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California University
Volume 22, Number 4 MARCH 2, 2020
KEEP UP WITH CAL U NEWS ONLINE: calu.edu/news
Guest
Speaker
Examines
Medical
Marijuana
C
Provost Bruce Barnhart (left), President Geraldine Jones and Vice President Robert Thorn address faculty and staff at spring Convocation.
Leaders Discuss Master Plan
T
he University community heard
updates about the Campus Master
Plan for facilities — plus details
about Cal U’s financial sustainability
plan and its proposed multi-year tuition
pricing strategy — Feb. 18 at the Spring
2020 Faculty-Staff Convocation.
The initiatives all are intended to
bolster University finances and meet
the State System of Higher Education’s
requirement that universities identify
realistic strategies for achieving financial
sustainability within five years.
Cal U already is taking proactive
measures to address the financial
challenges attributed to demographic
changes, declining public support and
a decrease in student enrollment,
University President Geraldine Jones
told a large crowd in the
Convocation Center’s south wing.
In the past seven years, the University
has cut operational costs by $10 million,
non-faculty staff has been reduced by
23%, a strategic enrollment plan has been
deployed and new academic programs
have been launched, among other steps.
“But in the current climate, those
measures are not enough to bring our
finances into balance,” the President said.
At the State System’s direction, Cal U
submitted a preliminary draft of its fiveyear sustainability plan in January. As part
of the plan, Cal U is seeking State System
approval for a tuition pricing strategy that
includes a 3% increase in tuition, or $115
per semester, to enhance efforts to help
more students succeed academically and
remain enrolled until they graduate.
Cal U is committed to using at least
$500,000 of the proposed tuition increase
to provide additional scholarships for its
neediest students.
The multi-year tuition pricing strategy
requires approval by the Board of
Governors, which is expected to make
a determination later this spring. In the
meantime, the University is looking to its
physical plant — the campus itself — for
additional cost savings.
Campus Master Plan
Robert Thorn, vice president for
Administration and Finance, led the
effort to update the Campus Master Plan.
In collaboration with consultants from
Buchart Horn Architects, a nine-member
steering committee and 26-member
board of faculty and staff members spent
— Continued on page 2
Staff Members Honored for Job
Performance, Service
C
al U has recognized two staff members for their
outstanding job performance and customer service.
At the Feb. 18 faculty-staff convocation,
Dr. Karen Amrhein received the Vulcan President’s Circle
Award, and Barry Bilitski accepted the Vulcan Exceptional
Service Award.
Members of the campus community — faculty, staff
and/or students — nominate candidates for the awards. A
seven-member committee uses a rubric to identify the award
recipients anonymously.
The President’s Circle Award recognizes outstanding
job performance, with an emphasis on collaboration and
cooperation, commitment to the University, and innovation that
improves the quality of service or results in cost savings.
Amrhein, a director in the Office of Academic Success, was
recognized for collaborating “with so many offices on campus
that she seems to know everyone,” as one nominator wrote.
She founded the peer mentoring program, which is credited
for increasing first- to second-year retention rates by pairing
first-year students with student mentors. She also created
the Summer Success Academy for at-risk students, and she
currently is leading a new foster youth initiative.
As President Jones noted, “Nominators called her an
— Continued on page 2
President Geraldine Jones presents the Spring 2020 Vulcan
Exceptional Service Award to Barry Bilitski, an assistant director
in the Office of Admissions.
al U will host a discussion
about medical marijuana at
11 a.m. March 3 in Duda
Hall, Room 103.
Matt Reid, a Ph.D. candidate
at Western Michigan University
and a visiting professor at Grand
Valley State University, will discuss
“Medical Marijuana in a
Post-Prohibition State.”
His doctoral research focuses on
the perceptions
of medical
marijuana and
recreational
marijuana in
states where
both are legal.
He is the media
editor for
the Midwest
Matt Reid
Sociological
Society and blogs at
popularsociology.net.
Cal U sociology professors
Emily Sweitzer and Codie Stone
are coordinating the event.
“This discussion of medical
marijuana is very relevant to
today’s society as we explore
various means for non-invasive
treatments for many conditions,”
said Sweitzer, who teaches
courses in social deviance.
“But it is also particularly
relevant for social deviance majors
as they examine the ever-changing
social and cultural perspectives and
norms that guide society and impact
acceptance and tolerance.”
Currently, 33 states have laws
that allow the use of marijuana
for medical purposes; 11 states allow
recreational marijuana use.
On March 2, Reid will visit
Stone’s classes at 9 a.m., 10 a.m.
and noon in Duda Hall. The public
may attend by emailing
stone@calu.edu.
Reid and Stone met in graduate
school and worked together as
college instructors.
“Matt is an innovative educator
who builds rapport with his students
by engaging them through his
authentic passion for the discipline
of sociology, and showing through
real-world examples how sociology
impacts individuals’ lives,” Stone
said.
Reid’s talk is sponsored by the
Graduate School Speaker Series;
the legal studies and social deviance
programs; and the History, Politics,
Society and Law Department.
Page 2
MARCH 2, 2020
Law Enforcement Black History Panel's Topic
S
ix members of the National
Organization of Black Law
Enforcement shared their thoughts
and experiences during the final
Black History Month “What’s the T?
Thoughtful Discussions About National
Narratives” event in Vulcan Theatre on
Feb. 20.
Dr. Mathilda Spencer, of the
Department of Criminal Justice, served
as moderator of “(In)Justice Through
the Lens of African American Law
Enforcement.”
Panelists were Sgt. William Slaton,
commander in the Pennsylvania State
Police Equality and Inclusion Office;
Aaron Allen, Pennsylvania State police
trooper and recruiting coordinator;
Lavonnie Bickerstaff, major crimes
assistant chief of Pittsburgh Police;
Maurita Bryant, assistant superintendent
of Allegheny County Police; Paris Pratt,
Pittsburgh special agent in charge for
the Drug Enforcement Agency; and
Richard A. Stewart Jr., retired law
officer and president of the Pittsburgh
NAACP.
“I think I deal with racism,
discrimination and pre-judgment every
day,” Bickerstaff said. “You can’t use
fisticuffs, but you must work their minds.
I prefer the phrase ‘all lives matter,’ and
if something is wrong, say something
because people will know you’re
watching.”
Racism and sexism are still obstacles
for black female police officers while
climbing the supervisory ladder, Bryant
said.
“You have to pick your battles, and
if you wear your emotions on your
sleeves, you (may be) perceived as an
angry black woman,” she said. “If you
change the minds of your leaders, you’ll
Lavonnie Bickerstaff (left), Pittsburgh Police; Maurita Bryant, Allegheny County Police; Paris Pratt, Drug Enforcement Agency; Richard A. Stewart
Jr., Pittsburgh NAACP; Aaron Allen, Pennsylvania State Police; William Slaton, Pennsylvania State Police; Dr. Mathilda Spencer, Cal U Criminal
Justice Department.
change your followers.”
On the job, officers “try to be that
buffer and help people work through and
understand the criminal process while
making sure there’s no retaliation and
protests do not become violent.”
Slaton encouraged students to keep
an open mind after police incidents.
“What I would say to young
people in these contentious times,
when you see YouTube videos and
news snippets, is to make sure you
gather enough information to make an
informed opinion about what occurred,”
he said.
Allen mentioned Antwon Rose II,
the 17-year-old black teen-ager who was
fatally shot by a police officer in East
Pittsburgh.
“When I see Antwon Rose, I see
myself when I young, running away from
the police after doing something stupid,”
he said. “Now I could not imagine doing
anything else other than being a police
officer.”
Pratt cautioned the criminal justice
majors in the audience to gather facts
before making judgments.
“Culturally, people do not understand
each other, and you cannot assume you
understand someone because of their
color, clothes they wear or where they
are from,” he said.
Stewart urged the students to join
the National Organization of Black Law
Enforcement Executives or the NAACP.
Both organizations welcome all races.
Ernest D. Withrow, president of
NOBLE Pittsburgh chapter, was in the
audience.
“You need to become members of
these organizations and even start student
chapters here,” Stewart said. “You need
to become active. You will be enlightened
by many things you did not realize are
going on out there.”
Other speakers and topics during
Black History Month:
• Jessica Spradley, a Frederick
Douglass Institute Scholar in sociology
at Cal U and vice president of the Care
Based Leadership Collaborative, presented
“Educational Places as Racial Places.”
• Rodney Taylor, a Frederick Douglass
Institute Scholar in English at Cal U,
presented “Post-Bellum, Pre-Harlem:
African American Authors & the
Remembered Plantation.”
• Jeffrey Jones, Cal U’s first
gentleman, led panelists Lisa Driscoll,
Department of TRIO and Academic
Services; Cynthia Obiekezie, senior
and president of the Black Student
Union; and Justin James, University
Development and Alumni Relations in
a discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
For coverage of these presentations,
visit calu.edu/news.
Cal U Looks Forward
at Convocation
— Continued from page 1
President Jones presents the Spring 2020 Vulcan President’s Circle Award to Dr. Karen Amrhein,
a director in the Office of Academic Success.
Staff Members Honored
— Continued from page 1
‘innovative thinker,’ a ‘willing volunteer’
and a ‘problem-solver who gets results.’”
The Exceptional Service Award
recognizes responsiveness to others’
needs, willingness to remove barriers,
and caring support for students, families,
fellow employees and other community
members.
Bilitski, an assistant director in
the Office of Admissions, “makes
outstanding customer service a part of
every interaction,” President Jones said.
Nominators mentioned his “positive
attitude” and said he is “always willing
to help out and step up when needed.” In
particular, they cited Bilitski’s interactions
with current and future students, saying
that he “goes above and beyond … to
make sure they get the help they need.”
In addition to the plaques presented
at the convocation, each award recipient
will select from a menu of options to
thank them for their service.
The Vulcan Staff Awards are
presented each fall and spring semester.
In fall 2019, Cindy Lynn Speer and
Rhonda Gifford received the inaugural
awards.
Nominations for the fall 2020 awards
are being accepted through Aug. 7, 2020. To
nominate an outstanding staff member, visit
the resource page for Faculty/Staff or Current
Students at calu.edu and look for the link to
“Staff Awards.”
15 months examining Cal U’s campus
and making the first master plan update
since 2008.
“One of the primary goals of
the master plan is to develop a
comprehensive flexible long-range plan
for effective use and reuse of existing
land, facilities and infrastructure,”
Thorn explained.
After a thorough study based
on current and projected future
enrollments, the consultants
determined that Cal U has a surplus
of approximately 260,000 square feet.
They estimate that reducing the campus
footprint could reduce operational costs
by $2.5 million to $3 million per year.
Under a statewide contract to reduce
“excess capacity” at System universities,
the state Department of General
Services has agreed to pay $5.2 million
to demolish four Cal U buildings —
about 174,0000 square feet — over the
next two years.
Building removals tentatively will
begin in spring 2021 with Azorsky Hall,
followed by the north wing of Morgan
Hall, Keystone Hall, and then Gallagher
Hall.
“This is a fairly aggressive project,”
said Thorn — but the opportunity to
“right-size” the campus using state
funds was too good to pass up.
The second phase of the master
plan features construction of a new
science complex to replace Frich and
New Science Halls. Subsequent phases
include infrastructure changes leading to
demolition of the campus steam plant
and the Pollack Building, which houses
the storeroom, carpenter shop and
University Police headquarters.
The plan also calls for converting
Residence Hall B to office space,
moving the Office of Academic
Success to a student-friendly “learning
commons” in Manderino Library, and
relocating the education department to
Noss Hall.
“This campus master plan outlines
key projects in sequential order for longterm implementation and success,” said
Thorn. “It’s important to know that the
plan is a living document that can and
will be revised as Cal U evolves into the
future.”
He emphasized that input from
faculty and staff will be solicited as
relocation plans are finalized.
Both Thorn and President Jones
enthusiastically called the campus
master plan a blueprint for the future of
California University.
“There is always some
inconvenience associated with building
projects, but our campus master plan
promises to deliver lasting, long-term
gains,” President Jones concluded.
“Our campus has been transformed
many times over the last 168 years —
and once again, we have an opportunity
to reshape our University.”
MARCH 2, 2020
Page 3
Suicide
Workshop
March 12
T
Robotics competitions at Cal U begin March 19-21 with the FIRST® Robotics, Greater Pittsburgh Regional.
“R
Robots Return to Cal U
obot season” is about to
begin at Cal U.
This spring, thousands
of high school students from western
Pennsylvania and across the country
will put their custom-designed robots
to the test at Cal U’s Convocation
Center arena.
The public is welcome to attend each
competition. Admission is free.
• March 19-21: FIRST® Robotics,
Greater Pittsburgh Regional
competition. More than 1,000 high
school students compete at FIRST®,
putting their 120-lb., custom-designed
robots to the test in a challenge called
INFINITE RECHARGE.
The contest has a Star Wars theme
this year, as Lucasfilm and parent
Walt Disney Co. join with FIRST® to
inspire a new generation of heroes and
innovators as part of the
Star Wars: Force for Change
philanthropic initiative.
The game involves two alliances
of three teams each, with each team
controlling a robot and performing
specific tasks on a field to score points.
This year’s game includes shooting
foam balls known as Power Cells
into high and low goals to activate a
Shield Generator. The objective is to
energize and activate the shield before
the match ends and asteroids strike
FIRST City.
About FIRST® Robotics:
firstinspires.org.
• April 24-25: BotsIQ, Southwestern
Pennsylvania Finals. Teams from nearly
80 regional schools and community
organizations battle for dominance in
gladiator-style matches.
About BotsIQ: botsiqpa.org/about
• May 15-16 National Robotics
League. The action is fast and furious
when more than 60 high school teams
from across the country, including some
southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ
competitors, send their robots into battle.
About NRL: gonrl.org.
Becky McMillen, executive
director of University Conference
Services, believes the teamwork and
camaraderie needed for the participants
to succeed are also key aspects of
hosting these events.
“Hosting these events each year is
a big win for us,” she said. “We work
very well with these organizations, and
we’re so happy to have all these students
on campus, especially with our focus on
science and technology.
“It’s a perfect fit.”
Cal U Hosts Science Olympiad March 4
M
iddle school and high school
students from 13 counties will
compete at the Southwestern
Pennsylvania Regional Science
Olympiad on March 4 at Cal U.
Events focused on science,
technology, engineering and math skills
will be contested in the Convocation
Center, and in New Science, Eberly,
Gallagher, Hamer and Helsel halls.
The competition is broken down
into 15-member teams in two divisions
— grades 6-9 and 9-12. Last year,
nearly 8,000 teams completed in 450
invitational, regional, state and national
tournaments.
Based on a percentage of teams
registered at regional sites, the highestscoring middle school and high school
teams from the region will qualify for
the state competition on April 25 at
Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. The
National Science Olympiad will be
May 15-16 at North Carolina State
University in Raleigh, N.C.
Cal U has hosted this prestigious
event for nearly 30 years. More than
50 schools are scheduled for this year’s
regional, with Cal U faculty from
different academic departments serving
as event supervisors.
Dr. Swarndeep Gill, associate
professor in Cal U’s Department of
Gateway students Cyann Williams and Sai Namasivaya prepare for a competition during
last spring’s Southwest Pennsylvania Regional Science Olympiad. The event returns to the
Convocation Center on March 4.
Earth Sciences, serves as the regional
site director.
Members of Cal U’s Admissions
Office will also be sharing information
about Cal U throughout the day.
“With our focus on science
and technology, hosting this event
is something we are very proud of
and a wonderful opportunity to
showcase our school and
facilities,” said Dr. Tracey Sheetz,
Cal U’s dean of admissions.
For more information about the
Pennsylvania Southwestern Pennsylvania
Regional Science Olympiad at Cal U,
including a schedule of events with locations
and times, visit calu.edu/science-olympiad.
Those interested in volunteering can also
register on the website.
Questions can also be emailed to Gill
at gill@calu.edu or regional site assistant
director Daniel Strehl at str3650@calu.edu.
he departments of Psychology,
Social Work and Counselor
Education are hosting a
workshop, “Suicide Assessment and
Intervention,” 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 12
in the north and south wings of the
Convocation Center
This workshop is intended for
licensed counselors, psychologist,
social workers, and marriage and
family therapists. It is approved to
provide 6 continuing education credits
in psychology, social work, counselor
education or Act 48.
Emeritus professor
Dr. Sam Lonich, who has specialized
in suicide prevention, assessment and
intervention for more than 25 years,
will be the main presenter.
Cost is $150, which includes
parking, breakfast and lunch. Seating is
limited. Register online through
March 5 at calu.edu/prevention.
For more information, contact the
School Psychology Clinic at 724-938-4403
or psychclinic@calu.edu.
Campus
BRIEFS
Spring Break
Schedule
No classes will be held from
March 9-13 as Cal U marks spring
break for students. All University
offices will be open during the
break. Classes resume March 16.
Residence Halls will close at
8 p.m. Friday, March 6. They will
re-open at 4 p.m. Sunday,
March 15.
Spring Open
Houses Continue
On March 21, Cal U welcomes
students and their families to the
second Open House of the spring
semester from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At an Open House, prospective
students and their families can
talk with students, meet faculty
members, tour campus, learn about
our clubs and organizations and
learn about financial aid options.
All students receive a free Cal U
T-shirt at the end of the day.
The last scheduled spring open
house will be April 18.
To register for an Open House
date and see a schedule of events,
go to calu.edu/visit or call
724-938-4404.
For information about the
admissions process at Cal U,
visit calu.edu/admissions; and to
explore academic majors, visit
calu.edu/academics.
Trustees Meet
The California University
Council of Trustees will hold its
first quarterly meeting of 2020 at
6 p.m. March 4 in the President’s
conference room, Old Main,
Room 110.
Page 4
MARCH 2, 2020
Softball
Field to be
Rededicated
C
al U will rededicate Lilley Field,
home to Cal U softball, at
11:30 a.m. March. 28.
The Vulcans will face Seton Hill in a
doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m., which
will be the first games on the new field,
located on Cal U’s upper campus.
The renovation included regrading the
playing field, upgrading electrical systems
and installing a new press box, bleachers,
batting cage, warning track and dugouts.
Lilley Field is named for Thomas
Lilley, whose 82-acre farm was purchased
in the mid-1930s by the forerunner of
Cal U’s nonprofit Student Association Inc.
Foundation
Bestows
Awards
T
he Foundation for California
University has presented
its annual awards to four
individuals.
Armand Balsano ’74 received the
Job Johnson Award, named for one of
the founders of what is now California
University of Pennsylvania. The award
recognizes alumni who have received
recognition outside the University for
excellence, innovation, community
service or other notable achievements.
A retired senior administrator in the
health care industry, he now serves
as a consultant with acute care and
long-term care facilities, performing
evaluations of strategic and financial
feasibility and planning. Balsano is
a former member of the Foundation
Board who held offices of vicepresident, secretary and treasurer.
William R. Flinn, II ´68, was
honored with the Dixonians Award for
his unselfish service to the University.
His award is named in honor of John
N. Dixon, the “Grand Old Man”
among Cal U’s founders, who served
on the Board of Trustees for 46 years.
Now retired Flinn was the CEO and
owner of Bill Flinn Insurance Agency.
A founding member of Cal U’s Bow
Ties & Pearls Ball, He is also a former
member of the Foundation Board and
served as president and vice president.
The philanthropic Society of 1852
Award, which recognizes distinguished
contributions to the enhancement and
excellence of Cal U, was presented to
Cal U couple Beth Bershok ´84 and
Thomas Bakaitus ´83. Bakaitus is the
operating partner of the Pittsburghbased CPA firm Herbein and Co.,
where Bershok, previously a longtime
Pittsburgh on-air radio personality,
serves as the marketing director.
Volleyball Standout’s Journey
Reaches Hall of Fame Destination
Editor’s Note: The 2020 members of Cal
U’s Athletic Hall of Fame will be honored at
the second annual Bow Ties & Pearls Ball on
Saturday, May 2, at the Convocation Center.
The event benefits Cal U scholarships for Cal
U students and legacy projects on campus. To
purchase tickets and more information about
the event, visit calu.edu/bowtiesball.
“L
ooking back, it almost feels
like a movie,” says Renata
Silva Gray.
The real-life plot: A student-athlete
travels from her home in Sao Paulo,
Brazil, to California, Pa. She enrolls at
Cal U, excels academically and becomes
a standout volleyball player — all while
mastering the English language.
Before the credits roll she’s set
records, earned multiple All-America
honors and university degrees, launched
a successful career and — spoiler alert!
— been inducted into the Cal U Athletic
Hall of Fame.
“It certainly has had a happy
ending,” Silva Gray says. “I thought
about quitting multiple times early on,
but my mom always pushed me
because… there were so many
opportunities here that I would not
have had in Brazil.”
Statistics sum up her career with
the Vulcans. Silva Gray’s 5,507 assists
remain a school record; only four PSAC
volleyball players have more. Her career
total of 497 sets ranks third in school
history, and her 126 service aces rank
10th. Her career totals also include 1,065
digs and 311 blocks.
Silva Gray made an immediate
impact on Cal U’s volleyball program.
In 2006, her first season, the Vulcans
won 30 matches and finished second at
both the PSAC and NCAA Regional
tournaments. The American Volleyball
Coaches Association named her its
Atlantic Region Freshman of the Year.
The program’s first Academic All-American,
Renata Silva Gray, will be the seventh
women’s volleyball player inducted into
the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Over the next three years Silva
Gray helped the Vulcans compile a
111-12 cumulative record and 41-0
conference mark. The team won three
consecutive conference and NCAA
Atlantic Regional titles and made three
appearances in the NCAA quarterfinals.
Silva Gray was the PSAC
Tournament’s MVP in 2008 and 2009.
After her senior season, ESPN the
Magazine named her to its Academic
All-America Team – a first for a Vulcans
volleyball player.
“Renata took California University
volleyball to another level,” said former
head coach Melissa Myers, who saw her
play in Brazil.
“It wasn’t just her talent, but her
attitude, energy and effort that separated
her from others. She was one of the
most mature, hard-working and resilient
athletes I’ve ever coached – and she
made her teammates better.”
Silva Gray earned two bachelor’s
degrees at Cal U, one in international
studies with a business concentration
and the other in Spanish, as well
as a master’s degree in business
administration. Active with the
International Club, as a grad student
she worked in the Department of
Criminal Justice and volunteered as
an assistant coach for the 2010
volleyball season.
“Cal U had so many different
options … and everyone there was so
receptive and trying to help you in one
way or another,” she recalled.
“I keep in touch with my
teammates. We all understood that
volleyball was not forever, and we’ve
gone to be successful, which directly
relates back to our time at Cal U.”
Shortly after graduation, Silva
Gray accepted a position with Anova
Healthcare System, which provides
home health and hospice services.
Today, she is the company’s director of
Administrative Services and
Human Resources.
Her achievements earned her a place
among the New Pittsburgh Courier’s “Fab
40” in 2019.
Silva Gray is still on the court,
albeit on the sidelines. She has coached
Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball since 2012;
she’s currently head coach for the sports
club’s 17 Elite national team.
“Coaching has been very rewarding,
especially when you see players go to
college,” Silva Gray said. “Whether
it’s my players or employees at work,
I always tell them to step out of their
comfort zone and engage.”
Renata and her husband, Donald
Gray III, live in Pittsburgh.
“Now I am able to help my family
back in Brazil,” she said. “I will always
be grateful to Cal U.”
The California Journal is published by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.
Geraldine M. Jones
University President
Dr. Bruce Barnhart
Provost and Senior Vice President
for Academic Affairs
Dr. Nancy Pinardi
Vice President for Student Affairs
Christine Kindl
Vice President for Communications
and Marketing
Office of Communications and Public Relations
Robert Thorn
Vice President for Administration and Finance
Anthony Mauro
Vice President for University
Development and Alumni Relations
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
T. David Garcia
Vice President for Enrollment
Management
724-938-4195
Wendy Mackall
Editor
Bruce Wald
Writer
wald@calu.edu
Volume 22, Number 4 MARCH 2, 2020
KEEP UP WITH CAL U NEWS ONLINE: calu.edu/news
Guest
Speaker
Examines
Medical
Marijuana
C
Provost Bruce Barnhart (left), President Geraldine Jones and Vice President Robert Thorn address faculty and staff at spring Convocation.
Leaders Discuss Master Plan
T
he University community heard
updates about the Campus Master
Plan for facilities — plus details
about Cal U’s financial sustainability
plan and its proposed multi-year tuition
pricing strategy — Feb. 18 at the Spring
2020 Faculty-Staff Convocation.
The initiatives all are intended to
bolster University finances and meet
the State System of Higher Education’s
requirement that universities identify
realistic strategies for achieving financial
sustainability within five years.
Cal U already is taking proactive
measures to address the financial
challenges attributed to demographic
changes, declining public support and
a decrease in student enrollment,
University President Geraldine Jones
told a large crowd in the
Convocation Center’s south wing.
In the past seven years, the University
has cut operational costs by $10 million,
non-faculty staff has been reduced by
23%, a strategic enrollment plan has been
deployed and new academic programs
have been launched, among other steps.
“But in the current climate, those
measures are not enough to bring our
finances into balance,” the President said.
At the State System’s direction, Cal U
submitted a preliminary draft of its fiveyear sustainability plan in January. As part
of the plan, Cal U is seeking State System
approval for a tuition pricing strategy that
includes a 3% increase in tuition, or $115
per semester, to enhance efforts to help
more students succeed academically and
remain enrolled until they graduate.
Cal U is committed to using at least
$500,000 of the proposed tuition increase
to provide additional scholarships for its
neediest students.
The multi-year tuition pricing strategy
requires approval by the Board of
Governors, which is expected to make
a determination later this spring. In the
meantime, the University is looking to its
physical plant — the campus itself — for
additional cost savings.
Campus Master Plan
Robert Thorn, vice president for
Administration and Finance, led the
effort to update the Campus Master Plan.
In collaboration with consultants from
Buchart Horn Architects, a nine-member
steering committee and 26-member
board of faculty and staff members spent
— Continued on page 2
Staff Members Honored for Job
Performance, Service
C
al U has recognized two staff members for their
outstanding job performance and customer service.
At the Feb. 18 faculty-staff convocation,
Dr. Karen Amrhein received the Vulcan President’s Circle
Award, and Barry Bilitski accepted the Vulcan Exceptional
Service Award.
Members of the campus community — faculty, staff
and/or students — nominate candidates for the awards. A
seven-member committee uses a rubric to identify the award
recipients anonymously.
The President’s Circle Award recognizes outstanding
job performance, with an emphasis on collaboration and
cooperation, commitment to the University, and innovation that
improves the quality of service or results in cost savings.
Amrhein, a director in the Office of Academic Success, was
recognized for collaborating “with so many offices on campus
that she seems to know everyone,” as one nominator wrote.
She founded the peer mentoring program, which is credited
for increasing first- to second-year retention rates by pairing
first-year students with student mentors. She also created
the Summer Success Academy for at-risk students, and she
currently is leading a new foster youth initiative.
As President Jones noted, “Nominators called her an
— Continued on page 2
President Geraldine Jones presents the Spring 2020 Vulcan
Exceptional Service Award to Barry Bilitski, an assistant director
in the Office of Admissions.
al U will host a discussion
about medical marijuana at
11 a.m. March 3 in Duda
Hall, Room 103.
Matt Reid, a Ph.D. candidate
at Western Michigan University
and a visiting professor at Grand
Valley State University, will discuss
“Medical Marijuana in a
Post-Prohibition State.”
His doctoral research focuses on
the perceptions
of medical
marijuana and
recreational
marijuana in
states where
both are legal.
He is the media
editor for
the Midwest
Matt Reid
Sociological
Society and blogs at
popularsociology.net.
Cal U sociology professors
Emily Sweitzer and Codie Stone
are coordinating the event.
“This discussion of medical
marijuana is very relevant to
today’s society as we explore
various means for non-invasive
treatments for many conditions,”
said Sweitzer, who teaches
courses in social deviance.
“But it is also particularly
relevant for social deviance majors
as they examine the ever-changing
social and cultural perspectives and
norms that guide society and impact
acceptance and tolerance.”
Currently, 33 states have laws
that allow the use of marijuana
for medical purposes; 11 states allow
recreational marijuana use.
On March 2, Reid will visit
Stone’s classes at 9 a.m., 10 a.m.
and noon in Duda Hall. The public
may attend by emailing
stone@calu.edu.
Reid and Stone met in graduate
school and worked together as
college instructors.
“Matt is an innovative educator
who builds rapport with his students
by engaging them through his
authentic passion for the discipline
of sociology, and showing through
real-world examples how sociology
impacts individuals’ lives,” Stone
said.
Reid’s talk is sponsored by the
Graduate School Speaker Series;
the legal studies and social deviance
programs; and the History, Politics,
Society and Law Department.
Page 2
MARCH 2, 2020
Law Enforcement Black History Panel's Topic
S
ix members of the National
Organization of Black Law
Enforcement shared their thoughts
and experiences during the final
Black History Month “What’s the T?
Thoughtful Discussions About National
Narratives” event in Vulcan Theatre on
Feb. 20.
Dr. Mathilda Spencer, of the
Department of Criminal Justice, served
as moderator of “(In)Justice Through
the Lens of African American Law
Enforcement.”
Panelists were Sgt. William Slaton,
commander in the Pennsylvania State
Police Equality and Inclusion Office;
Aaron Allen, Pennsylvania State police
trooper and recruiting coordinator;
Lavonnie Bickerstaff, major crimes
assistant chief of Pittsburgh Police;
Maurita Bryant, assistant superintendent
of Allegheny County Police; Paris Pratt,
Pittsburgh special agent in charge for
the Drug Enforcement Agency; and
Richard A. Stewart Jr., retired law
officer and president of the Pittsburgh
NAACP.
“I think I deal with racism,
discrimination and pre-judgment every
day,” Bickerstaff said. “You can’t use
fisticuffs, but you must work their minds.
I prefer the phrase ‘all lives matter,’ and
if something is wrong, say something
because people will know you’re
watching.”
Racism and sexism are still obstacles
for black female police officers while
climbing the supervisory ladder, Bryant
said.
“You have to pick your battles, and
if you wear your emotions on your
sleeves, you (may be) perceived as an
angry black woman,” she said. “If you
change the minds of your leaders, you’ll
Lavonnie Bickerstaff (left), Pittsburgh Police; Maurita Bryant, Allegheny County Police; Paris Pratt, Drug Enforcement Agency; Richard A. Stewart
Jr., Pittsburgh NAACP; Aaron Allen, Pennsylvania State Police; William Slaton, Pennsylvania State Police; Dr. Mathilda Spencer, Cal U Criminal
Justice Department.
change your followers.”
On the job, officers “try to be that
buffer and help people work through and
understand the criminal process while
making sure there’s no retaliation and
protests do not become violent.”
Slaton encouraged students to keep
an open mind after police incidents.
“What I would say to young
people in these contentious times,
when you see YouTube videos and
news snippets, is to make sure you
gather enough information to make an
informed opinion about what occurred,”
he said.
Allen mentioned Antwon Rose II,
the 17-year-old black teen-ager who was
fatally shot by a police officer in East
Pittsburgh.
“When I see Antwon Rose, I see
myself when I young, running away from
the police after doing something stupid,”
he said. “Now I could not imagine doing
anything else other than being a police
officer.”
Pratt cautioned the criminal justice
majors in the audience to gather facts
before making judgments.
“Culturally, people do not understand
each other, and you cannot assume you
understand someone because of their
color, clothes they wear or where they
are from,” he said.
Stewart urged the students to join
the National Organization of Black Law
Enforcement Executives or the NAACP.
Both organizations welcome all races.
Ernest D. Withrow, president of
NOBLE Pittsburgh chapter, was in the
audience.
“You need to become members of
these organizations and even start student
chapters here,” Stewart said. “You need
to become active. You will be enlightened
by many things you did not realize are
going on out there.”
Other speakers and topics during
Black History Month:
• Jessica Spradley, a Frederick
Douglass Institute Scholar in sociology
at Cal U and vice president of the Care
Based Leadership Collaborative, presented
“Educational Places as Racial Places.”
• Rodney Taylor, a Frederick Douglass
Institute Scholar in English at Cal U,
presented “Post-Bellum, Pre-Harlem:
African American Authors & the
Remembered Plantation.”
• Jeffrey Jones, Cal U’s first
gentleman, led panelists Lisa Driscoll,
Department of TRIO and Academic
Services; Cynthia Obiekezie, senior
and president of the Black Student
Union; and Justin James, University
Development and Alumni Relations in
a discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
For coverage of these presentations,
visit calu.edu/news.
Cal U Looks Forward
at Convocation
— Continued from page 1
President Jones presents the Spring 2020 Vulcan President’s Circle Award to Dr. Karen Amrhein,
a director in the Office of Academic Success.
Staff Members Honored
— Continued from page 1
‘innovative thinker,’ a ‘willing volunteer’
and a ‘problem-solver who gets results.’”
The Exceptional Service Award
recognizes responsiveness to others’
needs, willingness to remove barriers,
and caring support for students, families,
fellow employees and other community
members.
Bilitski, an assistant director in
the Office of Admissions, “makes
outstanding customer service a part of
every interaction,” President Jones said.
Nominators mentioned his “positive
attitude” and said he is “always willing
to help out and step up when needed.” In
particular, they cited Bilitski’s interactions
with current and future students, saying
that he “goes above and beyond … to
make sure they get the help they need.”
In addition to the plaques presented
at the convocation, each award recipient
will select from a menu of options to
thank them for their service.
The Vulcan Staff Awards are
presented each fall and spring semester.
In fall 2019, Cindy Lynn Speer and
Rhonda Gifford received the inaugural
awards.
Nominations for the fall 2020 awards
are being accepted through Aug. 7, 2020. To
nominate an outstanding staff member, visit
the resource page for Faculty/Staff or Current
Students at calu.edu and look for the link to
“Staff Awards.”
15 months examining Cal U’s campus
and making the first master plan update
since 2008.
“One of the primary goals of
the master plan is to develop a
comprehensive flexible long-range plan
for effective use and reuse of existing
land, facilities and infrastructure,”
Thorn explained.
After a thorough study based
on current and projected future
enrollments, the consultants
determined that Cal U has a surplus
of approximately 260,000 square feet.
They estimate that reducing the campus
footprint could reduce operational costs
by $2.5 million to $3 million per year.
Under a statewide contract to reduce
“excess capacity” at System universities,
the state Department of General
Services has agreed to pay $5.2 million
to demolish four Cal U buildings —
about 174,0000 square feet — over the
next two years.
Building removals tentatively will
begin in spring 2021 with Azorsky Hall,
followed by the north wing of Morgan
Hall, Keystone Hall, and then Gallagher
Hall.
“This is a fairly aggressive project,”
said Thorn — but the opportunity to
“right-size” the campus using state
funds was too good to pass up.
The second phase of the master
plan features construction of a new
science complex to replace Frich and
New Science Halls. Subsequent phases
include infrastructure changes leading to
demolition of the campus steam plant
and the Pollack Building, which houses
the storeroom, carpenter shop and
University Police headquarters.
The plan also calls for converting
Residence Hall B to office space,
moving the Office of Academic
Success to a student-friendly “learning
commons” in Manderino Library, and
relocating the education department to
Noss Hall.
“This campus master plan outlines
key projects in sequential order for longterm implementation and success,” said
Thorn. “It’s important to know that the
plan is a living document that can and
will be revised as Cal U evolves into the
future.”
He emphasized that input from
faculty and staff will be solicited as
relocation plans are finalized.
Both Thorn and President Jones
enthusiastically called the campus
master plan a blueprint for the future of
California University.
“There is always some
inconvenience associated with building
projects, but our campus master plan
promises to deliver lasting, long-term
gains,” President Jones concluded.
“Our campus has been transformed
many times over the last 168 years —
and once again, we have an opportunity
to reshape our University.”
MARCH 2, 2020
Page 3
Suicide
Workshop
March 12
T
Robotics competitions at Cal U begin March 19-21 with the FIRST® Robotics, Greater Pittsburgh Regional.
“R
Robots Return to Cal U
obot season” is about to
begin at Cal U.
This spring, thousands
of high school students from western
Pennsylvania and across the country
will put their custom-designed robots
to the test at Cal U’s Convocation
Center arena.
The public is welcome to attend each
competition. Admission is free.
• March 19-21: FIRST® Robotics,
Greater Pittsburgh Regional
competition. More than 1,000 high
school students compete at FIRST®,
putting their 120-lb., custom-designed
robots to the test in a challenge called
INFINITE RECHARGE.
The contest has a Star Wars theme
this year, as Lucasfilm and parent
Walt Disney Co. join with FIRST® to
inspire a new generation of heroes and
innovators as part of the
Star Wars: Force for Change
philanthropic initiative.
The game involves two alliances
of three teams each, with each team
controlling a robot and performing
specific tasks on a field to score points.
This year’s game includes shooting
foam balls known as Power Cells
into high and low goals to activate a
Shield Generator. The objective is to
energize and activate the shield before
the match ends and asteroids strike
FIRST City.
About FIRST® Robotics:
firstinspires.org.
• April 24-25: BotsIQ, Southwestern
Pennsylvania Finals. Teams from nearly
80 regional schools and community
organizations battle for dominance in
gladiator-style matches.
About BotsIQ: botsiqpa.org/about
• May 15-16 National Robotics
League. The action is fast and furious
when more than 60 high school teams
from across the country, including some
southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ
competitors, send their robots into battle.
About NRL: gonrl.org.
Becky McMillen, executive
director of University Conference
Services, believes the teamwork and
camaraderie needed for the participants
to succeed are also key aspects of
hosting these events.
“Hosting these events each year is
a big win for us,” she said. “We work
very well with these organizations, and
we’re so happy to have all these students
on campus, especially with our focus on
science and technology.
“It’s a perfect fit.”
Cal U Hosts Science Olympiad March 4
M
iddle school and high school
students from 13 counties will
compete at the Southwestern
Pennsylvania Regional Science
Olympiad on March 4 at Cal U.
Events focused on science,
technology, engineering and math skills
will be contested in the Convocation
Center, and in New Science, Eberly,
Gallagher, Hamer and Helsel halls.
The competition is broken down
into 15-member teams in two divisions
— grades 6-9 and 9-12. Last year,
nearly 8,000 teams completed in 450
invitational, regional, state and national
tournaments.
Based on a percentage of teams
registered at regional sites, the highestscoring middle school and high school
teams from the region will qualify for
the state competition on April 25 at
Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. The
National Science Olympiad will be
May 15-16 at North Carolina State
University in Raleigh, N.C.
Cal U has hosted this prestigious
event for nearly 30 years. More than
50 schools are scheduled for this year’s
regional, with Cal U faculty from
different academic departments serving
as event supervisors.
Dr. Swarndeep Gill, associate
professor in Cal U’s Department of
Gateway students Cyann Williams and Sai Namasivaya prepare for a competition during
last spring’s Southwest Pennsylvania Regional Science Olympiad. The event returns to the
Convocation Center on March 4.
Earth Sciences, serves as the regional
site director.
Members of Cal U’s Admissions
Office will also be sharing information
about Cal U throughout the day.
“With our focus on science
and technology, hosting this event
is something we are very proud of
and a wonderful opportunity to
showcase our school and
facilities,” said Dr. Tracey Sheetz,
Cal U’s dean of admissions.
For more information about the
Pennsylvania Southwestern Pennsylvania
Regional Science Olympiad at Cal U,
including a schedule of events with locations
and times, visit calu.edu/science-olympiad.
Those interested in volunteering can also
register on the website.
Questions can also be emailed to Gill
at gill@calu.edu or regional site assistant
director Daniel Strehl at str3650@calu.edu.
he departments of Psychology,
Social Work and Counselor
Education are hosting a
workshop, “Suicide Assessment and
Intervention,” 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 12
in the north and south wings of the
Convocation Center
This workshop is intended for
licensed counselors, psychologist,
social workers, and marriage and
family therapists. It is approved to
provide 6 continuing education credits
in psychology, social work, counselor
education or Act 48.
Emeritus professor
Dr. Sam Lonich, who has specialized
in suicide prevention, assessment and
intervention for more than 25 years,
will be the main presenter.
Cost is $150, which includes
parking, breakfast and lunch. Seating is
limited. Register online through
March 5 at calu.edu/prevention.
For more information, contact the
School Psychology Clinic at 724-938-4403
or psychclinic@calu.edu.
Campus
BRIEFS
Spring Break
Schedule
No classes will be held from
March 9-13 as Cal U marks spring
break for students. All University
offices will be open during the
break. Classes resume March 16.
Residence Halls will close at
8 p.m. Friday, March 6. They will
re-open at 4 p.m. Sunday,
March 15.
Spring Open
Houses Continue
On March 21, Cal U welcomes
students and their families to the
second Open House of the spring
semester from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At an Open House, prospective
students and their families can
talk with students, meet faculty
members, tour campus, learn about
our clubs and organizations and
learn about financial aid options.
All students receive a free Cal U
T-shirt at the end of the day.
The last scheduled spring open
house will be April 18.
To register for an Open House
date and see a schedule of events,
go to calu.edu/visit or call
724-938-4404.
For information about the
admissions process at Cal U,
visit calu.edu/admissions; and to
explore academic majors, visit
calu.edu/academics.
Trustees Meet
The California University
Council of Trustees will hold its
first quarterly meeting of 2020 at
6 p.m. March 4 in the President’s
conference room, Old Main,
Room 110.
Page 4
MARCH 2, 2020
Softball
Field to be
Rededicated
C
al U will rededicate Lilley Field,
home to Cal U softball, at
11:30 a.m. March. 28.
The Vulcans will face Seton Hill in a
doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m., which
will be the first games on the new field,
located on Cal U’s upper campus.
The renovation included regrading the
playing field, upgrading electrical systems
and installing a new press box, bleachers,
batting cage, warning track and dugouts.
Lilley Field is named for Thomas
Lilley, whose 82-acre farm was purchased
in the mid-1930s by the forerunner of
Cal U’s nonprofit Student Association Inc.
Foundation
Bestows
Awards
T
he Foundation for California
University has presented
its annual awards to four
individuals.
Armand Balsano ’74 received the
Job Johnson Award, named for one of
the founders of what is now California
University of Pennsylvania. The award
recognizes alumni who have received
recognition outside the University for
excellence, innovation, community
service or other notable achievements.
A retired senior administrator in the
health care industry, he now serves
as a consultant with acute care and
long-term care facilities, performing
evaluations of strategic and financial
feasibility and planning. Balsano is
a former member of the Foundation
Board who held offices of vicepresident, secretary and treasurer.
William R. Flinn, II ´68, was
honored with the Dixonians Award for
his unselfish service to the University.
His award is named in honor of John
N. Dixon, the “Grand Old Man”
among Cal U’s founders, who served
on the Board of Trustees for 46 years.
Now retired Flinn was the CEO and
owner of Bill Flinn Insurance Agency.
A founding member of Cal U’s Bow
Ties & Pearls Ball, He is also a former
member of the Foundation Board and
served as president and vice president.
The philanthropic Society of 1852
Award, which recognizes distinguished
contributions to the enhancement and
excellence of Cal U, was presented to
Cal U couple Beth Bershok ´84 and
Thomas Bakaitus ´83. Bakaitus is the
operating partner of the Pittsburghbased CPA firm Herbein and Co.,
where Bershok, previously a longtime
Pittsburgh on-air radio personality,
serves as the marketing director.
Volleyball Standout’s Journey
Reaches Hall of Fame Destination
Editor’s Note: The 2020 members of Cal
U’s Athletic Hall of Fame will be honored at
the second annual Bow Ties & Pearls Ball on
Saturday, May 2, at the Convocation Center.
The event benefits Cal U scholarships for Cal
U students and legacy projects on campus. To
purchase tickets and more information about
the event, visit calu.edu/bowtiesball.
“L
ooking back, it almost feels
like a movie,” says Renata
Silva Gray.
The real-life plot: A student-athlete
travels from her home in Sao Paulo,
Brazil, to California, Pa. She enrolls at
Cal U, excels academically and becomes
a standout volleyball player — all while
mastering the English language.
Before the credits roll she’s set
records, earned multiple All-America
honors and university degrees, launched
a successful career and — spoiler alert!
— been inducted into the Cal U Athletic
Hall of Fame.
“It certainly has had a happy
ending,” Silva Gray says. “I thought
about quitting multiple times early on,
but my mom always pushed me
because… there were so many
opportunities here that I would not
have had in Brazil.”
Statistics sum up her career with
the Vulcans. Silva Gray’s 5,507 assists
remain a school record; only four PSAC
volleyball players have more. Her career
total of 497 sets ranks third in school
history, and her 126 service aces rank
10th. Her career totals also include 1,065
digs and 311 blocks.
Silva Gray made an immediate
impact on Cal U’s volleyball program.
In 2006, her first season, the Vulcans
won 30 matches and finished second at
both the PSAC and NCAA Regional
tournaments. The American Volleyball
Coaches Association named her its
Atlantic Region Freshman of the Year.
The program’s first Academic All-American,
Renata Silva Gray, will be the seventh
women’s volleyball player inducted into
the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Over the next three years Silva
Gray helped the Vulcans compile a
111-12 cumulative record and 41-0
conference mark. The team won three
consecutive conference and NCAA
Atlantic Regional titles and made three
appearances in the NCAA quarterfinals.
Silva Gray was the PSAC
Tournament’s MVP in 2008 and 2009.
After her senior season, ESPN the
Magazine named her to its Academic
All-America Team – a first for a Vulcans
volleyball player.
“Renata took California University
volleyball to another level,” said former
head coach Melissa Myers, who saw her
play in Brazil.
“It wasn’t just her talent, but her
attitude, energy and effort that separated
her from others. She was one of the
most mature, hard-working and resilient
athletes I’ve ever coached – and she
made her teammates better.”
Silva Gray earned two bachelor’s
degrees at Cal U, one in international
studies with a business concentration
and the other in Spanish, as well
as a master’s degree in business
administration. Active with the
International Club, as a grad student
she worked in the Department of
Criminal Justice and volunteered as
an assistant coach for the 2010
volleyball season.
“Cal U had so many different
options … and everyone there was so
receptive and trying to help you in one
way or another,” she recalled.
“I keep in touch with my
teammates. We all understood that
volleyball was not forever, and we’ve
gone to be successful, which directly
relates back to our time at Cal U.”
Shortly after graduation, Silva
Gray accepted a position with Anova
Healthcare System, which provides
home health and hospice services.
Today, she is the company’s director of
Administrative Services and
Human Resources.
Her achievements earned her a place
among the New Pittsburgh Courier’s “Fab
40” in 2019.
Silva Gray is still on the court,
albeit on the sidelines. She has coached
Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball since 2012;
she’s currently head coach for the sports
club’s 17 Elite national team.
“Coaching has been very rewarding,
especially when you see players go to
college,” Silva Gray said. “Whether
it’s my players or employees at work,
I always tell them to step out of their
comfort zone and engage.”
Renata and her husband, Donald
Gray III, live in Pittsburgh.
“Now I am able to help my family
back in Brazil,” she said. “I will always
be grateful to Cal U.”
The California Journal is published by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.
Geraldine M. Jones
University President
Dr. Bruce Barnhart
Provost and Senior Vice President
for Academic Affairs
Dr. Nancy Pinardi
Vice President for Student Affairs
Christine Kindl
Vice President for Communications
and Marketing
Office of Communications and Public Relations
Robert Thorn
Vice President for Administration and Finance
Anthony Mauro
Vice President for University
Development and Alumni Relations
250 University Avenue
California, PA 15419
T. David Garcia
Vice President for Enrollment
Management
724-938-4195
Wendy Mackall
Editor
Bruce Wald
Writer
wald@calu.edu