The A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

POINTSp r i n g 2009 Revisiting the Trail of a Terrorist

Business Ethics in Uncertain Times

Pioneers share stage with NBA’s elite Dear alumni and friends,

Amid these challenging times, many people are faced with difficult decisions and uncertainty about the future as a result of the economy. While no one knows what the future may hold, we remain focused on implementing our strategic plan at Point Park University. Over the next year, our Office of Institutional Research will be conducting a study with the purpose of identifying the attributes of our successful students at Point Park and focusing our efforts on seeking out potential students who would also be a good fit for our University. Our goal is to help students thrive and to provide a positive educational experience despite the economic downturn.

Quality student experience is one of our guiding principles and to ensure students’ needs are met, we recently launched a new initiative titled STARS or Striving to Achieve Remark- able Service. This initiative was developed by a committee comprised of staff from offices and departments throughout the University. As we strive for continuous improvement in all of our processes, our focus on service will distinguish us with new and prospective students and better position us to meet the challenges of our current economic environment. Photo by Ric Evans Point Park is currently meeting our projections for enrollment and we are paying very close attention to our revenues and expenditures, as well as the financial aid needs of our students. We are prepared to work collaboratively with our students to help them identify internal and external financing options to finance their college educations.

During this time of introspection, our editorial board is seeking feedback on The Point and I encourage you to participate in our Reader Survey. We value your insight and support as we move forward in achieving our vision of becoming one of the most dynamic private, urban universities in America.

In this issue of The Point, we offer an interesting tale from a faculty member’s past life with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and his experience tracking down a high-profile terrorist. Other stories share perspectives from our brilliant faculty and fresh insights from our students, as well as alumni news and success stories.

I believe the future holds continued progress and momentum, as we remain focused on our strategic plan and implementation of the Academic Village at Point Park University.

Warm regards,

Dr. Paul Hennigan President

President Paul Hennigan

Vice President of University Advancement CONTENTS Mariann Geyer 2 Letters to the Editor Senior Director of Marketing and Communications 2 News & Views Mary Ellen Solomon 8 Getting Down to Business Director of Publications Students Create Plans for New Businesses at Point Park Dalton Good 10 Double Exposure Managing Editor Students Photograph Youth to Increase Exposure in the Kate Beard Miller Adoptive Community

Graphic Designers 12 Big Screen Dreams Christie Martz Point Park’s New Screenwriting Major Gives Aspiring Writers Tom Phillips a Leg Up in the Competitive Entertainment Industry

Manager of Printing 14 Revisiting the Trail of a Terrorist & Office Services A Faculty Member’s Experience as an FBI Counterterrorism Agent Don Pastorius

18 Point of View with Professor Joan Mosey Contributing Writers Business Ethics in Uncertain Times Colleen Derda Camille Downing 20 Alumni Success Stories Photo by Ric Evans Elizabeth May Kelli McElhinny 22 Blueprint for a Bright Future Kate Beard Miller $2 Million Grant from The Heinz Endowments Initiates Grace Miller Architectural Design Process for the Academic Village Initiative Kevin Taylor Cheryl Valyo 26 Donor Recognition

Contributing 34 Especially for Alumni WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Photographers Comments and suggestions are welcome! Tom Bell 38 Class Notes Please send letters to: Managing Editor, Ric Evans Point Park University, Dept. of Communications 201 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Karen Meyers 39 Nostalgic Notions Laura Petrilla Phone: 412.392.4747 Fax: 412.392.6185 Isaac Taube 40 Pioneer Athletics Copy Editor Cheryl Valyo The Point is published by the Office of University Advancement, Point Park University, 201 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of published information. Please visit our web site at www.pointpark.edu for current On the cover: Mike Finnegan, information regarding University programs, departments, alumni activities and events. assistant professor in the School of Arts and Sciences Point Park University educates students in a diverse environment and prepares graduates to apply knowledge to achieve their goals, advance Department of Criminal their professions and serve their communities. Justice and Intelligence Point Park University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, relation, ancestry, disability, veteran status, Studies, is profiled in our sexual orientation, marital status, or familial status, in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to story about fighting terrorism employment or admission to the University’s educational programs and activities. on page 14. This policy is in accord with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Inquiries regarding these regulations, policies, or complaints of discrimination should be referred to the Human Resources Officer, 2nd floor, Thayer Hall, telephone number: 412-392-3952. Inquires regarding Title IX and the Title IX regulations can also be referred to the Human Resources Officer as the Title IX coordinator. Photo by Karen Meyers www.pointpark.edu 1

Letters to the Editor

Thank you for the great issues of The Point - excellent publication! I enjoy learning about all that is new at Point Park.

– Ellen (Harbold) Gamble (COM 1990)

I enjoyed the last edition of The Point I just received and I was Keeping Up the REPutation very pleased to see Prof. Bob O’Gara on the cover. I enjoyed John Shepard, his course a great deal back in 1992. I hear from my other chair of Point favorite professor, Kathleen Donnelly, fairly regularly. As you Park University’s would expect, her blogs from the UK are very entertaining! Conservatory of Performing Arts – Julian Asenjo (MA, COM 1993) theatre department, was recently named Performer of the Year by the Pittsburgh I have now read several issues of The Point, and I continue Post-Gazette for his to be amazed by the professionalism, as well as the overall acclaimed role as Willy Loman in The REP’s Sept. 2008 entertainment value provided in each issue. The photography production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. The is crisp and creative, and the text is detailed, yet concise and sold-out production was named as one of the top ten plays insightful. of the year. Also mentioned were the Conservatory Theatre Company’s productions of Can-Can and Thou Shalt Not In the Winter 2008-2009 issue, I was particularly pleased to and The REP’s world premiere production of Eastburn find a small, but relevant section titled Class Notes. Within Avenue, written by Point Park alumnus Marcus Stevens this section, several Point Park alumni were recognized for (COPA ’03) with music by Doug Levine. some of their professional and other life accomplishments and progressions after earning degrees at Point Park. Seeing some of these successes reminds one of the true meaning behind Scholarly Pursuits receiving a quality education from a progressive, forward- Robert J.Fowler, Ph.D., adjunct faculty member in the thinking institution of higher learning. School of Arts and Sciences Department of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies, recently completed The Point and Point Park University continue to motivate postdoctoral studies at Yale University in New Haven, current students and alumni to make the best of the education Conn. His area of advanced studies pertained to cognitive they have received, and to realize that dreams are advanced by science and brain-based learning. the Point Park community every day. Dane Claussen, Ph.D., professor and director of graduate – Jason Bloom, M.B.A. (BUS ‘05) programs in the School of Communication, presented a paper at the Seminar on Media Consumption and Youth held Oct. 27–28 at Shanghai International Studies

2 www.pointpark.edu news & views

University’s main campus in Shanghai, Professional being used in the company. In November People’s Republic of China. His paper, Advancement 2008 she joined 19 other faculty for the “Ideology Makes for Bad Social Science: The prestigious Academy of Television Arts and Case of U.S. Research on Youth and Mass Anthony Moretti, Ph.D., assistant professor Sciences’ week-long faculty seminar, also Media Violence,” started the conference in the School of Communication, has in LA. The seminar explored prime time which included more than 25 participants, been elected to the national board of the television, cable and Web programming eight from outside China. Claussen was one Broadcast Education Association. Moretti, with leading producers, writers, editors and of only three participants from the United whose two-year term begins in April, will executives. States. Claussen also attended the Second represent the organization’s District 8, European Communication Conference which includes 17 divisions. In addition to Wendy L. Hardy has been named director held Nov. 25-28 in Barcelona, Spain. The attending two national board meetings each of the Point Park University Children’s conference’s theme was “Communication year, he will coordinate the selection of the School. She was previously director of the Policies and Culture in Europe.” Claussen annual convention program chair. Early Learning Center in Mt. Lebanon, Pa. was one of only four U.S. scholars who A specialist in the arts, Hardy has taught attended the conference. He represented Jan Getz, broadcaster in residence in the preschool through high school. She holds the Association for Education in Journalism School of Communication, was selected bachelor’s and master’s degrees from & Mass Communication, for which he edits for two national conferences. In August Central Michigan University and is finishing Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 2008 she attended the International Radio Walden University’s doctoral program in the world’s oldest and largest scholarly and Television Society’s Digital Summit at education leadership. journal devoted to journalism and mass Disney/ABC studios in Los Angeles where communication. He was reappointed in she was one of 60 faculty from around the December 2008 for a second three-year country who had the opportunity to learn term as international editor of the journal. about the wide variety of digital content, developments and distribution formats news & views

well audio and music files, maps, to publish and present his study at national photographs, timelines, speeches, conferences. court cases, advertisements, treaties, Spanish-language Student Poster texts, captivity narratives, and Displayed at the Zoo over 3,500 slave narratives. The databases contain search and Students in the Department of Natural browse functions as well as links to Sciences and Engineering Technology vetted Web sites and blogs hosted designed and published a poster on display by leading scholars and librarians at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium in in the field. the Education Complex as part of their class work in biological evolution. The poster Seeing STARS illustrates the evolutionary lineages in primates and saltwater fish. It is used as Developed by a committee an educational tool for visitors to the zoo. comprised of staff from offices and departments throughout the University, STARS, or Striving to Thanks to Our State Achieve Remarkable Service, is a Representatives Cultural staff service initiative that supports Thanks to support from area legislators, Offerings Online Point Park University’s guiding principle Point Park University has received grants of Quality Student Experience. This staff- from the Pennsylvania Department of Point Park’s University Center offers access driven initiative was launched in January Community and Economic Development for to digital resources by The American Mosaic, with focus on service to distinguish the the following projects: which documents the multiethnic experience University community with new and of American Indians, Latino and African prospective students and to better position $5,000 toward completion of the Tap Studio Americans. The resources can be accessed the University for challenges of the current in the Dance Studio Complex, supported by through the library’s Web site at: pointpark. economic environment. State Representative Thomas C. Petrone; edu/library. The Latino American Experience $10,000 toward the establishment of is the first-ever database dedicated to the a National Security Training Center for history and culture of Latinos, the largest, Learning Criminal Justice and Intelligence students, fastest growing minority group in the United from supported by State Representative Paul States. The databases feature more than Lichens Costa; and $10,000 toward the University’s 650 titles of full-text content on African mentoring initiative, supported by State Matthew American, U.S. Latino, American Indian, and Representative . Opdyke, Ph.D., Jake Wheatley multicultural history, politics and culture as and Laura Frost, Ph.D., assistant Alumni Association professors in the School Scholarship Initiated of Arts and Sciences Department of Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology, and The Point Park Alumni Association launched Bryan Dolney, a senior biological sciences an Alumni Association Scholarship during major, received a grant from the the University’s Second Annual Alumni Pennsylvania Department of Natural Holiday Party at the LeMont on Dec. 13. Resources and Conservation for a Ellen Gamble (COM 1990) was the keynote lichen study that will include surveys speaker and Taylor Chalker, junior theater of Frick Park and parks outside arts major, entertained the guest with Allegheny County to assess any some holiday songs. Over 250 faculty, staff, ecological impact on their populations students and alumni were in attendance. caused by air quality or other urban influences. Dolney will be conducting the majority of the fieldwork and plans

4 www.pointpark.edu news & views

columns with scroll-like capitals. The Park’s WPPJ guidebook was published in conjunction with 670-AM broke Pittsburgh’s 250th Anniversary. a record by raising over Innovative Entry $3,000 in sponsorship for Dan McVeagh, a senior information and 67 consecutive technology management (accelerated hours of student program) major, invented a multi-touch broadcasting held computer table for the Pittsburgh Innovates October 28–31. The 28th From left: John Taormina and his wife, Carolyn, Ellen Gamble and her competition sponsored by City Live. His annual Rock-A-Thon, under the husband, Eric, at the Alumni Holiday Party held at The LeMont. invention, along with 76 other entries, leadership of general manager Jaymes Architectural Details was presented on the competition’s Web Progar, senior broadcasting major, site, where winners were selected by an benefitted The Early Learning Center, a Point Park’s University Center is featured open vote. Prizes of $20,000, $10,000 private, non-profit organization that provides in the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks and $1,000 were awarded at the New comprehensive early intervention services Foundation’s Whirlwind Walk Architecture Hazlett Theatre on Pittsburgh’s North Side to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their and Urban Spaces in Downtown Pittsburgh, on Nov. 24. To view McVeagh’s entry visit families. The agency serves more than the first fully-illustrated comprehensive pittsburghinnovates.com. 1,600 children throughout Allegheny County. walking tour guidebook to many of the WPPJ has raised over $21,000 for the Early principal buildings and public spaces in Breaking Records Learning Center through Rock-A-Thons held downtown Pittsburgh. The guidebook details during the past 27 years. the University Center’s original design in When radio stations played records, it was the early 1900s and notes its Greek ionic bad news to break one. Not so today. Point

Tell us what you think. Tell us what you really think.

In less than five minutes, you could help the editorial team of The Point know what you expect to find in your alumni magazine. We’d like to know your thoughts on The Point. Please participate in our online survey at http://www.pointpark.edu/readersurvey

Plus, survey participants may enter to win in a drawing of five $50 Visa gift cards. The random drawing will take place on April 3rd. Winners will be notified by Point Park’s Office of Marketing and Communications and listed in the next issue of The Point.

So go ahead and let us know. We value your input. news & views

Integrating A Pointed Lecture and Juliet. The Finkelhor Faculty Lecture was Intelligence established in honor of the late Leonard Nicolas Petrov, professor of dance in the Finkelhor, husband of Dr. Dorothy Finkelhor, Special Agent William J. Crowley, director Conservatory of Performing Arts, presented and founders of the University. of media relations for the Federal Bureau A Point View on Dance as part of the of Investigation’s Pittsburgh office, University’s 2008 Leonard Finkelhor Faculty spoke at Point Park on Nov. 1 as part of Lecture on Oct. 22 in the Lawrence Hall Photographic the University’s Integrated Marketing ballroom. Nicolas Petrov studied dance in Preservation his native Yugoslavia. He started as corps Communications Luncheon series. The Point Park presented an exhibition featuring de ballet with Ballet de France, working his event was co-sponsored by the Integrated the work of Slovak photographer Rastislav Marketing Communications Program and way into the ranks of soloist with many other the Department of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies. Crowley spoke with students about his work in media relations and how the FBI actively communicates with Talking Back other organizations. Broadway legend Elaine Stritch visited Point Park’s Pittsburgh Playhouse for a talk back session on her one-woman performance of “Elaine Stritch at Liberty” Oh, Say Can You See? which was performed as a benefit for the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theater in October 2008. Stritch, 83, has a long career on stage that has included working Caroline Nicolian, senior musical theater with such Broadway notables as Ethel Merman, Noel Coward, George Abbott and major in the Conservatory of Performing Arts, Stephen Sondheim. Faculty, staff and students filled the Rockwell Theatre for performed the national anthem at a rally Stritch’s candid discussion about her life as a performer.

Misik Oct. 17– Nov. 30 in the second floor gallery of Thayer Hall. The exhibition, “Banska Stiavnica,” features the sites of Banska Stiavnica, a fully preserved medieval city in central Slovakia that is listed as a United Nations World Heritage Site. During his visit to campus, Misik presented his work and stories to photography and sociology classes in addition to conducting a photography portfolio review. Misik’s visit was organized by the School of Communication and the Department of Humanities and Human Sciences within the School of Arts and Sciences.

Eliminating Violence

Point Park hosted the YWCA of Greater Elaine Stritch at Pittsburgh Playhouse. Pittsburgh’s “Week Without Violence” companies. He was pricipal dancer with program on Oct. 24 in the JVH Auditorium for the presidency of Barack Obama on Oct. Balleto Eurpeo. He founded Ballet Petrov, in Thayer Hall. Writer Elizabeth Kirschner 27 in the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the American presented “Confronting Violence Against 17,000-seat venue was filled to capacity. Dance Ensemble and has choreographed Women,” which included readings from a number of ballets including the first her book of poems, My Life As A Doll. The American production of Prokofiev’s Romeo annual Week Without Violence, sponsored

6 www.pointpark.edu24 www.pointpark.edu news & views

by the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, focused December attention on practical, sustainable non- 2008. At least violent alternatives. a dozen players Reporting from helped the Hill out by preparing David Greene, NPR (National Public fruit and Radio) White House correspondent, visited vegetable Point Park Dec. 1 and 2 as part of a grant salads, provided by the Pennsylvania Association of serving Broadcasters. During his visit he met with food, cleaning classes, interviewed with student media tables, doing and observed and offered post-newscast will be dishes, stocking shelves, critiques for Field Reporting, Interviewing and visiting campus unloading shipments of food Editing students. Greene also gave a formal as an invited speaker and mopping floors. The Jubilee Soup presentation to the University community in the spring. Kitchen is located on Wyandotte Street off and met with University officials. Greene of Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh. The kitchen can be heard on NPR programs including Soup ’s On serves food to the hungry of Pittsburgh at Morning Edition, All Things Considered, noon 365 days a year. For information on Weekend Edition, Day to Day and Talk of the Members of the Point Park baseball team volunteering, call the Jubilee Soup Kitchen at Nation. Diane Sutter, president and CEO of volunteered at the Jubilee Soup Kitchen 412-261-5417. Shootingstar Broadcasting of New England, in the Hill District during the month of

With Annual Fund support,

is left behind...

• Every gift no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of our students.

• Strong alumni participation helps increase Point Park’s ranking for Alumni Support.

• With the increasing changes in federal funding, a weakening economy and family struggles, students face more challenges than ever before. Your support, now more than ever, helps to keep their dream of a college education alive despite the times.

To donate online or for more information visit www.pointpark.edu/annualfund or call 412.392.3999. Getting Down to Business Students Create Plans for New Businesses at Point Park By Camille Downing

Most people would agree that learning is most effective when a student becomes intimately involved in the classroom experience. For students in the Introduction to Business courses last fall, learning was taking place at a rapid pace, thanks to an innovative approach to fully understanding business theories and practices.

Students were involved in a school-wide business plan competition in which they were given hands-on experience with creating, developing and starting a new business—at least on paper. While the students were not actually footing the financing or building storefronts, they gained first hand knowledge of the intricacies of entrepreneurship as they planned all aspects of the start up of their new business.

It all began in Provost Charles Perkins’ class as he strove to teach his students about the ins and outs of business management. In an effort to bring the lessons to life, he approached Elaine Luther, associate professor in the School of Business, about bringing their sections together to participate in a competition. Three classes had students form groups that were charged with the task of researching and developing a plan to open a new business on the University campus. It was up to each group to determine the needs and interests of the University community, then develop a plan to reach them through a new product or service.

The results were impressive as the creative minds of the students took flight. The ideas revolved around what is most important to students: food, studying, entertainment and specialized services that make life easier.

“In their plans, the students showed some areas where campus needs were not being met,” explained Luther. “They saw a gap between supply and demand, and then really thought out how they could meet these needs based on a solid business model.”

Madori Rouse, a freshman business major, and her group developed a Web site titled studentprice.com.

8 www.pointpark.edu Getting Down to Business Photograph by Ric Evans This university-based site would be a clearinghouse From left: Dairy Queen teammates Lee Bonar, Drew Kury, Mike for textbook exchanges in which students receive and Palmer, Dillon Sauers and Nick Merich spend credits for books they need each semester. Linkowski, junior broadcasting major; and Caitlin Mike Palmer, a freshman business major, and his Smith, freshman business management major; group decided there were not enough sweet developed a plan for an organic grocery store and fast treats close by and developed a plan to bring food restaurant. The second was a laundry and dorm a Dairy Queen to the campus. His group saw room cleaning service developed by Angelica Blouch, this need after noticing there were no major sophomore journalism and mass communication major, food chains, other than Starbucks, on campus. and Danielle Gruzosky, junior broadcasting major. A runner up prize was given to Eric Perkins, freshman Marie Maullon, a senior mass communication business management major; Holly Shrum, freshman major, and her group developed Work&Play, an accounting major; Brianne Feindt, freshman business Internet gaming café where customers could play management major; and Zeke O’Donnell, freshman board or video games and surf the Internet. business management major, for their plan to place vending machines with microwaves in the dormitories. Of the 16 plans initially presented, ten teams were chosen to participate in a three-hour competition The students who were involved in the competition held in the JVH Auditorium. Dressed in their best gave rave reviews about this different approach to business attire, the students developed PowerPoint teaching. presentations and explained in detail their ideas to a panel consisting of faculty members Bob O’Gara, “The competition helped me better comprehend School of Communication, and Paige Beal, School of the theories learned in class because we were really Business, and administrative staff J.W. Tabacchi, working on the plan and applying the theories student affairs, and Ruth Rauluk, purchasing. ourselves,” notes Maullon. “It wasn’t information just memorized or the typical research paper on a company. Two teams took home first place honors. It was starting something from scratch and being able The first, consisting of Annie Perri, senior to work through it to the end.” broadcasting major; Ben Cole, senior broadcasting major; Amy Bell, senior Rouse agrees. “I want to be an event planner someday advertising and public relations major; Steve and own my own business. The competition helped me to learn how to brainstorm ideas and get a real feel for developing a business plan. It was really good.” Studentprice.com teammates Madori Rouse, Elizabeth Meedler, Ashley Smith, Jenee Pastva and Work&Play teammates Colin Vilsack and Marie Maullon For Luther, the students’ work optimally captured the concepts and theories she teaches in her class every semester.

“The students really thought through how they would run their businesses,” says Luther. “They seemed to like their ideas – we might just have some entrepreneurs in the making.”

Who knows? With Point Park University expanding so rapidly, one of the new business ideas bred by a simple class project may just end up being part of the plans for the new Academic Village Initiative. Photograph by Ric Evans www.pointpark.edu 9 Students Photograph Youth to Increase the Potential of Adoption through the Pittsburgh Heart Gallery By Kate Beard Miller

Double Exposure

fter countless hours of practicing part of the Pittsburgh Heart Gallery, Athe technical aspects of digital photography, 14 Point Park students general recruiting tool for potential closed their books and took their whichadoptive is usedfamilies as a throughout child-specific Western and cameras on location to the University Pennsylvania. The traveling exhibit Center for a practical, real-life can be seen on display throughout the assignment that could lead to matching Pittsburgh community. It is modeled children and teens with adoptive after the Pennsylvania Heart Gallery, families. which is supported by the Pennsylvania Chris Rolinson, assistant professor Adoption Exchange. The Pittsburgh in the School of Communication, gallery, organized by Three Rivers encouraged his students to engage Adoption Council, highlights children the subjects of the photo shoot: and teens who are waiting to be placed four boys, between the ages of 10 with a “forever family.” This particular From left: Luke, William, Allias. and 17, who are part of foster care photo shoot included children Photos by (respectively): Emily Sniegocki, junior photography or residential programs for children registered with Holy Family Institute, major; Molly Foster, sophomore who have been removed from their Adelphoi Village and Family Pathways. photojournalism major; and Chelsey Engel, sophomore homes because of family crisis, abuse “Kids who are adopted and grow up photojournalism major. or neglect. Their photographs will be in families do so much better. We really

10 www.pointpark.edu locations throughout the center that would make for suitable backdrops. They took turns suggesting poses and directing the shoot from behind the camera. The students created a comfortable atmosphere by engaging their subjects in conversation and giving positive feedback about the photos. Some of the students encouraged input from the subjects by showing them their portraits on the camera’s LCD screen. The students’ next assignment is to print the images for the Pittsburgh Heart Gallery. In addition, the students will create their own exhibition, which will be included in Point Park’s Panopticon exhibit in the JVH Gallery. “This puts a whole new spin on portraits with a big emphasis on getting to know your subject so that they’ll open up to you and you can get that portrait,” said Sarit

Photograph by Laura Petrilla Work, junior photojournalism major. “I’m a huge fan of this organization and I hope we can do this again. If we can help go the extra mile and it saves in the end,” said Lee Maley, them out in this small way, it’s something we should do as adoption caseworker at Adelphoi Village in Greensburg, often as we can.” Pa. “Most of our kids are above 10 years old and they want Since its inception, 28 of the 77 total children featured in the gallery were placed in pre-adoptive homes. Of those, has grown up through Adelphoi Village’s program and to find a family.” Maley described a young woman who adopted, a special sticker is placed on his or her portrait. 15The children portraits had of theirthose adoptions children who finalized. are successfully As each child placed is justto participate completed in her the first Heart semester Gallery in photo college. shoot He due said to she her will be given to their adoptive families as a keepsake. classis still schedule. open to finding an adoptive family but was not able

working with subjects outside of the classroom. For more information about any of the children For many students, this was their first experience featured in the Pittsburgh Heart Gallery, please call sophomore photography major. “I like that we can help Sheila Hill at 412-471-8722. these“It’s kids.” my first professional experience,” said Abby Neely, Prior to the photo shoot, the students met with the subjects over cookies and juice in a room just beyond Photograph by Laura Petrilla several clusters of tripods and studio strobes. The students asked about where their subjects grew up and what they like to do in their spare time. Luke is 16 years old and likes to play baseball and enjoys the outdoors. William is 15 years old and, aside from video games and football, he has a growing interest in girls. Alias is a 17 year-old Steelers fan who hopes to someday own a carpentry business. Cody, the youngest of the group at 10 years old, is shy yet admits he enjoys the opportunity to get out of school for the day as he has traveled from Erie, Pa with a caseworker. “Whatever it takes to get the kids exposure, to get them a family; that’s what is important, ” said Sheila Hill, child

Council. “The experience with the Point Park students was wonderful.specific recruitment They really specialist took time at Threeto get toRivers know Adoption the kids and to take the best pictures.” Previous assignments in the Intro to Digital Photography class covered lighting, composition and technical aspects of capturing a well exposed image. “It pulls all their skills together and gets them to put into practice what they’ve learned in theory,” said Rolinson. “It gives them the opportunity to put all of that together into one package.” The students grouped into teams and selected

www.pointpark.edu 11 BIGBy Elizabeth May

S c r e e n D r e a m s

From left: Jeremy Clemmer and Lou D’Ambrosio discuss their latest screenwriting projects. Photograph by Ric Evans

Point Park’s new screenwriting major gives aspiring writers a leg up in the competitive entertainment industry.

young, bearded man struggles and grunts as he tries to free himself from duct tape handcuffs. A“So, what do you have to say for yourself?” says the man sitting across the room. The young man, who also has his mouth taped shut, looks at the man pointedly. The bad guy looks down for a moment, realizing this was a pretty stupid question.

“It seems our mutual acquaintance is Mary,” the thug says. “She must be trying to thwart my plans for ruining Christmas.”

The film—an irreverent, but funny glimpse into a 12 www.pointpark.edu plot by Joseph to destroy Christmas after he finds out he’s not Jesus’ real father (a fact he discovers in a very concentration (screenwriting for Clemmer and directing

year, as part of a class assignment. entertaining scene on the “Givaldo Rivera” show)—was for D’Ambrosio) to produce short films in their junior (whowritten, plays directed, God) and filmed Lou and D’Ambrosio performed (who by sixplays Point the “It was an eye-opening experience, almost like simulating youngPark University man kidnapped film students, by Joseph). including Jeremy Clemmer

“Twice a year, our student-run cinema society hosts the Thisthe real year, world the big of filmproject production,” for screenwriting says Clemmer. students is a full-length feature script. Clemmer is half way

“24-hourthen form film their festival,” own groups explains and Clemmer. have a total “Basically of 24 hours there discovers a parallel dimension. is a prompt toward your film’s subject matter. Students through his—a “sci-fi comedy drama” about a loner who ideas and jokes, since we also tend to act in everything “You’re writing the script with, hopefully, the task of to quickly make the film. I love the improvisation of either selling it or producing it into a movie,” Clemmer having fun.” says. “It’s one thing to graduate with a diploma that says we film. The final film is a testament to hard work and you’re a screenwriter, but if you never actually write anything, you’re not a writer.”

•••

screenwriting major will encourage collaboration ••• Likeand the out-of-the-box 24-hour film thinking festival, toPoint create Park’s an engaging new hat’s not a problem for Clemmer, who’s had ample story. Housed within the Department of Cinema and opportunities to hone his craft. He’s completed Tseven short scripts and three feature-length scripts to date. Clemmer also landed an internship last summer Digitalexisting Arts, strengths, the new broadening major—with and a expanding planned launch what was reading and reviewing scripts for Intrinsic Value Films/ datepreviously in fall 2009—willa concentration build in on screenwriting. the current curriculum’s

LikeRed GiantClemmer, Media future in New screenwriting York City. majors will have can learn how to write for television, documentaries, plenty of opportunities to write while they’re at Point “We diversified the course offerings so that students structure of new major, they’ll start right away. ofinteractive cinema and media digital and arts, the Web—inand director addition of the to new feature Park—but, with one big difference. Thanks to the films,”screenwriting says Fred program. Johnson, chair and associate professor “In many other programs, students spend two years taking core courses and undergraduate requirements. This forces them to sit on the sidelines waiting to do recognize that good storytelling is essential to good what they love,” says Johnson. “One big advantage “Our hope is to train filmmakers and screenwriters who of both the cinema production and screenwriting bachelor’s degrees at Point Park is that students start filmmaking,”He explains that, Johnson in addition says. to a focus on creative storytelling, the program will emphasize collaboration, Filmmaking and screenwriting are complex crafts, and providing students with the opportunity to see their theto work more in time their students major the can first work semester within theirat school. discipline, the more prepared they’ll be to produce quality work when they graduate.” soscripts they producedcan better as understand films. “Screenwriters how the directors, will have cinematographers,the opportunity to makeproducers, films andeditors work and with actors actors, work D’Ambrosio agrees. with the scripts they write.” “I really feel like the cinema program has been a big help preparing me for my future,” he says. “The program here is set up to give you very well-rounded knowledge when

••• you can decide which direction you’d like to go for the eniors Clemmer and D’Ambrosio both feel like itfuture.” comes to filmmaking. Then, once you have these skills, Sthey’ve been lucky to see their work brought to completed through the student cinema society’s 24-hour D’Ambrosio, there’s only one direction to go: Up. life at Point Park. In addition to the films they’ve And, for promising young filmmakers like Clemmer and

film festival, they worked with other students in their www.pointpark.edu 13 New York

Photograph by Karen Meyers

Revisiting the Trail of a

TBy Kellierrorist McElhinny

March 1973, a Palestinian terrorist group hatched The case remained dormant until 1988, when a young a plot to detonate car bombs outside of two Israeli bank branch locations in Manhattan and at the El-Al airline Police Department-FBI joint terrorism task force found its FBI agent who had been recently promoted to the New York Michael Finnegan. explosions.terminal at Kennedy International Airport in New York. 20 volumes“I honestly of filesdon’t on think his desk[the supervisor]one morning. assigned That agent me was I TheirnFlyers plan retrieved fizzled, however, from one when of the faulty cars implicatedwiring thwarted Black the September, a group that also was responsible for the murder uncomfortable,” said Finnegan, who is now an assistant of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics, in the attack. professorthe case to in find the him. School I think of Arts he didand it Sciences to make Department my life of The Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a warrant for a Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies. Black September member known as Khalid Duhham al-Jawari Finnegan was up to the challenge. After re-interviewing shortly after the attack, but he became a fugitive and no some 300 people who were originally questioned in the perpetrators were taken into custody at the time. days and weeks immediately following the plotted attack, he

14 www.pointpark.edu Italy

Germany

Iraq Cyprus

Incidentally, the United States might have missed a also had colleagues in Washington alter the driver’s license much earlier opportunity to take Al-Jawari into custody. constructed a 30-page personality profile on the suspect. He The suspect, who has also been referred to in published suspect’s appearance after 15 years. accounts as Khaled Mohammed El-Jassem, had previously photoHis from efforts the paid rental off carin late company’s 1990 when files his to reflectreview the of been arrested in 1978 in Germany but released by German the evidence and a strong network of contacts led him authorities shortly thereafter, although he was found with over 100 pounds of plastic explosives, detonators and eight Organization. Unfortunately, the suspect got wind that the to a Cyprus-based official of the Palestine Liberation “To this day, I still don’t know what his true identity is,” The suspect stayed under the radar until the following saidforms Finnegan, of photo whoidentification continues under to refer different to the man names. as Al- year,FBI was when on hehis surfaced trail and in fled Rome. to Baghdad. Finnegan had issued a Jawari. provisional warrant for Al-Jawari’s arrest in Italy, among Upon Al-Jawari’s arrival in the United States, he was other countries, so Italian authorities detained him. charged with three counts of attempted bombing, with each After an extradition process that dragged on for 18 count carrying a 10-year sentence. Delays and continuances months, much longer than the typical 30- to 90-day window, requested by Al-Jawari’s legal team pushed his trial back handoff didn’t get botched. World Trade Center. At trial, prosecutors produced all three Finnegan“That wasflew an to unrealItaly himself experience,” in order Finnegan to make said sure of that the the intactuntil March explosive 1993, devices just days recovered after the in first1973 bombing as well asof Al-the harrowing trip. “Switzerland banned us from their airspace Jawari’s 1973 international driver’s liscense which he used on the way back, and other countries wouldn’t let us land, so to rent the three vehicles used to plant the bombs. However, we had to refuel in midair. only one piece of evidence directly tied Al-Jawari to the the second time.” “They missed on the first try, but, fortunately, it worked actual devices—a lone fingerprint lifted from a propane tank attached to a bomb inside one of the rentalwww.pointpark.edu cars—Al- 15 Jawari was convicted after a trial that lasted less than a When the recruiter listed week. The trial judge sentenced Al-Jawari to the maximum off the bureau’s physical term of 30 years in prison (three consecutive ten-year sentences) with a recommendation that he serve the entire realized that, with corrected sentence. However, under the federal sentencing guidelines vision,fitness herequirements, would qualify. Finnegan Then, operative at the time of the offense, a 30-year sentence can he had a question for her. be reduced with good behavior in the prison system. “I was sort of a smartaleck, so I asked her how an ex-nun completed his sentence and is scheduled to be released could possibly meet those from Now prison 61 years in February. old and 16 years later, Al-Jawari has nearly requirements,” he said. Throughout the entire process, as Al-Jawari changed She showed him, dropping legal teams and transferred between different prisons, to the ground to do pushups, Finnegan remained the lone constant in his life. Over time, and thus began Finnegan’s the two men developed a friendship of sorts. 20-year FBI odyssey. His work “It was never a hostile situation,” Finnegan said. “For us, took him to Wisconsin, West it was professional courtesy. I was always respectful toward Virginia and eventually back him.” to Pittsburgh in addition to For several years after his conviction, Al-Jawari would occasionally call Finnegan collect from the Federal pursued cases ranging from Correctional Institution where he was lodged. However, publichis tenure corruption in New toYork, gang and he after Al-Jawari’s transfer to the United States Supermax violence. Federal Prison in Florence, Colo., all telephonic contact When Finnegan retired ceased. Finnegan is not aware of Al-Jawari’s post-prison from the bureau in 2004, he plans. was ready for a new adventure. He tried his hand at writing criminal in Finnegan’s arrest portfolio, he was one of many screenplays and television captured While inAl-Jawari the illustrious may have FBI been career the of highest a man whoprofile at one shows, and while some of time thought his poor vision would preclude him from them garnered interest in Photograph by Karen Meyers pursuing law enforcement as a vocation. Hollywood, nothing ever came After all, Finnegan had been rejected for employment to fruition. A few years into by a number of local police departments before he decided his retirement, a chance encounter led him to Point Park. to enroll in law school at the University of Pittsburgh. Finnegan was on his way home from the gym one day when ran into an acquaintance who was on the Point Park to hear her speak. The recruiter was a former Catholic nun, faculty and encouraged him to think about coming on board andNonetheless, that piqued when Finnegan’s the FBI sentcuriosity. a recruiter to Pitt, he went as an adjunct professor. The idea wasn’t a completely foreign one for Finnegan. Photograph by Karen Meyers “My wife always told me I should teach, so I told him I would go in for an interview. They gave me the job,” he said. The following semester, he landed a full-time faculty position at the school and is now on the tenure track. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, along with a popular course on federal test-taking. The opportunity turned out to be a perfect one for Finnegan, whose passion for his work becomes clearly

him. evident“I love within my students,” the first few Finnegan minutes said. of a“I conversation respect and admire with them for trying as hard as they can, and I do my best to prepare them as well as I can.” His real-world experience in law enforcement is a particularly valuable asset to his work in the classroom, noted Karen S. McIntyre, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

16 www.pointpark.edu Cold Case Crime Scene Comes to Life

“I love my students,” Finnegan said. “I respect and admire them for trying as hard Bell Tom by Photograph as they can, and On Tuesday, Nov. 11, a model of the Lizzie Borden house I do my best to was unveiled by Steven Koehler, Ph.D., adjunct faculty member in the School of Arts and Sciences Department of prepare them as Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies, in the lobby of Lawrence Hall. Students and faculty gathered to see the well as I can.” miniature crime scene created by David Presnell and James Hudak, students at the Pittsburgh Art Institute. Koehler conceptualized the replica as a teaching tool for visual and hands-on learning and collaborated with Bill Mitas, professor of industrial design at the Pittsburgh Art Institute. “Professor Finnegan knows what kinds of competencies will be expected of his students, and he stays very “This will provide a scaled version of a real crime scene well-connected,” McIntyre said. “He is able to keep the which will make the students think of different forensics coursework real and relevant to the students. available for analysis,” Koehler said. “This step-by-step “He’s also able to use examples from his professional examination of evidence allows for a unique hands-on career to show why they need to succeed even in courses approach for the students.” that aren’t related to their major.” Finnegan puts a great deal of effort into staying current The model of the Borden house includes furnished and keeping abreast of developments in the FBI and in bedrooms where the murders took place, bodies, blood law enforcement in general. He maintains a law license splatter and removable floor levels for easy access. The and occassionally practices in the Pittsburgh area. He also model is a 1/12 scaled replica of the house as it was when recently presented a paper on pre-9/11 intelligence failures Lizzie Borden was tried and acquitted of the stabbing at a conference at Oxford University in England. deaths of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Mass. in1892. While she was the only suspect and was in the tracking down terrorists or drug dealers someday, home at the time of the murders, there was not enough Finnegan’s For criminal classes justice present students a healthy who dose may offind realism themselves and evidence to convict Borden of the crime without modern preparation for their future careers. Even his colleagues forensic technologies. pick up a few things from him.

The model will be used in forensic science classes in the talk to him,” McIntyre said. spring of 2009. Koehler said another collaboration with the For“You more definitely information read a newspaper related to differently this article, after visit you the Pittsburgh Art Institute is in the works for a model of the Point Extras page at pointpark.edu/pointextras. John F. Kennedy assassination.

www.pointpark.edu 17 Point of View

Professor Joan Mosey on Business Ethics in Uncertain Times By Kate Beard Miller

Joan Mosey is a professor and director of the information technology program in the School of Business. She is photographed in the future site of the School of Business on the 12th floor of the West Penn Building on Wood Street. Photograph by Karen Meyers Karen by Photograph

18 www.pointpark.edu Q. Point: Do you believe business ethics have improved over sure companies follow the regulations. But that’s not really the last 30 years? the point, we have to be more self-regulated and that’s why A. Mosey: No, business ethics hasn’t improved. What is ethics is so important because that’s where a business can different in the last 30 years is that large corporations have build the culture of integrity. had to pay more attention so that they do not get involved in lawsuits. Until laws are passed and regulations occur that Q. Point: In many cases, those found to be acting unethically tell us we have to do something differently, we concentrate seem to be without remorse. What do you believe causes on the bottom line. Ethics is ethics. It’s not just about what these individuals to view the world so differently? one aught to do or what’s right and wrong. It’s really more A. Mosey: When you think about an ethical leader, you think about trying to find universal values, principals and virtues about one who has self-knowledge. A true leader empowers that contribute to the good life. Philosophers in Western people and that means humility; that you’re able to give philosophy have always contemplated what makes a just up power. Ethics implies that you don’t have a just society society. Some students come into the classroom thinking without people living together in community and caring for that ethics is just their value system. So the first thing I one another. Unethical individuals are totally without self- always says is ethics has nothing to do with your religion, knowledge, they’re not contemplative and they’re caught up it has nothing to do with your value system, it has nothing in their ego. As you gain in power, your ego begins to take to do with the legal system, it has nothing to do with what over. They begin to feel they’re special and they deserve society values as right, because that changes. It’s really a more. Power is addictive. quest to discover those universal values and principals that will give us the good life and the just society. Q. Point: Have globalization and technological advances improved or weakened ethics or both? Q. Point: In your opinion, could our current economic state be A. Mosey: Technological advances are coming fast and attributed to poor judgment, unethical behavior or both? they’re huge. We cannot stop it, but we can manage it. If we A. Mosey: I think there were a lot of very well intentioned decide, as a people, that we want to produce good from our people, CEOs, CFOs, who just didn’t know the decisions technology, then that will happen. If, however, greed and they were making were really poor ones. That’s at the best. power are the winners, it could destroy us. For example, But there were many people in business, those with the radio-frequency identification or RFID, makes George Orwell most to gain, who had unbridled greed. We’ve all heard of look like he’s not even close. With RFID, every product, Enron, WorldCom, and Lehman Brothers and all the financial every person and every animal could have a chip imbedded institutions we’re bailing out: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. that could track what you are doing, where you are and who We may have just seen the very tip of the iceberg. you’re around every minute of the day. There are prototypes for this technology in use today. People don’t realize the Q. Point: In these uncertain times, do you feel that companies amount of harm that can be done with this technology by will behave less ethically in their own-self interest? Or could those who are unethical. The economic globalization has companies react by realigning their ethical standards? embraced capitalism. We have a much tougher problem, A. Mosey: The good thing is, in times of crisis, people to bring us all together because we’re so diverse. But once become much more introspective and contemplative. As a again, ethics is perfectly placed because we’re talking about corporation is nothing more than a bunch of people, now universal principles and values. I’m optimistic about this. We is the time to apply what we’ve been thinking about. If we already have organizations that talk about a global code of decide, as consumers, that we will support sustainable conduct in business and that’s a good thing. business, we will get sustainable businesses. Q. Point: Is free trade an ethical issue for our increasingly Q. Point: With recent bailouts and layoffs, should executives global economy? be expected to take a cut in salary? A. Mosey: Sure. Capitalism is built on free trade. What A. Mosey: If they had the slightest bit of humility, it wouldn’t has been problematic: in order to make sure that we can be expected, it would be the only thing to do. If you’re offer our customers the lowest price, we’ve outsourced going to provide ethical leadership, you have to let go of our manufacturing by going into third world countries to the ego. We need leaders who listen, think and question manufacture and pay the workers peanuts. Then we bring and who do not feel vulnerable at being wrong. I believe that product back in and sell it for way more, but still at a there are universal principles like integrity, compassion, low cost. Wal-Mart is a perfect example. Wal-Mart will buy humility and courage. If you have leaders who can create that from the lowest manufacturing bidder. Wal-Mart is not a ethical culture inside the business, then you do everything particularly ethical company even though now they’re trying differently. to say that they care. You have to remember that social responsibility is not ethical responsibility. Corporations must Q. Point: When looking at the large number of foreclosures say that they care. Behind the scenes, those are words, across the United States, it could be argued that both the marketing tools. predatory lenders and consumers share the blame. Are companies expected to act more ethically than individuals? Q. Point: Do you feel sustainability will continue to be a key A. Mosey: We all share the blame. Capitalism married greed word in the future of ethics? and this is what we’ve got. Companies cannot be expected A. Mosey: Absolutely. That’s the only way we can go. A to act more ethically than individuals. Companies are nothing sustainable business is like having a three-legged stool. more than a group of individuals to begin with. How could we One of the legs is people, another one is planet and the ever expect a company to act more ethically? We can’t. third is profit. And so a sustainable business says, I have an obligation to the people, my stakeholders, to the planet, and Q. Point: As a result of sub prime mortgages, deflated to profit. If you don’t have ethical leaders, you will never have stocks and bailouts, do you believe that there will be more a sustainable business. regulation in the future? A. Mosey: Most definitely. And there will be something Professor Mosey can be reached at [email protected]. else: over the last eight years, we’ve lacked enforcement of regulation. There have been a lot of regulatory laws on the books, yet there hasn’t been any enforcement to make

www.pointpark.edu 19 20 www.pointpark.edu

Alumni Profile By Kate Beard Miller AlumniLynn Fero Profile and that’s you find when real purpose.” satisfying words it.That tois very describe at what you’velooks expressed –there are no you createwhen something and someoneelse It’s about theart. is “Life that feeling you get prepare students theirdreams. forachieving to seehow theUniversity continues tothrilled at Pointexperience Park was exceptional and was pride.” with grin She said her educational “Watching Point Park just evolve makes you how theUniversity has and grown improved. toured at thecampus and said shewas surprised to arecentDuring Point visit Fero Park inthefall, of astudent’s outinto journey theworld. shecreatedpainting, oftrees aseries symbolic administrative suite ofAcademic In Hall. onesuch Fero to create to displayed be newworks the Board ofTrustees. He recently commissioned collectorand member ofPointan art Park’s commencement speaker, shemetJack Tomayko, In Fero 2007when returned to Point Park as dramaticusing colorsand bold strong, composition. Fero forher impressionistic known landscapes well is never ortaken explored to time develop. father. She founditwas anatural talent shehad ofmourning for her thetime during emotion outletof Lynn, painting became awonderful and say upawall you ‘Ican’t build dothat.’” For “Sometimes aparent when something does well, asked her mother, to teach an artist, her how to paint. way.an unexpected Afterfather her passed away, she However shefoundher greatest in creative fulfillment manages library. theclassic and film television Pictures to CBS Television where she Distribution through buy-outs and mergers from Paramount affairs administration. She has held the sameposition presidentof promotions and became vice ofbusiness business. In amere eight years, Lynn received aseries secretarial at position Viacom, was then asmall which Within afewyears inthecity, ofliving shetook a challenge and lefther hometown of Penn Pa. Hills, to New York to pursue her dream. She was upforthe Aftergraduation her mother encouraged her to move her step forher career oftheway. every attributes her education at Point Park to preparing teaching and she orpainting, writing, acting, to create, opportunity takes every itis whether Lynn Fero has always had acreative She streak. for Academic HallArt Inspired AlumnaCreates Alumni Profile By Colleen C. Derda John Isaac Harris while maintainingwhile abusy scheduleofteaching 10 (www.johnharristodetroitcitycouncil2009.com), He forDetroityear this Council running City is community. his University and serve gain amaster’s degree ineducation from Wayne State administration, Harris returned to hometown his to Aftergraduating with a bachelor’s degree inpublic a teacher, basketball leader coach inDetroit. and civic and administrators.University faculty Today Harris is to thanks life, and other Anderson Point Park The combination remains abig of part John Harris’ succeed basketball inboth and academics.” interest inme, helping meto determine my major and and member ofthestudent he affairs staff, took an Park University Hall ofFame member. “As acoach says John Isaac Harris (A&S 1983)about thePoint was abig Anderson influence on my life,”“Larry and Community Leader Kids as Teacher, Coach Detroit Serves Alumnus people. Iam ready to serve.” here,” hesays. are fornew, looking “They qualified “People leaders someofthepolitical are fedupwith in2009. Council City he says,right, is election time forhis The to Detroit Harris was acandidate formayor in1989and 1993. groups.” community enjoy with working I also family.in his enjoy teaching “Icertainly and coaching. natural fit,” he says, noting thatis theoldest hesibling alwayseducation. seemed kids to “Working a be with and service to community combine sports, ability “Sometimes jobs choose you,” says John Harris ofhis Harris’ more than 35years inthesport. basedin thesession plus all on conditioning tips, shown photosmanual oftheoffensivedrills with ofall can hard.working girls boys copiesofa earn The and a fewlessons ofeducation about theimportance and Along theway,fundamentals. absorb they more than attend “ShootingExcellence” for sessions on to work through school from elementary Kids high school acoach “Ibelieve ateacher is first,” says Harris. camps. and at clinics drills conditioning and offensiveskills company “Shooting forExcellence,” provides which involvement. He stays inbasketball active through his a program hefoundedto promote community H.O.P.E., or“Helping People Other Everyday,” Alumniand 12 Profile th grade special education students and running th www.pointpark.edu 21 Bluefor a Brightprint

By Cheryl Valyo

$2 Million Grant from The Point Park President Paul Hennigan said the Endowments Futuregrant allows for the building of “the human infrastructure Heinz Endowments Initiates at the University necessary to undertake the design and Architectural Design Process construction of our transformational campus plan. We are very grateful to count the endowments as our partner in for the Academic Village this initiative.”

“Even during these difficult economic times, Point Park Elevated by a $2 million grant from The Heinz is fortunate that we have been able to build upon all Endowments, which supports the architectural design of the planning dedicated toward the Academic Village phase of the University’s Academic Village Initiative, Initiative over the past two years,” said Mariann Geyer, Point Park continues to make important strides toward vice president for University Advancement. realizing its $210 million campus master space plan. “This generous grant from the Heinz Endowments has Announced last December, the grant from the Heinz enabled us to move from the concept phase of the Endowments underwrites a comprehensive design process that will result in a specific set of architectural and engineering blueprints necessary for construction of key components of the Academic Village.

In addition, the grant will support a University architect/ planner to oversee the initiative in its entirety and to help construct an environmental, sustainable overlay for the project.

“Point Park’s campus space plan weaves its presence into the Downtown fabric in a very exciting way,” Endowments Chairman Teresa Heinz said. “It expands considerably the opportunity for Point Park students to engage their academic programs in a vibrant urban setting.”

22 www.pointpark.edu Academic Village, announced last May, into the design phase. This takes us another step closer to construction of some of these key projects.”

For example, “the grant enables the University to carefully select the appropriate architect for the planned public space enhancement at the corner of Wood Street and the Boulevard of the Allies,” said Geyer. Now occupied by a parking lot, the corner will be transformed into an urban park with adjacent retail elements.

The grant also supports the selection of an architect for the design of the student center that will occupy the former YMCA building on the Boulevard, according to Geyer.

“In addition, thanks to the Heinz Endowments, we were Photograph by Tom Bell able to engage the engineering construction firm GAI Consultants Inc. to produce the design of the planned streetscape enhancements along the Wood Street Streetscape to Bloom along corridor.” Wood Street Corridor All of these building projects, along with continued One of the most architecturally diverse and continuously development of the new student residence halls, the used commercial streets in Downtown Pittsburgh, the Boulevard Apartments on the Blvd. of the Allies, must Wood Street Corridor has long been the beating heart reflect a continuity of design, according to Geyer. “Our of Point Park. Under the Academic Village Initiative, the ultimate goal is to produce a well-designed Academic street (between Ft. Pitt Blvd. and Third Avenue) will be Village that will be good for the University and good for revitalized to become a truly pedestrian-friendly corridor. our Downtown neighborhood.” With the help of the Heinz Endowments grant, the The design and construction process will also provide University engaged GAI Consultants Inc., a Pittsburgh- a positive economic impact, she added. “We’ll be based engineering firm that provides transportation, engaging excellent architects and hiring local design energy, environmental, land development and and construction firms, which will also serve to boost construction services, to spearhead design for the local employment, during this next phase of development Wood Street Corridor project. of the Academic Village.” According to Jim Saxon, project manager for the University, the Wood Street Corridor project will include milling and resurfacing of the street, including new crosswalks, and feature such elements as exposed aggregate and granite.

Among other planned improvements, all of which will comply with city standards, are new pedestrian lighting, new street signals and signage, and additional Point Park “way-finding” signage. Trees will be planted along the street and appropriate irrigation installed, said Saxon.

With the design process and survey phase now complete, construction documents are expected to be ready by summer, he said.

www.pointpark.edu 23 A Green Park for an Urban facing the river, have outstanding views. The design for the apartment buildings was completed by Tasso Corner Katselas Architects (TKA), and construction is by The surface parking lot at the corner of Wood Street Massaro Corporation. and the Blvd. of the Allies will soon be transformed into a lively park, providing precious urban green space for TKA Architects and Massaro have also teamed for the University and its neighbors. Funded in part by a design and construction of the new home of the School $1.5 million gift from an anonymous donor, the park will of Business, which will move from its current location also include complementary retail elements (yet to be in Thayer Hall into the 11th, 12th and 13th floors of the determined). former West Penn building (at Wood Street and Ft. Pitt Blvd.) in May. The new space will encompass classrooms, “The goal is to create an outdoor plaza for students, faculty and Downtown neighbors, a community green Photograph by Tom Bell space,” said Saxon. The exterior of the adjacent buildings, including the Boulevard Apartments and Frontier Hall, will also be addressed as part of the design plan.

According to Saxon, the park will likely have a water feature and perhaps space for smaller outdoor concerts and similar activities. “We intentionally left the design guidelines open to encourage a range of ideas and creativity,” he said.

The Heinz Endowments grant helped fund the selection of the appropriate architect for the park, a process that is now underway with a decision expected by early 2009. After a six-month design period, construction may begin later this year. Students are settled into their new accommodations at the Boulevard Apartments

Boulevard Apartments, Other faculty and administrative offices and conference rooms for the School of Business, said Saxon. Renovations Reflect Growing Campus In the University’s new LEED-certified (Leadership in Immediately adjacent to the planned park, two new Energy and Environmental Design) Dance Studio Building, student apartment buildings, the Boulevard Apartments, design and construction of three new dance studios on have taken shape at 312-322 Blvd. of the Allies. the fourth floor of the complex is planned for 2009. Completed for occupancy last fall was a $6.5 million renovation project that converted 312 Blvd. of the Allies From the initiation of the design phase for the Academic into loft-style apartments. The building next door is Village and upcoming public space enhancement along undergoing similar renovations and will be ready for the Wood Street Corridor, to recent campus development occupancy in fall, 2009. such as the lighting of the upper stories of Lawrence Hall and the completion of a spacious corner lobby Together, these new student apartment buildings will entrance for the building, Point Park continues to make provide space for nearly 200 resident students, according strides toward building a vibrant, yet safe and secure to Saxon. “Each building features premium construction environment for its students and its neighbors. and has been designed so that each apartment is unique in some fashion,” he said.

The new apartments feature full kitchens and private baths for each bedroom. Units on the First Avenue side,

24 www.pointpark.edu Q. A. Q. A. Q. contribution in going green and to do our part for the the for part our do Point: Whatbrought youtoPointPark? to a and make green all environment. going should in we places More because contribution this created. that like first know be to was it and should it when of here come were we what’s see to wonderful are herenow,twentyyears fromnowitwillbe Simmons: It’sahugedeal.Forthedancerswho dance inthefirstLEEDGoldCertifiedcomplex? around come to Point: Whatdoesitmeantoyoubeable room more teachers and correctusworkwithus. gives gives it space also The and it and wonderful. outside it’s see us moreopportunitytospreadoutandnotbelimitedand to in bright nice nature they’re It’s that brings windows. love I big the studios. with much dance so the in There’s space great. it’s think new I Simmons: the in class dance complex? taking like you do How Point: AhmadQ&A Simmonswith A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. dance, so which ever comes first. first. concert comes and ever theater which so directly musical But dance, love I company. school, of dance out own my have to road, New to move to York andworkthere.Iwould like,inyearsdownthe love would I Well, Simmons: Point: Whatareyourplansafter graduation? modern, soIhaveadualmajor. Simmons: I’mconcentratingonjazzand here atPointPark? of quality get. the we Point: that matches space it The education the high-tech; studios. and they these in and jazzy be so to space is the back come work to remember to in want they come school, people guest the when for with and opportunity more choreographers brings It studios. Simmons: Theyloveit.Wereallyour have us. for classmates responded tothisnewspace? your opportunity feel more you do lot a How Point: creates space. really more is That benefit main new The Simmons: this of benefits nation. the facility? the of in our some second that are out What Point: ranked is found I Then program dance decision. both my for made I how auditioned and for here school got to and Ireceivedbetterscholarshipsindancethat’sI go to theater. the wanted by I musical stumbled online. just I application program. dance great a Simmons: IhadnoideathatPointParksuch What style of dance is your concentration concentration your is dance of style What Photograph byIssac Photograph Taube www.pointpark.edu 25 Annual List of FiscalDonors Year 2008 (September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008)

Individuals Trudy Avery, Esq. Richard Bittner Marya Bryan Anonymous (5) Rachel Ayers Nancy Blackwell Melissa Buddemeyer Mr. and Mrs. H. David Abbott Karen Azer William Blackwell Jason Bugg Robert Abel Stephanie Azmoudeh Kenneth Blair Jeannine Burdsall Juilanne Abouzaid Noreen Bach William Blair William Burgess Alyson Abraham Jeffrey Bachner Susan Blass Joe Burgunder Diane Abraham Brenda Baldwin Kathleen Blauth Dennis and Annette Burke James and Francine Abraham Frank Balestrieri Mary Blice Jenniffer Burke Mr. and Mrs. Gary Abrams Kathryn Ballas Susan Bliss Lynda Burkel Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Acklin Annette Banderinko Mr. and Mrs. Alan Boarts Thomas Burns Mr. and Mrs. Earl Acquaviva Joseph Banish Alexander Boburka Bruce Burwell Jennifer Barnada Sandra Barancyk Joe Bobyn John Burwell Beth Adamczyk-Glick Ronald and Shirley Barasch Robert Bogaski John Busko Helen Adams Richard Barbarita Allan Boggs Robert Butera Jeffrey Adams Frank Barbosky Nadine Bognar Carmen Butler Timothy Adams Randy Bargiel David Boguszewski Theodore Butler Dr. Vishnu Agrawala Reverend Martin Barkin Earl Bohn Mark Butta Mr. and Mrs. Skylor Ahn Jeffrey Barlow Judith Bolsinger Callie Buzard Reverend Paul Aiello Cindy Barnett Erin Bomgaars Veronica Byers Ronald Akins Jeffrey Barone Michael Bondi June Cahall Amanda Aldridge Nanci Barone Jon Boscia Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cain James Alexander Martha Barry Robert Boscia Ronald Cairns Dr. Robert Alexander Michael Barry Adam Bowser Yolanda Caldwell William Alexander David Barsottini James Boyce John Calhoun Marsha Alico Edward Bartek Anne Boyd Mr. and Mrs. Reggie Calhoun Doug Alspach Suzanne Barth Richard Boyd Andrew Caliguiri Laureen Alt Marlin Bartos Donna Boyer Mary Callaghan Nick Altebrando Nancy Bartram Patricia Boykin William Cameron Shawn Amblod Garry Bashore Robert Boykin Joseph Camizzi Matthew Amedeo Mitchell Bassman Carol Boyle David Campbell Bernadine Amendola Justin Batchen E. Michael Boyle Glen Campbell Larry Ammon Natalie Batchen Garry Boyles Nina Campbell David Anderson Deborah Bateman Debra-Ann Brabazon Karen Cannon Donald Anderson Eric Bauer Suzan Brand Christopher Capizzi Douglas Anderson Kirkley Beal Kenneth Brandeburg Burt Caplan Florence Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Phil Beard Joyce Brandon Dr. Paul Caplan Jill Anderson G. Nicholas Beckwith Deborah Branthoover Doreen Cappozalo-Cugno Leslie Anderson Raymond Behe Eileen Braunstein Janet Capps Lisa Anderson Jeanne Belcher Jeremy Braverman Theresa Caprara Sheila Anderson Brian Belitskus Carmen Bray Robert Captor Kent Andiori Tom and Amy Bell Richell Breakwell Theresa Card Anne Andrade Kara Bellora Terry Breitbord Douglas Carey Helen Andreko Frank Belsar Geraldine Brennan Nancy Carns Potts Malcolm Andrews Thomas Benson Joann Brewer David Carroll Richard Andrus Douglas Bentz Bernadette Bridge Cynthia Carrow Kevin Ankeny Dennis Beran Mary Brieck Joseph Carson Mark Ansani Louis Bernardi Carol Brinjak Juanita Carter David Anselm Adam Bernstein Nancy Bromall Sharon Carter Anna Antolick Aldo Betta Sheila Broman Gregory Caruso Mr. and Mrs. John Antonelli Barry Bevec Dennis Brong Lance Cash Aamir Anwar Jeanne Beveridge Frances Brooks Carrie Casper Charles Arent Joseph Bevevino Diane Brown James Cassin Paul Arent Michael Bewak Edward Brown Barbara Castanzo Norman Armonat Dessie Bey Mr. and Mrs. Norman Brown Edward Castner Michael Arnold Savana Bezzera-Dias Russell Brown Audrey Castracane Kelli Artis Don Bialon Robert Brozanski Guy Catania James Astuto Rene Bickert Linda Brubaker Patricia Catania Andrew August Melinda Bier Michael Brunner Karen Cathers Brenna Avery Jarrett Bittner Raymond Brunner Robert Caughey, Jr.

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28 www.pointpark.edu Liese Kauffman Robert Krandel Cynthia and Paul Liefeld Barbara Martin Thomas Kayser Nick Kraus William Ligetti Jason Martin Mr. and Mrs. John Keen Eric Kresh Susan Lindberg Paul Martin, III Malcolm Keen Paul Kress Richard and Susan Linzer Rachel Martin John Keffalas Dr. Diane Krill Michelle Lioon Robert Martinac Margaret Kelley Michael Krizner Michele Litch Valerie Martinceck J. Kelly Heather Kruse Thomas Little Donald Martini Nora Kelly Amber Krzys Diane Litz Norman Marts Betty Kemerer Elizabeth Kubic Audie Lloyd Johnna Maryak Mary Kempffer Jason Kukol Nancy Lobaugh Cynthia Marynak Doreen Kendo Anna Kulikowski B. Wayne and Roberta Lohr Donald Mason Ruth Kendrick Robert Kulpa Frank Long Lucille Mason Robert Kennedy Patricia Kummick Jeffrey Long Mary Mason Janet Kerlin M. Kuppelweiser Nancy Long Steven Massaro Dan Kerns Karen Kurimcak Audra Lopez Ann Massie Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Kerpchar George Kushma Anita Lorek Joyce Matthies Charles Khalil Philip Kushnar Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Lorenzo Donna Maule Stephen Kielnar Francine Kuzma Cornelia Louis John and Joan Mazur Amy Kier Sharon Kuzmanko Angela Love Garland McAdoo Michele Kierski Charles Kuznicki Frank Lowe Althea McCalmont Beth Kilbane Jo Ann Kylander Barbara Lowrie Dr. M.J. McCarty Eileen Kiley Roberto Lacayo Brett Lubay Christine McClure Sharon Kimble Donald Lacher Heather Lubay Reverend John McCoy, Jr. Darrell King Raymond Lader Maribeth Lucci, Ph.D. Pamela McCracken Kevin King Joseph Lagana Patricia Lukes Dr. John McCutcheon Richard King Roy Lahet Daniel Lundie Megan McDermott James Kingerski Lou Lambros Shaina Luntz Anna McDonough Paul Kirchner Alan Landay Tracy Luppe Janet McDonough Alfred Kirschman Andrew Lang Lorene Lutckens Shannon McEnteer Robert Kirschner Michele Langbein Elaine Luther John McFarland David Kirshner Steven LaPata Alan Lutz Gerald McGinnis James Kisic Tom Laporte Joseph Luvara Edward McGuigan Matthew Kissane David Larson Edna Lyle Joyce Mcguire Mary Kister Mr. and Mrs. William Laspin Dennis Lynch Dr. Timothy McGuire and Ellen Kitay Thomas Laton Jerry Lyons Dr. Nancy Melone Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Kitner Maureen Laughery Jacob Michelle Macek David McGuirk Lloyd Klein Paul Laverty Gloria Macin Dr. Karen McIntyre Rochelle Klein Steven Lay Calla Macioch James McKeen David Klima Dr. John and Ms. Jacqui Lazo Robert Mack Daniel McKenna Melissa Kline Stephen Lazur Richard Macklin Sheila McKenna Patricia Kline Vincent Le Donne Carol and Douglas MacPhail Ronald Mckinney Philip Klinedinst Dr. Larry Leahy Helen Maddocks Robin McKown Patricia Klingensmith Geary Leasure Lawrence Magar Janet McLaughlin Kristin Klocek Argie Leech Robert Magiera Robert McLay Gary Klubert Raymond Leech Earl Main Jean McLean Robert Klucsor Michael Lehman Joseph Mallorey Dr. Stuart McLean Dr. Joyce Knestrick Judith Leifer-Bentz Bridget Mancosh J. Kevin McMahon James Knowlson Gerard Lenthall Debbie Manculich Mr. and Mrs. Richard McMillen Edgar Kobak Gloria Leonard Alexis Mancuso Pat McVicker Somatie Kochhar M. Leonard Ronald Mangan Edward Meena Christine Kocian Linda Leong Les Manganello Paul Meese Lee Kohler Pasquale Leretsis Jeffrey Mangus Donna Mega Angela Kokanos Irene Leskovic Catherine Mann Claire Megyesy Ralph Kollar Judith Lettrich Eric Mann Margaret Meighan Thomas Kondrat John Levenson Harvinder Mann Nelson Mellitz Samuel Kosanovich Deborah Levy Linda Mann Paul Melvin John Kovach Allen Lewis Lindsey Manns Anthony Meneo, III Kathleen Kovacs Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Lewis Robert Marcink Michelle Menozzi Cyril Koval Mr. and Mrs. James Lewis Marciann Marcus Kimberly Merge Albert Kowalewski Kathleen Lewis Arthur Marino Michelle Merlo Richard Kowiatek Maureen Lewis Marianne Markelz Kimberly Merville Laurie Kozbelt Dr. Robert Lewis Debra Marko Sandra Mervosh John Krajnak Albert Liberi George Markovic Daniel Meshanko Charles Krall Michael Lichtenberger Dr. Darlene Marnich Thomas Mesler Fred Kramer Marc and Patricia Liebman Marianne Marnik David Metinko

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William Welch Mary Zdarko DRS Architects McKnight Development Corporation Peter Wentzel Georgia Zeedick DSF Charitable Foundation MEDRAD 32 www.pointpark.edu Mellon Financial Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Charities The Buhl Foundation Ventura Group, LLC Corporation Foundation PNC Bank NA The Consortium for Verizon Foundation Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation Inc. PNC Foundation Public Education Volunteers of America of PA, Inc. Millcraft Industries Inc. The Remmel Foundation through The Design Alliance Architects Wachovia Foundation Modern Reproductions Inc. the PNC Charitable Trust The Grable Foundation Wachovia Securities Mt. Lebanon Office Equip Co. PPG Industries Foundation The Hershey Foods Washington Family Fund Multicultural Arts Initiative PPG Industries Inc. Corporation Fund Washington Mutual Foundation Murray Insurance Agency Precision Electrical The Hill Group Inc. WAX Mutual of America Contractors Inc. 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Shadyside Inn ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation Zonta Three Rivers Paul & Dina Block Foundation Shaherazad Antique TKA Architects Pittsburgh North Pennsylvania Association Oriental Rugs Inc. Tomsin Steel Co. of Broadcasters Sippel Co., Inc. Tribune Review Charities Pennsylvania Trane Inc Sky Insurance Tucker Arensberg P.C. Peter Hantz Company, Inc. Snyder Brothers, Inc. Turner Construction Company Pittsburgh Board of Education Spectra Contract Flooring Ullrich Shoe Repair Pittsburgh Child Services, Inc. United States Steel Corporation Guidance Foundation Stacey’s Just For You UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera The Audrey Hillman Fisher Urban Redevelopment Pittsburgh Magazine Foundation Inc. Authority of Pittsburgh Especially for Alumni

Dear Fellow Alumni,

Spring is just around the corner and the Point Park Alumni Association is buzzing with all that is new. Our alumni association is now on Facebook and we hope you’ll seek out and join the Point Park Alumni Association group. This is just another way to stay connected with your former classmates and alma mater.

If you weren’t able to make it to the first-ever alumni association trip to Las Vegas in February, look out for other exciting travel opportunities in 2009. In addition to the many benefits offered by our alumni association, Point Park alumni can now take advantage of our travel Web site and special insurance offers made possible by the Office of Alumni Relations. To find out more, please visit our Web site at pointpark.edu/alumni or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 412-392-4750.

Lastly, I’m proud to report on the launch of our Alumni Association Scholarship. We initiated fund raising for this scholarship at the Second Annual Holiday Alumni Association Dinner held at the LeMont in Pittsburgh on Dec. 13. What better way to support our alma mater than to support its students? To make a donation to the Alumni Association Scholarship, please call 412-392-4750. I hope you will join me in future events and programs to support this worthy cause.

Sincerely,

John Taormina (A&S ’00, MBA ’01) President, Alumni Association Board of Directors 34 www.pointpark.edua Rob Matzie ob Matzie grew up in Internet. Before that, he worked RAmbridge, Pa., listening to for WMBA Radio in Ambridge, politics around the kitchen table. a job that helped him pay his way His grandfather was a councilman, through college. and everyone in the family had opinions about local and national Matzie announced high school politics. His parents even named football and basketball games for him after Robert Kennedy. MSA Sports. Point Park University alums Don Rebel (COM 1987), “The political bug bit me,” says the network’s operations manager, Rob Matzie (COM 1992). “So and announcer Ed Troup (COM I started getting involved in my ‘02) continue to serve the network. hometown and it progressed from there.” It was KDKA-TV sportscaster Bob Pompeani (COM 1984), a Matzie was appointed to the Beaver County native and Point planning commission a year Park alum who led Matzie to the after graduating from Point Park University to study journalism in University and soon was working the first place. for the area’s state senator as a staff member. His first elected “I heard all about the program’s seat, in 2002, was a countywide storied history,” says Matzie. “Bob position on the Democratic State Pompeani certainly led me to the Committee. A year later, he was right place.” appointed mayor of Ambridge when the officeholder died. The announcer/Representative credits the University’s emphasis Matzie made major political on professionals teaching practical strides in 2008 when he was skills as one of the keys to his elected representative for success in broadcasting and other Pennsylvania’s 16th legislative areas of life. “I formed many district, which includes parts of strong relationships at Point Park,” Announcer Allegheny and Beaver counties. he notes. During the race he received numerous endorsements, As much as Matzie has enjoyed including that of the Pittsburgh being an announcer, he isn’t Elected State Post-Gazette, which praised his planning to combine his political “knowledge and experience.” and sports careers anytime soon.

Along with political experience, “It takes a lot of preparation to Representative Rob Matzie has expertise and a call a game,” says Matzie. “You Point Park University bachelor’s need to have time to devote to it. by Colleen C. Derda degree related to another field— Now I need to serve my district broadcasting. during the week and my family on the weekends.” For years, Matzie has served as a play-by-play announcer for Rob Matzie and his wife Patty MSA Sports Network (www. have a six-year-old daughter. The msasportsnetwork.com), which family resides in Ambridge. broadcasts high school and college games on AM and FM stations in the tri-state area and on the

www.pointpark.edu 35 Cavaliers’ Announcer Launched Career from Point Park

by Colleen C. Derda

contacted the local television station and as the voice of the National Basketball Fred askedMcLeod if he could send an audition tape Association’s (NBA) Detroit Pistons. after returning to Pittsburgh. Along the way he was the voice of the Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Detroit “The station manager said he had a Tigers and National Football League’s job open in sports, and I should come Detroit Lions. He also took on play- cut a tape,” said McLeod. “I went by-play duties for the MLB’s Cleveland in and banged out a script and did Indians during an earlier Cleveland stint. a mock broadcast. I was completely nervous, but I had learned enough and He is back in his hometown, now in his watched Sam Nover (the WPXI-TV fourth season with the NBA’s Cavs. veteran sportscaster) enough during my internship that I was able to do it.” He feels well suited to the Cavaliers and basketball in general. “I love the energy McLeod got the job and returned two and the speed of the game,” he says. weeks after graduating. Plus, Cavaliers’ star LeBron James “is an announcer’s dream.” “It was baptism by fire,” says McLeod, noting that he made rookie mistakes The challenge announcing every game, while covering studio wrestling and other McLeod says, is to enhance the play on sports. “But that’s how you learn.” the court but not overshadow it. Fred McLeod (COM 1974) credits a senior-year internship and a McLeod eventually moved to positions “A good play-by-play announcer describes long-shot contact made during a baseball with television stations in Steubenville, the excitement but doesn’t go over the top.” championship trip with helping to Ohio and San Francisco, Calif. By age launch his television broadcasting career. 24, he was working in Cleveland, Ohio Fred McLeod writes about play-by-play The Cleveland Cavaliers’ play-by-play as one of the youngest broadcasters in a announcing for the Cavaliers in a blog, announcer was a broadcast journalism/ top-10 market. The National Academy www.cavfanatic.com/fredmcleod/blog. mass communication major and a pitcher of Arts and Sciences recognized McLeod at Point Park College in 1974 when for achievement in television during his the baseball team traveled to St. Joseph, distinguished career. Mo. for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics College World Fred McLeod made his mark in Detroit, Series. Realizing that he would need Mich. where he hosted a half-hour weekly to start in a small market, McLeod sports show and served for 22 seasons 36 www.pointpark.edu class notes 1988David Perozzi (COM 1988) produced Al Joseph1962 Dentici (BUS 1962), president and Roker Reporting: Armed In America, a MSNBC owner of Kuhn’s Market, will oversee the documentary for Al Roker Entertainment. The financing and construction of a full-service documentary investigates the dangers of grocery store in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. working behind the scenes at the Bureau of Kuhn’s Market was selected by the city Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to find out how Urban Redevelopment Authority board. The the federal agency is working to eliminate 40,000-square-foot store will include a gun crimes in the United States. The show pharmacy, bakery and café. The future site of premiered on Nov. 23 at 10 p.m. Eastern the store is Centre Avenue at Heldman Street. Standard Time. It is the first of a series of investigative documentaries reported by “Today” Alumnae Linda (Con) Kistler, Robin Brandt, Charla Chiappelli and Candy McClellan 1980 anchor, Al Roker, which will air on MSNBC in the Jimmy Miller (COM 1980, HON ’00) produced coming months. 2002 She’s Out of My League to premier in the spring Meghan Heimbecker (COPA ‘02) recently of 2009. The movie is a romantic comedy about performed in the musical Quilters with The an everyday man meeting the girl of his dreams Renata1989 Mastrofrancesco (COM 1989) was Great Plains Theatre in Kansas and appeared but outside influences affect his confidence married on October 4, 2008 to Mark David on the east coast premiere of The War Party about the relationship. Shaw. Mrs. Shaw is a staff assistant at Penn with Philadelphia’s Interact Theatre Company. State Beaver in Monaca, Pa. Meghan also works as a children’s theater director and teaching artist for the Walnut Nancy1983 (Schmitz) Dickson (COM 1983) was Street Theatre where she will be directing a recently hired as vice president of public 1990Ellen (Harbold) Gamble (COM 1990) is world premiere of the musical The Berenstain relations and community development at the the Director of Bears: Family Matters. The production runs on Community College of Beaver County. Development select dates on March and April. for Pressley Ridge, which 2007 serves troubled Crystal Herbert (COPA ‘07) is design assistant children and and office manager with Abkco Music & their families in Records, which is owned by The Rolling Stones eight states, the District of Columbia, Portugal and is located in New York City. She is assisting and Hungary. Prior to accepting the position at with photography and flash design and video Pressley Ridge, Gamble was the Development for the company Web site. Director at Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Ellen and her husband Eric live in 2008 Pittsburgh and she is the proud step-mother of Two photos by Issac Taube (COM ’08) were Erica, 22, and Elaine, 20. published in the New York Daily News on Nov. 2. The photos illustrated an article titled “What Real People in Battleground States Say About Sabrina1998 D’Agosta (COM 1998) is now the the Election.” Deputy Communications Director for Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.

Beverly Edwards (COPA 1983) visited Point Park on Dec. 4 to talk with students about her career as a performer and her transition into her current position as company manager of Frost/Nixon while in town for the show’s run in Pittsburgh. www.pointpark.edu 37 Point Park Annual Fund Phone-A-Thon Sets a Record

In the fall of 2008, 27 students made more than 27,000 phone calls over a period of three weeks and raised a record-breaking $70,000 in the history of Point Park’s annual fund. For the Point Park on Facebook first time after many years, the annual fund phone-a-thon was brought back to oint Park is in the midst of the Facebook revolution and is campus so that current students could prepared to call in the post-graduate troops. A Point Park share their Point Park experience with Facebook page directed toward and designed for alumni has donors. After all, our students serve as been in development and will be launched in early 2009. In ambassadors, representing the very addition to encouraging alumni to stay in touch with classmates, heartbeat of our University. the page is intended to keep graduates current on University Student callers were selected based news and events and promote a more interactive connection to on their performance in telephone their alma mater. interviews. Students were trained and reimbursed for their time and they made Alison Boron (BUS ’08) will manage the Facebook page. She a big difference. Isabel Power, junior sees the project as a chance to give back to Point Park, as well dance major, was the top caller in 2008 as an opportunity to create a more effective networking system with more than $10,000 raised. for graduates. “Hopefully, this will help the University reach a different demographic of alumni,” says Boron. “This will be a more accessible way for younger alumni to stay up to date and involved with Point Park.” WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Alumni will be encouraged to seek out and join the network and participate as much or as little as they like. Another benefit Send us photos to the method of Facebook communication is the cultural popularity the site has gained since its 2004 inception. With at showing your least nominal familiarity, new users can ease their way into the Point Park pride online community and explore new ways to get involved with to thepoint@ Point Park alumni. pointpark.edu.

Send your news to [email protected]. 38 www.pointpark.edu By Grace Miller Survival of the Sisterhood

hough the presence commitment. Though it was outwardly skills. These frequent events helped the of the sorority would described as a clique, a gang, a cult, to girls network on campus, but they also begin to fade only three the sisters, Sigma Delta Sigma really was taught them how to nurture their character years later, in the spring of 1971 Sigma a family. Charla Jones Chiapelli, class of and to find what they wanted in their Delta Sigma was a campus presence of ‘73 and Sigma Delta Sigma historian, was friendships and in themselves. unrivaled effervescence. Occupying the fifth drawn to the sorority as and eighth floors of Thayer Hall, the group much by the familial feel ofT undergraduates was not the largest as the social perks. “No sorority on campus, but they boasted a well matter who was squabbling eAeknown presence both on - and off-campus. with whom back in the The sorority, with the residual homecoming dorms, out in the world queen and mandatory ‘fingertips or higher’ you were part of the hemlines, was also a familiar force in the Sigma Delta Sigma family cultural activism growing in and that was a united

Notions and loyal front. Nobody questioned the bond and that’s what still brings us back together.” And From left, top row: Anna Marie Quigley, Annie Strishock, Carol Riden Spendiff, Kathy Walton Heimann, Vicki Harpster, Sue Rudensy, Debbie Briley; behind that united middle row: Robin Brandt, Candy Stefl, Sue Heatherington, Renay Friedman, Debbie Black; bottom row: Karen Zunick, Char Jones Chiappelli, Robin Mason, front, the strength of Mary Beth London Gibbon, Terry Breitbord the friendships was the strongest within pledge classes. Chiapelli’s younger fifth floor crew could Years after turning their tassles, the share the trials of the pledge period, Sigmas have spread out from Pittsburgh learning from their big sisters on the but their friendships are firmly based in eighth floor but cringing through initiation Point Park history. No matter what has From left, top row: Vicki Harpster; middle row: activities like cleaning an older girl’s fish happened over the years, the women have Candy Stefl, Robin Brandt; bottom row: Char Jones Chiappelli, Sharon Frost, Linda Kistler bowl. Together the combined pledge been secure in knowing who to count on in

Nostalgic classes would hold informal and formal times of trouble. “Just like we were there teas, fraternity picnics, scavenger for each other through all the heartbreaks hunts and other events to promote and stresses of college,” remembers the city and members became acquainted activity and teach the girls social Chiapelli, “we’ve been there for each with city politicians, including former other through marriages, divorces, county commissioner, Tom Forrester. sicknesses and deaths. No matter what They worked as hall advisors and happens, they’re there.” Despite the mail sorters, held fundraising shoe absence of Sigma Delta Sigma at Point shines and promoted school spirit as Park today, Chiapelli has faith that the cheerleaders. But behind the ceaseless sorority’s mission will still be survived activity and shining social presence was through the sisters’ example. “My a bond rooted in loyalty and compassion, children have really great, unconditional upon which the sisters of Sigma Delta friendships and I think they learned the Sigma built lasting relationships that importance of loyalty and friendship from have withstood the strains of time and growing up and looking at my friendships distance, proving the untiring value of with the Sigmas.” sisterhood nearly forty years after the dissolution of the chapter. From left: Char Jones Chiappelli, Linda Kistler, Vicki Harpster As the sorority song asserts, “we’ll be sisters forever”, joining the group would be a lifelong

www.pointpark.edu 39 By Kevin Taylor Director of Athletic Communications Pioneers share stage

Photography by Lindy Dobbins Nov. 7 members of the to play in an NBA arena, and On Point Park women’s hopefully everyone involved basketball team had a chance had an enjoyable time.” to share the spotlight with Cleveland Cavaliers, one of Kosanovich had a few remarks the top teams in the National at the reception, which was Basketball Association. held in a VIP room in the with NBA’sarena. Point elite Park President The Pioneers opened their Paul Hennigan and Acting 2008-09 season that day at Dean of Student Affairs Quicken Loans Arena, home Keith Paylo had some words of the Cavaliers. And although for the group, as well. Ashleigh Hays dribbles down Terrica Jones gets the sideline. ready to go up for a they lost to Northwestern Ohio, rebound. 68-66, in overtime, it was a “On behalf of the women’s great day for the players and basketball team and Point fans who made the trip. Park, I would like thank you for coming tonight,” said More than 100 friends, family, Paylo. “There was a lot of staff and alumni attended the hard work that went into Point Park women’s basketball making this a special event, game, which was the American and it was a great day for Mideast Conference opener Point Park University.” for both teams. After the game, the group from Point Kosanovich, who is in his third- Park enjoyed a private, all- year as women’s basketball you-can-eat buffet reception coach, deserves the credit for before watching LeBron setting up the game at the James and the Cavaliers take on the Indiana Pacers.

James scored 27 points to lead the Cavs to a thrilling, 111-107 victory, and by the end of the night, everyone had a day they would remember for a long time.

“This was a great event for Point Park women’s basketball and for Point Park University,” said women’s basketball coach Sam Kosanovich, who initiated the event. “It was very exciting

Quicken Loans Arena

40 www.pointpark.edu By Kevin Taylor Director of Athletic Communications

Cross Country NBA arena, and many The women’s cross country season others across campus had a hand in making at the Pitt-Greensburg Invitational things go smoothly. was highlighted by a third-place finish Oct. 4. Lindsay Dill, who placed ninth, Kosanovich tweaked led the women’s team is six of seven the women’s races. Reuben Rono, a native of Kenya, basketball schedule to took third place Oct. 4 and paced the allow for the game to be played at The Q. men’s team in six of seven meets.

Originally, the game versus Northwestern Ohio was scheduled Volleyball for Dec. 13 at Point The volleyball team (19-18) posted a Park. Kosanovich asked the Racers if winning record for the second straight they were willing to Brittney Wilson takes a 3-pointer. year and missed qualifying for a playoff move the game ahead spot in a re-aligned AMC conference by to Nov. 7, and Northwestern Ohio, which is located in one game. Ashley Zietak was named to the Lima, Ohio, gladly obliged. All-AMC third team, and Megan Lamens Tickets were sold to Point Park students and alumni at a was an honorable-mention choice. special rate, and for the price of the ticket, fans received admission to both games, transportation and admission to the all-you-can-eat reception. Transportation was provided by a bus, which transported students to and from the game. Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team won four of its Point Park’s hip-hop dance group, Impulse, performed at halftime, and Point Park’s broadcasting students were setting players. Senior goalkeeper Emily showcased, as well, as members of the WPPJ radio and first six games and featured two record- U-VIEW television crews were on hand to cover the game. In addition, Fred McLeod (COM 1974), the play-by-play Park’s all-time leader in wins and saves Tomalewski finished her career as Point voice of the Cavs, stopped by the reception to say a few while junior Angela Olivieri is the school’s words to the group. all-time leader in points and goals.

As the women’s basketball game got underway, Point Park took an early 12-3 lead on a 3-pointer by Ashleigh Hays, who scored 12 points. The Pioneers led 31-25 at halftime, and took a 47-32 lead with 13:26 to play. Men’s Soccer Seniors Steve Fabian and Dustin Hess But Northwestern Ohio battled back to force overtime, earned All-AMC honorable mention and Stacy Feathers led the Racers to victory with a game- honors for the Pioneers. Fabian ranked high 21 points.

Terrica Jones scored 12 points for the Pioneers while and Hess was second on the team with third in the NAIA in saves per game, Ashley Henderson added 11 points and 10 rebounds. 11 points. The Pioneers won three Emily Anderson chipped in 10 points and four steals.

including a victory on senior day. SPORTS ROUNDUP FALL of five games at the end of the year,

www.pointpark.edu 41 Non profit THE POINT organization POINT PARK UNIVERSITY U.S. Postage 201 WOOD STREET PAID PITTSBURGH, PA 15222 Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 1674 www.pointpark.edu