VOLUME 14, NUMBER 16 MAY 28 , 2012

California University

READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal

Alumni Weekend, Gala Coming Up

Cal U underwent a change inleadership May 16 when theBoard of Governors of the State

System of Higher Education brought the20-year tenure of President AngeloArmenti, Jr. to a close.

Robert Irey, chair of the University’sCouncil of Trustees, announced thedecision in e-mails sent to students,faculty, staff and alumni. The messagealso was posted on the University’swebsite.

“The Board ofGovernors … haschosen to take a newdirection,” Irey toldthe campuscommunity. “I joinmy fellow councilmembers inassumingresponsibility for thecontinued success of

our students, our mission and ourcampus.”

His open letter commended PresidentArmenti for his leadership and longservice to the University, adding that his“dedication to our students, and to themission of this great University, has beenunparalleled.”

Irey’s message mentioned Cal UGlobal Online, the Internship andCareer Services offices, and the Cal UFusion initiative among Dr. Armenti’saccomplishments.

Geraldine M. Jones, who has servedCal U as provost and vice president foracademic affairs since 2001, assumed therole of acting president.

A member of Cal U’s Class of 1971,Jones returned to her alma mater in1974. She spent 20 years as director forthe Upward Bound program and servedas the chair of the Department ofAcademic Development Services for 11years.

Jones also reached out to the Cal Ucommunity.

“’Cal U continues to move forward.’As the acting president, this is themessage that I want to convey to you,”she wrote. “Although our leadership haschanged, California University remainsvibrant and strong.

“Our faculty and staff remaindedicated to providing the besteducational opportunities possible forour students. Our mission, in addition to‘Building Character, Building Careers,’ isthe success of our students and alumni.

“We are committed to continuing CalU’s great legacy by offering high-qualityacademics, and working to reach the

— Continued on page 4

JonesNamedActing

President

Geraldine M. Jones

Just a few years ago, Josh Giffin’sparents said good-bye to theirfreshman son in the Hamer

Parking Lot. On May 12 they watchedhim receive a degree in sportmanagement in the ConvocationCenter, built on the very same site.

“I guess his college career startedand ended here,” said mom StephanieGiffin, of Hershey, Pa. “We loved thebuilding and the ceremony. Theatmosphere was excellent.”

The Convocation Center was filledto capacity for Cal U’s 174thCommencement, the first springtimegraduation ceremonies held in the newbuilding.

Dr. Robert Delmontagne ’66addressed the master’s degreecandidates on May 11, and Maj. Gen.Donna Barbisch ’84 delivered remarksat the undergraduate event.

President Angelo Armenti, Jr.conferred degrees upon nearly 1,300students, including those whosediplomas were awarded in absentia.

“I invite you to return often,” hetold the graduates. “Please know thatCalifornia University of Pennsylvania isextremely proud of you and youraccomplishments.”

Before undergraduates received theirdiplomas, Corey Stoner, chair of theSenior Gift Drive Committee, presented

a check for more than $8,000contributed by graduating seniors andtheir families. More than $28,000 hasbeen raised for an endowed scholarshipsince the Cal U for Life initiative beganwith the first senior class donation atthe spring 2010 Commencement.

Graduating seniors who gave to the2012 gift drive wore red tassels affixedto their caps.

“Those of us who worked on thesenior class gift drive embrace Cal U forLife, which is an important initiative,”Stoner said. “This donation is a tokenof our pledge to have a lifelongrelationship with our alma mater.”

— Continued on page 3

Graduates, Families FillConvocation Center

Alumni Speakers Reminisce at 174th Commencement

California University will honor alumni, recognizefaculty and raise funds for student scholarships duringthe 2012 Alumni Weekend and President’s Gala, set

for June 1-2.Acting President Geraldine M. Jones will host the annual

gala, “A Night on Broadway,” at the Omni William Penn hotelin downtown Pittsburgh.

Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit student scholarships.The gala reception begins at 6 p.m. June 2, followed by

dinner at 7 p.m. A silent auction raises scholarship funds, anddancing also is on the agenda.

During the festivities, Acting President Jones will honorDr. David Amati ’70, ’72, winner of the Lillian Bassi CoreValues Award.

Also being honored are faculty members Dr. MarcFederico, of the Department of Exercise Science and SportStudies, who will receive the President’s Faculty Award forTeaching, and Dr. Paul Crawford, of the History and PoliticalScience Department, who will receive the President’s FacultyAward for Research.

Dr. Kelton Edmonds, of the History and Political ScienceDepartment and director of the Frederick Douglass Institute,will receive the President’s Faculty Award for Service.

Retired professors Dr. Phyllis McIlwain and RichardNemec ’65 will be honored with the President’s EmeritiFaculty Awards.

Honorary chairs for the event are Dr. Charles ’73 and — Continued on page 3

Charles Sledge celebrates after receiving his diploma inside the packed Convocation Center. With its 174th Commencement, Cal U markedthe first springtime graduation ceremonies held in the new building.

2

Three ROTC CadetsCommissioned as

Army Officers

Faculty Earn Merit Awards

Three ROTC cadets werecommissioned as secondlieutenants in the U.S. Army at a

ceremony May 11 in Steele HallMainstage Theatre.

Cal U cadets Benjamin Snyder andJoseph Friedman received the gold barssignifying their new rank at theDepartment of Military Science’sReserve Officer Training Corpscommissioning ceremony.

They were joined by cadet LindseyPotter, who attends Seton Hill Universityin Greensburg, Pa.

Before taking the oath of office andfollowing welcoming remarks by Cal UPresident Angelo Armenti, Jr., the cadetsheard words of advice from State. Sen.John Pippy, who represents the 37thDistrict and who also serves as alieutenant colonel in the PennsylvaniaArmy National Guard.

“Today you join the ranks of men

and women who over the last 236 yearshave sworn an oath to uphold and defendour Constitution and our way of life,” hesaid. “The legacy of the Americansoldier is one of selfless service, personalsacrifice on behalf of a nation.

“The American soldier represents theembodiment of the American spirit.”

The three new officers have differentmilitary assignments. Snyder is receivinga National Guard commission into theField Artillery Branch. He will attend anOfficer Basic course at Fort Sill, Okla.Friedman is receiving an active dutycommission into the TransportationBranch. He will attend an Officer Basiccourse at Fort Lee, Va. Potter is receivinga National Guard commission into theOrdnance Branch.

Family members or militaryinstructors, one by one, pinned a gold barto each cadet’s uniform. Following Armytradition, each newly minted second

lieutenant gave a silver dollar to an officerin exchange for his first salute.

Lt. Col. Andrew Loeb, a professor ofmilitary science at the University ofPittsburgh and commander of the ThreeRivers Battalion, closed the ceremony.

“Our greatest asset is our people,and you have the privilege to leadthem,” he told the new officers.“Sharpen your mind and challenge theparadigm, because the Army is alwayschanging.”

Family members Tom and Cody Snyder pin gold bars on the uniform of 2nd Lt. BenjaminSnyder during the May 11 ROTC commissioning ceremony in Steele Hall.

Five Cal U faculty members arerecipients of 2012 Faculty MeritAwards.

Given by the subcommittees of theFaculty Professional DevelopmentCommittee (FPDC), the awards recognizeCal U professors who are engaged inexceptional research, committed to teaching,using grants and contracts, devoted toservice or exploring cutting-edge technology.

The awards were presented at a luncheonon May 11. Winners are Professor JeffreySumey, of the Department of AppliedEngineering and Technology, for research;Dr. Sarah Meiss, Department of Biologicaland Environmental Sciences, for service andservice-learning; Dr. Summer Arrigo-

Nelson, Department of Biological andEnvironmental Sciences, for technology; Dr.Thomas Mueller, Department of EarthSciences, for grants and contracts; and Dr.Ali Sezer, Department of Chemistry andPhysics, for teaching and learning.

Each recipient received a plaque and a$1,000 award; all were recognized atCommencement. The monetary awards canbe used for professional activity such astravel, supplies, equipment, books orperiodicals, publications, or professionalmemberships.

Co-chairs of the FPDC for 2011-2012were Dr. Ali Sezer and Dr. Craig Smith. TheFaculty Center coordinator is Dr. KurtKearcher.

Cal U’s Student MarketingAssociation (SMA) enjoyednoteworthy success last month in

New Orleans, where members competedat the 34th annual InternationalCollegiate Conference sponsored by theAmerican Marketing Association.

Participating students say they alreadyare working on being more effective andfurther appealing to prospective members.

In early fall, each SMA chaptersubmits a plan outlining activities, plansand goals for the upcoming academicyear. At the conference, the SMA’s annualperformance plan was evaluated againstplans from student chapters at more than150 universities nationwide.

Cal U’s chapter received outstandingperformance awards for fundraisingprograms, membership activities andcommunications.

The commendation for fundraisingreflects the chapter’s success in raisingnearly $3,300 through a variety ofactivities, said Cody Foster, SMApresident for 2011-2012.

Recruiting and retaining studentmembers plays a considerable role in theaward for membership activities, heexplained.

A significant challenge for Cal U’sSMA is connecting with the University’smany commuter students. Still, the

chapter has 20 active members andanother 30-35 inactive members, and itholds weekly meetings for officers andmembers.

Cal U’s strongest area was itscommunication programs, Foster said.

The chapter distributes many fliers,posters and brochures promotingupcoming activities and projects. Eachfeatures a QR code that can be scannedwith a smartphone, linking the user to thechapter’s active Facebook page.

In 2012-2013, Cal U SMA hopes tohave its own text messaging system toprovide regular updates and information.

“We think that will take off, too,” saidFoster, who earned his degree inmarketing and business administrationearlier this month. “The QR code andpossible text messaging system are verybig for us. In keeping with Cal U Fusionwe are consistently trying to get moretechnologically based.”

The experience paid off for Foster.One week after Commencement, hebegan working at Buckeye International’soffice in Murrysville, Pa. The Missouri-based company is a manufacturer ofquality cleaning and maintenanceproducts for industry, school, retail and

health care facilities. Foster said he believes that being

involved with SMA and attendingconferences enhances students’ careeropportunities.

“The networking opportunities havebeen incredible, because you meet theimportant people who are in theindustry,” he said. “Every year it’s scarywhen you go to the conference andcompete against so many other schools,but you also see what other chapters aredoing, and it helps us plan ahead.”

Foster praised first-year SMA facultyadviser Dr. Richard LaRosa, as well asthe previous adviser, Dr. ShirleyLazorchak.

“They both have given us uniqueperspectives and been very helpful,” hesaid.

LaRosa pointed out that the SMAmission is to provide student memberswith the experience, knowledge and skillsnecessary to become successful marketingprofessionals.

“Our chapter did an outstanding jobthis year and hopefully theiraccomplishments will strengthenawareness and enthusiasm of who theyare and what they’re doing,” he said.

Current vice president CourtneyScanlon will assume the role of SMApresident this fall.

Among those taking part in the FPDC Merit Awards presentation were (seated fromleft) Dr. Ali Sezer, Teaching and Learning Merit Award; Dr. Sara Meiss, Service andService­Learning Merit Award; Dr. Summer Arrigo­Nelson, Technology Merit Award;and Professor Jeffrey Sumey, Research Merit Award; (standing from left) Dr. CraigSmith, FPDC co­chair; Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.; and Geraldine M. Jones.

Student Marketers Win International Recognition

Working at a fundraising activity during last fall’s Homecoming are Cal U SMA members(from left) Carrie Novotnak, Brett Kerr and Daniel Salvati.

3

GIS Students Pinpoint Likely Flood Sites

AlumniWeekend

Set June 1­2

— Continued from page 1

Fifty-one graduates who completed the Cal U Leader forLife leadership development process also were recognized atCommencement.

Both alumni speakers praised Cal U for helping to starttheir extraordinary careers.

Delmontagne is the founder and past chairman ofEduNeering Inc., the first company to create computer-basedtraining programs for business and industry. Also anaccomplished author, he retired from the firm in 2007, after25 years at the helm.

Delmontagne recalled the moment during his senior yearof college when he realized he understood the subjectmatter being taught in a philosophy course. This intersectionof interest and aptitude led him to see that he could domore.

“Cal U provided me the heat and light I needed for thatone insight,” he said. “We create our stories every day, everytime we make a decision.

“Make the world a better place because you are in it. Be apositive force, and add value whenever you can. “

Now the president of Global Deterrence Alternatives,Barbisch retired after a 28-year career in the U.S. Army, whereshe was the first female nurse to command a mobile armysurgical hospital.

A non-traditional student, Barbisch said her life

experiences helped to shaped her — but Cal U brought it alltogether. She emphasized that failure cannot be an option andcharged the graduates to find success.

“I want to challenge you to ‘do common thingsuncommonly well’ and make your place on this Earth,”Barbisch said.

“You’ve come along way on this journey of yours. You’reCal U graduates, so dream big. You are our future, and I wishyou all the best.”

Before diplomas were distributed at the undergraduateceremony, a Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded toeducator Muriel Summers.

Principal of the A.B. Combs Leadership MagnetElementary School in Raleigh, N.C., Summers turned theonce-failing school into a thriving magnet school when shefocused on leadership and infused the principles of Dr.Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People intoevery class, creating The Leader in Me model.

Calling the Convocation Center “a magnificent building,”she urged the graduates to lead with their hearts, minds andsoul. And she praised their alma mater for its commitment toinnovative learning.

“Cal U’s mission of building character and buildingcareers embodies everything that is good and right in highereducation,” Summers said. “This university is blazing thetrail, changing the face of higher education and nurturing theglobal leaders of tomorrow.”

— Continued from page 1

Marianne ’72 Pryor.The gala is the highlight of Alumni

Weekend festivities that begin June 1with campus tours at 3 p.m. and a 5 p.m.reception for members of the Classes of1962 and 1987 in theKara Alumni House.

The annualPioneer Dinnerfollows at 5:45 p.m.in the Kara AlumniHouse. Specialrecognition will begiven to the Class of1962, but all alumnimay attend; ticketprice is $30.

On June 2, the annual meeting of theAlumni Association Board of Directorswill open at 9 a.m. in Room 206/207 ofthe Natali Student Center. At 11 a.m.guests will convene for the annualAlumni Association Awards ofDistinction Luncheon in the PerformanceCenter of the student center. Cost is $20.

Alumni award recipients are WaltSigut ’64, recipient of the John R. GreggAward for Loyalty and Service; Dr.Melanie Blumberg, the C.B.Distinguished Faculty Award; Dr.Timothy Skraitz ’80, the W.S. JackmanAward of Distinction; Shaka Smart ’01,the Michael Duda Award for AthleticAchievement; First Lady BarbaraArmenti, the Pavlak/Shutsy SpecialService Award; Jack Zduriencik ’74, theProfessional Excellence Award; MarshalCarper ’09, the Young Alumni Award;and Dr. Patricia A. Mitchell ’83, ’85, theMeritorious Award.

With hopes of enhancing flood-prevention efforts in Jeannette,Pa., Geographic Information

Systems (GIS) students from Dr. TomMueller’s Disaster Vulnerability courseended the spring semester by presentingthe results of a months-long researchproject to the Westmoreland CountyDepartment of Public Safety.

Work on the project began last fall,when senior Grant Eaton interned withWestmoreland County EmergencyManagement, which supports emergencyservices and resources throughout thecounty.

After mapping the city anddeveloping research hypotheses, Eatonand his classmates used handheld GPSunits to gather data about fire hydrants,stormwater outlets, storm grates,manhole covers and sewers throughoutthe city.

The GPS units they used can pinpointlocations to within 1 meter, Mueller said.

Students completed processing thedata this spring and presented their workon May 2 to Mueller and RachelDeckard, a computer-aided draftingtechnician for Westmoreland PublicSafety.

The department has been using GISsystems for only a few years, Deckardsaid, and it hasn’t yet developedcomprehensive data for items such as firehydrants. She and supervisor Pat Bauerare the only GIS technicians with thedepartment.

“The students’ work is very beneficialto us,” Deckard said. “We are concerned

about getting first responders to wherethey need to be, and having this type ofinformation readily available …significantly speeds up the whole process.

“This has been wonderful, becausewe do not have the available personnel toconduct this important research. Weappreciate the support.”

Joshua Alderson, who graduatedearlier this month, said using thehandheld global-positioning equipmentenabled his group to identify key areas ofthe city — places that are close to waterbut lack adequate numbers of stormdrains, leaving them prone to flooding.

Analyzing the city’s topography alsohelped students to identify trouble spots.

“We were able to use the tools thatwe’ve learned about over the years tobuild the maps, analyze the data and sortof bring everything together,” he said.“This project was definitely a resume-building experience.”

Senior Nathan Hartman said hisgroup categorized every sewer or stormgrate as being in good shape, clogged orin need of repair. Those characteristicswere entered into the GPS unit, thendownloaded into a computer database forthe student groups to analyze.

“Most of the storm sewers inJeannette are OK to handle heavyamounts of rainwater, but some need tobe repaired soon and others need furthermonitoring,” he said. “This project gaveus the opportunity to see how manydifferent ways we can apply the GPSinformation to answer questions.”

Ryan Dolan, another recent graduate,said the Jeannette research was one ofseveral real-life experiences that were partof his Cal U education.

“When I go for a job, I can show thatI’ve applied what I learned in class toreal-world situations. We’ve done it,” hesaid.

Mueller said he was pleased with thestudents’ results and glad they couldserve a local community.

GIS students have been involved inother, similar projects: Last fall, forexample, a group worked withWashington County’s Department ofPublic Safety to improve utilization ofthe department’s spatial data. And thisyear Junior Brendan Rusbatch workedwith the Rostraver Township PlanningDepartment to map fire hydrants andhelp with road development.

Rusbatch was recognized May 1 at ameeting of the Rostraver Townshipsupervisors, and all of the students in theDisaster Vulnerability course will receivea letter of thanks from city officials inJeannette.

“To use those famous words, this is‘win-win,’ because out students get theexperience and the communities get thespatial projects they need,” Mueller said.

Cal U GIS students Joshua Alderson (left)) and Ryan Dolan present their research on floodand fire prevention efforts in Jeannette, Pa.

Maj. Gen. DonnaBarbisch ’84

addressesundergraduates

at the 174thCommencement

in theConvocation

Center.

Graduates, Families Fill Center

Dr. David Amati

Geraldine M. JonesActing University President

Dr. Lenora Angelone Vice President for Student Affairs

Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services

Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance

Craig ButzineVice President for Marketing and University Relations

Sharon NavoneyInterim Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Christine KindlEditor

Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff BenderWriters

Read the Journal online at www.calu.edu

The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Office of Communications and Public Relations 250 University Avenue California, PA 15419 724-938-4195 wald@calu.edu

SEEK Summer Camp Returns to Cal U

Speakers Describe Autism Intervention

Jones NamedActing President

Ahusband-wife team who developed an autismintervention strategy that focuses on children’skey developmental areas presented the keynote

address at Cal U’s fifth Autism Conference, held May 15at the Convocation Center.

Drs. Robert and Lynn Kern Koegel are co-foundersof the Koegel Autism Center at the University ofCalifornia, Santa Barbara.

Their Pivotal Response Treatment method is anacclaimed, research-based intervention that focuses oncore developmental areas — such as motivation,responding to multiple cues, self-management and socialinitiations — that can produce widespread changes in achild’s function.

Motivation is key when working with autismspectrum disorders, Robert Koegel explained to anaudience of about 260 family members, educators andservice providers at the conference, which was presentedby Cal U’s special education and Master of Social Workprograms and Intermediate Unit 1.

Autism spectrum disorders are a group ofdevelopmental disabilities that can cause significantsocial, communication and behavioral challenges.

“Teaching a child about colors with M&Ms is betterthan with colored construction paper,” he said. “Thinkabout the kids you know. Doesn’t it seem like they knowway more sometimes? The key is getting it out. If we canidentify the motivation to bring that out, that’s key.”

Pivotal Response Treatment also emphasizes familyinvolvement and working in a natural environment.

“The more you can get the treatment in a natural

environment, the better,” Koegel said. “In order todevelop normally, you need to be exposed to a normalenvironment. It’s like having the wind at your back.”

Lynn Koegel, who is active in the development ofprograms to improve communication in children withautism, related her experience with 3-year-old Tristin,who was nonverbal, on the hit ABC television show TheSupernanny.

In a week, she was able to use family inclusion andcommunication techniques to help Tristin use more than20 different words to ask to play a favorite game, have a

favorite snack and more. “I think that what is great about the Koegels is how

they really bridge the research-to-practice gap ineducation,” said conference coordinator Dr. KatherineMitchem, a professor and endowed chair in theDepartment of Early, Middle and Special Education atCal U.

“They provide teachers, parents and providerseffective evidence-based practices that result in significantimprovements in quality of life for those individuals withautism. These are practical, research-based strategies thattruly help individuals with autism access and participatein life in general. And ultimately, the focus on pivotalbehaviors really allows us to do more with less.”

The Koegels spoke more in depth about aspects ofthe Pivotal Response Treatment during the afternoonbreakout sessions at the Autism Conference.

Attendees were able to choose from a variety of othertopics, as well, including “Bullying: AddressingRepetitive Aggressive Behavior,” “Practical Applicationsfor the iPad and iPod,” and “Help Me Make Friends!Teaching Social Skills to Young Children with Autism.”

Another session, “PictureTools,” was led by Cal Ugraduate assistants Darla Kurnal, Kelly Rogers, LindsaySchademan and Becca Ritter.

The PictureTools program uses customizable images tosupport self-management and problem-solving skills forchildren who have not yet learned to read. It was createdby Mitchem and Dr. Gail Fitzgerald, a professor in theSchool of Information Science and LearningTechnologies at the University of Missouri.

Scholarship EndowedDr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. accepts a check signifying that the Ryan Jerico Scholarship for Excellence in Student Leadership hasbeen endowed. The scholarship fund was established by the Student Government Association during the 2008­2009academic year. It is named for Ryan Jerico ’09, who was SGA president and a student member of the PASSHE Board ofGovernors. After graduation Jerico served for three years as Cal U’s coordinator of student and young alumni programs in theOffice of Alumni and Annual Fund. The check was presented May 4 by students (from left) Alexandra Brooks, president ofStudent Government; Mike Mendolia, outgoing financial secretary; and Jasmin Runner, corresponding secretary.

— Continued from page 1

goal of having every eligible program earn nationalaccreditation.

“Clearly, California University is facing formidablechallenges, but we have faced similar challenges in thepast. Working together, I ask that we remember our corevalues of integrity, civility, and responsibility as we addressthese challenges and find workable solutions.

“For 160 years, California University of Pennsylvaniahas served the commonwealth and has measured itssuccess in the accomplishments of its graduates. We takegreat pride in the achievements of our alumni, and weexpect wonderful things from our current and futurestudents.”

“Our University will continue to move forward. I askevery student, faculty and staff member, every alumnusand friend of the University, to join me on this journey.

“Working side by side, we can realize the promise andthe potential of this great University.”

Children in grades 1-8 will play starring roles whenSEEK, the Summer Educational Enrichment forKids program, holds two Hollywood-themed

sessions this summer.Classes will be held from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. July 16-20

and August 6-10. This year’s theme is “SEEK GoesHollywood!”

Since it was founded in 2000, the award-winningsummer program has provided children with learningexperiences that are entertaining, yet academically

challenging. The curriculum is tailored to specific agegroups and encourages all participants to reach theirmaximum learning potential.

The Learning Resources Network, an internationalassociation in lifelong learning, honored Cal U in 2007 fordeveloping SEEK in response to needs expressed by areaparents.

Cost is $135 per child for a full-week, full-dayprogram, or $90 per child for a full-week, half-day(morning or afternoon) program.

Participants are escorted between classes andsupervised at lunchtime. Each child should bring a baglunch; refrigeration is not available.

Registration and payment information, plus a list ofSEEK classes, can be found online atwww.calu.edu/academics/seek. Payment can be made bycredit card, using MasterCard, VISA or Discover.

For more information, contact the Office of AcademicAffairs at 724-938-4407 or e-mail seek@calu.edu . Officehours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel emphasizes a point during Cal U’sfifth Autism Conference. She and her husband, Dr. RobertKoegel, are co­founders of the Koegel Autism Center atthe University of California, Santa Barbara.