college of education and human services - Clarion University

10 | CLARION AND BEYONDCOLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICESThe Future Lies In Our StudentsWe teach what we learn, and the cycle goes on.—Joan CurcioTeaching and learning is a cycle andthe faculty and administration of theCollege of Education and Human Servicesat Clarion University are very cognizant ofthat fact. We realize the FUTURE lies inour students.Faculty in the College of Educationand Human Services are committed tolearning. It is evident in their learningprocess. Forty-four members of the tenuretrack faculty have doctorate degrees and11 have master’s degrees, which is a creditto the college and to Clarion University.Understanding is an important aspectof the Learning and Teaching Cycle.Frustration does occur if students andfaculty do not reach understandingbetween and among each other.The faculty of the College ofEducation and Human Services has apositive working relationship withstudents. The relationship is highlightedby understanding. Heather Morrow anEarly Childhood/Elementary Educationmajor (2006), stated, “Any time I have aproblem, I can count on my professors,past and present, to help.” That type ofconnection is so important to learning andto teaching, and we have it at ClarionUniversity.Teaching in the 21 st century requiresfaculty and students to embrace technology.Our faculty are using technology intheir teaching on a daily basis byintegrating Web activities into the learningprocess. Andrea Miller, associate professorin the Library Science Department, hasset-up a blog for mentoring the newSchool Library Media Specialists. TheLibrary Science Department is reachingstudents throughout Pennsylvania via theuse of the web and other modes ofdistance education.Unity is important in any communityand that is true not only for the universitycommunity but for the community thatsurrounds the university. There are manyexamples of how the College of Educationand Human Services reaches out to thecommunity. The Communication andSciences Disorders Department operates aSpeech and Hearing Clinic that is open tothe community. The clinic meets a needthat would not be met without the department’soutreach efforts. The SilerChildren’s Learning Complex (SCLC) isan early learning and care program thatprovides an outstanding educational programto children in the community whileserving as a laboratory setting for theEarly Childhood Education program. TheSCLC is accredited by the NationalAssociation for the Education of YoungChildren. Unity is certainly part of community,and it is strong and active atClarionUniversity.Research isvital touniversity life.It is whatstimulatesgrowth.Dr. MarkKilwein,assistantprofessor inspecial educationand rehabilitative sciences, has coauthoredan article with Richard M.Kubina Jr. and Ann E. Young. The article,“Examining the Effect of Fluency:Application of Letter Sounds Writing andOral Word Segmentation toSpelling Words” was published inthe Learning Disabilities Journal,13 (1), 17-23. We are very proudto add that the article is basedupon the research done by Youngwhile she was a graduate studentat Clarion University. Dr. GregGoodman in the EducationDepartment has established theConsortium for Action Research inEducation (C.A.R.E.). Research is,and will continue to be, in thefuture of the College of Educationand Human Services.Enthusiasm is the driving forcebehind Teaching and Learning Cycle atClarion University. It is exemplified in thework of Dr. John McCullough in theEducation Department. He has designed“Advisor Cards for all faculty members inthe department. Each card has a picture ofthe faculty member, address, phone number,and e-mail address. The cards will beused during Advisement Week to assiststudents in recognizing and communicatingwith advisors. It is a creative way tobring faculty and students together.I am confident that the College ofEducation and Human Services willcontinue to be a strong point of involvementin the FUTURE of students andteaching and learning.Nancy E. Sayre, Ph.D.Interim Dean, College of Education andHuman ServicesMembers of the Advisory Council at the September 30 dinner meeting. Leftto right: David Smith ’64; Chuck Desch ’99; Dean Nancy Sayre; W.G. Sayre,President Joe Grunenwald.College of Educationand HumanServices CommunityAdvisory CouncilDr. James EstepSuperintendentBrookville Area School DistrictDr. George White ’76SuperintendentClarion Area School DistrictDenise S. Hershberger ’74PrincipalQueen Anne County Public SchoolsDr. Mervin K. Strickler Jr. ’47Retired Director of Aviation EducationUSAF Civil Air Patrol/Federal AviationAdministrationDavid C. Smith ’64Guidance CounselorRed Lion School DistrictJames ’74 and Lydia ’80 CrooksOwnersCrooks ClothingDr. William KaufmanRiverview Intermediate UnitHeidi DennisonAttorneyDr. May Lou Higgerson ’70Vice President Academic Affairs/DeanBaldwin Wallace CollegeAdditional Special Guests Attendingthe Annual Dinner IncludedDr. and Mrs. Joseph GrunenwaldPresident of Clarion UniversityDr. Linda NolanProvost of Academic AffairsVice PresidentClarion UniversityDr. Donna PattersonAssociate DeanCollege of Education and HumanServicesClarion UniversityHost: Dr. Nancy SayreInterim DeanCollege of Education and HumanServicesClarion University

Leah (McCoy ’95) Knotts had ulterior motives whenshe entered the Mrs. West Virginia International Pageant.She was looking for a forum to encourage help forAlzheimer’s patients and families.Winning the title of Mrs. West Virginia Internationaland placing in the top 10 in the Mrs. International Pageantin Chicago, Ill., were just icing on the cake.“People don’t listen to you unless you have a title or acrown,” said Knotts. “Telling the Alzheimer’s story hasbecome a passion for me. As a Creative Memoriesconsultant, I teach people how to tell their story in theirphoto albums, but I wanted to open eyes to a demographicthat has been left out. I wanted a way to publicize what Iwas doing when I came across the Mrs. InternationalPageant. I contacted them and decided to apply.”Knotts traces her idea to her pre-teen years when afriend of the family was providing long-term care for herAlzheimer’s-stricken husband.“She made sure anyone who visited knew who he wasand what he had accomplished,” said Knotts. “The visitorsknew him as a person.”That experience is the origin of Knotts’ non-profitorganization, Living Legacy, and home-operated business,Creative Memories, which encourages families ofAlzheimer’s patients to put together memory albums ofthe patient’s life, which are accessible to the patient, thefamily, and visitors.“Families are overwhelmed by Alzheimer’s,” saidKnotts. “They couldn’t do the albums on their own, so Istarted Living Legacy to help. Volunteers partially decoratealbums, which are donated along with a few materialsto Alzheimer care centers. I go to the care centers to speakand teach them how to use them.“The albums can be used for different topics andprovide a peek into the life of the patient. They givecomfort, smiles, a better outlook, and encourage selfconfidence.Families who can barely talk because they arein denial bond and face the disease through the albums.Later, the albums become a legacy to the patient.”Because the albums have a multinational application,Knotts saw the Mrs. International Pageant as the perfectoutlet. Each county in West Virginia sends a representativeto the pageant. Contestants had to be married, a WestVirginia resident for at least six months, and between theages of 21 and 56. Fifty percent of the judging is basedEveryone who passes through Hartsfield International Airport inAtlanta, Ga., remembers the intricate 34-foot, mirror-polished, stainlesssteel and glass clock tower near the atrium.It is just one of the many prominent works of Andree Studios Inc.,of Atlanta, Ga., owned and operated by Mike Andree (’71). BesidesHartsfield Airport, the company’s clients include Elton John for a customizedhome stairway, Georgia Tech University, Georgia StateUniversity, South Carolina State University, The Coca-Cola Company,Coca-Cola Enterprises, Nike, MCI, Delta Airlines, Centers for DiseaseControl & Prevention, Cartoon Network and many more.“We are metal fabricators,” said Andree about his company, operatingout of a 10,800 square-foot building, employing nine people andhas as many as 20-25 workers at one time. “We specialize in manufacturingcustom architectural detailing made of stainless steel, brass,bronze, aluminum, steel and mixed media. We complete architecturaldesigns out of metal that other contractors don’t want to build.”The process includes AndreeStudios completing the architecturaldrawings, reaching an agreementwith the architect and contractor ofthe project, and then fabrication andinstallation of the contracted project.The custom projects include: distinctivehandrails and other architecturaldetails, trim work, doors, elevatorcages, column covers and fine hardware,unique lighting fixtures, sitesculpture and public art, two andthree-dimensional signage, andANDREEshowpiece furniture.FEATURESClarion Alumna Mrs. West Virginiaupon an interview, with 25 percent each placed on anevening gown and fitness outfit competition.“I went to the state pageant in April 2004 and Inever expected to win,” said Knotts. But, she won andwas crowned by her escort and husband, Joel. Theirdaughter, Raegan, also attended the finals.In Chicago, with Bob Eubanks serving as the masterof ceremonies, Knotts competed against 55 otherwinners from throughout the world. She was selectedas a top 10 finalist, with Mrs. Virginia taking home thetitle of Mrs. International.Through it all, Knotts, a native of Bedford, Pa., isusing the communication skills she learned at ClarionUniversity.“I came to Clarion because of the communicationdepartment,” she recalled. “Clarion was the only StateSystem of Higher Education member with a functioningtelevision station. I also wanted to be away fromhome, but close enough that I could go home if Iwanted to and Clarion fit that requirement.”Knotts pursued broadcast journalism, somethingher parents had unintentionally prepared her to do.From an early age, they had her speak in front ofpeople so she would feel comfortable.By the time Knotts was in high school, she wasinterested in news and politics. “I enjoyed speakingand from watching Ophra and the news, I decided thatwas what I wanted to do,” she said. “My parentsthought it was a great idea.”While at Clarion, Knotts worked for TV-5 andWCUC radio on campus, and was active with S.T.A.R.(Students Together Against Rape). She completed aninternship with WJAC-TV in Johnstown.“I loved the internship,” she said. “It gave me apeek into the television world. I also learned it wasnot much of life a because you travel a lot. If you wanteda family you would have to wait.”Knotts went on to earn her master’s degree from theRobertson School of Government at Regent University inVirginia Beach, Va. The degree opened up the world ofpolitics and free-lancing for her. She returned home tohelp her parents with their commercial contracting businessand met her future husband, Joel. They now live inRidgely, W.Va., where Knotts is a stay-at-home mom.Andree Builds Reputation In Metal Fabrication“Ninety-five percent of our business is for commercial firms,”said Andree. “We do a lot of guide rails. But we also designed andinstalled spiral staircases, like the one for Elton John; and projectslike the stainless steel high containment building for the Center forDisease Control.”Andree has operated his business for 15 years, building it intoone of the Southeast’s premier fabricators of custom architectural,ornamental and commercial metalwork. It was not what he envisionedwhen he enrolled at Clarion University.“I visited campus and liked it,” said Andree. “I loved my time atClarion.”Andree came to Clarion from Hickory Township near Sharon,Pa., on a wrestling grant and aid. He wrestled for two years, letteredthree times for the football team and was a member of Sigma TauGamma Fraternity.“My grades suffered, but I stayed out of the draft,” said Andree.“Looking back, I also made a lot of good friends and had a lot ofgood times. I remember Matt Marder, my accounting teacher. Ididn’t like accounting, but he kept my attention and laid it all out soyou got it if you put forth any effort. I also had good relationshipswith football coaches Al Jacks and Charlie Ruslavage and wrestlingcoach Bob Bubb.”He received his degree in business administration in 1971. “Mymother was a teacher in Hickory Township,” said Andree. “Shewanted me to go to college to be a teacher, but I couldn’t imaginedoing that. I was interested in business, so that is what I did. It wasa good choice. All of my experiences since that time prove it. It is agood background for what I am doing now.”continued on page 19CLARION AND BEYOND | 11KNOTTSShe has a goal for her reign as Mrs. West Virginia. “Iwant to partner with a national organization to write theinstructional materials for using albums as a comfort, therapytool, and lasting legacy for families and individualsdealing with Alzheimer’s,” she said. “I’m only one person.I can’t do this alone, but the partnership of a nationalorganization would ensure families across the nationalfacing this reality can put this tool to use.”For additional information about Living Legacies,e-mail mrsswestvirginia05@atlanticbb.net.The focal point of the atrium atHartsfield International Airport,Atlanta, Ga., is the intricate, 34-foot mirror-polished stainlesssteel and glass clock towerfabricated by Andree Studios,Inc. It is built from aluminum,brass, stainless steel andPlexiglas.

12 | CLARION AND BEYONDAvalon Cordell and Eugene FitzsimmonsAlumni Reunite After 50 YearsTheir responses to their firstcollege “date” were all too typical.“He was a little removed andtold me he was shy, but I suspectedhe had a girlfriend,” she said.“I was shy and sheintimidated me,” hesaid. “I didn’t even askfor a good night kiss.”Avalon (Delp ’57)Cordell and Eugene“Fitz” Fitzsimmons(’55) laugh when theymake these evaluations50 years later.In 1954, sophomoreAvalon Delp wasselected as the Rose ofSigma Tau GammaFraternity. It was her second yearon the homecoming court. Herescort for the dance was EugeneFitzsimmons. They had never formallymet prior to that evening.“I wasn’t dating anyone,” saidFitzsimmons. “I volunteeredto beAvalon’s escort athomecoming.”“He was verypolite and mannerly,”recalled Cordell.But that night wasit. Although Cordelland Fitzsimmons saweach other casually oncampus following thathomecoming event, thatwas to be their only“date.”Fast-forward 50 years toFitzsimmons’ 50 th class reunion atClarion University. “I was aloneat the reunion,” saidFitzsimmons. “I rode on the busto the president’s residence for areception. There was a veryattractive, outgoing woman on thebus with me and we went on thetour together. When I noticed hername tag, Madelon (Delp ’65)Callen, I asked if she knewAvalon.”Madelon and Avalon are sisters.She found out aboutFitzsimmons taking Cordell to thehomecoming dance. She alsofound out Fitzsimmons wasdivorced and so was her sister.FITSIMMONS1955CORDELL1955“Madelon has always beenmy cheerleader,” said Cordell.“She called me the next morningand asked me if I would like tohear from Fitz. Madelon gavehim my phone number and hecalled me the followingday. We have beencommunicating andcorresponding eversince.”They discoveredthey had more incommon than a homecomingdate from 50years earlier.Cordell grew up on afarm in Leatherwood,Pa., near NewBethlehem. Her mother,Ruth (Riddle) Delp, receiveda degree from Clarion NormalSchool.“Women had few choices forcareers at that time,” recalledCordell. “I followed my motherinto education. Iworked hard, had fun,and enjoyed my time atClarion.”She went on to teachfor 32 years in Irwin,Pa., Media, Pa.,Oklahoma City, Okla.,and her final 27 yearsfor the DeKalb PublicSchool System inGeorgia. She alsoreceived both a master’sof educationdegree and a TY specialist in educationdegree from Georgia StateUniversity.She has two daughters, MarlaColberg, who works in financeand marketing for a bank in Utah,and Laura Sidelinger, a hospitaladministrator and occupationaltherapist for a hospital inRoswell, Ga.Cordell worked her waythrough college, working in themeat department at the A&PSupermarket in Clarion.Coincidentally, Fitzsimmons wasalso working in the meat departmentat the A & P Supermarket,but in Brookville.continued on page 35FEATURESJoseph Abal Reconstructs AccidentsNeed an expert in reconstructingmotor vehicle accidents?Need someone to run a majorauction?Dr. Joseph Abal (’71) is theanswer to both needs. Abal, whoresides in Crawfordville, Fla., hasbeen a forensic reconstructionistfor motor vehicle accidents formore than 25 years with Joseph A.Abal & Associates. He is a BoardCertified Forensic Reconstructionist,having sat for the eighthourboard examination andholding board certificationnumber 521.He is also a Florida auctioneeroperating Abal Auction & RealEstate Company. He is a certifiedFlorida auctioneer and realtor.It has been an interesting tripfor Abal since he left Erie, Pa., asan all-city fullback from Erie Techto join the Golden Eagle footballteam. He went on to earn threefootball letters, the Varsity C forthe highest GPA on the team, andgain the background he needed tostart on a successful career.He points to Frank Lignelli,the late Dick Pae, and the lateFrank Campbell, as positiveinfluences when he attendedClarion.Pae, an assistant footballcoach, had a mother-in-law andfamily in Erie and formed a bondwith Abal. “Coach Pae stood byme when I had a problem and toldme to stay in touch after graduation,”recalled Abal. “I did that formany years and we remainedfriends.”It was Pae who suggestedAbal enroll in the driver trafficsafety courses taught by FrankLignelli. The courses were thelaunching pad to Abal’s futurecareer.“I got along well with Frankand I admired his ability duringtough budget years to be the frugalbusiness person that he was,”said Abal. “Maybe it was Frankwho taught me the basic businessidiom of overhead, overhead,overhead.”Campbell, who was in chargeof student teaching and teachingthe practicum course, taught hisstudents the method of inquiry. “Itbuilds on a question with a question,”said Abal. “I have used thatmethod to get answers that no oneelse got during my forensic witnessinterviews and examinationsrelative to a reconstruction.”Abal received his degree insocial studies education and aminor in driver and traffic safety.He initially taught and coached atPine Valley High School in NewYork State. He was hired to teachone social studies course andspend the rest of the time indriver’s training.“I enjoyed all of it, butsomething told me there wassomething else I should do,” saidAbal. He pursued graduate workin safety at The PennsylvaniaState University and them accepteda graduate assistantship atCentral Missouri State University,Warrensburg, Mo., where he wasalso a member of the MissouriHighway Safety Center. Hereceived his M.S. in public services,safety from Central MissouriState and did graduate work as aneducational specialist in industrialsafety.Moving to Minnesota, Abalwas an instructor at St. CloudState University in the trafficsafety department and a memberof the Minnesota Highway SafetyCenter. He teamed with a fellowcolleague to team teach classesdealing with alcohol and valuesclarification for high school drivereducation instructors. The earlyprogram efforts were relative toseatbelt usage, rates and systemsin vehicles using crash demonstrators.His career path changed againwhen he was contacted by Dr.Richard Bishop, a nationallyknown writer and educator atFlorida State University. Bishopoffered Abal an internship.Abal did not accept andreturned to his previous teachingjob in New York state, continuingto take traffic and driving educationcourses.“I decided I didn’t like what Iwas doing and called Florida Stateabout their program,” said Abal.“Dr. Bishop answered. I becamehis last Ph.D. student.”Bishop brought Abal on as oneof two human factor specialistsconducting driver performancestudies that became the model ofmotor vehicle/driver task analysis.“Dr. Bishop became mymentor,” said Abal. “Hetook my attitude andpersonality and roundedit and developed it. I traveledwith him and didworkshops for high schooldriver education teachers. My dissertationfocused on the humanfactor of psycho motor skill, cognitiveanalysis, and visual performance.”Abal went on to co-authorarticles with Bishop that becamethe testing instrument for all thedriving population in Florida.He received his Ph.D. in transportationand safety from FloridaState and went on to work for theFlorida Department of HighwaySafety and Motor Vehicles as anassociate planner and administrator,and Florida Department ofTransportation as a public transportationspecialist. He also spenta year as an adjunct faculty memberat the University of NorthFlorida.In the course of researchingthe articles with Bishop, Abalinteracted with people who wereinvolved in vehicle accidents. Itopened up new doors for him. Acall from an attorney while hewas at the Florida Department ofTransportation asking Abal toexplain why a driver could not seea cow on a dark road launched hiscareer in forensic reconstructionof collisions. Since that phonecall, he has been retained in bothfederal and state courts incriminal and civil cases across theUnited States through Joseph A.Abal & Associates, which hefounded in 1981.That involved receivingadditional collision reconstructiontraining from NorthwesternUniversity, Texas A & MUniversity.“Over the years, I have testifiedin thousands of court cases,and probably have givendepositions in two or three timesas many cases” said Abal. “All Ido is teach when I am in thecontinued on page 19Joe Abal (right) with partner Betty Evans (left) and Col.Marion Lawless during the Lawless auction.

FEATURESCLARION AND BEYOND | 13Tomeo Coaches Women’s Wrestling On International StageTom Tomeo (biology, ’98) has an impressive resume asa wrestler.He won two state high school titles in Pennsylvania,and was an NCAA All-American at Clarion. His family hasa strong Clarion tradition, beginning with his father, Tom,who graduated from Clarion in 1971.But his background as a wrestling coach took him toeven higher levels of the sport.As a resident coach with the USA Wrestling nationalwomen’s program, he attended the Summer Olympics inAthens in 2004, and he helped prepare top female athletesfor the world championships held this past Sept. 26 to Oct.2 in Budapest, Hungary.Women’s wrestling was an Olympic sport for the firsttime in Greece.“It was absolutely huge. It was a blessing. That is settinghistory,” he said of being part of the U.S. delegation toAthens. “We were excited it got accepted. There is so muchhappening (in the sport). There is so much more mediaattention. It was a great, great opportunity.”Tomeo has coached women’s wrestling at the seniorlevel since 2000. He is also a member of the women’scoaching staff for the SunKist Kids, one of the topwrestling programs in the world. He coached an NCAADivision college all star team in 2002, and was chief ofdelegation for the United States at the 2005 World Cup inFrance.Tomeo, 31, was a U.S. delegate that attended the worldchampionships at Madison Square Garden in New YorkCity in 2003, when all seven American women won medalsthe first time every American at a world event placed.He did not attend worlds this fall in Hungary, but hespent considerable time at the Olympic training center inColorado Springs preparing athletes, including Iris Smith,for the event.Smith, a native of Georgia, wongold at 158.5 pounds at the worldchampionships in Budapest. Tomeo’syounger sister, Erin, 23, a member ofthe 2001 U.S. world team, was inHungary as a practice partner forAmerican wrestlers.Tom Tomeo jokes that he and Erin“are twins that are eight years apart.”Tom helped coach his sister from anearly age, and in 1999 she was the firstgirl to place in a Pennsylvania highschool boys district tournament.Tom Tomeo was a two-time statechamp at Grove City High School,where he captured the Class AA titleas a junior and the Class AAA crownas a senior.He then began his college career atClarion under former head coach JackDavis. The assistant was Ken Nellis,who was appointed head coach in 1997.“Jack did an incredible job of recruiting some of thebest athletes in the country,” Tomeo said. “We had a strong,strong wrestling team back then. It was a very excitingtime for Clarion wrestling.”“I had an incredible time at Clarion. That was about asclose to a perfect situation I could have asked for,” headded. His uncle, Dave Tomeo, is a long-time Clarionemployee.After graduation, Tomeo was an assistant coach for themen’s team at Slippery Rock from 1998-99. He then spentthe spring semester of 1999 at Cumberland College inKentucky, where for the first time, he worked with a teamof women wrestlers.Tom Tomeo at the Olympics in AthensHe was then an assistant coach for the men’s team atthe University of Buffalo from 2000 to 2002. Tomeo was aresident coach for the USA women’s program, under headcoach Terry Steiner, from November 2003 to July 2005.He owns Tomeo Technologies, which is connected toInternet site Tomeo-Lee Enterprises. Tomeo has been livingthe past few years in Colorado, but plans to move back towestern Pennsylvania at some point at the end of 2005.Dale Oliver, a Greco-Roman coach for the Americanmen, spent time with Tomeo at the Olympic center inColorado Springs. “He is a real good guy, a quality -person,” Oliver said of Tomeo.continued on page 19Third Student Apartment Building Moves Forward At Clarion University–Venango CampusGround was broken this fall for Michael F. and Joyce I.Hughes Hall, the third of seven planned student apartmentbuildings adjacent to Clarion University–Venango Campus.The building will open in Fall 2006. The project was madepossible primarily through donations by the Edward V. andJessie L. Peters Charitable Trust and the Jessie L. PetersCharitable Lead Annuity Trust. Additional support was providedby Hank and Beverly Suhr and the Dr. and Mrs.Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust.The first two buildings, Edward V. and Jessie L. PetersHall and Elizabeth S. Black Hall, opened in Fall 2004 andhave been highly popular with the students. Both two-storied,they are filled for the coming academic year, with agrowing waiting list.Shauna Bell a radiologic sciences major from NewWilmington transferred from Slippery Rock in January andlived in the apartments during the spring semester.“There were only 70 kids in my high school class inWest Middlesex,” she said, “so I much prefer the close-knitfeeling of Venango Campus to a bigger school. It’s easierto make friends here and the people in the community arevery nice and make you feel at home. The teachers allknow who you are and there are always at least a few studentsyou know in every class.”“I lived in a dorm at Slippery Rock, and the apartmentsare so much better—they’re so new and beautiful. Youhave your own space, but there are other people around.You can make your own dinner and do laundry andeverything at home. It makes you feel independent. Andeveryone treats their apartment with respect. We know thepeople who donated the money to build them and make itnice for us to live here, so we take good care of them. Wewant them to know that we’re all really glad to be here.”Like the first two buildings, the new three-story facilitywas designed by Ligo Architects and will be developed byWhalen Contracting Inc. of Franklin, and owned and managedby the Clarion University Foundation, Inc.Its opening coincides with the anticipated $1.5 millionrenovation of the Robert W. Rhoades Center and the launchof new proposed associate degrees inrespiratory care and office management.“The student housing project, fundedsolely through private charitable support,is truly the engine that drives thecampus’ future growth and development,”said Dr. Christopher M. Reber,executive dean of the Venango Campus.“Because it allows the campus toexpand its enrollment, the apartmentproject creates opportunities to enrichboth academic programs and studentlife. In addition, it furthers economicdevelopment in the region by attractingnew students to our community to supportlocal businesses and the futureemployment needs of the region.”When completed, Hughes Hall willincrease the growing complex of apartmentbuildings to 52 spaces. Eventually,the completed complex of seven planned buildings willhouse 132 students.Joyce and Michael Hughes, trustees of the Edward V.and Jessie L. Peters Charitable Trust and the Jessie L.Peters Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, are strong supportersof the campus and its positive effect on the economy of theregion. “We are very happy to be part of the wonderfulgrowth of the Venango Campus. It’s exciting to support theconstruction of another beautiful residence. These apartmentsmake college living more convenient and enjoyablefor the students, which is a very important part of the collegeexperience. It’s really what the campus—and theregion—need to move forward.”“Donors like Mike and Joyce Hughes, Hank andBeverly Suhr, and the trustees of the Elizabeth S. BlackCharitable Trust and the Phillips Charitable Trust are allheroes. They believe in the future of the campus and supportits mission to provide high-quality educational opportunitiesin our region. These fine people have been instrumentalto our all-time record enrollment and our ability toArchitect’s rendering of Michael F. and Joyce I. Hughes Hallat Clarion University–Venango Campus in Oil City, Pa.develop new programs to meet increasing workforcedemand,” said Reber. “My university colleagues and I, andespecially the students who are the beneficiaries of theirgenerosity, are extremely grateful.”Michael F. and Joyce I. Hughes Hall will house 20 studentsin five apartments and will feature a common areawhere students from all of the buildings in the complex cangather together for study or recreation. As in the otherbuildings, students will have a private bedroom and a semiprivatebathroom and will share kitchen facilities and livingand dining areas with the other residents in their apartment.The apartments are fully furnished and include upscaleamenities. Rent covers all utilities, including heat, air conditioning,internet access, cable television, local phoneservice, and off-street parking. The complex, when complete,will include a mix of two- and three-story buildings,each with handicap-accessible apartments. Academic yearand extended academic year leases are available. First priorityis given to students from beyond commuting distance.

14 | CLARION AND BEYONDDEVELOPMENT NEWSClarion University Receives EITC ContributionsVarious Clarion University educationprograms for children reaped the benefitsthis year from a Commonwealth ofPennsylvania program that encouragesbusinesses to make donations. Fromprivate practices to small businesses tolarge corporations, businesses supportedClarion University’s K-12 educationalprograms through the EducationalImprovement Tax Credit (EITC) program.“My daughter has participated in thesummer programs for kids at ClarionUniversity,” said Dr. H.I. Desai of theAllergy and Asthma Clinic. “They areexcellent, stimulating programs that steerchildren to science and technology. Mydaughter really enjoyed them and theysparked her interest in science andtechnology. It is a constructive way to getchildren to think about science andtechnology. My business is in Clarion andmy son, Sharvil, is a senior at ClarionUniversity. I thought the best way to useEITC funds was to benefit localprograms.”Charles P. Leach Jr. knows full well ofthe impact of university programs aspresident of the Clarion UniversityFoundation, Inc. board.Chuck Desch, major gifts officer,accepts an EITC donation from Dr. H.I.Desai, The Allergy and Asthma Clinic.“We believe very strongly in ClarionUniversity and anytime we can find a wayto support Clarion University, I try to doso,” said Leach, president of repeat donorThe Charles P. Leach Agency Inc. “TheEITC Program supports projects where theresults can easily be seen in the community.It also offers an opportunity to take aportion of the money that we wouldotherwise pay in taxes and donate it toClarion University.”Personal connections are also a factorin business decisions to donate.U-Help-CUIt is a message for all alumni, family, and friends of Clarion University to rememberwhen they hear that friendly student voice from the Clarion UniversityPhonathon. It can also represent the purpose of the phone call.U–You can learn about the Clarion University Annual Fund.H–Highlighting campus changes through personal contact.E– Effectively connecting to alumni and parents in a cost efficient manner.L– Linking current students to alumni.P– Philanthropy, providing an opportunity to give financial support.C–Connecting with campus again despite distance and increasing years.U–Updating alumni information.Last year, the Phonathon raised $282,259 for the Annual Fund. The Annual Fundis not only important to the university and its alumni in terms of support for on-goingtraditional and necessary programs, but it is also the backbone from which theuniversity derives its ability to help map future growth and opportunity. It is thepartnership of donors with the university that help visions become reality andultimately their support will help keep Clarion University a pinnacle of highereducation.The fall semester phonathon garners support for the Clarion Fund, the area ofgreatest need. The spring semester phonathon focuses on departmental funding.Each semester, current Clarion University students contact as many alumni andparents as possible to give them the opportunity to support Clarion. Calling takesplace from the new Center for Advancement, Sunday through Thursday eveningsfrom 6:15 p.m.-9:15 p.m. Each semester, approximately 24 student callers are hiredand trained for the calling.To donate to the Clarion University Annual Fund, send a check made payable tothe Clarion University Foundation Inc., 840 Wood St., Clarion, Pa. 16214, or call814-393-2075 to use MasterCard or Visa. Payment by credit card is strongly encouragedto fulfill a pledge immediatelyand reduce the time and expenserequired to send a pledge form.The Phonathon also focuses onmatching gifts from an employer.Anyone who has already made adonation to Clarion University oris considering making a gift shouldcontact their employer to see if amatching gift program is available.“My father was a graduate of ClarionUniversity,” said Pam Grisnik ofRxXpress. “Growing up in the Clarionarea,I realized how Clarion University was notonly beneficial to their students, but also tothe community. I believe this program is aunique opportunity for businesses to directtheir tax funds to help the people and thecolleges in their communities.“My husband, Paul, and I are bothpharmacists and have always enjoyed thesciences, so one of the reasons we chosethe EITC program is because it exposesyoung students to science. We want thechildren to see science as something that isfun and provides the opportunity that theywould not have otherwise.”Contributions are also an investment inyoung people and the community.Chuck Desch, major gifts officer,accepts an EITC donation from CharlesLeach of the Charles P. Leach AgencyInc.“The biggest thing about EITC is thatthe money goes to young people,” saidStructural Modulars Inc. President DonLewis. “The science programs supportedare programs of interest to me. Providingsupport for this type of program pays foritself over time. I am really interested inClarion University. I believe it is one ofthe greatest assets to the Clarion areacommunity and I want to support it in anyway that I can.”And the need for the support of highereducation continues to a state level.“PNC Bank sees EITC as an opportunityto support nonprofit educational scholarshipsfor students in the NorthwestPennsylvania region,” said Marlene D.Mosco, regional president of PNC Bank.Receiving an EITC donation from PNCbank are from left: Sue Burns, ClarionUniversity Foundation, Inc. boardmember; Greg Fisher, Senior VicePresident PNC Bank; James Kriebel,Clarion University Foundation, Inc.board member; and Chuck Desch,major gifts officer.Chuck Desch, major gifts officer,accepts an EITC donation from Pamand Paul Grisnik of RxXpress.“PNC likes this program because itprovides an opportunity for corporationsto contribute to a worthwhile educationalinstitution such as Clarion University andto provide scholarship money to thosewho need it.”The Pennsylvania Department ofCommunity and Economic Developmentapproved the Clarion UniversityFoundation, Inc. as an EducationalImprovement Organization under theEITC program. This designation allowsbusiness to contribute to ClarionUniversity's innovative educational programsand receive a Pennsylvania taxcredit in addition to a federal charitablededuction as permissible by law.Chuck Desch, major gifts officer,accepts an EITC donation from DonLewis, President of Structural Modularsand Lori Miller SMI AdministrationDirector.The advantages to EITC participationinclude: a 75 percent tax credit for a oneyearcontribution (up to a $266,666 contribution);90 percent tax credit for two consecutiveyears contributions (maximum$222,222 annually); maximum tax creditper fiscal year of $200,000; contributionsare eligible for a federal charitable deduction;and helping local K-12 students.Contributions may be donations of cash,personal property or services.Businesses interested in participatingin the EITC program may contact ChuckDesch, telephone 814-393-1926, fax 814-393-1834, or e-mail cdesch@clarion.edu.Information is also available on the Web athttp://www.clarion.edu/ foundation/eitc.shtml.

HONORS PROGRAMHonoring the 20 th AnniversaryOf Clarion’s Honors ProgramIt was 20 years ago that the Clarion University Honors Program first saw the light of day. Developed by an ad hoccommittee of Faculty Senate in November 1985, the actual program was initiated the following fall semester.“The original proposal addressed administration of the program, curriculum design, co-curricular recommendations,and student membership in the program,” said director Dr. Hallie Savage. From those humble beginnings, the program hasflourished to include an enrollment of 50 students for each of the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years, offerexploratory programs for high school students, establish special courses that bring out the best in Clarion students, andeven form another group to help high-achieving students.“The most amazing thing about this program is the change I see in our students,” said Savage."They are exposed tonew opportunities through our classes and other programs, all of which helps them grow as students and individuals. In ourtechnological society, one of the more remarkable things is how our program lets them connect with people on a one-toonebasis. It makes the students more marketable when they graduate and also prepares them for some of the nation’s graduateschools, if that is the path they take.”What is the Honors Program?The Honors Program is an academic opportunity for students whose intellectual and creative interests and abilities arebeyond conventional university offerings. The program gives students the opportunity to enrich their education through speciallydesigned courses and extracurricular involvement.In honors courses, students pursue subjects in depth and across disciplines. The students interact closely with facultymembers in informal settings as well as in classrooms. Honors Program special events contribute to an enhanced academicand social environment.CLARION AND BEYOND | 15Honors Faculty Barry McCauliff,Ralph Leary, and Anand Rao (now atMary Washington University).Who can enroll in the Honors Program?The Honors Program is available to qualified students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program. Students may beaccepted on the basis of academic performance, aptitude, a written statement, an interview, and recommendations. Studentsalready enrolled at Clarion University may also apply to the Honors Program.How will completion of the Honors Program be recognized?Honors graduates receive special recognition at commencement ceremonies and their transcripts will indicate they havecompleted the Honors Program.Does the Honors Program require extra classes?To earn an honors degree, a student must complete a minimum of 21 honors credits (seven courses) and maintain theacademic standards of the program. Honors courses will replace certain general education courses required for all majors.Three of 21 honors credits (one course) must be earned in the student’s major area of study. The hours are taken as part ofthe student’s degree program and do not represent credits beyond normal graduation requirements.Lynn Hepfl, Joe Fiedor and Julie Lundy.Are there any scholarships reserved for Honors students?Scholarships and financial aid provisions are available for students enrolled in the Honors Program. The FoundationHonors Scholarship is available to members of the Honors Program beginning their sophomore year. The scholarship isrenewable for up to four years, provided program requirements are met. Awards are based on academic achievement andevidence of leadership and motivation.Are there any QPA requirements for students in the Honors Program?Freshman students enrolled in the Clarion University Honors Program must maintain a 3.00 quality-points average,sophomores must maintain a 3.25, and juniors and seniors must maintain a 3.40.Ralph Leary and graduate Ann Godfrey.Is the Honors Program affiliated with any national organizations?Clarion University’s Honors Program is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council, placing it in contact withhonors programs nationwide.The reception gave a chance for studentsand alumni to connect.Professor Ralph Leary makes a point.Freshman Luke Martin andsister Janna Martin, a graduate.

CLARION AND BEYOND | 19FEATURES2005 Fall Motorcycle Tour Of The Shenandoah Valley-September 19 And 20Dan Bard (’74), co-author ofGreat Roads, Great Rides(greatroadsgreatrides.com), agreedto lead a fall ride for fellow ClarionUniversity Community memberswho share his love of the sport ofmotorcycling on the open road.The ride was a two-day tourthrough the beautiful ShenandoahValley of Virginia. The ride startedat 8 a.m. on Sept. 19 just outside ofWinchester, Va. The weather cooperatedand the day dawned bright, sunny and a little bitcool.Joining Bard and his wife, Gale, on this ride were Karland Elsa Schlentner (friends of the university and parentsof Clarion grad Scott Schlentner ’94) and Chris andSandy (Stahl) Peifer (’83). Karl drove his vintage 1980sHonda Goldwing, while Chris rolled along on a new 2005Goldwing. Dan lead them into the Shenandoah Valley alsoon a late model Goldwing.Their destination for the night was Rocky Mount, Va.,just 20 miles southeast from Roanoke.The roads chosen by Bard for the rideparalleled Rt. 11 and I-81 and ran alongthe eastern slopes of the Alleghenies.The gentle topography was filled withrolling farmland, many of which wereharvesting their corn and hay for the season.In Goshen the group landed forlunch at the Mill Creek Café where theyenjoyed plenty of conversation withlarge amounts of food–and dessert piesthat were bursting with fruit.The afternoon kicked off with aride down the Goshen Pass, a locallyfamous area where the Maury Riverflows along side the road though alimestone gorge. The mandatory stopfor photos was completed and thegroup headed down south a bit moreon I-81 until they exited off andclimbed up a back road to the crest ofthe Blue Ridge and joined the BlueRidge Parkway to the Peaks of Otter.Once there, they headed back downthe east side of the mountain to Bedford, Va.The Clarion riders then navigated through Bedford tothe National D-Day memorial. Upon entry they were toldthe parking area has several reserved spaces just for motorcycle.Once parked, the group agreed to amble about attheir own speed and meet again in about 90 minutes.Needless to say, the memorial is very sobering and inspirational.Back on the road south, they enjoyed the drive aroundSmith Mountain Lake and onto Rocky Mount. Checking inaround 5 p.m., the group had found theirway to dinner next door and were againswapping stories about Clarion,motorcycles and family by 7 p.m.By 8 a.m. the next day, Bard wasleading the group towards Roanoke, andthe Blue Ridge Parkway. The weekdaytraffic was very light, so the group hadeasy going for most of the way up theParkway. There was an indicator of fall inthe air, and several areas along the parkwayshowed the trees changing color just abit.Back row left to right: Elsa and Karl.Seated from left: Dan and Gale, Sandy and Chris.Upon exiting the Blue Ridge Parkway at its northernentrance, Bard led the Clarion crew into the Skyline Drive.By this time, a lunch break was due. At one of the SkylineDrive’s waysides, the bikers found themselves again chattingabout the ride, scenery and roads. It was agreed tohead to the northern terminus of the Skyline Drive, weatherpermitting. The weather forecast called for thundershowers, but in the end, it never did.Overall, about 575 miles were covered “officially.” Thegroup got to see some great sights in the ShenandoahValley including apple orchards, Civil War encampmentsand Amish country.Andree Builds ReputationIn Metal FabricationJoseph AbalReconstructs AccidentsTomeo Coaches Women’sWrestlingcontinued from page 11 continued from page 12continued from page 13Although he avoided the draft until he graduated, Andree didwind up in the U.S. Army and completed his time as an M.P. inan army depot in New York State.Leaving the army, he joined with a partner in a coal businessin Knox, Pa. “Just like the metal fabrication business I am innow, I knew nothing about coal,” recalled Andree. “I learnedabout the business including how to operate heavy equipment.The business did well.”But, Andree learned something else in the mining business.“The coal business is tough,” he said. “It is also real coldwork.”Andree’s brother, Carl Andree Davie, was an artist workingin metal sculpture in Atlanta. Andree went to visit him severaltimes and liked the warmer temperatures in Georgia.He joined his brother in Atlanta in 1982, taking advantage ofthe G.I. Bill to return to college at Georgia State Universitywhere he earned a degree in geology. “I tried to get work allover the country, but I never found a job in geology,” Andreerecalled.In 1990, he joined his brother in forming Andree StudiosInc. “I had to learn the process,” said Andree. “I went with mybrother to a planning room where he showed me a scale rulerand detailed plans. I taught myself the business and took a classin comprehensive drawing. I had been around construction and Igot jobs in architectural and metal fabrication.”The business went well and Andree eventually bought hisbrother’s portion of the business. Carl operates an art studio inNorth Carolina.Andree has additional art influence from his wife, Serey, anartist who teaches at the Atlanta Speech School. “Between mywife and my brother, there is a lot of art around me,” saidAndree. “It helps me with what I do, but I do have an eye fordesign.”Mike and Serey Andree live in Decatur, Ga. They also havea house, built by Andree, in North Carolina, where they spendpart of the year.A gallery of Andree Studios’ work can be found atwww.andreestudios.com.witness box. Clarion trained me to work in a classroom.Frank Campbell taught me to ask questions. I drivemyself to do more. That drive is an internal factor fueledby being the descendant of immigrant Hispanic parentswhose goal it was to drive themselves to try to develop abetter way of life for their sons. It was that drive thatbrought me to Clarion.”Abal’s latest career change was the formation of AbalAuction & Real Estate Company with partner BettyEvans.“I enjoy the process,” he said about auctioneering. “Igot a real estate license and auction off real property.I’ve always been an avid attender of auctions and I’vealways dealt, based on my background, with motorcyclesand Corvettes, with the buying and selling process.When I felt I was at a position where I felt I could dobetter than some of the people whose auctions I wasattending, I then drove myself to complete the necessaryFlorida licensing for not only the position of auctioneer,but also of realtor. In addition, I have been furtherlicensed as a Personal Property Appraiser and a CertifiedEstate Specialist.”Abal Auction & Real Estate Company earned earlysuccess during an auction it conducted for retiredauctioneer and realtor and World War II veteran Col.Marion Lawless. The auction was the topic for an articlein the July 2005 issue of “Auctioneer,” a publication ofthe National Auctioneers Association.“I am downsizing my forensic practice, taking onlythe cases I wish to take, but I want to keep up with theauction and real estate as I move into the latter state ofmy life,” said Abal. “The family drive I inherited frommy parents would not allow me to retire, but I figure achange of venue in dealing in the hectic work of tortsand tort litigation and moving into the auctioneering fieldwould be a good change of pace and maybe allow me tohave more personal time.”Rich Bender, the executive director of USAwrestling, said during the worlds in Hungary thatcoaches such as Tomeo–who has extensive backgroundwith clinics and summer camps–areessential to the American effort.“He was outgoing. He sounds like a real goodguy,” said Greco-Roman national developmentalcoach Ike Anderson, who added that the twoshared a fondness for golf.Tomeo, besides the Summer Games in Athens,has been able to travel to Canada, Mexico,Ukraine and Poland as a coach. After the juniorworld championships in 1999 in Poland, he andhis sister and other family members went to Italy.The grandmother of Tomeo’s father settled inthe U.S. from Italy in the 1920, and the familystill has relatives near Naples.“My grandfather got to meet his mother’s sisterfor the first time. You can’t put a price tag onthat,” Tomeo said of that 1999 trip.After the 2004 Summer Games, Tomeo wasable to see some of the famous sites in andaround Athens.“I am all about taking in the experience. Whynot get the most out of your travels?” he said.Editor’s note: David Driver, a free-lancewriter from Maryland, has lived in Hungarysince 2003, and covered American athletes inEurope during that time. He has contributed tomore than 25 American alumni magazines.