California University professor, Dr. Mark Tebbitt, spent the majority of his winter break doing something rather unique…researching and studying plants in the country of Bolivia.

Dr. Tebbitt visited two major regions in Bolivia – the Ambora National Park and Vallegrande, which are about one-hundred miles apart.

“I looked at plants 24/7 for not quite three weeks,” Dr. Tebbitt said.

Even though much of his time was spent searching for begonias, Dr. Tebbitt was able to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Andes Mountains and its other wildlife. In Amboro National park alone, there are more than 800 species of birds and over 125 species of mammals. Some of these mammals include jaguars, pumas, anteaters, and seven species of primates. The park is also thought to have more butterfly species than anywhere on the planet.

“If you like toads, this is the place for you. There are over 50 species of toads in this park alone,” Dr. Tebbitt said during his recent presentation to University students.

Throughout his travels, Dr. Tebbit encountered 20 different kinds of begonias.

“I was surprised at how poorly known the begonias of Bolivia were. I expected to find some new species, but not as many as I did,” Dr. Tebbitt said.

During his venture, he discovered five species that were new to science. He also discovered three new hybrid begonia species. These hybrids are the natural offspring of two different begonia species that have got together in the wild.

Throughout his trip, Dr. Tebbitt took around 1,500 photographs, most of which recorded new scientific data. He also collected several begonia specimens so that other scientists can study them.

In some instances throughout his travels, Dr. Tebbitt was able to interact with local people in Bolivia.

“I really enjoyed talking to the local people, they were very friendly and knowledgeable of the local plants” Dr. Tebbitt said.

His travel expenses were covered by a research grant from the American Begonia Society, who plans to help him fund similar projects in the future. He is currently planning to conduct a similar trip to Peru in May of 2013.

When I asked Dr. Tebbit what his most memorable part of the trip was, he replied:

“Towards the end of my trip I looked over a new mountain chain that we had yet to travel through, these mountains seemingly rolled on forever, and I knew there are many new species still waiting there to be discovered…Bolivia was fascinating and it was definitely somewhere I would love to return to,” Dr. Tebbitt said.

Feb. 7 was probably a normal Tuesday for most Cal U students. However, many students were unaware that that particular Tuesday, a proposal was made that could have a pretty big impact on their immediate futures.

In Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget that day, he announced that funding for the 14 PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools would be cut by 20% or $82 million in 2012-13. This is a huge loss for the state-owned universities; however, Cal U is preparing to deal with the proposal.

“Cal U administrators are examining every aspect of the university with an eye toward providing a high-quality educational experience as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Chris Kindl, director of communications and public relations said.

Students and parents shouldn’t begin to fret just yet. The proposal is just that, a proposal. Nothing has been finalized and things could change before the deal is set in stone.

“It is too soon to gauge the effect of the governor’s budget plan on our University. At this point, it is only a proposal, and many elements may change before the General Assembly gives its final approval,” Kindl said.

Cal U has already felt the toll of budget cuts, having to cancel classes such as Journalism III days before the spring semester started due to a low number of students that signed up. Other cuts and changes could be on the horizon in the coming year, so students need to be on the lookout.

Students have to prepare themselves for more budget cuts. One thing students can do is to get out and vote. Study candidates that have better budget plans for higher education and won’t continue to cut more money. Students can make their voice be heard and maybe save themselves money by simply voting for a candidate that knows the importance of higher education.

There will be another day in the near future that will affect student’s immediate futures. It could be just another normal Tuesday, but when the budget is finalized and passed, students need to know what they’re in for.

The CHE team is used to success. They have won five straight CHE regular season titles as well as winning the playoffs each of those years. This past week, the team learned they will be continuing with another tradition of playing over Spring Break. The team qualified for the American College Hockey Association, or ACHA, national tournament.

While the team finished second in the Atlantic Region, the team will not have to face other top ten teams in the regional tournament. Southern Connecticut State was the other team to qualify automatically from the region as they were ranked first overall after receiving all nine first place votes.

The CHE team will be looking to avenge a lose in the semi-finals last season to College of the Canyons.  To do so, they will have to face some tough competition in the tournament, which will last from Wed., March 14 until Sat., March 17 in Vineland, NJ. Some teams that have already qualified for the tournament include reiging champion College of the Canyons and runner-up for two years in a row Hope College. Saginaw Valley, which won championships in 2009 and 2010, will also be at the tournament.

The CHE team will be looking for their second national title. The other title came in 2008 when the tournament was held in Rochester, MN.  The only current member of the team that played in 2008 is captain Nick Posa.

The California University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team posted two wins last week. The week started with a thrilling 67-63 victory over No. 20 IUP followed by a 69-58 victory over Lock Haven. The Vulcans are now 14-8 on the season and 11-7 in the PSAC. With the two victories the Vulcans currently sit in the last PSAC playoff spot with four games remaining, Mercyhurst is two games back of the Vulcans.

In the thriller over Indiana University of Pennsylvania, senior guard Danielle Luckett led the way with 20 points. Senior forward Amy Johns was not far behind with 19 points in the victory. Freshman guard Emma Mahady added eight points, while sophomore forward Elena Antonenko, sophomore guard Ryah Gadson and freshman guard Irina Kukolj added six, five and four respectively.

Luckett was able to grab five steals to lead the way in the victory. As well as lead the team with five assists. Johns, Gadson and sophomore guard Kate Seebohm added three, two and two, respectively. Antonenko led the way with three blocks followed closely by Gadson who finished with two blocks. Johns finished with eight rebounds (four offensive) to lead the Vulcans to victory.

Against Lock Haven, Luckett and Johns again led the way this time with 24 points each. Gadson added 10 points in the victory to lead sophomores. Freshman forward Selena Adamshick was the only other Vulcan to post over five points and she added six.

Seebohm dished out a team leading three assists followed by Gadson who added two. Luckett, Kukolj, Mahady, Johns, freshman guard Chelsea McKnight and Adamshick all added one assist each. Seebohm also stole the ball four times to lead the way, while Luckett, Gadson and Adamshick all pull away three steals. Junior Megan Kermond and Antonenko led the way with two blocks each. Johns posted her fifth double-double of the year with 16 rebounds (nine offensive). Luckett and junior forward Nakia DeBlanc both pulled down five rebounds (two offensive each) in the victory.

The Vulcans returned to action on Wednesday at Slippery Rock but that game ended to late for press time. They then travel to take on Mercyhurst tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Mercyhurst. A recap of both games will be available in next week’s edition of the Cal Times.

What was it like starting in only your second game as a Vulcan? 

Starting in my second game felt real good it and showed me that the sky was the limit for me and to stay hungry and humble .

What was it like scoring your first college basket?

To be honest since it was in my first game it felt good but it felt natural as well, because I know I worked hard on my game.

Going back how hard was it to adjust to the college level of play?

It was a big adjustment for me especially the learning process. I feel like I will learn a lot of helpful tools for life, but playing wise I feel like I have to be more locked into the game and always ready to play.

What was the hardest thing to learn at the college level?

The hardest thing to learn for me is that it’s a process and your time will come just make sure you seize the opportunity and to stay humble.

How do you stay “in the game” during the offseason?

I work hard in summer leagues in New York, and I work out with a whole list of collegiate athletes. The competition level is top notch and prepares me well.

What originally got you into basketball?

I just love all sports and I just put in the time and dedicated myself to the game of basketball. Being from New York basketball is all I did, so I guess that’s how I got involved with basketball.

How many years have you played basketball?

I have been playing basketball since I was about 5, basketball was a ritual.

What is one interesting fact that not everyone would know about you?

One intriguing thing about me is that I taught myself how to play basketball, with a little help from family and friends.

Where are you from and where did you go to High School?

I’m from Harlem and attended school at Pocono Mountain West located in PA

What do you plan on doing after college?

My plan is to go pro but my back up plan is to be a sports analyst .

What is your favorite tv show?

ESPN

Who are your favorite sports teams?

Miami Heat

What is your favorite food?

Ox Tails

What is your favorite movie?

He Got Game

Do you have a favorite quote?

My favorite quote has to be “books can guide you but your heart defines you”

The borough of California has recently enacted the new Ordinance, number 531, which addresses “disorderly houses and gatherings.” The ordinance states that the host of the gathering and those involved will be fined three to six hundred dollars for public disturbances. If an officer can hear loud noises from fifty feet away from the property under question, the offense can be confirmed and the ordinance instituted through the issuance of a citation to all those taking part in the gathering.

The Ordinance also addresses the consumption of alcohol. If one is drinking in public, on the streets or within close proximity to public property (5 feet) they can be fined. Any acts which can be considered as disturbing of the peace are included within the ordinance, ranging from riots, to public drunkenness.

After speaking to police Chief Bob Downey, the one who suggested adopting the ordinance a year ago, he made it clear in cases concerning under-aged drinking that no further punishments will be instituted. The consequences for under aged drinking can be severe. One may lose their driver license, and it can tarnish a criminal record. This is especially taxing for teaching majors and the like who need clean records in order to succeed in the future. Instead of having these harsh punishments implemented for one horrible mistake, the fine charged under the new ordinance can serve as a warning of sorts. While a three to six hundred dollar fine is still damaging, it is nowhere near as bad as the creation of a criminal record. The Ordinance sways slightly towards students in that it can serves as a warning. This is not meant to promote the idea that “oh if I get caught drinking I will only get fined.” You are not guaranteed to only face this fine. You may still be charged with an under-aged drinking offense.

Finally, this ordinance is only effective in the Borough of California. Students living on Cal U’s campus do not have to worry about facing a hefty fine for being obnoxiously loud; they still face all of the consequences enforced by campus policy. All people within the town of California can expect to face a fine if they are being a nuisance to those around them.

What was it like getting your first start as a freshman?

I was nervous and excited all in one which could be a bad thing for the team haha but I felt really good about myself and all the work I had put in to get there had paid off.

What was it like scoring your first bucket at the college level?

I honestly can’t even remember my first basket at the college level… I’m sure I probably loved it though.

Going back how hard was it to adjust to the college level of play?

It was a lot faster than high school but I loved it because everyone was on the same page and in high school people usually don’t know what’s going on.

What was the hardest thing to learn at the college level?

The hardest thing to learn at the college level is probably defense because you know the basics but I never knew there was so many ways to guard a screen until I came to college haha.

What was it like playing in the NCAA tournament your freshman season?

It was a different experience but I loved every moment of it. I was nervous but I think I’ve got it down this year and hope we go further than the past couple years.

What has it been like to start in more than 50% of your college career games?

It definitely feels good, it’s an accomplishment to be able to say I went and played college ball and was a contributor. I just love helping my team in any way that I can.

How do you stay “in the game” during the offseason?

I usually work out with an old coach of mine he puts me through a lot of individual work outs and I also play a lot of pick up guys and girls back home.

What originally got you into basketball?

My best friends dad was a coach and just asked me to play so I thought why not haha and then I loved it.

How many years have you played basketball?

Since I was in first grade so about 14.

What is one interesting fact that not everyone would know about you?

I love to draw.

Where are you from and where did you go to High School?

I’m from Morgantown, West Virginia and I went to Morgantown high school

What do you plan on doing after college?

I would like to go to grad school and become a physical therapist and then eventually travel the world!

What is your favorite tv show?

Criminal Minds

Who are your favorite sports teams?

North Carolina and Texas

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate ice cream

What is your favorite movie?

Lion King

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Never take anything for granted, because one day it won’t be there”

The Vulcan women’s basketball teams suffered two tough losses last week. First a 77-57 loss to Edinboro followed on Saturday by a 92-76 loss at Gannon. The Vulcans are now 12-8 on the season and 9-7 in the PSAC.

Senior forward Amy Johns led the way for the Vulcans with 25 points against Edinboro. While, senior guard Danielle Luckett added another 17 points and freshman forward Selena Adamshick added six more. Sophomore guard Ryah Gadson added another four points, freshman guard Emma Mahady added two, and junior forward Nakia DeBlanc added two more to round out the top scorers.

Luckett and Seebohm led the way with three assists, while Gadson added another two assists. Gadson stole the ball four times from the Fighting Scots. Luckett, Johns and Adamschick all posted two steals, as well. Johns and Adamshick both posted six total rebounds (four offensive and five offensive, respectively). While Luckett and DeBlanc both added five rebounds (one offensive each).

Luckett led the way with 26 points in the loss to No. 20 Gannon behind two three pointers. Johns posted 21 points, Gadson added nine and Mahady added seven more. Sophomore forward Elena Antonenko and junior guard Megan Kermond both added four points to round out the top Vulcan scorers.

Luckett also led the defense with three steals. Gadson and Adamshick both added two steals for the Vulcans. Antonenko and freshman guard Chelsea McKnight were the only players to register a block against Gannon. Luckett dished the ball out for three assists and Seebohm added two.  Gadson, Kermond, Mahady, Johns, and McKnight all added one assist each. Antonenko brought down eight rebounds (four offensive) and Johns pulled down seven more (four offensive).

The Vulcans returned to action on Wednesday against Indiana University of Pennsylvania at 5:30 p.m. but that game ended to late for press time. They then take on Lock Haven tomorrow at 3 p.m. in the Convocation Center. A recap of both games will be available in next weeks Cal Times.