office of Student Development and Services.

In this role, Kingsley has created programming to educate students on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. She also is a recipient of the Student Counselor of the Year Award at Cal U.

In her personal time, she has collected items for women and children at the Washington Women's Shelter.

"What sets Katie apart from others is that she is extremely self-motivated and reliable 100 percent of the time," Fayish said. She "completed every assignment delegated to her without fail and does so in a way that always exceeds my expectations."

- Lucchini will graduate with a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with minors in Industrial Organization, Psychology and Women's Studies.

She is co-founder and vice president for the new student group Social Justice Activism Now - or So Just Act Now! - which helps to achieve social justice not only for members of the campus community but also for the community at large.

In its first year, So Just Act Now! planned a major event to increase social awareness of the pay gap between men and women in Pittsburgh.

Lucchini helped to coordinate events for the annual Audrey-Beth Fitch Women's Conference and for the "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event to raise awareness about violence against women.

She is also a member of the PCSW - but was kept in the dark about her own award!

Lucchini credited Dr. Marta McClintock-Comeaux, director of the Women's Center, for her growth as a student and as a woman.

"Throughout my studies at Cal U, ‘Dr. Mac's' classes have been my favorites because they're relevant in my life. Because of ‘Dr. Mac,' I discovered many things about myself I didn't know. ... All these things happened because one very special professor saw something in me, believed in me and took the time to help navigate me through.'

- Blakeslee will graduate with a bachelor's degree in International Studies.  She is in the Honors Program and works full time. She has demonstrated her commitment to equity issues by raising awareness on Capitol Hill about women in Darfur, Sudan, who are being raped as a weapon of war.

Her Honors thesis, "Funding for Equality: Breaking the Glass Ceiling of the United States Senate," discusses the difficulties often faced by female candidates.

She has interned for California, Pa., Mayor Casey Durdines '07, who was so impressed with his first female intern that he hired another woman based on her recommendation.

"I knew Anne was a standout when we first met," said Dr. Melanie Blumberg, professor of Political Science and campus director of the American Democracy Project. "She is an intelligent and engaging young woman who takes on difficult challenges. The more demanding the assignment, the more she relishes the challenge."

Kay Dorrance, the P.E.A.C.E. Project coordinator, victim's advocate for the Student Development and Services Office and coordinator of the Women's Center, was presented with the Outstanding Master of Social Work Student award. Dorrance, a Spring 2008 Woman of the Year winner, welcomed the new group "to the club."

Gena Sproul, assistant director in the Office of Social Equity, was the master of ceremonies for the event.

California University's 16^th-ranked baseball team captured the PSAC Championship with a 10-9 victory over 14^th-ranked Kutztown on May 1 at Point Stadium in Johnstown, Pa.

The Vulcans (32-16) won four consecutive games at the state tournament. Cal U opened the eight-team tourney with a 6-5 victory over Mansfield and advanced to the finals with victories over West Chester (8-3) and Slippery Rock (11-10).

Cal U has now achieved 30-win seasons six times in the last seven years.

The Vulcans have won two PSAC titles in the past seven years under 14^th-year head coach Mike Conte and three state baseball championships overall. The team also won the PSAC baseball crown in 1979.

The Vulcans are expected to receive a bid to the NCAA Division II post-season tournament. Those selections will be announced next week.

For results and updates on all of Cal U's varsity sports teams, visit www.calvulcans.com.

The Cal U Reading Specialist Program will work with young readers from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays, June 23 to July 28, in the Keystone Education Building on campus.

The summer program offers reading support for children in grades 1-12, with individual diagnostic testing and remedial tutoring, as part of the graduate Reading Specialist Practicum.

Each child will work with a certified teacher who is earning a second certification as a reading specialist. Parents or guardians of each participating child will receive a case report and a summary of the child's reading progress at the conclusion of the program.

Children in the program attend on June 23-25, June 28-30, July 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, and 26-28. 

Cost of the program is $100. To enroll a child, request registration materials from Dr. Christine Peterson, associate professor in the Department of Elementary/Early Childhood Education, at 724-938-4028 or at peterson@calu.edu.

The No. 8 Vulcans captured their fourth-straight and sixth overall Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Team Championship April 24 with a 5-0 win against No. 44 Slippery Rock.

With the victory, the California University of Pennsylvania tennis team improves to 21-5 on the season and now ranks second all-time in PSAC history with six conference titles.

The Vulcans, who are the top seed in the Atlantic Region, will likely receive their sixth-straight NCAA Tournament selection on April 28. Meanwhile, The Rock falls to 19-5 overall and will also likely earn a berth to the NCAA Tournament after ranking third in the region. In addition to the win on April 24, Cal U had defeated Slippery Rock to win the 2008 PSAC Championship.

The Vulcans jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead after sweeping doubles play, losing only eight games in the three matches. At first doubles, freshman Jutta Bornefeld (Varel, Germany/Lother-Meyer Gymnasium) and junior Nina Kowalski (Hofheim, Germany/Man Taunus) posted 8-2 victory over Dunja Drmac and Laura Handy, the third-ranked doubles team in the region.

Sophomores Axelle Fernandez (Toulouse, France/Institut Familial) and Alina Stanila (Alexandria, Romania/Technical) also claimed an 8-2 win at the second slot against The Rock's Chelsea Gibson and Jessica Hilborn, while freshman Jade Pondicas (Johannesburg, South Africa/British International Distance) and sophomore Anastassiya Zherdeva (Almaty, Kazakhstan/Gumnasia Number 60) dealt Janelle Krantz and Sarah Lynch an 8-4 defeat at third doubles.

Pondicas and Zherdeva earned their 10th-straight victory to improve to 11-2 overall this season as a doubles team.

Cal U completed the 5-0 win following victories at the fifth and singles positions. Despite joining the team in the spring, Pondicas now ranks fourth on the team with 19 wins record following a 6-4, 6-0 victory at the fifth slot against Hilbon.

Fernandez won her 10th-consecutive singles match after blanking Casey Runyan at sixth singles, 6-0, 6-0.

Bornefeld was named the PSAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player after finishing with a 2-0 overall record in wins over Kutztown and Slippery Rock, two of the top 10 teams in the region.

Over the last four seasons, the Vulcans have compiled an astounding 98-13 overall record (.883) with four straight PSAC West and Tournament championships.

Ticket sales close soon!! Drawing is May 3, 2010.

Cal U students need scholarships, and the IA/TE Alumni Society is gearing up
to help.
 
The nonprofit organization of industrial arts and technology education
graduates is raffling off a 2010 Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycle to
boost its endowed scholarship fund.

The goal is to give something back to California, says Paul Koontz '78,
president of the alumni society. Personally, Cal gave me a lot more than
just academics. It gave me a foundation for my professional life, and I want
to help pass that opportunity along to others.
 
A total of 5,000 tickets are available, at a cost of $10 each. Every ticket
has two numbers, doubling the chance to win.
 
The winning ticket will match the Pennsylvania Lottery¹s Big 4 lottery
numbers drawn on the evening of May 3, 2010.
 
The winner will be notified by certified mail. The holder of the winning
ticket must provide proof of insurance and a valid driver¹s license for
registration purposes. Complete rules are posted online at
www.cal-ia-te-alumni.org. [LINK to this site]
 
For tickets or more information, call 724-938-4085 or 724-938-4169 between 8
a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays, or e-mail Dr. John Kallis at kallis@calu.edu  or
Dean Len Colelli at colelli@calu.edu.

California University is among 286 colleges and universities included in The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges, a comprehensive new directory produced in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council.

Launched online in time for the 40th annual Earth Day celebration on April 22, the free guide can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/greenguide and www.usgbc.org/campus.

The guide profiles "the nation's most environmentally responsible campuses." It is based on a survey of hundreds of colleges nationwide, but unlike other Princeton Review guides, it does not include student comments.

California University's online profile specifically mentions its "ambitious multimillion-dollar geothermal project ... to reduce the need for fossil fuels," and the Cal U Weather Center's participation in the worldwide GLOBE science education and data dissemination program.

In addition, "37 percent of the school's energy consumption is derived from renewable resources," the profile says, and "the university also offers internships and employment counseling for environmentally aware and sustainability-related industries."

The University's geothermal project also was highlighted in the 2008-2009 Green Community exhibition at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

"Once again, Cal U is being recognized as a leader in practical sustainability," said University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. "These are not just ‘feel-good' initiatives.

"Our commitment to energy conservation makes sense both financially and from an environmental standpoint. Our residence halls conserve resources while providing world-class housing for our students. Our ‘green' decisions have been made after a great deal of thought, and I am pleased that our efforts have been noticed."

Prospective students and their families may be taking notice, too. In a recent survey of students and parents, The Princeton Review found that two-thirds of respondents indicated that information about a school's commitment to the environment would be a factor in their decision to apply.

For the past five years, The Princeton Review has named California University one of the best higher education choices in the northeastern United States. 

The education services company profiled Cal U in its The Best Northeastern Colleges: 2010 Edition, and listed it in the "Best in the Northeast" section of its website feature "2010 Best Colleges Region by Region." 

California University has added Walt Harris to its football staff under the direction of ninth-year head coach John Luckhardt.

Harris will serve as offensive coordinator. The former head coach at the University of Pittsburgh and Stanford University, he is noted for his ability to produce talented quarterbacks.

"Walt Harris the consummate professional," said Luckhardt. "He's done it all as a coach, and he is an excellent human being who sincerely cares about his players and all those he works with."

Harris, 63, compiled a 52-44 record over eight seasons at Pitt, from 1997-2004, including a victory in the Tangerine Bowl in 2001 and the Insight.com Bowl in 2002.

Harris also has coached at his collegiate alma mater, Pacific University (1989-91), and at Stanford University (2005-2006). In 2009 he served as the University of Akron's quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator.

"I am very impressed by California's football program and the campus," Harris said. "I have no ego and am a team player. We have very good assistant coaches that I am learning from every day.

"I've been coaching a long time and seen many different formations and schemes," he added. "Hopefully I can help tweak a few things here or there and help this team do something very special."

The Vulcans football program has vaulted onto the national scene in the past three seasons. The team has won five consecutive PSAC-West championships en route to Cal U's first appearance in the NCAA Division II national playoffs in 2007 and three consecutive Northeast Regional championships.

The Vulcans have finished in the national semifinals each of the past three seasons and were named the ECAC Beast of the East for the third consecutive year in 2009, finishing seventh in the nation among all NCAA Division II football programs.

Cal U has won 20 consecutive PSAC-West games heading into 2010, and the Vulcans have compiled a 36-7 cumulative record over the past three seasons.

Cal U opens the 2010 season at Saginaw Valley (Mich.) State on Sept. 4.

Harris, originally from South San Francisco, Calif., now resides in the Pittsburgh area. He was called one of the brightest minds in football by the late Pro Football Hall of Fame coach, Bill Walsh.

"I grew up in California, the other one," Harris joked at an April 19 news conference in the Kara Alumni House.

"Coaching is about helping a young person become better every day, not about wins and losses. This is an excellent opportunity for me. I'm a ball coach, and it's about fitting in."

In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the National Wild Turkey Federation, Cal U's student chapter of the Wildlife Society will hold its 13th annual Outdoor Bash and Wild Game Dinner March 27 in the Republic Social Hall, in the village of Republic.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6. Raffles and door prizes will take place all evening.

Admission is $10; tickets are available in advance or at the door.

Men's Hockey Falls in Florida

The Cal U I men's hockey team lost its bid for a second American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division III National Championship on Friday.

Under the direction of head coach Justin Berger, the 29-1 Vulcans fell to Central Florida, 8-7, in a heart-breaker in the Germain Arena in Estero, Fla.

Men's and women's hockey are club sports at Cal U. The men's team won the ACHA national title in 2008.

For updates, results, game times and more information, visit http://sai.cup.edu/sai/clubs/hockey.

Scores so far:
March 10 - Cal U tops Lansing, Mich., 11-3
March 11 - Cal U tops Cal-Northridge, Calif., 9-2

March 12 - Central Florida tops Cal U, 8-7

Give online to help rebuild a school in Haiti!

A Letter from the President

Dear members of the University Family,

California University, along with our 13 sister institutions within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), is participating in PASSHE's Haiti relief effort.

I encourage your support of the fundraising initiative described below.

The outpouring of donations across the world has been impressive and quite moving. I applaud those of you who have already responded with tremendous generosity to the immediate needs of the Haitian people.  

In its relief initiative, PASSHE is looking beyond the immediate needs to a time when rebuilding will commence, both for the country and for the Haitian people. These citizens, many of whom lived in great poverty before the earthquake, will be faced with the arduous task of re-establishing an economic and educational infrastructure; therefore, PASSHE will concentrate its efforts on collecting donations for rebuilding a school in Haiti. 

Cheyney University and Kutztown University will serve jointly as coordinators of the effort to identify and adopt such a school. 

A fund will be established in the PASSHE Foundation to collect donations from faculty, staff, students, alumni and other groups. Members of the California University family who wish to donate to this effort should make checks payable to "Foundation for Cal U," and the designation "Haiti Relief Fund" should be noted in the memo section of the check.

Mail checks to: Foundation for Cal U, P.O. Box 668, California, PA 15419. A charitable gift receipt will be sent from the Foundation for Cal U noting that your donation has been designated for the Haiti Relief Fund.

You may also give online. All donations made through the University's Foundation will be forwarded to PASSHE.

In addition, the University will host Help for Haiti: A Special Convocation at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11. Details about the program will be coming soon.

With sincere appreciation,

Angelo Armenti, Jr.
President

Congress has amended the federal tax code to allow some gifts from Haitian Earthquake Relief made in 2010 to be deducted on income tax returns for the 2009 federal tax year.  More information is available in IRS Publication 526 and its lead amendment page, available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf

The deadline for the Faculty Professional Development Committee's 2010 Merit Award nominations is quickly approaching.

Each FPDC Subcommittee - Research, Teaching and Learning, Technology, Service and Service-Learning, and Grants and Contracts - offers a $1,000 award that can be used for appropriate professional activities.

The form to nominate a faculty member for the Merit Award can be downloaded from the FPDC's website.  Self-nominations for the award are acceptable.

The completed nomination form must be received in the Faculty Center, 134 Azorsky, by noon on Feb. 15.

Students network, clubs meet service goals and children benefit from a project organized by the Women’s Center.

Tie-n-Talk participants saw the first tangible results this month when nearly 30 “Blanket, Book and Bear Bundles” were delivered to the Washington Women’s Shelter for young children victimized by domestic violence.

“We provided the fleece material and children’s books, and we asked participating groups to donate teddy bears,” said Kay Dorrance, a former graduate assistant at the Women’s Center who now is interim coordinator/advocate for the P.E.A.C.E. Project.

“Each group scheduled specific times to come in and make the blankets and tie it all together with ribbon.”

Tie-n-Talk participants included the women’s swimming team, Black Student Union, Best Buddies, PRSSA, the PRactitioners, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Sigma Pi and the Psychology Club.

“The idea behind Tie-n-Talk was really to give clubs and organizations something they need, which is involvement in service projects,” said Dorrance, who will earn a master’s degree in social work this May.

“At the same time, it was an ideal way to network, build some relationships and see what kind of events we have planned. We want to build that bridge with the Women’s Center and students on campus.”

During her internship at Domestic Violence Services of Fayette County, Dorrance saw firsthand how children are affected by family violence. She believes the bundles can offer some comfort.

“It’s something soothing to give them to make things a little better,” she said. “Oftentimes children and women come into a shelter with literally just the clothes on their back. They do not have time to gather what few toys they might have.”

The Women’s Center has scheduled an array of activities for the spring semester, including a fundraiser for Tie-n-Talk.

Collaborating with the women’s swimmming and softball teams — and endorsed by First Lady Barbara Armenti — the Women’s Center is co-hosting a raffle to benefit The Village, a nonprofit facility near campus that offers child care for low-income single parents who are pursuing their education at Cal U.

The grand prize of the raffle is free in-state tuition for a semester, or the cash equivalent ($2,800). All proceeds benefit The Village daycare center, the Women’s Center and the two teams. Tickets may be purchased at the Women’s Center, Carter Hall G-45.

“The Tie-n-Talk event was successful,” said Nancy Skobel, director of the Women’s Center and the P.E.A.C.E. Project. “The raffle was a direct spin-off from this and helped more people become aware of the center and what we have to offer.”

A woman with a heart for educating others, one with a passion for organizing social-awareness events, and a third who is pursuing a lifelong dream to be a teacher have each been recognized as an Outstanding Woman of the Year for Fall 2009.

The awards are given each semester by the President’s Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW), established in 1990 with the support of President Angelo Armenti, Jr.

“The commission focuses on women’s issues and concerns, advocates on their behalf and recommends to the President specific actions that should be taken to improve the status of women at California University,” said Dr. Lisa M. McBride, special assistant to the president for equality employment and education opportunity (EEEO), University ombudsperson and interim president of the PCSW in the Office of Social Equity.

The honorees are Melissa Nelson in the graduate category, Katie Mercadante in the undergraduate category and Julie Miller in the non-traditional undergraduate category.

— Nelson graduated in December with a master’s of education degree. She tutors students to help them prepare for the PRAXIS II elementary teaching certification, is active with Science Olympiad and developed the American Sign Language curriculum for the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Nelson currently is working on the development of a charter school to aid English-as-a-Second-Language students to improve their English and learn two major world languages.

“We are looking for outstanding women, and Melissa certainly stands out,” said Dr. Connie Armitage, who joined Jane Bonari in nominating Nelson for the award.

“She stands out in a crowd for her professionalism and work ethic. She’s involved in so many things. She’s a real go-getter.”

— Mercadante is pursuing bachelor of science degrees in earth science and secondary education with a minor in GIS/emergency management. She has organized campus events such as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and Take Back the Night to raise awareness of women’s issues. As a community assistant, she hosted programming to discuss the issue of date rape and served as a resource for female residents. She also has been a leader in several sororities on campus.

“Katie is a high achiever in her male-dominated field of earth science and meteorology,” wrote nominator Karen Posa, director of University-wide mentoring. “Periodically throughout my career, I have had a few opportunities to meet an exceptional student who stands out among the rest. Katie Mercadante is one of those students.”

— Miller, who is pursuing a bachelor of science in education, came back to school to achieve her dream of becoming a teacher. She is active in her community with the Perryopolis Heritage Society, developing and running a one-room schoolhouse demonstration during the town’s Pioneer Days.

She also works full-time at Linden Hall Corp., helping to prepare young women to be the leaders of their generation. She is the proud mother of two daughters, both in college themselves.

Noted Bonari in her nomination letter, “Julie’s dedication to hard work and her desire to help people will enable her to become an outstanding teacher.”

The awards were presented at a luncheon in December. Guest speaker was Lynda Jones, president of the California, Pa., chapter of the AAUW, formerly known as the American Association of University Women.

For more information about the President’s Commission on the Status of Women, contact McBride at 724-938-4014 or mcbride@calu.edu.

CALIFORNIA, Pa. (Jan. 18, 2010)... 

An article by Dr. Keith Wilmot, assistant professor in Cal U's Department of Justice, Law and Society, was published recently in the journal Social Justice in Context.

The multidisciplinary peer reviewed journal publishes articles written by scholars and professionals committed to the study of social justice utilizing quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Wilmot's article is titled "A Dilemma in Context: The Question of Certainty and Fairness Within the Parameters of Federal Sentencing." 

In it, he explains that in the current legal environment, where sentencing guidelines have been rendered advisory, the relevant conduct provision has remained intact - judges may still consider unadjudicated conduct at sentencing.

After serving as a special agent with U.S. military intelligence, Wilmot worked as an investigator for both the Douglas County Public Defender's office and the Douglas County Attorney's office, both in Omaha, Neb., where he conducted pre-trial investigations for the public defender and investigated criminal fraud cases for the county attorney.

"This is a very significant piece of scholarship published by Dr. Wilmot," said Dr. Michael Hummel, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. "His extensive past practitioner experience is evident in his scholarly activity and also in what he offers our students in the classroom.

Wilmot's current research involves issues within the scope of federal and state sentencing and issues regarding race and crime. 

He recently co-authored another manuscript currently under review for publication, "Sentencing of Native Americans: A Multi-stage Analysis Under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines." 

Cal U will host the national premiere of a theatrical production that traces the immigrant experience in America from the mid-1800s to the present.

America Amerique begins its national tour at 8 p.m. Jan. 23 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.

In 20 scenes, seven actors will portray characters as diverse as a young Russian Jewish girl from 1890 to an Italian father of 1900 to a 21^st-century border guard watching over a stretch of desert running into Mexico.  

Historian Thomas Jessen Adams drew the play's background from letters, court documents, journals, diaries, broadcasts and newspaper accounts of actual events. Text was written by John Adams, managing director of The JENA Company, which specializes in national tours of new work by acclaimed theatre artists.

Previous productions by the New York City-base company include Unforgettable: The Nat King Cole Story and the civil rights chronicle My Soul Is a Witness, which was staged at Cal U in 2006.

In addition to the premiere performance of America Amerique, the cast and crew will hold technical and dress rehearsals in Steele Hall.

Sponsored by the Student Activities Board at California University, the performance is open to the public. Tickets are free, but registration is required. To attend, call 724-938-4303. 

Cal U's Black Student Union and the Office of Multicultural Student Programs will celebrate Black History Month in February with an array of campus activities and a trip to the National Afro-American Cultural Center and Museum in Wilberforce, Ohio.

The month's keynote event will be a talk by author and poet Sapphire. Her best-selling novel Push is the basis of the hit movie Precious, nominated for three Golden Globe awards. Sapphire will speak at6 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Performance Center, inside the Natali Student Center. A book signing will follow.

Other events include a poetry slam featuring professionals and an open microphone at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Gold Rush, and a step-dancing performance featuring The Soul Steppers at 9 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Performance Center.

Campus events are free; the Cal U community and the public are welcome.

A trip to the National Afro-American Cultural Center and Museum also is open both to Cal U students and to community members. Cost is $15 for students, $30 for others; ticket price includes transportation and admission to all sites, a trip to a nearby shopping mall, and dinner at the Golden Corral.

2010 Black History Month Events

Sponsored by the Black Student Union and Office of Multicultural Student Programs

Feb. 1 — 6:30 p.m., church service led by Rev. Montele Crawford, Natali Student Center, rooms 206-207.

Feb. 4 —5:15 p.m., “Talk back” discussion forum, Carter Hall Multi-Purpose Room. Tamanika Howze, Director of the Kingsley-Lincoln Freedom School, will discuss the history of Freedom Schools.  

Feb. 10 — 8 p.m., poetry night, Natali Student Center, Gold Rush.  

Feb. 11 — 9 p.m.-midnight, Valentine’s dance, Johnson Hall Community Room. Admission is free before 10 p.m., $2 after 10. Half the proceeds will be donated to the Kingsley–Lincoln Freedom School.

Feb. 18 — 8 p.m., game night, Natali Student Center, Commuter Center. A bingo event and a spades card tournament ($15 per team) will be held for cash prizes, in addition to board games and videogaming stations. A portion of the card tournament entry fees will be donated to the Kingsley–Lincoln Freedom School.

Feb. 20 — 6 a.m. Trip to National Afro-American Cultural Center and Museum in Wilberforce, Ohio. Cost is $15 for students, $30 for others. Call Tonya Kirkland, 724-938-4307.

Feb. 22 – 9 p.m., Soul Steppers step-dancing show, Performance Center.This event is co-sponsored by the Student Activities Board.

Feb. 23 — 6 p.m., talk by Sapphire, author of Push, Performance Center. The hit movie Precious, nominated for three Golden Globe awards, is based on Sapphire’s best-selling memoir. The free event is open to the public.

Feb. 24 — 9 p.m., Black history trivia contest, Natali Student Center, Commuter Center. This event is co-sponsored by The National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Feb. 26 — 7 p.m.-midnight, seventh annual BSU formal dinner and dance, Willow Room, Rostraver Township. Bus departs from the Natali Student Center at 6:30 p.m. Limited tickets; cost is $15 per person, $20 per couple. Tickets are available at the SAI offices, Natali Student Center.

Cal U’s Zeta Phi Beta sorority and Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) fraternity have earned the President's Award for the most outstanding fraternity and sorority on campus.

The award is the highest recognition a fraternity or sorority can receive. It is based on scholarship, community service, overall Greek activities and educational programming.

This is the 10^th consecutive year that Zeta Phi Beta has won the President’s Award.

The group has raised funds for the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes and Ronald McDonald House, and participated in events such as Light the Night walks and highway cleanups. Members volunteer at preschools and make Easter baskets for the elderly, and the sorority holds frequent workshops on topics such as healthy relationships and wellness.

Founded in 1920, Zeta Phi Beta has chartered hundreds of chapters and initiated thousands of women around the world. It was the first Greek-letter organization to charter a chapter in Africa; to form adult and youth auxiliary groups; to centralize its operations in a national headquarters in Washington, D.C.; and to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Phi Gamma Delta received the President’s Award and the Scholarship Award for a second year. Members had an average GPA of 3.18, exceeding the overall campus fraternity average of 2.73.

The fraternity brothers participated in Relay For Life, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, The Big Event, Take Back The Night, educational programming for alcohol awareness, sex education, and Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits” training. They also work extensively with Cal U’s P.E.A.C.E. Project

Cal U’s fraternity was recognized by Phi Gamma Delta’s national newsletter, The Friday Letter — Good News Edition.

The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, also known as Fiji or Phi Gam, has 107 chapters and seven colonies at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. It is dedicated to developing men of character within the academic setting, with the aim that they will become fully contributing members of society.

Also known as Fiji or Phi Gam, Phi Gamma Delta has 107 chapters and seven colonies at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Its international headquarters is in Lexington, Ky.

“The University is very proud of the Zeta Phi Beta sisters and Phi Gamma Delta brothers,” said Dr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for student development and services. 

“Their community service, stellar academic work and active presence on the campus symbolize the part of our University’s mission that involves building character.”

For the third consecutive year, Cal U’s football team has earned the NCAA Division II Lambert Meadowlands Cup, awarded by the Eastern College Athletic Conference.

Cal U finished atop the final Lambert Meadowlands weekly poll with 120 points. Shippensburg, Edinboro, East Stroudsburg and Bentley (Mass.) universities rounded out the top five.

Joining Cal U as Lambert trophy winners for the 2009 season were Penn State (FBS), Villanova (FCS) and Wesley (NCAA Division III). Only the Nittany Lions and Vulcans were repeat winners in their respective divisions.To be eligible for the Lambert Meadowlands award, a school must be located in the East or play at least half of its schedule against eligible Lambert Meadowlands teams. The territory includes New York, New Jersey, New England and Pennsylvania; teams in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia qualify if at least half their schedule features eligible teamsEstablished in 1936 as the Lambert Trophy, the annual award recognizes supremacy in Eastern college football at all NCAA levels.

Under the guidance of eighth-year head coach John Luckhardt (68-28), the Vulcans compiled an 11-4 overall record in 2009. The team won its fifth consecutive PSAC-West championship and advanced to the NCAA Division II national semifinals for the third straight season.

Over the past three seasons Cal has compiled a 36-7 cumulative record, a perfect 20-0 divisional mark and won seven of 10 NCAA playoff games.

For the seventh consecutive semester, Cal U’s athletic programs have compiled a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

In all, 201 student-athletes were named to the fall 2009 edition of the Vulcan Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. To be eligible for the academic honor, student-athletes must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher during the semester.

The women’s golf team achieved the highest cumulative team GPA at 3.58, with all eight players attaining honor roll status. The baseball team topped the men’s side with a 3.18 cumulative GPA and 21 players on the honor roll.

Eighty-seven percent of the women’s cross country team, and 85 percent of the softball team made the honor roll. The women’s track and field team had the greatest number of athletes on the honor roll, with 39.

For the second consecutive year, Cal U has been named one of America’s Top Military Friendly Colleges and Universities by Military Advanced Education, a magazine for service members who are continuing their studies.

The magazine’s listing notes Cal U’s accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The most popular programs among military students, it says, are in sport management, science and technology, legal studies and criminal justice.

In 2008, Cal U joined forces with GoArmyEd, a gateway to higher education for soldiers stationed anywhere in the world. Through the online GoArmyEd portal, soldiers and their families have easy access to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered by Global Online, Cal U’s Internet-based learning community.

Cal U’s athletic department ranks third among 16 schools in the 2009-2010 race for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s Dixon Trophy.

Led by 16 points from the women’s volleyball team, the Vulcans have amassed 74.5 points. Also achieving double-digit point totals for Cal U were football (15), women’s soccer (14) and men’s golf (11).

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania leads the Dixon Trophy race with 79.5 points followed by Bloomsburg with 75.

Seven different institutions have won the Dixon Trophy, including Cal U, which won the 2008-2009 award after totaling a league-record 161 points.

The PSAC has awarded the Dixon Trophy annually since the 1995-1996 academic year to a member institution whose athletic program earns the best overall finish in conference championships and/or regular-season play.

During the course of the academic year, points are awarded based on an institution’s finish in 22 conference sports. Only a school’s best 12 finishes, six men’s and six women’s, are used in the final calculation of the Dixon Trophy standings.

Seven PSAC championships will be contested in the 2009-2010 winter season: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, and wrestling.

Digital images by Robert Creamer on display beginning Dec. 18 at California University

CALIFORNIA, PA (Dec. 4, 2009) — Digital technology reveals the beauty of nature in Transitions: Photographs by Robert Creamer, an exhibition created by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration the National Museum of Natural History. 

Transitions will open Dec. 18 in Manderino Gallery, on the third floor of Manderino Library at California University. The images will remain on view through April 27. 

In creating the works for this stunning exhibition, Creamer traded his usual camera for a flatbed scanner. His compositions use flora and fauna that are placed directly on the scanner in aesthetic arrangements or suspended over it. The resulting detail is eerily lifelike and yet incredibly expressive.
  
“I’m challenging the traditional notion of beauty as something perfect and flawless,” said Creamer. 

Many of his photographs show flowers in various stages of decay. Creamer’s subjects were drawn from the research collections at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Florida, and the Echo Hill Outdoor School in Maryland.  

Transitions features 39 of Robert Creamer’s high-resolution images created exclusively for the exhibition.  Many are paired to show a subject in transition. This exhibition also features a video by videographer Jeannie Yoon about Creamer’s scanning and printing. 

“I enjoy exploring the transitory nature of beauty and am constantly enthused by the serendipitous understandings and new relationships that this technique reveals to me,” Creamer said. 

SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 50 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play.

All SITES exhibitions at Cal U are open to the public. Gallery hours and other information is available online at www.calu.edu/sites. To discuss group tours or field trips, call exhibitions coordinator Walter Czekaj at 724-938-5244 or e-mail czekaj@calu.edu.

CALIFORNIA, Pa. (Jan. 18, 2010)...

Inspiration and advice from three distinguished alumni highlighted Cal U's 169th Commencement.

President Angelo Armenti, Jr. conferred degrees on more than 1,200 graduates, including students whose diplomas were awarded in absentia.

"This is your University. For all time to come, California will be your alma mater, and you will always be welcome here," President Armenti said.

"I invite you to return often and to keep in touch with us. Be sure to let us know about your life after you leave here. Please know that California University of Pennsylvania is extremely proud of you and your accomplishments."

Richard Sabo '55 addressed the master's degree candidates on Dec. 18, and Jerry Salandro '70 delivered remarks Dec. 19 at the undergraduate event.

Before the undergraduates received their diplomas, Provost Geraldine Jones introduced Carol B. Mitchell '72, '75, who was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Mitchell is president and chief executive officer of Verland, a nonprofit parent company whose subsidiaries serve more than 200 people with disabilities.

In her address, Mitchell gave a moving account of how her relationship with David, a young boy with severe intellectual disabilities, inspired her life's work.

"David and his friends lived such inhumane lives in such appalling conditions ... that I instinctively knew what Verland should be like," she said. "Today, all Verlanders live lives of dignity with appropriate support in beautiful, comfortable homes.

"I hope my life's work gives enough credit to Cal U," said Mitchell, who was visibly moved by the honor. "This is a dream come true, and I will continually strive to more worthy of this very special degree."

In their speeches, both Sabo and Salandro touched on our country's unprecedented freedoms and its recent economic struggles.

Sabo, who retired in 2006 as the assistant to the CEO of Lincoln Electric, wove his address around a series of four-letter words - free, love, hear, pray, goal, work, save and give.

"I hope to be more practical than profound," he said, noting that the United States has the only Constitution in the world that protects its citizens from the federal government.

"I have learned that personal experience and human relationships, both in your personal and professional life, are what is going to carry you. The road to success is always under construction. A marvelous way to learn is to listen, but I would like to add that if you hear, you will learn even more."

Sabo, a former Vulcan football player, echoed President Armenti's frequent call to "pay it forward," and he asked the master's degree candidates never to stop learning. 

"The secret to happiness is to give, and the essence of giving is to serve," he said. "Learn as if you are going to live forever, and live as though you are going to die tomorrow."

Salandro, founder and CEO of Iris Technologies, urged the graduating class to take full advantage of the opportunities this country offers and to remember those who sacrificed for it.

"Tough times never last, but tough people do," he said. "You are making history by being a part of this great country, where millions of people came before you and paid a price ... for your rights to freedom and peace. We can never forget those people."

He also reminded the graduates to be grateful for those who helped them reach this milestone.

"When you were born, your parents looked at you and wanted you have things better," he said. "That's because we live in America, where dreams are made."

While congratulating graduates at both ceremonies, President Armenti urged them to become a part of the University's culture of philanthropy, as embodied in the Cal U for Life initiative.

"As you walk across the stage to receive your diplomas, you will be closing one chapter of your life's journey, and opening another," he said. "That turning of the page is likely to be both exhilarating and just a little disconcerting, since we can never know what the future will bring.

"But one thing is certain: You will join the select group of educated and influential citizens, teachers, business leaders, scientists, scholars and others who will build tomorrow's America, and tomorrow's world."

Auction details

Bidding opens March 25 for the second Pittsburgh Penguins Online Auction supporting student scholarships at Cal U.

Hockey fans who visit the Penguins website can find a link to the auction, where they can place a bid on autographed Penguins collectibles or a special "hard-hat tour" of the Consol Energy Center, now under construction.

Bidding closes at 5 p.m. April 2.

The winner of the tour will be able to visit the new home of the Penguins, including the concourse, ice surface, locker rooms and more - before the building is open to the public.

The tour package also includes B-level tickets to the final regular season home game vs. the New York Islanders April 8 at Mellon Arena.

Also on the auction block are home jerseys signed by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin; a goaltender's stick autographed by Marc Andre Fleury; and a framed photo of the Game 7 on-ice celebration with facsimile signatures of all the Stanley Cup Championship players.

Auction proceeds benefit scholarships for Cal U students. Cal U's first online auction of Penguins memorabilia raised more than $5,000 for the scholarship fund.

Auction details