2018's Top Stories

Dec 26, 2018

We count down the year's milestones at California University of Pennsylvania.

year in review

Rutledge Institute Established

Tom Rutledge, a 1977 graduate of Cal U, and his wife, Karen, joined University officials April 30 to announce plans for the Rutledge Institute for Early Childhood Education. The $4 million gift is the largest in the history of California University of Pennsylvania. The preschool, located in Morgan Hall, was dedicated on Dec. 10.

Chancellor Visits

Dr. Dan Greenstein, chancellor of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, makes his initial visit to California on Oct. 25. His daylong schedule of meetings included a public forum and opened with a memorable, if chilly, 6-mile bike ride.

Doctor of Health Science Grads

The first graduates from Cal U’s online doctoral program in health science and exercise leadership receive their degrees Dec. 14 at the University’s 2018 Winter Commencement ceremonies at the Convocation Center.

Vulcan Fest Weekend

For the first time, Cal U teams up with the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency to present Vulcan Fest Homecoming Weekend, a community celebration of Cal U connections and hometown pride, Oct. 12-14.

Cal U Adds 7 Business Degrees

The University now offers accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degrees in accounting, economics, finance, human resource management, management, marketing, and interdisciplinary studies in business and commerce. 

New Nursing Partnership

Cal U forms an educational alliance with the Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing in Kennedy Township, Pa. Under the agreement, Cal U will provide top quality online coursework for nursing students who represent the future of healthcare in the region. 

New Options for Medical Careers

Cal U’s pre-professional program creates direct pathways to careers at chiropractic colleges or LECOM’s medical, dentistry and pharmacy schools

Refreshed Look for calu.edu

California University’s new website debuts on Jan. 17 with a new look and a clearer purpose.

Welcome Weekend 2018

Cal U welcomes its largest class of first-year students since 2014 during Welcome Weekend festivities. The new group also included eight sets of twins, 20 international students from 18 countries, and students from 53 Pennsylvania counties and 13 U.S. states. Many were born in 2000, making this the first class born and raised in the current millennium. 

Two New Deans

Dr. Brenda Fredette, who began in January, guides the Eberly College of Science and Technology. Dr. Kristen Majocha joined Cal U in July and leads the College of Liberal Arts.