Staff Archive

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for April 2024 is: Salisa Brown – Physics, Engineering and Chemistry

Q: How long have you worked at the University?
"Thirteen years on April 11."

Q: What is your title?
"Faculty Secretary since October 2020, Custodian April 2011 - October 2020"

Q: What do you like best about your job?
"Working with my colleagues." 

Q: What do you like to do for fun?
"Traveling, biking, kayaking, camping, hanging out with family and friends."

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Salisa does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Salisa and all our nominees.

Salisa will receive a gift certificate for complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of April. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Salisa and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

April 2024 Nominees

It's not every day that a baby sock becomes a rosebud and rescue cats raise their paws in high-fives. At the University's first-ever Staff Showcase today, talented members of the University community explained how both feats are possible.

For a few hours in the DeNaples Center Ballroom, thanks to a new event organized by the Staff Senate, colleagues presented their pastimes, talents and side pursuits and in some cases, explained or demonstrated them as well.

Rose Termini, a crafter since 1991, assembled the aforementioned rosebud for the crowd gathered at her booth in a matter of moments. Though she has worked on a variety of projects through the years, the baby shower creations are her specialty.

"This is the craft that stuck," said Termini, who also displayed a tricycle transformed from diapers and stuffed toys. She is a Disability Support Specialist at the University.

On the other side of the ballroom, Tammy Manka explained cat behavior and shared the inspiration behind the name of her business, Hi 5 Cat Training. A longtime cat caregiver and rescuer, Manka recently earned a cat training certification and pet nutrition certificate from Animal Behavior College in Valencia, California. 

"In September I did my test and got my certification," she said. After caring for pets of her own, she decided to learn more about effectively training them using positive reinforcement techniques. As for the business name, Manka said that she trained a group of cats at a friend's shelter to raise their paws in high fives. She also shared a video of other feline behavior modification techniques. Manka is an academic advisor and coordinator of graduate services for the Panuska College of Professional Studies at the University. 

At another booth, Hans Christianson showcased pieces that combined his woodworking talent and love for comic books. The Director of Enrollment Marketing for the University said his wife is also an avid crafter.

Bridget Conlogue, special collections and research services assistant at the University's Weinberg Memorial Library, displayed examples of historical reproduction clothing worn from 1810-1920. 

"Our goal is to bring the staff together and celebrate our skills and talents while we enjoy one another," said Staff Senate Vice President and Secretary Traci E. Vennie G’19.

Vennie said she and the members of the committee were pleased with the turnout of attendees and crafters at the showcase. She thanked all who attended, as well as the committee members and chairs who dedicated their efforts over the past months to make the event possible. In addition to Vennie, the committee included Pete Sakowski and Brenda Clarke, and chairs Meg Hambrose and Gerri Barber. 

Shown, above, from left, are three members of The Staff Showcase committee: Grismeiris DeJesus, Brenda Clarke and Traci Vennie.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for January 2024 is: Anthony Kilker – Grounds

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Anthony does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Anthony and all our nominees.

Anthony will receive a gift certificate for complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of March. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Anthony and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

March 2024 Nominees

Sursum Corda Awards were presented to four staff members by University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., who also delivered his State of the University address at the Spring Convocation. The event took place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center in February and also recognized new staff members who joined the University in between Jan 3, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024.

Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Awards recognize members of the University’s professional/paraprofessional staff, clerical/technical staff and maintenance/public safety staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University. This year’s recipients were: Peggy Doolittle, advancement coordinator, Office of Annual Giving; Lisa LoBasso, Ed.D., director of graduate programs and graduate assistantships; Hollie Roscioli, zone supervisor for physical plant; and Mary Beth Watson, administrative assistant, Panuska College of Professional Studies Advising Center.

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Also speaking at the convocation were Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., senior provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Mary Ann Maslar, administrative assistant to the dean and office manager for the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Eight days in El Salvador + nine volunteers from The University of Scranton equals a powerful immersion experience. 

The El Salvador Educational Pilgrimage leads delegations of Scranton faculty and staff to El Salvador to learn from the people of El Salvador and to grow in faith and solidarity. Ryan Sheehan, J.D., Executive Director of The Jesuit Center discusses takeaways from the recent trip, Jan. 15 - 23, which included a visit to UCA, St. Oscar Romero’s crypt and the Church of the Divine Providence, the town of El Papaturro, and time spent with Sr. Peggy at the Art Center for Peace. 

"I suppose it shouldn’t surprise me at this point, but I am not unique in how El Salvador has impacted my life. It has been such an immense blessing to share this experience with others. To see others grow in their faith and solidarity with others," said Sheehan.

"I have been blessed to have had the people of El Salvador in my life for the past 12 years. The relationships and experiences have helped me become the person I am today. I have learned from their struggles and resilience what it means to be a person of faith and courage. It has animated my understanding of the role of Jesuit education in our world and how we are called to respond to the needs and challenges of our world."

 

Sheehan explains the transformative experience.

"From my own family and children to faculty and staff at The University of Scranton, I am always impressed with how our experiences in El Salvador impact and transform those who take part in it.  People return with a very real understanding of how our faith in God animates our understanding of how we are to engage the world around us. I see people return with a determination and conviction to do more in our own communities and to do more in their positions at our University."

Learn more about The El Salvador Educational Pilgrimage here.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for February 2024 is:

Elizabeth Chalk – Biology Department

Q: How long have you worked at the University?

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Elizabeth does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Elizabeth and all our nominees.

Elizabeth will receive a gift certificate for complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of February. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Elizabeth and all nominees, shown below, for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

February 2024 Nominees

 

 

Do you have a hobby, skill, craft, passion or talent?  A first-time event presented by Staff Senate aims to provide an opportunity to share that creativity.

"Our goal is to bring the staff together and celebrate our skills and talents while we enjoy one another," said Staff Senate Vice President and Secretary Traci E. Vennie G’19.

The group is working to create a Staff Senate Showcase of creativity and invites staff to show off their talents and interests. Art, sewing, digital printing, candle making, photography, gardening, woodworking, knitting, Cricut -- the sky is the limit, according to Vennie.

The event is contingent on those interested in displaying their craft and sharing their work. RSVPs are requested to Traci Vennie no later than Monday, Feb. 5 at noon. The event is scheduled to be hosted March 13 from 11 a m -1:30 p.m., in lieu of the Staff BBQ.

The Staff Senate Staff Development Committee planning the event includes co-chairs: Meg Hambrose
and Gerianne Barber NCC, LPC, and members: Pete Sakowski Brenda L. Clarke and Traci E. Vennie.

"As a group, we strive to bring the staff together and unite in comradery while appreciating some our own talents, skills and passions," added Vennie.
  

 

 

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for January 2024 is:

Steve Hallock, Facilities

Q: How long have you worked at the University?

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Steve does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Paul and all our nominees.

Steve will receive a gift certificate for complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of January. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Steve and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

January 2024 Nominees

 

 

A long-standing event sponsored by The University of Scranton Staff Senate serves as a hallmark of the season each December. On Dec. 13, the Senate's Holiday Luncheon united 268 members of the staff at DeNaples Center McIlhenny Ballroom. Seating began at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The festivities, organized by co-chairs Melissa Eckenrode and Lucy Grissinger and committee members, in addition to volunteers, gathered staff for a celebratory -- and complimentary meal -- and the opportunity to give back. In lieu of a fee to attend, Staff Senate requested that each person in attendance donate non-perishable items in support of the Royal Restore Food Pantry.

"Each year the committee selects an organization to receive donations. This year, we are collecting for the Royal Restore food pantry, and the cash proceeds from the (raffle) tickets sales will be donated to the Domestic Service Trip Programs," Co-chair Lucy Grissinger said.

"Every year, the staff members are always very generous with their donations!"

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The two co-chairs attributed the success of the event to creativity and dedication of committee members Lori Flynn, Autumn Forgione, Kristi Klien, Meghan Nowakowski, Daniela Teneva and Traci Vennie, and volunteers Melisa Gallo and Rebecca Dzikowski.

They noted that Staff Senate organizes a number of events throughout the year, including roundtables, symposiums, informational events and a special award.

"The monthly spirit award/Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award is also organized through the Staff Senate, and every semester a Staff Senate newsletter is posted," Grissinger said.

Staff Senate operates as a part of the University governance system to provide a forum for open communication and ongoing dialogue among staff and between staff and the administration, faculty, students, and the University community. 

"It's a great organization to participate in. You will have a chance to meet other staff across campus and be part of a governance that can propose new initiatives for the benefit of the entire staff."

Find upcoming Staff Senate meeting dates at this link.

 

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for December 2023 is: 
Paul Snopek, Facilities

Q: How long have you worked at the University?
"Twenty-three years."

Q: What is your title?
"Facilities custodian"

Q: What do you like best about your job?
"Working with students each day."

Q: What do you like to do for fun? 
"Fishing with my grandchild, shown, and cooking."

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Paul does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Paul and all our nominees.

Paul will receive a gift certificate for complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of November. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Paul and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

November 2023 Nominees

 

 

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for OCTOBER 2023 is: 
Ajisa Alic - Facilities

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Ajisa does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Ajisa and all our nominees.

Ajisa will receive a gift certificate for complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of October. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Ajisa and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

October 2023 Nominees

 

 

The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) recently recognized The University of Scranton Assistant Professor Kate Cummings with a Certificate of Merit. 

Cummings, Research and Instruction Librarian for Business, was honored with the prestigious Certificate of Merit Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) at the organization's Sept. 21 Awards Ceremony. Certificates of Merit are given to PaLA members who have made outstanding contributions to libraries and the Pennsylvania Library Association during the past five years.

Prof. Cummings joined the University’s faculty in 2022. She earned her MLIS from the University of South Carolina, her MBA from Wilkes University, and her BS in Business Administration from the University of Maine. 

The full citation from Prof. Cummings’ award states:

"Kate Cummings has been an integral member of PaLA since the beginning of her journey in Pennsylvania libraries, jumping in wholeheartedly in pursing professional development opportunities like PaLA's Academy of Leadership Studies (PALS) and the American Library Association's Leadership Institute. She has been actively involved in various roles throughout PaLA through the College & Research Division, Northeast Chapter, and on committees including the Membership Committee, the 2023 Annual Conference committee as Conference Programming Chair, on the Board as Director at-Large, and currently as Secretary/Treasurer. Additionally, Kate has twice presented at the annual conference, written for the PaLA Bulletin, and generously volunteered at a variety of PaLA events over the years from conferences to member orientations. Her contributions in these many areas showcase Kate's commitment to offering her time and expertise to further PaLA initiatives as well as to support her colleagues across the state.

In her current position as Research & Instruction Librarian for Business at the University of Scranton's Weinberg Memorial Library, Kate's heart and true strength as an outstanding educator and mentor to students is evident in her deep commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive library environment through her unceasing work on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility and Affordable Learning committees.  
 
In recognition of Kate's dedication to the mission of PALA, and her willingness to go above and beyond in every role she takes on within the organization, the Pennsylvania Library Association is proud to honor her with the Certificate of Merit for 2023."

 

 

 

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for November 2023 is: 
Mary Ann Maslar, CAS Dean's Office

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Mary Ann does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Mary Ann and all our nominees.

Mary Ann will receive a gift certificate for complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of November. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Mary Ann and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

November 2023 Nominees

 

 

The University of Scranton’s Weinberg Memorial Library houses one of the finest historical collections of penmanship in the United States. Earlier this year, its seldom-found subject matter and artistry garnered the attention of top penmen and calligraphic artists in the country, in addition to a niche magazine with a global following.

For six days this summer, the International Association of Master Penman, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH) convened in Scranton, Pennsylvania for their 74th annual conference. The draw: a chance to pore over the University’s McHugh Family Special Collections. One month later, the Collections featured prominently in the August issue of Pen World, a premier publication of handwriting culture and fine writing instruments.

Professor Michael Knies, Special Collections Librarian, shown below, at left, and Tom Costello, Class of 1973, great-grandson of Master Penman P.W. Costello, and longtime McHugh Family Special Collections contributor, were honored by IAMPETH at the opening ceremony of their annual conference.

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Prof. Knies, who was hired as Special Collections Librarian for the University in 1996, offers background:

"The Zaner-Bloser Collection arrived in 2010. The collection was donated to The University essentially because of an exhibit by alum Tom Costello of the work of his great grandfather, Scranton penman P. W. Costello (1866-1935), who had written a long-running column for Zaner-Bloser’s penmanship trade periodical. Because the collection contained a large number of publications, we decided it was more appropriate for Special Collections than the art gallery."

Shown above, a certificate for which P.W. Costello did the engrossing to commemorate his marriage 18 years earlier. 

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Since the arrival of the Collection, Prof. Knies has dedicated significant efforts to the history and preservation of penmanship.

"As mentioned above, the collection was donated to us, so I undertook a fair amount of research to understand the collection and its place in American history and culture. I’ve spoken at professional conferences and published a peer-reviewed article based on my research," said Prof. Knies.

"Since the library has a number of medieval manuscripts, I had some knowledge of paleography, the study of medieval handwriting, which was helpful understanding some of the calligraphic works done by the late 19th century penman who used medieval styles for inspiration for some of their work," he added.


Shown, above, a P.W. Costello 1909 commemorative "engrossing", decorative handwriting that emphasizes certain words and letters. This engrossing, in honor of Charles P. O'Malley, a president of the Scranton Aerie of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, illustrates one of Costello's special skills: Shading around the letters that renders them nearly three-dimensional.

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Presenting the extraordinary Zaner-Bloser Collection to the University community and the public provides a sense of professional fulfillment to Prof. Knies.

"This is the 6th exhibit to feature material from the Zaner-Bloser Collection since 2011. Also, because the Zaner-Bloser Collection is here, we have received donations of other collections like the recently acquired David Kaminski Collection. We have also acquired some American penmanship through purchase.

Overall, we are one of the premier repositories for the study of 19th and 20th century American penmanship and calligraphy in the country. Having access to these collections is what brought the IAMPETH conference to Scranton," he said.

A MUST-SEE EXHIBIT THIS FALL...

Between now and December 15, visitors are invited to The Weinberg Memorial Library Heritage Room autumn exhibit, Learning to Write: American Penmanship Manuals from the David Kaminski and Zaner-Bloser Collections 1791-1980. 
 
"The exhibit was conceived as a background for summer conference attendees to look at while working with original penmanship samples during their workshops in July. Since they were working with original penwork, I decided to create an exhibit of printed material. Between the two collections, we have a very large number of penmanship manuals, mostly the publications students would use to practice handwriting," said Prof. Knies.

"This exhibit presents a small sample from our collections with an emphasis on early manuals and 19th century manuals with decorative covers. While not the most visually engaging, we have the very first penmanship manual published in the United States, John Jenkins The Art of Writing printed in 1791, as well as the 1813 second edition. Along with manuals, there are letters written by P. R Spencer and A. H. Dunton, the two most important mid-19th century penmen who published competing instruction manuals.

Visitors can judge for themselves who had the better handwriting. There are also examples of work by two of the greatest late 19th century penmen, Daniel Ames and Charles Zaner, founder of the Zaner-Bloser Penmanship Company," he added.

The exhibit will run through Friday, December 15. For more information contact Prof. Michael Knies at Michael.Knies@scranton.edu or 570-941-6341.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for September 2023 is: 
Brenda Clarke - Public Relations

How long have you worked at the University?
"13 years" 

What is your title?
"Assistant to the Sr. Vice President for the Office of the President"

What do you like best about your job?
"Working with a range of different talents among my colleagues."

What do you like to do for fun?
"Gather and cater to all the Philadelphia Eagles fans among my close friends and large family…go birds!"

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Brenda does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Brenda and all our nominees.

Brenda will receive a gift certificate for complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of September. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!


September 2023 Nominees

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for August 2023 is:
Mary Lou Perri - Facilities

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Mary Lou does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Mary Lou and all our nominees.

Mary Lou will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of August. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

August 2023 Nominees

 

This article is part of an occasional series spotlighting staff throughout the University community. Suggestions for future articles should be directed to RoyalNews@scranton.edu.

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Brian Loughney ’07, G’09 enlists the University’s Jesuit mission when guiding the Human Resources Department at Scranton.

 “My role, directly and indirectly, impacts our faculty, staff, and student employment. Everyone is treated with dignity and respect and is cared for in a very special way,” said Loughney, who joined the University in 2017.

The lifelong Dunmore, Pennsylvania resident subscribes to the same philosophy in his life off campus.

In 2022, Brian Loughney led a grassroots campaign inspired by three cancer warriors, including his father, John Loughney ’79, a Leukemia survivor. His team, which included 10 Scranton alumni, raised nearly $110,000 in support of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, including a $50,000 grant allocated to provide financial assistance for local children diagnosed with blood cancer.

“My father went in for routine pre-op blood work for his scheduled hip replacement in December 2020. On December 23, 2020, my father called me about his diagnosis ... It was not an easy conversation, obviously.  You never want to hear anyone tell you that they have cancer, especially your father. My father is very dedicated to his faith and instilled that into my siblings and I. So, we leaned heavily on our faith and prayed for his health, well-being and for a speedy recovery.”

The University’s Human Resources Director talks about what happened next, and how he and his network of family and friends united in a campaign to make a difference.

When did you decide to commit your time and efforts to fundraising efforts, and what steps did you take to get started?

“With the support of my wife, family and friends, I committed to the Man and Woman of the Year Campaign in November 2021. The fundraising campaign ran from mid-March 2022 to mid-May 2022. My commitment in this campaign was specific to three individuals: my father, John Loughney (Dunmore), Jack Callahan (Dunmore) and the late Kelcey Hallinan (Dunmore). Jack was diagnosed with Leukemia and Kelcey was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The Callahan and Hallinan families were very supportive throughout the campaign.” 

How did the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) involvement affect your family’s situation?

“When I committed to the Man and Woman of the Year Campaign, now the Visionary of the Year Campaign, LLS was very supportive, concerned for my father’s well-being, and always asked how my father was doing. They provided us with resources in the event resources were needed and they always looked out for our best interests. They were a tremendous resource and I encourage anyone who is diagnosed with blood cancer to reach out to their local LLS.” 

Shown above, in a family photo: Holly Loughney, John Loughney '79 and Brian Loughney ’07, G’09.

Your fundraising campaign lasted 10 weeks. How did your team raise $109,629?

“My father was the reason our team was successful. My father has dedicated himself and continues to dedicate himself to his family, friends, and community. Our community quickly takes notice when one of their own receives the news, like my father received, and what many others unfortunately received. My team and I ran a grassroots campaign. We wrote letters, sent emails and text messages, and made phone calls. We hosted small fundraisers and were successful in receiving a grant.” 

The younger Loughney shared a positive update about his father.

“Since his diagnosis, he’s received and completed chemotherapy, has had his follow-up appointments, and has kept his blood cancer steady by taking his medication.”

Brian Loughney ’07, G’09, 2022 Leukemia Lymphoma Society Man of the Year

Please share a bit about the AllOne Foundation & Charities grant you secured to create a pediatric patient financial assistance program for children living in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.

“During my fundraising outreach, I requested a personal donation from a dear family friend, John Cosgrove, who works for the AllOne Foundation & Charities. When I spoke to John, and explained the fundraising campaign and who it was for, he immediately took interest. My father and John worked together at the beginning of their careers. I told John that our fundraising intentions were not just for my father but for two local children, Jack Callahan and the late Kelcey Hallinan. Our team saw a pediatric grant opportunity, and if we were successful in receiving, would provide financial assistance for local children diagnosed with blood cancer. We received the news of the $50,000 grant on the final fundraising day, May 18, 2022. We were able to dedicate $25,000 in my father’s name and $25,000 in Jack and Kelcey’s honor.”  

How long has your father been cancer free? 

“My father has kept his leukemia in check for the past year and continues to do well each day. My father was overwhelmed by our team’s efforts and for our Man of the Year recognition. He was very grateful for our team’s effort and for the other candidates who raised money and awareness during the 10-week campaign." 

What is one piece of advice you could offer to dedicate efforts in THE community?

“Every day will not be perfect. Your efforts may not match what you set out to accomplish, but stay committed. What you do each day makes the world a better place than it was the day before.” 

 
Shown, from left; John Cosgrove; John Loughney, Leukemia survivor; Jana Boyer, executive director, Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS);  Frank Apostolico, board member, AllOne Foundation & Charities, Valarie Case, campaign development manager, LLS and Brian Loughney, LLS Man of the Year and his wife, Holly Loughney. Photo courtesy: AllOne Foundation & Charities

Get To Know ... Brian Loughney

Undergraduate Degree: The University of Scanton, B.S. in political science ‘07

Graduate Degree: Master of Science degree in human resources administration ‘09
Family Facts: Born and raised in Dunmore, Pennsylvania where he currently resides with his wife, Holly, and their daughter, Hazel. Son of John and Frances Loughney.

Binge-worthy shows: "The Sopranos,” “Breaking Bad,” “Ozark” and Seinfeld.

Favorite Pastimes: “I enjoy watching all types of sports: baseball, basketball, football, golf, and soccer. My favorite teams are all over the map: Notre Dame football, University of North Carolina basketball, New York Giants and the Boston Red Sox. I really enjoy watching the U.S. Men’s and Women’s World Cup teams.”

Event on campus that you look forward to?
“I always enjoy Fall Move-In Day. It gives me the opportunity to be a part of a day when students begin their college journey.”

The University of Scranton’s Small Business Development Center was recognized by the Pennsylvania SBDC’s statewide network of 15 centers and its lead office with five awards for excellence, including the Gold Center Performance Award, which recognizes the center’s overall performance for 2022. Scranton’s SBDC met or exceeded all of its programming goals in 2022, placing it in the top three percent of the centers in Pennsylvania.

The awards, presented at the PASBDC Growth Conference in Erie in June, recognize centers for their contributions to the network’s mission of helping the state’s small businesses start, grow and prosper. The annual awards recognize the recipients’ impact on local economic growth, job creation and support of Pennsylvania’s newest and growing entrepreneurs.

Scranton’s SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, also received the Student Project of the Year Award for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center. The award recognizes a student team for their collaborative efforts in helping their center achieve strategic initiatives. At the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center, student interns and SBDC staff offer business start-up information, guidance and encouragement to lower income women, those experiencing a life transition or those trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. Their services include individual, confidential consulting and programs such as Coffee and Confidence, a one-hour inspiration session, and StartUP, a six-week series that walks participants through the process of starting a business.

In 2022, 11 students interned for the SBDC’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Center. Students were: Caelan Boyle ’24, an international studies major from Havertown; Niamh Boyle’ 23, an international business major from Havertown; Nicole Freeman’ 23, a biology major from New Tripoli and participant in the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program; Lea Grant ’23, an occupational therapy major from Rocky Hill, Connecticut; Erin Hahn ’23, a finance and accounting double major from Flourtown; Xianshu (Iris) Hu ’23, finance major from Fresh Meadows, New York; Molly Lennon ’22, a biology major from Levittown, New York; Jordyn Lieber ’23, a business administration major from Edison, New Jersey, and participant in the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program; Jennifer Rossiter, a finance major from Jenkinstown and participant in the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program Business Honors Program and its Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program; Kimberly Stossel ’22, ’G23, a marketing major and MBA graduate from East Stroudsburg; and Gabrielle Hart Timoteo ‘23, occupational therapy major from Collegeville.

Scranton SBDC Business Consultant Gretchen Kukuchka received the State Star award for outstanding performance and client satisfaction. The State Star Award, the highest accolade achievable by a member of the PASBDC team, recognizes extraordinary performers who have made strong contributions to their state network. Only one State Star is awarded by the Network each year.

Kukuchka joined the Scranton SBDC in 2002 and serves clients in the Bradford Tioga and Lackawanna counties. She also coordinates the successful Small Business Internship Initiative, which provides internship opportunities at small businesses for students attending a participating college in NEPA. She has presented on this initiative at national conferences. Kukuchka earned her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and University and her master’s degree from The University of Scranton.

Scranton SBDC Business Consultant, Winifred McGee, received the Service Award for the Eastern region. The award recognizes service to the entire Pennsylvania SBDC network.

McGee’s areas of expertise include agri-business and food enterprise start-up and expansion; shared kitchen incubator management; enterprise feasibility studies, business planning and financial analysis; and grant application coaching for agricultural and food enterprises. She joined the Scranton SBDC team in 2019 after having previously worked as a business consultant at the Penn State Small Business Development Center at Penn State Harrisburg, and for 30 years in Penn State Cooperative Extension, providing information and education for home based, food and farm business. McGee earned her bachelor’s degree from Grove City College and her master’s degree from the University of West Florida.

Scranton SBDC Special Projects Coordinator Katelyn McManamon received the Team Spirit Award, which recognizes one network professional for their collaborative attitude in helping the network achieve strategic initiatives.

McManamon joined the Scranton SBDC team in 2020. In her role, she identifies and engage participants and coordinate projects within the SBDC’s eight-county service area. McManamon earned her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University and her MBA from The University of Scranton.

Lisa Hall Zielinski serves as director of the SBDC at The University of Scranton, which serves small business clients in Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for July 2023 is:
Cindy Tokash - Computer Science and Math Department

How long have you worked at the University? 

"Thirteen years."

What is your title? 

"Faculty Secretary for Math and Computing Sciences"

What do you like best about your job? 

"What I like most about my job is working with the most compassionate community here at The University of Scranton."

What do you like to do for fun? 

"For fun, I like to travel, hike and kayak. I've made it a goal to get to all 124 Pennsylvania state parks and I'm currently up to 84."

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Cindy does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Cindy and all our nominees.

Cindy will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of July. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

July 2023 Nominees

 

For nearly two decades, Sondra Myers has done her best to “bring the world to Scranton,” and “that she did with magnificent grace,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, in a message to the University community celebrating her contributions.

Following this spring’s slate of programs, Myers stepped down from her post as the founding director of The University of Scranton’s highly popular Schemel Forum, which for the past 17 years has brought a who’s who of notable thinkers to the city for engaging discussions geared around everything from geopolitics to history to literature.

Since its creation, the aim of the education and cultural enrichment program has always been the same – to provide people of all ages with the chance to be exposed to the intellectual and cultural wonders of the world.

“I’m not calling it a retirement, because I don’t look at it that way,” said Myers, the University’s senior fellow for international, civic and cultural projects. “I still want to keep busy and try new things. But I thought it was a good time to exit. I have to say, it’s been a very rewarding experience, and I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish. I can’t believe how much it’s grown over the years.”

The origins for the Schemel Forum go back to the 1980s and ’90s, when Myers served as the cultural adviser to Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey and then the special assistant to the chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. An author and frequent lecturer on the arts, humanities and civil society who focuses primarily on the integration of culture into public policy in the United States and the strengthening of the culture of democracy worldwide, Myers wanted to bring similarly themed programming to the area.

For additional inspiration, she looked to local oncologist Harmar Brereton, M.D., who along with some friends had started meeting informally to discuss literature, art, and history.

With that framework in place, Myers approached then-University President the Rev. Scott Pilarz, S.J., and then-Provost Harold Baillie, Ph.D. Both loved the idea, and the Schemel Forum was born in July 2006 with funding from the Rev. George Schemel, S.J., Fund, which was created by friends of the beloved campus Jesuit.

The first Schemel events were held that fall, and quickly caught on with members of the University community and the general public.

“We started to get real audiences, and then I knew we were onto something,” Myers said. “The people have been so wonderful and appreciative – I love seeing that they still have that hunger for learning. Many of them come back year after year. It’s adding value to their lives, and that makes me happy.”

Every fall and spring semester, the Schemel Forum hosts a schedule of uniquely themed Courses, World Affairs Luncheon Seminars, and Collaborative Programs, which the University partners on with other local organizations.

The Courses consist of a series of evening classes typically taught by University faculty members and geared around a central theme that aligns with their scholarly focus, be it detective fiction, Eastern philosophy, or modern American conservatism.

“The faculty members love teaching the courses, and they love the fact that the people who attend actually ask questions, unlike some of their students,” Myers said with a laugh.

For the World Affairs lectures, Myers brings in an eclectic roster of speakers, from journalists to historians to novelists. Often, she relies on her extensive network of contacts, or simply reaches out to people whose work she particularly admires. Many guests have agreed to come for well below their typical asking price, she noted.

The list of highly accomplished World Affairs speakers includes Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhtar, longtime CNN journalist and Dunmore native Jill Dougherty (pictured with Myers above), and Dr. Carol Rittner, a Catholic nun and Holocaust historian who Myers collaborated with on the Academy Award-nominated short documentary, “The Courage to Care.”

As she prepared to relinquish her duties, Myers said she’ll take with her countless great memories, and tremendous pride in having built from the ground up a home where thought-provoking ideas could be shared freely.

“Knowing Sondra, she will never truly retire, but will continue her great work on other projects of interest, which I am sure will continue to benefit the region and beyond,” said Father Marina.

“I really did want to bring the world to Scranton, and I think we’ve done that,” Myers said. “It’s become a real wonderful part of the University and I hope it remains that way after I leave.”

The University hosted a tribute to Sondra Myers in April on campus.

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The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for June 2023 is:
Melissa Eckenrode – English & Theatre Department

How long have you worked at the University? 

"Eight years."

What is your title? 

"Administrative Assistant to the English & Theatre Department and University Honors Program"

What do you like best about your job? 

"I work with some of the nicest people, and I love interacting with our wonderful students."

What do you like to do for fun? 

"I love spending time with my family, playing mah-jongg on Monday nights and volleyball on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Melissa does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Melissa and all our nominees.

Melissa will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of June Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

June 2023 Nominees

 

The University of Scranton Printing and Mailing Services recently upgraded its wide-format capabilities with a new 44-inch HP DesignJet Z9⁺. Thanks to the new printer’s nine ink colors, images appear much sharper and brighter as compared to those created by the seven-year-old HP Designjet Z5400 it replaced. It’s also much faster and includes a vertical cut feature. Also, the new printer can apply a clear gloss coating to protect images exposed to the weather.

The in-plant has been using the DesignJet Z9⁺ to print directional signage mounted on foamboard, retractable banners and lots of posters, including posters on satin cloth that faculty members take to conferences.

“This summer we will be working on lots of retractable banners for Admissions: 100 small tabletop banners, 25 midsize tabletop banners, and then about 15 floor-size banners,” Director Valarie Clark said.

 

- Contributed by In-plant Impressions

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced that Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., has been named Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Scranton, effective May 1, 2023. Dean Rivera had been serving as interim vice president for student life and dean of students at Scranton. She will continue to serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

“Since joining the University community in 2009, Lauren has made an impact across all areas of student life. Personally, I marvel at the depth of her commitment to cura personalis, always working to ensure the best possible experience for our students,” said Father Marina in the campus announcement about Dean Rivera’s new position. “Lauren has been instrumental in many successful Student Life programs and projects, including Resilient Royals, which supports first-year students in their transition to college, and the Fail Forward Panel, a program started in 2019, in which speakers share stories of resilience and navigating struggle. She has displayed a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice and strives to foster a campus community where students of all identities can thrive.”

The Division of Student Life includes the Center for Career Development, the Center for Student Engagement, the Cultural Centers (Multicultural Center and Jane Kopas Women’s Center), the Center for Health Education and Wellness, the Counseling Center, Student Conduct and Assessment, Student Health Services, Student Government, Residence Life and University Police.

Dean Rivera joined The University of Scranton community in 2009 as director of student conduct and assessment. In 2015, she was named assistant vice president for student formation and campus life (later student life) and dean of students. Under her leadership, the University expanded student support for issues such as wellness, grief, transition and social challenges. The University launched THR1VE, an initiative that supports first-generation students. In 2022, Scranton was named a First-Gen Forward institution. Colleges selected to the First-gen Forward program receive professional development, community-building experiences and have access to research and other resources.

Dean Rivera also supported the development of ROCK (Royals of Color Kickoff) and shepherded the completion of the expanded Multicultural Center. Recently, she announced a reorganization in Student Life, to integrate better the various functions that support student health and wellness and to advance the University’s campus-wide plan for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dean Rivera is active in student life professional associations. She has presented at national conferences and authored a chapter in the 2019 book “Keep Calm and Call the Students: A Guide to Understanding the Many Faces of the Dean of Students’ Role.”

Dean Rivera earned her bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and helped to develop a joint-degree program in law and education at Pennsylvania State University, where she earned her master’s of education and juris doctorate degrees.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for MAY 2023 is: Therese Kurilla, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

How long have you worked at the University?
"I started in May 2006 (17 years)."

What is your title?
"Grants Manager"

What do you like best about your job?
"The best part about my job is being able to pass along the tremendous news of a grant being funded after the faculty and staff dedicate incredible effort putting together a grant proposal."

What do you like to do for fun?
"I love playing sports in my yard with my two sons, gardening and anything that involves being outside in the sunshine."

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Therese does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Therese and all our nominees.

Therese will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of March. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Therese and all the wonderful nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for April 2023 is:
Thomas Cody – Infrastructure & Security Services

Q: How long have you worked at the University? 
"I have worked at the University of Scranton for a little over four years now."

Q: What is your title? 
"Manager, Infrastructure and Security Services"

Q: What do you like best about your job?
"I like that I have the opportunity to work at my alma mater, contributing in a small way to the students’ learning outcomes through technology."

Q: What do you like to do for fun?
"I like going hiking with my kids and my dogs on the trails in Luzerne county.  There are a lot of great parks and trails in the area, some just take a little drive to get to but it’s worth it."

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Thomas does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Thomas and all our nominees.

Thomas will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of April. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

April 2023 Nominees: 

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for MARCH 2023 is: Jason Thorne, Printing Service

How long have you worked at the University?
"Almost 15 years."

What is your title?
"Senior Graphic Designer"

What do you like best about your job?
"Creative freedom and the people."

What do you like to do for fun?
Hiking with friends and spoiling my three girls, Bella (shown), Sheba and Isis, an 8-year old black Lab and two 10-year old felines."

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Jason does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Jason and all our nominees.

Jason will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of March. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

March 2023 Nominees: 

Devleta Alic, Facilities

Anthon Amato , Facilities

Jessica Barletta, University Police

Tara Blaine, Graduate Admissions

Salisa Brown, Faculty Secretary PHY/EE/CHEM

Christopher Carter, Grounds

Tom Cody, Infrastructure & Security Services

Janelle Decker, Music

Nancy Dolan, General Counsel

Hugh Doyle, Admissions

John Harris, Physical Plant Electrician

Jessica Hughes, Facilities Operations

JoAnne Jurkiewicz, World Languages and Cultures

Tom Kern, Client Services

Starr Laird, Facilities

Peg Mazzino, Facilities

Ikram Muhammad, Information Technology

Denise Mullen, Facilities

Glen Pace, IT

James Piazza, Carpentry/Trades

Dylan Popien, Facilities

Dolores Rozelle, PCPS

Donna Rupp, Psychology

Melissa Sherrill, Printing and mailing

Ken Smoke, Grounds

Adam Szydlowski, KSOM Advising

Mauri Walsh, Facilities

Eve Walsh-Bisignani, IT

Devleta Alic, Facilities

Anthony Amato, Facilities

Geri Barber, Counseling and Human Services

Deanna Beyrent, Client Services

Julie Brackeva-Phillips, IT

Gina Butler, CAS Dean's Office

Christopher Carter, Grounds

Thomas Cody, Infrastructure & Security Services

Janelle Decker, Music

Cheryl Evans, Financial Aid

Kym Fetsko, Library

Sharon Finnerty, Weinberg Memorial Library

Melisa Gallo, Interlibrary Loan - Library

John Garzarella, Athletic - Maintenance

Terri Golosky, Admissions

Synthia Guthrie-Kretsch, Mailing Services

Jacob Harris, Facilities Operations

Cindy Hricko, IT

Ann Keeler, Counseling and Human Services

Tom Kern, IT

Jon Kessell, Application Development

Anthony Kilker, Grounds

Barbara King, Dean of Students Office

Gary Lalli, Registrar's Office

Dave Martin, Athletics

Mary Ann Maslar, CAS Dean's Office

Peg Mazzino, Facilities

Ellen Morgan, Counseling Center

Denise Mullen, Facilities

Lisa Notarianni, Information Technology

Jill O'Connor, Nursing

Debbie Parry, KSOM Deans office

Carol Policastro, Facilities

Michael Ritterbeck, CSE

Janet Schieber, Residence Life

Melissa Sherrill, Printing

Eileen Siock, Grad Admission

JoAnn Stavisky, Facilities

Jason Thorne, Creative Services - Printing and Mailing

Eve Walsh-Bisignani, IT

John Witko, Facilities

Gerry Wren, Security

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for FEBRUARY 2023 is: Donna Rupp, Psychology Department

How long have you worked for the University?
"I have worked at the University for 22 years."  

What is your title? 
"I am the full-time Faculty Secretary for the Psychology Department (the entire 22 years). I am also the part-time secretary for the Latin American/Latinx Studies and Women’s & and Gender Studies programs (since 2012)." 

What do you like best about your job? 
"The appreciation and respect I receive from faculty and students is very gratifying." 

What do you like to do for fun? 
"The most fun thing is spending time with my 3-year-old grandson (shown below). It is such a joy to watch him learn new things and be amazed at everything. Also, although it doesn’t always feel like “fun” at the time I am doing them (haha), I run several days a week and participate in several Wellness classes offered by the University such as Light Weights and Abs and Pickleball. I only started running and faithfully exercising over the past ten years, so I’m not burned out yet -- and curious to see how long I can continue…"  

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Donna does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Donna and all our nominees.

Donna will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of February. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

February 2023 Nominees:

Devleta Alic, Facilities

Anthon Amato , Facilities

Jessica Barletta, University Police

Tara Blaine, Graduate Admissions

Salisa Brown, Faculty Secretary PHY/EE/CHEM

Christopher Carter, Grounds

Tom Cody, Infrastructure & Security Services

Janelle Decker, Music

Nancy Dolan, General Counsel

Hugh Doyle, Admissions

John Harris, Physical Plant Electrician

Jessica Hughes, Facilities Operations

JoAnne Jurkiewicz, World Languages and Cultures

Tom Kern, Client Services

Starr Laird, Facilities

Peg Mazzino, Facilities

Ikram Muhammad, Information Technology

Denise Mullen, Facilities

Glen Pace, IT

James Piazza, Carpentry/Trades

Dylan Popien, Facilities

Dolores Rozelle, PCPS

Donna Rupp, Psychology

Melissa Sherrill, Printing and mailing

Ken Smoke, Grounds

Adam Szydlowski, KSOM Advising

Mauri Walsh, Facilities

Eve Walsh-Bisignani, IT

Dr. Paul Datti, professor in the counseling and human services program will present “All These Isms: Understanding Privilege, Power, and Oppression,” on Wednesday, March 8, at 12:00 p.m., in the Kane Forum, Leahy Hall, Rm. 235. Registration is required.

Dr. Paul Datti will discuss “Isms,” such as racism, sexism, cisgenderism, able-ism, and more. He will show examples of privilege and how it gives power to some and excludes others, and highlight the importance of social justice in Jesuit education to reduce incidents of discrimination and harassment in the learning and working environment.
 
Dr. Paul Datti, Ph.D., CRC, HS-BCP, is a professor and director of the Counseling and Human Services program. Along with his dedication to diversity and inclusivity, Dr. Paul Datti received The University of Scranton’s Award for Excellence in Integrating Diversity in Teaching in 2014 and 2021. He participates in diversity-related initiatives and committees inside and outside the University of Scranton community.

Dr. Paul Datti provides trainings at state and national conferences, community organizations, and to the faculty, staff, and students at The University of Scranton. While doing extensive service work for diverse populations, his research and scholarly interests involve HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+ affirmative practices, disability, and intersectionality.

Register for the March 8 Diversity Lunch and Learn.

University of Scranton President, Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., announced the appointment of Michelle Gonzalez Maldonado, Ph.D., as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, effective immediately. Dr. Maldonado was serving as Scranton’s interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for the 2022-2023 academic year.

“Dr. Maldonado has a deep understanding and appreciation of our Catholic and Jesuit mission, and a love of the characteristics that make Scranton so special,” said Father Marina in a Feb. 14^th message to the University community.

A member of the President’s Cabinet, the provost serves as the chief academic officer for the University and has overall responsibility for its education and research programs. The provost is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the academic division’s budget, undergraduate and graduate programs, teaching, research, the library and the faculty. In addition, the provost works with deans and faculty to develop advancements to the curriculum and oversee the academic programming of the University’s three colleges.

In the campus announcement, Father Marina noted that during her time as interim provost, Dr. Maldonado “outlined academic priorities that are integrated with the Universal Apostolic Preferences and the University’s Strategic Plan” and had “begun work to implement more transfer-friendly policies for students, created academic support programs for first-generation students, developed innovative programs for non-traditional learners, and is spearheading our initiative to become a Laudato Si’ university.”

“Throughout her time at Scranton, she has also played a key role in the creation and implementation of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan,” said Father Marina. 

Dr. Maldonado joined the University in 2020 as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. As dean, she oversaw the development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan for the College and launched an online Master’s in Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity, among other accomplishments.

As a scholar, Dr. Maldonado’s academic areas of specialization include Latino/a and Latin American theology; Afro-Caribbean and Latino/a studies; and constructive and cultural theologies. In addition to the nearly dozen books that she has edited, co-authored or authored, she has published more than 50 articles in academic journals and book chapters. She has also presented at more than 90 academic conferences and meetings and contributed more than a dozen book reviews. She has written articles for the National Catholic Reporter and Conversations, and, in March of 2021, participated as a panelist in “The Francis Factor at Eight Years: Global Impacts, U.S. Challenges” discussion hosted by Georgetown University. In 2022, she was a panel participant and keynote speaker for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s V Encuentro Ministry Series Project.  

Prior to joining Scranton, Dr. Maldonado served as assistant provost of undergraduate education at the University of Miami, where she has also served as the executive director of the Office of Academic Enhancement and as a professor of religious studies. She joined the faculty at the University of Miami in 2006.

Dr. Maldonado has received multiple honors and awards during her career, including the Alumni of the Year award from the Graduate Theological Union, the 2008 Catholic Press Association Book Award for Second Place in Gender Issues for her book “Created in God’s Image,” and a 2004 Catholic Press Association Book Award and a 2004 Hispanic Theological Initiative Book Prize for her first book “Sor Juana: Beauty and Justice in the Americas.”

Previously, Dr. Maldonado served as a theologian-in-residence at San Lucas Toliman Mission in Guatemala and as an assistant professor of theological studies at Loyola Marymount University.

Dr. Maldonado earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, her master’s degree from the Union Theology Seminary, and her Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Union.

The University’s selection of Dr. Maldonado followed a national search conducted by a broadly representative search committee chaired by Scranton alumnus Anthony Yanni, M.D., University trustee and senior vice president and global head, Patient Centricity for Astellas. 

A milestone moment in early December highlights two University of Scranton staff members and the valuable services they provide to the academic community here and at 599 libraries in 25 countries. 

At the University’s Weinberg Memorial Library, Kevin Kocur, Interlibrary Loan Coordinator, and Melisa Gallo ’16, G’21, Interlibrary Loan and Collections Assistant, recently processed the 20 millionth borrowing request of Ex Libris RapidILL, a global interlibrary loan system Scranton has been part of for more than a decade. On Dec.13, they furnished access to content from the July 23, 1964, issue of “The Times Literary Supplement,” Vol. 63, Issue No. 3256, shown below, to a borrowing library at the University of Oklahoma. The team supports the University of Scranton community in a similar manner. 

“It’s rewarding when we find something very rare for our teachers, our students and our staff members,” said Kocur, who has shared his talents in this role for the past 11 years. 

He described a memorable loan that occurred during the pandemic. 

“One of our professors requested an item, and I contacted the author directly at a German Jesuit university, because everything was shut down. She scanned the pages and sent them right to us,” said Kocur. 

RapidILL engenders cooperation. 

“Harvard [University] will help us... and we provide items from our collection that they do not have. We also help smaller colleges, especially the Catholic universities in Pennsylvania. Around Philadelphia, there are a lot of smaller schools, and it is always rewarding to provide them with materials that they can’t purchase.” 

RapidILL connects libraries from around the world into a single place where they can share resources with reciprocal lending – there are no charges between members.  

“The RapidILL story is rooted back to 1997 when a devastating flood that destroyed half a million journals at Colorado State University led to the creation of a reciprocal resource-sharing system between several U.S. academic libraries – the start of an operating interlibrary loan system,” as reported by Laetitia Maarek in “20 Million Reasons to Celebrate" at the company's blog. 

“Over the past three years only, the RapidILL community has experienced exponential growth, going from 325 to over 600 libraries in 25 countries. Its members, [as of December], had placed an amazing 20 million requests to lend and borrow articles and book chapters within their network.” 

The entire process occurs in record time. RapidILL's company mission focuses on fast turnaround to end users, such as committed 24-hour request fulfillment. Kocur and Gallo consistently provide University loans within eight hours, well below the benchmark. 

“We are really proud of that, given the fact that we are a relatively smaller university when compared to Research-intensive Universities like Penn State, the University of Pennsylvania, and NYU. Those research-intensive schools usually comprise multiple libraries where even their smaller libraries could be equivalent in size to ours. Nonetheless, we have a collection that is strong enough to be lending to these major research-intensive universities. 

"And we get a benefit as well. Anything that we do not have, we can turn around quickly for our faculty and students,” said George Aulisio, Dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library. “We’re very happy to offer this service.

Gallo, as a recent graduate, echoed that sentiment from a student perspective. 

“I utilized the Interlibrary Loan services frequently as a student. ILL was a crucial resource because there were a variety of journal articles and books that would be needed for research, presentations, and projects,” said Gallo, who has been in her current role on the library staff for one year. During her undergraduate career, Gallo was a work study student in Circulation Services.

Another benefit of RapidILL system: ease of use.  

“In many cases, it’s automated. If an article or resource is indexed in a database, and we do not have it, they can just click a link, and the ILL form auto-populates with the citation information. In those cases, requesting an article is as easy as possible,” Aulisio said. 

Visit the library's webpage for details: HERE.

A Sample of Rare and Requested Interlibrary Loan Titles at the Weinberg Memorial Library

1. "The Chronicles of the last Jewish Gangster: from Meyer to Myron," by Myron Sugerman
2. "Ellen Robillard O'Hara," by Patricia Patton Lawhon
3. "Girl Around the World," by Dorothy Kilgallen

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for JANUARY 2023 is: Angel Bladt, Mail Carrier Services

How long have you worked for the University?
1.5 years


What do you like to do for fun?
"I enjoy spending time with my family."


We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Angel does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Angel and all our nominees.

Angel will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of January. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

January 2023 Nominees:

Mary Kay Aston, Financial Aid

Angel Bladt, Mailing

Maureen Carlton, Financial Aid

Christopher Carter, Physical plant

Bridget Chomko, Advancement 

Donna Cochrane-Kalinowski, Nursing

Thomas Cody, Infrastructure & Security Services

Kelly Connor Lewis, Admissions

Deb Cwalinski, Physical Plant

Janelle Decker, Music

Shonna Emmick, Facilities

Phil Erb, Infrastructure Services

Lori Flynn, Registrars Office

Jacob Harris, Facilities Operations

Tom Kern, IT

Brooke Leonard, Schemel Forum

Mary Ann Maslar, CAS Dean's Office 

Peg Mazzino, Facilities

Peter Nguyen, University Police

Eileen Notarianni, Human Resources

John Ochman, IT

Hollie Roscioli, Facilities

Dolores Rozelle, PCPS Field Placement

Reka Shayka, Residence Life

Melissa Sherrill, Printshop

Rose Striefsky, University Advancement

Justin Tambeau, Facilites

Rose Termini, CTLE

Jillian Wall, Admissions

Eve Walsh-Bisignani, IT

 

 

Staff Senate and the Staff Development Committee present Gerianne Barber, NCC, LPC for "Restoration, Resilience, and Resolutions," a discussion on Wellness and You. 

The event will take place Thursday, Jan. 5 from 12 - 1 p.m. at Brennan Hall 509, The Rose Room.

Staff is invited to the join for positivity and self-care to begin the new year!

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch; drinks and dessert will be provided.

 

Staff Senate President Mark Murphy greeted a crowd of more than 350 attendees at The Staff Senate Christmas Luncheon that was hosted Wednesday, Dec. 14 in The McIlhenney Ballroom of The DeNaples Center.

"This is a community that gives ... and this is a very wonderful example of the generosity of our University of Scranton community and staff," said Murphy, referencing raffle baskets created with donated prizes. 

Murphy credited Vice President Kristi Klien, the Social Events and Community Building Committee and all volunteers with organizing the event. He closed with an Ignatian prayer.

Attendees were invited to bring donations for Community Intervention Center including packaged socks, underwear, small toiletries (soap, shampoo, oral care, feminine products). Raffle and 50/50 proceeds will benefit Scranton Alliance for Equality (SAFE).

The event was free to attend for University staff members.

The Staff Senate Christmas Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 14 in The McIlhenney Ballroom. While the event is free for University staff members, registration is required. Seatings will take place from either 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Attendees are invited to bring donations for Community Intervention Center including packaged socks, underwear, small toiletries (soap, shampoo, oral care, feminine products). Raffle and 50/50 proceeds will benefit Scranton Alliance for Equality (SAFE).

Register here.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER FOR DECEMBER 2022 IS: LORI MORAN – Center for Career Development

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE UNIVERSITY?

13 years

WHAT IS YOUR TITLE?

Director in the Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love working with a great team and helping students along their career journeys.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?

Spending time with my family.

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Lori does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Lori and all our nominees.

Lori will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University foodservice outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of December. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner, Lori, and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

DECEMBER 2022 NOMINEES:

Melinda Finnerty, Student Health Services

Donna Cochrane-Kalinoski, Nursing

Shannon Murphy Fennie, Assistant Dean of Students

Julie Brackeva-Phillips, IT

Thomas Cody, Infrastructure & Security Services

Erin Boughton, Facilities

Jim Piazza, Carpenter

Andy Adryan, Facilities

Michael Ritterbeck, Center for Student Engagement

Anthony Amato, Facilities

John Garzarella, Athletic - Long/Byron Maintanence

Cathy Seymour, Campus Ministry

Salisa Brown, Faculty Secretary PHY/EE/CHEM

Jason Oakey, IT

Casey Steiner, Center for Student Engagement

Joel Krisanda, Weinberg Memorial Library

Kevin Rude, University Police

Lori Moran, Career Development

Melissa Abda, Human Resources

Brenda Clark, External Affairs

John Garzarella, Facilities

Cindy Meo, Facilities

Hugh Doyle, Admissions

Melissa Afshari, Graduate & International Admissions

Deanna Beyrent, IT

Mary Beth Watson, PCPS Advising Center

Jane Johnson, Rec Sports

Ann Keeler, Counseling and Human Services

Rose Striefsky, Advancement

Karyn Salitsky, Information Technology

Diane Kennedy, IT

Robert Liskowicz, Counseling Center

Jillian Wall, Office of Admissions

Stephanie Adamec, CHEW

Brad Troy, Residence Life

Amy Hoegen, Campus Ministries

Frank Cardamone, Grounds

John Garzarella, Athletics/Maintenance

Thomas Kern, IT

Margaret Mazzino, Facilities

Starr Lairf, Facilities

Jillian Wall, Admissions

Daniela Teneva, Facilities

The University of Scranton hosted a Fail Forward Panel discussion for students in November in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center as part of the University’s Resilient Royals initiatives. The panelists shared stories of some of their past struggles and failure, as well as how these challenges have shaped their lives.

Last year, the University’s Resilient Royals initiative earned the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ 2021 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Academic Partnership.

Each year, The University of Scranton supports the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties as they sponsor critical programs to improve the lives of all people in our communities through education, economic mobility and health programs.This year is no exception, and therefore, we are pleased to announce The University of Scranton’s annual United Way fundraising campaign, which will be held through Dec. 9, 2022.

Please join us as we support the United Way as they advocate to meet the needs within our communities:

Helping families and individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency by empowering them with skills and knowledge, providing children and teens with opportunities for quality learning and skill development, and providing all residents the opportunity to achieve optimal physical and mental health while promoting healthy lifestyles and communities.

This year, we again ask you to join us in making the decision to donate to the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. Donation information, including convenient payroll deduction will be available on the “my.scranton" portal “Employee Tab” under “University Giving,” or by contacting the Office of Human Resources at (570) 941-7767. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 9.

Together, we can support United Way as they fund 42 programs at 21 local non-profit organizations who take the lead in meeting evolving community needs. We appreciate whatever you can do to help!

To learn more about the programs that the University of Scranton and the United Way have worked to mobilize together, please follow the links below:

United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties VITA Program: click here.

United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties TIPS Program: click here.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for NOVEMBER 2022 is: KARL JOHNS, Technology Support Services

How long have you worked for the University?

"Forty years."

What do you like best about your job?

"Speaking and working with the students, faculty and staff."

What do you like to do for fun?

"Being outdoors fishing and hunting. I seem to have more interests than time."

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Karl does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Karl and all our nominees.

Karl will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of November. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

NOVEMBER 2022 Nominees:

Anthony Amato, Facilities

Shawn Beistline, Infrastructure & Security Service

Janet Bernick, Nursing

Erin Boughton, Facilities

Julie Brackeva-Phillips, Technology Support Center - IT

Tom Cody, Infrastructure & Security Services

Phil Erb, Infrastructure and Security Services

Christine Falbo, CAS Advising

Lori Flynn, Registrar

Terri Golosky, Admissions

Kim Hurst, Payroll

Karl Johns, Technology Support Services

Jane Johnson, Recreational Sports

Thomas Kern, Client Services

Barbara King, Student Life (Dean of Students area)

Kristi Klien, PCPS Dean's office

Andrea Malia, Campus Ministries (Formerly: Comm.)  

Margaret Mazzino, Facilities

Chad McCall, IT

Alex Mulhern, Facilities

Denise Mullen, Facilities

Jason Oakey, IT

Jerry Peck, Facilities

Patricia Savitts, Weinberg Memorial Library Circulation

Cathy Seymour, Campus Ministries

Eileen Siock, Admissions

Justin Tambeau, Facilities

Kyle Thomas, Maintenance, MGH Nursing

Jason Wimmer, IT

Joe Wright, Physical Plant

The Office of Community and Government Relations, and Scranton’s Story: Our Nation’s Story, in collaboration with the Office of Equity and Diversity, are pleased to announce the return of Curtis Zunigha, enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians (Oklahoma) and co-founder/co-director of the Lenape Center in New York City.

Zunigha was featured last November via Zoom, in a "D+I=A Better U!" lunch and learn. His visit to campus this year will include public events, and University and community stakeholder meetings. Their aim: To foster deeper learning and engagement in ways that honor Indigenous peoples and cultures, and the history and ongoing legacy and impact of colonialism.

• On Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Zunigha will offer a public keynote lecture on "Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History and Homecoming" in the DeNaples Ballroom. Zunigha will share his experience and mission to heal the wounds of forced removal and colonization and his desire is to restore the circle of friendship, respect, and shared occupancy. This lecture is part of the Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story initiative funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and supported by a Diversity Initiatives Grant through the Office of Equity and Diversity.

Faculty are encouraged to send students to this important event. For more information, visit this page or contact community@scranton.edu or 570-941-4419.

• On Friday, Nov. 18 at 12 p.m., a Faculty/Staff Diversity and Inclusion Lunch & Learn, hosted by the Office of Equity and Diversity in the Kane Forum, will feature a special presentation and musical performance by Zunigha where he will share his traditions and the present-day culture of the Lenape people. Click here to register for the lunch and learn. Or, contact diversity@scranton.edu or 570-941-6645 with any questions and to register.

Zunigha is an enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma. He possesses more than 35 years of experience in tribal government and administration, community development, telecommunications, and cultural preservation. He is an acknowledged expert on Delaware/Lenape culture, language, and traditional practices. Zunigha is the co-founder and co-director of The Lenape Center, based in New York City. The Lenape Center promotes the history and culture of people through the arts, environmental activism, social justice and agricultural practices. The Lenape Center’s work represents the return of the original Indigenous people to their original homeland of Lenapehoking (NY, NJ, PA). Zunigha is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Leigh Magnotta Fennie ’11 ’G19, business consultant for The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC), was honored at America’s SBDC 2022 Conference in San Diego as one of the inaugural America’s SBDC 40 Under 40.

According to America’s SBDC, the network is filled with talented young professionals who make significant contributions to their SBDC mission and local communities. To celebrate these achievements, they launched Top 40 Under 40 Young Professionals Award, a recognition of SBDC staff from across the national network who demonstrate innovation, leadership and commitment to the SBDC mission.

Fennie joined the SBDC in June 2015. She provides business consulting to start-up and existing small businesses across the SBDC’s 8-county service area, with a focus on Monroe and Wayne Counties. She stepped up in 2020 to serve as a CARES Act Business Consultant, assisting existing small businesses impacted by the pandemic, including helping them obtain almost $5,000,000 in disaster financing and grants. She also developed and delivered a number of educational programs and worked with many entrepreneurs to rethink their business models.

She earned her MBA from The University of Scranton in 2019, and her bachelor’s degree in international business from the University in 2011.

Scranton’s SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

The University of Scranton provides an Employee Assistance Program, NexGen EAP, through Employee Network Inc. (ENI). This benefit is open to all employees, full-time and part-time.

This third-party confidential resource offers the services of Licensed Mental Health Professionals to provide short-term counseling focused on coping skills or, make appropriate referral to long-term counseling or specialized care.

NexGen EAP’s enhanced Mental Health Virtual Services feature a new, barrier-free, digital suite of therapeutic offerings aimed at addressing our employees' mental health needs by providing expanded benefit solutions including:

* Video, Live Chat, and text-based coaching and counseling

* Over 5,000 personal, self-guided mental health tools and resources

* Clinical and well being assessments and courses

* Expanded mindfulness resources and guided meditations

* Advanced Workforce Analytics

These new Virtual Service Enhancements will be live and updated in the NexGen EAP app in October of 2022.

To contact NexGen call 1-800-EAP-CALL (1-800-327-2255) or log on at www.nexgeneap.com and enter the Company ID, 1549, along with the employee's first and last name, email address, last four digits of the social security number, zip code and date of birth.

This article is part of an occasional series spotlighting staff throughout the University community. Suggestions for future articles should be directed to RoyalNews@scranton.edu.

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Shannon Zottola, vice president for enrollment management at The University of Scranton, is excited to take part in her first Open House event at Scranton, coming up on October 23. 

This summer, Zottola joined the University as a member of the President's Cabinet, bringing 17 years of leadership experience to the position of chief enrollment officer. A native of Scranton, Zottola had most recently served as vice president and dean for enrollment management and marketing at Ursinus College in Philadelphia. 

How doEs your background strengthen the Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions teams here?

"I had been working in enrollment in various capacities at numerous institutions for nearly 20 years before coming to The University of Scranton. My experiences at these other institutions, both in the Scranton region and in the Philadelphia region -- one of the most competitive higher education landscapes in the nation -- give me an advantage when thinking about the short-term and long-term strategies that we need to execute to be successful in our enrollment efforts. This will be powerful when combined with the experiences and historical knowledge of my colleagues who have been at the University for a long time."

In your experience, what is the key to developing a good team?

"This is the part of my work that I love the most. It really comes down to finding what motivates each individual staff member and where their specific strengths lie and aligning the two.

I'm also a relational person, so my goal is to get to know the people who I work with every day.  I want to show them that we all have big jobs to do, but we can have fun doing them and love coming to work every day. It's important to note that to build a great team, you can’t be afraid of conflict. The work that we do requires continual change and sometimes that’s really hard for people. We need to work through that and find a way to be our best selves together. This is where the magic happens!"

which aspects of the University impressed you during the college search process?

"I remember bringing my son to a Royal Day event in February. What struck me the most: The very beginning of the presentation, led by Father Keller, regarding the Jesuit tradition at The University of Scranton....I had visited other institutions that tended to shy away from leading with their religious affiliation. I was impressed that the University was deeply committed to our Jesuit tradition, and proud to lead with this.

That happened to be the day before my Zoom interview for this position and it reaffirmed how much I missed working at a Catholic institution. This is just one example of many, like the amazing tour at the onset of our college search process here, or the impressive academic programs and campus."

key piece of advice you recommend to prospective students:

"Having just been through it, the college search process is stressful for both students and parents. Given my work, I thought it would be so easy...it wasn't!  It’s hard to separate out the feelings of stress and anxiety to get to a place where you can really understand finding the best fit.

My advice for everyone is to take a deep breath, understand that there’s an endpoint where a decision will be made, and know that nothing is forever. There’s a lot of pressure to get it right at the beginning, whether that’s about the college you pick or the major you select.  We can always change our minds.

When it comes to financial aid in particular, if there is an institution that you are interested in, and you think that financially it is out of your reach, please don’t give up. There are a lot of resources out there that can help make the college of your dreams a viable option. On the flipside, I would caution students from taking out large amounts of debt to attend a certain institution. There are a lot of options out there and I would suggest that they consider them before going down that path."

What has kept you enchanted With Enrollment Management after 16 years?

"I am still here because we are doing important, life-changing work, and I love the newness of every day in enrollment.

A career-affirming moment?

"The number of colleagues who have worked for and with me who have asked me for references or professional advice. This always affirms that I must be doing something right if these relationships continue to remain strong after so many years."

Get to know... Shannon Zottola

Undergraduate Degree: University of Pittsburgh, B.S. in Psychology

Graduate Degree: University of Pittsburgh, M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration

High School: Bishop Hannan

Favorite Quote: “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the game.” -Randy Pausch

Favorite TV shows: "Game of Thrones," "Mad Men," and "The Office," to name a few.

Favorite Pastimes: "Spending time with my husband John, son Aidan (class of 2026), and daughter Vivian, plus our large family on both sides, including 11 nieces and nephews! Traveling, walking, reading, watching the sunset, big family vacations to the beach."

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for October 2022 is: Jimmy Piazza - Carpenter

How long have you worked for the University?

I have worked for the university for almost 38 years as a Carpenter in our Trades Division.

What do you like best about your job?

Best part of his job is that every day, something is different. I travel all over campus and get to interact with everyone at one time or another.

What do you like to do for fun?

In my spare time I enjoy tinkering with cars. None compare to my first car – a 1974 Plymouth Duster.

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Jimmy does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Jimmy and all our nominees.

Jimmy will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University foodservice outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of October. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

October 2022 Nominees:

Dina Angeloni, CHEW

Angel Bladt, Mailing Services

Erin Boughton, Facilities – Katherine Drexel House

Tom Cody, Infrastructure & Security Services

Steve Hallock, Facilities – Nevils Hall

Karl Johns, Technology Support Services

Tom Kern, IT Client Services

Barbara King, Office of Student Life

Jill Lear, Nursing Department

Karen Marx, KSOM Advising

Danielle Morse, IT

Denise Mullen, Facilities

Carl O’Neil, Advancement

Glen Pace, IT Client Services

Kevin Stanford, KSOM Advising

JoAnn Stavisky, Facilities – Retreat Center

Adam Szydlowski- KSOM Advising

John Tabor - Finance

Kyle Thomas - Facilities – McGurrin Hall

Cindy Tokash - Math & Computer Science

Richard Trygar- Chemistry

This is the first in an occasional series spotlighting staff throughout the University community. Suggestions for future articles should be directed to RoyalNews@scranton.edu.

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Lori Moran '93, G, '95, Director of the Center for Career Development at The University of Scranton is preparing with her team for The Fall Career Expo that will take place on Friday, Sept. 30 in the Byron from 12-3 p.m.

The event is for students in all years and all majors. Students do not need to register in advance. There are 74 organizations coming in a variety of industries. Dress is smart business casual.

Twenty-nine years prior to planning Career Expos for the University, Moran was earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees as a student from Floral Park, New York. 

In 1993 at The University of Scranton she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in English, and two years later earned a Master of Science in School Counseling. Moran began her career with the University in 2009 at the Center for Service & Social Justice, and in 2016 she joined the team at the Center for Career Development. In her role as Director, Moran manages the day-to-day operations. Today, she explains how the Center assists students, including preparing them for their first job.

"We have an outstanding team, each of whom play an important role, whether working directly with students and alumni, communicating with employers, or gathering data and planning for events," said Moran.

"We host Career Expos and other career events. We really are invested in the success of our students and we love supporting them along their career journeys. We work with our alumni as well…Once a Royal, always a Royal!" 

How does the Center assist students?

* career decision-making,
* resume and cover letter writing,
* job and internship search,
* interview preparation including mock interviews,
* graduate school preparation,
* networking, and
* anything related to career development.

Q: How are you an advocate for the use of technology in the career development process?

A: Technology is crucial today. Job and internships are posted on line, applications are submitted electronically, and students have the opportunity to research companies, industries, and career information online.

We utilize a platform called Handshake at Scranton, and I encourage students to use it when doing a job or internship search and to set up appointments with members of the Career team. It’s also where students will be able to view and register for any upcoming career-related events. LinkedIn is an extremely valuable tool for the job and internship search, as well as for networking.

Q: What is a key piece of advice you recommend to students unsure of their career path?

A: It is OK if students are uncertain about their career path. Career Development is just that…development and a process. Not all students have a linear path from the first day of college to graduation and their first job; actually, many don’t know what they want to do right away and others change their path.

I recommend that students engage with their faculty, have conversations with their advisors, and make an appointment to see one of our career coaches. Networking and conducting informational interviews with professionals in industries you are considering is valuable. I can’t emphasize the importance of experiential learning enough-- internships, research with a professor, volunteer work. It is a great way to gain experience in an industry and decide whether you like it or not.

Q: How do you think the university's Jesuit mission has impacted your time on staff?

A. The Jesuit mission and values are central to the work that we do in Career Development. Cura Personalis, providing that individual attention to students, and being respectful of their uniqueness and caring for the whole person, has particularly impacted me and what I do in my work with students and alumni.

Each member of our team works to build relationships, whether with students, faculty and staff, alumni, or employers, and we are mindful of this and thankful for these collaborative relationships. I am blessed to work at an institution where the mission guides the work that we do.

Q: How do your background and experiences strengthen the Center for Career Development?

A: As an undergraduate student, I changed my major and my career goals. When I was in graduate school here at Scranton, I did an internship in what was then called Career Services, and I worked in a graduate-level position in Residence Life. These experiences introduced me to the idea of working in higher education, something I had not considered before. After graduating, I worked at a few other colleges....

Returning to the University was like coming home. I’m doing something I love at a place that I love. My background and education in counseling enables me to take a strengths-based approach with students. All of my experiences have provided insight to make me a better career counselor/coach and to provide leadership to the department. I’m excited for what the year holds!

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Get to know...Lori Moran

When she's not at the University of Scranton, Moran loves spending time with family. 

New York State of Mind? "My favorite sports team is the NY Islanders, and my all-time favorite musician is Billy Joel.

Binge-worthy picks: "I have a few shows I like, including Ted Lasso and Schitt’s Creek. I most recently watched Peaky Blinders." 

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D., has been named vice president for University advancement, effective Sept. 19, 2022. Dr. Davis previously served as the vice president for student life at Scranton. In his new position, he will continue responsibility for Athletics and for managing the University’s food service and bookstore partnerships. He will also continue to serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

“I know, from my own experience of working closely with Bobby over the last year that he is a senior leader who grounds his service in a genuine devotion to our mission,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., in the campus announcement about Dr. Davis’s new position. Father Marina added that, as vice president for student life, Dr. Davis “provided dedicated and visionary leadership for the division, championing students and the student experience at every turn. I am particularly grateful for the exceptional work that he and his team accomplished throughout the pandemic.” 

A graduate of The University of Scranton, Dr. Davis joined the staff at Scranton in 2006 and has served in several capacities, including as area coordinator and assistant director for housing operations in the Office of Residence Life; director of the University’s historic Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign, which was the largest capital campaign in the University’s history, raising more than $129 million to support the University’s mission, endowment and development. He also served as interim vice president for development and alumni relations and as chief of staff in the President’s Office at Scranton, prior to his tenure as vice president for student life.

He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Scranton Preparatory School.

Dr. Davis earned his bachelor’s, master’s and MBA degrees from The University of Scranton and his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Offices of the Provost, Human Resources and Equity and Diversity offer a faculty and staff book club. Committed to enhancing an inclusive campus environment, the club book will match the first-year seminar Royal Read, "On Juneteenth" by Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times best-selling author, Annette Gordon-Reed.

This book club is designed to create a space for thoughtful dialogue. Registering for the book club signifies an agreement to participate in the group conversation at the luncheon meeting. Books will be available the second week of September at no cost for staff and faculty participants. Register here to get a book and attend the luncheon. Seating is limited.

The book club meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 12 p.m. in DeNaples 405.  A light lunch will be provided.

In addition to the meeting, faculty and staff are encouraged join the in-person lecture given by the author on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Byron Recreational Center, which is geared toward first-year students.

Annette Gordon-Reed is the Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard. Gordon-Reed won 16 book prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize in History in 2009 and the National Book Award in 2008, for "The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family" (W.W. Norton, 2008).

In addition to articles and reviews, her other works include "Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy" (UVA Press, 1997), "Vernon Can Read! A Memoir, a collaboration with Vernon Jordan" (PublicAffairs, 2001), "Race on Trial: Law and Justice in American History" (Oxford University Press, 2002), a volume of essays that she edited, "Andrew Johnson" (Times Books/Henry Holt, 2010) and, with Peter S. Onuf, “'Most Blessed of the Patriarchs': Thomas Jefferson and the Empire of the Imagination" (Liveright Publishing, 2016). Her most recent book is "On Juneteenth" (Liveright Publishing, 2021). Gordon-Reed was the Vyvyan Harmsworth Visiting Professor of American History at the University of Oxford (Queens College) 2014-2015.

Between 2010 and 2015, she was the Carol K. Pforzheimer Professor at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. She was the 2018-2019 President of the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic. Currently, she serves as President of the Ames Foundation. A selected list of her honors includes a fellowship from the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library, a Guggenheim Fellowship in the humanities, a MacArthur Fellowship, the National Humanities Medal, the National Book Award, the Frederick Douglass Book Prize, the George Washington Book Prize, and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.

Gordon-Reed served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Dartmouth College from 2010 to 2018. She was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2011 and was a member of the Academy’s Commission on the Humanities and Social Sciences. In 2019, she was elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society.

Biography source: Harvard Law School website - https://hls.harvard.edu/faculty/directory/10329/Gordon-Reed

Philip Kuehn, an accomplished and experienced music educator, bassist, composer, arranger, author and transcriptionist, joined The University of Scranton Performance Music staff as conductor and co-director of Performance Music on Aug. 15.

With extensive experience in both instrumental and choral music, Kuehn joins Scranton’s talented, enthusiastic and deeply-dedicated conductor and director Cheryl Y. Boga, founder of Performance Music at The University of Scranton in leading all musical, educational and administrative aspects of programs. Shared responsibilities include conducting, rehearsing, teaching student ensembles, and producing and directing the Guest Artist Series, World Premiere Series, Nelhybel Collection and educational outreach events such as masterclasses and clinics. Performance Music programming is also supported by Janelle Decker, assistant director and percussion coordinator.

Boga and Kuehn have known each other for almost a decade (having been introduced by Joseph Boga who is Boga’s son and Kuehn’s friend and colleague). They are very much looking forward to working together to serve Scranton students and their audiences.

Kuehn comes to Scranton from Snow College in Utah, where he served as a tenured associate professor of music and director of jazz studies. He studied with Dwayne Dolphin and Jeff Mangone in Pittsburgh before attending The Juilliard School where he studied with Ben Wolfe and David Grossman for his Bachelor of Music degree, and with Ron Carter for his Master of Music degree. A native of western Pennsylvania, Kuehn hails from a family of musician/educators and is no stranger to Scranton, having performed on campus several times with various guest artist ensembles.

During his impressive career, Kuehn has performed, recorded, broadcasted and/or toured with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, Jonathan Batiste, Branford Marsalis, Khristian Dentley of Take 6, Cyrille Aimee, Randy Brecker, Veronica Swift, Anthony Hamilton, Dr. Billy Taylor, Roy Hargrove, Kurt Whalum, Emmett Cohen, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Kyle Athayde Dance Party and many others. Formerly the regular bassist for Jonathan Batiste’s groups, including the “Stay Human” band, Kuehn has made several guest appearances on the Late Show with Steven Colbert.

Five of Kuehn’s arrangements for strings and choir appear on “Christmas with Jon Batiste.” Those arrangements have been featured on CBS, and the album placed No. 3 on the Billboard Jazz chart and No. 1 on the Heatseeker’s chart.

Kuehn’s bass playing was featured on Disney/Pixar’s Grammy/Oscar/Golden Globe-winning movie “Soul,” the soundtrack of which won a Grammy for Best Soundtrack, and he also recorded on Batiste’s Grammy-nominated album “Anatomy of Angels - Live at the Village Vanguard.” He has appeared on ABC’s “The View” with Tony Bennett, at the White House with Dr. Billy Taylor, with Anthony Hamilton at the Sundance Film Festival, and collaborated with Quincy Jones on an extensive arrangement of “Ode to Joy” for the Beethoven Orchester Bonn’s performance in Germany for Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary.

Kuehn completed a 24-song transcription portfolio of pre-1960 songs for Harry Connick, Jr. His research is featured in “Teaching Music Through Performance in Jazz, Vol. 2,” compiled by Ronald Carter and Richard Miles. He also wrote a teacher resource guide on Duke Ellington’s Sepia Panorama, served as a clinician with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Program, as director of the Snow College Jazz Summit and Snow College Summer Jazz Workshop, as guest conductor for music education festival ensembles including local, regional and All-State ensembles, and as vice president of the Jazz Education Network - Utah Chapter.

On Thursday, July 26, The University of Scranton Jesuit Center hosted a Spirituality Luncheon for staff and faculty as part of celebrations to commemorate the Feast of St. Ignatius and the end of The Ignatian Year.

Guest speakers included Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry, Teresa A. Grettano, Ph.D., PHD, MA, BA, associate professor in the English and Theatre department, and Ryan Sheehan, J.D., executive director of the Jesuit Center at The University.

Sheehan welcomed the crowd of more than 80 in attendance and described one of the missions of the Sprituality Luncheons, which generally take place three times each year.

"They provide an opportunity to bring people together in good conversation and good fellowship," said Sheehan.

Dr. Grettano opened by explaining that the Ignatian Year allowed her to reflect on how the process has changed her life, including the way she responded to a 2015 breast cancer diagnosis.

"It has helped so much through the difficult times... I was able to respond to that diagnosis with Ignatian indifference, because I had been taught that here. The freedom that attitude gives you in times of hardship is a beautiful gift."

Dr. Grettano introduced a group discussion topic of how Ignatian Spirituality plays out in professional and personal life, and asked a spokesperson from each table to share their experience.

Mary Ann Maslar, Office Manager and Administrative Assistant for the Dean College of Arts and Sciences said:
"We have all levels of community here, and we're very blessed to have that," Maslar said.

Therese Kurilla, A.BS, MBA, Grants Manager shared a perspective on establishing positive interactions with students.

"We can be helping our students by learning to step back and listen first," Kurilla said.

Last week, The University of Scranton joined Jesuit colleges and universities across the world to mark the close of “The Ignatian Year,” a year-long, worldwide celebration of the 500^thanniversary of the transformation of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

The University lit its Class of 2020 gateway sign with a white cross and purple background the evenings of July 28 to July 31, the Feast Day of St. Ignatius and the official closing date of The Ignatian Year.

Other activities included an a ice cream social for faculty and staff on Friday, July 29, hosted by Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president, and Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for Mission and Ministry at the University.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! 

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for June 2022 is:  Chris Krall - Infrastructure and Network Services

How long have you worked for the University?

I was hired in 1994, so almost 28 years. My first job was evening computer operator.

What is your title?

My title is Senior Systems Engineer.

What do you like best about your job? 

I get a great deal of satisfaction seeing projects through to completion. I am also thankful for the flexibility of hybrid work!

What do you like to do for fun? 

I enjoy being outdoors -- running, biking or just relaxing with family and friends.

 

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Chris does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Chris and all our nominees.

Chris will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University foodservice outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of June. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

July 2022 Nominees:

Margaret Mazzino - Facilities
Karl Johns -Technology Support Services
Thomas Cody-Infrastructure & Security Services
Gary Lalli - Registrar
Lisa Notarianni - Information Technology
Glen Pace - IT Client Services
Chris Krall - Infrastructure & Network Services
Tom Kern - IT
Lynn Andres - Development/PEC

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for August 2022 is: Peggy Doolittle, Office of Annual Giving/Advancement


How long have you worked for the University?
I began my University career in 2008, working in Student Life, moving to External Relations in 2010, and landing in University Advancement from 2012-present (and loved each experience!)

What is your title?
I serve the University as an Advancement Assistant.

What do you like best about your job?
Although I love everything about my job, if I had to pinpoint one piece (because I'm such a people-person), it would be hosting events!

What do you like to do for fun?
So many things, but a few of my favorite fun things are spending time with my son and his wife, sleepovers with my grand-dog (Joey), golf, playing BUNKO the first Friday of each month, and attending Book club the third Tuesday of the month! 🙂

*****

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the outstanding devotion that Peggy demonstrates each and every day. Stop down to Louis Brown Hall to congratulate Peggy!

Peggy will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University foodservice outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of August. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

August 2022 Nominees:
Lynn Andres, Parents’ Executive Council
Tom Cody, Infrastructure & Security
Peggy Doolittle, Office of Annual Giving/Advancement
Karl Johns, Technology Support Services

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., has been named vice president for mission and ministry, effective July 18, 2022. He will also serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

“Through his education at Jesuit universities and his experience in higher education at Catholic schools, Dr. Cosacchi understands well and values greatly the important role Catholic and Jesuit education plays in the formation of our students,” said Father Marina in a campus announcement. “He always places students first in his efforts and holds them in high regard, as he challenges and encourages them to discover their calling and reach their full potential in service to the needs of this world. His efforts to engage students in reflection and service extend beyond the classroom and beyond the campus.”

As vice president for mission and ministry, Dr. Cosacchi is responsible for articulating, enhancing and promoting the University's Catholic and Jesuit identity across all constituencies. He will provide leadership and direction for the departments of Campus Ministries, the Jesuit Center, and the Center for Service and Social Justice, while overseeing mission and ministry initiatives for the University community including students, staff and faculty. 


Dr. Cosacchi previously served as assistant professor of religious studies at Marywood University. In addition to teaching core and elective courses in theology and religious studies, he was the College of Arts and Sciences representative on the Mission Integration Committee and director of the Justice and Peace Studies Program. He also served as Marywood’s representative to the Synod on Synodality and served on several other committees.

Dr. Cosacchi is co-author/editor of the book “The Berrigan Letters: Personal Correspondence Between Daniel and Philip Berrigan,” and has published articles in the Journal of Jesuit Studies, among other journals.

Prior to joining the faculty at Marywood University, Dr. Cosacchi taught at Fairfield University and was a Canisius Postdoctoral Fellow there from 2016-2019. He served as faculty moderator for the Canisius Academy, planning and hosting prominent events centered on social justice and the Catholic intellectual heritage and moderating mini-lectures on Catholic topics. He also served as a mentor for Ignatian Residential College there.

Dr. Cosacchi earned his bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, his master’s degree from Boston College and his Ph.D. from Loyola University of Chicago.

Sarah Kenehan, Ph.D., a University of Scranton alumna and former professor of philosophy at Marywood University, was named executive director of the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities, effective July 5.

Since joining the faculty at Marywood University in 2009, Dr. Kenehan has taught courses in business, environmental and animal ethics, and global, climate and food justice. She served as the chair of Marywood’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, director of their Women’s Studies Program, and was the co-founder and co-chair of Pacers for Justice and Peace. She also served on dozens of other committees, including the Rank and Tenure Committee and Student Evaluation of Teaching Task Force.

As a scholar, Dr. Kenehan has studied extensively the works of John Bordley Rawls, an American moral and political philosopher in the liberal tradition, and has published three books on climate justice: “Climate Justice and Feasibility: Normative Theorizing, Feasibility Constraints, and Climate Action” (Rowman Littlefield International, 2021); “Climate Justice and Feasibility: Principles of Justice and Real-World Climate Politics” (Rowman Littlefield International, 2021); and “Food, Environment, and Climate: Justice at the Intersections” (Rowman Littlefield International, 2018). She has published numerous articles on academic journals, contributed to book chapters, and presented at more than 30 international, national and regional conferences and meetings.

Dr. Kenehan earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and philosophy from Scranton in 2002 as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. She was a member of the Women’s Cross Country Team at Scranton. She also earned her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, and her Ph.D. from the University of Graz in Austria.

Ryan Sheehan, J.D., has been named executive director of the Jesuit Center at The University of Scranton, effective June 1, 2022.

Sheehan joined The University of Scranton in 2012 as assistant director of The Jesuit Center. During his time at Scranton, he has led numerous retreats and seminars for staff and faculty members to learn, experience and explore Ignatian spirituality. He has also served as interim executive director in 2017. Among the programs he led was the “Footsteps of Ignatius Pilgrimage,” which begins with a nine-month on-campus Ignatian Leadership Program and culminates with a summer trip to Spain and Italy to visit the important sites in the life of St. Ignatius and other prominent Jesuits.

Sheehan also serves as an adjunct professor in several departments at Scranton, including political science, philosophy, English and history.

In addition, Sheehan leads immersion trips for the Kino Border Initiative for the Ignatian Colleagues Program, which is a national program of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities designed to educate and form administrators and faculty more deeply in the Jesuit and Catholic tradition of higher education.

Prior to joining the University, Sheehan worked and lived with Native Americans in Arizona and New Mexico, serving as a teacher and coach at St. Michael Indian School, a Catholic school on the Navajo Reservation.

Sheehan earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, his master’s degree from Western New Mexico University and his juris doctor degree from Arizona State University.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! 

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for June 2022 is:  Ericka Lavelle - Student Health Services

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Ericka does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Ericka and all our nominees.

Ericka will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University foodservice outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of June. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

ENI is your Employee Assistance Program provider here at The University of Scranton.

Free Confidential Assistance can be accessed at www.nexgeneap.com or 1-800-327-2255 or by downloading the mobile app: BalanceBenefits.

Total Wellbeing Newsletter - May Edition

Mental health is wealth, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated in May. The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, even though this has started to change. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it with their loved ones for fear of being judged and facing unnecessary backlash. Simp le logic dictates that if we are hurt anywhere, we must seek treatment to get better. This applies to both our mental- and physical well-being. While Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated in the U.S., a more universal day is also celebrated by the WHO on
October 10, and it is known as World Mental Health Day.

How to Observe Mental Health Awareness Month

1. Take care of yourself

Life has numerous ups and downs. Some are solvable but others not so much.
When your mental health acts up, seek the right treatment and make yourself better
because, after all, life has much more to offer than just pain and suffering.

2. Take care of your loved ones

Check up on your friends and family. Many times, all people need is a shoulder to cry
on and/or an ear to listen. Support and encourage them if they are being treated for
any mental problems.

3. Talk about mental health

One of the best ways to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month is by talking
about it with your peers. The more you talk about it, the more normalized it will
become. This is one of the aims of the month as the stigma attached to mental
health has led to countless delays in treatment AND research on the matter.

Why We Love Mental Health Awareness Month

1. It’s a celebration of mental health

The only way to enjoy life to the fullest and experience all its wonders is if we take
care of ourselves, mentally and physically. Don’t shy away from talking about what’s
plaguing you because it might not be your fault, no matter how much society tells
you otherwise.

2. It’s a celebration of changing attitudes

We have come a long way from the times when mental patients were treated as
outcasts, not only by their loved ones but also by medical professionals. Times have
started changing and more and more people are changing their outlook on mental
illnesses. However, we still have a long way to go.

3. It’s a celebration of humans

We humans are a set of meticulously-put-together details. Our minds (and bodies)
work in harmony to bring us amazing feats in technology, science, humanities,
literature, etc. Our mental power, therefore, needs to be taken care of for a
better tomorrow for the coming generations.

Please see links below for further resources:
https://www.eniweb.com 
https://www.eniweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/May-Total-Wellbeing-2022.pdf
https://www.eniweb.com/wellness-newsletters/ 

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., will serve as dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies (PCPS), effective immediately, and Mark Higgins, Ph.D., will serve as dean of the Kania School of Management (KSOM) beginning July 1. 

Dean Castellanos has served as the interim dean of PCPS since January 2022. She served as the associate dean of PCPS since 2012 when she joined The University of Scranton community. Read on, here.

Dr. Higgins currently serves as a professor of accounting at St. Louis University (SLU), a sister Jesuit university in Missouri. Read on, here.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., will serve as dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies (PCPS), effective immediately. Dean Castellanos has served as the interim dean of PCPS since January 2022. She served as the associate dean of PCPS since 2012, when she joined The University of Scranton community.

“Her professionalism, dedication and leadership, in addition to her caring insightfulness, have greatly benefited the University and PCPS, and I look forward to continuing to work with her as dean,” said Father Marina in an announcement to the University community.

At Scranton, Dean Castellanos oversaw the PCPS undergraduate and graduate curriculum review process, the T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. professional development program and other PCPS projects and programs. She was also the college shepherd for the construction of Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall. She has served on numerous committees at the University, including the Provost’s Committee on Academic Policy Compliance, the Strategic Enrollment Committee and the Faculty Handbook Committee, among many others. 

Prior to her work at Scranton, Dean Castellanos served in a number of positions at Florida International University (FIU) from 1996 to 2012, including as the associate dean of the University Graduate School, the Ph.D. program director and the undergraduate didactic program director for the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition. She was also an associate professor of dietetics and nutrition at FIU.

Dean Castellanos has published dozens of articles about her research in the area of dietetics and has contributed several academic book chapters, in addition to presenting on her research at numerous conferences. During her career, she was awarded multiple U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services grants totally more than $850,000.

Dean Castellanos’ board memberships include Individual Abilities in Motion, The Arc of North Eastern Pennsylvania and The Arc of NEPA Foundation. Her professional memberships include the Dietitian’s Council on Quality Nursing Home Care, the American Society for Nutrition and the American Dietetic Association.

Dean Castellanos earned her bachelor’s degree from Montana State University and her master’s degree and Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of California. She completed a National Institutes of Health postdoctoral fellowship at Pennsylvania State University.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Mark Higgins, Ph.D., will serve as the Dean of the Kania School of Management beginning July 1. Dr. Higgins currently serves as a professor of accounting at St. Louis University (SLU), a sister Jesuit university in Missouri.

“I know from my conversations with him, along with the endorsements of his peers, that Dr. Higgins is deeply committed to our Catholic and Jesuit mission. We are fortunate as well to have someone of his exceptional experience and expertise,” said Father Marina in an announcement to the University community.

From 2015 to 2019, Dr. Higgins served as the Edward Jones Dean and Professor of Accounting at SLU’s Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business. During his tenure at SLU, he has worked with deans and faculty to repurpose facilities into a multipurpose data analytics lab for finance and a behavioral lab space for marketing; and has worked with faculty to revise SLU’s one-year, full-time MBA program to focus on data analytics and ethical leadership. He also helped to revise faculty support models at SLU to encourage publication in top-tier business journals, among other accomplishments. 

Dr. Higgins has extensive experience with AACBS accreditation, widely considered the gold-standard of business school accreditations. The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management holds AACBS accreditation. In 2016, he chaired SLU’s successful re-affirmation of AACSB accreditation for the undergraduate and graduate business programs and worked with the department chair and the accounting faculty to achieve initial accreditation for undergraduate and graduate accounting programs. He currently serves as chair of the AACSB Accounting Accreditation Policy Committee and is a member of the AACSB Business Accreditation Policy Committee. His professional memberships include the American Accounting Association, the American Taxation Association and the Missouri State Society of CPA’s. He received the American Accounting Association Service Award in 2015 and the American Taxation Association Lifetime Service Award in 2009.

Dr. Higgins earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina and his Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Tennessee.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for May 2022 is: Jacob Harris- Facilities

How long have you worked at Scranton?

I have worked here for 11 years as a custodian.

What do you like most about your job?

What I like the most about my job is the appreciation I feel and the sense of accomplishment from doing my job in getting student, staff and faculty spaces clean on a daily basis. The random thank you's and the friendly hello's are uplifting throughout the day.

What do you do for fun?

For fun I like to hike, kayak and swim. I enjoy taking trips to explore other places and grasp the outdoors, with all it has to offer.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Jacob does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Jacob and all our nominees.

Jacob will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University foodservice outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of March. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

May 2022 Nominees:

Kelly Cook-CAS Advising

Glenn Pace-IT Client Services

Karl Johns-Technology Service Center

Lucy Grissinger - ORAS

Dave Martin - Athletics

Synthia Guthrie Kretsch - Mailing Services

Dawn Mazurik - Nursing

Karl Johns-Technology Support Services

Thomas Cody-Infrastructure & Security Services

Janet Bernick - Nursing

Donna Cochrane-Kalinoski-Nursing

Delores Rozelle - PCPS Dean’s Office

Caitlyn Hollingshead - Admissions

Jacob Harris - Facilities Maintenance

David Zwanch - IT, Network Team

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Carl Hurst will serve as associate vice president for information technology and Chief Information Officer, effective immediately.  

“Mr. Hurst, who will also serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet, possess significant knowledge of IT operations and infrastructure, as well as network and data security,” said Father Marina in an announcement to the campus community.

Hurst joined the staff at the University in 2017 as the associate Chief Information Officer. During his time at Scranton, he played a leading role in the development and coordination of comprehensive technical and IT operational plans. He assisted the CIO with facilitating an IT governance strategy, researched emerging technologies and helped to evaluate and assess the University’s current technology and operations to guide future decisions. He also managed IT security, IT security audits and performed vendor security assessments, among other duties. 

Prior to joining the University, Hurst was the director of technical infrastructure at TMG Health. Previously, he was the manager of network and desktop infrastructure at Blue Cross NEPA and manager of Windows and desktop server systems at Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises.

Hurst earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Wilkes University.

Allergy season is upon us. If you are covered under the University's health plan, your SwiftMD telemedicine service is your first and free defense against stubborn allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy throat, nasal congestion, and itchy/watery eyes. Consults with SwiftMD doctors are available anytime, anywhere, at no cost to you – no co-pays or consult fees!
Just call 833-794-3863 or log in at SwiftMD.com.

SwiftMD doctors can treat many common, minor illnesses such as:

• Fever and flu
• Rashes
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infections
• Pink eye
• Ear infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Poison ivy
• Insect bites and stings
• Nasal or respiratory congestion
• Your individual medical concerns

SwiftMD doctors are U.S.-trained and board-certified physicians with at least 10 years’ experience practicing medicine. They can diagnose and care for many common, episodic illnesses, and send a prescription to your preferred local pharmacy if you need one.

The University of Scranton is committed to providing quality healthcare to members and their families.

For more information about being a SwiftMD member, visit SwiftMD.com .

Transamerica will be hosting virtual individual retirement counseling sessions April 6 through June 4. These sessions will provide you the opportunity to meet with a retirement planning consultant confidentially to review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals. Appointments will be 45 minutes in length. Schedule an appointment here.

Please contact Eileen Barrett Notarianni at eileen.notarianni@scranton.edu or at 570.941.7767 with any questions.

TIAA is inviting participants to schedule one-on-one retirement planning sessions with a representative from TIAA for Tuesday, April 26 and Tuesday, May 17.

Please register at tiaa.org/public/tcm/scranton

Any questions, please contact Eileen Barrett Notarianni at eileen.notarianni@scranton.edu or t 570.941.7767.

 

The nomination process for seats on the University's Staff Senate is now open.

Employees can submit nominations with this form until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20. Nominations can be emailed to roseann.jubinski@scranton.edu or delivered to Kristi Klien, 115 Ciszek Hall.

If you nominate a colleague, you must first receive their permission to be nominated and placed on the ballot.

The following seats are available:

Clerical: 3 seats and 2 alternates

Maintenance/Custodial, Trades, Technical, Police: 2 seats and 2 alternates

Professional/Paraprofessional: 7 seats and 2 alternates.

Full/Part-time employees having completed one year of employment by April 15 within the Clerical, Maintenance, Technical, Trades, Para-professional or Professional positions are eligible to run for a seat.

The Senate is composed of 27 senators and 6 alternates within the three employee groups.

If you have any questions, contact a Staff Senate Officer or Senator. Use the following link to view the Staff Senate website & learn more about the Staff Senate. scranton.edu/staff-senate/index.shtml

We look forward to hearing from, working with and for you!

President: Gina Butler
President-Elect: Mark Murphy
Vice-President: Kristi Klien
Secretary: Rose Ann Jubinski
Parliamentarian: Pauline Palko

Sursum Corda Awards were presented to four staff members, and University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., delivered his first State of the University address at the Spring Convocation, which took place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on April 5. In addition, new staff members who joined the University between Jan. 31, 2020 through April 1, 2022, were recognized.

Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Awards recognize members of the University’s professional/paraprofessional staff, clerical/technical staff and maintenance/public safety staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University. This year’s recipients were: Cindy Hricko, business applications analyst and manager of enterprise application for Information Technology; Kristi Klien, administrative assistant for the Center for Career Development; Maria Marinucci, director of the Cross Cultural Centers; and Pete Sakowski, network resources technician.

In his remarks, Father Marina thanked the award recipients for their service to the University and said the Sursum Corda, Lift Up Your Hearts, is “an award so fitting for Kristi, Pete, Cindy and Maria, and all those who have received this award before you.”

In his address, he referred to the state of universities in the nation as being “the best of times and the worst of times,” referencing the famous opening words of the Charles Dickens novel “A Tale of Two Cities.”

He outlined a number of challenges facing colleges and universities, then acknowledged the many in-roads The University of Scranton has already begun to address these issues and to advance Scranton’s mission as a Catholic and Jesuit university. These include renovations made to Hyland Hall to support the new mechanical engineering major and the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan that was formed through input from constituencies from all over the University, among other initiatives.

“At the last meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Board unanimously approved the creation of the Opening Doors Scholarship Fund to meet the unmet need of students seeking to enroll at Scranton who have graduated from Cristo Rey High Schools, Arrupe College and other institutions with similar missions,” said Father Marina. “Our Trustees are contributing to this fund from their own personal resources and already, after just a couple of months, there is more than $400,000 in this new fund, which will advance our goals for both access and affordability and increasing the diversity of our student body.”

In closing, Father Marina referred again to the Charles Dickens quote.

“In higher education, the present days can be considered as the best of times and the worst of times because of both the opportunities as well as the great challenges that currently exist. Yet, if we meet these challenges together, as friends and colleagues in mission, we can turn them into opportunities. If we are able to do that, then the worst of times will dissipate and only the best will remain,” said Father Marina.

The Staff Senate Communications Committee and Department of Human Resources invite you to attend this semester's Communications Symposium on Tuesday, April 19, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater in The DeNaples Center. The symposium will also be live-streamed to be viewed virtually, but not recorded.  A light lunch will be served "to-go" at the end of the symposium for attendees who attend in-person. 

No matter how you plan on attending (in-person or live-stream), please fill out the registration form by following the link below.  Within the form is a place to submit a question or questions to one or more of our panelists:

Communication Symposium Registration – Spring 2022   

This semester's symposium will highlight two key components of the Strategic Plan: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Campus Sustainability

 Our panelists include:
Elizabeth Garcia, Esq., Special Assistant to the President, Executive Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity
Kate Yerkes, Assistant Provost for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Mark Murphy, Director of Sustainability and Energy Management

 The new campus-wide plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was approved by Cabinet and endorsed by the Board of Trustees in February.  This plan outlines action steps to address the University’s broader 2020 Strategic Plan DEI goal and objectives. Now, how can the University community (you) support, guide and implement the plan?  Liz Garcia and Kate Yerkes will review the core themes of the plan, some efforts already underway, the role of the Council for Diversity and Inclusion and others on campus, and how you can get involved.  They will also show you where to access plan-related resources,  progress updates, and how you can share information about your own DEI efforts. 

 Campus Sustainability is a team effort that includes all members of our campus and the local community.  Please join us to learn how our campus teaches our students and the world how to Care for our Common Home using many campus sustainable practices and activities.  Such as faculty research, green courses in all schools, Bike Share Scranton, community garden, student Society for Sustainability & Conservation, Students for a Better Future, LEED buildings, green purchasing, solar power, Princeton Review Green Schools, fresh food company, Jesuit Center Laudato Si’ program, and the Celebrate Earth Day Everyday awareness events.

 Please register by Wednesday, April 13!

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Shannon A. Zottola has been named vice president for enrollment management, effective July 1, 2022.  Zottola currently serves as vice president and dean for enrollment management and marketing at Ursinus College. At Ursinus, she serves on several institutional committees and task forces, and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

“Ms. Zottola has over seventeen years of leadership experience in enrollment management. She is strongly committed to Catholic and Jesuit education that is grounded in the liberal arts and centered around students,” said Father Marina in an announcement to the University community regarding the position. “Since beginning her service at Ursinus in 2018, she led the school’s effort to successfully recruit three of the largest, most diverse and academically talented classes in the school’s 152-year history. Ms. Zottola also created a strategic enrollment management plan that is now considered a ‘best practice’ among her peers in higher education.”

The vice president of enrollment management is a member of the President’s Cabinet and serves as Scranton’s chief enrollment officer. The vice president will contribute to a well-established division and strong foundation by providing strategic and innovative leadership, in alignment with the University’s mission and strategic priorities, for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral admissions, as well as financial aid, while serving as a resource for academic program planning and participating in the University’s strategic financial and enrollment planning processes, among other responsibilities.

Zottola’s work in admissions and marketing has won numerous Council for Advancement and Support of Education and College and University Public Relations Association of Pennsylvania awards. In addition, she has presented at both the national and regional level on various topics regarding admission, enrollment and leadership.

Prior to her service at Ursinus, which began in 2018, Zottola held several positions in admissions at Cabrini University (College) from 2011 to 2018, including serving as the assistant vice president for enrollment management and director of undergraduate admissions. From 2005 to 2013, she served at Marywood University in several capacities, including as the assistant director of retention and advising. She also served as a faculty fellow at Cabrini and as an instructor at Marywood.

Zottola is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

A native of Scranton, Zottola earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.

CHEW has another challenge for you! The Center for Health Education - Employee Wellness Program is excited to introduce the Hydration Challenge for the campus community beginning April 4.

The registration deadline is March 31.

Want to continue to work on small habits that help boost your overall well-being? Consider joining CHEW's Hydration Challenge that kicks off April 4th to be challenged to drink more water throughout the month of April. Registration details are below.

Register Here or scan the code on the poster below.
The first 750 to register earn a FREE Scranton Water Bottle

The Center for Health Education & Wellness- Employee Wellness Program would like to invite staff and faculty to a Lunch & Learn on Resilience & Mindfulness for staff and faculty on Wednesday, March 30 at 12:15 p.m. 

Phil Sallavanti, a certified Mindfulness Meditation instructor and Stephanie Adamec, Director of CHEW will help present on the importance of Mindfulness and the Building Blocks of Resilience. A complimentary lunch in the Fresh Food Company (3^rd Floor) will follow the presentation.

Register Here or scan the poster barcode below.

The University of Scranton hosted a lecture by the author of “The Future of Catholic Higher Education: The Open Circle,” Rev. James L. Heft, in honor of the Jesuit school’s participation in Ignatius 500, a worldwide celebration marking the 500th anniversary of St. Igantius of Loyola’s conversion. The University’s College of Arts and Sciences and Jesuit Center co-sponsored the talk by Father Heft, the Alton M. Brooks Professor of Religion and founding president of the Institute for the Advancement of Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California. From left: David Dzurec, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Ryan Sheehan, J.D., assistant director of the Jesuit Center; and Father Heft.

The Offices of the President and Provost cordially invite you to the Spring Convocation.  The program will feature an introduction of new staff; the presentation of the Sursum Corda Awards; and the President’s Address to the University Community. 

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. in the DeNaples Center Ballroom 407.  

Do you know that you can ride COLTS bus for free with your Royal ID?

Also, do you know that COLTS offers free wifi throughout your ride? Check out the COLTS's schedule here.

TIAA is inviting participants to schedule one-on-one retirement planning sessions with a representative from TIAA for Wednesday, March 16; Tuesday, April 26; and Tuesday, May 17.

Please register here.

The Office of Equity and Diversity invites all faculty and staff to participate in an opportunity for professional development, sponsored by an It's On US PA state grant.

Register here

• Expand your knowledge base and skill set related to:
• The dynamics of sexual/gender-based harassment/interpersonal violence
• Impacts of trauma on individuals and communities
• The informal resolution process in University’s Title IX program
• What makes a case appropriate or not appropriate for informal resolution
• Major stages and mechanics of the informal resolution process
• What happens if an informal resolution process breaks down
• The role of the facilitator: identifying conflicts of interest and bias
• Available campus resources for parties and facilitators

Presented by Maureen Holland, Esq. and  Peter Lim, Esq. from the Cozen-O'Connor law firm in Philadelphia.

Maureen Holland, Esq.: A partner in Cozen O’Connor’s Institutional Response Group, Maureen's practice is focused on helping educational institutions improve policies, procedures, and systems for preventing and addressing sexual assault, interpersonal violence, stalking, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hazing, and other forms of prohibited conduct under Title IX, the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, and other federal and state laws. 

Maureen helps schools design and implement effective institutional responses that integrate the complex federal and state regulatory framework with the unique dynamics of sexual and gender-based harassment and the impacts of interpersonal violence on individuals and communities.  She provides hands-on assistance developing policies and procedures, conducting investigations, serving as an external decision-maker, and developing and delivering training programs in compliance with Title IX, Clery, VAWA, and related laws. 

As an attorney in IRG, Maureen served as Interim Title IX Coordinator at Baylor University, helping to build Baylor’s Office of Institutional Equity; and Interim Director of Investigations at a large state university, restructuring their intake and investigative processes.  She currently leads a team of IRG attorneys who serve as equity consultants for Michigan State University, reviewing policies, procedures, and closed investigative cases each academic semester and reporting on legal compliance and effective practices as part of the University’s agreement with the Office for Civil Rights. 

Maureen regularly delivers comprehensive training on federal compliance and effective practices for Title IX coordinators, investigators, and decision-makers.

Peter Lim, Esq.:  Peter advises colleges and universities nationwide on Title IX, the Clery Act, and other laws that apply in the higher education context. He helps develop Title IX policies and protocols to ensure compassionate, consistent, and balanced responses to incidents of sexual and gender-based discrimination and also conducts investigations involving allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of prohibited conduct. Peter assists colleges and universities in conducting hearings as either a decision-maker or legal adviser; routinely delivers trainings on Title IX-related federal compliance; and has facilitated the informal resolution of a wide variety of sexual misconduct matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Peter served as a senior Title IX investigator at the University of Pennsylvania and prosecutor in the Special Victims Unit at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. While at Penn, he managed a wide variety of sexual misconduct matters involving students and faculty, was a member of the initial assessment response team, served on the restorative justice steering committee, and helped develop Penn’s eight-part educational program for students who violated its sexual misconduct policy.

During his nine years as a prosecutor in the Homicide & Family Violence and Sexual Assault Units at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Peter gained extensive jury trial experience handling criminal matters involving sexual violence and homicide. As a senior sex-crimes litigator, he prosecuted cases involving alcohol-facilitated sexual assault and provided trainings to other prosecutors on medical and forensic evidence. In addition, Peter taught advanced interviewing techniques to forensic interviewers at the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance and trained social workers at the Department of Human Services how to properly respond to allegations of child sexual assault and issues related to teenage recantation. In 2013, Peter received the prestigious Lynne Abraham Prosecutor Award for Exemplary Services and Support to Victims and Witnesses of Crime.

Peter is co-chair of the firm’s Asian Attorney Resource Group and a member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at San Diego and earned his J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law.

The University of Scranton has named George Aulisio as of Dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library, effective immediately. Dean Aulisio has been serving as the interim dean of the library since July 1, 2021.

 “Since Dean Aulisio joined the University community in 2009, he has been actively involved in multiple aspects of campus life. His internal service is wide-reaching, having served on 40 Library departmental committees and programs, as well as with nearly 40 broader University service projects and committees,” said Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, in an announcement to the University community.

The dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library provides leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of library services to the University, contributing to the Library’s campus-wide focus on transformative teaching and learning in the Ignatian tradition. The dean oversees the library and plays a creative role in fostering a climate conducive to supporting the teaching, learning and scholarship of students, faculty and staff.

At Scranton, Dean Aulisio currently serves on Library Advisory Committee, Friends of the Library Board, Faculty Handbook Committee, the Graduate Programs Council, the Information Security Advisory Council, the Provost’s Committee on Academic Policy and Compliance, the Faculty Personnel Committee and the Strategic Enrollment Council, among others. He previously served on the Hiring for Diversity Working Group and the Faculty Affairs Council Executive Committee, among numerous other committees.

As a research and instruction librarian, Dean Aulisio works closely with students in research consultations and the Information Literacy program. His library scholarship focuses on sustainability and green libraries, open access initiatives, library orientation and instruction, and professional ethics and copyright law. He recently published a book on philosophy collection development for an imprint of the American Library Association, and he has been the editor of the Library Materials and Pricing Index since 2018.

His professional service includes holding elected officer positions on the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Northeast Chapter and the College and Research Division. He also serves in an appointed officer position for the American Library Association. 

Dean Aulisio also regularly teaches philosophy courses and independent studies courses at Scranton. His philosophy scholarship focuses on the philosophy of mind, Descartes’s scientific endeavors and comparative ethics.

Dean Aulisio earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Bloomsburg University. He earned a Master of Science in library and information science from Drexel University and a Master of Liberal Arts in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in philosophy at Temple University.

Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at The University of Scranton, has been named the 22^nd president of St. Bonaventure University.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Gingerich on this fitting recognition of the leadership, innovation and devotion to mission that we have come to appreciate during his tenure at Scranton,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, president of The University of Scranton in a message to the University community about the announcement. “On a personal level, I cannot thank Jeff enough for his wise counsel, steadfast support and friendship throughout my own transition and during this first year with you. … I look forward to remaining colleagues in Catholic higher education and wish him and St. Bonaventure every success in the coming years.”

St. Bonaventure announced the appointment to their campus at noon today. Dr. Gingerich will continue to serve at Scranton through June 1, 2022. He will assume duties as the president of St. Bonaventure on June 20.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity I’ve been given to join the Bonaventure community,” said Dr. Gingerich. “I have always had such deep respect and admiration for the Franciscans. Their humility, reflection and sense of community are fundamental in the way I strive to live my life.”

“Seldom in life do you see so many points of interest intersect on one conclusion, but in this case, all facets of the university community converged on a singular belief – that Jeff should be our next president,” said John Sheehan, chair of St. Bonaventure’s board of trustees, in a press release announcing the appointment.

St. Bonaventure Trustee Deb Henretta, who co-chaired the search committee, said, “Jeff is mission-driven, he’s student-centered and he’s a caring, empowering leader.”

Dr. Gingerich joined Scranton as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs in 2018. He served as Scranton’s acting president for four months after the death of the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., who passed away March 10, 2021.

During the pandemic, Dr. Gingerich helped guide the University through unprecedented transitions to online and hybrid formats before returning to fully in-person instruction. A consistent voice for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Dr. Gingerich advanced new initiatives and programs at Scranton related to faculty hiring and development, staff and administrator training, curricular improvements and student support and engagement. He also led Scranton’s most recent accreditation review by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and led the University’s planning efforts, which culminated in a new Strategic Plan. His tenure included a renewed focus on securing federal support for research and sponsored programs. An avid supporter of student-centered program growth, Dr. Gingerich led the University’s strategic enrollment planning and worked with faculty to develop successful new undergraduate and graduate programs.

Prior to his role as provost at Scranton, Dr. Gingerich spent nearly 20 years at Cabrini University in suburban Philadelphia, teaching in the Department of Sociology and Criminology and serving as their provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Dr. Gingerich earned master’s and doctoral degrees in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Mennonite College.

Additional information can be seen in St. Bonaventure’s press release announcing Dr. Gingerich’s appointment.

Father Marina’s video congratulations to Dr. Gingerich can be seen here.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! 

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for March 2022 is: Michael Ridder - Physical Plant HVAC! 

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Michael does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Michael and all our March nominees.

How long have you worked at the University?

I have worked at the university for 5 years.

What do you like best about your job?

I enjoy working with the great knowledgeable group of tradesmen we have here, which helps me better what I do in my profession.

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy spending time with my son and wife.

Michael will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University foodservice outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of March. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate Michael and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

Tom Cody - IT Services

Karl Johns - Technology Support Center

Glen Pace - IT Client Services

Barbara Kreidler - Library

Lynn Pelick - ORAS

Antonelle Kern - Admissions

Stephanie Adamec - CHEW

Adam Szydlowski - KSOM Advising

Kevin Stanford - KSOM Advising

Karen Marx - KSOM Advising

Karl Johns - TSC

Thomas Cody-Infrastructure/Security Services

 Michael Ridder, Physical Plant HVAC

The Jesuit Center will be offering a retreat this Lent based on the reflections given in the book given to us by the Irish Jesuits called Sacred Space for Lent.

Lent, a holy time of introspection and penance in preparation for the passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ, can be further enriched with Sacred Space for Lent 2022. Sacred Space for Lent invites readers to develop a closer relationship with God during this season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Throughout the Lenten season, each daily offering includes a Scripture reading and points of reflection, as well as a weekly topic enhanced by six steps of prayer and meditation. With its small size and meaningful message, Sacred Space for Lent is a simple way to build a richer relationship with God and embrace the Lenten season as a sacred space.

The Jesuit Center will also arrange and facilitate weekly faith sharing sessions for participants so that through our spiritual conversations we might come to see God’s hand moving more clearly in each participant’s life.

Please contact Fr. Patrick Rogers, S.J. if interested. All materials will be provided by The Jesuit Center.

This is an excerpt of an article from AJCU's Connections. 

Frequently, I ask students why they chose The University of Scranton. Unfailingly, they mention the strong sense of community, proximity to family and friends, a wide array of majors offered, or amazing food on campus. Many will also share how their Scranton education is transformational. However, for one group of students, their Scranton education is not just personally transformative, but life-changing for their entire family.

First-generation college students (sometimes referred to as “first-gen” students) are the first in their family to attend a four-year college or university in the U.S. First-gen students make up 22 percent of the undergraduate student body at Scranton. To meet the diverse needs of our first-gen students and foster their success at Scranton, we launched the THR1VE program in 2019. In the spirit of cura personalis, THR1VE programming celebrates and supports first-generation students throughout their time at the University.

Continue reading in Connections, here.

Patrick Keehan ’19 ’G20, business consultant for The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, recently earned the title of Certified Green Belt from the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

According to IASSC’s website, IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is “a professional who is well versed in the core to advanced elements of Lean Six Sigma Methodology,” which is a process that relies on a collaborative team effort to improve performance by systematically removing waste and reducing variation.

Keehan will use this knowledge and expertise to assist small business clients of the Scranton SBDC with problem identification, solutions and implementation as well as discussing simple ways to improve operational efficiency. 

“It’s not just a method, but a mindset that will always be there and manifest itself in the advice I give and how I listen to clients,” said Keehan.

Keehan joined the SBDC in June 2020. He provides business consulting services to start-up and existing small business clients in the Scranton SBDC’s service area. He earned his MBA from The University of Scranton in 2020, and his bachelor’s degree in finance, summa cum laude, from the University in 2019. He also participated in the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program.

Scranton’s SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

On Dec. 14, 2021, the Staff Senate Social Events and Community Building Committee hosted a Holiday Social for staff in the Byron Gym. University President Joseph G. Marina kicked off the event offering words of encouragement and prayer. While this event was different than those luncheons held previously, including a pre-sale for raffle tickets, the Senate said that it was a huge success.

On the day of the event, staff was encouraged to socialize while browsing the raffle basket tables. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and packaged Gertrude Hawk candy bars were available for all to take out. Refreshments were also provided for the third shift in the DeNaples Center.

In total, the event raised $1,112 through basket raffle ticket sales. The Senate collected approximately 600 pounds of donated food items for the student pantry in the Leahy Clinic. Funds collected through the ticket sales will be donated to The Royal Experience Summer Internship Program, a selective opportunity that awards stipends to University of Scranton undergraduate students who obtain internships with organizations that are not able to provide a salary or stipend.

 Winners of the basket raffles are:
Basket #1 50/50 (2 winners): Melissa Przewlocki/Lucy Grissinger
Basket #2 Pasta Night Basket: Janice Mecadon
Basket #3 Superhero Basket: Laura Carroll
Basket #4 Catalano’s Basket: Mary Ellen Burns
Basket #5 Night Before Christmas Basket: Mary Ellen Burns
Basket #6 Movie Night Basket: Amy Black
Basket #7 Wine Basket: Dave Caffrey
Basket #8 Corona Basket: Bob Klem
Basket #9 Wine Basket: Meg Hambrose
Basket #10 Dina’s Treats: Mary Sheils
Basket #11 Let it Snow Basket: Pauline Palko
Basket #12 Soup Basket: Lori Moran
Basket #13 CHEW Swag Basket: Rich Trygar
Basket #14 Road Trip Basket: David Kostiak
Basket #15 Candle Basket: Gina Butler
Basket #16 U of S Swag Basket: Geri Barber
Basket #17 Gerrity’s Gift Card: Melissa Eckenrode
Basket #18 Christmas Treats Basket: Sharon Finnerty
Basket #19 Aramark Flex: Cathy Seymour

The Social Events and Community Building Committee would like to thank all who were able to attend the Holiday Social, those who purchased raffle tickets and those individuals, departments and other Staff Senate committees who donated baskets for the event. They hope everyone had an enjoyable time at the Holiday Social look forward to next year.

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Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, has named Gerald Zaboski ’87, G’95, as senior vice president for the Office of the President, effective July 1, 2022.

Zaboski currently serves as vice president for enrollment management and external affairs. In his new position, he will continue to oversee the areas of marketing, communications and external affairs for Scranton, in addition to assuming new responsibilities for assisting the president with the advancement of the University’s strategic plan, and the creation and sustaining of new and existing partnerships with other institutions of higher learning, both international and domestic.

“Beginning his service in 1988, Gerry’s vast experience at Scranton and unquestionable devotion to our mission will prove quite beneficial to our success in the years ahead,” said Father Marina in an announcement to the University community regarding the promotion.

Zaboski will also continue to serve as a member of the University’s cabinet and as the leader for the University’s Incident Management Team.

Zaboski joined the staff at the University in 1988. During his career at Scranton he served as executive assistant to the president, vice president for external affairs and vice president for alumni and public relations. He has also served on and chaired several committees including the University’s 125th Anniversary Committee. Prior to joining the University, he worked as public information manager for the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

Zaboski serves on the board and executive committee of the Agency for Community Empowerment, and on the boards of Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises and the Institute for Public Policy and Research. He also serves as treasurer of the West Wyoming Hose Company #1.  He is a past president of the Scranton Lions Club.

A resident of West Wyoming, Zaboski earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Scranton and is a member of Alpha Epsilon Alpha and Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies.

The Staff Senate welcomed the 29th University President, Rev. Joseph G. Marina, at its October 2021 meeting. The Senate presented Fr. Marina with an artistic rendering of his likeness. The portrait was created by Kym Fetsko, a graphic artist, and administrative assistant for the dean of the library. The artwork currently hangs in the president's office.

Just before his Inauguration, the Staff Senate developed and sent a proclamation to Fr. Marina. In the proclamation, the Senate offered friendship, knowledge and prayers for his success. It also included quotes from several influential Jesuits, including one by the University's 24th and 27th president, Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. H'15 (1959-2021), who said, "Wherever life takes you, tell the people you meet about the graces given and received on this sacred ground: The University of Scranton. Not where you breathe, but where you love, you live.”

During the October meeting, Fr. Marina reiterated part of his Inauguration speech and offered his sentiments and appreciation for the gift, and the work of the Senate and University staff.

CHEW/The Employee Wellness Program is thrilled to announce an Intersession series of drop-in Pickleball starting Tuesday, Jan. 4.

Join us Tuesdays during Intersession from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. for drop-in Pickleball in the Byron Gym (Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25).

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America and a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. No experience is necessary and open for all skill levels. Hope to see you there!

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for December 2021 is: Gina Delsantro - Bursar!

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Gina does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Gina and all our December nominees.

How long have you worked here?

I have worked here for 24 years...OMG!

What's the best part of your job?

The best thing about my job is the people I work with.

What do you do for fun?

I love spending time with my family and being outdoors.

Gina will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of December. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate Gina, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

December 2021 Nominees:

Will Geiger - IT
Don McCall - Tech Support
Karl Johns, -Technology Support Center
Elizabeth Chalk - Biology Admin Assistant
Dina Angeloni - CHEW
Dawn Mazurik - Nursing
Janet Bernick - Nursing
Kristi Klien - Career Services
Tom Kern - IT Services
Aubree Armenzzani - ORAS
Michael Paolello - Printing Services
Stephanie Adamec-CHEW
Eugene Kohut - Grounds Supervisor
Gina Delsantro - Bursar
Eileen Notarianni - Human Resources

Christina Lenway, the University's reading specialist and director of the Gonzaga Program, began to focus more on singing/songwriting as her kids got a little older. Now, six albums later, students in a radio production class at Scranton are remixing her songs for practice.

Lenway has always loved singing, but her parents encouraged her to take a different path. Her passion for music remained, so when her three children, two of whom attend Scranton, became teenagers she started to write again. That was a decade ago. Her most recent album came out in October.

"I write because I'm working out some existential questions," she said. "I find what is personal is usually universal." 

She said writes mostly ballads that tend to be "raw and emotional" and the songs are meant to have imperfections. She spoke to Howard Fisher's radio production class about just that. It was important, she said, that they understand the meaning behind the songs before they began to remix. She also talked about the process of mixing a song, including understanding the feel behind it so they might interpret, for example, when to use extra reverb.

The purpose of this project for the students is to mix different audio to "create one unified sound," said Dr. Fisher.

"We’re fortunate because Christina is a professional musician who records her songs in a regional studio, and she was willing to let us use her original masters for this project," he said. "Each student is using their perspective to craft a unique sound for the different songs."

Students learn the work of a sound engineer, he said, and Lenway will be able to hear several unique mixes of two of her songs.

"My objective in writing is always to tell a story and have my listeners feel something," she said recently. "I feel like people shy away from hard emotions and hard conversations, so I try to gently open the door for that." 

She hopes the students that she works with at Scranton feel that gentle opening of the door as well.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for November 2021 is: Tara Seely, Admin Asst to the Board of Trustees!

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How long have you worked at the University? I have worked at the University for 22 years

 What do you like best about your job? The best part of my job is being able to truly enjoy the people I work with, as well as the Board. They’ve become family and we genuinely like and care for each other. We all work as a team for the single purpose to advance our students and everyone is 110% on board!

What do you like to do for fun? I like to travel for fun. I’ve been to Disney World more times than I care to admit, as well as fun destinations such as Disneyland, Alaska, the Bahamas, Vancouver, Quebec, London, Paris, and to Nogales, Mexico for a service trip. I am contemplating another trip to London next year (pandemic-pending)!

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We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Tara does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Tara and all our November nominees.

Tara will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of November. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

November 2021 Nominees:

Donna Rupp - Faculty Secretary, Psychology
Tara Seely - Admin. Asst. to the BOT
Mary Beth Watson-PCPS Advising
Karl Johns, Technology Support Center
Brenda Clark - Asst. to VP of External Affairs
Glen Pace - IT Client Services
Donna Cochrane Kalinoski - Nursing
Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center

 

Earlier this fall, the President’s Cabinet enthusiastically approved a new Staff Voluntary Time Donation Policy for University staff effective immediately.

The new policy grows directly from the initiative of the Staff Senate. Stemming from a long-standing desire by staff to support each other during times of extended absence due to their own or an eligible family member’s illness or medical emergency, the Staff Senate collaborated with Human Resources to develop a policy that puts a fair and equitable process for voluntary staff time donation.

Through the policy, staff members will be able to donate up to a combination of five days of sick or vacation time per calendar year into a timeshare pool from October 1 to November 30 by completing a Voluntary Vacation and Sick Time Donation/Request Form available through Human Resources. The policy will be administered by the Office of Human Resources.

Eligible staff members may request time from the timeshare pool for medical emergencies as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. The amount of time that may be requested will depend on their regular work schedule and the amount of funds available.

In order to be compliant with IRS regulations, the policy includes a number of important steps and procedures. I encourage members of the staff to review the complete Staff Voluntary Vacation and Sick Time Donation Policy on the Office of Human Resources website.

Staff interested in learning more about the policy may RSVP to attend one of the following virtual information sessions:

• November 5^th at 2:00 p.m.
• November 11^th at 9:00 a.m.

For members who are enrolled in the University's health care, you can:

• Access your virtual member ID card any time.
• Find in-network doctors, facilities or compare costs of procedures.
• Find answers to benefit questions.
• See recent claims activity.
• View covered family members' plan information.
• Use fingerprint or face recognition for quick, secure sign-in.

Download the Highmark Plan app from your phone's app store:
Use the same login info from the member website if you already have an account. If you've never registered before, you can sign up right on the app by clicking "Register."

Flu season is underway and can last until May. The best prevention is to get a flu vaccine. Did you know that the flu shot is offered at no cost at most local pharmacies when using University of Scranton health insurance? To encourage faculty & staff to get a flu vaccine, the Center for Health Education & Wellness in collaboration with Rite Aid will offer a Campus Flu Shot Clinic for employees on Friday, Oct. 1 in the Long Center Lobby from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. by appointment only.

Friday, Oct. 1 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Appointment Required

Flu shots (quadrivalent) will be no cost for employees who participate in The University of Scranton health insurance plan. High-dose Flu Vaccine will be available for those 65+. Non-University health insurance will not be accepted at the clinic. However, employees not participating in University health insurance have the option to pay $28 (cash only) for the flu shot.

To receive a flu shot at the Campus Flu Shot Clinic, you must register for an appointment time, bring a copy of your health insurance card and a completed Flu Shot Consent Form.

Click HERE to sign-up for an appointment time at the Flu Shot Clinic on Friday, Oct. 1.

For more information, please call the Center for Health Education & Wellness at 570-941-4253 or visit CHEW's website for additional Flu Clinic information and flu prevention tips.

The University of Scranton will test its emergency notification system on Thursday, Sept. 16.

The University uses Everbridge to send notices of emergencies, school closing and delays to members of the campus community via employee office phones, Scranton email addresses and numbers registered by employees and students to receive these notices by voice or text.

Members of the University community wishing to register, verify or update contact information for emergency notices may do so through the My.Scranton portal and choosing the ENS Registration Link on the navigation bar on the left. 

The University’s emergency text alerts originate from 893-61 or 878-44. The email address for alerts is alerts@scranton.edu and Phone alerts will also display 570-941-5427. Students, faculty and staff are asked to save these to their contacts in order to identify future emergency notification alerts.

Representatives from TIAA will be hosting virtual individual retirement counseling sessions on Sept. 22, Oct. 21 and Dec. 10. These sessions will provide you the opportunity to confidentially review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals. Our TIAA-CREF representatives will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please visit tiaa.org/scranton and scroll down to the bottom left to schedule an appointment or call (800) 732-8353, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to secure a time slot. Appointments are one hour in length.

Festus Obioha from Transamerica will be hosting virtual individual retirement counseling sessions on Sept. 27. These sessions will provide you the opportunity to meet confidentially to review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals. Appointments will be 45 minutes in length. Schedule an appointment here. 

Join us via Zoom for the next D+I = A Better U! lunch and learn featuring Dr. Abhijit Roy, DBA, faculty in marketing who will present A Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion in the Marketplace, on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. Dr. Roy will discuss why businesses should focus on diverse characteristics in their management, employees and customers, how businesses should think beyond traditional benchmarks of diversity, and when businesses should leverage diverse business processes to attract a broader segment of the market.

Dr. Roy is a professor of marketing and the William and Elizabeth Burkavage Fellow in Business Ethics & Social Responsibility from 2014-2018. He has a doctorate in marketing from Boston University, an MBA and an MS from the University of Arizona and an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Allahabad, India. His courses taught include Marketing Management and Strategy, Global Marketing, Social Innovations and Entrepreneurship, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research and Integrated Marketing Communications.

Registration is required.  Please click here to register.

Over the past year, all packages have been delivered to Printing and Mailing Services and we have delivered to offices. With buildings reopening for fall 2021, we will revert back to the previous practice of UPS, Fed Ex, Amazon and other shippers (other than U.S. Postal Service) delivering directly to offices. This will be effective on Aug. 30. We will continue to deliver to campus offices packages from the US Postal Service.

When ordering items that are being shipped to you it?s very important that you update your shipping address to your physical location (instead of 314 Kressler Court which is the address that has been used while campus buildings have been locked over the past year). The only exception would be anything shipping via U.S. Postal Service, in which case you continue to use 800 Linden Street.

To help plan for a successful return to campus, we have created a list of technology considerations prior to your return. We suggest each returning employee set aside some time to check that their on-campus technology is ready to use.

Visit this resource.

The University of Scranton has named David Marx, Ph.D., associate provost of academic affairs, concluding a national search for the position. A long-time chemistry faculty member at Scranton, Dr. Marx currently serves as the interim associate provost.

 “Dr. Marx brings great experience as a faculty advocate, curriculum expert and research scholar,” said Acting President Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., in an announcement to the University community. He also thanked members of the University’s search committee, chaired by Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, for their work in finding the right candidate for the position.

As associate provost, Dr. Marx will oversee the University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Office of Institutional Reporting and Data Analytics, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Office of Educational Assessment, Office of Graduate Academic and Student Services, the Office of Global Education and the Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness. 

Dr. Marx joined the faculty at Scranton in 1987. Over more than 30 years, he has served the University in numerous ways, including as chair of the Department of Chemistry for five consecutive terms, as the University’s chemical hygiene officer for nearly two decades, as a faculty senator for many years. He served on numerous senate and campus-wide committees, including the University Governance, University Planning and Provost’s Academic Policy Committee. Recently, he served important roles as coordinator of general education and co-chair of the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee. He also served as the faculty representative to the Education Committee of the Board of Trustees for four years.

As a scholar, Dr. Marx has presented his research on topics including kinetics and photochemistry at national and international conferences. He has also earned numerous research grants to support his work and holds several U.S. Patents. 

Dr. Marx was ordained as a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Scranton and is assigned to St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston.

Dr. Marx earned his bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University and his Ph.D. from Binghamton University.

A note from Ryan Sheehan, J.D., Assistant Director, The Jesuit Center, for University staff.

I would like to invite you to participate in the "Faith for Real Life, The Year of St. Ignatius" seminar taking place June 11-13 at the Chapman Lake Retreat Center.

The seminar will offer participants an opportunity to enjoy a retreat-like atmosphere at Chapman Lake (participants are welcome to but not required to stay overnight) as we explore Ignatian spirituality as it applies to our personal and professional lives and experiences.

Participants will arrive early evening on Friday, June 11, for dinner and cocktails. We will depart early Sunday, June 13, and receive a stipend of $200 at the conclusion of the seminar. All meals will be provided.

Readings and videos will be provided ahead of time and will serve as the foundation for our discussions. As usual, past participants are welcome to attend.

Please note that if the dates for the seminar coincide with your work schedule, you will need to request for Mission Leave from your supervisor.

If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please respond to ryan.sheehan@scranton.edu.

I hope that you are able to join us! After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, it will be great to spend time together. Summer at the retreat center is gorgeous and downtime allows for kayaking, swimming, and relaxation with colleagues and friends.

This seminar will follow the Royal Safe Together protocol at all times.

This is an excerpt from Connections, the newsletter of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. You can read the full article here.

When I think of the value of a Jesuit education, I am reminded of the famous line in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Beyond competence in one’s field, organizations most value those who can think critically, communicate effectively, and lead ethically. In other words, those with a Jesuit education.

Employer surveys confirm this. According to a 2015 study by Hart Research Associates, 91% of employers agree that for career success, “a candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than his or her undergraduate major.”

The very essence of the education we provide to our students at Jesuit colleges and universities is exactly what employers want, only they don’t necessarily use the same terms. They might not say a “liberal arts education,” or “an education grounded in the humanities,” or “Jesuit-educated,” but that is what they mean.

Continue reading, here.

The University of Scranton presented Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Awards to staff members, Kim Hurst, payroll specialist; Maryjane Rooney, director of strategic outreach and presidential events; and JoAnn Stavisky, caretaker of the Retreat Center at Chapman Lake; at a ceremony held on campus that can be viewed here. The awards, presented by Acting President Jeffrey P. Gingerich, Ph.D., recognize members of the University’s professional/paraprofessional staff, clerical/technical staff and maintenance/public safety staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University.

“This year we will honor three staff members who have shown exceptional dedication or creativity in performing their duties; built, contributed or nurtured the sense of community; and contributed in a significant way to helping members of our community,” said Patricia Tetreault, vice president for human resources, at the ceremony.

 In his remarks, Dr. Gingerich thanked “all the staff and faculty who have done so much this year and who are all deserving of awards” prior to presenting Sursum Corda Awards to three “exceptional staff members.”

“Since day one, Kim has shown herself to be a dedicated, loyal and conscientious employee, working under strict deadlines each week to be sure the various payrolls she is responsible for are all completed accurately and on-time,” said Dr. Gingerich in presenting the Sursum Corda Award to Kim Hurst. “Kim is known to regularly plan her vacation time around payroll dates.”

In presenting the award to Maryjane Rooney, Dr. Gingerich said that she has served the University through her work in the Alumni Office “with grace, care and a true sense of mission for the past 32 years.”

“For Maryjane, 51,000 is not merely a number, there is a story and a memory behind each one and the fact that she can recall so many of them is astonishing,” said Dr. Gingerich. “She makes it a point to get to know students and alumni on a personal level, strengthening their Scranton connection.”

Dr. Gingerich said JoAnn Stavisky is more than the caretaker for the University’s Retreat Center – “she’s the innkeeper.”

“In speaking with JoAnn, one knows the fulfillment she gets in making sure the Retreat Center is a place of contemplation, reflection and enjoyment for all that walk through any of its doors. She prepares the Chapel and the Lake Room so the students have the space needed to interact with each other, their leaders and the Lord.”

Staff members who joined the University in the fall of 2020 and in 2021 were also recognized at the ceremony.

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The Employee Wellness Program is excited to introduce a new Walk for Wellness 3- week program for staff and faculty beginning May 3 asking participants to challenge themselves to walk 30 minutes/5 days a week or 150 minutes a week.

The registration deadline is Sunday, May 2.

This program is designed to motivate, reward, and build community among employees at the University of Scranton. Walking is easy, cost-effective and has many powerful physical and mental health benefits.

Register Here or Scan code with your camera phone on the poster below.

Representatives from TIAA will be hosting individual retirement counseling sessions via Zoom on April 28, May 26 and June 2.

These sessions will provide you the opportunity to confidentially review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals. Our TIAA-CREF representatives will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please visit tiaa.org/scranton and scroll down to the bottom left to schedule an appointment or call (800) 732-8353, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to secure a time slot. Appointments are one hour in length.

The Staff Senate Election and Membership Committee would like to thank all the staff members who put their names forward for this year’s election. We were thrilled to have a such a talented slate of individuals that were willing to serve the University community a member of the senate. The election closed last night and the results are below. All new senators and alternates will begin their respective terms in June 2021.

 Get more Staff Senate news, here. 

The Office of Human Resources presents

FOR YOUR BENEFIT:

A series of Information Sessions on Benefits Topics

The Office of Human Resources is pleased to announce the continuation of the learning series, For Your Benefit, with sessions geared toward resources, planning and guidance on topics including our various employee benefit plans and life issues such as tuition remission, retirement readiness and more.

Session 3: April 13, 2021 2:30- 4:00 p.m. Register here.
Getting Ready to Retire
What’s your dream? Sailing around the world? Just taking it easy? Or working as long as possible because, to you, it’s not “work”- it’s life and you love it? Join us for this information session where Transamerica will go over some key concept to consider as you get ready to retire: Investments, Income Planning, Healthcare, Legacy and Lifestyle.

Retirement. Make it yours.

While the transition to retirement can be complex, it can also be rewarding. Whatever your retirement dreams, Transamerica is here to help you pursue them.

Join Transamerica for an informational webinar to learn about strategies for transitioning into retirement, and the questions you should be asking now to prepare.

Specific topics to be addressed include:

• Lifestyle: While retiring from something, do you have a clear understanding of what you are retiring to?

• Income: Without a paycheck, what will be your income sources, how can they be maximized, and how long will they last?

• Investments: While you have spent a lifetime accumulating, how should you adjust this strategy for income?

• Healthcare: Without a health plan through work, how will you leverage the A, B, C’s, and D’s of Medicare?

• Legacy Planning: We’ll all leave a legacy. What role should wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and beneficiary designations have in your plan?

In reviewing these areas, the goal is simple: to help you retire on your terms and on your timeline.

JOIN TRANSAMERICA FOR THIS EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR

April 13, 2021
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

Update, March 31, 2021: 

The Staff Senate is still looking for nominations for the Paraprofessional/Professional constituent group. Please consider nominating yourself or speaking to a colleague about their interest.

The Staff Senate meets monthly and senators are asked to serve on one of the seven standing committees. Check out our website for more details and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

https://www.scranton.edu/staff-senate/index.shtml

The Staff Senate elections will be held from April 6 – 13, 2021. Beginning today, the Election and Membership Committee will collect nominations for inclusion on the ballot. The Staff Senate is a great way to get involved in the University community, meet new people and develop professionally. Please consider nominating yourself, or a colleague!

The following seats are available:

 Clerical –  1 seats and 2 alternates

Maintenance/Custodial, Trades, Technical, Police – 6 seats and 2 alternates

Professional/Paraprofessional – 5 seats and 2 alternates

Please see your email for details regarding the nomination process. The deadline for submitting nominations is March 30, 2021, 4:30 p.m.

Email nominations are preferred (amy.driscollmcnulty@scranton.edu) or you may send the attached and completed form to Kristin Klien, Ciszek Hall by March 30, 2021, 4:30 p.m.

Thank you,

The Staff Senate Election & Memberships Committee:

Amy Driscoll McNulty (co-chair), Kristi Klien (co-chair), Pete Sakowski, Rose Ann Jubinski and Janet Schieber

Do you manage a social media account for the University? It's time to join the Social Media User Group (SMUG) on campus (and on Facebook and Yammer)!

We will have an open meeting for staff who manage social media accounts for their group or department in early May. Please email socialmedia@scranton.edu if you aren't sure if you are on our email list and you are interested in learning about what's new in social media and our social media community guidelines, which can be found here. We'll also show you how to use the new gif stickers! 

The SMUG Facebook group is a forum for departments and organizations involved in social media on behalf of the University to share ideas, social media tips and news, ask questions, post meeting information, share campaign information and more. We also share social media conference materials via email every so often.

Be sure to email socialmedia@scranton.edu to be invited to the SMUG Facebook group and/or added to the group email or Yammer group.

Dan Guzzo from Transamerica will be available for individual retirement counseling sessions on Tuesday, March 30, via phone or video conferencing.

These sessions will provide you the opportunity to meet confidentially to review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals.

Appointments will be in The Office of Human Resources and will be 45 minutes in length. To schedule an appointment, click here.

Join IT staff and guests on Wednesday, April 14, at 2:00 p.m. to learn how various Microsoft tools are being used on campus.

WARNING: This session may cause you to reimagine your work processes which could result in increased productivity and more efficient communications.

Register today, here.

A Zoom invitation to confirm your registration will be emailed the day before the event.

Microsoft Apps that will be reviewed:

Bookings: Schedule and manage appointments.
SharePoint: Share and manage content, knowledge, and documents to empower teamwork, quickly find information, and seamlessly collaborate across the organization.
Forms: Create surveys and polls to collect customer feedback, measure employee satisfaction, and organize team events.
Power Automate: Create automated workflows between apps and services to get notifications and more.
Teams: Chat, Meet, Call, and Collaborate all in one place. Call from Anywhere. Host Meetings. App Integrations. Instant Messaging. Cloud Phone System. Video Conferencing.

Register today! The Employee Wellness Program is excited to introduce a new Hydration Challenge for staff & faculty beginning March 22.

Registration deadline is Monday, March 22, at noon!

The Employee Wellness 3-weeks Hydration Challenge for staff and faculty will ask participants to challenge themselves to drink water throughout their day and track water intake.

Once you register, you will receive a custom-made University of Scranton Employee Wellness water bottle, a Water Log to track your daily water intake, motivational emails to encourage you to drink more water throughout your day, and a chance to be entered into a grand prize raffle at the end of the program.

Click here to register.

Check out the Employee Wellness webpage-Hydration Challenge for more information.

Stephanie Adamec, director of the Center for Health, Education and Wellness (CHEW), wrote an article for Connections, the AJCU newsletter. An excerpt is below.

For more than a decade, data has driven health and wellness programming at The University of Scranton, resulting in strong participation and satisfaction scores, as well as innovative initiatives to meet emerging needs.

The University of Scranton’s Center for Health, Education and Wellness (CHEW) has led the way by closely monitoring the “pulse of the campus.” Ideas for health and wellness programming often emerge from common concerns heard by CHEW and Student Life staff members through conversations with students, as well as formal, campus-wide surveys of faculty and staff—here are a few.

Campus Health Assessment
Between 2016 and 2019, CHEW staff analyzed Scranton’s data from the National College Health Assessment to inform services, health promotion offerings, and ongoing department planning and programming. As a result, CHEW has prioritized proactive mental health education and services, in addition to alcohol education, with an increased emphasis on bystander engagement and promotion of the University’s Amnesty/Good Samaritan policy. These efforts aim to further support the University’s mission, and the principle of cura personalis, by encouraging wellness in mind, body and spirit.

Continue reading the article in Connections, including about the Happiness Habit Challenge, here.

Microsoft Bookings is a scheduling tool that allows end-users to view calendars and schedule appointments with a department or organization for specific services.
Microsoft Teams is a workspace for real-time collaboration and communication, meetings, file and app sharing, and more.
Find out how to start using these, here.

Director of the Center for Career Development Chris Whitney was recently profiled in an article by the Scranton Times-Tribune, "Northeast Woman: New Milford woman guides University of Scranton students on paths to future." 

An excerpt from the Times-Tribune:

Chris Whitney understands the feeling of not quite knowing what career path to follow.

She majored in language and literacy education at Pennsylvania State University after graduating from Blue Ridge High School but said she “had no idea” she’d end up guiding students facing uncertainty like she once did.

“I feel like I always knew that I was going to do something to help students, but it just took years for me to figure out that I really wanted to help college students,” Whitney recalled. “And then it was about helping them to follow their path.”

Since 1995, the New Milford resident has worked in higher education, holding jobs in residence life, admissions and careering counseling. Whitney just marked her six-year anniversary at University of Scranton, where she works as director of the Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development.

Read on, here.

Join the Office of Global Education for Global Insights this spring.

February 25, 11:30 -12:30 p.m.  - Egypt.
Former Fulbright Teaching Assistant. Ms. Khadiga AboBakr will share about Egypt.

March 25,11:30-12:30 p.m.- Paraguay
Gustavo Fernandez will share his Paraguayan heritage with us.

April 15, 11:30-12:30 p.m.- French Polynesia
Nursing major Jessica Moufa is proud to share the islander lifestyle in French Polynesia.

Please note that upon registration, you will then receive the passcode for the Zoom session.

If you have questions or suggestions about the program, please contact The Office of Global Education or any of the partners for the Global Insights program: Jennifer Pennington, Maria Marinucci, Jose Sanchez and Reka Shayka.

Robert B. Farrell, J.D., Ed.D., general counsel at The University of Scranton, received the 2020 Donald A. Gatske Award for Outstanding Dissertation on Higher Education from the American Association of University Administrators. The award was presented recently in a virtual format because of health and safety recommendations caused by the pandemic. His dissertation, which he presented in 2019 for an education doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, was titled “Leadership Response to Campus Free Speech Incidents.” His dissertation also earned distinction from Penn.

The selection criteria for the national award include the importance and relevance of the dissertation’s topic to the broad field of higher education administration, the evidence of the development of a theoretical framework which guided the research, and the overall quality of writing, among other standards.

Dr. Farrell has presented at the national convention of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, of which he is also a member.

Dr. Farrell joined the staff at the University in 2008. Previously, he served as city solicitor for the City of Scranton. He was an associate, then partner, at Kreder, Brooks, Hailstone and Ludwig Law Firm and a law clerk for Judge Chester T. Harhut in the Court of Common Pleas in Lackawanna County.

Dr. Farrell has volunteered his time and expertise at a number of government, civic and nonprofit organizations over the years including the Office of the Mayor of the City of Scranton, serving on the advisory board of directors of Catholic Social Services of Lackawanna County, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, the Nay Aug Conservancy, Scranton Tomorrow and East Scranton Business Association, among others. He served on the Economic Development Advisory Committee of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania. He also serves as a lector and on the Parish Finance Council of Immaculate Conception Parish in Scranton.

Dr. Farrell earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross, his juris doctorate from Dickinson School of Law and his Ed.D. from The University of Pennsylvania.

The American Association of University Administrators is a non-profit professional organization for higher education leaders and administrative personnel from two- and four-year; public, private non-profit and private for-profit colleges in the United States.

The University of Scranton has named Rebekah Bernard as associate director of admissions and enrollment management information systems. In her new role, she will manage technology systems and data processes for admissions, including the development of statistical reports for data analysis. She will also supervise staff in Admissions Office operations and support the development and automation of communication plans, among other duties.

Bernard joined the staff of the Admissions Office at the University in 2001, where she has worked as an admissions counselor, a communications specialist, and, since 2012, as an information and technology specialist. She has also served as an adjunct professor for the University’s Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

At Scranton, Bernard was elected to the Staff Senate in 2017 and has served as vice president and as chair of its Finance Committee and By-Laws Committee, among other positions. She also served on the University’s Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee Undergraduate Programs Working Group, the Employee Wellness Committee and as chair of University Council. She participated in the University’s Kino Border Initiative Immersion Experience and with the University’s International Service Program.

Bernard is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counseling. She has served as a parent volunteer at Our Lady of Peace School and as a youth sports coach.

Bernard earned her bachelor’s degree in English and her MBA from The University of Scranton.

The Staff Senate and the Office of Human Resources collaborated to offer a special forum with members of the University’s President’s Cabinet to discuss to start of the spring semester and operational plans for the coming months. This initiative was a follow up to the well-attended forum held before the start of the fall semester that provided staff members with a means to discuss the re-opening of campus with University administration.

Nearly 140 staff members attended this past week, submitting questions in advance and during the event. The topics discussed included: COVID-19 testing protocols for students, faculty, and staff; vaccine availability on campus; the University’s budget; staffing plans; and student life.

University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., joined the forum and expressed his gratitude for all of the work that the staff has done during these challenging times. The Staff Senate is grateful to its Cabinet liaison, Patti Tetreault, for assisting with the organization of the forum and to all of the staff and administrators who attended.

The University of Scranton has named Mary Kay Aston as associate vice president for financial aid and enrollment. The position was created as part of a restructuring in the University’s Division of Enrollment Management and External Affairs and the retirement of William R. Burke, the long-serving director of Financial Aid at Scranton. In her new role, Aston will lead the Financial Aid Office and work with staff members to help make a Scranton education possible for students and families.

Most recently, Aston served as the University’s assistant vice president for admissions and enrollment. She joined the University in 1993, holding positions in the Chemistry Department and as assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences prior to joining the staff of the Admissions Office. During her tenure at Scranton, Aston served on the University’s Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee, the Information Security Advisory Council and the Provost Committee on Academic Policy and Compliance, among others.

Aston is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counseling, the Middle States Association of Collegiate Registrars and Officers of Admission and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Aston earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Marywood University and her master’s degree in biochemistry from The University of Scranton.

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced that Elizabeth Geeza, Dalton, has joined its staff as a program coordinator. In this role, she will coordinate logistics for training programs, including programming geared toward small businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic, which is supported by SBA CARES Act funding.

In addition to her role with the SBDC, Geeza will continue to work as a conference and events coordinator in the University Advancement Division, a position she has held since 2013.

At the University, Geeza was elected to the Staff Senate in 2018 and served on its Staff Development Committee and as the co-chair of its Communications Committee. She also served as a chaperone for domestic service trips organized by the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice and was a member of University Advancement’s Internal Communications and Core Values committees.

Geeza is an active member of the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors – International.

Prior to joining the University, Geeza worked in professional sports, where she was marketing manager at the Central Hockey League in Tempe, Arizona, and director of special events and group fulfillment for the Arizona Sundogs, a Central Hockey League member club in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Geeza earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Susquehanna University.

The University of Scranton SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses.

The Jesuit Center and the Office of Equity and Diversity will host Dr. Mary Wardell, Vice Provost for Diversity Engagement and Community Outreach at the University of San Francisco, at the next diversity and inclusion lunch and learn workshop. All faculty and staff are invited to participate on Feb. 25, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. Registrants will receive short reading materials to review before the workshop. Please click here to register by Feb. 22.

A Call to Conversion: Eliminating Anti-Black Racism as a Jesuit, Catholic University will show how our Ignatian values and traditions are tied to racial justice work, and teach us how to use our gifts for racial justice.  In her work, Dr. Wardell relates, “To ensure the fulfillment of the Universal Apostolic Preference of walking with the poor, the excluded, the outcasts of the world as an act of reconciliation and justice, I would like to offer a reparational framework for racial justice and reconciliation informed by teshuva for Jesuit universities and social works.” She believes it is essential that we “Rebuild our institutional cultures with empathy, accountability, and liberation”  The move towards reconciliation and racial justice “will occur when we address anti-Black racism and racial injustice on our campuses.”¹

Dr. Wardell is an executive leader with over 20 years’ experience in academic affairs, student life, community engagement, and diversity and inclusion, skilled at building organizational infrastructure through strategic initiatives. She is also an associate professor of organizations, communication and leadership at the University of San Francisco.  She has been a leader in developing a creative framework for how a university's mission can be more fully realized as part of the community it resides within for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources.

This event is co-sponsored by The University of Scranton Jesuit Center and a Diversity Initiatives Grant through the Office of Equity and Diversity. Registration is required. RSVP’s requested by Feb. 22 to allow time for preparation of reading material. Please click here to register. 

For more information on the program, please contact elizabeth.garcia2@scranton.edu. Registration and zoom questions contact Jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.

1. Source: The article referenced may be found in this month’s Conversations magazine. Wardell-Ghirarduzzi, M. (Spring 2021). A redemptive call to the altar: Anti-black racism in Jesuit higher education. Conversations on Jesuit Higher Education, 59, 3-5. 

The Staff Senate has been asked to gather nominations for the Sursum Corda Award.  The Staff Recognition & Excellence Awards Committee will be collecting nominations. The award information sheet, a list of past recipients and the award nomination form were sent to staff members via email.

In order to facilitate the review process, the Sursum Corda Committee requests that all nominations be submitted on the attached nomination form.  A copy of the guidelines and past recipients was sent to you via email.

Please fill out the nomination form (sent to your email) as much as possible (it does not have to be 100% complete) and send it to staffsenaterecognition@scranton.edu by Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

Each year, a Sursum Corda Award is presented to three members of the University Community: 

A member of the Professional/Paraprofessional staff;

A member of Clerical/Technical staff; and

A member of the Maintenance/University Police staff

The Sursum Corda (“Lift Up Your Hearts”) Award recognizes those members of the University’s staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University.  

The Sursum Corda award celebrates employees who have distinguished themselves in one or more of the following ways: 

Ø  Shown exceptional dedication and/or creativity in performing his or her duties, and

Ø  Built, contributed, or nurtured the sense of community that has always been the hallmark of our campus community, and

Ø  Contributed in a significant way to helping members of our community “grow to become the living presence of God in the world” (Fr. General Nicolas, former Superior General of the Society of Jesus).

The Sursum Corda Award is one meaningful way to recognize the contributions of our staff members.

Each recipient of the Sursum Corda Award receives an award certificate and a cash bonus of seven hundred and fifty dollars.   In prior years the Sursum Corda Awards were presented at Spring Convocation.  While the awards will be announced in the Spring semester, the format for presenting the awards is yet to be determined with more information to follow. 

If you have any questions, you can contact us at staffsenaterecognition@scranton.edu. 

Thank you,

The Staff Recognition & Excellence Committee

Representatives from TIAA-CREF will be available to staff via Zoom on March 24, March 30, April 28, May 26 and June 2. These sessions will provide you the opportunity to confidentially review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals.

Our TIAA-CREF representatives will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please visit tiaa.org/scranton and scroll down to the bottom left to schedule an appointment or call (800) 732-8353, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to secure a time slot.

Appointments are one hour in length.

“Our America: Who Are We? A Digest of Impressions, Reflections and Opinions,” a book edited by Sondra Myers, senior fellow for international, civic and cultural projects and director of the Schemel Forum at The University of Scranton, was added to the permanent collection of the Library of Congress. 

The book, published this summer, is a collection of writings that explore the essence of who America is as nation and as a people. The book includes writings of former Presidents of the United States, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, as well as economist Joseph Stiglitz, historian Joyce Appleby, abolitionist Frederick Douglass and poet Walt Whitman, among many others.

“My aim is to provide reflections and impressions by scholars, political leaders, historians, critics, naturalized Americans and artists who are themselves trying to define just what this country and its people are all about,” wrote Sondra Myers in the preface of the book. “I mean to create an impressionistic array of facts, opinions and hopes that give us a more palpable sense of our America.”

This is Myers’ tenth book. Her others include “Democracy is a Discussion,” “The Interdependence Handbook,” “The New Rwanda:  Prosperity and the Public Good” and “The People's Choice: Public Education and American Democracy.”

“Our America: Who Are We? A Digest of Impressions, Reflections and Opinions” can be ordered for $20 by contacting the University’s Schemel Forum at Alicen.Morrison@scranton.edu. All proceeds from the book will benefit the Schemel Forum.

Twenty-one University of Scranton staff members will retire at the end of 2020, with a combined total of 608 years of service to the University.

"That is a tremendous gift that you've given us," said University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., in a message to the retirees. "You form a remarkable community. You are the shoulders that we stand on, and we cannot thank you enough. Know that you will always be members of the extended Scranton community."

Twenty of the University staff members who are retiring are 20-year Pro Deo honorees, three have received the Sursum Corda Award, which recognizes members of the University's staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University. 

A farewell Zoom will be offered on Dec. 3, 2020, with retirees.  More information to follow.

Congratulations to all of the retirees:

College of Arts & Sciences	Finance	Library
Michele Langan	Deborah Morano	Lori Gaccione
Facilities	Financial Aid	Panuska College of Professional Studies
Bryant Benjamin	Bill Burke	Patricia Connolly
Ed Dylewski	Donna Tucker	Mary Ann Muraca
Jasminka Hodzic		Diane Muniz
Smail Hodzic	IT	Debbie Zielinski
Carol Morrow	Kathy Boock
Elsa Nelson	Karen Kuzmak	Registrar
Tim O’Connor	Stephen Gilbody	Deb Hazen
Pat Pizzola

 Meet some of them, below.

Kathryn Boock
Tech Support Analyst
Information Technology

What did you do before starting at the University?

Prior to employment at the University, I was raising my three boys and running a licensed daycare in my home.

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

It's hard to capture just a memory or two after almost 30 wonderful years. Just reading that question brings back a flood of beautiful memories and sweet moments with dear friends. However, I would have to say some of my favorite times were taking classes together with Lisa Notarianni, and the most fun class for me was a criminal justice class I was in with my son, Jeremy, who challenged me at every turn. During one of the classes, a student came up to Lisa and me and expressed his annoyance to us at how loud we were talking and how our behavior was so interrupting to him, and on and on he vented. Lisa and I were embarrassed, apologized, and assured him we would tone it down and be more respectful and explained that we were only trying to make sure we had all of Professor Cimini's notes. Then the student cracked up and told us we were punked and Jeremy put him up to it for $5 and he was really sorry, but he needed lunch money!

What will you miss the most about the University?

I believe I'm going to miss the students the most. I loved the opportunity I had to work with so many kids, experiencing their enthusiasm, their boundless energy, their determination to make a difference, their hope for an amazing future. The office is brighter and more interesting when they are working!

What are your plans for retirement?

My retirement plans are to relocate to sunny Florida, enjoying five wonderful grandchildren, the youngest, three months old, who I will hold for the first time. I look forward to making new friends, reading new books, learning how to relax and beginning a new chapter in my life.

William Burke
Director of Financial Aid
Financial Aid

What did you do before working at the University?

Worked in Financial Aid at Wilkes University and Lackawanna Junior College (now Lackawanna College).

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

My very favorite day at The University of Scranton has always been the Mass of the Holy Spirit. It is an opportunity for staff, faculty and students to worship together.

What will you miss the most about the University?

I will miss working with and helping the students. It’s always been the best part of the job.

What are your plans for retirement?

My initial plans are to chill a bit. I would like to do somethings with my wife, my family and my grandchildren. I also like to fish, so I hope to do more fishing.

What is something interesting about you, you’d like to share with the University community.

I’ve been active in scouting for so many years. In my parish, I’ve organized dinners over the years, and I can cook dinner for 600 people.

Please share a fun fact with us. 

When I first started at the University, the mascot was a chicken!

Patricia Connolly

Secretary to the Assistant Dean

PCPS

What did you do before working at the University?

Prior to working at the University of Scranton, I was a stay-at-home mom with three children: Kathleen, Timothy and Michael. Now all are graduates of The University of Scranton.

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

A favorite memory was when I attended the dedication of the McIlhenny Ballroom in honor of Bernard R. McIlhenny, S.J. It was such a beautiful event. I worked for Father Mac for eight years before he retired from Admissions and it is still my privilege to be friends with him.

What will you miss the most about the University?

The University community has been my family for the past 31 years, and I will miss the many friends that I've made over the years. We had so many laughs that will last me a lifetime.

What are your plans for retirement?

I always thought the beauty of retirement was not to have a plan and to do whatever you feel like! I have a lot of different things that I want to do starting with spending more time with my husband of 46 years, soon to be 47 years in January. Traveling and visiting my grandchildren more often. I love art and designing things and I would like to do more photography. I want to design some quilts that tell a family story.

What is something interesting about you, you’d like to share with the University community?

The most interesting thing about me is that I grew up with 10 siblings. We had the best home with loving parents and so much laughter. So many wonderful memories and celebrations. Our family is still growing, in fact, this month my youngest son and his wife are expecting a new baby, number 116 in the Kelly family. Yes, we each have a number according to when we entered the family, either by birth or by marriage.

Please share a story.

Well, there are many funny things that I remember but putting them in words might not be the same as being there.

I do remember the time Dean Pallante asked me to order a bouquet of flowers that he was going to present at an event that evening. I did order the flowers and they were delivered to the office but I put them in another office out of his sight. Later that afternoon, I took the mason jar of wildflowers that were sitting on my desk for about three days. I knocked on his door and brought them in and set them on his table and told him the flowers had arrived. I was as serious as could be. I told him just to be careful carrying them up the hill to the ballroom so the water didn't spill out on him. The look on Dean Pallante's face was priceless. He was speechless, his face was blank, he didn't know what to say. Finally, he just said, "Those are the flowers? How can I give her those?" Well, at that point Diane Muniz brought the actual bouquet in to show him. He was so relieved, but we had such a good laugh.

Lori Gaccione
Senior Acquisition Clerk
Library

What did you do before starting at the University? 

Prior to working at the University, I was completing my bachelor’s degree at Marywood. I actually worked in their library as a work-study student while I was there, still behind the scenes like here.

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

My favorite memories will always be the people I worked with and the silly little things that have happened over the years.

What will you miss the most about the University?

Of course, I will miss the people the most…OK, and maybe the squirrels too.

What are your plans for retirement?

No plans yet, except for spending time with my family and keeping up with my great-grandsons (2 and 5 years old), and spending time with my two furbabies.

What is something interesting about you, you’d like to share with the University community?

Not sure if this is interesting, but at one point in my life I spent a winter hitchhiking to get to a job that I couldn’t afford to lose. To this day, I can’t believe I did that, but God brought me through it and it showed me how strong I really am.

Please share a fun fact with us.

Disneyworld is my happy place!!!

Stephen Gilbody
Network Administrator
Information Technology

What did you do before starting at the University?

Field-service Tech fixing and installing computers/networks locally for 13 years.

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

Starting my day getting coffee at the Wolves Den Café in the basement of Gunster Hall.

What will you miss the most about the University?

Walking around campus doing my job – it’s a gorgeous place and a credit to our maintenance and grounds-crews.

What are your plans for retirement?

See more of the country and play more tennis.

What is something you’d like to share with the University community?

I grew up in a big family from Williamsport. Most still live there but the rest are spread out in the Northeast and in my retirement, I hope to visit with all of them more, whether they like it or not.

Please share a fun fact with us.

In the late ’80s, when I first came to live in Scranton with my first professional job, I fell in love with the look of The University of Scranton campus as I drove up Mulberry Street, seeing the activity around the well-lit tennis and basketball courts and the steam rising from the manhole covers (like Manhattan).

Smail Hodzik
Custodian
Facilities

Born in Bihac, Bosnia, Smail immigrated to the United States in 1998. Working for the Radisson Lackawanna Station, he hoped and waited to be hired by the University. Smail proudly became a United States Citizen in 2005, and he got his first passport in 2006.

Smail’s supervisors have commented that he always has a positive and pleasant attitude and will do anything they ask of him. After his most recent trip home, he returned with a special gift for a colleague, one she notes she will cherish for years to come.

He has truly enjoyed working for the University, celebrating his 20th year of service, along with his wife, Jasminka, in 2019. He noted feeling honored to be recognized for just coming to work every day.

Smail has enjoyed many events at the University, most notably the employee party -- as it is time with his wife where they can dance together, which they enjoy. He enjoys gardening, taking care of his yard and fishing. He enjoys traveling to the Lancaster area where he visits with a friend from his hometown; they sit around a table his friends’ father’s company made – a company his wife, Jasminka, worked for also.

Once he retires, he is looking forward to trying a few new things but hopes to fish more, too.

Karen Kuzmak
Administrative Assistant
Information Technology

I began my journey working as a paralegal in the Lackawanna County’s District Attorney’s Office for 10 years. I left there to start a family and was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years. When my son and daughter were in middle and high school, I started working at The University of Scranton in 1998 as an administrative assistant in the Office of Information Technology, where I remained until retirement.

Throughout the years I have made longtime friendships with students and staff whom I will treasure and remember always. However, my favorite memory was handing my son and daughter their diploma on graduation day -- a day I will never forget and am so grateful for.

As I start the next chapter of my life with my husband of 40 years, I plan on doing the things I love most-spending the winters in warm sunny weather, enjoying valuable time with my parents, and most of all creating priceless memories with my three grandchildren.

I am privileged and blessed to have had the opportunity to work for The University of Scranton -- thank you for everything. I will miss The University of Scranton.

Michele Langan
Faculty Secretary, Biology
CAS

What did you do before working at the University?

I came to the University from Atlantic Financial Savings and Loan, where I was employed as head teller.

What will you miss the most about the University?

What I will miss most about the University is the camaraderie between friends and colleagues, varied experiences and learning something new and interesting every day.

What are your plans for retirement?

After retiring from the University, I will be seeking part-time employment, completing home projects and engaging in some hobbies.

What is something interesting about you or something you’d like to share with the University community.

I really enjoy watching and reading detective mysteries such as Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Frankie Drake, Murdock, and Mystery 101, to name a few. And, of course, I believe I have seen every episode of "Murder She Wrote." I am also enthralled by science fiction.

Please share a fun fact with us.

Being a new hire 31 years ago, I was prone to mistakes. My boss at the time was Dr. Evans, and when I returned from lunch one day after making an error, there was a pink slip on my desk saying I was fired!! Being beside myself, I didn't know if I should start packing up my things to prepare for my exit. After speaking to Dr. Evans, who thought this was a humorous way to get his point across, I found out my job was secure. It then became a running joke. Every time I did something incorrectly, I got "fired." Needless to say, I got "fired" a lot. But, thankfully, I learned some lessons and did manage to retain my job for 31 years.

Carol Morrow
Custodian
Facilities

Prior to joining the University, Carol worked for Haband International. She joined the University in 1998, working as a custodian in St Thomas Hall, Old Loyola Hall, Loyola Science Center, IMBM and Alumni Memorial Hall.

Carol is forever grateful and thankful for the people at the University, those she worked with and for. Carol also expresses appreciation for the tuition remission benefit her family received.

Although she will miss her University family and the beautiful buildings and environment in which she works, she is looking forward to spending more time with family. She looks forward to seeing all her family in the Scranton area, Virginia and Florida.

Diane Muniz
Office Manager, Secretary to Dean of PCPS
PCPS

What did you do before starting at the University?

I worked as a secretary at Lehigh County Community College

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

My favorite memory was coming in on a Saturday and setting up the first Nativity display in McGurrin Hall along with my co-worker, Patricia Connolly.

What will you miss the most about the University?

I will miss being with my office family in the PCPS Dean’s office, and I will miss seeing all of my colleagues.

What are your plans for retirement?

I plan to tackle some of the house projects that I have been putting off. I am hoping I can do some traveling and plan to volunteer.

What is something you’d like to share with the University community?

My first job at the University was as faculty secretary for the science departments. On my first day of work, I was taken to what I thought would be my office. To my surprise, I was told that office space was not yet available but there was closet space in the Physics department in old Loyola that would serve as my office space for a few months.

Mary Ann Muraca
Faculty Secretary, Occupational Therapy
PCPS

My career started at the University when I was 19 years old. I had two prior office jobs in Scranton, which were not very appealing. A friend of mine, who was employed at the University, had informed me of a job opening. I submitted my application, was called for an interview, took a typing test, and luckily I was hired in the Alumni, Public Relations and Development Division, in 1974.
As I began working there with my friend Ann, work-study students were hired throughout the year. We established friendships with a great group of students, who later graduated in May 1976. Every five years during the Alumni Reunion Weekend, Ann and I would go to campus to see if our “special alums” would be present, and we were never disappointed. We would be welcomed with open arms and would chat for hours, getting up-to-date information on their lives.

Back in those days, we did not use computers. However, in the Alumni, PR and Development Office, we had typewriters which were very unique, as they had memory. We had to slip a mac card into the typewriter if we wanted our typed information to be saved and played back.

I will certainly miss the great friends I have met throughout the years on such a beautiful campus. It was always great to run into them on special occasions, such as Wellness Day or Mardi Gras. Also, I will greatly miss working with my special friends/co-workers in the Department of Occupational Therapy. They are wonderful, caring, talented, hard-working people, whom I have a lot of respect and admiration for. I am truly blessed for the number of years I spent in this department, and our students are indeed very lucky, as well.

After 46 years of service, I know it is the right time to begin a new chapter in my life. My husband and I plan to travel after this pandemic is over (God willing), especially to Florida during the winter months. I am happily looking forward to doing whatever I want each day, whether it is taking a Zumba class, going for a nice walk, spending more time with family, meeting friends for lunch, reading a good book, and so much more.

Elsa Nelson

Inventory Control and Material Coordinator

Facilities

Tell us something about your time at the University.

Working for The University of Scranton for 38 years, I was the first female building supervisor at the University. In the 1980s, Jefferson Hall was very busy, housing 101 freshmen boys on one side and the other side was classrooms and offices. The auditorium was used for band practice and the stage was used for actors for theatre. Some days lunches were held there and, others, dance classes. Located in the basement was a swimming pool and on the other side was occupational therapy with a cadaver lab. ROTC was located on the 2nd floor. 

What will you miss most?

I will miss the people I work with the most.

What do you plan to do in retirement?

I hope to volunteer at different places where needed.

Can you share a fun fact with us?

I worked for the University and never had orientation at the lake, they didn't do orientation in 1982.

Timothy O'Connor
Groundskeeper
Facilities

Tim began working at the University in 1993, starting as a custodian before a promotion to groundskeeper in 1993, where he stayed most of the years since. Before working at the University, Tim worked for 19 years at Trane Co.

He is a proud member of the Order of Pro Deo. He is a recipient of the Sursum Corda Award, distinguishing him for exceptional dedication in his job, sense of community and his “living presence of God in this world.” He was also nominated by and received an Honorary Alpha Sigma Nu Award in 2019 from the Jesuit Honor Society recognizing his dedication

Tim notes he will have a million memories of his years at the university with two of his best being Commencement Weekend and the pilgrimage to El Salvador. He remembers working with Joe Ostroski for 20 hours straight, shuttling parents, grandparents and students all day and half the night following Father Pilarz’s party and Baccalaureate Mass.

He said he will miss the students and the employees the most, as they are his extended family.

Tim and his wife have five children, two of whom graduated from the University, both with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice.

His love for the University and all it has given him and his children is immense. When he retires, he looks forward to spending time with his grandchildren and doing projects around the house, the first of which is painting the interior.

He loves to travel and hopes to see many historic sites during his retirement years.

Tim said he could write volumes about his years at the University but it could all be summarized in a quote by A.A. Milne, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Donna Tucker
Administrative Assistant for Loan Programs
Financial Aid

What did you do before starting at the University?

I worked at Norton Book Publishing in Dunmore. Norton published many books our bookstore sells to our students.

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

Two big and very proud memories! Handing Megan Tucker and Brian Tucker their diplomas!

What will you miss the most about the University?

I will miss my Financial Aid coworkers, but I was promised we will get together very often after I leave. I will miss lunches with the “Lunch Bunch.” We have grown in size over the years, and our lunches were the best. No serious talks at our table!!! Not a lunch went by without hysterics!

What are your plans for retirement?

My husband, Keith, and I love cruising and hope to do more after this corona Pandemic is over. I always wore University of Scranton sweatshirts and T-shirts on the cruises. I always ran into parents with students or graduates who attended the University!

What is something interesting about you, you’d like to share with the University community.

I love to do tole and decorative painting. I am fortunate to learn with great teachers and travel to many different painting seminars in various states. Thank you Keith Tucker!

Please share a fun fact with us.

I was leaving for home after my first day of work and had a parking fine! At the time, the “sacred” parking sticker had to be easily viewed on the bumper. No pull-throughs! No exceptions!

The year I started working at the University, Gunster Memorial Student Center was the hot spot of the University. Staff and faculty shared the dining space with the students. Ten pounds of salad could fit in a one-pound container if you tried hard enough! We now have the beautiful DeNaples Center.

Deborah Zielinski, RN, MS
Director of the Nursing Lab/Clinical Coordinator
PCPS

Deborah Zielinski, RN, MS earned her baccalaureate degree in nursing from Wilkes University and a master’s degree in nursing education from Binghamton University.

Prior to starting her career at The University of Scranton, Deborah worked at the Hershey Medical Center and The Medical College of Georgia as a floor nurse in neurology/neurosurgery. She also worked as a dialysis nurse at several facilities, including Moses Taylor Hospital, where she was the infection control nurse for four years.

In the fall of 1994, she started at The University of Scranton as part-time faculty in the Nursing Department where she also worked in the nursing lab. She became director of the nursing lab and clinical coordinator in 1998. At that time the nursing lab was a very dated, five-bed lab on the first floor of O’Hara Hall with some beds that still had hand cranks to elevate the head of the bed. During her time as director of the nursing lab, she has overseen the expansion of the nursing lab into McGurrin Hall (in the summer of 1998). Several renovations later, the lab has grown to its current state of three, five-bed labs, two nurse practitioner rooms and two simulation rooms with corresponding control rooms and debrief rooms. She pioneered the use of simulation as a teaching modality with high fidelity simulators at The University of Scranton, and its use is currently integrated into all nursing courses with a clinical component.

The most gratifying aspect of her position was knowing that she was part of educating well-prepared and sought after graduate nurses and learning of their accomplishments in the field.

The University of Scranton vacation policy provides for automatic carryover of five (5) days or less of vacation time for one year. Carryover of vacation time beyond five days requires approval by the supervisor and Human Resources. Vacation carryover is limited to the unused vacation time accrued during the most current year.

The employee's supervisor and Human Resources must approve this form. Completed carryover request forms must be submitted to Human Resources no later than Friday, Dec. 11, 2020.

Please follow this link.

Crystal Ondrick, assistant director of financial aid at The University of Scranton, has been named as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (PASFAA), an organization that represents more than 300 Pennsylvania educational institutions, lenders and organizations involved with higher education.

Ondrick previously served as treasurer elect for PASFAA and volunteered on PASFAA’s Finance and Development Committee.

Ondrick joined the University in 2011. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Keystone College.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleagues' accomplishments, sense of community and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! 

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for NOVEMBER 2020 is:  Melissa Ketten-Undergrad/Grad Admissions!

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Melissa does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Melissa and all our nominees.

How long have you worked at the University? 14 years

What do you like best about your job? What I like best is that we are always doing something different as our needs evolve throughout the admissions cycle. It never gets boring.

What do you like to do for fun? I like to spend time with my family and watch my two children, Grace (age 8) & Bruce (age 5), grow. We spent a lot of time this summer and fall going camping, swimming, fishing, boating, biking, and hiking.

Melissa will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as, a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of November. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

November Nominees:

Michelle Boughton - Residence Life

Reka Shayka - Residence Life

Janet Schieber - Residence Life

John Burke - Residence Life

Aaron Lichtenwalter - Residence Life

Eric Morton - Residence Life

Tricia Cummings - Student Engagement

Barb Eagen - CHEW

Kristin Durkin - Public Relations

Cynthia Tokash-Faculty Secretary/Computer Science

Elizabeth Chalk-Faculty Secretary/Math

Michelle Langan-Faculty Secretary/Biology

Tracy McFadden- Operations & Information Management

Melissa Ketten - Undergrad/Grad Admissions

Lisa Bealla - Student Activities/Orientation

Lynn Gavin - Campus Ministries

Karen Marx - KSOM Advising

Don McCall, Technology Support Center

Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center

Bob Liskowicz - Counseling Center

Phil Erb - IT

Bernie Krzan, CPS Advising                                                                              

The Office of Human Resources is pleased to announce the continuation of the learning series, For Your Benefit, with three sessions geared toward resources, planning and guidance on topics including our various employee benefit plans and life issues such as social security, retirement readiness and more.

Session 2: October 29, 2020
2:00-3:30 p.m. ZOOM
“Understanding Social Security”
As you make plans for your retirement, you may ask, “How do I secure today and tomorrow?” During this information session, a representative from Social Security will touch on important topics to consider when planning ahead, such as deciding the right age to retire, how working can affect you Social Security benefits, and Medicare considerations.
Check your email for Zoom information. 

Session 3: November 5, 2020
2:00- 3:30 p.m. ZOOM
Money at Work Series- Session 4: “Transitioning from career to retirement”
Join us for another session in our on-going series of interactive exploration of retirement saving and learn how to help create an effective plan to help maximize your retirement potential. So it’s time to retire, now what? Make some final preparations to help shift from an active career to retirement. From income options to taxes to health insurance, you need to be prepared.
Check your email for Zoom information. 

The following is a note to the University community from the Office of the President.

Dear Members of the University Community,

I am saddened to inform you of the passing of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph K. Wetherell, retired, admissions events specialist at the University. He died on Saturday, October 24, at the age of 70.

Lt. Col. Wetherell joined the staff of the University in 1995 as professor and chair of the Military Science Department, which oversees the Scranton area Army ROTC program. He continued serving in the University’s Office of Admissions after retiring from active military duty.

Lt. Col. Wetherell brought with him to the University his passion for service, uncompromising dedication and expertise in supply logistics, which he applied to multiple events during his 25 years at Scranton. With military precision, he helped to organize Commencement, Open House and Preview Day, attending to every detail.

During Lt. Col. Wetherell’s distinguished 27-year career in the military, he served as the director of tactics and leadership at the Army Engineering School Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri; commander of the Engineering Battalion of the 101^st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, and in combat engineering units throughout the world. His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with 5^th Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with 1^st Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Achievement Medal with 1^st Oak Leaf Cluster.

A native of Vermont, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont as an ROTC scholarship recipient. He earned his master’s degree in logistics management from Florida Institute of Technology.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Rutland, Vermont, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org) or the St. Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen in Scranton.

Eternal life grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Sincerely,

Scott R. Pilarz, S. J.

President

Dan Guzzo from Transamerica will be available via telephone for individual retirement counseling sessions on Friday, Oct. 23.

These sessions will provide you the opportunity to meet confidentially to review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals.

Appointments will be 45 minutes in length. Schedule an appointment here.

Your friends at The University of Scranton Early Learning Center want you to know about all the valuable resources Bright Horizons has to offer. Whether you're looking for parenting advice, you want to better understand your child's development, or you're trying to figure out how to bring learning home, you need a trusted, knowledgeable resource. Bright Horizons® can help.

Join us on Oct. 27, 2020, for our next Family Webinar, Your Child's Social-Emotional Development. This webinar will cover the five components of social-emotional learning and your role as a parent to help your child develop in these areas and build connections with others. Developing strong social-emotional skills today will make a real difference for your child tomorrow.

Visit Bright Horizons Family Resource for additional parenting tips, learning activities, and to listen in on conversations about parenting, work, life, and everything in between.

Contact us to learn more about The University of Scranton Early Learning Center.  

The Office of Equity and Diversity is pleased to host Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, at the next D+I + A Better U! lunch and learn for faculty and staff, to be held Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Registration is required. Please click here to register. 

Dean Maldonado will present Rebuilding Our Wounded World: A Catholic Response to the Sin of Racism. She will discuss recent Church documents addressing the social sin of racism, the image of God as the foundation of recognizing our full humanity equally, and a vision of justice that calls for a conversion of the heart.

Dr. Maldonado is dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Scranton. She is the author of eight books including Afro-Cuban Theology: Religion, Race, Culture and Identity (University Press of Florida, 2006) Shopping: Christian Explorations of Daily Living (Fortress Press, 2010), and A Critical Introduction to Religion in the Americas: Bridging the Liberation Theology and Religious Studies Divide. (NYU Press, 2014).  

Zoom meeting information will be sent to registrants 24 hours before the presentation. If you have any questions related to the program, please contact Liz Garcia at elizabeth.garcia2@scranton.edu or call 570-941-6645.

Questions regarding registration may be directed to jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! 

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for OCTOBER 2020 is:  Gina Butler-Assistant Dean, CAS!

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Gina does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating  Gina and all our nominees.

---

How long have you worked at the University?

I have worked at the University of Scranton since July 1992.

What do you like best about your job?

The peo​ple.

What do you like to do for fun? 

Spending time with my husband, our children and grandchildren; travel; going to antique stores and auctions, sporting events; puzzles; listen to music and baking.

---

October Nominees:

Gina Butler-CAS Dean's Office

Laura Richards-External Affairs/Public Relations

Kelly Lunger-Administrative Assistant Counseling Center   

Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center 

Lisa Bealla - Student Engagement     

Michelle Boughton - Residence Life

Tracy McFadden -Operations/Information Management   

Welcome to the newly-elected Staff Senators and Alternates.  

	Senators
Clerical	Maintenance, Technical, Trade, Police	Professional/Para Professional
Peggy Doolittle Secretary, Parent/Comm Relations	Ryan Puksta University Police Officer, University Police	Amy Driscoll McNulty Operations Coordinator, University Police
Melissa Eckenrode Administrative Asst, English	Peter Sakowski Network Resource Tech, TV-Communication	Christine Black Assistant Director, Equity and Diversity Office
Pauline Palko Administrative Asst, Dean of Students		Rose Ann Jubinski Business Applications Analyst, Enterprise Application Services
Rosemary Striefsky Administrative Asst, University Advancement		Renee Giovagnoli Biology Lab Supervisor & Coordinator LSC Operations, Biology
*Cheryl Evans Administrative Asst, Financial Aid		Patrick Mullarkey Application Administrator, Infrastructure & Security Services
		Nicholas Truncale Director, Student Retention & Completion
		Jose Sanchez Assistant Director, Cross Cultural Center
		Tracy Muth Assistant Director, CAS Academic Advising
		*Mark Murphy Director, Sustainability & Energy Management
	Alternates
Andrea Malia Faculty Secretary, Communication		Janet Schieber Operations Manager, Residence Life
Denise Henry Advancement Operations Asst, Development		Salvatore Falbo Tech Support Center Analyst, Technology Support Services
		Bernie Krzan Academic Advisor, Panuska College Advising Center
		Julia Leighow Assistant Director, Off Campus/Commuter

​*Interim Senator for the 2020-2021 term.  Staff Senate passed a motion, in September 2020, to fill vacant senate seats with interim senators from other constituencies, in the event a group does not put forth enough nominations.  These members are full senators with a shortened term.  The interim senator seats will be open again for the spring 2021 election.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national program to help create awareness of the many ongoing threats we face whenever we are online.

The Division of Information Technology is bringing this initiative to our campus, as online security is an essential shared responsibility that concerns us all equally.

In October, we will be sharing important security resources with you through weekly emails. We will also be answering your questions regarding working securely from home at our Virtual Cybersecurity Forum (registration is live).

Virtual Cybersecurity Forum

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced Katelyn McManamon of Scranton has joined its staff as a special projects coordinator. In her role, she will identify and engage participants and coordinate projects within the SBDC’s eight-county service area. Projects include the Small Business Internship Initiative and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center, as well as other SBDC programming.

For more than a decade, McManamon worked for the Penn East Federal Credit Union as a marketing and business development manager and, most recently, as assistant vice president of marketing. She developed strategic marketing, advertising and social media campaigns and served as a spokesperson for her organization. She produced a number of events, including customer appreciation, grand opening and large public events, as well as educational seminars. Prior to her work at Penn East, she was a public relations coordinator at Moses Taylor Hospital.

McManamon is an alumna of both Leadership Lackawanna and Leadership Wyoming. She has volunteered as a judge for the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Sage Award and served as a purse bingo committee member for the Boys and Girls Club of Scranton.

McManamon earned her bachelor’s degree in communication – public relations from Millersville University.

Scranton’s SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses.

James L. Caffrey, associate vice president for facilities operations, successfully completed the requirements to become a Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP).

The advanced level of certification, granted by the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers, called APPA, is a mark of superior proficiency in the core competencies for education facilities professionals. According to the APPA website, the certification “demonstrates superior proficiency, professional strength and unfailing dedication in the field of educational facilities.”

Caffrey, who joined the staff at University in 2016, has more than 30 years of experience in various facilities management roles. Prior to his position at Scranton, he served as administrator of facilities operations at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown. Caffrey also served as administrator of facilities management for the Greater Hudson Valley Health System in Middletown, New York; assistant vice president for facilities management at Catskill Regional Medical Center, Harris, New York; and vice president of administrative services for Wyoming Valley Health Care System, Wilkes-Barre. He also held the position of adjunct architectural engineering professor at Luzerne County Community College.

Caffrey earned his and bachelor’s degree and MBA from Wilkes University. He is pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration in Project Management at Liberty University.

A friendly reminder that the Staff Senate Elections are open.  If you have not already voted, please do so no later than 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.

scranton.edu/SSVote

Thank you,

Staff Senate

Elections & Membership Committee

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! 

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for SEPTEMBER 2020 is:  

Bob Liskowicz! We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Bob does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating  Bob, and all of our nominees.

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How long have you worked at the University?

I have been at the University now 15 years.

What do you like best about your job?

What I like best is working in a vibrant atmosphere with peers who have so many different ideas and so much knowledge, but also a focus and dedication on helping our students, as well as with the students who are genuine, smart, attentive and thoughtful.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun, I love to hike, especially hiking in national parks of which I’ve now been to eight and counting.

---

September Nominees:

Elizabeth Geeza-Advancement/SBDC Leigh Fennie 

Sean Lehman - IT

Kathy Mehall - Admissions

Will Geiger - Enterprise Application Services

Gina Butler - CAS Dean’s Office

Bob Liskowicz - Counseling Center

Sean Lehman - Academic and Media Services

Jason Oakey - Academic and Media Services

Jason Wimmer - Academic and Media Services

Barbara Eagen - CHEW

Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center

Bob will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as, a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of September. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees. 

The Staff Senate would also like to recognize the heartfelt nominations submitted for all of our front line staff departments. We appreciate all that they are doing to help keep us productive and safe, as well as preserving the beauty of our campus.                                                                                                               

University staff, are you interested in joining Staff Senate? 

Do you know someone you think would be?

Please consider nominating yourself or a colleague by submitting this form.

All nominations are due by Friday, Sept. 4.

Voting will begin on Thursday, Sept. 10.

New Senators and Alternates will begin their term on Oct. 1.

Please watch our video below for more information about Staff Senate.

Thank you,

Staff Senate

Elections & Membership Committee

Nicholas Truncale '06, G'07 was appointed to the inaugural position of director of Student Retention and Completion this summer. Previously, he served as a faculty specialist in the University’s Department of Physics and Engineering.  In addition to the time he spent in the classroom, he also served as the Coordinator of General Education Assessment and OEA Fellow in the Office of Educational Assessment and as the Coordinator of Elections for the Faculty Senate while serving on the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.  As a faculty representative on the University’s Governance Council, Strategic Enrollment Planning and Student Retention committees, he has been an engaged contributor to student success initiatives for many years.

You're the inaugural director of Student Retention and Completion. Can you give us some examples of how you'll be helping students navigate transitions? 

I am thrilled and excited to be in this new position at the University! I’ll be working closely with other departments and personnel on campus to implement proactive intervention strategies to advance student success metrics such as graduation rates, student satisfaction and student success.  I’ll also be one more resource for students as they pursue their academic and personal endeavors.  People in positions like mine at other institutions are known to be advocates for students. I do not solve problems for the student, but I guide them through the problem-solving process as they navigate transitions.

If any students are in need of information and/or guidance and would like to set up an appointment with me, please see my contact information here: 

Nicholas.truncale@scranton.edu    
Office: O’Hara 118       
Phone: 570-941-6289

How will your experience as a faculty specialist inform how you work with students? Are you looking forward to connecting with Scranton students in a new way? 

As a faculty specialist in physics and engineering, I routinely worked with students who were struggling with either coursework or the college life experience.  I have counseled students as their support person through the conduct processes administered through Student Life.  I have even supported students when they have lost a loved one or encountered personal challenges. These experiences fully inform how I will work with students in my new position.

It is my philosophy that everyone’s primary job at this university is to partner with students in their transformational years at the University.  We must emulate kindness, patience, and respect so that our students learn from our own actions and behaviors.  I am also looking to connect with students in new ways outside of the classroom.  For example, I will be meeting with the leaders of Student Government to see their perspective on how my position can help students excel through their coursework and graduate.

I'm assuming that you had to jump right in this past summer. Can you tell us what you've done to help during this very unique transition?

I began my new position at the end of July and immediately scheduled meetings with staff from different areas on campus in order to learn about their programs and functions.  More importantly, I’ve been studying how each area interfaces with one another. If there are pain points in the student experience, I hope to facilitate solutions. I, and others, have been discussing how we, as a campus, can approach retention from a strategic vantage point.  I have also been working with the Office of Institutional Research and Office of the Registrar and Academic Services on some data analytics projects.

What're some of the goals of the office?

The University has had a standing Retention Committee for several years.  Membership includes hard-working, caring leadership from all student-centered administrative units. 

The committee’s goal, and my goal, is to support the academic, spiritual and personal persistence of all enrolled students at the University.  I am privileged to now co-chair the committee.  A new member of the committee sent a note after our first meeting this academic year and said, “By the middle of the meeting, I realized that this was a great example of what we talk about a lot -- cura personalis -- but seldom witness being done by a committee. I cannot believe the level of connectedness that everyone had to these individual students. It was clear that they were seeing the person and not just a spreadsheet. I just wish that the rest of the community could see this level of care and commitment.” 

I think the level of care and commitment we have and demonstrate to our students makes the Scranton experience second to none. 

You're a Scranton grad! How does being an alumnus inform your work?

I can still remember sitting in Dr. Klonoski’s Ethics course in St. Thomas Hall when he told me “You write like a scientist," which was accurate at the time being that I was a physics major.  He taught me that sometimes it’s not enough to write down declarations and facts and to write with a technical focus to support a hypothesis.  Sometimes an examination of an issue must include rhetoric devices and persuasive examples that show you fully grasp the topic.  That really stuck with me and with my writing going forward. I think it shows how our General Education program at Scranton is so important (and excellent).  I don’t know that I would have learned what I did from Dr. Klonoski at a different university.  I was a science major and I wasn’t just a name to him in his Ethics course.  The students who I will work with won’t just be names either. 

Michelle Gonzalez Maldonado, Ph.D. joined The University of Scranton as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences on July 1. Previously, she served as assistant provost of undergraduate education at the University of Miami, where she also served as the executive director of the Office of Academic Enhancement and as a professor of religious studies. She is the editor, co-author or author of 10 books and has published more than 40 articles in academic journals and book chapters. You can also view her TED Talk on Latina Intellectuals, here. 

We caught up with her recently to learn more about what she has in store for students and how she’s finding her new home.

You arrived here from Miami this summer. Welcome to Scranton! How are you finding the area so far?

My family and I really love it. We are all struck by the natural beauty around us and have been taking advantage of all the amazing hiking trails and parks in the area. The University community has been so welcoming, and so has everyone we have met in the area. We have also been exploring Scranton’s Latino/a community. The city is much more diverse than people often assume.

 Tell us what it's been like to make this big change during the pandemic.

The pandemic has made things a bit surreal, to be honest. In some ways, it has made my transition smoother because I had to dive into the preparations for the fall and was able to meet a lot of people quickly as we collaborated together. I continue to be impressed at how many people have worked so hard to get us back on campus.

What are you most looking forward to in your new position as dean of CAS?

I am looking forward to working more closely with faculty. With the upcoming review of our General Education requirements, this is an exciting moment to join the University community as we revisit and refine who we are and what we offer our students intellectually. Universities are sites of research, innovation, and creativity, and this all begins with our faculty. I also think we are at a significant historical moment, with the upcoming election, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the pandemic, where we can focus on Mission-driven initiatives that help our community understand and respond to the challenges of the world around them.

You're a scholar of religious studies and you are Jesuit educated yourself. What excites you most about being part of a Catholic/Jesuit University?

 I am most excited about being at a Jesuit University that is earnestly committed to its Mission. My Jesuit education taught me to recognize that my worldview is one of many and that I must be open to, listen to, and be challenged by the diversity of our humanity, whether it is our intellectual diversity, political diversity, racial diversity, and /or socioeconomic diversity. The University’s commitment to social justice is also extremely important to me, especially today as we as a nation struggle with naming and addressing systemic racism. A University education is one of the most significant forms of empowerment, not only for us but for our communities. I should also add that as a theologian I am thrilled to be back at a University where the study of religion is valued as a core component of the curriculum.

It looks like, from your bio, that you have experience working with/on behalf of, historically underrepresented and first-generation college students. Can you tell us why this is important to you/how you can contribute at Scranton?

Working with historically underrepresented and first-generation college students is a core passion that defines me as an administrator, a scholar, and a teacher.  As a Cuban-American daughter of political refugees, I had to figure out the college application process and then college itself on my own. I think it is important to remember that our students (and faculty and staff) come from diverse backgrounds and that some may need more support navigating through our University. I hope that our first-generation and historically underrepresented students see me as an ally who is here as a resource and an advocate.   

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced that Patrick Keehan ’19, G’20 of Danville has joined its staff as a business consultant in June. In his role, he will provide business consulting services to start-up and existing small business clients in the Scranton SBDC’s service area. He will also help small businesses gain access to, and effectively utilize, interns from local colleges and universities by assisting with the Small Business Internship Initiative.

Keehan earned his MBA from The University of Scranton in 2020, as well as his bachelor’s degree in finance, summa cum laude, from Scranton in 2019 with minors in accounting, business leadership and philosophy. He also participated in the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program.

Keehan was among the select members of the University’s undergraduate class of 2019 honored for academic excellence at graduation. He received the University’s Excellence in Finance Award. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, Omicron Delta Epsilon and the IMA Accounting honor societies. He was a graduate assistant and intern at the SBDC for the 2019-2020 academic year. During his undergraduate years at Scranton, Keehan was a resident assistant, a retreat leader, a member of the Business Club and participated in the PwC case challenge.

Keehan graduated from Danville Area High School, Danville.

Scranton’s SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! 

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for AUGUST 2020 is:  

Lynn Pelick - ORAS!  Although we are not physically on campus, it in no way negates the caring and commitment that Lynn shows to our University community on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating  Lynn, and all of our nominees, upon our return to campus.

---

How long have you worked at the University?

I’ve been at the UofS for 17 years (this September).

What do you like best about your job?

What I like best about my job is there is never a dull moment. After all these years in the Registrar’s Office I still learn something new all the time.

What do you like to do for fun?

 For fun, I like to vacation in new places, hang out with my dogs and I enjoy gardening. 

---

Lynn will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as, a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon (alternate month to be determined.) Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees. 

August Nominees:

Patty Pavelitz-Facilities Maintenance

Debra Parry-Kania School of Management

Lynn Pelick - ORAS

Lori Flynn - ORAS

Gina Butler-CAS Dean’s Office

Pat Vaccaro-Center for Service and Social Justice

Alicen Morrison - Schemel Forum

Sam Falbo - IT

Lynn Gavin, Campus Ministries

The Office of Equity and Diversity, in collaboration with the Cross Cultural Centers, the Counseling and Human Services Department, and the Staff Senate are pleased to offer a new format for the Diversity and Inclusion Lunch/Learn Series for fall 2020. You are encouraged to participate in each segment to get the full experience.

The three-part program will begin with the launch of the SafeColleges course “Implicit Bias and Microaggression Awareness.” All faculty and staff will receive this suggested training in their scranton.edu email on Aug. 3, 2020.

After completing the 21-minute course, you may register for Part 2 - the Panel Discussion, which will be held Friday, Sept. 18 @ 12:00 p.m. Please register here. At the end of your registration, contained in the confirmation screen, you will have the option to submit questions via the Anonymous Questions Submission Form link. Your identifying information will not be associated with the questions you submit.

Part 3 - Small Group Discussions will be scheduled post-panel according to the availability of the persons who are interested in participating.

We encourage all faculty and staff to view the SafeColleges course even if they are not interested in participating in the Lunch and Learn Series. Check you scranton.edu inbox for the link to the training, or go to scranton-pa.safecolleges.com and use your Royal ID number to login.

Questions regarding the program may be sent to Elizabeth.garcia2@scranton.edu. Questions regarding the registration and forms may be sent to Jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.

We look forward to sharing this important experience with you and working to make our campus more inclusive for everyone!

Dear Members of the University Staff:

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence! The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for July is: Michael Ritterbeck

How long have you worked at the University?
I’ve worked at the University for 6 years (my work anniversary was actually yesterday (6/30), so I’m officially embarking on year 7). I’m also an alumnus, Class of 2009.

What is your title?
Director of the Center for Student Engagement

What do you like best about your job?
I love the high-level of direct student interaction I have. So many of the students I encounter are some of our best and brightest, ones who are actively involved in the University community through clubs, organizations, and leadership.

What do you like to do for fun?
In my spare time, I like to travel, watch TV, solve jigsaw puzzles, indoor cycle, and spend time with family.

Michael will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space for the month of their selection! We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

We hope you will join the Staff Senate in recognizing and nominating employees in the future and share our excitement for giving individuals the opportunity to be acknowledged for their outstanding efforts on behalf of our campus community.

The nominations must be submitted by the 29^th of the month for the next drawing to pick a winner.                                                                                                                                                                              

Click here to obtain a nomination card.                                                                                    

Click here to see past winners and nominees.     

Congratulations to Our Other June 2020 Magis Nominees!

                                                                                                                                                                                      The card may be completed online and forwarded to Peggy Doolittle at peggydoolittle@scranton.edu. In addition, Nomination Cards will be available to Facilities Operations and University Police personnel through their supervisory chains of command. 

The Staff Senate invites you to join us for a virtual round-table discussion providing you with the opportunity to: share ideas, raise topics of interest, voice concerns, and learn about issues pertinent to our group and the University.

The roundtable will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, June 10 at 3:00 p.m.

Please RSVP, and submit questions, using the link provided by Monday, June 8th. The Zoom meeting invite will be sent to you on Tuesday, June 9^th.  

RSVP HERE

We hope you can join us!

Dear Members of the University Staff:

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence! The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for June is: Lisa Hall-Zielinski

How long have you worked at the University?
Since October 2007 

What is your title?
Director, Small Business Development Center

What do you like best about your job?
I love that I get to be part of the University while also serving small businesses and communities across our region. And working with the SBDC team of staff and students is the greatest...we can accomplish anything together and we have lots of fun, too!

What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and children. I also love to read.

Lisa will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space for the month of their selection! We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

We hope you will join the Staff Senate in recognizing and nominating employees in the future and share our excitement for giving individuals the opportunity to be acknowledged for their outstanding efforts on behalf of our campus community.

The nominations must be submitted by the 29^th of the month for the next drawing to pick a winner.                                                                                                                                                                              

Click here to obtain a nomination card.                                                                                    

Click here to see past winners and nominees.     

Congratulations to Our Other June 2020 Magis Nominees!

                                                                                                                                                                                      The card may be completed online and forwarded to Peggy Doolittle at peggydoolittle@scranton.edu. In addition, Nomination Cards will be available to Facilities Operations and University Police personnel through their supervisory chains of command. 

Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs, asks: “Can we keep that spirit of innovation moving along? That’s my hope, that we can keep that creativity moving.”

Gingerich participated in a Penn Graduate School of Education panel discussion addressing how their institutions have responded to the pandemic, how they are thinking and planning for the future, and what the long-term impact of the pandemic might be on higher education as a sector.

Read the article: The COVID-19 pandemic is still here. What comes next for higher education 

The Staff Senate invites you to join us for a virtual round-table discussion providing you with the opportunity to share ideas, raise topics of interest, voice concerns, and learn about issues pertinent to our group and the University. The roundtable will be held via Zoom on Thursday, May 7 at 3:00 p.m.

Please RSVP, and submit questions, using the link provided by Tuesday, May 5. The Zoom meeting invite will be sent to you on Wednesday, May 6.

RSVP HERE

We hope you can join us!

A note from Father Herb Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry to staff and faculty of The University of Scranton.

Dear Colleagues:

Each year the Scranton Jesuit Community recognizes a member of the graduating class who has exemplified the Ignatian ideal of being ‘a man or woman for and with others.”

The Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service is given to the graduate who has rendered extraordinary volunteer service to those most in need in the Scranton area and elsewhere. The widest possible definition of this service is used, but ordinarily it would occur outside the University. The service could have been rendered as part of a group effort or as an individual; through an agency or informally. It should be verifiable in some way.  Ordinary club activity is not included, unless it involves a substantial service component.

With this message I invite you to submit nominations for this award to the Director of the Center for Service and Social Justice, Pat Vaccaro at patricia.vaccaro@scranton.edu.  Pat will forward the names to the Jesuit Community. Please include all relevant information (an outline of the service, resume, etc.) and send the email recommendation by Friday, May 1.

Thank you for your interest and assistance.  

Sincerely,                                                     

Father Herb Keller, S.J.
Rector, Jesuit Community
Vice President for Mission and Ministry

Maria Vital G’11, operations manager of the Leahy Clinic, thanks health care providers.

You can thank Royal Responders as well! Visit scranton.edu/royalsrespond to honor a royal or share a story. To thank a member or friend of the Scranton community helping the fight against COVID-19 via video, click here. 

The Office of Equity and Diversity is pleased to present Dr. Tiffany Bordonada in a special Zoom session of the D+I + A Better U! lunch and learn series, next Wednesday, April 22, 2020, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Dr. Bordonada will discuss the importance of understanding the purpose of intercultural communication and the challenges and benefits of engaging in dialogue across cultures and will provide strategies to enhance intercultural dialogue and celebrate diversity through communication.

Zoom meeting information will be sent to registrants 24 hours before the presentation. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Garcia at elizabeth.garcia2@scranton.edu or call 570-941-6645.

Dear Members of the University Staff:

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence! The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for April is: Jennifer Kretsch

How long have you worked at the University?
5 years 

What is your title?
Faculty Secretary, History Department

What do you like best about your job?
I enjoy coming to work every day to interact with students, faculty and staff.  Being part of an engaged and supportive community is what makes my job enjoyable.

What do you like to do for fun?
Horseback riding and spending time outdoors

Jennifer will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space for the month of their selection! Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.  We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

We hope you will join the Staff Senate in recognizing and nominating employees in the future and share our excitement for giving individuals the opportunity to be acknowledged for their outstanding efforts on behalf of our campus community.

The nominations must be submitted by the 29^th of the month for the next drawing to pick a winner.                                                                                                                                                                              

Click here to obtain a nomination card.                                                                                    

Click here to see past winners and nominees.     

Congratulations to Our Other April 2020 Magis Nominees!

                                                                                                                                                                                      The card may be completed online and forwarded to Peggy Doolittle at peggydoolittle@scranton.edu. You may also print it out and send it to Peggy’s office in 401 Louis Brown Hall.  In addition, Nomination Cards will be available to Facilities Operations and University Police personnel through their supervisory chains of command. 

A note from Chris Whitney, director of Career Development, to staff regarding the retirement of Frank Gilmartin.

It is bittersweet that I announce the retirement of Frank Gilmartin, assistant director of Career Development.  Frank has served the university for 29 years (would be 30 years on July 16, 2020).

During that time his care and dedication have been integral to the success of our students. He has been a valued partner to many across campus, always willing to volunteer his support and expertise for the greater good.  While we will miss his wit and daily dose of humor on campus, he will always be a Royal and continue to be involved wherever there is a need. Frank will continue to serve our students and alumni through May 22. 

Please join me in thanking him for everything he has done to make our students successful and our team smile.

Various tools and resources are available in support of instructional and business continuity during an emergency. Our Informational Technology team has outlined available technologies on their webpage. Get tools and resources here.

Many of these tools are accessible through our my.scranton portal.

Robert B. Farrell, J.D., Ed.D., general counsel and University secretary recently published, "Lessons In Leadership: How Dillard University Managed Free Speech, Reconnected to its Mission, and Layered in the Law— All in a Matter of Days" in The Journal of College and University Law.

The article examines campus free speech through the experience of one university in New Orleans. Read the article on page 50, here.

Robert B. Farrell was appointed General Counsel in 2010 with the additional role of University Secretary in 2015. Dr. Farrell has practiced law for over 27 years with extensive legal and management experience in university, municipal and nonprofit settings. Over his career, he has specialized in higher education, municipal, employment, labor and corporate law. Dr. Farrell oversees all University legal affairs and is responsible for Scranton's overall legal strategy. He serves as a member of the President's Cabinet and advises the President, Board of Trustees and the administration on a wide range of legal matters.

Dr. Farrell joined Scranton as Director of Community Relations in 2008, and served as the Executive Director of Community Relations and Public Safety in 2009, prior to becoming General Counsel. In these roles, Dr. Farrell served on the President's cabinet and advised the President on matters related to the University's position in the broader community. He also oversaw the transition of the Public Safety force to armed University Police.

Prior to joining Scranton, Dr. Farrell served as the City Solicitor to the City of Scranton. He was a partner in the law firm of Kreder, Brooks, Hailstone & Ludwig before working for the city, and spent his first year out of law school as a judicial law clerk.

Dr. Farrell earned his A.B. in history from the College of the Holy Cross in 1987. He earned his J.D. from the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University in 1992. He earned an Ed.D. in higher education management, with distinction, from the University of Pennsylvania in 2019. 

The Center for Health Education & Wellness to Sponsor Employee Wellness Day for Faculty and Staff on Tuesday, March 17, 2020

The University of Scranton?s Center for Health Education & Wellness (CHEW) will host the University?s annual Wellness Day for Faculty and Staff on Tuesday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on campus. Each year over 350 employees attend a variety of health and wellness events throughout the day.

Wellness Day will feature a keynote speaker, health fair with screenings, free lunch in the Fresh Food Company and more than 25 workshops such as, “Not Just a Paper Cut- Preventing Common Arm Injuries at Work," “Yin Yoga 101,” “Pickleball,” “Inside Money: Managing Income and Debt,” “Hands Only CPR,” “Healthy Plants Healthy People."

Dr. Jumee Barooah, M.D., will provide the keynote address, “Holistic Medicine and Self Care: Connecting Physical and Mental Health,” which will focus on the critical role that mental health and self-care play in our physical health and overall well-being. Dr. Jumee Barooah serves as The Wright Center for Graduation Medical Education's Designated Institutional Official and serves as an Internal Medicine physician at the Mid Valley clinic certified in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).

Employees can register to attend Wellness Day events by completing the registration form on the Employee Wellness website by Friday, March 13.

Register Here

Dear Members of the University Staff:

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence! The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for March is: Thomas J. Cadugan

How long have you worked at the University? 
I have worked at the University for 19 years, 20 years this April.

What is your title? 
Captain, University Police

What do you like best about your job?
Serving the University and surrounding community.

 What do you like to do for fun?
Spending time with my grandchildren and physical fitness.

Tom will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space for the month of their selection! Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.  We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

We hope you will join the Staff Senate in recognizing and nominating employees in the future and share our excitement for giving individuals the opportunity to be acknowledged for their outstanding efforts on behalf of our campus community.

The nominations must be submitted by the 29^th of the month for the next drawing to pick a winner.                                                                                                                                                                              

Click here to obtain a nomination card.                                                                                    

Click here to see past winners and nominees.     

Congratulations to Our Other March 2020 Magis Nominees:

	Mar-20
Kym Fetsko	Library
Suzanne O'Donnell	Maintenance
Gary Lalli	Registrar's Office
Kathy Mehall	Admissions
John Garzarella	Facilities
Hollie Roscioli	Facilities
Tom Cadugan	University Police
Gina Butler	CAS Deans Office
Laura Richards	External Affairs
JoAnn Stavisky	Facilities-Retreat Center
Linda Walsh	Provost Office
Tracy McFadden	KSOM
Noelle Drozdick	International Office
Barry Eiden	Maintenance

                                                                                                                                                                                      The card may be completed online and forwarded to Peggy Doolittle at peggydoolittle@scranton.edu. You may also print it out and send it to Peggy’s office in 401 Louis Brown Hall.  In addition, Nomination Cards will be available to Facilities Operations and University Police personnel through their supervisory chains of command. 

Dan Guzzo from Transamerica will be on campus for individual retirement counseling sessions on Friday, March 6.

These sessions will provide you the opportunity to meet confidentially to review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals. Appointments will be in The Office of Human Resources and will be 45 minutes in length. To schedule an appointment, click here.

Sursum Corda Awards were presented to four staff members, and University of Scranton President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., delivered his State of the University address at the Spring Convocation, which took place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on Feb. 13. In addition, new staff members who joined the University between Feb. 1, 2019, and Jan. 31, 2020, were recognized.

Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Awards recognize members of the University’s professional/paraprofessional staff, clerical/technical staff and maintenance/public safety staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University. This year’s recipients were: John Harris, electrician; Andrea Mantione, D.N.P., director of the Leahy Community Health and Family Center; Bryn Schofield, administrative assistant to associate dean, College of Arts and Sciences; and Donna Simpson, consultant manager, Small Business Development Center.

In his remarks, Father Pilarz thanked the award recipients “for the real and sacred work” they do for the University, and he extends that thanks “to all those who are here today.”

He read the poem “To be of use” by Marge Piercy, which begins:

“The people I love the best

jump into work head first

without dallying in the shallows …”

In his address, Father Pilarz mentioned the ongoing progress made through the University’s Strategic Enrollment Plan, which he described as “an inclusive and broad-based effort,” and noted, “two new majors added as a direct result of this process – mechanical engineering and business analytics.”

Father Pilarz also discussed the ongoing planning process for the University’s strategic plan, which should be completed in May, and the progress made by the Slattery Center for the Humanities, for which he thanked faculty leaders, working with Center’s executive director, for moving the initiative forward.

In closing, Father Pilarz invited the University community to attend the St. Thomas Gateway celebration on Thursday, Feb. 20.

Interested in writing a Lenten Reflection? 

During the Lenten Season, The Jesuit Center sends out daily devotionals to faculty, staff, students and interested alumni.  These devotionals help participants reflect on the Lenten journey while building up our community. Reflections can be based on:

• The scriptures of the day
• The patron saint of the day
• The Lenten Season
• Cultural Lenten practices
• Personal experiences

If you are interested in writing a reflection yet are not sure of your ability to do so don’t be afraid -- help is readily available from your friends at the Jesuit Center. 

We hope that you’ll consider participating in this holy and powerful journey.

If interested, please contact the jesuitcenter@scranton.edu by Thursday, Feb. 20.

The Offices of the President and Provost cordially invites you to the Spring Convocation which will mark the beginning of the Spring Semester. The program will feature introduction of new staff; presentation of the Sursum Corda Awards; and the President’s Address to the University Community. 

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, at 11:30 am in the DeNaples Center Room 407 A/B.  A lunch will follow the event in the DeNaples Center Room 407C.

The University of Scranton recently approved a Pregnancy Accommodation Policy for employees to become effective on Feb. 1, 2020.  The policy was created to provide faculty and staff with a clear process in which to request work accommodations due to pregnancy, in compliance with the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Among other items, this policy includes:

·       The procedure for requesting accommodations

·       A description of the interactive request process

·       Supervisors’ obligations

·       Forms of pregnancy accommodations, and more. 

The Office of Equity and Diversity will be holding informational sessions on the Pregnancy Accommodation Policy in the Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall 228 on the following dates and times. 

·       Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

·       Tuesday, March 3 at 12:30 p.m. 

Registration is requested for these sessions. Please click here to register. 

The policy will be available on the Office of Equity and Diversity website, under the “Laws & Policies” tab, effective 12:01 a.m., Feb. 1, 2020.

If you have any questions please contact Christine Black, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, or Elizabeth M. Garcia, Esq., from the Office of Equity and Diversity of the University of Scranton.

Dear Members of the University Staff:

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence! The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for February is:  Maryellen Burns   

How long have you worked at the University? 

I just celebrated my 4^th anniversary at the end of November.

What is your title? 

Sr. Financial Aid Counselor and VA Certifying Official

What do you like best about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is the fact that I get to counsel students and parents through the financial aid process, which can often be intimidating and overwhelming for them. I’m also appreciative for the opportunity to assist our veteran students in utilizing their VA Education benefits, which they’re so deserving of.    

It’s a good feeling knowing that I’ve played a role in helping students realize what a great investment they’re making by attending The University of Scranton!

What do you like to do for fun? 

For fun, I enjoy reading, exercising and spending time with my family.

 

Maryellen will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space for the month of their selection! Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.  We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

We hope you will join the Staff Senate in recognizing and nominating employees in the future and share our excitement for giving individuals the opportunity to be acknowledged for their outstanding efforts on behalf of our campus community.

The nominations must be submitted by the 29^th of the month for the next drawing to pick a winner.                                                                                                                                                                              

Click here to obtain a nomination card.                                                                                    

Click here to see past winners and nominees.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

The card may be completed online and forwarded to Peggy Doolittle at peggydoolittle@scranton.edu. You may also print it out and send it to Peggy’s office in 401 Louis Brown Hall.  In addition, Nomination Cards will be available to Facilities Operations and University Police personnel through their supervisory chains of command. 

Employees, join us for retirement counseling.

Bill Connors from TIAA will be on campus for individual retirement counseling sessions on January 30th, Feb. 27 and March 26 These sessions will provide you the opportunity to meet with a representative confidentially to review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals. Our TIAA-CREF representative will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please visit www.tiaa.org/scranton and scroll down to the bottom left to schedule an appointment or call (800) 732-8353, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to secure a time slot. Appointments are one hour in length.

Dan Guzzo from Transamerica will be on campus for individual retirement counseling sessions on February 7th and March 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and May 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These sessions will provide you the opportunity to meet confidentially to review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals. Appointments will be in The Office of Human Resources and will be 30 minutes in length. To schedule an appointment, email daniel.guzzo@transamerica.com.

Sponsored by Employee Wellness/CHEW and Human Resources. Join us for a free cooking demonstration for faculty and staff from Aramark on Jan. 23 starting promptly at 12 p.m. in the Moscowitz Theater (4th-floor DeNaples). Following the presentation, have lunch on us on 3rd-floor- Fresh Food Company with the featured dish. You must attend the demonstration to be eligible for the complimentary lunch.

Click Here to Register

If you have any questions, call CHEW X 4253

Dear Members of the University Staff:

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence! The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community! THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for January is:  Daniela Teneva     

How long have you worked at the University? 

Five years.

What is your title? 

Custodian.

What do you like best about your job? 

I like working with all the nice people around me.

What do you like to do for fun? 

I like to go out for movie night with my family.

Daniela will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space for the month of their selection! Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.  We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

We hope you will join the Staff Senate in recognizing and nominating employees in the future and share our excitement for giving individuals the opportunity to be acknowledged for their outstanding efforts on behalf of our campus community.

The nominations must be submitted by the 29^th of the month for the next drawing to pick a winner.                                                                                                                                                                              

Click here to obtain a nomination card.                                                                                    

Click here to see past winners and nominees.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

The card may be completed online and forwarded to Peggy Doolittle at peggydoolittle@scranton.edu. You may also print it out and send it to Peggy’s office in 401 Louis Brown Hall.  In addition, Nomination Cards will be available to Facilities Operations and University Police personnel through their supervisory chains of command. 

Congratulations to Our Other January 2020 Magis Nominees:

	Jan-20
Daniela Teneva	Facilities
Frank Lynette	Trades
Lisa Cornell	Registrar & Academic Services
Gina Butler	CAS Dean's Office
Lynn Pelick	ORAS
Kathy Mehall	Admissions
Peggy Doolittle	University Advancement
Pam Gavin	University Advancement

The University of Scranton has named Julie Schumacher Cohen assistant vice president for community engagement and government affairs. In this position, she will report to the vice president for enrollment management and external affairs and will also work closely with the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

In her new role, Schumacher Cohen will work to deepen the University’s community engagement efforts and government affairs activities and strengthen the mission of the University as an anchor institution in our city and region. She will also work to expand further community-based learning activities and collaboration between academic affairs and external community and government partners, including grant-seeking efforts.

Since 2010, Schumacher Cohen has served as the University’s director of community and government relations. During that time, she has expanded the work of the University in several key areas: spearheading a new downtown Scranton engagement initiative; building collaborative relationships with community, neighborhood, and government leaders and organizations; and together with community and faculty partners, creating refugee solidarity programming and the University’s political dialogue civic engagement initiative.

As part of the University’s strategic plan, Schumacher Cohen led an effort to explore expansion of community-based learning and currently chairs the Community-Based Learning Board which reports to the provost. She has shepherded capital project government grant applications that have resulted in nearly $3 million in state funding.

From 2016-2019, Schumacher Cohen served as co-chair of the University’s Middle States Self-Study, which concluded this summer with a successful reaccreditation. Her writing has appeared in the Scranton Times-Tribune, America, Connections and the Journal of Ecumenical Studies.

Schumacher Cohen serves on the board of directors of Scranton Tomorrow, First Friday Scranton, Metro Action, and Heritage Valley Partners.

Prior to joining the University, she worked for several non-profit organizations, including as deputy director of the Washington, D.C., based advocacy organization, Churches for Middle East Peace.

Schumacher Cohen earned a bachelor’s degree in political studies and English literature from Gordon College and a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University. She will soon complete her participation in the 18-month Ignatian Colleagues Program.

Hello colleagues, 

The Staff Senate has been asked to gather nominations for the Sursum Corda Award.  The Staff Recognition & Excellence Awards Committee will be collecting nominations.  We have attached the award information sheet, a list of past recipients and the award nomination form.

Please fill out the attached nomination form as much as possible (it does not have to be 100% complete) and send it to staffsenaterecognition@scranton.edu by Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Each year, a Sursum Corda Award is presented to three members of the University Community:

A member of the Professional/Paraprofessional staff;

A member of Clerical/Technical staff; and

A member of the Maintenance/University Police staff

The Sursum Corda Award is one meaningful way to recognize the contributions of our staff members. 

Thank you,

The Staff Recognition & Excellence Committee

The Staff Senate Staff Development Committee cordially invites you to an informational session on COLD WEATHER SAFETY.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509.

A light lunch will be served. Registration by 12/2 is required for this event.
Please click here to register.

We are pleased to have Andrew Snyder, Scranton Office Manager and former Director of Continuing Education at AAA North Penn, and Mike Baltrusaitis, University Health and Safety Officer, Cocciardi and Associates, provide this program for University staff!

Two University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff members presented sessions at the 39th America’s SBDC national conference in Long Beach, California, this semester.

Keith Yurgosky, business consultant, presented “Overcoming Your SBDC’s Social Media Challenges” and also served as a panelist in a digital marketing session with SBDC colleagues from across the country.

Lisa Hall Zielinski, director, presented “Achieving Goals with a Small Business Internship Initiative.” Zielinski is a member of the America’s SBDC Professional Development and Education Conference Committee, a small group of SBDC staff from across the country who assist America’s SBDC staff in planning the annual conference.

This year, more than 1,300 SBDC professionals from across the country attended the conference. These advisors, trainers and directors came together for professional development and networking.

SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The University of Scranton SBDC serves 8 counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

“Working Towards a More Inclusive Campus” was the theme of the Fall Communications Symposium, hosted by The Staff Senate and the Office of Human Resources on Thursday, Nov. 14. Elizabeth M. Garcia, J.D., Title IX Coordinator and Executive Director, Office of Equity & Diversity, was welcomed as the guest presenter for the semi-annual event, which was attended by University faculty and staff.

Garcia reminded attendees that students, faculty and staff all play a part in creating an environment that makes students feel comfortable and creates a healthy working environment. A variety of hands-on learning experiences are available, including the Diversity & Inclusion Lunch and Learn Series and Title IX Refresher on Required Reporting, both of which were offered this fall. One more Title IX Required Reporter Refresher is available this semester, on Monday, Nov. 25, at 11:30 a.m. in Brennan Hall’s Pearn Auditorium.

The OED’s website also offers a wealth of resources such as Tool Kits for Inclusionary Hiring and Safe Colleges online training. Monthly suggested trainings are available through Safe Colleges, and over 275 employees have completed the current Discrimination Awareness in the Workplace course. Garcia stressed that anything relating to Title IX that comes from their office is mandatory; all other trainings are optional. She and her OED colleagues are open to feedback on future in-person and online topics.

Garcia also touched on one updated and one new policy that took effect on Friday, Nov. 1. Additional educational sessions are being offered on the Americans With Disabilities Reasonable Accommodation Policies on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 2:00 p.m. and on the Religious Accommodation Policy on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m. Both sessions will be held in Brennan Hall’s Pearn Auditorium. A new Pregnancy Accommodation Policy is in the works and will soon be submitted to the President’s Cabinet for consideration. If approved, information sessions will also be available on that policy.

More information on events, trainings, and additional resources can be found on the OED’s website here.

All staff are welcome to join us at the Annual Staff Senate Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. While this is a free event for University Staff Members, registration is required. Please click here to register: http://bit.ly/2019StaffSenateChristmas

Attendees are asked to bring toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.) to be donated to the Leahy Clinic. Proceeds from the Basket Raffle and 50/50 will also benefit the Leahy Clinic.

Hope to see you there!

The Jesuit Center is pleased to offer the Ignatian Leadership Program and Footsteps of Ignatius Pilgrimage for 2019/2020.

Pilgrims will travel through Spain and Italy visiting the important sites in the life of St. Ignatius Loyola and the early Jesuits, including Loyola Castle (family home, birthplace, and location of his conversion), the cave at Manresa, Montserrat, Vatican City, Church of the Gesu, and Gregorian University.

The Pilgrimage will begin with the fourth cohort of the University of Scranton Ignatian Leadership Program, an opportunity to meet once a month to examine important texts and works in preparation for the pilgrimage.

The monthly meetings will begin with an orientation meeting on November 22 with the Pilgrimage taking place from June 14, 2020 to June 24, 2020.

An expanded description of the Pilgrimage and mostly meeting schedule can be found on the Jesuit Center website. 

Please submit your application via email (ryan.sheehan@scranton.edu) by Nov. 18, 2019.

Please be sure to review the dates of the monthly meetings prior to applying.  Although space will be limited, I encourage all interested individuals to apply.