admin
Fri, 02/02/2024 - 19:16
Edited Text
California University
VOLUME 11, NUMBER 11 MARCH 30, 2009
Internship
Takes
Student to
Harrisburg
Dr. Taunya
Tinsley is the
coordinator for
the new Sports
Counseling
certificate
program. Classes
for this online
program begin
in May.
Cal U Launches Graduate Online
Sports Counseling Certificate Program
C
ounselors, educators, coaches
and other professionals who
want to help athletes raise their
games on and off the field can earn a
sports counseling certificate through a
new Global Online graduate program at
California University of Pennsylvania.
Classes begin in May.
The Graduate Certificate in Sports
Counseling program will examine
current counseling strategies used with
athletes of all ages and skill levels;
provide an overview of various life skills,
including career development, time
management and study skills; and
provide an overview of professional
ethics, legal issues and NCAA
guidelines. Courses may be used for
additional credits toward professional
counselor licensure or for continuing
education credits.
Cal U’s Global Online program offers
a high-quality educational experience that
is tailored to fit into any schedule. An
asynchronous format allows studies to be
completed at any time, and the
coursework is offered entirely online.
To apply online, visit www.cup.edu/
graduate. To request an application, call
Global Online at 724-938-4187. For more
information about the Graduate
Certificate in Sports Counseling program,
e-mail Dr. Taunya Tinsley, coordinator,
at sportcounseling@cup. edu or contact
the Office of Web-based Programs at
866-595-6348.
J
ustin M. Piper of Mount Pleasant
is working in the Office of the
Speaker of the House of
Representatives as part of a 15-week
internship sponsored by PASSHE, the
Pennsylvania State System of Higher
Education.
A junior political science major, he
is one of 11 students participating in
The Harrisburg Internship Semester
(THIS) program, which provides
students the opportunity to work in all
areas of state government while
earning a full semester’s worth of
credits.
The semester-long program invites
students from each of the 14 PASSHE
universities to participate.
Piper and the other students
participating in the program will
attend several academic seminars
during their spring semester internship.
Each of the students also will
complete an individualized research
project as part of the program’s
requirements.
More than 400 students from
PASSHE universities have participated
— continued on page 2
Parks Program Accreditation Should Help Job-Seekers
T
he recent national accreditation
attained by Cal U’s Bachelor of
Arts in Parks and Recreation
Management program gives its graduates
a considerably faster path to professional
certification and, ultimately, better job
opportunities.
Cal U received the maximum fiveyear accreditation from the Council on
Accreditation For Recreation, Park
Resources and Leisure Services, which is
sponsored by the National Recreation
and Park Association (NRPA).
“It’s something that the students who
are here currently can use to their benefit
upon graduation, and we can talk about
the benefits of coming into an accredited
program to potential students,” said Dr.
Tom Wickham, program director and
chair of the Department of Earth
Sciences.
“Besides being a very positive item to
put on their resume, graduates from an
accredited parks and rec program can
apply for professional certification within
one year. Otherwise it would take them
three to five years. This significantly
enhances their career opportunities.”
Graduates of the program may find
employment in national and state parks
or at commercial recreation facilities
such as Nemacolin Woodlands Resort,
Seven Springs Mountain Resort or even
The recent accreditation attained by the Parks and Recreation Management program gives
its graduates, such as Dan Reid ’08, a competitive advantage in obtaining better jobs or
acceptance into graduate degree programs.
Walt Disney World. They also might
work at a community recreation center
or for a nonprofit organization such as
Special Olympics.
Achieving the accreditation is a
welcome relief for Dr. John Confer, the
program’s other full-time tenure-track
faculty member, and for himself,
Wickham said. Last fall’s addition of
adjunct faculty member Dr. Jinhee Jun
helped the program meet NRPA
requirements.
Cal U is one of only five PASSHE
schools that offer a Parks and Recreation
Management program.
“For us, accreditation is a sign that
we have a high-quality program,”
Wickham said. “It shows that our
courses, materials facilities and faculty
meet a standard that the NRPA Council
on Accreditation believes is necessary to
have the very best program.”
Wickham and Confer altered and
expanded course offerings during four
years of preparation for the
accreditation, which included a visit
from a three-person review team.
In the end, Cal U’s state-of-the-art
facilities in the Eberly Science and
Technology Center proved most
beneficial.
“They felt our facilities and the
computers and the software we have are
outstanding compared to other programs
they visited,” Wickham said. “What we
have surpassed their expectations.”
The program’s next accreditation
review will be held in spring 2013, with a
site visit set for fall 2012.
“Our Parks and Recreation
Management program has been around
for a while, but it has evolved and
changed, especially lately, to meet their
demands,” Wickham said. “It took a lot
of work to get accredited, but now we
must build on this and continue to
improve.”
Cal Pride Weekend Connects Alumni, Students
A
simple but important question
often asked by alumni is, “How
are the students?”
Cal U graduates can see the answer
firsthand during the third annual Cal
Pride Weekend, April 3-4.
The weekend will feature a number
of events designed to connect alumni
with current and prospective students.
On April 3, a group of accomplished
alumni will speak to classes related to
their particular disciplines about their
experiences after leaving the University.
Among the 22 guest speakers
returning to campus are Bill Booker ’74,
Bob Lippencott ’66, George Prodan ’74,
Jim Lopez ’81 and Jay Helsel ’59.
Deans’ Receptions will be held from
3 to 5 p.m., and awards will be given to
distinguished alumni from Cal U’s four
colleges.
The College of Education and
Human Services will honor Carol
Mitchell ’72, ’75, president and CEO of
Verland Inc.
The Eberly College of Science and
Technology will honor Mary Beth
Buchanan ’84, U.S. Attorney for the
Western District of Pennsylvania.
The College of Liberal Arts will
Esteemed alumnus George Prodan ’74 will return to his alma mater and offer insight to Cal
U students during the third annual Cal Pride Weekend festivities.
honor Steven Toprani ’01, Washington
County’s district attorney.
The School of Graduate Studies and
Research will honor David Amati ’70,
’72, director of Global Automotive
Business and Automotive Headquarters,
SAE International.
Following the receptions at 5 p.m.,
Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
will host a by-invitation dinner and
present the Lifetime Achievement
Award to former U.S. Rep. Frank R.
Mascara ’72. Chairman of the
Washington County Board of
Commissioners from 1980 to 1994 , he
was elected to Congress in 1994 and
represented Pennsylvania’s 20th District
through 2002.
Mascara will speak at 7 p.m. in the
Performance Center of the Natali
Student Center. The talk is free and
open to the public; a reception will be
held after his address.
On April 4, Cal Pride Weekend will
feature an Alumni Panel Discussion
from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Steele Hall
Mainstage Theatre. Moderated by
President Armenti with alumni panelists
James Lokay ’02, Thea Kalcevic ’06,
Savannah McConnell ’08 and Jen Smith
’08, the discussion will focus on the
character- and career-building effects of
a Cal U education.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cal Pride
Video Vignettes will be aired in the
Booker Great Room at the Kara Alumni
House. The video pieces highlight
alumni experiences as students at Cal U
and in real-world work situations. Both
April 4 events are open to the public.
For information about Cal Pride
Weekend and specific classroom
presentation times, contact Amy
Lombard, executive director of Alumni
Relations, at 724-938-4418 or e-mail
lombard@cup.edu
Cal U Ready for ‘The Big Event’
F
Cal U political science major Justin Piper of Mount
Pleasant, shown here with House Speaker Keith R.
McCall, is working in the Office of the Speaker of the
House of Representatives as part of a 15-week
internship. He is one of 11 students participating in
The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS) program.
Internship
Takes Student
to Harrisburg
— Continued from page 1
in THIS since the program began in 1989, each
gaining valuable insight into the workings of state
government at the policy-making level. Interns have
worked with dozens of state agencies, as well as in
the governor’s office, the Office of the Speaker of
the House of Representatives and the Office of
Attorney General.
Piper is a 2007 graduate of Mount Pleasant
Area Junior-Senior High School and the son of
Timothy and Mary Ellen Piper.
During his internship, Piper is working with
public policy and will compose an extensive
research paper as part of the THIS program. He
also will work on projects that House Speaker
Keith R. McCall, of Carbon County, hosts at the
Capitol.
“Having this opportunity to intern in the
Speaker’s office is a perfect way to challenge
myself,” said Piper, an Honors Program student.
PASSHE students interested in participating in
THIS in a future semester may obtain information
on the program by contacting their individual
campus coordinator or their university’s
cooperative or internship office, or by calling the
Dixon University Center at 717-720-4089.
2
or the third consecutive year,
California University’s
Student Government
members will show their
appreciation to the California
community by participating in The
Big Event.
A student-run service project,
The Big Event began at Texas A&M
University in 1982, when student
leaders saw a need to give back to
the surrounding community, which
continually had supported their
university.
The Big Event now has become
the largest one-day, student-run
service project in the nation, with
students at more than 100
universities completing service
projects such as yard work, windowwashing and painting for
community members.
Cal U began participating in
2007.
This year’s event at California
will take place on April 19.
Interested students can register at
noon that day in the Performance
Center.
Over the next few weeks,
committee recruiters will be calling
on members of Cal U clubs and
organizations to participate in the
project. Individual students may
participate, as well.
California residents who wish to
request service work should phone
the Cal U Student Government
Office at 724-938-4318 or send email to Donny Marszalek, vice
president of Student Government,
at mar1375@cup.edu.
“This our way of saying one big
thank-you to the community for
Gearing up for the April 19 Big Event are graduating seniors Donny Marszalek and
Sarah Hartman. Cal U Student Government is looking for volunteers, as well as
community members wanting help with their spring cleaning. Those interested
should call 734-938-4318 or e-mail mar1375@cup.edu.
their support and even putting up
with us this year,” Marszalek said.
“Seriously, we want residents to
contact us so we can help them and
show our appreciation.”
Dr. Nancy Pinardi, associate
vice president for Student
Development and Services, pointed
out that Student Government
established a community service
committee this academic year.
Previous projects have included
participating in Toys for Tots,
creating student scholarships
through sales of “Armenti’s Army”
T-shirts at sporting events, and
raising funds for troops overseas.
“Student Government and all
the committees have been very
active and focused, with community
service leading the way as the
underlying theme with all
activities,” Pinardi said. “The Big
Event further emphasizes their
devotion to ‘giving back.’ Our
Student Government members lead
the way, grabbing shovels, brooms,
paintbrushes and more, encouraging
all student groups to say ‘thank you’
to the California community by
joining them as they complete
service projects.”
Annual Staff Recognition Dinner Set for June 26
California University’s annual Staff Recognition
Dinner will take place Friday, June 26, 2009, at
6:30 p.m. in the Performance Center of the Natali
Student Center. Mark your calendars today. More
information will be announced in a future edition of
The Journal.
At left, Jesse Dias, a resident of Greene Arc, break dances with friends in the
Performance Center. Above, Connie Mousseau, a senior majoring in
Elementary and Special Education, dances with Frankie Iacanno during a
dance hosted by the Council for Exceptional Children.
Group Home Residents Enjoy Chance to Dance
F
or the past 30 years the Council for Exceptional
Children has hosted dances for adults who reside
in group homes or community living
arrangements in Fayette, Greene and Washington
counties.
Student members of California University’s CEC
chapter host the dances twice a semester in the
Performance Center.
Mary Seman, CEC faculty adviser for the past 11
years, said the participants are always ready to have fun.
“Unlike dances that are held in public schools, our
guests are all eager to be out on the dance floor and
don’t think twice about what they are wearing, whether
or not they have on designer shoes, or who might not
ask them to dance,” she said.
“All inhibitions are gone, and they simply have fun.
It is certainly one of the highlights of the season for
them, and we are told by their group-home supervisors
that they carry their invitations around for weeks before
the dance and are so excited the night before that they
cannot sleep,” she said.
The event is not open to the public, and invitations
are limited to about 100 participants. Few turn down
the chance to dance.
“Everyone enjoys these events,” said Nicole Kitta,
treasurer of the CEC chapter. “From the members of
CEC to the invited guests, we are all excited to be a part
of this.”
Everyone in the club helps out to make the evening
special, she said.
“We send out the invitations, bring sugar-free food,
hire a DJ and put up decorations. We dance with the
guests and just hang out with them. We do whatever we
can to make sure they have a good time.
“The most important thing about the dance is how
good everyone feels,” Kitta added. “The way everyone
works together to make this event happen is really
inspiring. And everyone walks away smiling and
looking forward to the next dance.”
Awards Help Students Land Impressive Internships
C
al U Internship Awards have helped
three students complete internships
within the sports world. Juniors
Matthew Saeler and Sarah Devlin and senior
Steffany Smith received the monetary awards
to help defray expenses incurred in accepting
an internship.
Saeler, an athletic training major from
Butler, Pa., interned last fall as a trainer at
Elizabeth Forward High School. After
graduation he plans to earn his master’s degree
and eventually work as an athletic trainer in a
university setting.
Athletic training major Devlin interned
with trainers at Washington and Jefferson
College. A native of Johnstown, Pa., she hopes
to earn her doctorate in physical therapy.
“These two represent our profession and
California University in an exemplary
manner,” said Dr. Bob Kane, chairman of the
Department of Health Science and Sport
Studies. “We are very pleased and excited to
have two students win this award from the
Internship Center.”
Smith, a senior communication studies
major from Catasauqua, Pa., completed an
internship with the Pennsylvania State Athletic
Conference office at Lock Haven University.
She also does on-campus work with CUTV
and the Office of Sports Information. After
graduation Smith plans to attend graduate
school and eventually find a job in sports
information.
“It’s gratifying to see our student out there
having fun and making connections,” said Dr.
Rick Cumings, a professor in the Department
of Communication Studies.
Karen Primm, director of the Internship
Center, said the awards process was highly
competitive.
“Our students landed extremely impressive
internships,” she said. “They represented both
themselves and California University of
Pennsylvania very well.”
Internship award recipient Steffany Smith receives her plaque from Drs. Emily
Sweitzer, Laura Tuennerman and Rick Cumings.
FPDC Group Hears Talk on Millennials vs. Gen X Students
D
The Teaching and Learning FPDC Subcommittee hosted a presentation and
interactive talk earlier this semester featuring guest speaker Dr. Michele DiPietro.
Featured in the photo are (from left) Dr. Nancy Steeley, DiPietro, Dr. Carrie
Rosengart and Dr. Kim Woznack.
o students on campus seem
different from those here 10 years
ago or did you just grow old?
This question was the focus of a
presentation and interactive talk hosted by
the Teaching and Learning FPDC
Subcommittee earlier this semester at the
Kara Alumni House.
Dr. Michele DiPietro, associate director
at the Eberly Center for Teaching
Excellence and an instructor in the
Department of Statistics, both at Carnegie
Mellon University, was the guest presenter.
His scholarly interests include diversity
in the classroom, student ratings of
instruction, teaching in the wake of tragic
events, academic integrity, and statistics
education. He has served on the board of
directors of the Professional and
Organizational Development Network in
Higher Education, the premier faculty
development organization in North America.
The title of the presentation and talk was
“Millennial Students: Insights from
Generational Theory and Learning
Sciences.”
DiPietro presented and then discussed
recent theory and research that suggests that
the current cohort of students, dubbed
Millennials, is unique in formative
experiences, beliefs, attitudes and goals.
“Through discussion and participants’
experiences, this interactive session will
examine some of the societal trends that
have shaped students, uncovering how their
experiences affect their readiness for college
and their attitudes about learning,” he said.
“Equipped with this knowledge, and
connecting it to established findings
— continued on page 4
3
Dance Concert
Explores Styles,
Rhythms
The Department of Theatre and Dance
at California University continues its 2009
season with a spring dance concert
featuring dance styles that cross genres and
travel around the world.
Dancers will appear at 8 p.m. April 2-4
in the Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre on the
Cal U campus. Eleven student
choreographers and two dance faculty
members will present pieces that cover a
wide range of dance genres, including afrojazz, French cancan, hip-hop, classic ballet,
modern dance, tap and more. The audience
will experience narrative dances, abstract
dance, and an abundance of high-energy
athleticism in this eclectic program.
The show is open to the public. Cost is
$10 for adults, seniors and children; Cal U
students with valid CalCards are admitted
free. For ticket information, or to order
tickets (with a credit card) by phone, call
the Steele Box Office at 724-938-5943.
Student dancer Sarah Orletsky is shown
in a sea of legs while practicing the kick
line that will be performed at the spring
dance concert.
Softball Team in Top 25 Poll
A
Benefit Show Set for Friday
Tickets are still on sale for a benefit concert at Cal U featuring award-winning
hip-hop artists Fabolous and Yung Joc, pictured above. The music begins at 8
p.m. Friday, when TKE Rock for a Cure opens in Hamer Hall Gymnasium on
campus. The concert is presented by Cal U’s Student Activities Board and
Student Association, Inc. Seventy percent of the proceeds will be donated to
the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Ticket price is $10 for students with a valid
CalCard, $15 for others. To order tickets, visit http://california-university-ofpennsylvania.ticketleap.com.
Millennials Vs. Gen Xers
— Continued from page 3
from the learning sciences, we will generate effective pedagogical
principles.”
One participant who said his understanding of millennial was
enhanced by the luncheon workshop was Dr. Pratul Pathak,
professor of English, who is also the coordinator of the Faculty
Center.
“As a Boomer I had little trouble dealing with the Generation X
students, but the Millenials are a different ballgame,” Pathak said.
“Michele DiPietro’s insights into the Millennials generation was
revealing in every respect, and it will let me deal more effectively
with my students.”
Chairing the Teaching and Learning FPDC Subcommittee are
Drs. Carrie Rosengart (psychology) and Nancy Steeley (Elementary/
Early Childhood).
In an effort to realize the goal of enhancing the mission of
student learning, the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee will
promote, advocate, develop and support an interest in and concern
for scholarship of teaching in individual faculty, departments,
colleges and the campus as a whole.
fter opening the
coach Rick Bertagnolli his
season with a 9-1
800th career collegiate
record at the Rebel
victory. Before coming to Cal
Spring Games in Ocoee, Fla.,
in 1994, Bertagnolli enjoyed
Cal U’s softball team was
successful coaching stints at
ranked eighth in the third
the University of South
National Fastpitch Coaches
Carolina at Spartanburg and
Association (NFCA) Top 25
Wabash Valley (Ill.) Junior
poll. Cal climbed to sixth in
College. He coached the
the fourth weekly poll and
Vulcans to consecutive
owned a 16-2 overall record
NCAA Division II national
as of March 23.
championships in 1997 and
The Vulcans were not
1998, and helped Cal set an
featured in the first two polls
NCAA record with 88
of the season, nor did they
consecutive conference wins
receive any votes before the
from 1994 to 1999. Under
start of the season.
Bertagnolli, Cal won 11
Cal U is one of three
straight PSAC West
Pennsylvania State Athletic
championships (1994 to
Conference schools in the
2004) and has qualified for
Top 25. Kutztown and Lock
the PSAC post-season
Haven universities are ranked
tournament
for 15
Junior pitcher Sonia Petrosoniak
won three games on the Southern
11th and 19th, respectively.
consecutive years, with nine
trip which helped Cal achieve a 9Highlighting Cal U’s fast start
NCAA tourney appearances
1 start and a national ranking of
was a noteworthy individual
in
10 years.
eighth. She also earned PSAC
Pitcher of the Week honors with a
performance by junior Sonia
In the preseason coaches’
1.15 ERA in 24 innings pitched.
Petrosoniak, who earned
poll, Cal was picked to finish
PSAC Pitcher of the Week
first in the PSAC-West
honors after winning three games with a 1.15
Division. Last June, Bertagnolli received the
ERA in 24 innings pitched.
Michael Duda Award for Athletic Excellence
The season also has given 16th-year head
from the Cal U Alumni Association
Adjunct Instructor Dawida
Speaks at Conference Overseas
Michael Dawida, an adjunct instructor with Cal U’s graduate-level
Legal Studies: Criminal Justice program, gave the keynote address Feb.
18 at a conference organized by the Canadian government in Ukraine.
A veteran attorney, Dawida is a former state legislator who served
in both houses of the General Assembly. He was the last chairman of
the Allegheny County Board of Commissioners before a new form of
county government was adopted.
At the conference Dawida discussed the economic diversity forced
on western Pennsylvania when its steel-based economy declines. The
role of educational institutions in reshaping the economy was one of
the key points mentioned in the address.
At Cal U, Dawida teaches online courses on Law and Ethics, and Law
and the International Community.
The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
University President
Dr. Allan J. Golden
Vice President for Administration and Finance
Christine Kindl
Editor
Geraldine M. Jones
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Lenora Angelone
Vice President for Student Development and Services
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall
Writers
Dr. Joyce Hanley
Executive Vice President
Angela J. Burrows
Vice President for University Relations
OfficeofCommunicationsandPublicRelations,
250UniversityAvenue,California,PA15419
724-938-4195wald@cup.edu
The Journal is printed on paper made from trees harvested under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.SFIprogram.org).
4
VOLUME 11, NUMBER 11 MARCH 30, 2009
Internship
Takes
Student to
Harrisburg
Dr. Taunya
Tinsley is the
coordinator for
the new Sports
Counseling
certificate
program. Classes
for this online
program begin
in May.
Cal U Launches Graduate Online
Sports Counseling Certificate Program
C
ounselors, educators, coaches
and other professionals who
want to help athletes raise their
games on and off the field can earn a
sports counseling certificate through a
new Global Online graduate program at
California University of Pennsylvania.
Classes begin in May.
The Graduate Certificate in Sports
Counseling program will examine
current counseling strategies used with
athletes of all ages and skill levels;
provide an overview of various life skills,
including career development, time
management and study skills; and
provide an overview of professional
ethics, legal issues and NCAA
guidelines. Courses may be used for
additional credits toward professional
counselor licensure or for continuing
education credits.
Cal U’s Global Online program offers
a high-quality educational experience that
is tailored to fit into any schedule. An
asynchronous format allows studies to be
completed at any time, and the
coursework is offered entirely online.
To apply online, visit www.cup.edu/
graduate. To request an application, call
Global Online at 724-938-4187. For more
information about the Graduate
Certificate in Sports Counseling program,
e-mail Dr. Taunya Tinsley, coordinator,
at sportcounseling@cup. edu or contact
the Office of Web-based Programs at
866-595-6348.
J
ustin M. Piper of Mount Pleasant
is working in the Office of the
Speaker of the House of
Representatives as part of a 15-week
internship sponsored by PASSHE, the
Pennsylvania State System of Higher
Education.
A junior political science major, he
is one of 11 students participating in
The Harrisburg Internship Semester
(THIS) program, which provides
students the opportunity to work in all
areas of state government while
earning a full semester’s worth of
credits.
The semester-long program invites
students from each of the 14 PASSHE
universities to participate.
Piper and the other students
participating in the program will
attend several academic seminars
during their spring semester internship.
Each of the students also will
complete an individualized research
project as part of the program’s
requirements.
More than 400 students from
PASSHE universities have participated
— continued on page 2
Parks Program Accreditation Should Help Job-Seekers
T
he recent national accreditation
attained by Cal U’s Bachelor of
Arts in Parks and Recreation
Management program gives its graduates
a considerably faster path to professional
certification and, ultimately, better job
opportunities.
Cal U received the maximum fiveyear accreditation from the Council on
Accreditation For Recreation, Park
Resources and Leisure Services, which is
sponsored by the National Recreation
and Park Association (NRPA).
“It’s something that the students who
are here currently can use to their benefit
upon graduation, and we can talk about
the benefits of coming into an accredited
program to potential students,” said Dr.
Tom Wickham, program director and
chair of the Department of Earth
Sciences.
“Besides being a very positive item to
put on their resume, graduates from an
accredited parks and rec program can
apply for professional certification within
one year. Otherwise it would take them
three to five years. This significantly
enhances their career opportunities.”
Graduates of the program may find
employment in national and state parks
or at commercial recreation facilities
such as Nemacolin Woodlands Resort,
Seven Springs Mountain Resort or even
The recent accreditation attained by the Parks and Recreation Management program gives
its graduates, such as Dan Reid ’08, a competitive advantage in obtaining better jobs or
acceptance into graduate degree programs.
Walt Disney World. They also might
work at a community recreation center
or for a nonprofit organization such as
Special Olympics.
Achieving the accreditation is a
welcome relief for Dr. John Confer, the
program’s other full-time tenure-track
faculty member, and for himself,
Wickham said. Last fall’s addition of
adjunct faculty member Dr. Jinhee Jun
helped the program meet NRPA
requirements.
Cal U is one of only five PASSHE
schools that offer a Parks and Recreation
Management program.
“For us, accreditation is a sign that
we have a high-quality program,”
Wickham said. “It shows that our
courses, materials facilities and faculty
meet a standard that the NRPA Council
on Accreditation believes is necessary to
have the very best program.”
Wickham and Confer altered and
expanded course offerings during four
years of preparation for the
accreditation, which included a visit
from a three-person review team.
In the end, Cal U’s state-of-the-art
facilities in the Eberly Science and
Technology Center proved most
beneficial.
“They felt our facilities and the
computers and the software we have are
outstanding compared to other programs
they visited,” Wickham said. “What we
have surpassed their expectations.”
The program’s next accreditation
review will be held in spring 2013, with a
site visit set for fall 2012.
“Our Parks and Recreation
Management program has been around
for a while, but it has evolved and
changed, especially lately, to meet their
demands,” Wickham said. “It took a lot
of work to get accredited, but now we
must build on this and continue to
improve.”
Cal Pride Weekend Connects Alumni, Students
A
simple but important question
often asked by alumni is, “How
are the students?”
Cal U graduates can see the answer
firsthand during the third annual Cal
Pride Weekend, April 3-4.
The weekend will feature a number
of events designed to connect alumni
with current and prospective students.
On April 3, a group of accomplished
alumni will speak to classes related to
their particular disciplines about their
experiences after leaving the University.
Among the 22 guest speakers
returning to campus are Bill Booker ’74,
Bob Lippencott ’66, George Prodan ’74,
Jim Lopez ’81 and Jay Helsel ’59.
Deans’ Receptions will be held from
3 to 5 p.m., and awards will be given to
distinguished alumni from Cal U’s four
colleges.
The College of Education and
Human Services will honor Carol
Mitchell ’72, ’75, president and CEO of
Verland Inc.
The Eberly College of Science and
Technology will honor Mary Beth
Buchanan ’84, U.S. Attorney for the
Western District of Pennsylvania.
The College of Liberal Arts will
Esteemed alumnus George Prodan ’74 will return to his alma mater and offer insight to Cal
U students during the third annual Cal Pride Weekend festivities.
honor Steven Toprani ’01, Washington
County’s district attorney.
The School of Graduate Studies and
Research will honor David Amati ’70,
’72, director of Global Automotive
Business and Automotive Headquarters,
SAE International.
Following the receptions at 5 p.m.,
Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
will host a by-invitation dinner and
present the Lifetime Achievement
Award to former U.S. Rep. Frank R.
Mascara ’72. Chairman of the
Washington County Board of
Commissioners from 1980 to 1994 , he
was elected to Congress in 1994 and
represented Pennsylvania’s 20th District
through 2002.
Mascara will speak at 7 p.m. in the
Performance Center of the Natali
Student Center. The talk is free and
open to the public; a reception will be
held after his address.
On April 4, Cal Pride Weekend will
feature an Alumni Panel Discussion
from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Steele Hall
Mainstage Theatre. Moderated by
President Armenti with alumni panelists
James Lokay ’02, Thea Kalcevic ’06,
Savannah McConnell ’08 and Jen Smith
’08, the discussion will focus on the
character- and career-building effects of
a Cal U education.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cal Pride
Video Vignettes will be aired in the
Booker Great Room at the Kara Alumni
House. The video pieces highlight
alumni experiences as students at Cal U
and in real-world work situations. Both
April 4 events are open to the public.
For information about Cal Pride
Weekend and specific classroom
presentation times, contact Amy
Lombard, executive director of Alumni
Relations, at 724-938-4418 or e-mail
lombard@cup.edu
Cal U Ready for ‘The Big Event’
F
Cal U political science major Justin Piper of Mount
Pleasant, shown here with House Speaker Keith R.
McCall, is working in the Office of the Speaker of the
House of Representatives as part of a 15-week
internship. He is one of 11 students participating in
The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS) program.
Internship
Takes Student
to Harrisburg
— Continued from page 1
in THIS since the program began in 1989, each
gaining valuable insight into the workings of state
government at the policy-making level. Interns have
worked with dozens of state agencies, as well as in
the governor’s office, the Office of the Speaker of
the House of Representatives and the Office of
Attorney General.
Piper is a 2007 graduate of Mount Pleasant
Area Junior-Senior High School and the son of
Timothy and Mary Ellen Piper.
During his internship, Piper is working with
public policy and will compose an extensive
research paper as part of the THIS program. He
also will work on projects that House Speaker
Keith R. McCall, of Carbon County, hosts at the
Capitol.
“Having this opportunity to intern in the
Speaker’s office is a perfect way to challenge
myself,” said Piper, an Honors Program student.
PASSHE students interested in participating in
THIS in a future semester may obtain information
on the program by contacting their individual
campus coordinator or their university’s
cooperative or internship office, or by calling the
Dixon University Center at 717-720-4089.
2
or the third consecutive year,
California University’s
Student Government
members will show their
appreciation to the California
community by participating in The
Big Event.
A student-run service project,
The Big Event began at Texas A&M
University in 1982, when student
leaders saw a need to give back to
the surrounding community, which
continually had supported their
university.
The Big Event now has become
the largest one-day, student-run
service project in the nation, with
students at more than 100
universities completing service
projects such as yard work, windowwashing and painting for
community members.
Cal U began participating in
2007.
This year’s event at California
will take place on April 19.
Interested students can register at
noon that day in the Performance
Center.
Over the next few weeks,
committee recruiters will be calling
on members of Cal U clubs and
organizations to participate in the
project. Individual students may
participate, as well.
California residents who wish to
request service work should phone
the Cal U Student Government
Office at 724-938-4318 or send email to Donny Marszalek, vice
president of Student Government,
at mar1375@cup.edu.
“This our way of saying one big
thank-you to the community for
Gearing up for the April 19 Big Event are graduating seniors Donny Marszalek and
Sarah Hartman. Cal U Student Government is looking for volunteers, as well as
community members wanting help with their spring cleaning. Those interested
should call 734-938-4318 or e-mail mar1375@cup.edu.
their support and even putting up
with us this year,” Marszalek said.
“Seriously, we want residents to
contact us so we can help them and
show our appreciation.”
Dr. Nancy Pinardi, associate
vice president for Student
Development and Services, pointed
out that Student Government
established a community service
committee this academic year.
Previous projects have included
participating in Toys for Tots,
creating student scholarships
through sales of “Armenti’s Army”
T-shirts at sporting events, and
raising funds for troops overseas.
“Student Government and all
the committees have been very
active and focused, with community
service leading the way as the
underlying theme with all
activities,” Pinardi said. “The Big
Event further emphasizes their
devotion to ‘giving back.’ Our
Student Government members lead
the way, grabbing shovels, brooms,
paintbrushes and more, encouraging
all student groups to say ‘thank you’
to the California community by
joining them as they complete
service projects.”
Annual Staff Recognition Dinner Set for June 26
California University’s annual Staff Recognition
Dinner will take place Friday, June 26, 2009, at
6:30 p.m. in the Performance Center of the Natali
Student Center. Mark your calendars today. More
information will be announced in a future edition of
The Journal.
At left, Jesse Dias, a resident of Greene Arc, break dances with friends in the
Performance Center. Above, Connie Mousseau, a senior majoring in
Elementary and Special Education, dances with Frankie Iacanno during a
dance hosted by the Council for Exceptional Children.
Group Home Residents Enjoy Chance to Dance
F
or the past 30 years the Council for Exceptional
Children has hosted dances for adults who reside
in group homes or community living
arrangements in Fayette, Greene and Washington
counties.
Student members of California University’s CEC
chapter host the dances twice a semester in the
Performance Center.
Mary Seman, CEC faculty adviser for the past 11
years, said the participants are always ready to have fun.
“Unlike dances that are held in public schools, our
guests are all eager to be out on the dance floor and
don’t think twice about what they are wearing, whether
or not they have on designer shoes, or who might not
ask them to dance,” she said.
“All inhibitions are gone, and they simply have fun.
It is certainly one of the highlights of the season for
them, and we are told by their group-home supervisors
that they carry their invitations around for weeks before
the dance and are so excited the night before that they
cannot sleep,” she said.
The event is not open to the public, and invitations
are limited to about 100 participants. Few turn down
the chance to dance.
“Everyone enjoys these events,” said Nicole Kitta,
treasurer of the CEC chapter. “From the members of
CEC to the invited guests, we are all excited to be a part
of this.”
Everyone in the club helps out to make the evening
special, she said.
“We send out the invitations, bring sugar-free food,
hire a DJ and put up decorations. We dance with the
guests and just hang out with them. We do whatever we
can to make sure they have a good time.
“The most important thing about the dance is how
good everyone feels,” Kitta added. “The way everyone
works together to make this event happen is really
inspiring. And everyone walks away smiling and
looking forward to the next dance.”
Awards Help Students Land Impressive Internships
C
al U Internship Awards have helped
three students complete internships
within the sports world. Juniors
Matthew Saeler and Sarah Devlin and senior
Steffany Smith received the monetary awards
to help defray expenses incurred in accepting
an internship.
Saeler, an athletic training major from
Butler, Pa., interned last fall as a trainer at
Elizabeth Forward High School. After
graduation he plans to earn his master’s degree
and eventually work as an athletic trainer in a
university setting.
Athletic training major Devlin interned
with trainers at Washington and Jefferson
College. A native of Johnstown, Pa., she hopes
to earn her doctorate in physical therapy.
“These two represent our profession and
California University in an exemplary
manner,” said Dr. Bob Kane, chairman of the
Department of Health Science and Sport
Studies. “We are very pleased and excited to
have two students win this award from the
Internship Center.”
Smith, a senior communication studies
major from Catasauqua, Pa., completed an
internship with the Pennsylvania State Athletic
Conference office at Lock Haven University.
She also does on-campus work with CUTV
and the Office of Sports Information. After
graduation Smith plans to attend graduate
school and eventually find a job in sports
information.
“It’s gratifying to see our student out there
having fun and making connections,” said Dr.
Rick Cumings, a professor in the Department
of Communication Studies.
Karen Primm, director of the Internship
Center, said the awards process was highly
competitive.
“Our students landed extremely impressive
internships,” she said. “They represented both
themselves and California University of
Pennsylvania very well.”
Internship award recipient Steffany Smith receives her plaque from Drs. Emily
Sweitzer, Laura Tuennerman and Rick Cumings.
FPDC Group Hears Talk on Millennials vs. Gen X Students
D
The Teaching and Learning FPDC Subcommittee hosted a presentation and
interactive talk earlier this semester featuring guest speaker Dr. Michele DiPietro.
Featured in the photo are (from left) Dr. Nancy Steeley, DiPietro, Dr. Carrie
Rosengart and Dr. Kim Woznack.
o students on campus seem
different from those here 10 years
ago or did you just grow old?
This question was the focus of a
presentation and interactive talk hosted by
the Teaching and Learning FPDC
Subcommittee earlier this semester at the
Kara Alumni House.
Dr. Michele DiPietro, associate director
at the Eberly Center for Teaching
Excellence and an instructor in the
Department of Statistics, both at Carnegie
Mellon University, was the guest presenter.
His scholarly interests include diversity
in the classroom, student ratings of
instruction, teaching in the wake of tragic
events, academic integrity, and statistics
education. He has served on the board of
directors of the Professional and
Organizational Development Network in
Higher Education, the premier faculty
development organization in North America.
The title of the presentation and talk was
“Millennial Students: Insights from
Generational Theory and Learning
Sciences.”
DiPietro presented and then discussed
recent theory and research that suggests that
the current cohort of students, dubbed
Millennials, is unique in formative
experiences, beliefs, attitudes and goals.
“Through discussion and participants’
experiences, this interactive session will
examine some of the societal trends that
have shaped students, uncovering how their
experiences affect their readiness for college
and their attitudes about learning,” he said.
“Equipped with this knowledge, and
connecting it to established findings
— continued on page 4
3
Dance Concert
Explores Styles,
Rhythms
The Department of Theatre and Dance
at California University continues its 2009
season with a spring dance concert
featuring dance styles that cross genres and
travel around the world.
Dancers will appear at 8 p.m. April 2-4
in the Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre on the
Cal U campus. Eleven student
choreographers and two dance faculty
members will present pieces that cover a
wide range of dance genres, including afrojazz, French cancan, hip-hop, classic ballet,
modern dance, tap and more. The audience
will experience narrative dances, abstract
dance, and an abundance of high-energy
athleticism in this eclectic program.
The show is open to the public. Cost is
$10 for adults, seniors and children; Cal U
students with valid CalCards are admitted
free. For ticket information, or to order
tickets (with a credit card) by phone, call
the Steele Box Office at 724-938-5943.
Student dancer Sarah Orletsky is shown
in a sea of legs while practicing the kick
line that will be performed at the spring
dance concert.
Softball Team in Top 25 Poll
A
Benefit Show Set for Friday
Tickets are still on sale for a benefit concert at Cal U featuring award-winning
hip-hop artists Fabolous and Yung Joc, pictured above. The music begins at 8
p.m. Friday, when TKE Rock for a Cure opens in Hamer Hall Gymnasium on
campus. The concert is presented by Cal U’s Student Activities Board and
Student Association, Inc. Seventy percent of the proceeds will be donated to
the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Ticket price is $10 for students with a valid
CalCard, $15 for others. To order tickets, visit http://california-university-ofpennsylvania.ticketleap.com.
Millennials Vs. Gen Xers
— Continued from page 3
from the learning sciences, we will generate effective pedagogical
principles.”
One participant who said his understanding of millennial was
enhanced by the luncheon workshop was Dr. Pratul Pathak,
professor of English, who is also the coordinator of the Faculty
Center.
“As a Boomer I had little trouble dealing with the Generation X
students, but the Millenials are a different ballgame,” Pathak said.
“Michele DiPietro’s insights into the Millennials generation was
revealing in every respect, and it will let me deal more effectively
with my students.”
Chairing the Teaching and Learning FPDC Subcommittee are
Drs. Carrie Rosengart (psychology) and Nancy Steeley (Elementary/
Early Childhood).
In an effort to realize the goal of enhancing the mission of
student learning, the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee will
promote, advocate, develop and support an interest in and concern
for scholarship of teaching in individual faculty, departments,
colleges and the campus as a whole.
fter opening the
coach Rick Bertagnolli his
season with a 9-1
800th career collegiate
record at the Rebel
victory. Before coming to Cal
Spring Games in Ocoee, Fla.,
in 1994, Bertagnolli enjoyed
Cal U’s softball team was
successful coaching stints at
ranked eighth in the third
the University of South
National Fastpitch Coaches
Carolina at Spartanburg and
Association (NFCA) Top 25
Wabash Valley (Ill.) Junior
poll. Cal climbed to sixth in
College. He coached the
the fourth weekly poll and
Vulcans to consecutive
owned a 16-2 overall record
NCAA Division II national
as of March 23.
championships in 1997 and
The Vulcans were not
1998, and helped Cal set an
featured in the first two polls
NCAA record with 88
of the season, nor did they
consecutive conference wins
receive any votes before the
from 1994 to 1999. Under
start of the season.
Bertagnolli, Cal won 11
Cal U is one of three
straight PSAC West
Pennsylvania State Athletic
championships (1994 to
Conference schools in the
2004) and has qualified for
Top 25. Kutztown and Lock
the PSAC post-season
Haven universities are ranked
tournament
for 15
Junior pitcher Sonia Petrosoniak
won three games on the Southern
11th and 19th, respectively.
consecutive years, with nine
trip which helped Cal achieve a 9Highlighting Cal U’s fast start
NCAA tourney appearances
1 start and a national ranking of
was a noteworthy individual
in
10 years.
eighth. She also earned PSAC
Pitcher of the Week honors with a
performance by junior Sonia
In the preseason coaches’
1.15 ERA in 24 innings pitched.
Petrosoniak, who earned
poll, Cal was picked to finish
PSAC Pitcher of the Week
first in the PSAC-West
honors after winning three games with a 1.15
Division. Last June, Bertagnolli received the
ERA in 24 innings pitched.
Michael Duda Award for Athletic Excellence
The season also has given 16th-year head
from the Cal U Alumni Association
Adjunct Instructor Dawida
Speaks at Conference Overseas
Michael Dawida, an adjunct instructor with Cal U’s graduate-level
Legal Studies: Criminal Justice program, gave the keynote address Feb.
18 at a conference organized by the Canadian government in Ukraine.
A veteran attorney, Dawida is a former state legislator who served
in both houses of the General Assembly. He was the last chairman of
the Allegheny County Board of Commissioners before a new form of
county government was adopted.
At the conference Dawida discussed the economic diversity forced
on western Pennsylvania when its steel-based economy declines. The
role of educational institutions in reshaping the economy was one of
the key points mentioned in the address.
At Cal U, Dawida teaches online courses on Law and Ethics, and Law
and the International Community.
The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
University President
Dr. Allan J. Golden
Vice President for Administration and Finance
Christine Kindl
Editor
Geraldine M. Jones
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Lenora Angelone
Vice President for Student Development and Services
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall
Writers
Dr. Joyce Hanley
Executive Vice President
Angela J. Burrows
Vice President for University Relations
OfficeofCommunicationsandPublicRelations,
250UniversityAvenue,California,PA15419
724-938-4195wald@cup.edu
The Journal is printed on paper made from trees harvested under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.SFIprogram.org).
4