Friendship, family and vintage base ball

The California University of Pennsylvania Magazine

CAL U REVIEW
FALL 2018 • VOL. 47 - NO. 3

The Cal U Review is published by the Office of Communications and
Marketing and is distributed free. Third-class postage paid at California.

CHANCELLOR
Dr. Daniel Greenstein
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Cynthia D. Shapira, chair
David M. Maser, vice chair; chair,
Student Success Committee
Samuel H. Smith, vice chair; chair,
Audit and Compliance Committee
Sen. Ryan P. Aument
Audrey F. Bronson
Joar Dahn
Secretary of Policy and Planning
Sarah E. Galbally, governor's designee
Rep. Michael K. Hanna
Donald E. Houser Jr., vice chair,
Governance and Leadership
Committee
Rodney Kaplan Jr.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Don’t Settle. Build You.
That’s a message you’ll hear often if you’re traveling in southwestern
Pennsylvania, listening to radio, watching TV or browsing online.
It’s the theme of our University’s latest marketing campaign, and it goes
right to the heart of our mission.
Here at Cal U, we don’t just believe that our students can rise up and achieve
— we give them the tools and teaching to actually do it. Our students don’t
have to settle for someone else’s vision of the future. They can gain the
knowledge, skills and confidence to realize their own potential.
The Build You campaign arose from our work with CarnegieDartlet,
branding specialists who conducted focus groups and online surveys
involving nearly 300 members of our campus community.
Their data helped to identify our University’s authentic character. As an
institution, Cal U is a proud contender who perseveres and adapts in the
pursuit of excellence. Cal U is a dedicated provider who encourages and
empowers students. And there is a bit of the entertainer in us — a positive
outlook that inspires passion and enthusiasm.
That character — our University’s true “personality” — is reflected in the
images of strong, resilient Cal U students featured in our ads. We know
these men and women, and they really do have the grit and determination
it takes to succeed.
In the coming months, you will continue to see our Build You message on
billboards and bus shelters, in television commercials, print and digital
advertising. If it resonates with you, please let us know. Did your college
experience shape your future? Did you find the confidence to take on a
challenge? How did California help to build you?
Drop us a note at revieweditor@calu.edu. We’re eager to hear from you.
With best wishes for 2019 and beyond,

Barbara McIlvaine Smith
Marian D. Moskowitz, vice chair,
Student Success Committee
Thomas S. Muller, chair, University
Success Committee
Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera
Sen. Judith L. Schwank
Harold C. Shields, chair, Governance
and Leadership Committee
Brian H. Swatt
Rep. Mike Turzai
Neil R. Weaver, vice chair, University
Success Committee
Governor Tom Wolf
Janet L. Yeomans

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Geraldine M. Jones, University president
Dr. Bruce Barnhart, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs
Robert Thorn, vice president for Administration and Finance
Dr. Nancy Pinardi, vice president for Student Affairs
Christine Kindl, vice president for Communications and Marketing
Anthony Mauro, vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations
COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
Annette Ganassi, chair
James T. Davis '73, vice chair
Alex Arnold, student
trustee/secretary
Roberta M. Betza
Sarah R. Cassin '97

Sean T. Logue
Larry Maggi '79
Michele M. Mandell '69
Thomas Uram
Dr. Daniel Greenstein, chancellor,
ex-officio

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ashely (Baird) Roth ’10, ’12, president
Brendan Garay ’15, ’16
Dante Morelli ’02, vice president
David Gwyer ’65
Robert Crall ’10, ’12, secretary
Erica McDill ’92
Justin Binion ’11, treasurer
Melissa McKean ’07
Jesse Hereda ’04,
Marc Quann ’88
immediate past president
Bryan Schuerman ’09, ’16
Alisha Carter ’06, ’11
Tim Susick ’76, ’78
Shelly (Fetchen) DiCesaro ’94
LIFETIME HONORARY MEMBERS
Paul Gentile ’62
Anthony Lazzaro ’55

Michael Napolitano ’68
George Novak ’55

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Geraldine M. (Johns) Jones ’72, ’80
Annette Ganassi
Anthony Mauro ’92, ’93

Harry Serene ’65
Craig Smith
Ryan Barnhart ’08, ’09

SAI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jessica Crosson, undergraduate, president
Marquis Washington, undergraduate,
vice president
Raven Reeves, undergraduate, secretary
Dillon Gaudet, undergraduate, treasurer
Lakijai Bynum, graduate student
Hope Cox ’00, ’01, alumna

Justin DiPerna ’16, alumnus
Omobukola Inegbenijie, undergraduate
Ryan Jerico ’09, alumnus
Jeromy Mackey, undergraduate
Ashley Roth ’10, ’12, alumna
Bryan Schuerman ’09, ’16, alumnus
McKenna Swartzwelder, undergraduate

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Dr. Nancy Pinardi ’94, ’96, ’98, vice president for Student Affairs
Leigh Ann Lincoln, chief financial officer for SAI
Larry Sebek ’90, ’94, associate vice president for Student Affairs
FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Harry E. Serene ’65, president
Alan K. James ’62
Frederick A. Retsch ’62, vice president
Zeb Jansante ’82, ’91
Donald J. Thompson, secretary
Jeffrey B. Jones
Paul L. Kania ’87, treasurer
Robert E. Lippencott ’66
Armand E. Balsano ’74
Reginald A. Long ’81
William R. Booker ’74
John A. Lorenzi ’15
Chester Chichin ’63
Larry Maggi ’79
Yvonne Chichin
Linda H. Serene ’64
Therese J. Gass ’77
Thomas P. Victor Jr., student
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
William R. Flinn II ’68, immediate past president
Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ‘80, University President
Anthony Mauro ’92, ’93, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations
CAL U REVIEW EDITOR
Christine Kindl

Geraldine M. Jones
President, California University of Pennsylvania

WRITERS
Wendy Mackall
Bruce Wald ’85
Kayla Kuntz
Jeff Bender

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Zach Frailey
Greg Sofranko
Caroline Moore ’05

ON THE COVER

facebook.com/CalUofPA

Vintage base ball players (from left) Chris ‘Spoonface’ Nicholls
and John ‘Apple Picker’ Moore '05, both from University
Technology Services; Phil ‘No Hat’ Maise ’06; Jeff ‘The Wall’
Bender, director of digital communications; Jenette ‘Clink
Clunk’ Johnson ’06; and Adam ‘Dirtbag’ Johnson ’03 play for
the Addison Mountain Stars. Read more about the vintage
base ball team's visit to the 'Field of Dreams' movie site.

linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19227
@CalUofPA
@CalUofPA

DEPARTMENTS
CAMPUS CLIPS

FEATURES



11–16

ALUMNI NEWS

20–21

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

22–23

SPORTS ROUNDUP

26–27

MILESTONES29–34

6
9

MEET OUR VULCANS
The University’s annual viewbook
introduces high school seniors to
Cal U – and to the amazing students
who are building their futures here
in California.
To complement the 2018-2019
viewbook, Cal U’s creative services
team produced a series of short
videos that let our students tell their
own stories, in their own words.
You’ll hear from an accomplished
equestrian, an award-winning
playwright, an innovative
meteorologist and more. You’ll
even get a recipe for chocolatechip cookies.
To meet our Vulcans online, use
the link on the homepage or visit
calu.edu/ourvulcans.

PAGE 4

17
18
25

All in for liberal arts
The College of Liberal Arts' new dean wants to
empower all students, no matter their major.

More than a game
A former Vulcans baseball player takes sports
equipment to needy children around the world.

Fifty years of service
At age 91, a dedicated campus figure receives
an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

It's Vulcan Fest!
Alumni return to Washington County for a
weekend of Homecoming festivities and more.

For the love of rugby
A Cal U couple devotes time to coaching the
rough-and-tumble sport that brought them together.

A NOTE TO OUR READERS
The Cal U Review is published three times a year to keep you updated with alumni news and
information from all four Colleges at California University. Both the current edition and back
issues, along with Cal U Review “extras,” are available online at calu.edu/review.
To stay updated, alumni may send their email address to alumni@calu.edu.
Email Milestones items to revieweditor@calu.edu.

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 3
n

Jeff Bender wields a
vintage bat in a game
played by 1860s rules.

In Iowa, teammates celebrate friendship, family
“There,” my father said, pointing out the
window of our rental car.

of a baseball field. The site of the awardwinning 1989 film Field of Dreams.

I had to squint to make out what he was talking
about. I’d seen so many cornfields on the threehour drive from Chicago to Dyersville, Iowa,
that the landscapes all blended together.

People make the pilgrimage to the Field
of Dreams movie site for many reasons.
Some come for the love of the game and
others for love of the movie.

But there it was, in a sea of golden cornstalks:
Six tall, wood light-posts marking the shape

For me, baseball was just the backdrop
to this adventure.

4 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

Photos by Caroline Moore ’05, mooreclick.com. View a slideshow at calu.edu/review.

Re-enacting an iconic movie moment, the Addison Mountain Stars step out of the corn and onto the base ball field.

“If you build it, he will come.”
– The Voice, Field of Dreams

My teammates were already at the field when we
pulled into the parking lot. Most of them were in the
outfield, disappearing into the corn like the movie’s
mystical ghosts of baseball past.
The Addison Mountain Stars are a vintage base ball
team that plays by 1860s rules. Back then, the game
was written as two words. Pitching was underhand,
fielders didn’t wear gloves, and the game wasn’t the
batter-vs.-pitcher duel we see at ballparks today.
In vintage base ball, there are no homerun fences and
no stealing bases. Fielders get one bounce to make an out.
I joined the Addison Mountain Stars about two
years ago, when my Cal U colleagues Chris Nicholls
and John Moore ’05, of University Technology Services,
invited me to play. The team is run by Cal U alumni
Adam Johnson ’03 and his wife, Jenette (Augustine)
Johnson ’06, whose dad started the vintage team
35 years ago.
Phil Maise ’06 also plays for the Stars, and Caroline
Moore ’05 is our unofficial team photographer.
Every year, we travel around western Pennsylvania,
Ohio and Michigan to take part in tournaments. Next
summer, we’ll play our “home” games at Roadman
Park, on Cal U’s upper campus.
Although Iowa is a bit outside our territory, we’d
jumped at the invitation to play in a friendly, four-team
weekend event against vintage teams from Michigan
and Indiana. I’d asked my dad to come along.

“Back then I thought, ‘Well,
there'll be other days.’ I didn't
realize that that was the only day.”
– Dr. Archibald ‘Moonlight’ Graham
(Burt Lancaster), Field of Dreams

As the last out was called and the players began
trotting off the field, I paused and looked at the
baseline in front of me. I wasn’t sure if I was ready
to cross, signifying the end of our time in Iowa.
I didn’t get the opportunity to wink at the pitcher
like young Moonlight Graham did in the movie, or call
for a low ball like Shoeless Joe Jackson.
It took me a few moments to understand why
I was there – and who I had with me.

“Hey, Dad,” I said. “Do you want to have a catch?”
It was a line straight out of the movie, but there was
none more appropriate.
You see, Field of Dreams isn’t really about baseball.
It’s a story about a father and son who are torn apart
and then given the chance to play catch one last time.
I looked around and saw that my Cal U teammates
were all having similar moments. I watched a father
running around the bases with his toddler son. I saw
families laughing, and a man getting the chance to play
one last game with his children before “retiring” from
the sport.
My father and I didn’t say a word as we tossed
the ball back and forth. The silence was an unspoken
thank-you for the years of coaching Little League,
attending games and buying equipment. For providing
me with a wonderful friendship as we both grow older,
and for adopting me into his family when I was born.
None of the moments I experienced in Iowa
would have been possible without the Cal U alumni
and staff who offered their friendship and welcomed
me to their team.
It is truly the people who make our University
special. 
By Jeff Bender, digital communications
director at Cal U

ABOUT VINTAGE BASE BALL
Base ball fields are actual fields.
Trees and buildings are often in play.
Old-time rules differed by region. The
home team decides which rules are played.
An ‘out’ is known as a ‘hand.’ The best
players are ‘artists’ and fans are ‘cranks.’
Any player caught swearing during
the game is subject to a fine.

Learn more about vintage base ball and
the Addison Mountain Stars at vbba.org.

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 5
n

Dr. Kristen Majocha, dean
of the College of Liberal
Arts, teaches students
to use American Sign
Language during Cal U's
second annual Liberal Arts
Festival, a celebration of arts,
languages and cultures.

ALL IN FOR

liberal
arts

College empowers every student, dean says

D

r. Kristen Majocha calls liberal arts
“the beating heart” of any university.
“Our society is focused on technology,
and we’re stronger because of it,” she says.
“But if you can’t sell those high-tech
products because you don’t write well or
speak clearly, if you can’t package those
products with graphics and design, if you
can’t convince people to buy them, then
those products are worthless.
“Speaking. Writing. Promoting and
persuading. Understanding the human
psyche and expressing yourself — that’s
what you gain from the liberal arts.”
Majocha was appointed dean of the
College of Liberal Arts this summer. She
came to California from the University of
Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where she was the
assistant to the vice president of academic
affairs and an associate professor in the
Communications Department.
She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D.
in Rhetoric from Duquesne University. But
the Slippery Rock alumna was eager to rejoin
the State System where, as a first-generation
college student, she gained the confidence to
pursue an academic career.
“I fit here,” she says of Cal U, just as she
and her family – and a pair of goats named
Randi and Rusty – fit into their new home in

6 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

a small, Mon River community.
“The people who live in this area, the
first-generation college students and their
blue-collar families, their stories make sense
to me. This university’s mission makes sense
to me. It’s in my bones. I can’t hide who I am.”

Taking stock

Majocha’s first task as dean has been
taking stock of the College of Liberal Arts.
Nearly 1,500 students are enrolled as majors
in its seven academic departments, and every
Cal U student takes liberal arts courses to
meet general education requirements.
The dean wants to define the College’s
mission and vision – a first step toward making
it more visible on campus. And she aims to
strengthen the College’s role in empowering
all students, no matter their major.
“How can the College of Liberal Arts
support our students in all academic
programs?” she asks. “What minors and
certificates do we have in place that can make
our students stronger upon graduation?”
Majocha is a fierce advocate for disciplines
such as English, history, languages, psychology,
music, theater and art.
She concedes that liberal arts graduates
are likely to begin their careers with smaller
paychecks than their classmates in science and

tech. But research shows they catch up quickly,
often advancing into management positions.
Several studies have found that five to
10 years after graduation, liberal arts majors
typically earn as much or more than their
peers with professional degrees.
“There may not be a direct line from a
liberal arts student’s major to his or her job
title, but the options are wider,” Majocha says.

Guided by values

Emma Harris, a career coach in Cal U’s
Career and Professional Development Center,
agrees that liberal arts grads are “the most
well-rounded as professionals.”
“They communicate well, and that’s
the No. 1 skill that employers seek. And
they have a strong work ethic, the No. 2
skill that employers are looking for.”
Many liberal arts majors are motivated
by their values, Harris adds. “That’s why
they choose fields like psychology, sociology
or criminal justice – careers where they
can give back and make an impact.”
A 2016 article in the Wall Street Journal
points to a survey of 180 companies conducted
by NACE, the National Association of Colleges
and Employers. It found that “four of the
top five traits (sought by employers) were
hallmarks of a traditional liberal arts education:
teamwork, clear writing, problem-solving
aptitude and strong oral communication.”
Even when they don’t set out to recruit
liberal arts majors specifically, NACE reports,
employers often hire humanities or socialscience graduates because of these strengths.
Dr. Aref Alkhattar, a professor in the
Criminal Justice Department, also credits the
liberal arts with enhancing cultural awareness.
“American society is diverse, so
criminal justice professionals must have
an understanding of different cultures and
languages,” he says.
“We can’t focus only on technical skills
and training. If we want our graduates to be
successful, here in the United States or in a
global market, they must be well-versed
in the liberal arts.”
As chair of the Art and Languages
Department, Dr. Arcides Gonzalez finds
that students from all majors are interested
in languages and cultures.
“We live in a highly connected, social world,
and that world is multicultural and multilingual,”
he says. “Students understand that. The world
is so big, and we can’t live in a bubble.”
College is just the first step in a lifetime
of learning, adds art professor Maggy Aston.
“What will induce students to become
lifelong learners if we don’t give them a love
of literature and art, of reading and thinking
and learning? Where will they find inspiration
for their own creativity if they haven’t been
exposed to the classics?”

MBA student Mohamed
Bountoulougou enjoys the
music at Manderino Library.

University Honors Program
student Triana Shope focuses on
fingerprint collection during a lab
assignment in criminal justice.

Junior Bry Stahlman, a graphic
design major, hangs a freshly
screenprinted shirt to dry.

Dr. Holiday Adair, chair of the Psychology
Department, says a liberal arts education
“prepares us to become the kind of people
others want to have around: good listeners,
skilled in interpersonal relationships, grounded
in historical and personal precedent.”

Aptitudes and attitudes

Employers frequently talk about “soft
skills” – a term Majocha dislikes because it
downplays the value of transferrable skills
such as communication, critical thinking,
teamwork and creative problem-solving.
“College is a big financial investment,
and it’s right for parents to ask whether their
children will find a job and earn a good salary
if they choose liberal arts,” the dean says.
“I tell them that languages and cultural
awareness are critical in a global society.
So is clear writing and speaking, leadership,
and understanding human nature.
“A graduate’s resume rises to the top when
an employer sees that he or she can speak and
write and lead. That person can learn the job;
that person can represent the company.
“Liberal arts provide all that, and more.” 
By Christine Kindl, VP for
Communications and Marketing

What's
included?
Cal U’s College of Liberal Arts
comprises these academic
departments:
check Art and Languages
check C
ommunication, Design and Culture
check Criminal Justice
check English
check History, Politics, Society and Law
check M
usic and Theatre
check Psychology
The college also houses the
University Honors Program.
Other Cal U colleges are the College
of Education and Human Services,
the Eberly College of Science and
Technology, and the School of
Graduate Studies and Research.

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 7
n

Danielle
DeCarlucci '13, '18
helps a child build
reading skills.

R Reading
is for

One-on-one practicum builds literacy skills

C

asey Giles arrives at Cal U clasping
a stack of stars with words such as
“want,” “pretty,” “please” and “ate”
written on them.
One by one, he distributes them
throughout the third floor of Keystone Hall.
“We’re going to do a little scavenger
hunt with Keagan using vocabulary words,”
Giles explains.
“She has a lot of energy and likes to
move around. So we’ll use this activity
to get her moving while she practices
recognizing sight words.”
The best learning, he says, is when kids
don’t realize it’s happening. They build selfconfidence and have fun, all while developing
literacy skills.
That’s the idea behind the reading clinic
held each summer at Cal U. The 2018 class
had 15 students.
Giles — a 2008 Cal U grad and a
kindergarten teacher at Rostraver Elementary
School in the Belle Vernon Area School
District — earned a master’s degree as a
reading specialist last summer. The clinical
reading practicum is an important part of
both the M.Ed. and the reading specialist
certificate programs.

8 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

For five-and-a-half weeks, three hours a
day, each reading specialist student works
one-on-one with a child. They conduct and
analyze literacy assessments, and they
implement intervention and enrichment
lessons to foster strategic thinking and an
interest in reading and writing.
Categories for assessment and
improvement include reading comprehension,
fluency and vocabulary.
At the end of the summer program, Cal U
students provide recommendations for each
child’s parents and classroom teacher.
Danielle DeCarlucci ’13, ’18 teaches
kindergarten at Pleasant Valley Elementary
in the Peters Township School District.
“We’re working on comprehension and
short vowel sounds and decoding — how
sounds turn into words,” she says with a
nod to her student, 7-year-old James. “It’s
rewarding to see where a child may be
struggling a bit and design ways to build
improvement strategies on that.”
“Most of our students are already
classroom teachers,” says program coordinator
Dr. Diane Fine. “We emphasize the one-on-one
work with the children, and it gives our students
a chance to learn from each other.

“The summer reading clinic is the
experience our reading specialists love
the most, because it brings together the
assessment piece and the instruction piece.”
“The online format makes it possible
to complete the program, because you
can teach during the day,” says Samantha
Brickley ’14, a long-term substitute teacher
set to graduate in December 2018. “But the
on-campus reading clinic practicum turns out
to be awesome, because it puts assessment
and instruction all together.”
“The children love it, too,” Fine adds,
“because it’s more like camp instead
of school.”
Craig Rechichar has two daughters, Lena
and Eva, enrolled in the program. Lena took
part in the program last year.
“We’ve noticed an improvement in Lena’s
reading skills,” Rechichar says. “When she
reads to us, she is a lot more confident in
doing so.
“It’s educational, but it’s also fun. We often
overhear them playing school at home — they
call each other Miss Lena and Miss Eva — and
we know they’re repeating the lessons they’ve
learned here.” 
By Wendy Mackall, communications director at Cal U

Philanthropy provides sports equipment for kids

T

he importance of sports to Sam DiMatteo?
Think of a two-out, bases-loaded, tiegame, bottom-of-the-ninth hit.
In other words, it’s very important.
“What baseball did for me
as a kid is huge,” says DiMatteo,
a 2010 graduate with a degree
in business administration. The
All-American outfielder for the
Vulcans holds school records
for hits, runs and stolen bases.
“Being able to play sports
teaches you life lessons,” he says.
“If you stick with it, it toughens
you up a bit. It’s our job to teach
kids and keep them in the game.”
DiMatteo grew up in Center
Township, in Beaver County, Pa., and now lives
in Palm Springs, Calif. After graduating from
Cal U, he played professional baseball in
various independent leagues.
He retired in 2016 to focus on his career as a
hitting coach for the Palm Springs Power in the
Southern California Collegiate Baseball League.
He also started The SD Project, a nonprofit
organization. Donations made through its
website, thesdproject.com, allow DiMatteo
and a team of volunteers to provide lessons
and sports equipment to children who face
challenging life circumstances.
What started as a small effort focused on
western Pennsylvania has grown into a bigger
one: Today, The SD Project helps kids across
the country and around the world play whatever
sport they love.
“I had one kid I was coaching to play baseball,
but his family couldn’t afford it,” DiMatteo says. “So
I created a GoFundMe page. And that took off, so I
decided to do something for any family I came across
who needed help. I called it The SD Project. The more
we did, the more people wanted to get involved.”

“

Being able to play sports teaches
you life lessons. ... It’s our job to teach
kids and keep them in the game.

”

SAM DIMATTEO '10

In May 2016, DiMatteo
and partner Richie Serritella
brought 400 pounds of
baseball equipment — gloves,
spikes, shoes, T-shirts — to the
Medellin Cubs in Colombia.
Images of kids from the
House of Hope orphanage in
Zimbabwe kicking homemade
soccer balls and playing with
tires sparked a trip to deliver
new equipment.
“In my hometown, they have a bocce league
that kids with disabilities can play in,” DiMatteo
says. “Their partners are athletes at school. That
kind of stuff is so awesome to me. We gave them
all gift cards to buy what they need.”
For his philanthropy, California University
has nominated DiMatteo for the American
Association of State Colleges and Universities’
2020 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
“My connection to Cal U is my coach, Mike
Conte,” DiMatteo says. “Cal U was a very good
place for me. I still talk with, and am friends with,
so many people. I’m glad I went there.”
“I appreciate Sam for what he was at Cal U
and who he has become as a person,” Conte says.
“We’re measured by wins and losses, but as a
college coach, you’re trying to get these guys to
live healthy, complete, successful lives.
“We want them to grow up and become good
citizens, and he has certainly done that.” 
By Wendy Mackall, communications director at Cal U

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 9
n

From left: Jeffrey
Nobili '15, Ami Gatts,
Stephen Terhorst,
Dr. Gina Boff

Seniors design solution for workforce development board

A

computer connection required a
human connection.
The Southwest Corner Workforce
Development Board provides job placement
assistance, education, training and counseling
for residents of Washington, Greene and
Beaver counties.
It also operates four Pennsylvania
CareerLink centers, which match job-seekers
and employers.
Visitors at the center check in at
CareerLink kiosks, which collect user
data that help the board keep pace with
workforce dynamics.
“The systems operated individually, and
data was stored separately at each center,”
explains Jeffrey Nobili ’15, information
technology and program manager for the
workforce development board.
“This made mining the data for
employment trends difficult. It meant four
sets of data needed to be compiled, reviewed
and delivered for reporting. And it meant the
centers may not have been collecting the
same information the same way.”
Price tag for an off-the-shelf software
solution: $20,000.
But “we want as much of our funding as

10 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

possible to go toward training,” says Ami
Gatts, director of the Southwest Corner board.
A Cal U connection provided the answer
— one that allowed the board to keep more
funding for services while giving students a
real-world, hands-on learning opportunity.
Nobili has a Cal U degree in computer
information systems. And he’s a member of
the CIS program’s community advisory board
— professionals who help to ensure that the
program teaches skills that employers need.
When Dr. Gina Boff’s senior-project class
needed a business partner, Nobili saw an
opportunity to connect.
“In the first semester, students in the
capstone course analyze the business
problem and design a solution,” Boff explains.
“They make decisions about what type of
data storage or screens will be used. The next
semester they code it, create it, test it and get
feedback from the users.
“When you complete this capstone,
you should be ready to be hired right out
the door, because this is the real world on
a smaller scale.”
Before they graduated in May, students
Geoffrey Fowler, Brittani Kiger and Stephen
Terhorst implemented a Web-based system

for Southwest Corner. It uses a single
database to provide better reporting
and customer service.
Terhorst stayed on with the board part
time after graduation to provide software
enhancements after the system went live, and
to build his resume as he seeks full-time work.
“I knew there would be things I wanted
to change once people started using the
system,” he says. “I enjoy coding and making
websites, and I was able to learn a different
coding language for this project. The senior
class project is a great opportunity for my
degree; it’s very beneficial.”
“I’m thrilled with what he’s done,” Nobili
says. “He’s acting just like a developer is
supposed to, checking in with me, making
sure his work doesn’t affect things down the
line, working his way through improvements.”
The board now has a great network.
Thanks to a great network.
“My professional relationship with Dr. Boff
led to this,” Nobili says. “My connection to
a program I loved and incorporated into my
professional network has delivered a fantastic
project that will be used for years to come.” 
By Wendy Mackall, communications
director at Cal U

CAMPUS C L I P S
B I G F I R S T-Y E A R C L A S S I S

STARTING STRONG

T

his fall, Cal U welcomed its largest class of firsttime freshmen since 2014. The first-year students
who arrived for Welcome Weekend represent 53
Pennsylvania counties, 13 U.S. states and 18 countries
around the world.
Many of these students were born in 2000, making this
the first class born and raised in the current millennium.
“Say ‘Y2K’ to these students, and they don’t know what
you mean,” says Dr. Daniel Engstrom, associate provost and
associate vice president for Academic Success. “They have
always lived in a world where the year starts with a 2.”
The incoming class has a strong academic profile, with
more students whose test scores and previous academic
performance indicate they are likely to do well in college.
University officials credit an improved scholarship strategy
with attracting greater numbers of top students.
New academic programs, fresh marketing campaigns
and enhancements to the campus visit experience are
also part of Cal U’s strategic enrollment plan.
Cal U welcomed incoming students with activities such
as a guided kayak tour, outlet shopping, outdoor fitness
activities and fireworks. To see photos from Welcome
Weekend 2018, visit calu.edu/review.

Wildlife Society
honors adviser
The Wildlife Society
has selected Dr.
Carol Bocetti as
the 2018 Student
Chapter Advisor
of the Year — the
first adviser ever
to receive the
honor twice.
Bocetti, a professor in the Department
of Biological and Environmental Sciences,
first received the award in 2012, when
Cal U’s student organization was named
the Wildlife Society Chapter of the Year.
Founded in 1937, The Wildlife Society
is a professional community of scientists,
managers, educators, technicians, planners
and others who work to study, manage and
conserve wildlife and habitats worldwide.
In addition to accepting her award,
Bocetti gave the opening address at the
organization’s annual conference, held in
Cleveland, Ohio.

In “Kirtland’s Warblers Sing the Sweet
Song of Success! How Collaborative
Conservation Can Recover a Conservationreliant Species,” she described initiatives that
led to the growth of the Kirtland’s warbler
population from fewer than 200 pairs during
the mid-1980s to an estimated 2,400 pairs,
surpassing recovery goals, according to the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Bocetti also has taken part in recovery
efforts for the formerly endangered
Delmarva fox squirrel.

Park ranger serving
as student trustee
Junior Alex Arnold is
eager to learn more
about leadership and
stewardships as the
2018-2019 student
member of Cal U's
Council of Trustees.
Arnold has a
dual major in history
and parks and recreation management,

and he puts his learning into practice as
a seasonal park ranger with the National
Park Service. After spending time at
Maryland-based Chesapeake & Ohio
National Historic Park, he now works at
Friendship Hill National Historic Site, in
Point Marion, Pa.
“Whether you’re managing a university
or managing a park, the operations are
very similar, especially with matters such
as budgets, staffing and even dealing with
forms of government,” he says.
A native of McClellandtown, Pa.,
Arnold says his role as a trustee “is all
about serving the students, and I feel that
at this level I can really help them.”
Each of the 14 universities in
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher
Education has a Council of Trustees that
includes a student member. Student
trustees are nominated after a screening
and interview process at their home
campuses. Approval by the Chancellor’s
Office is required before the student
trustee is appointed by the governor.

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 11
n

CAMPUS C L I P S
Cal U grads carry
less student debt
An online marketplace for financial
products, including student loans, reports
that California University of Pennsylvania
students graduate with less student
loan debt than their peers at most other
Pennsylvania colleges and universities.
In its third annual Student Loan Debt
State by State report, LendEDU ranked
Cal U among the 10 Pennsylvania schools
that leave the average student borrower
with the least educational debt.
The LendEDU analysis was based on
financial aid data from 1,080 four-year
colleges and universities, both public
and private.
The survey ranked Cal U No. 8 in
Pennsylvania, meaning that only seven
other colleges graduate students who,
on average, owe less in student loans.
About 91 percent of Cal U students
borrow to meet college costs, the
report says. The average Cal U student
graduates owing about $2,000 less
than the national average for all student
borrowers, and about $10,000 less
than the average for student borrowers
in Pennsylvania.
Cal U’s low tuition rate is one factor in
the ranking. Scholarships also can reduce
student debt, and Cal U does all it can to
assist qualifying students. Last year
Cal U awarded more than $2 million in
merit- and need-based scholarships.

ARM membership offers
opportunities in robotics
Cal U is empowering students in its
robotics and mechatronics engineering
technology programs to network, learn
and innovate through its membership in
Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing, an
institute headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Cal U is one of 168 corporations
and educational institutions — and the
only university in Pennsylvania’s State
System of Higher Education — to hold
ARM membership.

12 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

Sunrise ride
After an early-morning bicycle ride, Dr. Daniel Greenstein, chancellor of Pennsylvania’s
State System of Higher Education, takes notes on local bike trails suggested by
psychology professor Dr. Rebecca Regeth. Greenstein began his tenure as the State
System’s fifth chancellor with a tour of the commonwealth’s 14 public universities,
opening as many visits as possible with an informal bike ride. At Cal U he also
held a series of listening sessions and focus groups with students, faculty, staff,
administrators and University trustees. An open forum gave members of the Cal U
community, as well as local officials, an opportunity to ask questions and hear the
chancellor’s plans for redesigning the State System.

Part of Manufacturing USA, a consortium
of 14 manufacturing innovation institutes,
ARM is funded with $80 million from
the Department of Defense and an
additional $170 million from various
public and private organizations. Its
goal is to “accelerate the advancement
of transformative robotic technologies
and education” and make American
manufacturing more competitive on a
global scale.
Through ARM, Cal U students will
have opportunities to work with leading
companies on projects that advance
cutting-edge robotic technologies, with
special emphasis on key industrial sectors
such as aerospace, automotive, textiles,
electronics and more.
“Cal U’s membership in ARM signifies
its commitment to preparing students
with the skills and knowledge essential for
revitalizing U.S. manufacturing through
industrial robotics innovation,” says
Jean Hale, Cal U’s executive director of
community and corporate relations.

“Membership in ARM provides access
to funding and supportive infrastructure
to enhance the University’s existing
connections with small and mid-size
manufacturers in the region. It also allows
Cal U to partner with manufacturers as
they work toward implementing new
robotic technologies — a key element in
strengthening our region’s economic vitality.”

Student leader
is looking ahead

Junior Seth Shiley
fell in love with Cal U
online and applied
before he ever set
foot on campus.
Now the University
has become his
home away from
home — and he’s
giving back by serving as president of its
Student Government Association.
Shiley, of Camp Hill, Pa., says he has
“a passion for leading.”

“I want to help the students and ensure
that their voices are heard. My goal is to
make sure everyone has a positive college
experience,” he says.
Shiley is a sport management studies
major, with a minor in event planning and
management. He’s secretary of the Sport
Management Club and a member of the
Student Activities Board.
As a student leader, he’s putting his
management skills into practice.
After planning a pre-holiday warmclothing drive for needy children and
organizing other activities and service
projects, he’s looking ahead to the spring
semester.
“I’m most excited about The Big Event,”
Shiley says, referring to the annual day of
service when hundreds of student volunteers
do yardwork and cleanup projects at homes,
churches and other sites near Cal U.

“It’s a rewarding experience helping
out members of the California community.
This event allows us to create positive
relationships between the students and
our neighbors.”

Stocking the shelves
at the Cal U Cupboard
The Cal U Cupboard, a resource for
students who are experiencing food
insecurity, had more items on its shelves
this fall.
At their fall quarterly meeting,
members of Cal U’s Council of Trustees
donated nonperishable food items to help
stock the Cupboard.
As part of an ongoing project, the
Alumni Association’s board of directors
donated school supplies such as notebooks,
pens, pencils, binders and highlighters.
And Student Ambassadors collected
food and hygiene items for the Cupboard in
lieu of an entry fee at this fall’s “Blaze in the
Night Neon Fun Run/Walk,” a nighttime
outdoor run held during Family Weekend.
Fresh fruit also made its way to
students from the orchard planted in 2016
at SAI Farm. Apples from the young fruit
trees were donated to the Cupboard this
fall. Next year, when the trees are fully
grown, organizers anticipate an even larger
harvest of fresh fruit will be available for
students who use the food pantry.

Governor’s office
is internship site

Exploring Madagascar
Students take time from their research studies to experience life in Madagascar, an
island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa. Six Cal U students took part in the
month-long study abroad program, along with a visiting student from Carnegie Mellon
University and two from Madagascar’s University of Antananarivo. Led by Dr. Summer
Arrigo-Nelson, of Cal U’s Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences,
the group practiced field methods for research in a rainforest and a spiny dry forest
environment. They also visited a variety of national parks and cultural heritage sites
in Madagascar and went on a whale-watching excursion in the Mozambique channel.
The Madagascar Field School is offered every other year; for program information,
visit calu.edu/madagascar.

Senior Gabrielle
Salerni, an
international studies
major with a minor
in political science,
spent the fall
semester working in
the office of Gov. Tom
Wolf as part of a 15week internship sponsored by Pennsylvania’s
State System of Higher Education.
The Harrisburg Internship Semester
(THIS) program gives students the
opportunity to work in state government
while earning a full semester’s worth of
credits — and, in Salerni’s case, a selfie
with the governor.
Continues on page 14

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 13
n

CAMPUS C L I P S
Continued from page 13

A resident of Lincoln University,
Pa., in Chester County, Salerni gained
firsthand experience corresponding with
constituents and drafting proclamations
and greetings from the governor.
She and her fellow THIS interns
also attended academic seminars and
completed individualized research projects
as part of the program’s requirements.
“I would love to one day work for an
international organization such as the
United Nations or UNESCO,” Salerni
says. “However, before I do that, I feel it's
important for me to fully understand the
government of my home country.
“I learned so much about executive
government and the kinds of things that
go on from day to day.”

science professor Dr. Melanie Blumberg,
campus director of the American
Democracy Project at Cal U.
The four students participated in
voter engagement planning and helped to
educate classmates about candidates and
issues. They conducted registration drives
and encouraged students to go to the polls
on Election Day. They also took part in a
series of events focused on current issues
and the theme of “Midterms Matter.”
“I have always been a strong advocate
for the representation of younger
generations on the civic spectrum,”
Ambrosy-Stephens says. “The experience
of doing this has been a great way to
channel my passion.”

Handshake connects
students, employers
Cal U’s Career and Professional
Development Center is introducing students,
alumni and employers to Handshake, an
online career and internship tool.
Through Handshake, job seekers have
access to more than 1 million jobs posted
by 200,000 companies, nonprofit groups
and government organizations nationwide.
Students can use Handshake to
build a personal profile – including their

major, achievements and interests – that
registered employers can access when
seeking job candidates. Students also
can schedule a resume review, make an
appointment with a career coach, or learn
about career fairs and other events.
Employers can register to use
Handshake to post jobs, internships and
co-op positions; review student resumes;
set up interviews on campus; or reserve
an information table. The tool’s filters
allow employers to narrow the field of
job applicants and contact student
candidates easily.
To learn more about Handshake, visit
www.calu.edu/inside/career-center.

Harvard program
taps GIS expert
Dr. Tom Mueller,
a professor in the
Department of
Earth Science and
a geographic
information systems
(GIS) expert, has
been chosen as an
educational
associate team member of the Ukraine
Research Institute at Harvard University’s

‘Fellows’ promote
voter engagement
Four student “fellows” with a keen
interest in politics led voter registration
drives in advance of the midterm elections.
Political science majors India
Washington, Chris Gentile and Zach Smith,
along with international studies major
Rebeccah Ambrosy-Stephens, organized
registration tables at student events and at
busy locations on campus before and after
National Voter Registration Day.
With their help, nearly 200 student
voters were registered.
Ambrosy-Stephens and Smith received
fellowships from the Campus Vote Project,
an initiative of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Fair
Elections Center, based in Washington, D.C.
Washington and Gentile received
fellowships through a Campus Election
Engagement Project grant.
“The fellows were selected based on
their knowledge of, interest in, and passion
for all things political,” says political

14 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

Building healthy habits
Senior Natalie Reichard, a criminal justice major, makes smoothies at Cal U’s 31st
annual Health Fair. Organized by the University’s Health Education Awareness
Resource Team, the event included information about healthful living presented
by local healthcare organizations, campus offices and student clubs. Giveaways,
screenings and organized physical activities were designed to inform students about
the services available at Cal U and encourage them to make healthy choices.

Southern California, also took audience
questions on subjects such as his writing
schedule (he writes every day) and advice
he’d give to his younger self (“It’s going to
be OK!”).
Students and faculty, several of whom
regularly assign Boyle’s works to their
creative writing students, were thrilled
to welcome the author.
“It’s important for Cal U to bring in
writers with a certain panache,” says
Dr. Kim Vanderlaan, associate professor
of English and the event’s organizer. “Our
students who are striving to be writers
need to hear about the successes and
the failures as they work on their craft.”

Olympian’s advice:
‘Just keep going’

Award winner
Paul 'Larry' Lancaster ’66, ’69 is the 10th recipient of the Jennie Carter Award.
Named for California’s first African-American graduate, Elizabeth ‘Jennie’ Adams
Carter, Class of 1881, the award is given to a person who exemplifies her spirit,
resilience and leadership. Lancaster taught in Cal U’s Department of Special
Education for 35 years and was department chair for 10 years before he retired
in 2004. He also spent a decade as the University’s NCAA Faculty Athletic
Representative (FAR). A former rape counselor for the Women’s Resource Center
of Fayette County, he serves on the board of Cross Keys Human Services Inc., in
Brownsville, Pa.; his wife, Dr. Adrienne Lancaster ’69, is board president. ‘When
I came to campus, there were so few blacks. … I can’t imagine what (Jennie Carter)
went through back then,’ Lancaster says. ‘She set the standard and led the way.’

MAPA Digital Ukraine Program.
The institute is a resource for students,
fellows and associates who are pursuing
research in Ukrainian studies. The MAPA
program uses GIS to illustrate and explain
economic, historical, political and social
transformations within the country.
Using the institute’s research on
Ukraine nationalism, Mueller created a
lesson plan for Cal U students — “MAPA
in the Classroom: Ukraine and Language
Exercise” — that was published on the
institute’s website and led to his selection
as an educational associate.
“For me it was like winning an Oscar,”
says Mueller. “But more importantly, the
lesson plan got the students immediately
interested and asking questions about
the data.”

Award-winning writer
stops by for reading
English majors,
English professors
and fans who simply
love a vividly written
story met a literary
favorite when writer
T.C. Boyle came
to campus.
Boyle is the
author of nearly 30 books and winner of
the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. He
delighted an audience at the Convocation
Center with a reading of his short story
“The Lie,” which was published in The New
Yorker.
The author, who is a Distinguished
Professor of English at the University of

Olympian Zola
Budd Pieterse’s
competitive running
career often thrust
her onto the
international stage,
but she urged more
than 100 young
runners to look
inside themselves to find success.
“Being on the starting line of a race
is one of the loneliest places you can be.
You need to show up and just keep going
longer than the other people,” Pieterse told
students at the annual Cal U cross country
summer camp.
“It’s not about being bold, boastful or
talking loud, but rather the silent … resolve
inside you, where you must find something
that will take you from wanting to do it, to
doing it.”
A native of South Africa, Pieterse
competed for Great Britain in the 1984
Summer Olympics, in Los Angeles, and for
South Africa in the 1992 Summer Games,
in Barcelona. She also won two world
championships in cross country.
She is perhaps best known for
competing barefoot during her running
career, and for an infamous collision
with American Mary Decker during the
1984 Olympics.
Pieterse is now the head men’s
and women’s cross country coach and
assistant track and field coach at Coastal
Carolina University, in South Carolina.
Continues on page 16

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 15
n

CAMPUS C L I P S
Continued from page 15

She still holds two junior world records,
in the mile and the 3,000-meter run. Yet
she urged young runners to focus less
on winning.
“You’re going to make mistakes —
that’s life,” she says, “but I’ve learned more
from the races I’ve lost.”

Fulbright
teaching assistant
If you’re studying Arabic at Cal U,
you can turn to a native speaker
for help. Oussama Alaoui Ismaili,
from Morocco, is Cal U’s third
Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching
Assistant. Ismaili tutors students in
the online Arabic language programs
and assists in organizing cultural
presentations on campus. An
English-language teacher in his
homeland, he has degrees in
English, cross-cultural studies and
teaching pedagogies. The Fulbright
program, sponsored by the U.S. State
Department’s Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs, brings earlycareer educators from around the
world to study at U.S. colleges while
they teach their native languages and
serve as cultural ambassadors.

Sport management
ranked best in nation
Cal U’s undergraduate and graduate
sport management degree programs have
been ranked No. 1 nationally for 2018-2019
by Schools.com, a leading provider of
higher education information.
The online site’s rankings are based
on information from the Department
of Education’s National Center for
Education Statistics.
On its website, Schools.com noted
the number of sport management majors
and concentrations offered at Cal U, as
well as the convenience of the master’s
degree program, which can be completed
entirely online.
Among other 2018 rankings noted
this fall, Cal U’s online master’s degree
in criminal justice studies was named
among the best by Top Criminal Justice
Schools; the master’s degree in conflict
resolution was ranked as one of the most
affordable by College Choice; Paralegal411.
org recognized the online legal studies
concentration in the jurisprudence
program; and the Professional Science
Master’s degree in applied mathematics
earned kudos from both Best College
Reviews and Master’s Program Guides.
Awards and rankings are part of the
Cal U Difference. A complete list is
available online at calu.edu.

THINKING OF

GRAD

SCHOOL?
Schedule a visit at

calu.edu/visit

16 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

Bringing science
to the stage
Engaging, intriguing
and educational —
that’s science, says
Dr. Gregg Gould,
a professor in the
Department of
Chemistry and
Physics.
To encourage a love of science among
students in middle and high school, as
well as the general public, Gould and his
son, Colin, presented “Science You Can
See (and Hear)” at Soldiers and Sailors
Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh.
The Faraday Lecture — named for
19th-century British scientist Michael
Faraday, renowned for his study of
electromagnetism and electrochemistry
— was sponsored by the Society for
Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh and
the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh.
Both nonprofit organizations are
dedicated to furthering scientific education
in western Pennsylvania.
During their presentation, the Goulds
used unusually large equipment designed
to make scientific principles of sound,
magnetism and electromagnetism visible
and audible to the audience.

“I like to get people intrigued and
then begin to ask and answer questions
about the science involved,” says Gould.
In one demonstration, the team used
a fishing magnet to lift a volunteer from
the audience. In another, a standing
wave generator made wave amplitude
and frequency easy to see.
“It’s like a standing guitar string,”
Gould says.
“The natural sciences are near and
dear to my heart, so I like to share that
fascination,” he adds. “Science was
very high profile during my childhood,
with events like the Apollo missions.
I’m afraid we’ve gotten away from that.
Computer science is now what physics
and chemistry used to be.
“It’s nice to have events like this,
to get people excited about the natural
sciences again.”
Colin Gould studied chemistry as an
undergraduate; now he’s pursuing a Ph.D.
in molecular magnetism at the University
of California.
His dad is happy to share the podium.
“Nobody is going to mistake me
for a college student,” Gregg Gould says
with a smile. “It’s good to have someone
younger to make a connection to the
students.”

YEARS SERVICE
OF

Influential administrator awarded honorary doctorate

A

s vice president for student
development, Elmo Natali ’53
was called the “tone and pulse”
of California State College.
Now his alma mater has awarded him
an honorary doctorate in recognition of his
dedication to students, his decades of service,
and his lasting legacy at the University.
The University’s Council of Trustees
approved the honorary doctorate, noting that
Natali served California over a 50-year span
as a student-athlete, teacher, coach, dean
and vice president.
The Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris
causa, was delivered directly to Natali, 91,
who resides with family members in Virginia.

About Elmo Natali

Natali was born in 1927 in Gallatin, Pa.
He graduated from Monessen High School
and attended California State Teachers
College from 1950 to 1953, making a name
for himself as a student-athlete. He earned
a master’s degree from West Virginia
University in 1958.
As a standout running back on the
Vulcans football team, Natali helped “Cal
State” finish the 1951 season by competing

in the prestigious Pythian Bowl. He capped
his football career by being drafted into the
National Football League by legendary head
coach Paul Brown of the Cleveland Browns.
From 1953 to 1961, Natali was a classroom
teacher and assistant football coach at
Monongahela (Pa.) Junior High School. He
continued coaching during his tenure as
elementary supervisor of the Monongahela
School District from 1961 to 1962.
Natali returned to California State College
in 1962 and remained until 1966 as a professor
of education and assistant football coach.
After a brief stint at Community College of
Broward County, Fla., he returned to California
in 1967 to rejoin the football staff and work
with students as assistant dean of men and
then dean of men, a role he held for seven
years. He also volunteered as the Vulcans’
head football coach from 1973 through 1976.
Natali became California’s vice president
for student development in 1977. He is
remembered for a firm-but-fair approach
that enabled California to become a premier
academic and athletic institution.
“He was called ‘the tone and pulse of the
campus’ for his ability to talk with students
and really understand what their problems

and issues were,” University President
Geraldine Jones says.
“It was said that his complete dedication
to the University made it a better place then,
and the place it is now.”

Lasting legacy

Natali retired in 1992.
He received many accolades during his
career at California, including the Alumni
Association’s 1983 John R. Gregg Award for
Loyalty and Service. The University retired his
football jersey number, 34, and inducted him
into the inaugural class of the Cal U Athletic
Hall of Fame in 1995.
His name and photo are visible in the
Elmo Natali Student Center.
“Elmo Natali’s commitment to California
University and our students certainly
exemplifies the University’s core values
of integrity, civility and responsibility,”
says President Jones.
“While we can never repay Mr. Natali for
all he has done for the University, we hope
that this honorary doctorate will let him know
that we truly appreciate all he has done for our
University and, particularly, for our students.” 
By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 17
n

Grads and guests enjoy
expanded Homecoming weekend

S

kies were cloudy but smiles
were bright as Cal U celebrated
Homecoming 2018 and Vulcan
Fest Weekend.
Organized in collaboration with the
Washington County Tourism Promotion
Agency, the expanded festivities brought
alumni to The Meadows, one of the county’s
tourism hot-spots, and introduced the
University to newcomers who arrived
for a weekend of Vulcans football, food
and music.
On Friday night, a reception and
house-rockin’ concert by Joe Grushecky ’71
marked the 135th anniversary of the
Alumni Association.
On Saturday, alumni mingled over
brunch at the Kara Alumni House. Along
Third Street, kids tumbled in a bouncehouse and skated on a portable roller rink.
Then students and families gathered for

18 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

the Homecoming parade, with “Decades”themed floats, 13 high school bands, and
longtime mathematics and computer
science professor George Novak ’55 as
grand marshal.
Next, the action moved to Roadman
Park, where food trucks, tailgates and
music created a festival atmosphere
outside Adamson Stadium. After an
afternoon of Vulcans football, country
music fans enjoyed performances by
local favorite Chris Higbee and
Grammy Award winners Lonestar.
Amid the festivities, a group of softball
alumni and their families, about 55 in all,
gathered around a fire pit at Roadman Park.
“Most of us hadn’t been together for
years,” says Keri Weaver ’97, who helped
to organize the reunion. “But it’s like we
never left. We pick up right where we
left off.” 

FLOAT AWARDS
Welcome to Woodstock
by Alpha Kappa Lambda,
Delta Zeta

Throwback to the ’80s
by Theta Xi, Sigma Kappa,
Alpha Phi Alpha

Back to the Future
by Acacia, Alpha Sigma Alpha

Throwback to the ’70s
by FIJI, Alpha Sigma Tau

HIGH SCHOOL
BAND AWARDS
Ringgold High School
Carmichaels High School
Peters Township High School

Food trucks feed a hungry Vulcan
Fest crowd at Roadman Park.

Homecoming royals Whitney Ptak and Jerron Corley greet friends at the stadium.

Professor George Novak '55.
the parade's grand marshal.

The Cal U Marching Band amps up the crowd
after their half-time show at Adamson Stadium.

Junior Andrew Lape and
friends enjoy tailgating.

Cal U softball alumni and their families reconnect at Roadman Park.

Richie McDonald, lead singer of Lonestar, belts out one of the
group’s well-known songs during the Vulcan Fest concert.

Kayla Kling laughs as she passes her family
along the Homecoming parade route.

Junior Sara Maute helps to carry
the flag leading the parade.

It wouldn't be Homecoming without Vulcans football.

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 19
n

Greetings!

FROM
THE OFFICE
OF ALUMNI
RELATIONS

Vulcan Fest Homecoming Weekend was a great
time for everyone who attended! Don’t miss out on
the fun and festivities next year. Save the date: Vulcan
Fest Homecoming Weekend will be Oct. 11-13, 2019.
Watch the Vulcan Gazette for details.

Let us plan your Cal U reunion
Groups of Cal U graduates and friends often
meet outside of official University and Alumni
Relations functions, and we love that our alumni
stick together! Let us help you make that alumni
gathering even better. We can assist with logistics,
pavilion rentals at Roadman Park and more.
Contact Staci Tedrow or Ryan Barnhart in the
Alumni Office to plan your next gathering.
Reach us at alumni@calu.edu or 724-938-4418.

Check out our new website
The new alumni website has officially launched!
Visit the site to register for events and check
attendee lists, create and update your alumni
profile, send us news and Milestones items, get
involved as a volunteer, and support scholarships
through online giving. To check out the new site,
visit www.calu.edu/alumni and click on “Visit the
Alumni Website.”

Happy holidays!
As 2018 comes to a close, your friends in the Office
of Alumni Relations wish you and yours a safe and
happy holiday season. Help us keep our New Year’s
resolution — to connect with you on campus or at
an event near you in 2019!

ALUMNI CALENDAR
MAR

17

Join University President Geraldine Jones ’72, ’80, Vice President Tony
Mauro ’92, ’93 and other Cal U alumni at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Fla.,
for our annual spring training event with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tickets for
the game and pregame reception are on sale now. Email alumni@calu.edu
or phone Staci Tedrow at 724-938-4418 for details or to purchase tickets.

APR

12

APR

13

THE BIG EVENT

Cal U students and alumni work side by side to give back to the community
at The Big Event, a day of service organized at universities across the
country. Can’t make it to campus? Create or help with a community
service project in your own neighborhood! To volunteer, contact the
Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@calu.edu or call 724-938-4418.

MAY

1

MENTOR
NETWORKING EVENT

Mentors make a difference! The Alumni Student Mentor Network brings
Cal U graduates and students together. Don’t miss this chance to network
with other alumni, current students and soon-to-be graduates in a space
where we can share ideas, professional insights and our affinity for
Cal U. To get involved as a mentor for students, or to RSVP for this
event, contact the Office of Alumni Relations.

2

Director of Alumni Relations

ALUMNI AWARDS

Celebrate the achievements of our exceptional graduates as we present
the 2018-2019 Alumni Awards. The annual ceremony recognizes
outstanding alumni with an Oscars-worthy event. For tickets, email
us at alumni@calu.edu or 724-938-4418.

MAY

Ryan Barnhart ’08, ’09

CAL U + PIRATES
SPRING TRAINING EVENT

JAM A CAN
FOR THE CUPBOARD

Our spring charity event benefits the Cal U Cupboard, which fights
food insecurity for students. Support our student Alumni Ambassadors
as they host a ‘can jam’ tournament and collect school supplies,
nonperishable foods and other items for students in need.
For details, email Randi Minerva at minerva@calu.edu.

JUNE

15

CAL U DAY
AT KENNYWOOD

Celebrate summer with Cal U Day at Kennywood Park! Tickets include
all-day ride access, plus an ice cream social at the Cal U Pavilion inside
the park in West Mifflin, Pa. This event is open to all Cal U alumni,
faculty, staff, families and friends. Purchase tickets through the Office
of Alumni Relations; reach us at alumni@calu.edu or 724-938-4418.

20 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

ALUMNI ALBUM

Rocking the house

At the ballpark

As part of Vulcan Fest Homecoming Weekend, alumni and friends
celebrated the 135th anniversary of the Alumni Association at
The Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Local rock ’n’ roll legend Joe
Grushecky ’71 headlined a special concert that brought nearly 200
alumni from all decades out for a great time.

Gregg Friend ’83 and his wife, Kristin, take in a Pittsburgh Pirates
baseball game during the third annual Cal U Night at PNC Park. More
than 500 alumni, students and Cal U faculty, administrators and staff
mingled at the game, and each fan received a customized cap with
both the Pirates and Cal U logos.

Moonlight run

Back in town

Runners Chris Montgomery and Felix Rivera show off their T-shirts
before heading into the dark at the inaugural Blaze in the Night Glow/
Neon Run. More than 130 Cal U graduates, students and their families
took part in the 5K race and fun run/walk. The entry fee consisted of
items for the Cal U Cupboard; the campus food pantry received more
than 500 items in all. Planning is already under way for a second
installment of the run next fall.

Elaine Zavage ’66, of South Park, Pa., catches up with Elaine Madatic
’68, of Baton Rouge, La., during the Alumni Association’s 135th
anniversary party at The Meadows. The event brought alumni from
across the country back to Washington County for a full weekend of
Homecoming and Vulcan Fest activities.

Five decades of memories

Perfect pitch

The Class of 1968 celebrated its 50th Class Reunion with a luncheon
at the Kara Alumni House. More than 50 classmates and guests
gathered to reconnect and reminisce before heading out to enjoy
a full weekend of Vulcan Fest Homecoming activities.

The Pirate Parrot keeps an eye on the ball as Tony ‘Strong Arm’ Mauro ’92, ’93,
vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations, throws out
the ceremonial first pitch during Cal U Night at PNC Park. Watch The Vulcan
Gazette for the date of next year’s Cal U night at the ballpark.

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 21
n

ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T

T

he “In My Feelings” viral video challenge has
a new educational verse. Students you know we love
ya, no one above ya, and we know you will achieve …
Cue “The Rapping Principal,” Dr. Margaret Starkes ’93,
who channels her musical talents to connect with
students at Miller African-Centered Academy in
Pittsburgh’s Hill District.
Each fall a customized rap song welcomes the
children to a new school year. This fall Starkes reworked
the Drake tune that inspired hundreds of people nationwide to post music videos online with the hashtag
#InMyFeelingsDanceChallenge.
“When there is a trending topic happening within our
school, our district or our city, I find the words and put
them to music. Many times, I will use a cover song and
change the words to fit a relevant issue,” Starkes says.
It all began during a lunch period when she noticed
students rapping and making up beats. The principal
surprised them by coming up with her own rhymes.
“I rapped for the students, and their jaws dropped.
I realized that rap could be a vehicle to relate to students
and talk about important topics.”
Starkes, who attended Pittsburgh Public Schools,
says her education has come full circle. After earning
her bachelor’s degree in early childhood/elementary
education from Cal U and her doctorate from the
University of Pittsburgh, she was eager to go back as
an educator. She has been with the district for 25 years.
“My student teaching placement returned me to
Pittsburgh Public Schools. It was an honor to return to
my city and my school district to serve,” she says.
“Becoming a teacher and then a principal is my way
of giving back to the children, as so many of my teachers
and administrators have done for me.”
Next up: A rap song she hopes will reach the ear of
talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres. “I believe in the work she
does for schools and urban communities,” Starkes says.
Ultimately, she would like to enhance the district’s
cultural arts program.
“I would love for all students to have access to cultural
arts as a means to express themselves and share their
talents and gifts with the world.” 
By Kayla Kuntz, social media manager at Cal U

22 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

PREVENTION MATTERS

A

stark statistic: One out of four women
and one out of nine men have been
victims of sexual violence, physical
violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner.
“There is a lot to learn about intimate
partner violence,” says the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention in its National Intimate
Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.
“We do know that strategies that promote
healthy behaviors in relationships are
important. Programs that teach young people
skills for dating can prevent violence.”
Alexandra Brooks ’13, ’15 is part of
the effort to end domestic violence by
changing attitudes.
As prevention education coordinator for
Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern
Pennsylvania, she works primarily with youths
in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties.
“We try to teach young people how
to address conflicts in healthy ways,” says
Brooks, who has a bachelor’s degree in justice
studies and a master’s in applied criminology.
“Abusive relationships are about power
and control, and abusers often lack the
necessary conflict resolution skills.

“Services for victims are necessary, and
we provide those. But we’ll keep doing the
same things if we don’t address prevention.”
The job prioritizes skills such as
communication, conflict resolution and time
management — abilities that Brooks honed
at Cal U, where she held leadership positions
on Student Government and the Student
Association Inc. Board of Directors. She also
was an orientation leader for new students.
“We were held to the standards of
adults in these roles; we were not treated as
children,” Brooks says.
“When you start your first ‘big-girl job,’
and your supervisor says you’re very low
maintenance, you realize that skills not only
from your degrees but also your out-of-class
experiences have transferred.”
She puts them to use with Domestic
Violence Services of Southwestern
Pennsylvania.
“We are trying to change the culture of
the nation, to instill the idea that domestic
violence is unacceptable. When I hear a
story about students utilizing the skills
they've learned — for example, standing

up to someone who is catcalling a friend
or intervening when they see an abusive
behavior — it's very fulfilling.
“What we’re doing is working.” 
By Wendy Mackall, communications
director at Cal U

HOMETOWN CHIEF

Y

ou can hear the pride in Jonathan
Wharton’s voice when he talks about
Upper St. Clair, Pa., his home for more
than 40 years.
He got a job on the township’s police
force when he was just 21 years old — not
quite finished with his bachelor’s degree, but
“qualified” for the job. In 1991, that meant he
was over 18, had a driver’s license, and hadn’t
broken any laws.
“That’s all that was required then,” Wharton
says. “Now, if you want to progress in a law
enforcement career, education is everything.”
Today, Wharton is the chief of police in
Upper St. Clair, a role he assumed in August
2018, just three months after he earned
a master’s degree in legal studies with a
concentration in criminal justice from Cal U.
As he climbed the ranks — sergeant in
2012, lieutenant in 2017 — Wharton realized
his level of education needed to keep pace.
“In today’s world, you have to have those
credentials,” he says. “But just as important,
the master’s program taught me a lot about
different viewpoints, being a better manager.

I’ve learned so much that is going to help me.”
Dr. Christina Toras, professor and legal
studies program coordinator, attended
Wharton’s swearing-in ceremony.
"Recognizing the unique value of our
program, where criminal justice is studied
through the lens of law and public policy,
Chief Wharton has astutely prepared himself
to tackle the challenges facing today's police
departments and to otherwise excel as a law
enforcement leader."
It’s a privilege, Wharton says, to have
achieved the rank of chief after almost 30
years on the police force in a place he’s lived
most of his life.
“I’m proud of where I’m from, and
I’m proud of the people who live here,”
Wharton says. “There’s a rapport
with the community — ‘Hey, here’s
someone who grew up here
and wanted to stay put in
their town.’” 
By Wendy Mackall,
communications
director at Cal U

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 23
n

FRESH FARM
from
the

Diners ‘eat local’ at Sycamore Bistro

F

ood made from scratch. Locally sourced ingredients.
A menu that fits the lifestyle of diners who want cleaneating, vegetarian or vegan options. It’s all on the menu
at the Sycamore Bistro, just off Third Street in Herron Hall.

Jeremy Bosley, executive chef and director of culinary operations for
AVI Foodsystems at Cal U, says the clean-eating movement — avoiding
packaged and processed foods, and eating food as close to its natural
state as possible — sparked the bistro’s farm-to-table menu.
Vegetarian, vegan and clean-eating options continue to be available
at the Gold Rush, Cal U’s main dining facility, too.
“People want to know the background of what they’re eating,”
the chef says. “We’re making the product from scratch, so we
know what goes into it.”
Apples arrive from a local orchard. Footprints Farm, a family farm
in Fayette County, Pa., supplies meats for several dining locations
across campus.
In turn, AVI sends 100-150 pounds of clean vegetable waste
weekly to Footprints Farm, where it is used as feed for the animals.
“It’s all done correctly there. The farmers bring the meat to us in
whole form, and we break it down ourselves,” Bosley says.
“There are no GMOs (genetically modified organisms), no antibiotics
— these are all naturally raised animals. Everything they do (at Footprints
Farm) uses sustainable practices, and we are on board with that.”
With the chef’s guidance, marinades, dressings and sauces are
made fresh on campus. Smoking and roasting are done in-house. Menu
items include falafel; a “Mediterranean sampler” with hummus, baba
ganoush, tabouleh and grilled naan bread; house-smoked pulled pork;
prime rib hoagies; pan-seared salmon sandwiches; and pecan-applechicken and spinach-quinoa salads.
The menu continues to evolve.
“We will continue to get feedback from the students, faculty and all
of our customers,” Bosley says. “We are gathering a sense of what kind
of food is trending in their world, the culinary world, and what we can
bring to the table.”
In addition to the new menu items, Sycamore Bistro patrons can
enjoy Starbucks coffee and a variety of hot and cold specialty drinks.
The public is welcome to stop by.
“We want to highlight the food and to make sure students and all
customers understand that they are getting nutritious food prepared
the correct way,” Bosley says.
“We want to be the culinary ambassadors of food.” 

TASTE IT
The Sycamore Bistro is open to the public.
Located on the lower level of the Herron
Recreation and Fitness Center, the bistro
is open from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
weekdays. For details and current
menus, visit www.aviserves.com/calu.

24 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

Executive chef Jeremy
Bosley bastes meat in the
h.
smoker at the Gold Rus

SPORTS P R O F I L E

For the love of

RUGBY

Couple devoted to coaching the ‘rough-and-tough’ sport

R

ugby brought Brittany and Bill
Marnell together, and their love
of the sport keeps them coming
back to coach at Cal U.
As undergraduates, Brittany ’11, ’12
and Bill ’09, ’18 were both standout players
on their club teams. They spoke to each
other for the first time while their clubs
were watching a Pittsburgh Steelers game
together at the women’s rugby house in
California Borough.
Neither had played before coming to
California, but they were drawn to the freeflowing, full-contact sport that’s contested
with little or no protective gear.
“It’s 80 minutes of high-intensity action
and constant moving,” Brittany says. “You’re
going at it rough-and-tough, banging into
other people, getting angry sometimes, and
your adrenaline is really going.
“But at the end of the game, regardless
of the score, you go out afterward and
hang out with the opposing team. There’s
such a tight bond.”
Bill relishes the physicality of the game,

as well as the ties among players.
“You put your body on the line simply
because you love the sport,” he says.
“Luckily, my only injury was a broken
collarbone against Penn State, so I was
fortunate. That was nothing too bad at all.”
A first-grade teacher at Clairton
Elementary School, Brittany is in her fourth
season coaching the women’s club.
The team has qualified for the National
Small College Rugby Organization’s
(NSCRO) Women’s 7s National
Championships for the past three years.
This fall the women reached the NSCRO
15s Allegheny Rugby Union playoffs for the
first time in seven years.
Bill, an operations risk officer with
Dollar Bank, started out helping Brittany
coach the women’s team. Now he’s in his
third season as coach of the men’s club,
which has reached the NSCRO Three
Rivers Conference playoffs for two years
in a row.
On a typical practice day, the pair are
busy from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. But the

Marnells, who are raising their children in
Pittsburgh, wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We’ve been asked why we don’t coach
closer to home, but there’s so much joy in
developing new players in the sport you
love at your alma mater in the programs
you came through,” Bill says. “It’s just an
awesome opportunity.”
Brittany agrees, adding that she wants
to bring stability to a program that has
seen several coaching changes since her
playing days.
“I still wanted to be part of the rugby
community, and the only team I really
wanted to coach was Cal U’s, because I
knew the program had potential,” she says.
Both coaches say they’ve made
lifelong friends through the sport. In fact,
a teammate was the best man at their
wedding six years ago.
“It’s a growing sport, but not many
people play, so there’s that special bond,”
Brittany says. “After a game, you shake
hands and build relationships.” 
By Bruce Wald ’85, information writer at Cal U

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 25
n

SPORTS R O U N D U P

NEW BASKETBALL
ERA BEGINS

V

ulcans basketball fans can expect
an exciting, fast-paced style of play
with a strong commitment to defense
now that Danny Sancomb is head coach of
the men’s team.
When PSAC-West competition heats up in
January, “you will get a team that leaves everything on the floor each night, plays good defense
and gets better every day,” Sancomb says.
“We know that Cal U is a place where our
program can have success in the conference,
regionally and nationally.”
Sancomb joined the Vulcans this summer
after 11 seasons as head coach at his alma
mater, Wheeling Jesuit University. There
he posted a 216-115 record, with three
consecutive appearances in the NCAA
Division II Tournament and the Cardinals’
first Mountain East Conference championship.
"I'm thrilled to be the head coach at California
University," says Sancomb. “So many people
here love this place, have been here awhile

and are genuinely excited
about the school, its academics
and Vulcans athletics.
“I am so glad to be part of this family.”
Sancomb played two seasons for
Wheeling Jesuit, earning first-team allconference honors both years. He led the
NCAA Division II in scoring as a senior,
averaging 26.9 points per game, and scoring
1,454 career points. In 2008 he was inducted
into Wheeling Jesuit’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
As a coach, Sancomb says he asks his
players to work hard at everything they do.
“It’s up to my staff and me to develop
these young men and help them reach their
dreams and goals. Our student-athletes must
positively represent the University in the
community and excel in the classroom.
“There’s no quick fix or shortcut, but if we do
things the right way, we will win basketball games.”

Volleyball coach hits 200 wins
Head coach Peter Letourneau marked his 200th
career win when the women’s volleyball team
defeated Millersville 3-0 on Oct. 19.
Letourneau already had chalked up more wins
than any coach in the program’s history. Among
active coaches in the NCAA’s Division II, he
ranks among the top 50 in both number of
victories and percentage of wins.

Eight teams MAKE THE GRADES
Eight Vulcans athletic teams were recognized this fall as national
All-Academic teams for 2017-2018.
Leading the list were the women’s cross country and softball
teams, which achieved 3.76 and 3.68 cumulative grade-point
averages, respectively. Both teams ranked fourth best among all
NCAA Division II programs in their sports.

Including his previous coaching stints at Maryland-based Frostburg
State and Stevenson universities, he has more than 350 career wins.

The women’s track team’s 3.45 final GPA was highest among all
PSAC women’s track teams. They were closely followed by the
women’s soccer (3.42), women’s volleyball (3.38) and men’s
soccer teams (3.21).

In his eight years at Cal U, Letourneau has led the volleyball
program to a pair of PSAC Championships and two additional
appearances in the PSAC championship finals.

Women’s swimming (3.20) was honored for its 16th year in a row,
and the men’s cross country team (3.10) was recognized for the
11th consecutive year.

26 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

Vulcans bring home Coal Bowl trophy
On its way to the program’s 15th consecutive winning season, the Vulcans
football team defeated IUP to bring the Coal Bowl “lunch pail” trophy back
to California.
It was a dramatic 36-24 victory for the Vulcans. IUP was unbeaten and
ranked No. 2 nationally at the time of the game, making the Crimson Hawks
the highest ranked opponent ever defeated by Vulcans football.
The turning point for the Vulcans came when junior defensive back Lamont
McPhatter, the game’s MVP, returned an interception 100 yards for a
touchdown with less than five minutes remaining.
The upset gave Cal U its fifth consecutive Coal Bowl home win and a 7-3
advantage in the decade-long rivalry.
The Coal Bowl began in 2009, when Cal U alumnus Bob Lippencott ’66 and
his brother Barry, a 1967 graduate of IUP, established football scholarships at
their respective alma maters. As part of their initiatives, the families donated
a “coal miner’s lunch pail” trophy that is presented to the winner each year.

Teams fare well
in conference play
Sophomore golfer Sara Suazo shot the lowest
third and final round among all competitors
— a four-over-par 75 — to finish third at the
PSAC Women’s Golf Championships.
She’s a winner academically, too: The
Women's Golf Coaches Association named
her an All-American Scholar, which requires
a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.
On the men’s side, Ian Dunmyer was one of
three golfers to claim third-round low scores
of six-over 77 as he led his team to a ninthplace finish at the PSAC Championships.

Young doubles duo
finishes strong
First-year players Carolin Ganahl
and Jo Weisen finished in second
place in doubles play at the 2018
Women’s Tennis PSAC Individual
Championships earlier this fall.

Overall, Cal U golf teams finished both the
conference event and their fall season with
sixth-place showings.

Golfer named PSAC
Champion Scholar

They started the event with identical
8-5 victories against opposing doubles
teams from West Chester and Slippery
Rock universities.

Golfer Ryan Smith became the first member
of the Vulcans men’s golf team to receive
the PSAC Champion Scholar Award.

In the semifinals, the pair advanced
to the finals with an impressive 8-4
victory against IUP.

Presented at each of the PSAC's 23 team
championship finals, the award honors the
student at each contest with the highest
cumulative grade-point average.

The young Cal U duo was the first
Vulcans doubles team to reach the
conference finals in four years, and
they gave champion Mercyhurst
its closest tourney win in the
championship match.

Smith, who earned all-region and allconference honors last spring, maintains
a 3.69 GPA while studying professional
golf management with a minor in business
administration.

Weisen also won two of three singles
matches to reach the conference
quarterfinals.

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 27
n

G I V CAL
E TO
U CAL U

VULCANS

ON DAY OF GIVING

Vulcan pride was on display Sept. 25,
Cal U’s first Athletics Day of Giving.
More than 130 generous donors answered the call, contributing
more than $15,000 to fund scholarships for student-athletes.
It was another Vulcans victory, in the arena that matters
most. There’s no denying the pride we feel when Cal U posts
a winning score. But this was a win for our student-athletes,
who excel in the classroom, too.
• L
ast spring, more than half of our student-athletes
earned a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher – and
28 achieved a perfect 4.0.
• In 2017-2018, three Academic All Americans and two
PSAC Top 10 academic award winners represented the
red-and-black.

• C
ollectively, our 18 men’s and women’s athletics programs
consistently achieve an academic success rate above the
national average for student-athletes in Division II, with
eight out of 10 Vulcans earning a degree within six years.
On behalf of our University — and most importantly,
our student-athletes — thank you for your generosity.
Your contributions support our students, strengthen our
intercollegiate athletics programs, and continue California’s
long tradition of excellence on the playing field, in the
classroom, and in the community.
As we build on the momentum of this year’s event, stay
tuned for information about our 2019 Athletics Day of Giving.
Or show your support by making a gift today: Use the
envelope in this magazine, visit calu.edu/giving to give online,
or call the Office of University Development at 724-938-5775.

Send your Milestones news or address changes by email to alumni@calu.edu, by fax to
724-938-5932, or by mail to Office of Alumni Relations, California University of Pennsylvania,
250 University Ave., Box 89, California, PA 15419.
Information will be published as space
and deadlines allow. Please indicate on
another sheet what activities or sports
you participated in while you were a
student. We welcome high-resolution
electronic photographs. Please email
images to revieweditor@calu.edu; put
the words “Milestones photo” on the
subject line of your email, and be sure to
tell us your name, year of graduation and
the identity of everyone in the picture.
Please do not send computer printouts
or low-resolution digital photos, as they
will not reproduce well in this magazine.

Stay connected to the Cal U Alumni
Association’s online community!
Your personal ID number is on this
magazine’s mailing label.

NAME

MAIDEN NAME

CLASS YEAR

ADDRESS

EMAIL

MAY WE LIST YOUR EMAIL ON OUR WEBSITE?

PHONE

OCCUPATION

EMPLOYER

SPOUSE’S/PARTNER’S NAME

SPOUSE’S/PARTNER’S CLASS (IF CAL U GRAD).

CAL U M I L E S T O N E S

60s
Raeanna Biddle ’60 lives in Aurora, Colo. She
majored in secondary education and was a Student
Government representative for four years.
Roger McGary ’60 and Nancy Cohen live in
Takoma Park, Md. He studied geography at
Cal U, was the sports editor/photographer for
the Tower Times and was founding president of
Alpha Kappa Lambda.
Bruce Dal Canton ’63
has been inducted
posthumously into the
Pennsylvania Sports
Hall of Fame. The righthanded pitcher helped
the 1962 Vulcans
baseball program win
the NAIA District 30
title and compete for the first time in the NAIA
National Tournament. His 1.30 ERA that season
remains a single-season record both for
California and the Pennsylvania State Athletic
Conference. Bruce had a 26-year career with the
Atlanta Braves, where he coached after pitching
for 11 seasons and winning 51 games. He was
inducted into Cal U’s initial Athletic Hall of Fame
class in 1995. For the past 10 years, Cal U
baseball has presented the Bruce Dal Canton
Pitching Award each season to a Vulcans pitcher
who truly exemplifies greatness of character.
Carolyn Kimberlin ’67 was appointed by
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan to serve on the
Frederick Community College Board of Trustees.
Carolyn studied elementary education at Cal U.
She is a longtime educator who has served
the Frederick County (Md.) Public Schools
for more than 30 years. In 2002, she received
the Washington Post Distinguished
Leadership Award.
Richard Sammartin ’69, of San Antonio, Texas, is
retired. He majored in history at Cal U and was in
Sigma Tau Gamma.

NURSES PRESENT
RESEARCH
Two graduates of Cal U’s Master of
Science in Nursing: Nursing
Administration and Leadership program
presented research at the Southwestern
Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse
Leaders’ annual conference at Nemacolin
Woodlands Resort, in Farmington, Pa.
Raquel Felix ’17 (left, with Dr. Mary
O’Connor, MSN program coordinator)
presented Skin Prevention Education
Program for Manual Prone Therapy in
ARDS. Nancy Kruper ’17 presented Positive
Partnerships: A Collaborative Model of Care.

70s
Dom Palmieri ’70 studied secondary education
at Cal U and was a member of the Spanish Club,
Kappa Phi Kappa and the Inter-Organization
Council. He and Carol Palmieri ’70 live in
Irwin, Pa.
Stephen Duncan ’72 and Deborah JakubikDuncan ’72 live in Newtown, Pa.
Mary Givogre Tafel ’73, who majored in speech
pathology, lives in Easton, Pa.
Robert Karpoff ’73, who studied secondary
education, lives in Juno Beach, Fla. He was in the
Theta Xi fraternity at Cal U.
Daniel Zurosky ’73 and Virginia Zurosky live in
Lexington, S.C. Daniel studied biology at Cal U.
Margaret Patricelli Palaisa ’73, of Connellsville,
Pa., is a retired teacher of students with hearing
impairments. She was employed
by Intermediate Unit 1.

James Secosky ’71 won the Albert Nelson
Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award
from Marquis Who’s Who, a publisher of
biographical profiles. Jim was a high school
science teacher at Bloomfield Central School
in New York and coached the school’s wrestling
team for 10 years. Among other academic
pursuits, he was an adjunct instructor at Finger
Lakes (N.Y.) Community College and taught
classes at the Rochester Museum and Science
Center. He studied secondary education and
biology at Cal U, where he was a member of
Theta Xi and Chi Beta Psi. Jim writes: “My main
claim to fame in college was setting the Greek
Week sit-up record by doing 4,010 consecutive
sit-ups. Probably my main claim to fame in life
was to be the first amateur to use the Hubble
Space Telescope.”
John Lombardo ’74 retired from the Kiski School,
in Saltsburg, Pa., after 44 years of service.
Beginning as a full-time Spanish teacher in
September 1974, John went on to work in
admissions and as director of studies at the
private school. He was associate head of school
for three years before returning to the classroom
in 2005. John completed his career by serving as
world language chair, dean of faculty and director
of studies. John and his wife, Geri, who also is
retired from Kiski, live in Saltsburg.
Jerry Spangler ’74, who studied political science,
works in the treatment systems collaboration
program for the Pennsylvania Department of
Drug and Alcohol Programs. He and Susan
Mahler ’96 live in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

ACROSS THE MILES
Although they couldn’t make it back to California for Vulcan Fest Homecoming Weekend,
University supporters (from left) Jessie Punia ’08, Leslie Babcock ’10, Brittany (Prater) Zaruta ’09
and Kitty Hession celebrated this fall in Rochester, N.Y. The women were fast friends during their
time at the University, and they get together ‘semi-regularly’ to reminisce about their days at Cal U.

Brad Thompson ’74 lives in Monessen, Pa.
He majored in elementary education at Cal U
and was in the men’s glee club and band.
Craig Saunders ’76, of Sykesville, Md., retired as
a fellow systems engineer at Northrop Grumman
Mission Systems in Maryland. He is a 1983
graduate of Johns Hopkins University.

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 29
n

CAL U M I L E S T O N E S
Tim Cossick ’85, who majored in business
administration, lives in Columbia, Md. He played
baseball and was a member of Theta Xi.
Patricia Merdian-Hufford ’67, ’85 is a
professional reader/scorer for Pearson
Educational Testing Service. She studied English
at Cal U and was in the band. She and Harold
Hufford live in Herminie, Pa.
Jon “Peeps” Peeples ’86 is a vice president at
Philadelphia Insurance Co. in Bala Cynwyd, Pa.
He studied environmental science at Cal U,
played rugby and was in Delta Sigma Phi. Jon
and Cherie Peeples live in Spring City, Pa.

FUNDRAISER
FOR FAMILIES
American Legion member LarryMaggi
‘79, a University trustee and chair of
the Washington County Board of
Commissioners, joins keynote speaker
Denise Rohan, the first woman to
serve as national commander of the
American Legion, and University
President Geraldine M. Jones ’72, ’80
at the ‘Families First’ fundraiser on
Oct. 5 in the Convocation Center. The
event raised money to help endow the
Commander Kerrie Gill Sr. Memorial
Scholarship for military families. Gill
’76, ’83 was a former IT Department
employee and a three-time commander
of California’s American Legion Post
337. He served as commander of
the organization’s Pennsylvania
Department before his death in 2015.

Joseph Onorato ’76 is the stage manager for his
25th Christmas show in the past 30 years at
Radio City Music Hall. He lives in New York City.
Nancyrose Peduzzi ’77 and Charles Kidney
live in Coconut Creek, Fla. She studied speech
pathology and audiology at Cal U and was in
Delta Zeta sorority.

80s
Deborah Stoner ’82 is a medical technologist for
UPMC. She studied medical technology at Cal U
and was a "little sister" in Sigma Tau Gamma.
Terri Ozegovich ’84, of Gaithersburg, Md., is the
commercial head of Oncology Companion
Diagnostics for AstraZeneca. She studied
medical technology at Cal U.
Davida Robinson Alladin ’84 is a teacher for
Ministry of Caring in Wilmington, Del. She
studied speech communications at Cal U and
was in the marching band, Young and Gifted
Gospel Choir, Sigma Soul, and Alpha Phi Omega.

30 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

Iffat Khan ’86 works as a teacher in Karachi,
Pakistan. Iffat was a Presidential Scholar and
a member of Alpha Mu Gamma. He graduated
magna cum laude.
Brian S. Reedy ’88 was selected as site manager
for two National Park Service sites: Fort
Necessity National Battlefield and Friendship
Hill National Historic Site. In addition, he serves
as chief of interpretation for both sites and is
on the senior management team for Western
Pennsylvania National Parks. Brian’s career with
the National Park Service spans 34 years.
Paul LaFrankie ’88 is a technical support
supervisor for Verizon. He studied business
administration at Cal U and was involved with
Theta Xi. Paul and Kara Robinson LaFrankie ’09
live in Canal Winchester, Ohio.

90s
Jim Lockard ’88, ’90, of Harrison City, Pa.,
is a partner with 911 Authority LLC, which
specializes in consulting services for 911,
Next Generation telecommunications networks,
emergency management and public safety. Jim,
with degrees in political science and geography,
has been recognized in the 911 communications
industry. He has served on standards
committees to develop new technical methods
for allowing 911 to accept new technologies,
such as “text to 911.” He has been married to
Catherine Ward Lockard ’91 for 26 years.
They have a son, 20, and a daughter, 15.
Patricia Robertson ’88, ’90 lives in Charleroi, Pa.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology
and master’s in school psychology.
Greg Marr ’90 is a certified athletic trainer
for the U.S. Navy in Jacksonville, N.C.
Don Gray ’91 is chief technology officer for
PacketViper LLC, a provider of cybersecurity
solutions. He studied business administration
and computer science at Cal U and volunteers
as an industry adviser for the Eberly College of
Science and Technology.
Anthony Alviar ’93 is an information technology
manager for Fayette County 911. He studied
secondary education.

William Matrogran ’92 is vice president for
construction management and operations
for Erie Insurance. He majored in industrial
technology at Cal U and lives in Erie, Pa.
Eric Bridenbaugh ’92 is the sports medicine
coordinator for Hunterdon Healthcare. He
also is working as an athletic trainer at Raritan
Valley (N.J.) Community College and developing
sports medicine programs with high schools
and colleges.
Ereka Woods ’93 lives in Powder Springs, Ga.
At Cal U, she studied the humanities and played
basketball and softball.
Lisa Cooper Dudney ’90, ’93 is vice president of
account services for Distinct Creative Agency.
Lisa studied business administration and
management, marketing and communications
at Cal U. She and David Dudney ’93 live in
Jeannette, Pa.
Lynne Stout ’94 is chair of the board for the
Washington County (Pa.) Community
Foundation. She works for her family’s business,
Atlas Services Corp., in Eighty Four, Pa. She
previously was a social services coordinator in
the healthcare industry and a legislative aide in
the Pennsylvania State Senate. Lynne studied
gerontology at Cal U. She is a past president of
the Cal U Alumni Association Board and a past
member of the board of the Foundation for
California University of Pennsylvania.
Michael Beam ’94, of Youngstown, N.Y., is the
owner of Vagabond Bowties. He is curator of
exhibitions and special projects, and art history
processor at the Castellani Art Museum at
Niagara University.

I DO …
AGAIN
Isaac Melvin ’02 and his wife, Yvonica,
celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary
by renewing their vows at the place their
married life began: Old Main Chapel.
Isaac Melvin majored in business
administration and economics at Cal U.
They have two children, Isaac and Isaiah,
and live in Uniontown, Pa.

Randall Page ’97 lives in Pittsburgh, Pa. He
majored in communication studies at Cal U
and was involved with CUTV and WVCS.
Chris Sefcheck ’97 is the superintendent of
the Bethlehem-Center School District in
Washington County, Pa. Previously, he was
principal at Thomas Jefferson High School in the
West Jefferson Hills School District in Allegheny
County, Pa. He served in the U.S. Air Force and
in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

CAREER ADVICE
Alumnus Marshal Carper ’09, a content
marketing strategist and founder of Carper
Communications, visited two English
classes at Cal U during the fall semester.
Marshal spoke about options for students
who major in English, drawing on his
experience in marketing, journalism,
publishing and videogame development.

Dr. Todd Keruskin ’96 is the superintendent
of the Elizabeth Forward School District
in Allegheny County, Pa.
Jessica Jesso Sisler ’72, ’97 is a retired principal
in the Albert Gallatin Area School District in
Fayette County, Pa. She and Ronald Sisler live
in California, Pa.

Matthew Kay ’14 has written Not Light,
But Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race
Conversations in the Classroom. He is a
founding teacher of English at the Science
Leadership Academy in Philadelphia, Pa.
Matthew earned his master’s degree in
educational leadership from Cal U.
Jeffrey Carlucci ’93 is the author of Day of
the Democrat: A Day of Reckoning for the Poor
to Middle Class. The novel’s protagonist is a
Cal U grad who coaches the California Pirates
in a story about politics and class. Jeffrey
majored in parks and recreation management
and works for General Electric Corp.

Frank Shoaf ’98 was promoted in May 2018
to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air
Force, Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Shoaf
is a military strategist and operations officer
with the 193rd Air Operations Group, based
State College, Pa. He recently returned from
a six-month tour at the 613th Air Operations
Center, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, where
he worked in war gaming and strategic planning.
Upon completion of this tour, he was selected
to serve as the acting squadron commander
of the 258th Air Traffic Control Squadron in
Johnstown, Pa., which controls air traffic for the
John Murtha-Cambria County Airport. Shoaf
was a member of the Acacia fraternity and the
Cal U Marching Band; he earned his bachelor’s
degree in political science with an emphasis on
public administration.
Ryan “Chuck” Kuntz ’98 is assistant director
of facilities presentation for the Barclays Center
in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Michelle Rollins ’98, of Roscoe, Pa., is a Realtor
for eXp Realty. She majored in geology at Cal U.
Eric Zwigart ’98 was a finalist for the 2018
Spirit of the Entrepreneur award. He owns
RPP Products Inc., an automotive products
manufacturing and distribution company. Eric
majored in business administration at Cal U and
is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

00s
Patricia Mays ’00 lives in Clearfield, Pa.
She majored in English at Cal U.
Susan Duderstadt ’00 is senior director of
information services at the Alcohol, Drug and
Mental Health Board in Columbus, Ohio. She
studied applied computer science at Cal U. Susan
and Will Duderstadt live in Gahanna, Ohio.
Jameson Auten ’00 is on the board of directors
for the Missouri Public Transit Association. He
studied political science at Cal U.
Jennifer Carfano ’99, ’00 is assistant principal
for Bower Hill Elementary School in the Peters
Township (Pa.) School District.
Melissa Rosic ’02 is the owner of Melissa Rosic
Photography in Fairmont, W.Va. She studied fine
arts at Cal U. Now she and Aaron Rosic live in
Grant Town, W.Va.
Nicole Yacubovich ’02 is the principal of
Pine Spring Elementary School, in Virginia.
She earned her degree in elementary and
special education.
Heather Carpenter ’01 and Russ Carpenter ’99
live in Charleroi, Pa. At Cal U, Heather majored in
athletic training and Russ majored in business
administration with a concentration in accounting.
Patricia Bogdewic ’02 majored in social work and
was involved in band, campus ministry and Kappa
Kappa Psi as a Cal U student. Now she and the
Rev. Chad Bogdewic ’02 live in Hermitage, Pa.
Stephen “Stevo” Morgan ’04 is an independent
associate for LegalShield. He majored in political
science at Cal U.

Dr. Brian Johnson ’94, ’96 and James Vines
have written Reel Big Bullies: Teaching to the
Problem. Using clips from Hollywood
blockbusters, the book is designed to help
students, administrators, teachers and
counselors create a safer school environment
while encouraging students to stand up for their
classmates who are being bullied. Brian is a
faculty member in the Department of Academic
Enrichment at Bloomsburg University and a
youth pastor at Revival Tabernacle in
Watsontown, Pa. He studied English at Cal U.
Barb McKelvey D’Souza ’06 has written
If We Were Snowflakes, a dystopian young
adult novel. Barb, who studied accounting
at Cal U and works as an accountant, lives
in Bridgeville, Pa., with her husband,
daughter and two cats.

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 31
n

CAL U M I L E S T O N E S
Robert Geletko ’04 is the business director
for the Mt. Lebanon (Pa.) School District.
He studied business administration at Cal U.
William Walker ’05, of Fayetteville, N.C., is an
instructor for the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, N.C.
He majored in education and was on the track
and field team at Cal U.
Nikolas Roberts ’04, ’05 is an assistant
professor of criminal justice and conflict
resolution at Cal U. He and Ashley LarrowRoberts ’08 live in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Lawrence P. “Paul” Vezzetti ’06, a political
science major, is deputy director of
communications for the Pennsylvania
Emergency Management Agency and the
Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
John Owens ’07 is the boys basketball coach
at Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, Pa.
Alan Alcalde ’07 is the athletic director at Propel
Schools. He is engaged to Angela Allie and lives
in Pittsburgh, Pa. He studied Spanish at Cal U.
John Saras ’07 is assistant principal/
athletic coordinator at Baldwin High School
in Pennsylvania.
Bonnie Sypolt ’08 is an assistant principal
in Harrisburg, Pa. She completed her
doctorate in curriculum and instruction
through Liberty University.
Matthew Dodge ’09, a former sport management
major, lives in Charlottesville, Va.
Ashley Parker ’09 lives in West Mifflin, Pa.
At Cal U, she was a justice studies major
and participated in track and field.

10s
Ryder Weischedel ’10 is the director of strength,
conditioning and campus wellness for the
University of Jamestown, in North Dakota.
He studied sport psychology at Cal U.
Donna Gilmore ’10, of Bonita Springs, Fla.,
has been promoted to director of research
and sponsored programs at Florida Gulf Coast
University. She studied business administration
at Cal U.
Steve Roach ’10 is the executive director
of athletics and campus recreation at Texas
A&M-Kingsville.
Jonathan Ramos ’10 is an assistant coach for
Manchester University, in Indiana. He earned his
Cal U master’s degree in exercise science, with a
concentration in performance enhancement and
injury prevention.
Shawn Kelly ’10 is marketing coordinator for
Lady Luck Casino at Nemacolin Woodlands
Resort, in Farmington, Pa. He studied business
administration at Cal U, where he was in the Ski
Club and Student Marketing Association.

32 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

Ken Ralph ’11 is the director of athletics at the
University of Maine.
Heatherlyn Wessel ’11 is the principal at
McAnnulty Elementary School in the BaldwinWhitehall School District, Allegheny County, Pa.
Matt Erkel ’12 is a science teacher in the Carlisle
(Pa.) Area School District.
Robert Kagel ’12 is the administrator for Chester
County, Pa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in
legal studies from Cal U.
Troy Handza ’12 is an officer for the Northern
Regional Police Department, which serves Pine,
Richland and Marshall townships, and the
borough of Bradford Woods, all in Pennsylvania.

Albert Padilla ’14 is assistant athletic trainer/
performance science for the Cleveland Cavaliers
of the NBA. He earned his master’s degree in
exercise science and health promotion from
Cal U and was an assistant athletic trainer for
the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL.
Christopher Schreiber ’15 is a geographic
information systems engineer for Knowledge
Center Enterprises LLC. He majored in
geography at Cal U and was active with the
marching band, WCAL, GIS Club and
Meteorology Club.
Emily Murray ’15 lives in Brownsville, Pa. She
majored in environmental studies at Cal U and
was in Alpha Lambda Delta, the Honors Program,
the Horticulture Club and Beta Beta Beta.

John Bielawski ’12, of Brownsville, Pa., works
in the healthcare industry as a senior analystPYXIS implementations for Beckton Dickinson.
He studied computer information systems
at Cal U.
Mariya Diawara ’12, of Mahwah, N.J., is a
senior immigration paralegal for Smith, Gambrel
and Russell LLP. She majored in legal studies
at Cal U.
Theresa Bush Kramer ’12 is a global
management assistant for Mine Safety
Appliance. She and Clay Kramer ’11 live
in Zelienople, Pa.
Brian Lane ’07, ’12, of Martinsville, Va., was
named Teacher of the Year at Martinsville High
School, where he is an English teacher. He also
is an adjunct faculty member at Patrick Henry
Community College in Virginia. His bachelor’s
degree is in English; his master’s is in secondary
education. At Cal U, he was in theater, choir and
Delta Chi. He also worked in residence life.
Michael Hardy ’13, of Cumming, Ga., owns
Medical Fitness and Wellness Group in Johns
Creek, Ga. He studied exercise science with a
concentration in rehabilitation science.
Christopher Campus ’13, of Newell, Pa., is an
accountant for Eat ’n Park Hospitality Group Inc.,
based in Homestead, Pa. Christopher majored in
math at Cal U and was in the marching band,
concert band, jazz ensemble, Kappa Kappa Psi
and Alpha Lambda Delta.
Jeff Knox Jr. ’14 signed a contract with the
Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football
League. He was a running back and linebacker
for the Vulcans.
Mark Romeo ’08, ’14 and Betheny Romeo live
in New Salem, Pa. Mark’s degrees are in
technology education. At Cal U he was active
with the Technology Education Association
of California.
Josh Ward ’14 is the head women’s basketball
coach at the State University of New York at
Canton. He earned his master’s degree in exercise
science and health promotion from Cal U.

OFF TO
ANTARCTICA
Michael Penn, who earned his
certification in Comprehensive
Special Education from Cal U in 1992,
is one of 11 U.S. teachers selected to
participate in PolarTREC (Teachers
and Researchers Exploring and
Collaborating), an educational research
experience that partners middle and
high school science teachers with
academic researchers actively involved
in polar science research. Penn teaches
in the gifted and talented education
program at Shaler Area Elementary
School, north of Pittsburgh, Pa. He will
be working as part of a research team
from the University of Wisconsin to
install and maintain remote automatic
weather stations in Antarctica. Penn
and the research team will be based
at both McMurdo Station and
South Pole Station during their
Antarctic experience.

Kai Gagnon ’15, who studied exercise
science with a concentration in performance
enhancement and injury prevention, lives
in Odenton, Md.

LIVING HISTORY

Douglas Sherman ’15 is the assistant principal
at Northampton (Pa.) Borough Elementary,
in the Northampton Area School District.
Dave Fuhrman ’15 is the athletic-activities
assistant director for the Seneca Valley School
District in Butler County, Pa. He earned his
master’s degree in sport management studies
with a concentration in intercollegiate athletic
administration from Cal U.
Courtney Nestor ’15 is an athletic trainer for
NovaCare Rehabilitation. Courtney, who
majored in sport psychology, and Matthew
Steinmetz live in Holland, Mich.
Cassie Laegen ’15, who earned a degree in
exercise science and health promotion, lives
in Woodstock, Ga.
Kelsey Davin Krauss ’15 is a career counselor
and social media associate for La Salle
University. She earned her master’s degree in
education with a certificate in student affairs.
She and Stephen Krauss live in Lansdale, Pa.
Jim Cassell ’15 is the assistant principal
at Brentwood (Pa.) Middle/High School.
Prior to his current role, he served as distance
learning coordinator for the Westmoreland
Intermediate Unit.
Emily Nallin Harsh ’15 is in the master’s degree
program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania,
where she completed the didactic program in
dietetics in 2018. She married Martin Harsh IV
in May 2018 in Cumberland, Md. They live in
Cumberland, where Emily is completing her
dietetic internship in order to sit for the
Commission on Dietetic Registration exam.
At Cal U, Emily studied liberal arts and theater.
Joanna Hamilton ’08, ’15 is a middle school vice
principal at the San Roberto International
School, in Monterrey, Mexico. She earned her
bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.

‘EVERYWHERE
IN THE WORLD’
Fran Imbrescia ’69 found something
familiar among a variety of college
and professional sports flags when he
visited the Reggae Beach Club on the
Caribbean island of St. Kitts. 'Cal U is
everywhere in the world!' says Fran, a
retired teacher who lives in Aiken, S.C.

Edward Sikora '49, of Brownsville, Pa.,
holds a WWII portrait of himself
during the community night event at
the We Can Do It! WWII exhibition at
Manderino Library. Sikora enrolled
with a friend at California State
Teachers College after returning
home at the end of the war. The
traveling exhibition from the Senator
John Heinz History Center was on
display at Cal U through Oct. 5.
Artifacts from local historical
societies and Cal U were shown
through Nov. 11.

Corey Belonzi ’16 is an assistant in the sports
information department at the University of
Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Chad Drown ’16 is head athletic trainer for
the Bakersfield Condors, an affiliate of the
Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey
League. He studied sport psychology at Cal U.
Kevon Bruce ’16 has joined Edinboro University
as its 2018-2019 Frederick Douglass Scholar. He
earned his master’s degree in school counseling
at Cal U. The Frederick Douglass Institute of
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education
offers teaching opportunities to graduate
students pursuing careers as university faculty.
Michael Joyce ’16 is the principal at Bishop
Canevin High School, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Erin Scanlon ’16, of Levittown, Pa., is a private
events director for Hartefeld National Golf Club.
She majored in tourism studies at Cal U, where
she participated in track and field and Cal Rocks.

Patrick Shroyer ’16, of Falls Church, Va., is a
health and wellness professional. He earned his
degree in exercise science and health promotion
from Cal U.
Kileigh Hess ’16 is an athletic trainer at the Penn
State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She
earned her master’s degree in athletic training
and was in the Athletic Training Club and Alpha
Sigma Alpha. Kileigh and Ryan Hess ’17 live in
Elizabethtown, Pa.
Mary Kathryn Schickel ’16 is an assistant athletic
trainer at Washington and Jefferson College in
Washington, Pa. She majored in athletic training
at Cal U.
Zachariah Oney ’17 lives in Coal Center, Pa.
At Cal U he majored in commercial music
technology and was a member of the choir.
Carla Maestre ’17 is a golf manager for USA
Sport and Study. She studied business
administration and communication studies
at Cal U, where she also played golf. She
and Nicholas Eritz ’16 live in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Morgan Hoover ’17 is the assistant volleyball
coach at Concordia College, in Minnesota.
She earned her master’s degree in sport
management from Cal U.
LaMarr Woodley ’17 has started the Woodley
Leadership Academy, a charter school in
Saginaw, Mich. A former linebacker for the
Pittsburgh Steelers, LaMarr earned his master’s
degree in sport management studies at Cal U.
Nathan Kaylo ’17, of Chicago, Ill., is manager
of guest services and tour operations for
Madison Square Garden Company — Chicago
Theatre. He majored in business administration,
played hockey and was involved with Habitat
for Humanity.

FALL 2018 CAL U REVIEW 33
n

CAL U M I L E S T O N E S
Cherie Sears ’81, ’17 is the 2018-2019 governor
of Rotary International District 7330. She also is
president and a co-founder of The Village Early
Childhood Education Center in California, Pa.

WEDDINGS

IN MEMORIAM

Natasha Fabian ’14 and Joshua Good ’14 were
married in October 2018. They live in Gibsonia, Pa.

Glenora Kivador ’18, who earned a degree in
exercise science at Cal U, lives in Etna, Pa.

Kevin Provance ’14 and Kaitlyn Miller were
married in August 2018. Kevin is a police officer
with the Metropolitan Police Department in
Washington, D.C. The couple live in Falls
Church, Va.

Harry E. Albert III ’01
Letha D. Bell ’65
Jeffery Alan Bierer ’79
Jil-Heather Karichko Bilsky ’94, ’97
Gene M. Boltze ’78
Gerard “Jerry” Francis Boyle Jr. ’71
Richard Lee Cannon Sr. ’69
Timothy M. Caudill ’98
Ed Chuprinko ’64
Dr. Jesse A. Cignetti,*
emeritus professor of chemistry
Melvin Claytor ’70
Vincent P. Coppolino ’55
Susan Dankovich Cochrane ’74, ’87
Robert E. DiAndreth ’60
Alva William Dorsey Jr. ’67
Frank Duda ’72
Joan B. Elliott ’62
Ruth Frederick ’55
John R. Garell ’63
Pauline J. Glott ’48
Reid M. Grove ’58
Dr. D. Patricia Lubits Gump ’57
Pauline Holod ’51
David R. Ingani*
Robert Louis Jameson ’51
Denise Appolonia Kalan ’74
Robert A. Korcheck,*
emeritus professor of English
Eugene J. Lancas ’70
Ronald B. Lenzi ’63
Dr. Andrew J. Machusko '59,
emeritus professor of mathematics
Richard “Dick” Mark Matovich ’62, emeritus
professor in the Library Services Department
Asa Madison McCain Jr. ’66
Nicole Morris ’99
Ralph A. Nuzzaci ’69
Chris Pachuta*
Janet A. Pina*
James “David” Quisenberry ’86
Jesse James Risha ’67
Linda Myers Sallee ’92, ’95
Dr. Anthony J. Saludis,* emeritus
professor of elementary education
Frank R. Segina ’54
Allan E. Semanek I ’64
John S. Skocick Jr. ’59,
emeritus professor of mathematics
Robert “Bob” Frank Steiner Jr. ’73
Donald F. Strejeck ’60
Pamela A. Podboy Trinnes ’68
Martin Wallach Jr. ’69
John H. Walsh, Ph.D.,* emeritus professor
in the Philosophy Department
Bonnie A. Raleigh Wyar ’67

Daniel Bickerton ’17, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is a sales
manager for DoubleTree By Hilton-Pittsburgh
Greentree. He majored in tourism studies at
Cal U and was a member of the University band,
Kappa Kappa Psi, Student Government, SAI
Board of Directors and the Travel Club.
Jason Sippola ’18, of Sharpsville, Pa., is
operations supervisor for Estes Express Lines.
He has an associate degree in technical studies
and a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary
studies, both from Cal U.

ENGAGEMENTS
Re’maro Rush ’10 and Danielle Danhires, both of
Pittsburgh, Pa., are engaged. They are planning
a wedding for October 2019.
Nicholas Reich ’14 and Miranda Gumbert ’16
were married in September 2018. Miranda is a
business analyst at Creehan and Co., and Nick
works at Accenture as an automation control
engineer. Their daughter, Charlotte Reich, was
born in July 2017.

Photo: Beth Swan ’16
Shelby Bischoff ’14 and Brad Harman ’15, both
of Carlisle, Pa., are engaged to be married after
a proposal on Cal U’s campus. The commercial
music technology graduates met at marching
band camp during their first year at Cal U.
Now Shelby is an audio engineer and concert
manager at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa.,
and Brad is a production assistant at Motion
AudioVision Productions in Harrisburg, Pa.
Erin Holly ’17 and Ryan Gerney, both of
Hopwood, Pa., are engaged to be married. Erin
studied music education at Cal U and is an
elementary music teacher in the Laurel
Highlands School District, in Fayette County, Pa.
Kyle Wagner ’14 and Lacey Aikins are engaged
and planning a wedding for May 2019. Kyle
works for Opus, in Pittsburgh, Pa.

34 CAL U REVIEW FALL 2018
n

Heather Berkebile ’17 and Logan Lichvar ’17 were
married in September 2018. Heather majored in
business administration with a concentration in
human resources and minors in business
management and psychology. She works for
Somerset (Pa.) Hospital. Logan majored in
environmental science with a concentration
in fisheries and wildlife biology. He works for
Eastern Elevator. They live in Hollsopple, Pa.

ANNIVERSARY
Dr. Thomas C. Wilkinson ’60 and Jacqueline
Price Wilkinson ’58 celebrated their 60th
wedding anniversary. Thomas is an emeritus
professor and former director of student teaching
at Cal U. Jacqueline helped to coordinate the
University’s student teaching program.

BIRTH
Leah Sasko Reitz ’07
and Karl Reitz
welcomed their first
child, Hadley Reitz, in
July 2018. Leah is a
special education
teacher in the Belle
Vernon (Pa.) Area
School District.

*No class year available or on file

SIT TIGHT.
SETTLE DOWN.
STAY IN LINE.
AT
AT CAL
CAL U,
U, IT’S
IT’S ALL
ALL ABOUT
ABOUT YOU.
YOU. MORE
MORE THAN
THAN A
A NEXT
NEXT STEP,
STEP, WE
WE ARE
ARE A
A
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY THAT
THAT BELIEVES
BELIEVES IN
IN YOU.
YOU. INVESTS
INVESTS IN
IN YOU.
YOU. EMPOWERS
EMPOWERS YOU
YOU TO
TO BE
BE
BETTER,
BETTER, AND
AND STRONGER.
STRONGER. WE
WE DON’T
DON’T JUST
JUST BELIEVE
BELIEVE IN
IN YOUR
YOUR ABILITIES
ABILITIES TO
TO RISE
RISE UP
UP
AND
AND ACHIEVE,
ACHIEVE, WE
WE GIVE
GIVE YOU
YOU THE
THE TOOLS
TOOLS AND
AND TEACHING
TEACHING TO
TO ACTUALLY
ACTUALLY DO
DO IT.
IT.

DON’T SETTLE. BUILD YOU. CAL U.

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419-1394
www.calu.edu
A proud member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education.

NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CALIFORNIA
UNIVERSITY OF
PENNSYLVANIA

Two wheeler
Despite below-freezing temperatures, faculty, staff and students accompany Daniel Greenstein (center), chancellor of Pennsylvania's
State System of Higher Education, on an early-morning bike ride through California and the Cal U campus. Greenstein, an
avid cyclist, visited each of the System's 14 universities this fall, and he began many of those visits with a bicycle ride.