admin
Fri, 02/02/2024 - 19:16
Edited Text
California University
Vo l u me 13, Nu mbe r 22 Se PT. 19, 2011
Re a d the Jo urn a l o n l in e : www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
Criminology
Professor
Named
Fulbright
Specialist
A
A dedication for the new Phillipsburg Soccer facility will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in between games against East Stroudsburg.
Soccer Teams Eager
to Try New Turf
F
or Cal U’s soccer teams, the new Phillipsburg
Soccer facility is a dream come true.
“Ever since we came back in August for training
camp, we would drive by daily to look at the progress and
check out what got done at the stadium,” said senior
Charlie Dagnal, starting goalkeeper for the Vulcan men’s
team and a 2010-2011 PSAC Scholar Athlete.
“When they laid down the artificial turf, it was like
finally our prayers had been answered.”
Cal U will hold a dedication ceremony for the new
facility at 1 p.m. Sept. 24 at the soccer field on Orchard
Street, just three blocks from Cal U’s main campus.
The site, formerly known as Booster Field, was the
home field for the Cal State football team from the 1950s
until 1970, when the Vulcans moved to Adamson Stadium
at Roadman Park, on Cal U’s south campus.
New construction and extensive renovations have
created a facility that meets all NCAA standards for
intercollegiate soccer, including night games and
broadcasting.
The complex features:
• A ProGrass artificial turf field with a walking track
around the perimeter.
• A programmable lighting system whose 110-foot-tall
light stands are designed to maximize on-field
illumination while minimizing “light spill” into the
surrounding neighborhood.
• An electronic multi-sport scoreboard.
• Bleacher seating for 500 fans, plus a “press box” for
media.
• Newly renovated locker rooms for the Cal U men’s
and women’s teams, visiting teams, coaches and officials.
• A first-aid and training room.
• A renovated concession stand and public restrooms.
Cal U’s head soccer coach, Dennis Laskey, says the
facility already has drawn the attention of student-athletes.
“Since we’ve been able to show them designs, both
our (men’s and women’s) programs have been inundated
with recruits. The attraction has been incredible,” Laskey
said. “This is the finest soccer facility in the eastern
United States.”
The dedication will be held on Family Day, when
students’ parents and siblings are encouraged to visit.
Along with other campus activities, Cal U plans to have
giveaways, special guests, a Mini Vulcan Huddle and
— Continued on page 3
s a member of the Fulbright Specialist
Program, Dr. Aref Al-Khattar will
spend his holiday season abroad,
strengthening California University’s ties in the
Middle East.
Al-Khattar, director of Cal U’s master’s
degree program in applied criminology, will
depart Dec. 20 on a 25-day trip to the University
of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates.
There he will work closely with the
university’s Department of Sociology and its
criminal justice track in the Master of Applied
Sociology program. He will give lectures and
conduct seminars for graduate and
undergraduate students, and he will work with
Sharjah’s faculty to review curriculum, help
develop new courses and address issues related
to online teaching.
“In general, Fulbright’s mission is to provide
assistance to organizations, and that will be my
focus,” Al-Khattar said.
The Fulbright Program is the flagship
international educational exchange program
sponsored by the U.S. government. Its goal is to
increase mutual understanding between the
United States and the people of other countries.
The Fulbright Specialist Program is a shortterm complement to the core Fulbright Scholar
Program. It sends U.S. faculty and professionals
abroad for two to six weeks to serve as expert
consultants on curriculum, faculty development
and institutional planning at overseas academic
institutions.
Al-Khattar, a native of Jordan, is a retired
law enforcement officer with 17 years’
experience. A former lieutenant colonel in the
kingdom’s General Intelligence Department, he
— Continued on page 3
Cal U Again a Top ‘Military-Friendly’ School
F
or the third consecutive year, G.I.
Jobs magazine has named Cal U
one of the nation’s top Military
Friendly Schools.
“It’s part of our campus culture,” says
Capt. Robert Prah, director of the
university’s Office of Veterans Affairs.
“Cal U goes out of its way to help
military members and veterans succeed.”
The magazine’s 2012 Military
Friendly Schools list honors the 20
percent of colleges, universities and trade
schools that are doing the most to
embrace America’s military service
members and veterans as students.
The list was compiled through
extensive research and a data-driven
survey of more than 8,000 schools
nationwide, according to G.I. Jobs.
The 1,518 colleges, universities and
trade schools on this year’s list prioritize
the recruitment of students
with military experience. The
magazine recognizes them for
offering scholarships, veterans’
clubs, full-time staff and other
services for military veterans.
For the first time, G.I. Jobs also includes
peer reviews provided by veterans on
campuses across the country.
At Cal U, the Veterans Affairs Office
provides resources for active-duty
military members, reservists and
members of the National Guard, as well
as veterans and their families.
In addition, the University has joined
forces with GoArmyEd, a gateway to
higher education for soldiers stationed
anywhere in the world.
Through the GoArmyEd
portal, soldiers and their
families have easy access to
bachelor’s and master’s degree
programs offered by Global
Online, Cal U’s Internet-based learning
community.
Even after they graduate, service
members have free, lifelong access to the
University’s Career Services office, which
offers one-on-one career and job-search
planning for all Cal U alumni.
“The men and women who serve in
the military deserve our respect,” said
President Angelo Armenti, Jr. “It’s only
right that we make every effort to support
these students, whether they are taking
classes on campus or pursuing a degree
online.
“They and their families have made
enormous sacrifices on our behalf. In
return, we are committed to helping them
meet their educational goals and build
rewarding careers.”
The complete list of 2012 Military
Friendly Schools, plus interactive tools to assist
military members and veterans with their
decisions about higher education, can be found
online at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com .
Student
Opinion
Survey
Coming in
October
I
Paintball Mania
Jake Hillegas, a computer science major, launches a paintball while playing outside the Natali Student Center earlier this semester. The event was
organized by the Student Activities Board.
Campus BRIEFS
Convocations Set This Week
Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. will host the 2011
staff and student convocations this week. Both events will
take place in the Natali Student Center’s Performance
Center.
The Staff Convocation will be held at 2 p.m. Monday,
and the Student Convocation will be held Tuesday during
the University’s common hour, beginning at 11 a.m.
Kids Talk Democracy Tomorrow
Cal U will observe Constitution Day on Tuesday with
“Kids Talk Democracy II,” a panel discussion at 9:30 a.m.
in the Old Main Chapel.
Sixth-grade students from Ben Franklin Elementary
School in Uniontown, Pa., will share their views on
freedom and the American Dream.
University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. will introduce
the panel of youngsters. Moderator will be Dr. Holly L.
Diehl, assistant professor in the Department of Early,
Middle and Special Education.
Organized by the American Democracy Project, the
program is co-sponsored by the Office of the President;
Academic Affairs/Office of the Provost; the College of
Education and Human Services; the College of Liberal
Arts; the Department of Early, Middle and Special
Education; and the Department of History and Political
Science.
Wildlife Society Plans Field Day
The student chapter of The Wildlife Society will
present its sixth annual Family Field Day from 12:30 p.m.-
J
We Stand Corrected
Emeritus professor Dr. Peter J. Belch ’64 served 37
years in Cal U’s Department of Special Education, which
is now part of the Department of Early, Middle and
Special Education. His academic department was
misidentified in a caption published Aug. 29 along with a
photo of Belch donating two paper-wasp nests, which are
now in display in the lobby of Frich Hall.
Forum Meets in New Location
The Cal U Forum, the University’s governance
structure, has changed its meeting venue. The monthly
meetings will now take place in Room 327, Dixon Hall.
As always, the meetings will begin at 4 p.m.
Upcoming meeting dates this year are Oct. 4, Nov. 1
and Dec. 6. The Forum also meets Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March
20 and April 17, 2012.
The meetings are open to the University Community.
For more information call 724-938-1633 or e-mail
turcic@calu.edu .
Senior Spending Semester in Harrisburg
amese L. Hawkins, a senior
majoring in political science with a
minor in pre-law, is working for the
Joint State Government Commission as
part of a 15-week internship sponsored
by the Pennsylvania State System of
Higher Education (PASSHE).
Hawkins, of Clairton, Pa., is one of
14 students participating in The
Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS)
program, which gives students the
opportunity to work in all areas of state
government while earning a full
semester’s worth of credits. THIS invites
2
4 p.m. Saturday at the Frich Biology Building.
The public may attend this free event conducted in
cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Held rain or shine, the field day includes an archery
demonstration, a fly-tying demonstration and casting
contest, conservation stories with live animals, a display of
animal tracks and displays of pelts from Pennsylvania furbearers, along with information about bluebird box
construction.Refreshments will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Courtney Smay,
president of the student chapter, at sma9129@calu.edu or
Dr. Carol Bocetti at bocetti@calu.edu .
n early October, all Cal U students
with 30 credits or more will be
receiving a Student Opinion
Survey through their Cal U e-mail.
The purpose of this national,
standardized survey is to explore
enrolled students’ perceptions of the
University’s programs and services.
This survey was administered for
the first time in fall 2001. For
continuous improvement purposes, it
has been conducted every two years.
“This is
another
opportunity to
re-administer the
student
satisfaction
survey and see
how we’ve
improved,” said
Norm
Hasbrouck,
Norm Hasbrouck
director of the
Office of
Continuous Improvement.
President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
established the office as a way of
responding directly to student needs
and concerns.
Indicating the importance the
President is placing on this student
satisfaction survey, one survey
respondent will be selected at random
to receive a $500 award for 2012 spring
semester courses at Cal U. The award
will be provided by the Foundation for
California University.
ACT, a national survey services
company based in Iowa City, Iowa,
will administer the survey, which is
used by institutions across the country.
ACT provides comparison data with
these other institutions, in addition to
scanning and reporting local results.
In addition to the standard survey,
30 questions have been developed to
collect information unique to Cal U.
The survey takes approximately 20
minutes to complete, and all
upperclass students are invited to
participate. There is also an
opportunity to submit written
comments and suggestions.
The surveys will be submitted
directly to ACT, and responses will be
kept confidential; no individuals will
be identified. Results should be
available in January 2012.
began in 1989, gaining
students from each of the 14
valuable insight into the
PASSHE universities to
workings of state government
participate.
at the policy-making level.
Students participating in
Interns have worked with
the program will attend
dozens of state agencies, as
several academic seminars
well as in the offices of the
during their fall semester
governor, the speaker of the
internship and each will
House of Representatives and
complete an individualized
the attorney general.
research project as part of
“The Harrisburg Semester is a
the program’s requirements.
Jamese Hawkins
unique opportunity for Cal U
More than 500 students
students to learn about policymaking in
from PASSHE universities have
the Pennsylvania government,” said
participated in THIS since the program
Karen Primm, Cal U’s Internship Center
Director. “Students are given incredible
networking opportunities with legislators
and administrators in both the executive
and legislative branches and other related
agencies. THIS is truly a life changing
and career-building experience for our
students.”
Students interested in participating in
THIS may obtain information from the
Internship Office or by calling the Dixon
University Center at 717-720-4089. More
information on the program also is available
at www.passhe.edu/this .
‘We Push Forward,’ President Tells Trustees
O
n the night that Cal U’s soccer
teams played for the first time at
the new Phillipsburg facility, the
University’s Council of Trustees took a
firsthand look inside the Convocation
Center, which is moving steadily toward
completion.
“At a time when other universities
are holding back, we continue to push
forward,” President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
told the Trustees at their Sept. 7 meeting.
Construction is just one sign of
progress the President chose to highlight
for the panel. He also outlined the new
Cal U Leader for Life program introduced
this semester.
As the world’s first FranklinCovey
Leadership University, Cal U is working
to roll out the program for all students,
including those enrolled in Global
Online.
“This is an advantage they will not be
able to get anywhere else,” the President
said. “Our future will be secure … if we
continue to differentiate ourselves to
students and their parents.”
President Armenti also described the
Cal U Fusion initiative, noting that a
Teaching and Learning Center is being
organized under the direction of Dr. Joe
Zisk. The TLC will support faculty as
they learn to use emerging technology
and make optimal use of the “smart”
classrooms on campus.
“We have just invested in the most
important thing we do — teaching,”
President Armenti told the Trustees.
“Our new Wi-Fi system and these hightech classrooms will be part of our
competitive advantage in the years to
come.”
Cal U staff members (from left) Greg Phillippi, Ralph Brown, Ed Hagyari and Ed Gauden raise
the new American flag for the first time at the Phillipsburg soccer facility before the Vulcans’
1-0 overtime victory over Wheeling-Jesuit on Sept. 7.
In reports to the Trustees:
• Provost Geraldine Jones noted that
Summer College enrollment increased by
about 5 percent compared to 2010, and
enrollment for the fall semester shows a
1 percent increase over last year. The
official headcount will be reported on the
16th day of classes.
She announced a 10-year reaccreditation for the Bachelor of Science
in Athletic Training by CAATE, the
Commission on Accreditation of
Athletic Training Education.
She also noted that 10 faculty were
awarded grants totaling about $384,000
this quarter.
• Robert Thorn, interim director of
Administration and Finance, reported
that the exterior of the Convocation
Center is 97 percent complete and he
expects to obtain an occupancy permit
next month.
The soccer complex was finished two
days ahead of schedule, and the baseball
field at Roadman Park has been
completed.
• Dr. Nancy Pinardi, acting vice
president for Student Affairs, reported
that 175 students are attending classes
under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, and the
Cal U Veterans Club traveled to Joplin,
Mo., to deliver donations to veterans
affected by the spring tornado there.
Peer educators provided 53 programs
to more than 2,000 students through
Options@CalU , a prevention initiative
New Turf Ready
Defense Logistics
Supports GACO
Cal U President Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. presents a
cooperative agreement for $175,118 from the
Defense Logistics Agency of Fort Belvoir, Va., to
Deborah Wojcik, director of the Government Agency
Coordination Office (GACO) at Cal U. Effective through
Aug. 31, 2012, the federal grant will support GACO’s
efforts to assist regional businesses as they pursue
federal, state and local government contracts and
subcontracts. Sponsored by Cal U, GACO was
established in 1985 as a Procurement Technical
Assistance Center (PTAC). For 26 years the Defense
Logistics Agency has been providing funding for the
program, which now provides contracting assistance
services to 1,643 businesses in Allegheny, Beaver,
Butler, Greene and Washington counties. Since
GACO’s inception, these businesses have reported
receiving more than 33,479 contracts and
subcontracts totaling over $2.5 billion. For more
information about GACO’s services, contact Tracy
Julian at 724-938-5881 or visit
www.calu.edu/business-community and click on
‘Business Owners and Employers.’
funded through a grant from the
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
Three former Vulcan baseball players
are playing in the minor leagues, she
said. Four Vulcan football players are
competing in the NFL, and one more is
on injured reserve.
• Dr. Charles Mance, vice president
for University Technology Services,
reported that 20 “smart” classrooms
have been completed and 50 more
should be upgraded by September 2012.
The campus Wi-Fi network upgrade
is 30 percent completed, with robust
wireless signals in the residence halls, the
Eberly Science and Technology Center
and the Natali Student Center.
• Craig Butzine, vice president for
Marketing and University Relations,
pointed to two news stories as examples
of his office’s work in media relations.
More than 200 print, broadcast and
online news outlets carried the
announcement of Cal U’s designation as
the world’s first FranklinCovey
Leadership University, he said, and the
story about a letter that arrived at Cal U
after 53 years appeared in 426 U.S. and
foreign news outlets.
• Ron Huiatt, vice president for
University Development and Alumni
Relations, reported that a new Annual
Fund Campaign, “300 Gifts in 30 Days,”
resulted in 322 new gifts from alumni,
including 117 online donations.
In addition, the Campaign to Build
Character and Careers has reached $26
million, on its way to the $35 million
goal.
The next meeting of the Council of
Trustees is scheduled for Dec. 7.
— Continued from page 1
other events at the soccer field throughout the day.
“Other teams are going to want to come and play us,
because now we have this state-of-the-art facility,” said
Dagnal, whose former roommate Derek Yobbi ’11 now
plays professionally with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
“It’s closer to the main campus than Roadman Park, so
hopefully we will have some more fans. Everyone knows it’s
there and is intrigued by it. I think it should help the school
in general and not just the soccer programs. It’s great.”
The public may attend the dedication ceremony, which
will be held during the intermission between the women’s
and men’s varsity soccer games on Family Day.
Both teams face East Stroudsburg. The women’s game
begins at 11 a.m. The Vulcan men play at 1:30 p.m.
Criminology Professor Named Fulbright Specialist
— Continued from page 1
was awarded the Medal of Independence for his role in
protecting the security of Jordan.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic language and
literature at the University of Jordan, and earned his
master’s degree and Ph.D. in criminology at Indiana
University of Pennsylvania.
At Cal U, Al-Khattar is a professor in the
Department of Justice, Law and Society and an active
member of the Institute for Criminological and Forensic
Sciences.
“Dr. Al-Khattar is an internationally recognized
expert on terrorism and counterterrorism,” said Dr. John
R. Cencich, dean of Cal U’s School of Graduate Studies
and Research and director of the forensic sciences
institute.
“It’s one thing to teach this subject from a book, but
Aref brings real-world experience to students from
around the world. It comes as no surprise that he
received the much-coveted Fulbright award and will
share his experiences at the prestigious University of
Sharjah.”
Al-Khattar already is familiar with the university,
founded in 1997. Through the institute, he ran training
activities for four graduate students and a professor from
Sharjah when they visited western Pennsylvania last
summer.
In June, Al-Khattar, Cencich and Arabic language
instructor Odeese Khalil visited Sharjah to sign an
articulation agreement with the university — Cal U’s first
formal agreement with an institution in the Middle East.
“We have developed what we believe will be a longterm relationship with the University of Sharjah, a
world-class university with an exceptional vision for the
future,” Cencich said.
“We already have several agreements in place relating
to our Master of Arts in Applied Criminology and our
new Arabic language degree. I cannot think of a better
university in the region to partner with.”
“We are reaching to a new audience of students and
faculty,” Al-Khattar added. “We now have a presence in
the Middle East for the first time, and other majors can
benefit from this. It’s an exciting time.”
As a Fulbright Specialist, Al-Khattar’s name will
appear worldwide on a roster of available experts for the
Fulbright Specialist Dr. Aref Al-Khattar will depart Dec. 20
on a 25-day trip to the University of Sharjah.
next five years.
He credits University President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
for his support during the yearlong application process.
“It’s a prestigious honor to have Fulbright status, and
it brings an obvious sense of satisfaction,” Al-Khattar
said. “But it’s good status for Cal U, as well.
“I am promoting Cal U and putting Cal U and
Fulbright together, so it’s a win-win for both Cal U and
myself.”
3
Center Played for Cal’s First State Hoops Title
Editor’s Note: Cal U will hold its 17th
annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Oct. 21
at the Performance Center in the Natali
Student Center. For reservations, contact
Montean Dean at 724-938-4418. Throughout
the fall, The Journal will profile each of the
2011 Hall of Fame inductees.
R
ich “Tree” Kotarsky’s dominant
play in the paint helped the
Vulcan men’s basketball team win
its first PSAC-West title.
A three-year starting post player,
Kotarsky was a four-year letter winner
from 1963-1967.
He finished his collegiate career with
1,067 points — the fourth highest total in
school history at the time. (He now ranks
27th.) Kotarsky joins teammate Pat
Hobart as Hall of Fame inductees from
the basketball team’s first PSAC-West
championship squad.
“Islands are only in oceans and lakes,
but when you get placed on one with such
a great honor like this, you have to
remember how you got here,” Kotarsky
said. “It’s not really an island when you
think of the many people that supported
you along the way, and even years later in
being selected. This has happened because
of my family, friends, teachers, coaches
and teammates.”
During his senior year, Kotarsky led
the Vulcans and Cal U Hall of Fame
coach Myles Witchey to the program’s
first of 15 PSAC-West titles. He scored 30
or more points during three different
games in 1966-1967, including 31 points
in the division championship-clinching
win over Slippery Rock.
That year the Vulcans competed in
their first PSAC “State Game” and were
Rich Kotarsky’s
dominant play
helped the men’s
basketball team win
its first of 15 PSACWest championships.
Kotarsky used his Cal
U education as a
steppingstone to a
distinguished 36year teaching career.
defeated by perennial powerhouse
Cheyney. Cal has now made 14
appearances in the championship game,
winning eight crowns.
“Winning the division and playing for
the state championship was a very big
stepping stone, and the program just built
from there,” Kotarsky said.
The Vulcans improved each year that
he played. Cal went 9-10 in his freshman
season and 12-11 in 1964-1965. The team
achieved consecutive 16-win seasons over
his final two years in the program.
Kotarsky credited Witchey with
building a stagnant program into an
annual contender.
“Myles was a tough character. We
practiced every day, and they weren’t easy
(practices),” he said. “But Myles was with
us every step of the way, and you believed
him when you looked him straight in the
eye. He was intense and successful in life
and coaching. He gave me passion for the
game that I have carried with me.”
After his senior season Kotarsky
received NAIA All-American honors, as
well as Associated Press All-State and
first-team PSAC-West recognition. As an
undergraduate, he also was an active
member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity,
the Young Democrats Club and the
International Relations Club.
Witchey said Kotarsky, a native of
Marianna, Pa., deserved every accolade
that came his way. He was a standout in
basketball and football at Beth Center
High School, despite being unable to play
sports until his sophomore year because
of Bright’s disease, a kidney ailment.
“Richard came from a coal mining
family and worked extremely hard
throughout his career to get better,” said
Witchey. “Every year he improved, and
he went on to do well with his education.
California needs to be proud of him.”
Kotarsky earned his bachelor’s degree
in social studies and his master’s degree in
special education from Cal in 1967 and
1971, respectively. He earned certification
in special education from Duquesne
University in 1974 and in special
education supervision from Slippery Rock
in 1980.
Kotarsky went on to a 36-year
teaching career at several hospitals and
school districts before he retired from
Keystone Oaks High School in 2003.
While at Cal he held a student job
sweeping rooms after practice; he also
worked pumping gas.
“I would finish sweeping those rooms
and go outside and look at Old Main,” he
said. “Seeing those towers just sort of hit
you, why you were here and what this
place was doing for you.
“Cal gave me a base of education that
was outstanding for teaching. Classes
were small. People cared about you and
worked with you to get you through.”
Throughout his teaching career,
Kotarsky was a longtime basketball
official at all levels, from high school to
NCAA Division I. He officiated at PIAA
state finals games and at numerous
collegiate conference and regional
tournaments before retiring in 2010. He
still umpires college softball.
Kotarsky is in his second season as
coordinator of men’s basketball officials
for the Pennsylvania State Athletic
Association. He also is the western
assigner for the Collegiate Softball
Umpires Association, rules and
mechanics interpreter for the Collegiate
Officials Association, and the PIAA
District 7 (WPIAL) softball interpreter.
Kotarsky runs three summer camps
for basketball officials and serves on the
Cal U basketball team’s Sixth Man Club
Golf Committee.
Senior Catches PSAC Sportsmanship Award
C
al U senior Eric Berringer, a catcher
on the Vulcan baseball team, is one
of two recipients of the 2010-2011
PSAC Sportsmanship Award.
West Chester University swimmer
Kristen Montello also was honored this
year.
Implemented by the PSAC StudentAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at
the beginning of the 2008-2009 academic
year, the Sportsmanship Award recognizes
one male and one female student-athlete
who have represented their institutions in a
positive way during competition. Award
winners also must have demonstrated good
citizenship outside of competition by
fostering a good public image.
All PSAC personnel, including
administrators, coaches and studentathletes, are eligible to nominate a student
for the award. The winners are chosen by
members of the SAAC.
Berringer is the second Vulcan in three
years to receive this honor. Former Cal U
cross country standout and five-time AllAmerican Christopher Clark received the
inaugural award.
A two-year member of the baseball
team after transferring from Montgomery
College (Md.), Berringer batted .309 in 41
career games and 29 starts. He was a key
reserve on Cal U’s 2010 PSAC
championship team.
While serving primarily as the team’s
bullpen catcher, he showed why he earned
the recognition during Cal U’s Senior Day
game against IUP last spring. In the fourth
inning he hit a double and was replaced by
a pinch-runner. In a spot where others
might have been upset, he raced to the
dugout and began cheering his teammates.
“Eric was the consummate team player
and also a very good baseball player,” said
head coach Mike Conte. “He had a
tremendous work ethic, great leadership
qualities and was very coachable. He is
very deserving of the award because he
always put the team before himself, and his
teammates recognized this.”
Berringer was surprised to learn he had
won the award and said he simply acted
naturally.
“From the moment I got here, we all
got along and became a family. Pretty much
everything we do, we do as a team. We all
eat lunch together. We have a lot of classes
together. So putting the team first is not
something I think about. You just do it.”
Also a member of the Athletic
Director’s Honor Roll, Berringer is
majoring in electrical engineering
technology. He plans to graduate in May
2012.
“When the coaches contacted me
(about joining the team), the first thing I
did was see if Cal had an electrical
engineering program,” he said. “I saw how
well the EET program had done, and its
success was a big part in me coming here.”
Berringer’s collegiate baseball career has
ended, but this summer he served his
second year as an electrical engineering
intern with the Naval Surface Warfare
Center in Bethesda, Md.
“I loved playing for the baseball
program and being at Cal,” he said.
“Coming here was definitely a good
decision.”
Senior catcher Eric Berringer is the
second Vulcan student-athlete in
three years to be honored with the
PSAC Sportsmanship Award.
The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
University President
Dr. Charles Mance
Vice President for University Technology Services
Craig Butzine
Vice President for Marketing and University Relations
Geraldine M. Jones
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ron Huiatt
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
Christine Kindl
Editor
Dr. Lenora Angelone
Vice President for Student Affairs
Robert Thorn
Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender
Writers
Office of Communications and Public Relations
4
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
724-938-4195
wald@calu.edu
Vo l u me 13, Nu mbe r 22 Se PT. 19, 2011
Re a d the Jo urn a l o n l in e : www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
Criminology
Professor
Named
Fulbright
Specialist
A
A dedication for the new Phillipsburg Soccer facility will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in between games against East Stroudsburg.
Soccer Teams Eager
to Try New Turf
F
or Cal U’s soccer teams, the new Phillipsburg
Soccer facility is a dream come true.
“Ever since we came back in August for training
camp, we would drive by daily to look at the progress and
check out what got done at the stadium,” said senior
Charlie Dagnal, starting goalkeeper for the Vulcan men’s
team and a 2010-2011 PSAC Scholar Athlete.
“When they laid down the artificial turf, it was like
finally our prayers had been answered.”
Cal U will hold a dedication ceremony for the new
facility at 1 p.m. Sept. 24 at the soccer field on Orchard
Street, just three blocks from Cal U’s main campus.
The site, formerly known as Booster Field, was the
home field for the Cal State football team from the 1950s
until 1970, when the Vulcans moved to Adamson Stadium
at Roadman Park, on Cal U’s south campus.
New construction and extensive renovations have
created a facility that meets all NCAA standards for
intercollegiate soccer, including night games and
broadcasting.
The complex features:
• A ProGrass artificial turf field with a walking track
around the perimeter.
• A programmable lighting system whose 110-foot-tall
light stands are designed to maximize on-field
illumination while minimizing “light spill” into the
surrounding neighborhood.
• An electronic multi-sport scoreboard.
• Bleacher seating for 500 fans, plus a “press box” for
media.
• Newly renovated locker rooms for the Cal U men’s
and women’s teams, visiting teams, coaches and officials.
• A first-aid and training room.
• A renovated concession stand and public restrooms.
Cal U’s head soccer coach, Dennis Laskey, says the
facility already has drawn the attention of student-athletes.
“Since we’ve been able to show them designs, both
our (men’s and women’s) programs have been inundated
with recruits. The attraction has been incredible,” Laskey
said. “This is the finest soccer facility in the eastern
United States.”
The dedication will be held on Family Day, when
students’ parents and siblings are encouraged to visit.
Along with other campus activities, Cal U plans to have
giveaways, special guests, a Mini Vulcan Huddle and
— Continued on page 3
s a member of the Fulbright Specialist
Program, Dr. Aref Al-Khattar will
spend his holiday season abroad,
strengthening California University’s ties in the
Middle East.
Al-Khattar, director of Cal U’s master’s
degree program in applied criminology, will
depart Dec. 20 on a 25-day trip to the University
of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates.
There he will work closely with the
university’s Department of Sociology and its
criminal justice track in the Master of Applied
Sociology program. He will give lectures and
conduct seminars for graduate and
undergraduate students, and he will work with
Sharjah’s faculty to review curriculum, help
develop new courses and address issues related
to online teaching.
“In general, Fulbright’s mission is to provide
assistance to organizations, and that will be my
focus,” Al-Khattar said.
The Fulbright Program is the flagship
international educational exchange program
sponsored by the U.S. government. Its goal is to
increase mutual understanding between the
United States and the people of other countries.
The Fulbright Specialist Program is a shortterm complement to the core Fulbright Scholar
Program. It sends U.S. faculty and professionals
abroad for two to six weeks to serve as expert
consultants on curriculum, faculty development
and institutional planning at overseas academic
institutions.
Al-Khattar, a native of Jordan, is a retired
law enforcement officer with 17 years’
experience. A former lieutenant colonel in the
kingdom’s General Intelligence Department, he
— Continued on page 3
Cal U Again a Top ‘Military-Friendly’ School
F
or the third consecutive year, G.I.
Jobs magazine has named Cal U
one of the nation’s top Military
Friendly Schools.
“It’s part of our campus culture,” says
Capt. Robert Prah, director of the
university’s Office of Veterans Affairs.
“Cal U goes out of its way to help
military members and veterans succeed.”
The magazine’s 2012 Military
Friendly Schools list honors the 20
percent of colleges, universities and trade
schools that are doing the most to
embrace America’s military service
members and veterans as students.
The list was compiled through
extensive research and a data-driven
survey of more than 8,000 schools
nationwide, according to G.I. Jobs.
The 1,518 colleges, universities and
trade schools on this year’s list prioritize
the recruitment of students
with military experience. The
magazine recognizes them for
offering scholarships, veterans’
clubs, full-time staff and other
services for military veterans.
For the first time, G.I. Jobs also includes
peer reviews provided by veterans on
campuses across the country.
At Cal U, the Veterans Affairs Office
provides resources for active-duty
military members, reservists and
members of the National Guard, as well
as veterans and their families.
In addition, the University has joined
forces with GoArmyEd, a gateway to
higher education for soldiers stationed
anywhere in the world.
Through the GoArmyEd
portal, soldiers and their
families have easy access to
bachelor’s and master’s degree
programs offered by Global
Online, Cal U’s Internet-based learning
community.
Even after they graduate, service
members have free, lifelong access to the
University’s Career Services office, which
offers one-on-one career and job-search
planning for all Cal U alumni.
“The men and women who serve in
the military deserve our respect,” said
President Angelo Armenti, Jr. “It’s only
right that we make every effort to support
these students, whether they are taking
classes on campus or pursuing a degree
online.
“They and their families have made
enormous sacrifices on our behalf. In
return, we are committed to helping them
meet their educational goals and build
rewarding careers.”
The complete list of 2012 Military
Friendly Schools, plus interactive tools to assist
military members and veterans with their
decisions about higher education, can be found
online at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com .
Student
Opinion
Survey
Coming in
October
I
Paintball Mania
Jake Hillegas, a computer science major, launches a paintball while playing outside the Natali Student Center earlier this semester. The event was
organized by the Student Activities Board.
Campus BRIEFS
Convocations Set This Week
Cal U President Angelo Armenti, Jr. will host the 2011
staff and student convocations this week. Both events will
take place in the Natali Student Center’s Performance
Center.
The Staff Convocation will be held at 2 p.m. Monday,
and the Student Convocation will be held Tuesday during
the University’s common hour, beginning at 11 a.m.
Kids Talk Democracy Tomorrow
Cal U will observe Constitution Day on Tuesday with
“Kids Talk Democracy II,” a panel discussion at 9:30 a.m.
in the Old Main Chapel.
Sixth-grade students from Ben Franklin Elementary
School in Uniontown, Pa., will share their views on
freedom and the American Dream.
University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. will introduce
the panel of youngsters. Moderator will be Dr. Holly L.
Diehl, assistant professor in the Department of Early,
Middle and Special Education.
Organized by the American Democracy Project, the
program is co-sponsored by the Office of the President;
Academic Affairs/Office of the Provost; the College of
Education and Human Services; the College of Liberal
Arts; the Department of Early, Middle and Special
Education; and the Department of History and Political
Science.
Wildlife Society Plans Field Day
The student chapter of The Wildlife Society will
present its sixth annual Family Field Day from 12:30 p.m.-
J
We Stand Corrected
Emeritus professor Dr. Peter J. Belch ’64 served 37
years in Cal U’s Department of Special Education, which
is now part of the Department of Early, Middle and
Special Education. His academic department was
misidentified in a caption published Aug. 29 along with a
photo of Belch donating two paper-wasp nests, which are
now in display in the lobby of Frich Hall.
Forum Meets in New Location
The Cal U Forum, the University’s governance
structure, has changed its meeting venue. The monthly
meetings will now take place in Room 327, Dixon Hall.
As always, the meetings will begin at 4 p.m.
Upcoming meeting dates this year are Oct. 4, Nov. 1
and Dec. 6. The Forum also meets Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March
20 and April 17, 2012.
The meetings are open to the University Community.
For more information call 724-938-1633 or e-mail
turcic@calu.edu .
Senior Spending Semester in Harrisburg
amese L. Hawkins, a senior
majoring in political science with a
minor in pre-law, is working for the
Joint State Government Commission as
part of a 15-week internship sponsored
by the Pennsylvania State System of
Higher Education (PASSHE).
Hawkins, of Clairton, Pa., is one of
14 students participating in The
Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS)
program, which gives students the
opportunity to work in all areas of state
government while earning a full
semester’s worth of credits. THIS invites
2
4 p.m. Saturday at the Frich Biology Building.
The public may attend this free event conducted in
cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Held rain or shine, the field day includes an archery
demonstration, a fly-tying demonstration and casting
contest, conservation stories with live animals, a display of
animal tracks and displays of pelts from Pennsylvania furbearers, along with information about bluebird box
construction.Refreshments will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Courtney Smay,
president of the student chapter, at sma9129@calu.edu or
Dr. Carol Bocetti at bocetti@calu.edu .
n early October, all Cal U students
with 30 credits or more will be
receiving a Student Opinion
Survey through their Cal U e-mail.
The purpose of this national,
standardized survey is to explore
enrolled students’ perceptions of the
University’s programs and services.
This survey was administered for
the first time in fall 2001. For
continuous improvement purposes, it
has been conducted every two years.
“This is
another
opportunity to
re-administer the
student
satisfaction
survey and see
how we’ve
improved,” said
Norm
Hasbrouck,
Norm Hasbrouck
director of the
Office of
Continuous Improvement.
President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
established the office as a way of
responding directly to student needs
and concerns.
Indicating the importance the
President is placing on this student
satisfaction survey, one survey
respondent will be selected at random
to receive a $500 award for 2012 spring
semester courses at Cal U. The award
will be provided by the Foundation for
California University.
ACT, a national survey services
company based in Iowa City, Iowa,
will administer the survey, which is
used by institutions across the country.
ACT provides comparison data with
these other institutions, in addition to
scanning and reporting local results.
In addition to the standard survey,
30 questions have been developed to
collect information unique to Cal U.
The survey takes approximately 20
minutes to complete, and all
upperclass students are invited to
participate. There is also an
opportunity to submit written
comments and suggestions.
The surveys will be submitted
directly to ACT, and responses will be
kept confidential; no individuals will
be identified. Results should be
available in January 2012.
began in 1989, gaining
students from each of the 14
valuable insight into the
PASSHE universities to
workings of state government
participate.
at the policy-making level.
Students participating in
Interns have worked with
the program will attend
dozens of state agencies, as
several academic seminars
well as in the offices of the
during their fall semester
governor, the speaker of the
internship and each will
House of Representatives and
complete an individualized
the attorney general.
research project as part of
“The Harrisburg Semester is a
the program’s requirements.
Jamese Hawkins
unique opportunity for Cal U
More than 500 students
students to learn about policymaking in
from PASSHE universities have
the Pennsylvania government,” said
participated in THIS since the program
Karen Primm, Cal U’s Internship Center
Director. “Students are given incredible
networking opportunities with legislators
and administrators in both the executive
and legislative branches and other related
agencies. THIS is truly a life changing
and career-building experience for our
students.”
Students interested in participating in
THIS may obtain information from the
Internship Office or by calling the Dixon
University Center at 717-720-4089. More
information on the program also is available
at www.passhe.edu/this .
‘We Push Forward,’ President Tells Trustees
O
n the night that Cal U’s soccer
teams played for the first time at
the new Phillipsburg facility, the
University’s Council of Trustees took a
firsthand look inside the Convocation
Center, which is moving steadily toward
completion.
“At a time when other universities
are holding back, we continue to push
forward,” President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
told the Trustees at their Sept. 7 meeting.
Construction is just one sign of
progress the President chose to highlight
for the panel. He also outlined the new
Cal U Leader for Life program introduced
this semester.
As the world’s first FranklinCovey
Leadership University, Cal U is working
to roll out the program for all students,
including those enrolled in Global
Online.
“This is an advantage they will not be
able to get anywhere else,” the President
said. “Our future will be secure … if we
continue to differentiate ourselves to
students and their parents.”
President Armenti also described the
Cal U Fusion initiative, noting that a
Teaching and Learning Center is being
organized under the direction of Dr. Joe
Zisk. The TLC will support faculty as
they learn to use emerging technology
and make optimal use of the “smart”
classrooms on campus.
“We have just invested in the most
important thing we do — teaching,”
President Armenti told the Trustees.
“Our new Wi-Fi system and these hightech classrooms will be part of our
competitive advantage in the years to
come.”
Cal U staff members (from left) Greg Phillippi, Ralph Brown, Ed Hagyari and Ed Gauden raise
the new American flag for the first time at the Phillipsburg soccer facility before the Vulcans’
1-0 overtime victory over Wheeling-Jesuit on Sept. 7.
In reports to the Trustees:
• Provost Geraldine Jones noted that
Summer College enrollment increased by
about 5 percent compared to 2010, and
enrollment for the fall semester shows a
1 percent increase over last year. The
official headcount will be reported on the
16th day of classes.
She announced a 10-year reaccreditation for the Bachelor of Science
in Athletic Training by CAATE, the
Commission on Accreditation of
Athletic Training Education.
She also noted that 10 faculty were
awarded grants totaling about $384,000
this quarter.
• Robert Thorn, interim director of
Administration and Finance, reported
that the exterior of the Convocation
Center is 97 percent complete and he
expects to obtain an occupancy permit
next month.
The soccer complex was finished two
days ahead of schedule, and the baseball
field at Roadman Park has been
completed.
• Dr. Nancy Pinardi, acting vice
president for Student Affairs, reported
that 175 students are attending classes
under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, and the
Cal U Veterans Club traveled to Joplin,
Mo., to deliver donations to veterans
affected by the spring tornado there.
Peer educators provided 53 programs
to more than 2,000 students through
Options@CalU , a prevention initiative
New Turf Ready
Defense Logistics
Supports GACO
Cal U President Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. presents a
cooperative agreement for $175,118 from the
Defense Logistics Agency of Fort Belvoir, Va., to
Deborah Wojcik, director of the Government Agency
Coordination Office (GACO) at Cal U. Effective through
Aug. 31, 2012, the federal grant will support GACO’s
efforts to assist regional businesses as they pursue
federal, state and local government contracts and
subcontracts. Sponsored by Cal U, GACO was
established in 1985 as a Procurement Technical
Assistance Center (PTAC). For 26 years the Defense
Logistics Agency has been providing funding for the
program, which now provides contracting assistance
services to 1,643 businesses in Allegheny, Beaver,
Butler, Greene and Washington counties. Since
GACO’s inception, these businesses have reported
receiving more than 33,479 contracts and
subcontracts totaling over $2.5 billion. For more
information about GACO’s services, contact Tracy
Julian at 724-938-5881 or visit
www.calu.edu/business-community and click on
‘Business Owners and Employers.’
funded through a grant from the
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
Three former Vulcan baseball players
are playing in the minor leagues, she
said. Four Vulcan football players are
competing in the NFL, and one more is
on injured reserve.
• Dr. Charles Mance, vice president
for University Technology Services,
reported that 20 “smart” classrooms
have been completed and 50 more
should be upgraded by September 2012.
The campus Wi-Fi network upgrade
is 30 percent completed, with robust
wireless signals in the residence halls, the
Eberly Science and Technology Center
and the Natali Student Center.
• Craig Butzine, vice president for
Marketing and University Relations,
pointed to two news stories as examples
of his office’s work in media relations.
More than 200 print, broadcast and
online news outlets carried the
announcement of Cal U’s designation as
the world’s first FranklinCovey
Leadership University, he said, and the
story about a letter that arrived at Cal U
after 53 years appeared in 426 U.S. and
foreign news outlets.
• Ron Huiatt, vice president for
University Development and Alumni
Relations, reported that a new Annual
Fund Campaign, “300 Gifts in 30 Days,”
resulted in 322 new gifts from alumni,
including 117 online donations.
In addition, the Campaign to Build
Character and Careers has reached $26
million, on its way to the $35 million
goal.
The next meeting of the Council of
Trustees is scheduled for Dec. 7.
— Continued from page 1
other events at the soccer field throughout the day.
“Other teams are going to want to come and play us,
because now we have this state-of-the-art facility,” said
Dagnal, whose former roommate Derek Yobbi ’11 now
plays professionally with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
“It’s closer to the main campus than Roadman Park, so
hopefully we will have some more fans. Everyone knows it’s
there and is intrigued by it. I think it should help the school
in general and not just the soccer programs. It’s great.”
The public may attend the dedication ceremony, which
will be held during the intermission between the women’s
and men’s varsity soccer games on Family Day.
Both teams face East Stroudsburg. The women’s game
begins at 11 a.m. The Vulcan men play at 1:30 p.m.
Criminology Professor Named Fulbright Specialist
— Continued from page 1
was awarded the Medal of Independence for his role in
protecting the security of Jordan.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic language and
literature at the University of Jordan, and earned his
master’s degree and Ph.D. in criminology at Indiana
University of Pennsylvania.
At Cal U, Al-Khattar is a professor in the
Department of Justice, Law and Society and an active
member of the Institute for Criminological and Forensic
Sciences.
“Dr. Al-Khattar is an internationally recognized
expert on terrorism and counterterrorism,” said Dr. John
R. Cencich, dean of Cal U’s School of Graduate Studies
and Research and director of the forensic sciences
institute.
“It’s one thing to teach this subject from a book, but
Aref brings real-world experience to students from
around the world. It comes as no surprise that he
received the much-coveted Fulbright award and will
share his experiences at the prestigious University of
Sharjah.”
Al-Khattar already is familiar with the university,
founded in 1997. Through the institute, he ran training
activities for four graduate students and a professor from
Sharjah when they visited western Pennsylvania last
summer.
In June, Al-Khattar, Cencich and Arabic language
instructor Odeese Khalil visited Sharjah to sign an
articulation agreement with the university — Cal U’s first
formal agreement with an institution in the Middle East.
“We have developed what we believe will be a longterm relationship with the University of Sharjah, a
world-class university with an exceptional vision for the
future,” Cencich said.
“We already have several agreements in place relating
to our Master of Arts in Applied Criminology and our
new Arabic language degree. I cannot think of a better
university in the region to partner with.”
“We are reaching to a new audience of students and
faculty,” Al-Khattar added. “We now have a presence in
the Middle East for the first time, and other majors can
benefit from this. It’s an exciting time.”
As a Fulbright Specialist, Al-Khattar’s name will
appear worldwide on a roster of available experts for the
Fulbright Specialist Dr. Aref Al-Khattar will depart Dec. 20
on a 25-day trip to the University of Sharjah.
next five years.
He credits University President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
for his support during the yearlong application process.
“It’s a prestigious honor to have Fulbright status, and
it brings an obvious sense of satisfaction,” Al-Khattar
said. “But it’s good status for Cal U, as well.
“I am promoting Cal U and putting Cal U and
Fulbright together, so it’s a win-win for both Cal U and
myself.”
3
Center Played for Cal’s First State Hoops Title
Editor’s Note: Cal U will hold its 17th
annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Oct. 21
at the Performance Center in the Natali
Student Center. For reservations, contact
Montean Dean at 724-938-4418. Throughout
the fall, The Journal will profile each of the
2011 Hall of Fame inductees.
R
ich “Tree” Kotarsky’s dominant
play in the paint helped the
Vulcan men’s basketball team win
its first PSAC-West title.
A three-year starting post player,
Kotarsky was a four-year letter winner
from 1963-1967.
He finished his collegiate career with
1,067 points — the fourth highest total in
school history at the time. (He now ranks
27th.) Kotarsky joins teammate Pat
Hobart as Hall of Fame inductees from
the basketball team’s first PSAC-West
championship squad.
“Islands are only in oceans and lakes,
but when you get placed on one with such
a great honor like this, you have to
remember how you got here,” Kotarsky
said. “It’s not really an island when you
think of the many people that supported
you along the way, and even years later in
being selected. This has happened because
of my family, friends, teachers, coaches
and teammates.”
During his senior year, Kotarsky led
the Vulcans and Cal U Hall of Fame
coach Myles Witchey to the program’s
first of 15 PSAC-West titles. He scored 30
or more points during three different
games in 1966-1967, including 31 points
in the division championship-clinching
win over Slippery Rock.
That year the Vulcans competed in
their first PSAC “State Game” and were
Rich Kotarsky’s
dominant play
helped the men’s
basketball team win
its first of 15 PSACWest championships.
Kotarsky used his Cal
U education as a
steppingstone to a
distinguished 36year teaching career.
defeated by perennial powerhouse
Cheyney. Cal has now made 14
appearances in the championship game,
winning eight crowns.
“Winning the division and playing for
the state championship was a very big
stepping stone, and the program just built
from there,” Kotarsky said.
The Vulcans improved each year that
he played. Cal went 9-10 in his freshman
season and 12-11 in 1964-1965. The team
achieved consecutive 16-win seasons over
his final two years in the program.
Kotarsky credited Witchey with
building a stagnant program into an
annual contender.
“Myles was a tough character. We
practiced every day, and they weren’t easy
(practices),” he said. “But Myles was with
us every step of the way, and you believed
him when you looked him straight in the
eye. He was intense and successful in life
and coaching. He gave me passion for the
game that I have carried with me.”
After his senior season Kotarsky
received NAIA All-American honors, as
well as Associated Press All-State and
first-team PSAC-West recognition. As an
undergraduate, he also was an active
member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity,
the Young Democrats Club and the
International Relations Club.
Witchey said Kotarsky, a native of
Marianna, Pa., deserved every accolade
that came his way. He was a standout in
basketball and football at Beth Center
High School, despite being unable to play
sports until his sophomore year because
of Bright’s disease, a kidney ailment.
“Richard came from a coal mining
family and worked extremely hard
throughout his career to get better,” said
Witchey. “Every year he improved, and
he went on to do well with his education.
California needs to be proud of him.”
Kotarsky earned his bachelor’s degree
in social studies and his master’s degree in
special education from Cal in 1967 and
1971, respectively. He earned certification
in special education from Duquesne
University in 1974 and in special
education supervision from Slippery Rock
in 1980.
Kotarsky went on to a 36-year
teaching career at several hospitals and
school districts before he retired from
Keystone Oaks High School in 2003.
While at Cal he held a student job
sweeping rooms after practice; he also
worked pumping gas.
“I would finish sweeping those rooms
and go outside and look at Old Main,” he
said. “Seeing those towers just sort of hit
you, why you were here and what this
place was doing for you.
“Cal gave me a base of education that
was outstanding for teaching. Classes
were small. People cared about you and
worked with you to get you through.”
Throughout his teaching career,
Kotarsky was a longtime basketball
official at all levels, from high school to
NCAA Division I. He officiated at PIAA
state finals games and at numerous
collegiate conference and regional
tournaments before retiring in 2010. He
still umpires college softball.
Kotarsky is in his second season as
coordinator of men’s basketball officials
for the Pennsylvania State Athletic
Association. He also is the western
assigner for the Collegiate Softball
Umpires Association, rules and
mechanics interpreter for the Collegiate
Officials Association, and the PIAA
District 7 (WPIAL) softball interpreter.
Kotarsky runs three summer camps
for basketball officials and serves on the
Cal U basketball team’s Sixth Man Club
Golf Committee.
Senior Catches PSAC Sportsmanship Award
C
al U senior Eric Berringer, a catcher
on the Vulcan baseball team, is one
of two recipients of the 2010-2011
PSAC Sportsmanship Award.
West Chester University swimmer
Kristen Montello also was honored this
year.
Implemented by the PSAC StudentAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at
the beginning of the 2008-2009 academic
year, the Sportsmanship Award recognizes
one male and one female student-athlete
who have represented their institutions in a
positive way during competition. Award
winners also must have demonstrated good
citizenship outside of competition by
fostering a good public image.
All PSAC personnel, including
administrators, coaches and studentathletes, are eligible to nominate a student
for the award. The winners are chosen by
members of the SAAC.
Berringer is the second Vulcan in three
years to receive this honor. Former Cal U
cross country standout and five-time AllAmerican Christopher Clark received the
inaugural award.
A two-year member of the baseball
team after transferring from Montgomery
College (Md.), Berringer batted .309 in 41
career games and 29 starts. He was a key
reserve on Cal U’s 2010 PSAC
championship team.
While serving primarily as the team’s
bullpen catcher, he showed why he earned
the recognition during Cal U’s Senior Day
game against IUP last spring. In the fourth
inning he hit a double and was replaced by
a pinch-runner. In a spot where others
might have been upset, he raced to the
dugout and began cheering his teammates.
“Eric was the consummate team player
and also a very good baseball player,” said
head coach Mike Conte. “He had a
tremendous work ethic, great leadership
qualities and was very coachable. He is
very deserving of the award because he
always put the team before himself, and his
teammates recognized this.”
Berringer was surprised to learn he had
won the award and said he simply acted
naturally.
“From the moment I got here, we all
got along and became a family. Pretty much
everything we do, we do as a team. We all
eat lunch together. We have a lot of classes
together. So putting the team first is not
something I think about. You just do it.”
Also a member of the Athletic
Director’s Honor Roll, Berringer is
majoring in electrical engineering
technology. He plans to graduate in May
2012.
“When the coaches contacted me
(about joining the team), the first thing I
did was see if Cal had an electrical
engineering program,” he said. “I saw how
well the EET program had done, and its
success was a big part in me coming here.”
Berringer’s collegiate baseball career has
ended, but this summer he served his
second year as an electrical engineering
intern with the Naval Surface Warfare
Center in Bethesda, Md.
“I loved playing for the baseball
program and being at Cal,” he said.
“Coming here was definitely a good
decision.”
Senior catcher Eric Berringer is the
second Vulcan student-athlete in
three years to be honored with the
PSAC Sportsmanship Award.
The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
University President
Dr. Charles Mance
Vice President for University Technology Services
Craig Butzine
Vice President for Marketing and University Relations
Geraldine M. Jones
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ron Huiatt
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
Christine Kindl
Editor
Dr. Lenora Angelone
Vice President for Student Affairs
Robert Thorn
Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender
Writers
Office of Communications and Public Relations
4
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
724-938-4195
wald@calu.edu