A new edition of the Cal U Journal is available online. The latest headlines include: International leaders build bridges; Associate Provost named ‘Women of Excellence;’ Emeritus president speaks at Commencement. Read the Journal online

A group of 15-20 California University of Pennsylvania students, all members of the Technology Education Association of California University (TEAC), are preparing to compete at the world’s largest conference for technology and engineering educators. 

The 77th annual International Technology Education and Engineering Educators Association Conference will be held March 25-28 in Milwaukee, Wis.

TEAC is a professional organization for “tech ed” majors. The Cal U students are coming off a strong showing at November’s Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association (TEECA) Eastern Regional Conference in Virginia Beach, Va., where they took part in 10 contests, facing off against eight East Coast schools.

Cal U returned home from that event with six awards, including first place in the Manufacturing contest, which TEAC has won in 14 of the past 17 years. Cal U also took first place in the Manufacturing poster session.

The second place finishes were in the Mechanical and Instructional Modules contests, while fourth-place showings came in the Technology Challenge and

Problem Solving contests

“We had a great level of competition between the schools, which showed through in their final products for each competition,” said Frank Guyer, a technology education major who is the president of TEECA and serves as a fundraiser/social coordinator for TEAC. “We had a strong showing.”

The ITEEA Conference will feature eight competitions, in Communications, K-5 STEM, Manufacturing, Problem Solving, Robotics, Teaching Lesson, Technology Challenge, and Transportation. 

Students also will participate in a “cookbook” session on creating a lesson bplan, hear from a first-year teacher, and attend “quick tip” sessions on how to use various forms of technology.

“This conference will be a tremendous learning experience for us on many different levels,” Guyer said.

Dr. Laura Hummell and Dr. Mark Nowak, faculty members in the Department of Applied Engineering and Technology, will accompany the students.

Hummell is the 2014-2015 ITEEA Children’s Council president, as well as 2013-2015 president of the Pennsylvania Technology Student Association board of directors. She will be presenting both a pre-conference workshop and a regular conference session in Milwaukee.

“Our students have proven that their positive attitudes, diligence, perseverance, problem solving and teamwork help them to succeed,” she said.

On his first visit to campus, retired Army Master Sgt. Samuel Morris discovered that Cal U more than lives up to its advertising Morris, a resident of Tacoma, Wash., who studies through Cal U Global Online, last month received the 2014–2015 Col. Arthur L. Bakewell Veterans Scholarship.

The scholarship was presented officially at the Cal U Veterans Club’s 41st annual Veterans Day Dinner. It is awarded annually in memory of Bakewell, a longtime Veterans Club adviser, and funded through the generosity of the Veterans

Scholarship Fund 500 Club. Morris retired in 2010 after 20 years of service, which included deployments to Korea (1991-1992), Germany (1997- 1998) and Iraq (2005-2006).

He became a certified personal trainer, but realized his second career needed a college degree. So he enrolled in Cal U’s online sport management program, with a concentration in health and wellness.

Morris said he became aware of Cal U while spending time at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Md.; Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois; and Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Wash. 

“Cal U is consistently named ‘military friendly,’ and it shows. I’ve been to the education centers at all three of those places. You pick up pamphlets and you always see a Cal U ad or something about them in there talking about all their programs.”

Morris said he was impressed with both the campus and the support that Cal U provides for its student-veterans.

“The Veterans Club consists of a phenomenal group of people, and I can see why vets excel here. … I’m proud of my school.” 

Guest speaker at the dinner was another Cal U student, retired Air Force Col. Franziska Chopp. She recently served 12 years as staff judge advocate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. 

Now a graduate student majoring in elementary education, Chopp is pursuing her dream of teaching young children. She also wants to help newer veterans on campus. 

“Despite their experience, it’s very challenging for veterans to transition from soldiers to students,” she said. “I want to make a better effort to reach out to newer student-veterans, because we can be of great benefit to each other. All of us here need to get involved and give back our knowledge to our veterans.”

Capt. Robert Prah, director of Veterans Affairs, coordinated the dinner “Celebrating Student Veterans.” Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 235 students, faculty and staff at Cal U have served in the U.S. military, he said. A number of students have served multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The experience, professionalism, knowledge and wisdom they bring back to our campus benefits our student body,” he said. “There’s no better way our nation can supply a benefit to our veterans than for them to go to school on the Post-911 G.I.

Bill.”

Student Delroy Blake, who recently returned from active duty overseas, and alumnus Kerrie Gill Sr. ’76, ’83, a 30-year member of American Legion Post 377, were awarded Presidential Patriotic Service medallions.

Carolyn Clements, former assistant director and military coordinator for Cal U Global Online, received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service medal.

Although leadership of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 2^nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team is changing, a California University of Pennsylvania graduate will still be in command.

Col. James F. Chisholm will transfer command to Lt. Col. Ros L. Gammon IV at a traditional military change-of-command ceremony 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Cal U Convocation Center.

Both servicemen are Cal U alumni.

The commanders

Before taking command of the unit in November 2012, Chisholm served in a variety of command and staff positions, including deployments to Bosnia-Herzegovina (2002-2003) and Afghanistan (2010-2011). He graduated from California University in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management; he also holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Army War College and Duquesne University.

Gammon, who served overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom, currently is executive officer for the 2^nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. From 2008-2011 he commanded the 1^st Battalion 110^th Infantry, and he later was chief of operations for the 28^th Infantry Division, based in Harrisburg, Pa. Gammon, of Hiller, Pa., earned his bachelor’s degree at California University in 1989 and his master’s degree in legal studies, also at Cal U, in 2013.

The ceremony

The 2^nd Infantry Brigade was organized as a division unit in 1975, and the change-of-command ceremony honors its proud history of service, especially in Europe and the Middle East.

The ceremony includes the transfer of the unit “guidon,” a flag with streamers recognizing the unit’s accomplishments. The guidon is passed from the outgoing unit commander to the higher-ranked headquarters commander, who in turn passes the flag to the unit’s incoming commander.

The ceremony in the Cal U Convocation Center is open to the public. Parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, near the campus entrance off Third Street in California, Pa.

Leasing is now open for 2015-2016 University Housing in the residence halls and at Vulcan Village. Apply before Feb. 6 and save $75 on the application fee. Returning students are eligible for priority room selection. Get details

To: All students, faculty, staff and alumni
From: Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones

It’s time to celebrate! Our University’s alumni ranks will grow by more than 1,200 this week as we mark California’s 179th Commencement.

On Friday evening, graduate students who completed their studies in August and December will receive their master’s degrees. On Saturday morning, undergraduates will receive their associate and bachelor’s degrees at Winter Commencement ceremonies.

Our graduates have worked hard to reach this important milestone, and I look forward to congratulating each of them in person as they walk across the Convocation Center stage. This campus has been a big part of my life for more than 40 years, yet I still take genuine pleasure in shaking the hand of every newly minted Cal U graduate.

I urge every member of our campus community to join me in wishing our graduates well. Please make an effort to stay in touch with them, too, and encourage them to remain engaged with their alma mater. Bright and talented alumni can be wonderful role models for our current students, enriching our Cal U community by continuing the cycle of learning and mentorship.

Speaking of mentorship, I am thrilled to welcome Emeritus University President Dr. John Pierce Watkins as our Commencement speaker this weekend. Dr. Watkins was Cal U’s fifth President, and he remains both a champion for this University and an important mentor to me and to many others on campus.

I know he will deliver a thought-provoking message to our graduates, their families and friends.

As the fall semester comes to a close, I have a few brief messages of my own to share.

To our faculty and staff: As always, I appreciate your efforts on behalf of our University and, most importantly, the students we serve. Your expertise, your dedication and your sincere interest in our students combine to make Cal U a very special place.

To our current students: Please enjoy your winter break (or Winter College classes) and return refreshed and ready for a productive spring semester. As a campus community, we are committed to helping you complete the journey toward your own graduation day. You can do it!

And finally, to our graduates: You have reached a significant goal, and I applaud your success. Your Cal U “family” and I will be watching as you step forward into a new chapter of your life as a California University graduate. We know you will make us proud!

With warmest wishes for a happy holiday season,

Meet Interim President Geraldine M. Jones

‘Technology Today,’
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014
KDKA-TV

Don’t miss “Technology Today,” a television program focusing on the latest in science, technology, engineering and math, and how they are making an impact on our region.

The next episode airs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 on KDKA-TV.

KDKA-TV host John Cline talks with:

• Dr. Katherine Mitchem, a professor in Cal U’s Department of Special Education, who discusses how future teachers learn to use high-tech tools that can facilitate education for all students, including people with special needs.

• Dr. Swarn Gill, an associate professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, who describes the technology used in Cal U’s meteorology program and storm-chasing experience.

• Dr. Stephen Whitehead, Cal U’s associate provost for innovation, who describes how the new Cal U Center for Innovation at Southpointe is fostering creativity while helping families and businesses connect with STEM subjects and careers.

The 30-minute program is presented by California University of Pennsylvania.

Turn to KDKA-TV to see our Cal U faculty members on the air.

— Science of Sports — Look for these 30-second spots featuring men’s and women’s hockey players on news programming from 5-7 a.m. and 4-7 p.m., and in sports programming through Dec. 31.

— Hometown High Q — Listen for a question about science or technology read by a Cal U professor during this weekly high school quiz show. “Hometown High Q” airs from 11 a.m.-noon on Saturdays.

— Technology Today — Watch Dr. Katherine Mitchem, Dr. Swarn Gill and Dr. Stephen Whitehead discuss technology with host John Cline from 7:30-8 p.m. Dec. 27.

Two California University Police officers will be among the law enforcement professionals involved in hands-on police training Jan. 12 in Helsel Hall.

The Washington Regional SWAT Team will conduct training exercises in and around the building throughout the day. 

Helsel Hall will be closed during the daylong training session. No faculty, staff or students will be permitted to enter the building.

Reminders of the building closure will be posted on the doors to Helsel Hall. Members of the campus community should not be alarmed if they see or hear police officers in the vicinity of Helsel Hall 

The Washington Regional SWAT Team trains regularly to respond in high-risk situations. It consists of law enforcement officers from county and municipal police forces, as well as the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

This is a one-day training exercise. Helsel Hall is expected to reopen Tuesday, Jan. 13. 

Questions?

Contact Lt. Michael Miles, assistant chief, California University Police Department, at 724-938-4299 or miles@calu.edu.

Two events honor the memory of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King:

Jan. 20: MLK Day talk

Derric I. Heck, director of strategic initiatives at Propel Schools, will speak at 11 a.m. Jan. 20 in the Vulcan Theatre, inside the Natali Student Center. Propel Schools is a federation of not-for-profit public charter schools located in and around Pittsburgh.

The campus community, as well as the general public, may attend Heck’s talk, “Connecting for Impact.” 

An architect and longtime community advocate, Heck works with Propel schools and the Propel Foundation to offer quality choice in education to communities throughout western Pennsylvania, and to inspire achievement among students. 

He also is the founder of Project HOPE (Healthy Opportunities to Pursue Excellence), an initiative designed to mitigate disparities in academic outcomes through staff and scholar development. Read his bio

Jan. 27: Day of Service

From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 27 members of campus clubs and organizations will meet in the Carter Hall Multipurpose Room to perform service-oriented activities coordinated by the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning.

Projects will benefit numerous organizations, including Center in the Woods, Washington Family Center Afterschool Program, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Golden Living Center, local animal shelters and Meals on Wheels.

Students must register online through OrgSync is they wish to participate in the Day of Service.

On Jan. 27 they also may register in person or through OrgSync to participate in a Feb. 3 blood drive organized by Central Blood Bank.

The Day of Service can help students bolster their Activities Transcript, an official record of their service and leadership activities. Inspiration for the annual event was a 2003 visit to Cal U by the late Coretta Scott King, who asked that the day commemorating her husband be observed as “a day on, rather than a day off.”

Questions?

To learn more about the Martin Luther King Day talk, contact LaMont Coleman, associate dean for multicultural student programs.

For details about the Day of Service or other volunteer opportunities, contact Diane Hasbrouck, director of the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning, or phone the center at 724-938-4794.

Flocks of crows have begun congregating on campus, and once again Cal U is taking measures to discourage them from roosting on University buildings and in the Quad.

Beginning Jan. 15, technicians will use a natural, plant-based mist to disperse the flocks. Bright lights also may be deployed to shoo the birds from University property. 

Once crows have identified a winter roosting site, it is typical for them to return to the area year after year. USDA-approved crow dispersal measures have been used annually at Cal U since 2010, and they generally have proven effective at relocating the flocks.

The plant-based “fog” and/or bright lights typically are deployed beginning at dusk and continuing for two or three hours as needed. Specific locations will be based on the birds’ activity patterns. Relocation efforts are expected to continue for five days.

Humane measures

The natural grape-extract mist and bright lights are not harmful to humans or other animals. These humane measures are intended to discourage the flocks from settling on campus, where they can create unpleasant and unsanitary conditions.

The crow dispersal program used at Cal U has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will be carried out by trained and licensed pest removal technicians. The anti-roosting measures do not harm the crows; they simply change their roosting habits and encourage them to relocate.  

Questions?

The California University Police Department is aware of the crow dispersal measures, which are being overseen by the University’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Anyone with questions or concerns may contact California University Police at 724-938-4299.

The USDA-approved crow dispersal program is used annually on the grounds of the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. To learn more about the state Capitol’s crow dispersal program, visit http://www.pa.gov and type “crows” into the search box.

Hundreds of students from schools and community groups throughout the region have begun preparing for the 2015 Greater Pittsburgh Regional FIRST^® Robotics Competition March 5-7 in the Cal U Convocation Center.

More than 1,200 students on 54 teams from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia and Ontario, Canada, will put their custom-built robots to the test while building life skills and expertise in science, technology, engineering and math.

For Cal U, the FIRST tournament is one of several STEM-based contests coming this spring to the Cal U Convocation Center.

The FIRST Robotics challenge

The FIRST Robotics season kicked off earlier this month when FIRST founder Dean Kamen introduced this year’s challenge, RECYCLE RUSH^SM, via a broadcast viewed by about 3,000 teams across the United States and in five nations overseas.

Watch the kickoff broadcast.

After student competitors viewed the RECYCLE RUSH playing field, each team received an identical “kit of parts” to use in building its robot. Working with adult mentors — typically engineers or previous FIRST competitors — the students have six weeks to design, build, program and test their robots before the regional competition.

In this year’s challenge, two alliances of three robots each will compete on a 52-by-27-foot playing field. Robots score points by stacking totes on platforms, topping the stacks with recycling containers, and disposing of plastic “pool noodles” that represent litter.

In keeping with the theme of this year’s challenge, local teams or the FIRST organization will reuse or recycle all game pieces at the end of the season.

STEM competitions

This semester Cal U will host a variety of competitions focused on science, technology, engineering and math at the Cal U Convocation Center, where the robots come out to play.

  • March 5-7— Greater Pittsburgh Regional FIRST^® Robotics Competition

  • March 18— Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Science Olympiad

  • April 24-25— Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ Final

For more information about these events, e-mail Michael Amrhein, director, Office of Integration and Outreach for T.E.A.M.S. (Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math and Science) at Cal U. 

A new edition of the Cal U Journal is available online. The latest headlines include: Two presidents address graduates; Two named women of the Year; Mentorship has global reach. Read the Journal online today

Each day, 22 U.S. military veterans die by suicide, according to the 2012 VA Suicide Data Report. 

To raise awareness of this public health crisis, Cal U ROTC and the Veterans Club will meet on the Quad at 11:22 a.m. weekdays, from Jan. 22-Feb. 20, and perform 22 pushups each.

You can join them! It takes just a few minutes to complete 22 pushups. As the group on the Quad grows larger, awareness of this issue also expands. 

Each time a participant completes 22 pushups, he or she will be registered for a drawing. The winner will be selected at the end of the 22-day event. 

Why meet at 11:22 a.m. (EST)?

The Great War (World War I) ended at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month — a date we observe as Veterans Day on Nov. 11 each year. Meeting at 22 minutes past the 11^th hour recalls the 22 veterans who die by suicide each day. 

How long will this continue?

The event continues on weekdays from Jan. 22 through Feb. 20. That’s seven weekdays in January and 15 in February — 22 days in all.

Why do pushups?

Pushups are a familiar component of military training — and almost everyone can do them. This event is a creative way to incorporate physical activity into your day while raising awareness of rising suicide rates among veterans and military members. 

Who can participate?

The event is open to the entire campus community, as well as the general public. In particular, student veterans, military members and their dependents are encouraged to attend. 

How does Cal U assist veterans?

The Office of Veterans Affairs at Cal U provides information and support for veterans, military members and their families. Learn more at www. calu.edu/veterans.

Do you need to park at the east end of campus while you grab a meal or visit the Convocation Center?

Cal U’s Department of Parking and Transportation has installed a pay-by-license meter in Lot 11, behind Gallagher Hall. Or you can pay by using a smartphone app.

Lot 11 permit holders continue to have unmetered access to the parking area.

But this pilot project gives drivers without Lot 11 parking permits convenient access to the Convocation Center, Morgan Hall and Gallagher Hall, Cal U’s primary dining facility during the Natali Student Center renovations.

Use the meter

Similar to those found on city streets and at other State System schools, the pay-by-license meter is located in the transit shelter behind the building.

To pay by the hour for any available parking space in Lot 11:

• Go to the meter and enter your license plate number.
• Select the length of your stay.
• Pay the rate indicated with $1 bills or a credit card.

There is no reason to go back to the car. Your license plate becomes your parking permit.

If you pay by credit card you can choose to receive a text message before the meter expires. You also can use your smartphone to add time on the meter.

Use the app

To bypass the meter altogether, use a smartphone app to pay for parking.

• Download the free PassportParking Mobile Pay app from iTunes or Google Play.
• Register and link a credit card to your account.
• Use the app to pay for parking in Lot 11.

Pilot project

The Lot 11 meter and mobile app are part of a pilot project to determine the value of extending hourly paid parking options in high-traffic areas of campus.

Meter use will be evaluated during the spring and fall semesters. Then University officials decide whether to offer additional pay-by-license meters or mobile solutions at other high-traffic areas on campus.

Christopher Johnston, director of Parking and Transportation, says if the project is expanded, the University may consider allowing students to use CalCards to pay for metered parking.

Nearly 100 Cal U students will take part in presenting the eighth annual StormFest, set for Friday and Saturday at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.

StormFest is a family-friendly educational event that explores geology, geography, meteorology and more. The 2015 event is presented in part by the Southwestern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Meteorological Society (Cal U Meteorology Club) and the Department of Earth Sciences, in collaboration with the science center.

Cal U meteorology students will staff the event, along with students who are studying geology, GIS and emergency management, and parks and recreation. The Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity will lend a hand, and Cal U again has recruited volunteers from Ohio University’s meteorology club.

StormFest hours

Feb. 6:           

10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Hands-on activities for school groups (grades K-6).

6-10 p.m. —“21+ Night” activities for adults, with cash bar and snacks available for purchase. Cost is $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Feb. 7:

10 a.m.-5 p.m.  — Activities for the general public. Participation is free with paid admission to the science center. 

StormFest fun

Cal U students have designed more than 30 hands-on activities to illustratethe science behind weather and other natural phenomena. Some favorites:

• Make a rock.
• Make a weather map.
• Make a rain stick.
• Explore geographic information systems (GIS).
• Create “glurch” (a substance with solid and liquid properties).

Each visitor who attends the 21+ Night or Saturday’s StormFest program will receive a free souvenir T-shirt, while supplies last, if he or she completes at least 14 activities on Friday or 18 activities on Saturday.

Learn more

E-mail the StormFest chair, Jensen Hufnagel, at huf2018@calu.edu

Visit the Carnegie Science Center website

The Department of Social Work will host its second annual Ethics Panel from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 30 in the south wing of the Cal U Convocation Center.

The campus community and the general public may attend the free presentation, which is co‐sponsored by Cal U’s Master of Social Work program.

Child welfare specialist Jane Zupancic, a licensed social worker at Washington County Children and Youth Services, will join four Cal U faculty members on the panel:

• Dr. Holiday Adair, Department of Psychology.
• Dr. Elizabeth Gruber, Department of Counselor Education.
• Dr. Mary O’Connor, Department of Nursing.
• Dr. Julie A. Warnick, Department of Criminal Justice.

The workshop is intended to build awareness of how people in diverse disciplines might interpret and respond to a variety of ethical dilemmas.

Each panelist will present case scenarios that involve ethical questions. Attendees will discuss the situations in small groups after each presentation.   

Continuing education credits

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors has designated Cal U’s Master of Social Work program an approved provider of professional continuing education for LSW, LCSW, LPC and LMFT professionals. 

Licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists, or professional counselors who attend the workshop can earn three continuing education credits (CEUs); cost is $15, payable by check to “California University of Pennsylvania.”

Contact us

For more information, contact James Andrews, field coordinator for Cal U’s Department of Social Work and MSW program, at andrews@calu.edu.