Giblin-Kelly Hall Dedicated at University
The University of Scranton dedicated a residence hall in honor of the late Brendan J. Giblin of the class of 2006, and the late William H. Kelly Jr. of the class of 1993. From left are: Joe and Mary Giblin, parents of the late Brendan Giblin; University student Kim Baxter, recipient of the Giblin Scholarship who spoke at the ceremony; Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president; Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry; and Joanne and Bill Kelly, parents of the late William Kelly.The University of Scranton dedicated a freshman residence hall in honor of the late Brendan J. Giblin of the class of 2006, who died in a hit-and-run accident while on spring break during his senior year, and the late William H. Kelly Jr. of the class of 1993, who perished in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.
“Your families had suffered the unthinkable, the unexpected death of a child – of a brother,” said University of Scranton President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., at the dedication ceremony. “Yet, somehow, you were able to find the strength to turn these tragedies into a way to help others. Through your efforts, more than $1 million has been raised to support Giblin and Kelly scholarships that have been awarded to dozens of students at Scranton.”
To date, the University has awarded six Giblin Scholarships and 27 Kelly Scholarships to students at Scranton.
Kim Baxter, a senior from Philadelphia who is majoring in political science and criminal justice, spoke at the dedication on behalf of the recipients of Kelly and Giblin scholarships. Baxter is the recipient of a Giblin Scholarship.
“I have loved attending the University for the past four years because I have had the opportunity to serve in different leadership positions, to serve others through different services trips, and to gain experience through different internships, such as my past internship at the Lackawanna County Court House with Judge Barrasse,” said Baxter. “I would not have been able to attended the University without receiving the Brendan J. Giblin Scholarship.”
Also speaking at the dedication ceremony, which was attended by members of the Giblin and Kelly families, were Robert Davis Jr., Ed.D., vice president for student life, and Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, who offered a prayer and blessed the hall.
Giblin-Kelly Hall, formerly called Hannan Hall, is a residence facility built in 1960 that accommodates 74 students. The hall is one of the University’s first-year Living-Learning Communities, which are residence halls in which students who share a common interest experience unique learning opportunities together, such as taking the same courses or engaging in special events.
One of the communities in Giblin-Kelly Hall is dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, and challenges participants to develop their leadership potential, to focus on academic success, and to achieve personal excellence. The second community housed in Giblin-Kelly Hall focuses on 8 dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, environmental and multicultural. First-year students in this community are encouraged to explore these themes as they apply them to their life.
