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California University
VOLUME 13, NUMBER 8 MARCH 14, 2011
Olympic
Medalist
Headlines
Women’s
Conference
A
softball player with two
Olympic medals will deliver the
keynote address at Thursday’s
sixth annual Audrey-Beth Fitch
Women’s Studies Conference.
As a member of the U.S. women’s
softball team, Jessica Mendoza won a
gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games
in Athens and added a silver medal at
the 2008 Games in Beijing.
Mendoza’s talk, at 7 p.m. in the
Natali Student Center, caps off a
daylong series of
presentations
related to social
justice issues in
athletics.
The conference,
Leveling the Playing
Field: Examining
Gender, Social Justice
and Sports, will
address topics such
Softball standout
as
gender equity in
Jessica Mendoza
intercollegiate
athletics, racism in sports and socially
responsible images of female college
athletes.
Today, Mendoza is a left fielder for
the league champion USSSA Florida
Pride, a member of the National Pro
Fastpitch league. A color analyst for
ESPN during college football season
and the Women’s College World Series,
she is past president of the Women’s
Sports Foundation, which named her its
Sportswoman of the Year in 2008. The
mission of the foundation, established
by tennis great Billie Jean King, is “to
advance the lives of girls and women
through sport and physical activity.”
— Continued on page 4
Drs. Christine Patti (left) and Joseph Zisk look over conference information with Provost Geraldine Jones at Abilene Christian University.
‘Fact-Finders’ Attend Mobile
Technology Summit
C
al U faculty and staff explored mobile technology as
a tool for teaching and learning at the 2011 Abilene
Christian University Connected Summit, Feb. 27March 2 in Abilene, Texas.
The summit, “Turning the Page: The Next Chapter for
Education,” brought together leading experts and
practitioners in K-20 mobile learning and emerging
pedagogies.
Conference tracks focused on media and mobility,
teaching and learning, the future of books, K-12 education,
infrastructure and logistics, research, and campus spotlights.
Cal U has looked to Abilene Christian’s “ACU
Connected” program as a model for Cal U Fusion, a campuswide mobile technology initiative that has begun to explore
innovative ways to use handheld devices in education.
“We participated in the conference for a variety of
reasons, but the focus was faculty involvement,” said
Charles Mance, Cal U’s vice president for University
Technology Services.
“We wanted our faculty to experience what Abilene
Christian is doing in the mobile education space and the
challenges they face. It also gave them an excellent
opportunity to collaborate and network with other
universities.”
Cal U’s attendance at the Connected Summit was a joint
venture between UTech Services and Academic Affairs.
“Provost Jones was instrumental in selecting the faculty
that administration felt would best benefit from the
experience,” Mance said. “Someone from Cal U probably
was at every session.
“The conference was a successful fact-finding mission
that gave us a good look of what’s out there. We won’t
mimic what Abilene is doing, but it’s a good sounding board
as we start looking at mobile technology from our own
perspective.”
One of the keynote speakers was Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Inc. and chief scientist at Fusion IO. One
of two grand prizes awarded at the conference was an Apple
iPad autographed by “Woz.“
— Continued on page 3
Rutledge Scholars: Strong,
Determined and Grateful
A
At a recent luncheon, students thanked Tom ’77 and Karen Rutledge for their generosity.
Seated (left to right): Edward Shuty, Jr.; Jessica Casini; Jennifer Krivijanski; Robyn McIlwain;
and Kimberly Altman. Standing (left to right): Robert Grimm, Carrie Koposko, President
Angelo Armenti, Jr.; First Lady Barbara Armenti; Karen Rutledge; Tom Rutledge; Alisha
(Rutledge) Alonso, and Tom Rutledge, Jr.
t a luncheon Feb. 22 in the Kara Alumni House, seven students thanked
alumni benefactors Tom ’77 and Karen Rutledge for making a difference in
their lives.
“You helped my family astronomically,” said one of the seven Rutledge Scholars
in attendance. “Thank you for allowing me to give my son and myself a better life.”
Each of the Rutledge Family Scholarship recipients is married and/or has
children. All are attending Cal U full time.
Their circumstances are reminiscent of the alumni couple’s college days, when
Tom Rutledge was a nontraditional student and his wife was waiting tables and
raising their daughter, who learned to walk on the Quad, the couple said.
Tom Rutledge went on to build a successful career in the cable/media industry. He
now is chief operating officer of Cablevision, which serves 5.3 million customers in
the New York metropolitan area.
The couple’s philanthropy provides assistance to 20 Rutledge Scholars each year.
— Continued on page 3
Finances Discussed at Student Convocation
C
al U must continue to rely on
entrepreneurial ideas and
philanthropic initiatives as it
deals with an ongoing funding crisis
that is affecting all public universities in
the state, President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
told the audience at the spring Student
Convocation.
The President presented information
from “The Future of Public Higher
Education,” a presentation he
developed last fall for a meeting of the
Pennsylvania Association of Councils
of Trustees last fall at Kutztown
University.
At the March 1 Convocation,
President Armenti explained how
tuition changes would benefit students
who struggle to afford a college
education and also assist the 14 stateowned universities.
“The amount of family resources
that is required to send a student to
college is greater (than in the past),” he
said. “It is not your imagination. We
are receiving less state funding and
being forced to become ‘private’ because
the changing demographics are
changing the way public higher
education is funded.”
President Armenti urged students to
recognize those who have helped to pay
for their education — taxpayers, family,
friends and private scholarship donors.
“Somebody helped you,” he said.
“That’s what the Cal U for Life initiative
is all about. Be grateful for the help you
received from others and when you can,
you need to pay that forward.”
Until changes can be made to the
way schools in the Pennsylvania State
System of Higher Education are
funded, the University will continue to
cultivate new sources of revenue. As
one example, President Armenti cited
the executive conferencing services in
the new Convocation Center, which will
be available to outside groups.
“We are going to continue to live by
our wits,” he said.
The President also provided several
other updates related to Cal U Fusion,
defined as the fusing of technology with
President Angelo Armenti, Jr. presented information at Student Convocation that shows a decrease in state funding is forcing Cal U and other
public universities to function more like private institutions.
Mia Lunardi (second from left) listens to President Armenti’s address during the Student
Convocation inside the Performance Center on March 1.
learning and life:
Seventy-four rooms on campus will
be upgraded and equipped as “smart”
classrooms.
An upgrade to the wireless
technology on campus will allow for
“ubiquity” — when all students use
handheld devices such as tablet
computers and smart phones.
A Teaching and Learning Center
will be developed with help from the
Faculty Professional Development
Center. Students will be able to visit the
TLC to learn more about emerging
technologies — and to teach others
about them, as well.
President Armenti discussed the
status of various construction projects
on campus, including the students’ vote
to approve renovations to the Natali
Student Center.
He announced that Cal U continues
to make progress toward gender equity
on the faculty and with its athletic
teams, and he noted that enrollment
again has increased. Spring enrollment
for undergraduates is up 1.1 percent
over last year’s figures, and graduate
enrollment is up 10.1 percent compared
to last year.
Students Experience Driving Dangers
H
ow dangerous is drinking or
texting while driving?
Cal U students saw for
themselves — without adverse
consequences — when they visited a
drunken driving simulator in the
Performance Center on Feb. 21.
The simulator re-creates what
happens when someone drives after
drinking alcohol or sends text messages
while at the wheel.
One student who experienced the
simulator for her first time was Julie
Mackenzie, a graduate assistant for
Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention
Program (OPTIONS) at Cal U. She
chose the option of drinking and driving,
then stepped up to the simulator.
“It was a unique experience, an eyeopener,” she said. “I found it quite
difficult to pay attention to the speed I
was going, the traffic lights, and the lines
on the road.
Her simulated ride ended when she
crashed into a house and received a
fictitious traffic citation for driving under
the influence, speeding, swerving, and
vehicular manslaughter.
“It was overwhelming. There was a
noticeable difference in my reaction
time,” Mackenzie said. “I would notice
2
Hollywood Ruch, the national
spokesperson for MADD, shared his
inspiring story as part of Cal U’s
Anti-Drunk Driving Campaign Day.
that I was swaying from side to side, but
my reactions weren’t quick enough to be
able to fix it. I have never driven under
the influence, and I realized this is
something I never want to experience
again.”
The simulators were just one
component of Cal U’s Anti-Drunk
Driving Campaign Day.
Students also heard from Hollywood
Ruch, the national spokesperson for
Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
(MADD).
Ruch, 14, of Mechanicsburg, Pa.,
survived an alcohol-related crash
involving his biological father. The teen
has taken his message to both Capitol
Hill and the White House, and he
recently was honored by the Prudential
Spirit of Community Awards program as
one of the two top youth volunteers from
Pennsylvania.
“I survived that crash, and I
personally feel like I have a moral
obligation to be a voice for those who
haven’t survived (alcohol-related
crashes), so no other kid has to go
through what I have,” Ruch said.
Many people have told Ruch they
made different choices in their lives
because of his message, he said. “If I can
help one person, I definitely made a
difference.”
Students who signed “Casey’s
Pledge,” promising not to drink and
drive, received a bracelet on Campaign
Day. The pledge is named for 20-year-old
Casey Goodwin, who died in 2003 after
a head-on crash involving an 18-year-old
who had been drinking.
Former classmates and member of
the California Youth Council initiated
the pledge, which encourages youths to
live a healthy lifestyle. In Casey’s
memory they promise to remain alcoholfree, or promise never to drive drunk or
to get into a car with a driver who has
been drinking.
“The students really enjoyed using
simulators,” said Donna George, Cal U’s
alcohol and other drug prevention
specialist. “This gave them an excellent
and safe chance to find out just how
difficult operating an automobile can be
under the influence of alcohol or
texting.”
“The speaker was highly
inspirational,” George added. “He has a
very important story to tell.”
The Office of Student Affairs and
HEART, a student group focused on
Wellness Education, funded the event.
Options @ Cal U, a peer education
program, helped with planning,
advertising and staffing.
Cal U’s Council of Trustees has given its unanimous consent for the Natali Student Center project, which will expand the facility by 45 percent.
Board of Trustees OKs Natali Project,
Renews President’s Contract
R
enovation and expansion of the Natali Student
Center is one step closer to reality now that the
Cal U Council of Trustees has given its
unanimous consent for the project.
The Trustees also renewed the contract of President
Angelo Armenti, Jr. when they held their quarterly
meeting March 2 in Old Main.
In green-lighting the plans for Natali, the panel
echoed the wishes of students, who approved the project
in a referendum Feb. 14-15. More than 72 percent of
students who voted favored the renovation, which will
expand the facility by 45 percent and provide a state-ofthe-art gathering place for resident students and
commuters.
“This is a very necessary expansion, an aggressive
step but one we must take,” said Trustee Jerry Spangler
’74. “More space is definitely needed.”
Student Trustee Jackie Davis noted that even
upperclassmen support the $30 million project, although
it won’t be completed until after they graduate.
“Even though we won’t be here, we’re excited to
come back and see what’s going to happen,” she said.
Under PASSHE regulations, students will pay for the
renovations through an increase in the student center
fee.
The project will be presented for approval by the
PASSHE Board of Governors next month. If approved,
plans call for construction to begin in March 2012, with
a completion date of January 2014.
Two new bachelor’s degree programs — in
‘This is a very necessary expansion, an
aggressive step but one we must take.
More space is definitely needed.’
— Trustee Jerry Spangler ’74
Jurisprudence and Arabic — also will be presented for
the Board of Governors’ approval. Both received
unanimous “yes” votes from the Trustees.
In other business:
■ The Trustees agreed to confer an honorary degree
upon alumnus Charles S. Pryor ’73. He will be honored
during May 7 Commencement ceremonies.
■ Provost Geraldine Jones reported that enrollment for
the spring semester has increased by nearly 2.5 percent
compared to last spring. Her report also introduced two
new faculty members: Spencer Norma, of the
Department of Art and Design; and Charlotte Orient, of
the Elementary, Middle and Special Education
Department.
■ Lenora Angelone, Vice President for Student Affairs,
reported on student activities that highlight civic
engagement. Among them was a successful Black
History Month celebration that featured 23 different
events.
■ Craig Butzine, interim Vice President for Marketing
and University Relations, reviewed efforts to measure
success in marketing and public relations. He discussed
Fact-finders Attend Mobile
Technology Summit
a project, completed in conjunction with University
Technology Services, to develop a more efficient
Emergency Alert Panel for timely communications, and
he noted that use of the events calendar on the Cal U
website has increased 183 percent over the last quarter.
■ Butzine also described placing Cal U’s message before
millions of viewers by purchasing discounted air time
and showing the University’s new TV commercial
during the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl, at a
cost of just 5 cents or 6 cents per viewer.
■ Ron Huiatt, Vice President for Development and
Alumni Relations, reported that the inaugural Senior
Gift Drive, which raised $8,000, set the bar high for
donors: The 14.5 percent participation by the Class of
2010 exceeds the giving rate of all other graduating
classes. Huiatt also reported that the Campaign to Build
Character and Careers has brought in nearly $24.17
million, on its way to a goal of $35 million.
■ Dr. Charles Mance, Vice President for University
Technology Services, reported that the campus Wi-Fi
project, the “smart” classroom initiative and work on
the Phillipsburg Data Center are all on track. Changing
from the old “cup.edu” domain name to the current
“calu.edu” name has virtually eliminated junk e-mail
and “spam,” but Mance cautioned these will work its
way back into the online environment.
Mance also reported that the registration component
of the Banner administrative system is set to “go live”
next month.
The next Trustees meeting is June 1.
Rutledge Scholars: Strong,
Determined and Grateful
— Continued from page 1
— Continued from page 1
The lucky winner was Cal U’s own Dr.
Christina Patti, of the Department of
Educational Administration and
Leadership. She is donating the prize to
the silent auction at this June’s President’s
Gala fundraiser, where she will receive the
President’s Faculty Award for Excellence
in Teaching.
“The conference was very inspiring,”
Patti said. “Promoting the use of mobile
technology to meet the educational needs
of students of today and tomorrow is
showing our commitment to being current,
innovative and proactive at Cal U.”
Reflecting Patti’s thoughts was Dr.
Tom Wickham, chair of the Department
of Earth Sciences.
“My participation at the Connected
conference broadened my insight as to
how technology can be used to enhance
both faculty and student educational
experiences,” he said.
Pam Delverne, director of new media
services for the Student Association Inc.,
appreciated the chance to meet Cal U
professors, as well as professionals from
other schools.
“I seldom get an opportunity to
interact with faculty,” she said. “I am
grateful that a Student Affairs staff
member was included. The conference
really did give me a lot of ideas for
increasing student engagement that I will
try to implement in my programs.”
Summit participants from Cal U were
Craig Butzine, John Cencich, C.J.
DeJuliis, Pam Delverne, Liz Gillette, Chad
Hanna, Doug Hoover, Laura Hummell,
Geraldine Jones, Kurt Kearcher, Stan
Komacek, Charles Mance, Barry
McGlumphy, Kate Mitchem, Christina
Patti, Harrison Pinckney, Matt Price, Joe
Schickel, Ali Sezar, Ryan Sittler, Tom
Wickham and Joe Zisk.
A separate scholarship assists students who accept internships outside the
region.
At the luncheon, the students spoke from the heart, explaining the
difference that scholarship aid has made in the lives of their families.
“Since I got this scholarship, my daughter’s grades have gone up,” one dad
said, because he and his child have “homework time” together.
A single mother described a “life of struggles” eased by the couple’s
generosity. The mother of three explained her dream of becoming a teacher.
A stay-at-home mom who returned to school after 20 years called the
scholarship “affirming.”
A young widow just weeks away from graduation talked about seeking a
fresh start. “What you did was enable me to go to school and still be at home
with my children. Nothing was taken away from them,” she said.
“It is a pleasure to hear from you,” Karen Rutledge told the students.
“Even more satisfying is the strength that you project. That affirmation is
what we wanted to create with these scholarships.”
“You have the determination to succeed,” her husband added. “You can
see your life being better.”
University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. described private scholarships as
the University’s greatest need, and he hailed the couple as role models for
Cal U alumni and friends.
“By their actions, they live the philosophy of ‘paying it forward,’” he said.
3
THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM
THE CALIFORNIA
UNIVERSITY FORUM
FEBRUARY 15, 2011 / 4:00 p.m., LRC Auditorium
THE CALIFORNIA
UNIVERSITY FORUM
February 15, 2011 / 4:00
p.m., LRC Auditorium
March 15, 2011
4:00 p.m, LRC Auditorium
TENTATIVE AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Alexander Brooks
Mr. Craig Butzine
Ms. Betsy Clark
Dr. Leonard Colelli
Ms. Sharon Elkettani
Ms. Fran Fayish
Dr. Kevin Koury
Dr. Tom Mueller
Ms. Rebecca Nichols
Dr. Nancy Pinardi
Mr. Gary Seelye
Dr. Tom Wickham
Dr. Brian Wood
Dr. Kimberly Woznack
MINUTES
II. ROLL CALL
The California University
Forum met in regular
session Tuesday, February
15, 2011, in the LRC
Auditorium. Presiding
Officer Hoover called the
meeting order at 4:10 p.m.
III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
IV. MINUTES OF
FEBRUARY 15, 2011
(Approved by e-mail ballot –
refer to Forum website or Public
Folders in Outlook)
The following were also in
attendance:
Mr. Douglas Hoover,
Presiding Officer
The following senators were
in attendance:
Dr. Lenora Angelone
V. MINUTES OF
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(Informational Only – Minutes
March 1, 2011)
Mr. Loring Prest,
Parliamentarian
Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording
Secretary
The following senators were
absent:
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
Ms. Brittany Balaz
Mr. Rick Bertagnolli
Ms. Jessica Bettilyon
Dr. Bill Biddington
Dr. Jane Bonari
Ms. Roberta Busha
Ms. Jacqueline Davis
Mr. Shane Fox
Prof. Barbara Hess
Ms. Geraldine Jones
Mr. Keith Kappel
Ms. Candice Kmetz
Ms. Darla Kurnal
Dr. Sean Madden
Dr. Charles Mance
Mr. Josh Mrosko
Dr. Susan Ryan
Ms. Sarah Scholar
Dr. Michael Slaven
Ms. Marguerite Smith
Mr. Cory Stoner
Dr. Emily Sweitzer
Mr. Robert Thorn
Mr. Mike Wagner
Ms. Taylor Williams
Due to the lack of a quorum
of Forum senators, Presiding
Officer Hoover adjourned the
meeting at 4:12 p.m.
ATTENTION UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY!!
VI. PRESIDING OFFICER’S
REPORT
A. Miscellaneous
Information
B. Notice of Executive
Committee Meeting: April 5,
2011 – University Community
Welcome
Call for Student Nominations to Standing Committees
to the California University Forum
The California University Forum has
announced a call for the nomination of
students for the University Forum
standing committees. The Forum is the
University’s shared governance system,
which enhances the communication
between and among all segments of the
University. The University Forum
consists of administrators, faculty, staff,
students and alumni, all of who have a
voice in the university’s future. Alumni,
faculty, staff, students, or community
members may nominate any student
of California University to serve. Selfnominations are permitted. The
numbers of student seats available on
the committees are as follows:
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
VIII. INTERPELLATION
Academic Policy Committee’s
Review/Recommendation
regarding Decision Making
Process for English
Composition II Motion
IX. NEW BUSINESS
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next FORUM Meeting
MARCH 15, 2011
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Athletic Advisory (3)
Budget (2)
Communication (3)
Core Values (3)
Planning & Priorities (3)
Safety and Social Equity (3)
Student Life (7)
Technology (3)
The committees meet periodically to
tackle certain issues and make
recommendations to the full Forum.
For further information and details of
the committees visit the Forum website
at http://www.calu.edu/facultystaff/administration/forum/index.htm.
The Forum Executive Committee
will make the final decision on
appointees to the various standing
committees. The nominees will be
Campus BRIEFS
Summer College
Registration Continues
California University’s Summer College makes it easy
for students to earn extra credits.
With classes offered online or in a variety of face-toface sessions from May to August, students can pick the
courses that fit their summer schedule.
Registration is ongoing, and visiting students are
always welcome at Cal U’s Summer College.
To apply online, current students should visit
sisweb.calu.edu. For a list of classes, visit www.calu.edu or
e-mail summer@calu.edu. For a printed copy of the
schedule, call 724-938-5840 or (toll-free) 866-268-9154.
The first five-week session will run from June 6
through July 9. The second session will meet from July
11 through Aug. 13. The 10-week session runs June 6
through Aug. 13.
Read the Journal Online
The online Journal has a new look! To read the
Journal online, click “News” at the top of the Cal U
homepage, www.calu.edu. Then choose “Cal U
Journal” to see the current edition in its new format or to
review archived editions from 2011.
contacted to confirm acceptance of
their appointment.
The nomination form is available via
the Public Folders (Campus-Wide
Resources/University Forum) on the
university’s Microsoft Exchange Server.
(For detailed instructions, contact the
Computing Systems Helpdesk at
campus extension 5911.) All
nominations must be submitted to the
Forum Office by Friday, March 25,
2011. For more information contact
Mrs. Dana Turcic, Forum Recording
Secretary at 724-938-1633 or via email
at CalForum@calu.edu or
turcic@calu.edu. You may also write
her at University Forum Office, Campus
Box: 99, 250 University Avenue,
California, PA 15419.
Olympic Medalist
Among Speakers at
Women’s Conference
— Continued from page 1
Staff Convocation Set
for March 21
The Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies
Conference is just one highlight of Women’s
History Month, celebrated each March at Cal U.
Also scheduled to speak are:
Ariko Iso, an athletic trainer for the
Pittsburgh Steelers and the only female athletic
trainer in the National Football League, at 9 a.m.
March 23.
Jackson Katz, a nationally known antiviolence and women’s rights advocate, at 7 p.m.
March 29.
To see a complete schedule for the AudreyBeth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference and
details about other Women’s History Month
events, visit www.calu.edu.
All events are free and open to the public.
Visitor parking is available in the Vulcan Garage,
off Third Street near the campus entrance.
.The Spring 2011 Staff Convocation has been
rescheduled for 2 p.m. March 21 in the Performance
Center of the Natali Student Center. President Angelo
Armenti, Jr. will give his “State of the University”
address and answer questions from the staff.
Correction
A photo caption on page 3 of the Feb. 28 Journal
gave incorrect information. The photo actually showed
Cal U student-athlete Jerica Sneddon working on
properly passing the baton with LeBron Pierce at the
LeMoyne Multicultural Center’s gymnasium in
Washington, Pa. The Journal regrets the error.
The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
University President
Dr. Charles Mance
Vice President for University Technology Services
Craig Butzine
Interim Vice President for Marketing and University Relations
Geraldine M. Jones
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ron Huiatt
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
Christine Kindl
Editor
Dr. Lenora Angelone
Vice President for Student Affairs
Robert Thorn
Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender
Writers
Office of Communication and Public Relations
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
724-938-4195
wald@calu.edu
The Journal is printed on paper made from trees harvested under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.SFIprogram.org).
4
VOLUME 13, NUMBER 8 MARCH 14, 2011
Olympic
Medalist
Headlines
Women’s
Conference
A
softball player with two
Olympic medals will deliver the
keynote address at Thursday’s
sixth annual Audrey-Beth Fitch
Women’s Studies Conference.
As a member of the U.S. women’s
softball team, Jessica Mendoza won a
gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games
in Athens and added a silver medal at
the 2008 Games in Beijing.
Mendoza’s talk, at 7 p.m. in the
Natali Student Center, caps off a
daylong series of
presentations
related to social
justice issues in
athletics.
The conference,
Leveling the Playing
Field: Examining
Gender, Social Justice
and Sports, will
address topics such
Softball standout
as
gender equity in
Jessica Mendoza
intercollegiate
athletics, racism in sports and socially
responsible images of female college
athletes.
Today, Mendoza is a left fielder for
the league champion USSSA Florida
Pride, a member of the National Pro
Fastpitch league. A color analyst for
ESPN during college football season
and the Women’s College World Series,
she is past president of the Women’s
Sports Foundation, which named her its
Sportswoman of the Year in 2008. The
mission of the foundation, established
by tennis great Billie Jean King, is “to
advance the lives of girls and women
through sport and physical activity.”
— Continued on page 4
Drs. Christine Patti (left) and Joseph Zisk look over conference information with Provost Geraldine Jones at Abilene Christian University.
‘Fact-Finders’ Attend Mobile
Technology Summit
C
al U faculty and staff explored mobile technology as
a tool for teaching and learning at the 2011 Abilene
Christian University Connected Summit, Feb. 27March 2 in Abilene, Texas.
The summit, “Turning the Page: The Next Chapter for
Education,” brought together leading experts and
practitioners in K-20 mobile learning and emerging
pedagogies.
Conference tracks focused on media and mobility,
teaching and learning, the future of books, K-12 education,
infrastructure and logistics, research, and campus spotlights.
Cal U has looked to Abilene Christian’s “ACU
Connected” program as a model for Cal U Fusion, a campuswide mobile technology initiative that has begun to explore
innovative ways to use handheld devices in education.
“We participated in the conference for a variety of
reasons, but the focus was faculty involvement,” said
Charles Mance, Cal U’s vice president for University
Technology Services.
“We wanted our faculty to experience what Abilene
Christian is doing in the mobile education space and the
challenges they face. It also gave them an excellent
opportunity to collaborate and network with other
universities.”
Cal U’s attendance at the Connected Summit was a joint
venture between UTech Services and Academic Affairs.
“Provost Jones was instrumental in selecting the faculty
that administration felt would best benefit from the
experience,” Mance said. “Someone from Cal U probably
was at every session.
“The conference was a successful fact-finding mission
that gave us a good look of what’s out there. We won’t
mimic what Abilene is doing, but it’s a good sounding board
as we start looking at mobile technology from our own
perspective.”
One of the keynote speakers was Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Inc. and chief scientist at Fusion IO. One
of two grand prizes awarded at the conference was an Apple
iPad autographed by “Woz.“
— Continued on page 3
Rutledge Scholars: Strong,
Determined and Grateful
A
At a recent luncheon, students thanked Tom ’77 and Karen Rutledge for their generosity.
Seated (left to right): Edward Shuty, Jr.; Jessica Casini; Jennifer Krivijanski; Robyn McIlwain;
and Kimberly Altman. Standing (left to right): Robert Grimm, Carrie Koposko, President
Angelo Armenti, Jr.; First Lady Barbara Armenti; Karen Rutledge; Tom Rutledge; Alisha
(Rutledge) Alonso, and Tom Rutledge, Jr.
t a luncheon Feb. 22 in the Kara Alumni House, seven students thanked
alumni benefactors Tom ’77 and Karen Rutledge for making a difference in
their lives.
“You helped my family astronomically,” said one of the seven Rutledge Scholars
in attendance. “Thank you for allowing me to give my son and myself a better life.”
Each of the Rutledge Family Scholarship recipients is married and/or has
children. All are attending Cal U full time.
Their circumstances are reminiscent of the alumni couple’s college days, when
Tom Rutledge was a nontraditional student and his wife was waiting tables and
raising their daughter, who learned to walk on the Quad, the couple said.
Tom Rutledge went on to build a successful career in the cable/media industry. He
now is chief operating officer of Cablevision, which serves 5.3 million customers in
the New York metropolitan area.
The couple’s philanthropy provides assistance to 20 Rutledge Scholars each year.
— Continued on page 3
Finances Discussed at Student Convocation
C
al U must continue to rely on
entrepreneurial ideas and
philanthropic initiatives as it
deals with an ongoing funding crisis
that is affecting all public universities in
the state, President Angelo Armenti, Jr.
told the audience at the spring Student
Convocation.
The President presented information
from “The Future of Public Higher
Education,” a presentation he
developed last fall for a meeting of the
Pennsylvania Association of Councils
of Trustees last fall at Kutztown
University.
At the March 1 Convocation,
President Armenti explained how
tuition changes would benefit students
who struggle to afford a college
education and also assist the 14 stateowned universities.
“The amount of family resources
that is required to send a student to
college is greater (than in the past),” he
said. “It is not your imagination. We
are receiving less state funding and
being forced to become ‘private’ because
the changing demographics are
changing the way public higher
education is funded.”
President Armenti urged students to
recognize those who have helped to pay
for their education — taxpayers, family,
friends and private scholarship donors.
“Somebody helped you,” he said.
“That’s what the Cal U for Life initiative
is all about. Be grateful for the help you
received from others and when you can,
you need to pay that forward.”
Until changes can be made to the
way schools in the Pennsylvania State
System of Higher Education are
funded, the University will continue to
cultivate new sources of revenue. As
one example, President Armenti cited
the executive conferencing services in
the new Convocation Center, which will
be available to outside groups.
“We are going to continue to live by
our wits,” he said.
The President also provided several
other updates related to Cal U Fusion,
defined as the fusing of technology with
President Angelo Armenti, Jr. presented information at Student Convocation that shows a decrease in state funding is forcing Cal U and other
public universities to function more like private institutions.
Mia Lunardi (second from left) listens to President Armenti’s address during the Student
Convocation inside the Performance Center on March 1.
learning and life:
Seventy-four rooms on campus will
be upgraded and equipped as “smart”
classrooms.
An upgrade to the wireless
technology on campus will allow for
“ubiquity” — when all students use
handheld devices such as tablet
computers and smart phones.
A Teaching and Learning Center
will be developed with help from the
Faculty Professional Development
Center. Students will be able to visit the
TLC to learn more about emerging
technologies — and to teach others
about them, as well.
President Armenti discussed the
status of various construction projects
on campus, including the students’ vote
to approve renovations to the Natali
Student Center.
He announced that Cal U continues
to make progress toward gender equity
on the faculty and with its athletic
teams, and he noted that enrollment
again has increased. Spring enrollment
for undergraduates is up 1.1 percent
over last year’s figures, and graduate
enrollment is up 10.1 percent compared
to last year.
Students Experience Driving Dangers
H
ow dangerous is drinking or
texting while driving?
Cal U students saw for
themselves — without adverse
consequences — when they visited a
drunken driving simulator in the
Performance Center on Feb. 21.
The simulator re-creates what
happens when someone drives after
drinking alcohol or sends text messages
while at the wheel.
One student who experienced the
simulator for her first time was Julie
Mackenzie, a graduate assistant for
Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention
Program (OPTIONS) at Cal U. She
chose the option of drinking and driving,
then stepped up to the simulator.
“It was a unique experience, an eyeopener,” she said. “I found it quite
difficult to pay attention to the speed I
was going, the traffic lights, and the lines
on the road.
Her simulated ride ended when she
crashed into a house and received a
fictitious traffic citation for driving under
the influence, speeding, swerving, and
vehicular manslaughter.
“It was overwhelming. There was a
noticeable difference in my reaction
time,” Mackenzie said. “I would notice
2
Hollywood Ruch, the national
spokesperson for MADD, shared his
inspiring story as part of Cal U’s
Anti-Drunk Driving Campaign Day.
that I was swaying from side to side, but
my reactions weren’t quick enough to be
able to fix it. I have never driven under
the influence, and I realized this is
something I never want to experience
again.”
The simulators were just one
component of Cal U’s Anti-Drunk
Driving Campaign Day.
Students also heard from Hollywood
Ruch, the national spokesperson for
Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
(MADD).
Ruch, 14, of Mechanicsburg, Pa.,
survived an alcohol-related crash
involving his biological father. The teen
has taken his message to both Capitol
Hill and the White House, and he
recently was honored by the Prudential
Spirit of Community Awards program as
one of the two top youth volunteers from
Pennsylvania.
“I survived that crash, and I
personally feel like I have a moral
obligation to be a voice for those who
haven’t survived (alcohol-related
crashes), so no other kid has to go
through what I have,” Ruch said.
Many people have told Ruch they
made different choices in their lives
because of his message, he said. “If I can
help one person, I definitely made a
difference.”
Students who signed “Casey’s
Pledge,” promising not to drink and
drive, received a bracelet on Campaign
Day. The pledge is named for 20-year-old
Casey Goodwin, who died in 2003 after
a head-on crash involving an 18-year-old
who had been drinking.
Former classmates and member of
the California Youth Council initiated
the pledge, which encourages youths to
live a healthy lifestyle. In Casey’s
memory they promise to remain alcoholfree, or promise never to drive drunk or
to get into a car with a driver who has
been drinking.
“The students really enjoyed using
simulators,” said Donna George, Cal U’s
alcohol and other drug prevention
specialist. “This gave them an excellent
and safe chance to find out just how
difficult operating an automobile can be
under the influence of alcohol or
texting.”
“The speaker was highly
inspirational,” George added. “He has a
very important story to tell.”
The Office of Student Affairs and
HEART, a student group focused on
Wellness Education, funded the event.
Options @ Cal U, a peer education
program, helped with planning,
advertising and staffing.
Cal U’s Council of Trustees has given its unanimous consent for the Natali Student Center project, which will expand the facility by 45 percent.
Board of Trustees OKs Natali Project,
Renews President’s Contract
R
enovation and expansion of the Natali Student
Center is one step closer to reality now that the
Cal U Council of Trustees has given its
unanimous consent for the project.
The Trustees also renewed the contract of President
Angelo Armenti, Jr. when they held their quarterly
meeting March 2 in Old Main.
In green-lighting the plans for Natali, the panel
echoed the wishes of students, who approved the project
in a referendum Feb. 14-15. More than 72 percent of
students who voted favored the renovation, which will
expand the facility by 45 percent and provide a state-ofthe-art gathering place for resident students and
commuters.
“This is a very necessary expansion, an aggressive
step but one we must take,” said Trustee Jerry Spangler
’74. “More space is definitely needed.”
Student Trustee Jackie Davis noted that even
upperclassmen support the $30 million project, although
it won’t be completed until after they graduate.
“Even though we won’t be here, we’re excited to
come back and see what’s going to happen,” she said.
Under PASSHE regulations, students will pay for the
renovations through an increase in the student center
fee.
The project will be presented for approval by the
PASSHE Board of Governors next month. If approved,
plans call for construction to begin in March 2012, with
a completion date of January 2014.
Two new bachelor’s degree programs — in
‘This is a very necessary expansion, an
aggressive step but one we must take.
More space is definitely needed.’
— Trustee Jerry Spangler ’74
Jurisprudence and Arabic — also will be presented for
the Board of Governors’ approval. Both received
unanimous “yes” votes from the Trustees.
In other business:
■ The Trustees agreed to confer an honorary degree
upon alumnus Charles S. Pryor ’73. He will be honored
during May 7 Commencement ceremonies.
■ Provost Geraldine Jones reported that enrollment for
the spring semester has increased by nearly 2.5 percent
compared to last spring. Her report also introduced two
new faculty members: Spencer Norma, of the
Department of Art and Design; and Charlotte Orient, of
the Elementary, Middle and Special Education
Department.
■ Lenora Angelone, Vice President for Student Affairs,
reported on student activities that highlight civic
engagement. Among them was a successful Black
History Month celebration that featured 23 different
events.
■ Craig Butzine, interim Vice President for Marketing
and University Relations, reviewed efforts to measure
success in marketing and public relations. He discussed
Fact-finders Attend Mobile
Technology Summit
a project, completed in conjunction with University
Technology Services, to develop a more efficient
Emergency Alert Panel for timely communications, and
he noted that use of the events calendar on the Cal U
website has increased 183 percent over the last quarter.
■ Butzine also described placing Cal U’s message before
millions of viewers by purchasing discounted air time
and showing the University’s new TV commercial
during the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl, at a
cost of just 5 cents or 6 cents per viewer.
■ Ron Huiatt, Vice President for Development and
Alumni Relations, reported that the inaugural Senior
Gift Drive, which raised $8,000, set the bar high for
donors: The 14.5 percent participation by the Class of
2010 exceeds the giving rate of all other graduating
classes. Huiatt also reported that the Campaign to Build
Character and Careers has brought in nearly $24.17
million, on its way to a goal of $35 million.
■ Dr. Charles Mance, Vice President for University
Technology Services, reported that the campus Wi-Fi
project, the “smart” classroom initiative and work on
the Phillipsburg Data Center are all on track. Changing
from the old “cup.edu” domain name to the current
“calu.edu” name has virtually eliminated junk e-mail
and “spam,” but Mance cautioned these will work its
way back into the online environment.
Mance also reported that the registration component
of the Banner administrative system is set to “go live”
next month.
The next Trustees meeting is June 1.
Rutledge Scholars: Strong,
Determined and Grateful
— Continued from page 1
— Continued from page 1
The lucky winner was Cal U’s own Dr.
Christina Patti, of the Department of
Educational Administration and
Leadership. She is donating the prize to
the silent auction at this June’s President’s
Gala fundraiser, where she will receive the
President’s Faculty Award for Excellence
in Teaching.
“The conference was very inspiring,”
Patti said. “Promoting the use of mobile
technology to meet the educational needs
of students of today and tomorrow is
showing our commitment to being current,
innovative and proactive at Cal U.”
Reflecting Patti’s thoughts was Dr.
Tom Wickham, chair of the Department
of Earth Sciences.
“My participation at the Connected
conference broadened my insight as to
how technology can be used to enhance
both faculty and student educational
experiences,” he said.
Pam Delverne, director of new media
services for the Student Association Inc.,
appreciated the chance to meet Cal U
professors, as well as professionals from
other schools.
“I seldom get an opportunity to
interact with faculty,” she said. “I am
grateful that a Student Affairs staff
member was included. The conference
really did give me a lot of ideas for
increasing student engagement that I will
try to implement in my programs.”
Summit participants from Cal U were
Craig Butzine, John Cencich, C.J.
DeJuliis, Pam Delverne, Liz Gillette, Chad
Hanna, Doug Hoover, Laura Hummell,
Geraldine Jones, Kurt Kearcher, Stan
Komacek, Charles Mance, Barry
McGlumphy, Kate Mitchem, Christina
Patti, Harrison Pinckney, Matt Price, Joe
Schickel, Ali Sezar, Ryan Sittler, Tom
Wickham and Joe Zisk.
A separate scholarship assists students who accept internships outside the
region.
At the luncheon, the students spoke from the heart, explaining the
difference that scholarship aid has made in the lives of their families.
“Since I got this scholarship, my daughter’s grades have gone up,” one dad
said, because he and his child have “homework time” together.
A single mother described a “life of struggles” eased by the couple’s
generosity. The mother of three explained her dream of becoming a teacher.
A stay-at-home mom who returned to school after 20 years called the
scholarship “affirming.”
A young widow just weeks away from graduation talked about seeking a
fresh start. “What you did was enable me to go to school and still be at home
with my children. Nothing was taken away from them,” she said.
“It is a pleasure to hear from you,” Karen Rutledge told the students.
“Even more satisfying is the strength that you project. That affirmation is
what we wanted to create with these scholarships.”
“You have the determination to succeed,” her husband added. “You can
see your life being better.”
University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. described private scholarships as
the University’s greatest need, and he hailed the couple as role models for
Cal U alumni and friends.
“By their actions, they live the philosophy of ‘paying it forward,’” he said.
3
THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM
THE CALIFORNIA
UNIVERSITY FORUM
FEBRUARY 15, 2011 / 4:00 p.m., LRC Auditorium
THE CALIFORNIA
UNIVERSITY FORUM
February 15, 2011 / 4:00
p.m., LRC Auditorium
March 15, 2011
4:00 p.m, LRC Auditorium
TENTATIVE AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Alexander Brooks
Mr. Craig Butzine
Ms. Betsy Clark
Dr. Leonard Colelli
Ms. Sharon Elkettani
Ms. Fran Fayish
Dr. Kevin Koury
Dr. Tom Mueller
Ms. Rebecca Nichols
Dr. Nancy Pinardi
Mr. Gary Seelye
Dr. Tom Wickham
Dr. Brian Wood
Dr. Kimberly Woznack
MINUTES
II. ROLL CALL
The California University
Forum met in regular
session Tuesday, February
15, 2011, in the LRC
Auditorium. Presiding
Officer Hoover called the
meeting order at 4:10 p.m.
III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
IV. MINUTES OF
FEBRUARY 15, 2011
(Approved by e-mail ballot –
refer to Forum website or Public
Folders in Outlook)
The following were also in
attendance:
Mr. Douglas Hoover,
Presiding Officer
The following senators were
in attendance:
Dr. Lenora Angelone
V. MINUTES OF
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(Informational Only – Minutes
March 1, 2011)
Mr. Loring Prest,
Parliamentarian
Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording
Secretary
The following senators were
absent:
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
Ms. Brittany Balaz
Mr. Rick Bertagnolli
Ms. Jessica Bettilyon
Dr. Bill Biddington
Dr. Jane Bonari
Ms. Roberta Busha
Ms. Jacqueline Davis
Mr. Shane Fox
Prof. Barbara Hess
Ms. Geraldine Jones
Mr. Keith Kappel
Ms. Candice Kmetz
Ms. Darla Kurnal
Dr. Sean Madden
Dr. Charles Mance
Mr. Josh Mrosko
Dr. Susan Ryan
Ms. Sarah Scholar
Dr. Michael Slaven
Ms. Marguerite Smith
Mr. Cory Stoner
Dr. Emily Sweitzer
Mr. Robert Thorn
Mr. Mike Wagner
Ms. Taylor Williams
Due to the lack of a quorum
of Forum senators, Presiding
Officer Hoover adjourned the
meeting at 4:12 p.m.
ATTENTION UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY!!
VI. PRESIDING OFFICER’S
REPORT
A. Miscellaneous
Information
B. Notice of Executive
Committee Meeting: April 5,
2011 – University Community
Welcome
Call for Student Nominations to Standing Committees
to the California University Forum
The California University Forum has
announced a call for the nomination of
students for the University Forum
standing committees. The Forum is the
University’s shared governance system,
which enhances the communication
between and among all segments of the
University. The University Forum
consists of administrators, faculty, staff,
students and alumni, all of who have a
voice in the university’s future. Alumni,
faculty, staff, students, or community
members may nominate any student
of California University to serve. Selfnominations are permitted. The
numbers of student seats available on
the committees are as follows:
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
VIII. INTERPELLATION
Academic Policy Committee’s
Review/Recommendation
regarding Decision Making
Process for English
Composition II Motion
IX. NEW BUSINESS
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next FORUM Meeting
MARCH 15, 2011
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Athletic Advisory (3)
Budget (2)
Communication (3)
Core Values (3)
Planning & Priorities (3)
Safety and Social Equity (3)
Student Life (7)
Technology (3)
The committees meet periodically to
tackle certain issues and make
recommendations to the full Forum.
For further information and details of
the committees visit the Forum website
at http://www.calu.edu/facultystaff/administration/forum/index.htm.
The Forum Executive Committee
will make the final decision on
appointees to the various standing
committees. The nominees will be
Campus BRIEFS
Summer College
Registration Continues
California University’s Summer College makes it easy
for students to earn extra credits.
With classes offered online or in a variety of face-toface sessions from May to August, students can pick the
courses that fit their summer schedule.
Registration is ongoing, and visiting students are
always welcome at Cal U’s Summer College.
To apply online, current students should visit
sisweb.calu.edu. For a list of classes, visit www.calu.edu or
e-mail summer@calu.edu. For a printed copy of the
schedule, call 724-938-5840 or (toll-free) 866-268-9154.
The first five-week session will run from June 6
through July 9. The second session will meet from July
11 through Aug. 13. The 10-week session runs June 6
through Aug. 13.
Read the Journal Online
The online Journal has a new look! To read the
Journal online, click “News” at the top of the Cal U
homepage, www.calu.edu. Then choose “Cal U
Journal” to see the current edition in its new format or to
review archived editions from 2011.
contacted to confirm acceptance of
their appointment.
The nomination form is available via
the Public Folders (Campus-Wide
Resources/University Forum) on the
university’s Microsoft Exchange Server.
(For detailed instructions, contact the
Computing Systems Helpdesk at
campus extension 5911.) All
nominations must be submitted to the
Forum Office by Friday, March 25,
2011. For more information contact
Mrs. Dana Turcic, Forum Recording
Secretary at 724-938-1633 or via email
at CalForum@calu.edu or
turcic@calu.edu. You may also write
her at University Forum Office, Campus
Box: 99, 250 University Avenue,
California, PA 15419.
Olympic Medalist
Among Speakers at
Women’s Conference
— Continued from page 1
Staff Convocation Set
for March 21
The Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies
Conference is just one highlight of Women’s
History Month, celebrated each March at Cal U.
Also scheduled to speak are:
Ariko Iso, an athletic trainer for the
Pittsburgh Steelers and the only female athletic
trainer in the National Football League, at 9 a.m.
March 23.
Jackson Katz, a nationally known antiviolence and women’s rights advocate, at 7 p.m.
March 29.
To see a complete schedule for the AudreyBeth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference and
details about other Women’s History Month
events, visit www.calu.edu.
All events are free and open to the public.
Visitor parking is available in the Vulcan Garage,
off Third Street near the campus entrance.
.The Spring 2011 Staff Convocation has been
rescheduled for 2 p.m. March 21 in the Performance
Center of the Natali Student Center. President Angelo
Armenti, Jr. will give his “State of the University”
address and answer questions from the staff.
Correction
A photo caption on page 3 of the Feb. 28 Journal
gave incorrect information. The photo actually showed
Cal U student-athlete Jerica Sneddon working on
properly passing the baton with LeBron Pierce at the
LeMoyne Multicultural Center’s gymnasium in
Washington, Pa. The Journal regrets the error.
The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
University President
Dr. Charles Mance
Vice President for University Technology Services
Craig Butzine
Interim Vice President for Marketing and University Relations
Geraldine M. Jones
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ron Huiatt
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
Christine Kindl
Editor
Dr. Lenora Angelone
Vice President for Student Affairs
Robert Thorn
Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender
Writers
Office of Communication and Public Relations
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
724-938-4195
wald@calu.edu
The Journal is printed on paper made from trees harvested under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.SFIprogram.org).
4