California University

VOLUME 12, NUMBER 32 DEC. 13, 2010

Distinguished Alumni to Address Graduates

T

wo distinguished alumni — one an
expert in education, the other in
health care finances — will
address graduating students and their
guests during Cal U’s winter
Commencement ceremonies.
Dr. Saundra Kiski Stout ’72, ’74 will
deliver the Commencement address to
master’s degree candidates at 7 p.m.
Friday in Hamer Hall auditorium.
Armand Balsano ’74 will speak to
undergraduates at 10 a.m. Saturday, also
in Hamer Hall.
Stout earned a bachelor’s degree from
Cal U in 1972 and a master’s degree and
reading specialist certificate in 1974. After
completing her doctorate at the University
of Pittsburgh, she taught in Upper St.
Clair, worked as a reading specialist in
Central Greene School District, and
served as director of elementary education
and federal programs in Highlands School
District, Natrona Heights, where she
established the first public kindergarten for
4-year-olds in Allegheny County. After
serving as acting superintendent of the
Keystone Oaks School District, Stout
retired from public education but
continued to share her expertise as an
educational consultant for the Carnegie
Science Center in Pittsburgh.
Balsano graduated from Cal U in 1974
with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences,
then earned a master’s degree in health
administration from The George
Washington University in Washington,
D.C. A financial expert now based in
Atlanta, he has worked with acute care
and long-term care facilities, performing
evaluations of strategic and financial
feasibility and planning for specialty
services such as rehabilitation, mental
health, cardiology and home health. He
frequently helps clients to evaluate the
financial feasibility of new projects and

More than 1,300 students will receive degrees at this weekend’s Commencement ceremonies in Hamer Hall.

the financial impact of strategic initiatives.
In addition, Balsano is qualified in many
states as an expert witness in health-care
planning and financial feasibility.
At the winter Commencement
ceremonies, Cal U will award degrees to
more than 700 graduate students and 625
undergraduates who completed their
studies in August or December 2010.
CUTV will broadcast both ceremonies
live on Armstrong Cable (Channel 61
Armstrong-Connellsville) and Atlantic

Enjoying the
Veterans Day
festivities on the
deck of the
battleship USS
North Carolina
are Viva Kreis
(left), Mary
Kreis and U.S.
Congressman
Mike McIntyre
of North
Carolina.

Prof Adds Speech to
Triathlon Agenda

D

r. Mary Kreis continues to use her own life’s story to
inspire others while also promoting Cal U.
An associate professor in the Department of Exercise
Science and Sport Studies, Kreis delivered a Veterans Day speech
on the deck of the battleship USS North Carolina, a World II
vessel permanently docked in Wilmington, N.C.
— Continued on page 2

Broadband Communications (Channel
21).
In case of an overflow crowd on
Saturday, guests will be directed to
viewing areas in the Natali Student
Center’s Performance Center. Visitor
parking is available in the Vulcan Garage,
off Third Street near the campus
entrance.
For more information, visit the
Commencement website at
www.calu.edu/events/commencement.

Armand Balsano

Dr. Saundra Stout

VIP: Your Gateway to Cal U

S

oon everyone in the Cal U community will
get the VIP treatment with the introduction
of a new student information system.
Known as the Vulcan Information Portal, or
VIP, the web portal will become a gateway to
everything students and faculty need to know
about living and learning at the University.
On Feb. 1, the Financial Aid module will “go
live” on VIP. Students will be able to check their
financial aid awards, packages and other critical
information.
But that’s just the beginning of many good
things to come through the new portal.
VIP is part of Banner, the world’s most widely
used administration suite of applications for
higher education. Eventually it will replace SIS
Web, providing easy access to all student and
faculty information, including registration,
grades, schedules and more.
“The Vulcan Information Portal will be a onestop shop,” said Becky Nichols, director of
applications and academic support for University
Technology Services. “Instead of going to
different sites to access e-mail or assignments,
students and faculty can simply log in to VIP and

find everything they need.”
The portal will “recognize” each user, and
welcome them by name. Newly admitted
students, for example, will be directed to
orientation and housing information, among
other things.
The University Office of Admissions was the
first to use the Vulcan Information Portal.
Starting in October, accepted students were able
to go to the portal to see the next steps needed to
complete the admissions process.
Over the next few months, the new portal will
be expanded to include many other services. By
early April 2011, students will be able to register
for classes through VIP.
Current students and faculty members will be
able to access VIP through the University’s home
page, and log in using their existing user name
and password. But Nichols urges students to use
caution — and common sense.
“It’s important that you never share your user
name or password with anyone,” she warned.
“With so much information at your fingertips on
the Vulcan Information Portal, you’ll want to
protect your privacy at all times.”

Audit Went Smoothly, Trustees Told

C

alifornia University’s auditors had
good news for the University’s
Council of Trustees at their final
meeting of 2010.
This year’s audit went smoothly, the
accounting firm ParenteBeard LLC reported.
By boosting enrollment, proceeding with
construction projects and controlling
expenses, the University was able to end the
year with an increase in net assets of $7
million.
“It was as good an audit as we’ve ever
had,” said Elizabeth McMahon, of
ParenteBeard. “We did not detect any
discrepancies, and this clean audit is the
highest level of approval we can give you.”
The annual audit report is presented to the
Trustees each December. While praising Cal
U’s fiscal management, McMahon urged the
Trustees to plan ahead, since it is unlikely that
state allocations will be available to replace
the federal “economic stimulus” funding that
helped to bolster the budget this year.
“For an organization this size to receive
such an audit is a remarkable achievement,”
said Leo Krantz, chairman of the Trustees.
“This reflects plenty of hard work from many
people, and all of them should be
applauded.”
In other business:
• Provost Geraldine Jones reported that
Cal U’s fall headcount of 9,400 was the
highest in school history. She also announced
re-accreditations for Bachelor of Science
programs in athletic training, computer
science and electrical engineering technology,
and initial accreditation for the Computer
Information Systems program.
To date 19 of 22 (86.4%) Cal U academic
programs recognized by PASSHE have
attained national accreditation.
• Dr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for
Student Affairs, focused on the service work
done by students. The newly created Center

for Civic Engagement will help to promote
and organize those volunteer efforts. Since its
inception this fall, more than 300 freshmen
have made a commitment to a total of 2,800
service hours.
• Craig Butzine, interim vice president for
Marketing and University Relations,
highlighted his office’s proactive work
building partnerships across campus and the
reactive work done in crisis communication
this semester. Among the highlights of the
semester was the Nov. 11 Cal U Hockey
Night at Pittsburgh’s CONSOL Energy
Center, which drew more than 2,500 Vulcan
supporters and created positive opportunities
in areas such as athletics, alumni relations,
development and public relations.
• Ron Huiatt, vice president for University
Development and Alumni Relations, reported
that more than 3,000 friends and alumni have
attended a variety of on-campus and offcampus events since Sept. 1. The Campaign
to Build Character and Careers has reached
$22.4 million, on its way to the $35 million
goal.
• Dr. Charles Mance, vice president for
University Technology Services, reported that
the Banner project is continuing on schedule,
with the admissions module “going live” in
October. The financial aid and student
information modules are scheduled to be
activated next, in February and April,
respectively. He also explained that the Help
Desk has developed a tiered support model to
better support the University community’s use
of information technology resources.
During his report, President Angelo
Armenti, Jr. commented that Cal U continues
to thrive.
“Despite the challenges, which are mostly
financial, the brightest time … lies ahead, and
wonderful things are going to happen.”
The next meeting of the Council of
Trustees is scheduled for March 2.

As part of the Trustees’ final quarterly meeting of 2010, Cal U’s auditors delivered
their annual report.

Speech on Prof’s Triathlon Agenda
— Continued from page 1

Two days later she competed in the PPD
Beach2Battleship Iron Distance Triathlon.
Kreis, a cancer survivor, was asked to participate in
both events by sponsor Pharmaceutical Product
Development Inc. PPD is a leading global contract
research organization with offices in 42 countries and
more than 10,500 professionals worldwide.
Kreis was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in
2004, during her first week at Cal U. She had two
surgeries to remove the cancer, both while she was
pregnant with her daughter, Viva, who was born healthy
in January 2005. The child’s name means “live long.”
Because of her connection with cancer, Kreis was one
of 25 cyclists selected to ride in the 2005 Tour of Hope, a
cross-country bike ride with Lance Armstrong that was
designed to highlight the need for clinical trials in cancer
research.
Kreis was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the
U.S. Army’s Medical Service Corps while she completed
her bachelor’s degree. In 2006 she accepted a medical
discharge with the rank of major in the U.S. Army
Reserve.
PPD “reached out to those of us who participated in
Tour of Hope, and both the talk and the race tied in
everything about my life,” Kreis said.
“It was about motherhood, spreading the message that
you can beat cancer, the military, my athletic background
— and I even helped to plan the events, which allowed
me to use my sport management expertise.
“I never planned on doing a triathlon at 40, though,”
she added.
Kreis said she is grateful to people who take part in
medical research by entering clinical trials that verify the
safety and efficacy of new medications and procedures.
“Because people participated in a clinical trial for me,
the doctors knew they could operate on me in
confidence,” she said.
Competing in just her second triathlon — her first was

2

in 1999 — Kreis completed a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile
bicycle ride and 26.2-mile run in 11 hours and 31
minutes.
She finished first among all females in the Masters
(over 40) and military groups, and she placed sixth overall
among all female competitors.
The PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon has been named
one of the top five iron distance triathlons in the world by
Triathlete magazine. The event began with the swim in the
inner-coastal waters near Wilmington, followed by the
bicycle race and the marathon run.
To prepare for the contest, Kreis said she trained in
two of the three sports each day. Her workouts included a
round-trip ride from near her home in North Belle
Vernon to Confluence, Pa.
“You rarely go through an actual triathlon in
preparing, because that is too much for your body,” she
said. “You have the same feeling from the triathlon as you
do from military experiences — and both of them have
made me mentally and physically stronger.”
Less grueling than the race was her talk aboard the
battleship, where she focused on clinical trials and the
military.
Kreis said she began her speech by stating that she is a
professor at Cal U.
“With a big smile on my face, I explained why we are
California University of Pennsylvania,” she said. “People
always enjoy that story and want to understand why you
are putting two states in one (university’s) name.”
For the past three years, Kreis has taught solely
through Cal U Global Online, whose Internet-based
degree programs have been ranked No. 1 in the nation.
“I think online learning is more challenging for
students, because most of them are trying to balance so
many things in their lives,” said Kreis.
One of her online students recently arranged a phone
call with her from Japan, where he serves in the military.
“Students know they can reach out to me even though
they just know me through a computer,” she said. “We
can still build relationships that way.”

Campus BRIEFS
Stuff a Stocking with SEEK
The gift of learning is an ideal stocking stuffer,
so Cal U’s Office of Lifelong Learning is offering
gift certificates for SEEK and all of its summer
programs.
The Summer Enrichment for Kids program
will offer two weeklong sessions in 2011 for
children entering grades 1-8. Classes will be held
June 20-24 and July 18-22.
Coinciding with the first session will be a
Robotics Camp and a Graphic Communication
and Multimedia Camp for students entering
grades 9-12. A Kindergarten Camp for children
entering kindergarten will be offered during the
second session.
To purchase a gift certificate, call the Office of
Lifelong Learning at 724-938-5840.

Legal Seminars Slated
The Institute for Law and Public Policy, based
at Cal U’s Southpointe Center, offers Continuing
Legal Education (CLE) seminars in a variety of
locations.
Seminars this month are “Law, Justice and
Lawyers in the World of St. Thomas Aquinas”
Friday at Gannon University in Erie, Pa.; “Law
and Ethical Aspects of Health Care
Administration” Saturday at Rosemont College,
Rosemont, Pa.; and “Cicero and the Nature of
Law” Saturday at Allegheny College in Meadville,
Pa..
Information is available at www.calu.edu; look
for “Information for … Business & Community”
at the top of the homepage, then click on
“Institute for Law and Public Policy.” Online
registration is available. For details, call 724-5977401 or e-mail Rose Mahouski at
mahouski@calu.edu.

CONSOL Energy Continues Support of Cal U

C

ONSOL Energy Inc. continued
its longstanding support of Cal
U by presenting a $15,000 check
to the University on Nov. 16.
The funds will be used to purchase
new equipment for use by students in
the Electrical Engineering Technology
(EET) and Industrial Technology
programs. A portion of the gift also will
support the College of Science and
Technology Endowment.
Jeff Hohn, specialist for staffing and
recruiting at CONSOL, and recruiter
Erica Koshar presented the check to Dr.
Leonard Colelli, dean of the Eberly
College of Science and Technology.
Also participating in the
presentation were Ron Huiatt, vice
president for development and alumni
relations, and Kristine Doppelheuer,
career counselor and employer relations
coordinator in the Career Services
Office.
With the support of the University’s
Career Services program, Hohn
conducted an information session and
Koshar interviewed students for fulltime jobs and internships.
CONSOL has hired many Cal U
Industrial Technology and EET
graduates in the past.
“Cal U’s programs lend themselves
specifically to what we’re looking for,
both in our underground operations and
our gas operations,” Hohn said.
“We find a lot of good students here
who are technically sound and adapt
well to our training programs. It’s been

Taking part in the Nov. 16 check presentation are (from left) Erica Koshar, a recruiter at CONSOL Energy Inc.; Jeff Hohn, specialist for staffing
and recruiting at CONSOL; Dr. Len Colelli, dean of the Eberly College of Science and Technology; Ron Huiatt, vice president for University
Development and Alumni Relations; and Kristine Doppelheuer, career counselor and employer relations coordinator in the Career Services
Office.

very beneficial to both parties.”
Cal U students have hands-on
experience that prepares them for jobs
at CONSOL, Koshar said. Recently, for
example, the company hired Cal U
students as assistant drilling engineers
and underground supervisor trainees.
“We find the Cal tech students to be
gritty,” she said. “They get right into the
dirt and get moving. They are a good
fit.”

That practical preparation pays off
for the company as well as the students.
“CONSOL doesn’t have to do a lot
of training with our graduates, because
they have a theoretical background and
a practical background in engineering
technology, as opposed to engineering
science,” Colelli said. “Our students
have the right knowledge and skills to
hit the ground running.”
Last year, CONSOL’s generosity

Reception Honors Grant Writers

D

espite the downturn in the national
economy, grants continue to play an
important role in helping the University
move forward.
A ceremony last month honored faculty and
staff who have written grant proposals.
The event recognized everyone who prepared
and submitted at least one external grant proposal,
administered at least one internally funded project,
and/or completed the requirements for the Grant
Writers Fellowship.
Cheryl Vogrig, director of the Office of Grants
and Contracts, emphasized the impact of grant
activity at Cal U. During the 2009-2010 fiscal year,
100 proposals were submitted, totaling $7.1
million, she said.
Of those, 71 new awards were received, totaling
$4.1 million.
Currently, the office is administering 109 active
projects totaling $5.8 million.
“You are being recognized and commended for
the hard work and extra effort that you put forth to
seek external grant funding for Cal U,” said
Vogrig. “Throughout the process, win or lose, we
work together as a team toward the Cal U mission
— and I feel that I know each of you in a very
special way.”
Speaking on behalf of the administration was
Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate
Studies and Research.
“I really believe that research solves life’s
problems,” he said. “Whether it’s studying the
rates of recidivism or bio-assessments of the
Youghiogheny River, or robotics, I’m aware of the
amazing things you are doing to improve the
quality of life in our region, in our commonwealth
and beyond.”
As a token of the University’s appreciation, 68
grant writers, three grant writer professionals and
eight grant writer fellows received insulated
beverage holders with Cal U leather bands.
Through the Office of the President and the
Grants and Contracts Office, grant writer fellows
participate in a comprehensive, hands-on
enrichment program that covers topics from
strategically selecting potential funding sources to

Dr. Taunya Tinsley accepts a gift from Dr. John Cencich
during the recent Grant Writers Recognition
Ceremony.

writing the critical sections of a competitive grant
application.
Assisting Vogrig in the Office of Grants and
Contracts are post-award administrator Lewis
Honaker and secretary Kim Rabbitt.
“I am very proud of the work undertaken by
the Office of Grants and Contracts in helping our
professors and staff members in their scholarly
pursuits,” he said. “This is truly a team effort.”

enabled Cal U to upgrade its motor
control laboratory to meet requirements
for re-accreditation by the Technology
Accreditation Commission of ABET,
the Accreditation Board for Engineering
Technology.
“Our students are playing in a highly
competitive career game when they
leave here,” Colelli said, “and
CONSOL’s tremendous support helps
to prepare them.”

Politics Draws
Students
to Conferences

A

dozen students accompanied Dr. Melanie J.
Blumberg, a professor of political science and
campus director of the American Democracy
Project, when she gave a presentation at the American
Association of Political Consultants Academic Outreach
Conference in Ohio.
The conference, held Nov. 18-19 in Akron, provided a
forum for students, academics and consultants to discuss
professional political consulting and public affairs.
They explored career trends, technical expertise and
ethical issues, and a mentoring program connected
students with professionals.
Blumberg was one of six panelists who discussed
“Good Campaigns: Ethical Speaking and Spending.”
“Some of the top campaign consultants and political
scientists who study campaigns and elections discussed a
variety of topics,” she said. “The two-day conference
provided valuable information and insight.”
Blumberg studies American political parties,
Congressional elections and mass belief systems. Active in
Ohio politics, she has consulted on judicial races.
In addition, Blumberg and her co-authors have
published numerous articles on local parties, coordinated
campaigns, campaign conduct and civic engagement.
In addition to the conference attendees, seven Cal U
students participated in the 12th annual American
Democracy Conference, co-sponsored by the University of
Virginia and Politico, on Dec. 2 in Washington, D.C.
Cal U students joined journalists, political insiders,
elected officials and academics to examine the midterm
elections, evaluate the current administration and look
ahead to the coming election cycles.
This March, students also are planning to attend the
20th annual American Association of Political Consultants
“Pollie” Awards and Conference, also in Washington, D.C.
Individuals representing the full spectrum of political
advertising are expected to attend.
The trips are sponsored by Cal Campaign Consultants,
an interdisciplinary group that gives students the
opportunity to design and manage political campaigns both
on campus and in the community.

3

Intramural Sports Booming

Crows
Make Visit
to Campus

I

ntramural sports have been popular at
Cal U for decades, and interest keeps
increasing.
In 2009-2010, about 1,750
participants, mostly students, competed in
one of the 14 intramural sports on
campus. The number of athletes is
expected to exceed 2,000 this academic
year.
“For a lot of students, intramurals is
an extension of their high school athletic
careers,” said Tom Hasbrouck ’06, ’09,
assistant director of recreational services.
“They weren’t afforded the opportunity to
play collegiate varsity athletics, so this is
the next best thing, and they approach it
that way.”
Among the most popular sports is flag
football, which this fall attracted 398
individual competitors — 29 men’s teams
and five women’s teams.
Playoffs and championships were
contested, and the top Cal U teams
enjoyed success at the National Campus
Championship Series (NCCS) Regional
Flag Football Championships held last
month at the University of Maryland.
The men’s team, known as Dynasty,
finished second in the 38-team tourney,
losing only to the defending national
finalist, University of North CarolinaCharlotte, 27-14, in the title game.
Torrin Davis and Charles Baker were
named to the all-tourney team, and
Dynasty earned a bid to next month’s
National Flag Football Championship
tournament at Texas A&M, in College
Station, Texas.
The women’s team, called Lady
Vulcans, reached the quarterfinals before
being eliminated by Division I Howard
University (Washington, D.C.).
“It’s a testament to the strength and
commitment these students have shown,”
Hasbrouck said. “They spend many hours
out in the cold and rain but have a great
time.”
Other intramural sports are volleyball,
dodge ball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee,
racquetball, pickle ball (paddles and wiffle
ball), basketball, softball, water polo,
water volleyball, roller hockey, dek
hockey, water volleyball and indoor
soccer.
Most intramural games are played at
Herron Recreation and Fitness Center.
Football and softballs teams play at
Roadman Park, and hockey players use
the courts adjacent to Hamer Hall.
Student participation in intramurals
has been spirited for years, but Hasbrouck
reminds would-be athletes that faculty
and staff are also welcome.
“It’s a great way for faculty and staff
to meet students outside the classroom,
and it’s a good way to network between
departments,” said Hasbrouck. “We
encourage their involvement.”
All intramural sports are geared for
the moderate to advanced athlete, he
added, but no experience is necessary.
A number of staff members competed

T

Cal U student Mallory
Bieringer (above) returns
a volley as teammate and
fellow student Tony
Spicuzza prepares to join
the action during an
intramural volleyball game
in Herron Recreation and
Fitness Center.
Tom Hasbrouck (left) has
integrated social media
and added more activities
to significantly increase
the number of students
participating in
intramurals at Cal U.

in flag football this fall, forming a team
called Staff Infection. Members included
Robert Prah, Chris Nicholls, Pete Ware,
Walt Czekaj, Tom Donovan, Keith
Skirpan, Jerry Kelly, Justin Harbaugh
and Hasbrouck.
“We held our own, and it was all
about the fun,” said Prah, who played
both quarterback and wide receiver. “This
is a nice diversion and builds cohesion
across campus. We’re also hoping to play
dodge ball and basketball in the future.”
As an undergraduate, Czekaj
competed in intramural flag football and
softball with his rugby teammates. Last
spring the University exhibitions
coordinator took part in intramural water
polo and softball.
“I think it adds excitement to the
work environment,” Czekaj said. “Some
of the guys on my team I did not know
before, and now we have a good

relationship on the field and in the office,
as well. Intramurals is definitely a lot of
fun.”
Chuck Bohn ’78, director of
recreational services, competed in
intramurals during his collegiate days. He
praised emeritus professor Steve Tselepis
’53 and Paul Fazio for running
intramurals for years before he took over.
Bohn also credited Hasbrouck, who
was hired in fall 2009 when the renovated
fitness center re-opened.
“Tom has put a professional stamp on
the intramural programs,” Bohn said.
“He’s increased the membership using
social media. … He’s also increased some
of the activities, has a nice staff and
that’s why the numbers have gone up. It
just keeps getting better every year, and
we hope it continues.”
Intramural sports are funded by the
Student Association Inc.

he black feathers and
bird droppings evident
in parking lots and on
the Quad were left behind by a
large flock of crows that
swooped in earlier this month.
Unlike birds that
predictably head south for the
winter each year, crows migrate
“only as far as they have to,”
explained Dr. Carol Bocetti,
assistant professor in the
Department of Biological and
Environmental Science.
Cold temperatures in early
December probably pushed
them south from northern
Pennsylvania, New York and
Canada, she said.
Migrating crows gather in
large groups at night, roosting
in tall trees or other convenient
spots. The mature, widely
spaced shade trees on
university campuses provide
perfect habitat for roosting
birds, Bocetti said.
As of mid-December, large
numbers of crows were still
roosting on the Quad.

Spring
Semester
Starts Jan. 18

T

he University has issued a
reminder of key dates in the
spring semester.
All offices will be closed on Jan. 17
in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.
Day. In keeping with the late Coretta
Scott King’s call for “a day on, rather
than a day off ” to commemorate her
husband, students are planning a Day of
Service for that date.
The first day of classes is Jan. 18,
and the Spring Faculty Convocation will
be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 20 in the
Learning Resource Center auditorium
in Morgan Hall.
Spring break for faculty and students
will be the week of March 7-11.
Honors Convocation will be held
April 2 in Hamer Hall auditorium
beginning at 2 p.m.
Easter Break for faculty and students
will be April 22-24 and Reading Day
(no classes) will be April 29.
The Spring 20111 Commencement
ceremonies will be May 6-7 in Hamer
Hall.

The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
University President

Dr. Charles Mance
Vice President for University Technology Services

Craig Butzine
Interim Vice President for Marketing and University Relations

Geraldine M. Jones
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Ron Huiatt
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Christine Kindl
Editor

Dr. Lenora Angelone
Vice President for Student Affairs

Robert Thorn
Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance

Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender
Writers

Office of Communication and Public Relations

250 University Avenue

California, PA 15419

724-938-4195

wald@calu.edu

The Journal is printed on paper made from trees harvested under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.SFIprogram.org).

4