Science And Technology Agenda Moves Forward; Science And

CLARION AND BEYOND

larion University’s “science and technology agenda” took another giant step forward May 5, 2007 with an official groundbreaking ceremony for its new

$36.4 million Science and Technology Center. “To all of the people in this community who believe…really believe…that Clarion can lead a science agenda in this region I say thank you,” said Clarion President Joseph Grunenwald who also served as master of ceremonies. “I say thank you for not only those of us here today, but thank you for the students that will be here 20 and 40 years from now, taking the ideas that you saw today in the rotunda and advancing them to next steps, either to commercialization or to the next level of research required to move forward. Science for the good of all.” The groundbreaking was the second during the 2006-07 academic year, joining last fall’s groundbreaking for the Clarion University Biotechnology Business Development Center (CUBBDC). The facility is designed to establish and grow high technology, family-sustaining jobs in the region. The incubator facility of the CUBBDC will be a catalyst for the formation of local biotech start-ups and form a unique partnership with Clarion’s Science and Technology Center. The outdoor celebration also capped off the annual Alumni Weekend activities that also included a presentation of student research displays in the Gemmell Student Complex. In addition to Grunenwald, also making remarks were Clarion Trustee Chairperson R. Lee James ’74 of Oil City: Alumni Association Board of Directors President Lois Linnan ’56, a retired Clarion University Department of Mathematics faculty member; Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Todd Pfannestiel; Clarion University Student Senate President Justin Dandoy, Clarion County Commissioners Chair

David Cyphert; and Clarion University Foundation Inc. Administrative Director Michael Keefer. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has approved budget funding of $33.7 million to construct the facility, scheduled for completion in Spring 2009, with Clarion University to raise $2.7 million in matching funds. The ceremony recognized the project’s Executive Planning Committee that includes Terence Alcorn, Co-Chair, Project Architect, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson; Dr. Stephen Johnson, Co-Chair Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Paul Bylaska, Vice President for Finance and Administration; Grunenwald; Dr. Steven Harris, Associate to the Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; and Clare Heidler, Director of Facilities Planning. Grunenwald also praised the efforts of faculty members in designing the project, pointing to the Project Steering Committee consisting of Dr. Stephen Johnson, Chair; Dr. Yasser Ayad, Anthropology, Geography, and Earth Science Department; Dr. William Barnes, Biology Department; Dr. Jon Beal, Mathematics Department; Dr. William Brent, Chemistry Department (deceased); Dr. John Ernissee, Anthropology, Geography, and Earth Science Department; Dr. Benjamin Freed, Mathematics Department; Dr. Curt Foltz, Physics Department; Dr. Steven Harris; Dr. Sharon Montgomery, Physics Department; Dr. Joshua Pearce, Physics Department; Dr. Paul Ryberg, Anthropology, Geography, and Earth Science Department; Steven Selker, Associate Director, Computing Services; Dr. Bruce Smith, Department of Education; Dr. Johnathan Touster, Chemistry Department; Dr. Andrew Turner, Biology Department; Dr. Charles Williams, Biology Department.

Student Research On Display Posters from research projects completed by students, in conjunction with faculty members, from the science fields that will occupy the new Science and Technology Building were on display earlier in the day for alumni and other visitors. The Office

of Academic Affairs funded some of the research projects and many of them were presented at Clarion University’s Undergraduate Research Conference and various conferences in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

Clarion’s Vision Of Science And Technology The construction of a new Science and Technology Center is a linchpin for the realization of Clarion University’s vision for the next decade and beyond. That vision centers on student learning supported by high quality academic facilities. The Science and Technology Center, which will replace Peirce Science Center, will facilitate the university’s efforts to prepare top-notch science and math teachers to address a recognized national shortage as well as technologically trained professionals to enter other areas of the workforce.The project is expected to be one of the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified science buildings in Pennsylvania. LEED certification requires meeting national standards and reflects facilities that best meet sustainable environmental energy concerns. The science and technology building will house many core programs – mathematics, chemistry, physics, geography, geology, molecular biology/biotechnology, archeology, nanotechnology, and anthropology among others. Every Clarion University student will take some classes in the new building. The building will house 11 collaborative research laboratories, 25 teaching laboratories, a state-of-the-art computer lab, a science museum, a cold room, and individual resource centers for biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, and physics. The 98,000 square foot building will also house 55 offices. The current planetarium and auditorium will also be renovated and add another 8,000 square feet to the complex. Smart classrooms will be available throughout the building with wireless Internet inside and outside, allowing students and professors to connect with the entire world through video, computers, and the web.

Naming Opportunities Available Naming opportunities are available for everything from faculty offices to the building itself. For additional information on supporting Clarion’s building program, please contact Rika Beckley, associate vice president for development, at 814-393-2572.

Science And Technology Agenda Moves Forward;

Science And Technology Center Breaks Ground

CClarionAnd BeyondMagazine

02 | July 07 www.clarion.edu | 03

ThE GRuNEY AwARDS

Hollywood may have the Emmy’s, but Clarion University has the Gruneys. Clarion University President

Joe Grunenwald presented his annual list of student accomplishments at the May meeting of the Council of Trustees.

“These are the things that put a smile on my face in the middle of the night,” said Grunenwald about the accomplishments. “Some people often talk about what’s wrong with America. Here’s what’s right. Most were achieved at national levels of competition, pointing to Clarion’s recognition beyond its traditional regional outreach.”

Nation’s Top Diver Is Also An Honors Student Senior diver Jamie Wolf of South Park, Pa., won a record 7th NCAA Division II national title in the three-meter competition. She also was named the NCAA Diver II Female “Diver of the Year,” an honor she has achieved in three of her four years at Clarion. She is a 4.0 student athlete majoring in molecular biology and was selected to receive the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship to pursue her doctorate degree in molecular genetics at Ohio State University.

No Debate About It. Clarion Talks The Talk And Walks The Walk. Two members of the Debate Team, Rob Noerr of Clarion, Pa., and Taylor Hahn of Bethel Park, Pa., qualified for the National Debate Tournament (NDT) held in Dallas, Texas, on March 30-April 2. This was a first for the Clarion team that won the Junior Varsity National Championship from the American Debate Association (ADA) the previous year. Clarion has finished as high as fourth in the ADA national

rankings, which combines novice, junior varsity and varsity competition. Clarion finished sixth the in ADA rankings this year.

Clarion Students Make The Best Managers The Clarion Chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM) received first place honors as a national “Outstanding SAM Chapter” in the intermediate size campus chapter division at the SAM International Conference held in Las Vegas, Nev. The competitive national award honors the chapter that best demonstrates a commitment to management practices, organizational development, programming, outreach, budgeting, and membership activities. The Clarion Chapter has placed first or second in this competition five out of the last six years. Jessica Scheller of Seven Fields, Pa., a management and industrial relations major and an officer of the Clarion chapter, received two prestigious awards, the “SAM Outstanding Regional student” and the “SAM Outstanding National Student.” Only 15 students from all U.S. and International chapters receive the national student award. Melissa Paul and Ryan Steitz also were recognized as Regional Outstanding Management Students at the conference.

The Road To Harvard Now Leads Through Clarion Senior Ashley Dunn of Pittsburgh, Pa., a double major in economics and finance with a 4.0 QPA, will attend Harvard Law School in the fall. She is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Accounting student advances to William and Mary Nathan Geesman of Waynesboro, Pa., a senior accounting major, was accepted into the highly competitive master of accountancy program at the College of William and Mary. Upon completion of this master’s degree, he will work for an accounting firm in Virginia Beach, Va. He is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma.

It’s All Greek To Her, And That’s A Good Thing Ashley Walker of Chalfont, Pa., former Panhellenic Council President and member of Delta Zeta Sorority, was one of nine students recognized this spring by the Northeast (U.S.) Greek Leadership Association as a “Greek Leader of Distinction” at its annual conference in Pittsburgh, Pa. The award recognizes members who exemplify the ideals of sorority and/or fraternity membership in their daily lives.

Graduate Student From England Wins International Award Graduate student Andy Swift from England is the 2007 recipient of the Sitzman International Award. Originally endowed by retired professor and librarian Glenn Sitzman, the award recognizes the international student who most exemplifies the standards of academic excellence and commitment to activities that promote the goals of the university. He completed a master’s degree in mass media arts and journalism this spring.

Zambian Earns International Scholarship Graham Nkanza from Zambia, a December 2006 Summa Cub Laude economics graduate, was the recipient of the Esther-Jafai Haymon International Student Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually by the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, Inc. to an outstanding International student enrolled in an undergraduate school in Pennsylvania.

Nursing A National Reputation Leigh Weaver of Knox, Pa., graduated with an associate of science nursing degree and is the recipient of the prestigious Nightingale Award of Pennsylvania Scholarship. Nightingale is a statewide, non-profit foundation created to help recruit and retain nursing professionals. She graduates with a perfect 4.0 QPA and has been active in campus and community organizations such as March of Dimes, tutoring with the Venango Campus Learning Support Center, and leadership roles in her church. She also was the recipient of a Kosker Insurance Scholarship, one of only five awarded nation-wide.

Student Serves Our Country And Earns Degree To Further Career Dawn Linn of Franklin, Pa., a non-traditional student with a bachelor’s degree in applied science from another institution, graduated from Clarion with an associate of nursing degree and is the recipient of a Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Scholarship, one of only eight awarded in the Commonwealth. She currently serves as a medical corpsman with the U.S Naval Reserves. She plans to become a nurse practitioner and advance to officer’s candidate school. She was active in many campus and community projects and received various community scholarships.

Senior wins national leadership award Senior Annie Bria of Aspinwall, Pa., was awarded the Grace

Mason Lundy Award from Delta Zeta Sorority. The award is presented to only six women within 157 chapters nationwide. She also won a joint Outstanding Leadership award for her leadership role as chapter director.

Gruney Awards Honor Clarion University Student Accomplishments

Taylor Hahn (left) and Rob Noerr during preparations at the National Debate Tournament.

WOLF

Clarion University SAM members at the SAM International Conference are from left: Melissa Paul, Jessica Scheller, advisor Dr. Kevin Roth, Chris Lape, Mike Kaneski, Tona Geci, and Ryan Seitz.

WALKER

NKANZA


THE GRUNEYS

CLARION AND BEYOND

larion University’s Second Annual Academic Excellence Week featured a growth in the number of events and the number of participants. The most dramatic growth in participation was in the Undergraduate Research Conference. “We were very pleased with this year’s conference,” said Dr. Steve Harris, interim

associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Both the number of students involved in scholarly projects and the number of posters were higher this year. We had a 30 percent increase in student participants and a 20 percent increase in number of exhibits. The quality of the posters and exhibits were outstanding and it was wonderful to see all of the participants excited about their studies. “I couldn’t have been more pleased with the efforts of our students and their faculty advisors,” said Dr. Brenda Dede, assistant vice president for academic affairs. “They were simply outstanding and deserve a great deal of credit for their innovation and creativity. The research/scholarly projects came from all of Clarion University’s three colleges – Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, and Education and Human Services.” Attendance at the conference was also outstanding. The first floor of Carlson Library, where the conference was held, was crowded much of the day with students, faculty, staff and administrators. A number of faculty brought their classes to demonstrate all of the scholarly activities available on campus. “From an educational perspective, it was great to see students discussing scholarship with other students and with faculty,” said Harris. “I expect with all of the excitement generated by this year’s conference that in the next year and in succeeding years the conference will continue to grow.” The Undergraduate Research Conference was part of Clarion University’s 2007 Academic Excellence Series. Other activities included: the newly added faculty and staff scholarship recognition reception, recognizing faculty and staff research, scholarship, professional development, external grants, and creative endeavors; Senior Honors Presentations, featuring presentations of their capstone projects by Honors Program students; Academic Convocation, recognizing scholarship winners and outstanding academic achievement; and the Graduate Research Seminar and Reception, where graduate students present their research. The Academic Excellence events are sponsored by AFSCME Local 2326, APSCUF, Chartwells, College of Education and Human Services, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration, University Libraries, Academic Affairs, and Student and University Affairs.

2007 Senior Honors presenters: Front from left to right: Kelly Devlin, Jamie Wolf, Jessica Bonk, Devina Boring, Samantha Stevick, Emily Reel, Ashley Ross, Erin Schaffer, and Seth Hampton; 2nd row from left to right: Shana Lynch, Jedediah Millard, Nathan Geesaman, Paul Mastarone, Ryan Hassler, and Ben Hornfeck; 3rd row from left to right: Adam Polinski, Benjamin Park, Megan Rupert, Michelle Fetzer, and Trevor McGaughey; and 4th row from left to right: Ashley Dunn and Caitlin Kordek.

From left: Tiffany Johnson of Pittsburgh, Pa., Joe Fiedor of Clarion, Pa., and Matt Petruna of St. Marys, Pa., exhibit their work at the Undergraduate Research Conference.

Part of the large crowd that attended the Undergradu-ate Research Conference.

From left: Kate Ehrensberger of St. Marys, Pa., Jess Chobanian of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Steve Potwin of Bemus Point, N.Y., with their poster presentation at the Undergraduate Research Conference.

Academic Excellence week Grows In Second Year


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DISTINGuIShED AwARDS

Distinguished Awards

Robert “Bo” Garritano (’66), who turned personal disappointment into an ongoing success story for Clarion University is being honored as the Clarion Alumni Association’s 2007 Distinguished Volunteer. The story begins in 2006, when Garritano returned to campus for his 40th class reunion. He found the small turnout discouraging, but took to heart President Joseph Grunenwald’s request to think about “coming home” and getting involved. After meeting with friends, Bob Gevaudan (’69) and Tom Komenda (’71), they asked to talk with new head football coach Jay Foster, who told them about his intentions to recruit in Pennsylvania and involve alumni in continuing the heritage of the football program. After speaking with Foster, Garritano offered to help. First he contacted athletic director Dave Katis and obtained an e-mail list containing 30 names. Next a steering committee was formed that included Lynn Armstrong (’68), Al Lefevre (’64), Harry George (’66), Charlie Matsko (’70), and Kevin Ewing (’85); then he contacted former Clarion head football coaches. Soon the 30-name e-mail list grew to 130 and then to nearly 500, who receive a once-a-week Clarion Football Alumni Network newsletter. Improving the locker room became a goal and $34,720 was raised using a variety of fundraisers. Garritano went on to earn master’s degrees in guidance and administration from Duquesne University, a superintendent’s letter of eligibility from California University of Pennsylvania, and certification in instructional design and technology from University of Pittsburgh. He taught at Ford City, Bellevue, Norwin, Gateway, and Hempfield school districts and Westmoreland Intermediate Unit; and was an administrator in the East Allegheny, Penn Hills, and Laurel Valley School District. He most recently worked as an educational coordinator at UPMC SportsWorks at Carnegie Science Center. Garritano resides in North Huntingdon, Pa., with his wife, Joyce. They have a grown daughter, Nicole, who is married to Michael Meloy.

Robert “Bo” Garritano Distinguished Volunteer

Royce Freebourn credits Dr. Audean Duespohl, former Dean of the School of Nursing and Interim Executive Dean of the Venango Campus, for his successful beginning in the field of nursing. “Dr. Duespohl and her staff worked hard to make their students the best. They went above and beyond to guide and mentor us so we’d become professional, knowledgeable, and caring registered nurses.” Mr. Freebourn resides in Texas, where he is CEO of Community Management Services, which manages Community Care Center in three locations, skilled nursing facilities with a total of 309 beds, and Provident Medical Supplies, which provides the facilities with medical supplies. An Erie native, Mr. Freebourn found his calling at an early age. He was a junior fireman, first aid and CPR instructor and EMT, all by the age of 16. His strong faith led him to nursing and he chose Clarion for his education. “Clarion University’s registered nursing program was a prime way to continue helping people in the medical field,” he says, “close to home and affordable!” Mr. Freebourn was an active student while at the Venango Campus, serving as vice-president of Student Senate and editor of the yearbook. He continued his education at Alliance College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Mr. Freebourn and his wife, Rosemarie, are the parents of four children: Justin, 20; Yvonne, 18; Anthony, 16; and Lucas, 14. “I will never forget the Venango Campus and the friends I made there,” said Mr. Freebourn. “Many lives have been saved or improved thanks to God’s help and the wonderful education I and others received at Clarion University–Venango Campus.

Royce FreebournVenango Distinguished Alumni


Gerald Marterer (’67), the Clarion University Alumni Association’s 2007 Distinguished Alumni, traces his success, which includes extensive experience transforming businesses, to knowledge he gained at Clarion. Marterer is the president and CEO of Arizona Chemical, a global leader in pine chemistry. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., the company has seven manufacturing plants in the U.S. and five in Europe, and supplies chemicals to the adhesive, inks, coatings and pharmaceutical markets. He has held numerous positions with International Paper, Arizona’s former parent company, including president-IP Asia, vice president-quality management, and general manager of the Akrosil and Nicolet divisions. He has a great deal of field experience in helping with corporate transformation. A leveraged buyout of Arizona Chemical was recently completed. It will become a private company, providing a new set of challenges, part of them financial. All of this has happened despite Marterer’s own admission that he did not have a sense of what he wanted to do when he arrived at Clarion and completed a major in economics and minor in accounting. While at Clarion, he served as president of Student Senate in 1966, was a student senator for three years, and was a class officer. He played in the marching band directed by Dr. Stanley Michalski. But most importantly during his years at Clarion, Marterer met his wife Suzanne Conroy (’67), who received her degree in elementary education. They have two grown sons, Brian and Aaron, and two grandchildren. Currently residing in Jacksonville, Fla., they also have a home in Paris, France.

Gerald Marterer Distinguished Alumni

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CLARION AND BEYOND

A funny thing happened to 2007 Clarion University Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award recipient Dr. Todd Pfannestiel while trying to overcome a case of undergraduate shyness–he became a history major. Everything that followed is, of course, “history.” Since 1998, Pfannestiel has taught history at Clarion University, coming to campus directly from graduate school. The Alumni Association Award is the second big recognition for Pfannestiel this year. In the spring the Clarion University Student Athlete Association honored him as its “Faculty Member of the Year.” Pfannestiel was raised in Oklahoma from the age of six on. He admits to having great history teachers in high school and being fascinated with the past, yet he entered the University of Arkansas as a journalism major. That interest lasted only a few weeks before he switched majors to economics. Another change was still ahead when he switched to history.

He went on to earn his B.A. degree in history and economics from Arkansas, where he was also a Fulbright College Scholar. He enrolled in graduate school at Duke University, majoring in Soviet economics at the precise time the Soviet Union collapsed. Pfannestiel is the advisor to Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society in History and the Clarion University History Club. He and his clubs have taken on several projects including the ongoing Clarion University History Project, where he and his students are attempting to gather as much of Clarion University’s 140-year history as possible; and for the last three years at Halloween have led the Clarion University Ghost Walk, which attracts 400 or more participants. He also organizes the annual Constitution Day events on campus. He is the author of “Rethinking the Red Scare: The Lusk Committee and New York’s Crusade Against Radicalism” and coauthor of “Creamed Onions for Supper: The Great Depression in Western Pennsylvania.” His current research interest is American popular culture.

Dr. Todd Pfannestiel Distinguished Service

Laurie Carter Robinson (’84) vice president and general counsel and executive director of jazz studies for The Juilliard School, New York City, N.Y., credits her career success to Clarion University. The Clarion University Alumni Association is recognizing this success by presenting her with the Distinguished Achievement Award. Originally from Rutherford, N.J., Robinson followed her sister, Taryn (Carter ’81) Wyche to Clarion University. She went on to earn an M.A. degree in communication from William Paterson College, Wayne, N.J., in 1987, and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School, Newark, N.J., in 1993. While she was in graduate school, Robinson worked as a resident hall director at William Paterson University and later as assistant director of residence life and director of residence life at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford, N.J. She joined the Juilliard School in 1988 as director of student affairs, working full-time while attending law school part-time.

With an offer in hand to join the district attorney’s office, a dean at Juilliard asked Robinson to remain and set up a legal department at the college. She was named an associate vice president in 1996 and since 2000 has handled the positions of vice president for student and legal affairs and executive director of jazz studies. She was promoted to vice president and general counsel in 2006. In addition to serving as in-house counsel and chief student affairs officer in legal and student affairs area, she worked with the president, dean, and artistic director at Juilliard to design and implement a new jazz program. The process included devising curriculum, hiring faculty, recruiting and selecting students, and hiring and training staff. According to Robinson, none of it would have happened without her Clarion experience. Robinson resides in Montclair, N.J., with her husband, Gary, and son, Carter.

Laurie Carter Robinson Distinguished Achievement


Trueman Mills (’55) has always been there when Clarion University or the Clarion community needed a helping hand. The Clarion University Alumni Association will recognize his efforts by presenting him with the Distinguished Service Award. Mills is a lifelong resident of Clarion, living most of his life within two blocks of his current home. A graduate of nearby Clarion-Limestone High School, he came to Clarion University as a student in 1951 Mills as a student served twice as class president, including his senior year, played in the band conducted by Walter Hart, and was a member of Alpha Gamma Phi fraternity. Following his graduation Mills taught for two years at Redbank Valley High School before joining his father-in-law’s automobile business. Mills’ wife, Jean (Weaver ’59, ’74), is also a Clarion native. She received her degrees from Clarion in education and reading. Mills was involved with the automobile dealership for 24 years, eventually becoming the owner. He also

worked for Source Inc., a wholesale distributor, and for 22 years as the head of his own business Trueman Mills Fundraising. Both Trueman and Jean Mills remained active with Clarion University. They worked with the Capital Campaign, sponsoring the refurbishing of an office in Founders Hall. They are also active supporters of Clarion University’s Theatre program. Mills was active in organizing an alumni group for Alpha Gamma Phi Fraternity. In 2001, the Alpha Gamma Phi alumni brothers established a scholarship awarded to an incoming freshman student athlete. Mills is also active with the Clarion Rotary Club and the First United Methodist Church of Clarion; and has served with the Clarion Chamber of Commerce. The Mills’ have a daughter Deborah Krebs, who resides in Billerica, Mass., with her husband, Christopher, and a son Nicholas.

Trueman MillsDistinguished Service

Banquet Oct. 5, 6 p.m. ticket info online at www.clarion.edu/alumni

DEAR CLARION,

I’m a 1993 graduate of Clarion University, currently serving with Special Operations Command, Europe as a Major in the U.S. Army. As a history major, the events, experiences, and traditions I enjoy in the Army are constant reminders of our nation’s great history. Recently I participated in a commemorative airborne operation as part of the D-Day Anniversary Celebration which occurs in St. Mere Eglise, France.

As a paratrooper formerly assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina (1993-1994), I became very familiar with the close relationship still in existence today between The Division and many towns liberated in France during World War II. It was not until last week, when I was lucky enough to participate in the commemorative D-Day jump, that I experienced the depth and genuine gratitude of the French people.

The entire town laid out the red carpet for veterans young and old and I was fortunate to have met several paratroopers who jumped into St. Mere Eglise on June 6, 1944. The French people still remember the impact the efforts made by the Allied Forces and displayed enormous affection and thanks for their sacrifices.

Additionally, I wanted to say that no matter how hard I looked and although I met veterans from North Hills, Belleville, and other places in the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I was unable to locate another Clarion University Alumni. Therefore, I had to settle for jumping into the drop zone with a 1974 graduate of Slippery Rock University; Sergeant Major Roger Romestan, a Special Forces Soldier, who has served his country with honor for many years and is nearing retirement. He’s not a Clarion graduate, but in a pinch worked out just fine!

Please share this story amongst the alumni news and put the word out, so that next year I can jump into the drop zone with a fellow Clarion grad!

MICHAEL D. MAYES ’93MAJ, USA

Jump for Clarion

century of family dedication to Clarion University of Pennsylvania was honored

in the naming of the “Seifert-Mooney Center for the Advancement of Clarion University” by the Council of Trustees at its May 10 meeting. “I love Clarion University,” said Mary Seifert ’46 in explaining her ties with her alma mater that are also mirrored by her family. She also received the Distinguished Service Award of the Clarion University Alumni Association in 1998. The Advancement Center, located at the corner of Greenville Avenue and Corbett Street, opened in 2004, was constructed primarily through private restricted contributions. The building includes the offices of Development, Alumni Relations, the Clarion University Alumni Association, and the Clarion University Foundation, Inc. Seifert’s rich family history with Clarion can be traced to 1907 with the enrollment of her mother, Sabina Mooney-Seifert and her uncle Charles A. Mooney. From 1909–1912 her grandfather, John A. Mooney served as a trustee for the Clarion Normal School. Shortly after her mother and uncle’s graduation in 1909 their two younger siblings, Thomas W. and John A., were to follow family tradition by attending Clarion. Two of her uncles became medical doctors after furthering their education at the University of Michigan. In fact, to date at least eighteen members of her extended family have graduated from Clarion. This made Mary’s choice of where to attend college easy. Mary received her bachelor’s degrees in Secondary Social Studies and Geography and a minor in English in 1946 from Clarion State Teacher College. While a student at Clarion, Mary excelled not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom. The 1946 Sequelle yearbook calls Mary the “humor” of the class and chronicles her services as secretary of the Young Women’s Christian Association; President and Vice President of the Woman’s Athletic Council; Assistant Editor of the Sequelle; a member of Delta Sigma Epsilo and the Treasurer of the Choir. After graduation, she taught for 35 years and retired from Edison Jr. High in the West Mifflin School District. However, she never truly left her alma mater. She almost immediately began recruiting

students, attended alumni, athletic and cultural events faithfully and became one of the University’s strongest advocates. She stands up straight and tells everyone how “great” Clarion University is. She asks students where they plan to go to college, and after they name the schools they plan to visit, she’s known to hand them $10 to $100—whatever the cost of the admissions application fee at the time –and says, “Take this and promise

me you’ll visit Clarion.” She has many successful recruiting stories, including one where a mother

called her school in West Mifflin and had her removed from class to tell her how excited she was that her daughter chose Clarion after their visit. “Her efforts don’t stop after enrollment,” said Harry Tripp, vice president for student and university affairs. “I regularly get calls from Mary to check up on a student and faculty members get calls from Mary to personally ask them to serve as academic advisors for her “students.” In fact, Mary not only provided guidance and moral support to these students, in many cases she provides financial support as well. Seifert was one of the first “life members” of the Clarion University Alumni Association and became an active donor to the Clarion University Foundation, Inc. in 1993. She created six endowment funds and graciously supported nine other endowment and project funds. These include: Sabina Mooney-Seifert Scholarship Endowment, John A. Mooney Scholarship Endowment, Mary L. Seifert Scholarship Endowment, Lyle G. Reinhard Scholarship Endowment, John F. Kuhn Memorial Scholarship Endowment, Dr. Helen M. Barton Endowed Basketball Scholarship, Mary L. Seifert Cultural Lecture Series Endowment, Timothy John Mooney Theater Endowment, Science and Technology Center Campaign, Center for Advancement Campaign, Diane L. Reinhard Student Housing Endowment, the purchase of concert grand piano and an endowment to support piano maintenance in the Department of Music. Seifert is also a former member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is actively involved in several local civic organizations.

SEIFERT

New Name honors history Of Clarion Support


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CLARION AND BEYOND

The Clarion University of Pennsylvania’s Black Alumni Philadelphia Chapter held an alumni awards/scholarship fundraiser at the University of Pennsylvania on April 28, 2007. Joseph Pailin (’80) and Michael Robinson (’82) organized the reception/fundraiser. The reception was held to recognize the achievements of four notable alumni who were recognized for their admirable career achievements within their respective industry: Clarence DuPree (’89) is the assistant district attorney for the Philadelphia district attorney’s office prosecuting lawbreakers in one of American’s busiest DA’s offices. Lloyd White (’85) is one of 12 state appointed Pennsylvania Parole Board members responsible for granting parole to any of the 45,000 eligible inmates within the state prison system. Rachelle Nelson (’83) is the head librarian for the University of Pennsylvania, which has over a dozen libraries where she is responsible for monitoring the Shared Cataloging division.

Lawrence Chamberlain (’79) is the regional manager for the United Parcel Service where he oversees daily operations for 2,000 employees within the Philadelphia region. The keynote speaker for the reception was Sonya Toler, Executive Director for Governor Edward Rendell’s Commission on African American Affairs. The reception raised $515 for the W.E.B DuBois Scholarship.


Black Alumni Chapter Recognizes Achievements

larion University student radio station WCUC (91.7 FM) celebrated its

30th anniversary recently with many founding faculty, staff and alumni, including Larry Reichert (’81) of KDKA radio, Pittsburgh, Pa., returning for the observance. WCUC began with a proposal to determine if a radio station was feasible for what was then known as Clarion State College. Richard Ocko, a consulting engineer, prepared a proposal for the station in 1969. In 1970, the Clarion University Council of Trustees granted permission to construct and operate an FM educational station. The Federal Communication Commission assigned the call letters WCUC in June 1976. Construction of the 200-foot tower, antenna, transmitter, and control room took six months to complete. WCUC received an official license in 1977 for a 1,000-watt non-commercial educational station. Disc jockey and transmitter training at the station, originally housed in Davis Hall, commenced during the spring of 1977. Dr. Robert Nulph (’80, M.S. ’87), one of the initial disc jockeys for WCUC in 1977 and currently a Clarion University faculty member in the department of mass media arts and journalism, said, “Students traveled to Buffalo, N.Y., to complete elements 1, 2, and 9 of the FCC radio licensing test

to enable them to be recognized as FCC licensed radio operators and become on-air DJ’s. Part of their work assignment besides working on air, included spending three hours sitting in the shack below the radio tower watching the transmitter and taking readings at regular intervals.” Many members of Clarion’s Communication Department played a significant role in the planning and production of 91.7 FM according to Nulph. They include: Leonard Pfaff, Milburn Cooper, Larry Elkin, Patricia Marini, Dr. Allan Larson, Dr. Henry Fueg, Dr. James Cole, and Dr. William McCavitt, the new station’s faculty advisor. In the 1980s, the station moved its studios to its present location in Becker Hall. By then the transmitter was remotely controlled. Due to a change in the FCC licensing requirements, the students were no longer required to take an FCC test to become licensed radio operators. In 2005, WCUC underwent a $62,000 renovation, which included a new transmitter and renovation of the physical facilities to include a digital studio. The new transmitter enables the signal to reach nearly 40 miles in any direction from Clarion.The digital studio’s computerized, scheduling software allows for the programming of a daily schedule. This includes music, public service

announcements, promotional items, and messages from the 12 underwriters who donate sponsorship to WCUC. All are placed in touch screen accessible folders. The system can be placed on automatic, where the pre-designed program will play for several minutes or hours without additional supervision. The changes meant the station broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Last fall, WCUC-FM received an eight-year license renewal from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). The extension runs through 2014. WCUC is classified as a non-commercial educational station by the FCC, meaning it does not accept paid advertising. The station can accept underwriting sponsorship, but cannot announce prices for any product. Until the late 1990’s, WCUC was noted for its annual w eekend-long Heart Radiothon, that also served as a talent show, benefiting the Northwestern PA Chapter of the American Heart Association, raising an average $1,500 per year. It has also served as an outlet to raise funds for other non-profit organizations, such as the Mental Health/Retardation of Clarion County fund drive. WCUC has been the station that has served as the flagship for some of the greatest moments in Clarion State

College and Clarion University sports history. The home for Clarion football and wrestling in the past, today it is the broadcast home for Clarion University men’s and women’s basketball. WCUC served as the flagship home of the three-station Golden Eagle Football network back in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s which also consisted of affiliates the now defunct WCCB-AM, 640, and WWCH-AM, 1300. Presently, Golden Eagle men’s and women’s basketball games broadcast on WCUC-FM is simulcast on the Internet in partnership with the Red Zone Media Network based out of Pittsburgh. Sports is the bread and butter of the station. It has been nationally recognized for it’s consistent play-by-play over the years. In 2001, the Society of Collegiate Journalists awarded WCUC second place for a sportscast, while in 1988, the Associated Press and the Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters awarded WCUC with third place in the same category. Although sports is a staple

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for excellence, WCUC was also awarded first place for the quality of the underwriting announcements, promotions, and public service announcements by the Society of Collegiate Journalists in 2001. Over 20 student disc jockeys managed by an elected six-member student management team operate the station. The elected students have the same duties they would handle at a commercial radio station, providing them a real world opportunity. The result is a high placement rate for Clarion University graduates. “We have many commercial radio stations contacting us about our graduates as potential employees,” said Bruce Exley, the station’s chief engineer.

wCuC Celebrates 30 Years


Two New Deans Appointed Twoofthethreedean’spositionsatClarionUniversityhavebeenfilled.Dr.JohnGrovesisthenewdeanoftheCollegeofEducationandHumanServices,andDr.RachellePrioleauisthenewdeanoftheCollegeofArtsandSciences.ProvostLindaNolanannouncedbothappointmentsthisspring.

fEATuRES

“A teacher can only be as good as his/her supporters. I want the faculty to have what they need to teach.”

Dr. Rachelle Prioleau

Dr. Rachelle Prioleau Prioleau, who will start on July 5, will assume the duties currently held by interim dean Dr. Steve Johnson. Johnson has served in that position since the resignation of Dr. Stanton Green to accept another position. A Pittsburgh native, Prioleau most recently was an associate professor of speech communication and chair of the department of fine arts and communication studies at the University of South Carolina (USC) Upstate, Columbia, S.C. She received baccalaureate and masters degrees from the University of Pittsburgh in speech communications and rhetoric, and a doctorate from the USC College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Prioleau finds a parallel between her present and future institutions. “I am currently at a metropolitan campus with a core mission of serving the community,” she said. “I see Clarion University with a similar mission and responsibility to serve the community and is making the effort to do just that.” She has spent the last four years as an administrator but will carry the perspective of a teacher into her new position. She is pleased with what she has seen of Clarion University’s College of Arts and Science. “The faculty are eager, passionate and committed to serving the students,” she said. “They are innovative and creative. I am looking forward to working with them and helping them to pursue their agenda. I would like to see co-curricular programs increased and the current outreach programs enhanced. “I love teaching and I know what it is like to have the support of a department chair and a vice president who stay attuned to the classroom. A teacher can only be as good as his/her supporters. I want the faculty to have what they need to teach. I see that quality in the Clarion University administration. President Joe Grunenwald is attached to academics. That impressed me during my visits to campus. I want to serve in the same way.” Prioleau views all of this as a plus for the students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, adding, “I see the coursework and programs in arts and sciences as a central focus for all endeavors, regardless if you are in business, education, or any other course of study. The courses facilitate the academic goals of all students. Individual and specific courses in arts and sciences really do provide a basis

for quality of life training. Literature, history, theatre, music, environmental science and the other courses all enhance knowledge and better the quality of life.” She is excited about returning to Western Pennsylvania. “Pittsburgh is my home town and making a difference for Western Pennsylvania is one of my dreams,” said Prioleau. “I’ve been at the USC Upstate for 18 years. I have been successful and I believe I have made a difference. It is time for new challenges and to make a difference in other ways.” In addition to her work in administration and teaching, Prioleau served USC Upstate as director of the Center for Mediation and Conflict

Resolution, and director of forensics, where she coached debate, mock trial and model UN teams; provided instruction and training in a variety of speech-related subjects and conflict resolution

topics; coordinated intercollegiate competitions in debate and mock trial; and assisted in the development of curriculum, academic programs, co-curricular activities, institutional policy and faculty recruitment as chair Certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court Commission as a family court mediator in 2000, Prioleau has facilitated numerous family conflict workshops, presentations and awareness programs in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. She is the recipient of numerous academic and professional awards including Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 1996, 2000, 2002 and 2005; Kappa Tau Alpha Top Scholar Award, 2000; USC Ernest E. Just Research Award, 1998; and the USC System Teacher of the Year, 1991. She is the only faculty member to receive the Bank of America Excellence in Teaching and Advising Award two times, 1991 and 2003. Prioleau will be moving to Clarion with her mother, Rachel, a social worker in the Pittsburgh area for many years. Her late father, Charles, was an administrator at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.

Dr. John Groves Groves started his new job June 11, assuming the duties held by interim dean Dr. Nancy Sayre, who is retiring. “I am pleased to be joining the College of Education and Human Services,” said Groves, who was serving as the dean of the School of Education for Georgian Court University, Lakewood, N.J. “I considered the Clarion position because of its good reputation. When I visited Clarion, I found everyone to be very friendly. I was asked intriguing questions and seemed to hit it off with the people on campus. I was pleased to see that the College of Education and Human Services was involved with area school districts and the community.” Groves, a native of Michigan, plans to bring his love for education to his new position. He received his B.A. in English and education from Western Michigan University and went on to earn a masters in curriculum and a Ph.D. in curriculum and higher education from Michigan State University. “Teaching was something I always wanted to do,” said Groves about his path to a career in education. “I enjoyed school as a kid and I loved literature and history. I wanted to be able to teach about literature and history. I found teaching to be a very satisfying activity which I enjoy.” Groves taught in the Grand Ledge Public Schools in Grand Ledge, Mich., before moving into

the college ranks. He has taught at Michigan State, Lansing Community College in Lansing, Mich., Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Md., and Stockton State College, N.J. He also spent time as director of the continuing education division for Broome B.O.C.E.S., Binghamton, N.Y.; vice president of Memorial Hospital, Towanda; chief operating officer for GrandCor Health Network, Dayton, Ohio; and as a carpenter for Sharkey Framing Company in Long Beach Island, N.J. He joined Georgian Court College first as an adjunct faculty member and became full-time faculty in 1992. He was chair of the undergraduate education department form 1998-2000, prior to be appointed dean of the newly created School of Education. “When I was a high school teacher there were always things I wanted to do in the district,” said Groves about his move from the classroom to administration. “I went into curriculum and design intending to be a principal or a superintendent and I discovered I liked the higher education part of the program the best. “What more can you do to help kids than to have them learn and enjoy school. I wanted to keep that excitement alive. I believe all kids can learn and have the right to an education. Education is how we created and maintain a great nation. Education should be a high priority for society. Teaching is a first rate profession. Educators can do anything if they set their minds to it.” Groves will be moving to Clarion with his wife, Susan, who is a nurse, and a sixteen-year-old grandson, Bob. They have five children and nine grandchildren. They are excited to be coming to Clarion, which will place them approximately half way between their extended families in New Jersey and Michigan. “I am extremely pleased with the town of Clarion,” said Groves. “It reminds me of the towns I grew up in. Georgian Court is in suburbia, but I will like being at a college where the town is part of the college situation. I like small colleges because they are very friendly. I am looking forward to meeting Clarion University’s students and working with them.”

Sisters Donate $250,000 To Name

The Henry And Sara Decker Recreation Facilites

larion University students were not the first ones to enjoy living in the area where Reinhard Villages are currently located. Just ask the Decker sisters, twins Janet

Decker (’60) and Jean Leety (’60), and Ruth Williams (’78). “There are a lot of good memories in those woods.” The sisters grew up on the property, part of a farm owned by their parents Henry and Sara (McMahan ’27) Decker. To honor the memory of their parents they have pledged $250,000 to have the recreation facilities in Reinhard Villages named in honor of their parents and give back to the university they all cherish in their memories. “We are proud of our parents and want to give back to the college,” said Janet, who worked with Rika Beckley, associate vice president for development, to make this gift possible. “I thank Rika for the inspiration to honor my parents in this way. Mom didn’t want the property to go into disarray; she wanted it to be useful. Two years ago I was back in Clarion and saw Reinhard Villages for the first time.” Reinhard Villages is a 69-acre student apartment complex owned by the Clarion University Foundation, Inc. located three-tenths of a mile from campus in Clarion Township. It is named in honor of retired Clarion University President Diane L. Reinhard. The complex opened in 2004 and consists of 30 new buildings of over 225,000 square feet on 56 acres, with a capacity for 656 students. The Recreation

Facilites consist of a heated outdoor swimming pool, basketball

and

sand volleyball courts, picnic pavilion with Bar-b-que grills, as well as a 24 hour fitness center located across the street in the Miller Community Center. “Our parents were very humble people,” said Jean Leety. “They didn’t seek recognition or credit and they would say they didn’t deserve this. But, they did a lot of things. My dad helped other children and my mother was one of the best substitute teachers in the area. They were willing to help others and lived what they believed.” The sisters believe their parents bought the property in 1933 or 1934. They sold lots from the original purchase over the years, but retained seven acres where their home and barn sat. Henry Decker owned a moving business and was gone from home a great deal of the time during the World War II time period. He also served on the Clarion-Limestone School Board and delighted in helping children. Sara Decker’s degree was from Clarion Normal School and she taught for many years, substituting in the Clarion-Limestone School District into the 1950s. Their daughters made good use of the land, recalling quite well the creek at the edge of Reinhard Villages, which resulted in wetland relocation issues during the construction of the housing facilities. They played in the woods, flew kites and played softball in the pasture land where the cow was kept, picked flowers, made sassafras tea from the plants growing in the field, and in the winter time sledded down Decker’s Hill, where their uncle lived. All three also graduated from what was then known as Clarion State College.“We just went and signed up to attend Clarion,” recalled Janet about the simpler time period of obtaining entrance to college. “We lived at home and had parties at our house. College students were always welcome. Clarion was good to all of us. All three of us are self-sufficient and stable.” Janet received her degree in biology and spent 32 years teaching science, biology, and middle school ecology. She spent much of that time in Denver, Colo., where she moved with her late husband, Bill Atchison. Now retired, she volunteers at the Denver Zoo, where she gives tours to children and participates in overnight excursions, and participates in bicycle marathons.

Jean Leety received her degree in general science with a minor in mathematics and went on to earn a guidance counselor’s degree from Villanova University. She spent 36 years as a teacher and guidance counselor, first at Eden High School and later in the Upper Darby School District. “Clarion gave me so much,” said Jean, now retired and living in Carbondale, Colo., with her husband, Richard. “I was prepared and had hands-on experience to find employment. That goes directly back to the people who were there when I was a student. There were only 20 to 30 in a class and the professors knew us and supported us. They made me feel special and I got good value for my money. Because my professors made it a point to know me as a person, I also made it a point to do the same with my students. I wanted my students to feel that I cared about them as people.” Ruth Williams earned her degree in library science as a returning adult student. She is a corporate librarian with Michael Baker Engineers Inc., Beaver, Pa. She was formerly married to retired Clarion University biology faculty member, John Williams. Her son Doug (’83) earned a biology degree from Clarion University and is employed by XL Industries in Colorado Springs, Colo. Her son, Matt, earned his undergraduate degree at Penn State University and later an education degree from Clarion. “I went into library science because I loved books and interacting with other people,” said Williams. “I intended to teach, but I wound up in this special library. They like me as a corporate librarian and I interact with adults as opposed to children.” For additional information on naming opportunities, please contact Rika Beckley, associate vice president for development, at 814-393-2572.

CLARION AND BEYOND


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Henry and Sara (McMahan ’27) Decker

Top: Janet Decker (’60) and Jean Leety (’60), and Ruth Williams (’78).

Bottom: Janet, Jean, and Ruth with Henry Decker.

At Reinhard VillagesAt Reinhard Villages

Sisters Donate $250,000 To Name

The Henry And Sara Decker Recreation Facilites

Documents

Science And Technology Agenda Moves Forward; Science And