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Scranton SBDC Wins Pennsylvania SBDC Awards image

Community

October 1, 2021

Scranton SBDC Wins Pennsylvania SBDC Awards

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center received multiple Pennsylvania achievement awards.

Faculty

September 30, 2021

The University of Scranton has appointed 16 new full-time faculty members for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Wesam Alramadeen, was named lecturer in the Operations and Analytics Department. Previously, he has worked internationally for more than two decades as a business development and strategy advisor, consultant and senior engineer, among other positions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering-telecommunication from Mutah University in Jordan, a MBA from German Jordanian University in Jordan, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering at Binghamton University.

Hossein Banitabaei, Ph.D., Vancouver, was named assistant professor in the Physics and Engineering Department. Dr. Banitabaei’s research expertise is in fluid dynamics and interfacial phenomena utilizing experimental techniques and numerical simulation methods. He has published several articles in reputable journals including a Featured Article in Physics of Fluids. Dr. Banitabaei earned his bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and industrial engineering (systems analysis and planning), as well as a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology in Iran. He received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from York University in Toronto. Dr. Banitabaei was awarded a joint postdoctoral fellowship with BC Research Inc. in Vancouver and the University of British Columbia through which he worked on a project to develop a gel used for oil containment in large oil spill incidents.

Dana Brookover, Ph.D., NCC, Scranton, was named assistant professor in the Counseling and Human Services Department. A licensed school counselor and national certified counselor, Dr. Brookover worked as a professional school counselor in Virginia. She was an instructor at DePaul University, Villanova University and Virginia Commonwealth University prior to beginning at The University of Scranton. She has published over a dozen articles in refereed academic journals on topics that include the social health needs of college students and factors that influence the preparedness of first-generation college students. Dr. Brookover earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Christopher Newport University and her master’s degree in school counseling from the College of William and Mary. She graduated with her doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision from the Virginia Commonwealth University in December 2020.

Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., Iloilo City, Philippines, was named associate professor in the Chemistry Department. Previously, he served as an associate professor of chemistry at Louisiana State University at Alexandria. His core research interests involve the development of novel spectroscopic and computational tools with a wide array of applications in edible oils, food science and biomedical research. During his career, Dr. Dumancas has generated more than $2 million in external research grants and has published more than a dozen articles in peer-reviewed academic journals. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines and his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Oklahoma State University.

Rachel Frissell, Spring Brook Township, was named faculty specialist in the Physics and Engineering Department. She worked as a process engineer at SRI International in Princeton, New Jersey, serving as the primary engineer on physical vapor deposition tools. She also worked in the Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She studied geomagnetic field observations from Antarctica and presented her work at various conferences. Professor Frissell earned her bachelor’s degree in physics from the Robert E. Cook Honors College at Indiana University of Pennsylvania; her master’s degree in materials science and engineering from Virginia Tech; and her master’s in applied physics from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Dana Gadaire, Psy.D., Gainesville, Florida, was named visiting assistant professor in the psychology department. Last academic year, she taught in Scranton’s Counseling and Human Services Department. She is a licensed psychologist, social worker and board-certified behavior analyst who has established community-based clinical services in local primary care clinics where she works with physicians and nurses to promote access to behavioral health screening and treatment among underserved populations in our area. Dr. Gadaire has published extensively on empirically-supported practices to promote pediatric behavioral health including functional assessment, token-based interventions and activity schedules. She is particularly interested in the dissemination of community-based supports to address behavioral health disparities among underserved populations. Dr. Gadaire earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida, her master’s degree in social work from the University of Georgia, her master’s degree in clinical and community psychology from Georgia State University and her Doctor of Psychology in school psychology from the University of Southern Maine.

Natalie Gilboy, Clarks Summit, was named faculty specialist in the Nursing Department. She currently serves as a nurse practitioner with Pediatric Associates in Kingston. She earned certification in Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist through the Pediatric Nursing Board in 2018. Gilboy is also active in her community through participation with the Abington Heights High School Student Aid fund and the PTA and as a volunteer coach for school and sports teams. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing and her Family Nurse Practitioner master’s degree in nursing from The University of Scranton.

Alicia Hatcher, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the English and Theatre Department. Dr. Hatcher has served as an instructor and adjunct instructor at Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina, and as an adjunct instructor at North Carolina Central University and Campbell University, also in North Carolina. Dr. Hatcher serves as a mentor for The Coalition of Feminist Scholars in the History of Rhetoric and Composition’s online mentoring program (2021-2022) and as co-editor of The Journal of Multimodal Rhetorics – Comics/Visual Rhetorics, Decoloniality, and Liberatory Futures special issue, which is slated for publication in the spring of 2022. Her research focuses on embodied, spatial and cultural rhetorics, specifically the ways bodies and spaces are used as rhetorical and symbolic tools in the fight against systemic oppression.

Dr. Hatcher earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, her master’s degree in English from North Carolina Central University and her Ph.D. in rhetoric, writing and professional communication from East Carolina University.

Nicole Hoskins, Ph.D., Chicago, Illinois, was named assistant professor in the Theology and Religious Studies Department. Dr. Hoskins received the Charlette W. Newcombe Fellowship, Louisville Institute Fellowship, and the Forum for Theological Education Fellowship to support her graduate research. She is also a member of the Society for the Study of Black Religion. Her current research project examines the religious and ecological practices of black women in Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens, an area sociologists identify as one of the most egregious cases of environmental racism in the U.S. Dr. Hoskins earned her bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Spelman College, her Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, and her Ph.D. in religion and society from Drew University.

John Kaufman, Lehigh Valley, was named faculty specialist in the Computing Science Department. Professor Kaufman worked at IBM for 41 years in Endicott, Glendale, Fishkill and Poughkeepsie, New York as an advisory engineer on Unix Operating Systems and Networking. During his career at IBM, he received multiple recognition and leadership awards. Professor Kaufman earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from The University of Scranton and his master’s degree in telecommunication from Syracuse University. He is also an SAP Advisory Architect, trained by SAP America, and a graduate of LongRidge Writers Group.

Bibi Khan, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Biology Department. She was a post-doctoral fellow at the Noble Research Institute in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and served as a lecturer at the University of Guyana. Dr. Khan’s research interests include plant molecular biology, plant cell biology, plant biotechnology and plant genetics. She has authored or co-authored nearly a dozen research studies that have been published in peer-reviewed academic journals. In 2004, she received a Fulbright scholarship to pursue graduate studies in the United States. Dr. Khan earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from the University of Guyana. She earned her master’s degree in molecular plant pathology from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and her Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Neelam Lahankar, Ph.D., Brooklyn, New York, was named faculty specialist in the Chemistry Department. She was an adjunct professor at CUNY New York City, Bergen County Community College in New Jersey and at New Jersey City University. She taught chemistry to 11^th and 12th-grade students in Pune and Mumbai India. She is also certified in effective college instruction and teaching online. Dr. Lahankar earned her bachelor’s degree in science and mathematics from Pune University in India and her Ph.D. in chemistry from Seton Hall University, where she was awarded the Robert De Simone Graduate Fellowship.

David Mahalak, D.Eng., Dallas, was named faculty specialist in the Operations and Analytics Department. He has worked as a strategic business management consultant at Applied Logistics Integration Consulting, LLC. He was an adjunct professor at Wilkes University and Penn State University – Hazleton. Dr. Mahalak earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Wilkes University, his master’s degree in operations research from Northeastern University and his Doctorate of Engineering in engineering management from George Washington University. He also completed a master certificate program in supply chain management and operations at Michigan State University and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certificate at Villanova University.

Joseph Morrissey, Ph.D., was named lecturer in the Psychology Department. He was an instructor at Binghamton University for more than 15 years, and was also a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts in Boston and at Boston University. He served as an adjunct professor at Boston College and Regis College, as well as at several other colleges. He has developed pedagogical resources in his field. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University and his Ph.D. in brain, behavior and cognition from Boston University.

Ashley Stampone, A.B.D., Old Forge, was named assistant professor in the Accounting Department. She joined the faculty at Scranton as a faculty specialist in 2016 and has received University and national accolades for her work. She was twice named Kania School of Management Professor of the Year. In 2019, she was honored with the Faculty Leadership Award from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and in 2021 received IMA’s Ursel K. Albers IMA Campus Advocate of the Year Award. She also received the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Young Leaders Award for 2021. Professor Stampone earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and her MBA from The University of Scranton. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Scranton.

Ash Zareian, Ph.D., was named faculty specialist in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department. He was a lecturer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he also worked as a data analyst. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas Pan American and his MBA and Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

The University of Scranton Appoints New Faculty Members

The University has appointed 16 new full-time faculty members for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Student

September 29, 2021

Student Contest: Think Globally, Think Asia!

Submit a creative product to win prizes! The theme is “Think Globally, Think Asia!”

Athletics

September 29, 2021

Royal Review - September 28, 2021

This week in athletics, Landmark Conference play began for three teams, as several squads continued outstanding starts to their 2021 seasons.

Global Insights Presents the 'Text Capital of the World!' image

Student

September 29, 2021

Global Insights Presents the 'Text Capital of the World!'

Erica Jeanne Mascardo ’23 and Ysobelle Reyes ’23 will present the next Global Insights event on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, at 11:30 a.m.

Campus Ministries Returns to Chapman Lake for the Connections Retreat image

Student

September 29, 2021

Campus Ministries Returns to Chapman Lake for the Connections Retreat

Once again, the Office of Campus Ministries sponsored the Connections Retreat for first-year students.

Student

September 29, 2021

Photo Gallery: Pet Therapy

Midterms are upon us. Thankfully, Pet Therapy can help.

Quotes from the Inauguration of the 29th President image

Alumni

September 29, 2021

“The University really is a miracle. It is a place in point of fact where miracles are commonplace; where dreams are nurtured; where hope is born in every generation, where the students have a friendship and a genius for loyalty, and therefore a place where friendships are strong and lifelong; where character is formed; where God is discovered, wrestled with, praised and served; where generosity is a way of life.” Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., the 23^rd president of The University of Scranton and current president of Fordham University

“What we need at this moment in higher education are leaders capable of distinguishing between the inevitable and the possible. Leaders with enough creativity and originality to write a new script for the future. And that, University of Scranton, is just one of the ways in which you are so blessed to have Joe Marina as your president.” Linda M. LeMura, Ph.D., president of Le Moyne College

“This campus and its students bring such a vibrant energy to our city and we are all proud to have such a world class institution in the heart of the city of Scranton. The University is a true exemplar of the best of Jesuit education.” U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright

“The city would not be what it is today without The University of Scranton. The University is a foundational institution in the community and as we do go forward it is paramount that we continue to build together.” Paige Cognetti, mayor of Scranton.

“At its core, the University continues to fulfill its original vision, rooted in the life of the church as a Catholic and Jesuit university animated by the spiritual vision and tradition of excellence characteristic of the Society of Jesus and those who share its way of proceeding.” Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton,

“In Father Marina, the board found a skilled academic leader and proven teacher who is also the ideal champion for mission and for community in all its richness.” James Slattery ’86, chair of The University of Scranton Board of Trustees

“Speaking for all Jesuits, you have our great affection, our prayers and every confidence that you will be a wonderful leader of this amazing place.” Rev. Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J., provincial of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus,

“We are absolutely privileged to have such a kind and thoughtful person leading The University of Scranton community as our new president. We have already noticed Father Marina’s genuine commitment to students and remain excited about the legacy he will leave on this University long after many of us have graduated. … While I’m sure his culinary skills are on point, it’s comforting to know that students aren’t the only ones who set of the fire alarm in Pilarz Hall.” Adrianna O. Smith ’22, president of Student Government

“More so than any other person I know, Joe has a stunningly acute sacramental vision. What I mean by that is that he sees clearly what is before him, but he also looks through those things, people, relationships, objects, impasses. He looks beyond them to see possibilities and newness. He sees the best of what can be and ultimately he sees how the finger of God is at work in all of it and in all of us.” Rev. Peter Folan, S.J., assistant professor of theology and religious studies at Georgetown University, in the Introduction of the President.

A recording of the ceremony can be viewed from the Inauguration website.

Quotes from the Inauguration of the 29th President

Brief quotations from speakers at the Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as The University of Scranton’s 29th President.

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Student

September 29, 2021

Author to Discuss Contributions of Muslims in U.S.

Author Amir Hussain, Ph.D., to discuss his book “Muslims and the Making of America” at a lecture on Oct. 1.

Values In Action Lecture Examines Racial Justice image

Student

September 29, 2021

Author and University of Scranton alumnus Yohuru Williams, Ph.D. ’93 G’93, will present “The Fire This Time: Racial Justice, Catholic Social Teaching, and the Promise of Jesuit Education in the Age of Black Lives Matter,” at The University of Scranton’s Values In Action Lecture on Oct. 4. The lecture is part of the University’s annual Royal Reads program, which introduces incoming students to Ignatian values through a shared reading experience of a selected book in addition to programming in courses and extra-curricular activities throughout the semester that expands discussion on themes first encountered in the book.

The book selected for members of Scranton’s Class of 2025 is James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time, the 1963 national bestseller that delves into the grave consequences of racial injustice and calls readers to recognize the importance of advocating for racial equality.

The lecture for first-year students will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex. The lecture will be live streamed to the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center, the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall and the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center for other members of the University community.

Dr. Williams is the Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. His research interests include African American history, civil rights, Black Power movements, African-American constitutional and legal history, urban history and 20th-century American history. He has authored and edited numerous books, including “Rethinking the Black Freedom Movement,” “Black Politics White Power, Civil Rights, Black Power, and the Black Panthers in New Haven” and “The Black Panthers: Portraits of an Unfinished Revolution,” among others. He has presented at numerous conferences, panels and public lectures and has appeared on a variety of national radio and television programs, including ABC, CNN, CSPAN, Fox Business News and NPR.

A former trustee of The University of Scranton, Dr. Williams earned his bachelor’s degrees in political science and history and a master’s degree in history from Scranton. He received a Ph.D. in history from Howard University.

Values In Action Lecture Examines Racial Justice

Ignatian Values In Action Lecture to examine “the Promise of Jesuit Education in the Age of Black Lives Matter” on Oct. 4.

University Receives 1 Million Dollar Donation image

Alumni

September 28, 2021

The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management announced a gift of $1 million from John D. Dionne ’86 and Jacquelyn Dionne ‘89. The generous donation will be used to name and support two Kania honors programs: the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program; and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. The fund will support the growing Study Abroad program and other activities for students in these two honors programs, as well as other students enrolled in the Kania School of Management.

The Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program are among the University’s five undergraduate programs of excellence. The Business Honors Program is a selective four-year program geared toward highly-motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing academic excellence in business who will pursue honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management. The Business Leadership Honors Program is a highly-selective program students enter in their junior year. Participants explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.

For over twenty-five years, the Dionnes have been good friends and generous benefactors of The University of Scranton and the Kania School of Management. The Dionnes were co-recipients of the 2013 University President’s Medal and were the driving force behind creating the Kania School Business Leader Hall of Fame. The green located at the heart of the University’s campus is named in their honor.

“I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and steadfast support. You are an example to our students and your fellow graduates and an inspiration to me.” said Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, upon announcing the gift at his Inauguration as Scranton’s 29^th president on Sept. 24.

A native of Scranton, Jackie Dionne is a registered nurse and received her bachelor’s degree in health administration from the University. She currently serves as an RN with elderly and Alzheimer’s patients. Jackie Dionne serves on the University’s Board of Trustees and previously served on its board from 2011 to 2017. She works with numerous charitable organizations, including the National Charity League, Horizons Organization of Bridgeport and Meals on Wheels.

A New Hampshire native, John Dionne graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics/finance and accounting from the University and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. A very successful business executive, he retired in 2013 as a senior managing director from the Blackstone Group. He currently serves as a senior advisor to Blackstone, is a senior lecturer at the Harvard Business School, and a director of Fortune 500 companies. A former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, John Dionne, helped launch the President’s Business Council and the annual award dinner. A frequent speaker in the Kania School of Management’s Executive in Residence program and other leading universities, he was recently ranked among Harvard’s top 50 most prominent alumni.

“We are grateful to honor two of the long-time icons of the Kania School in current Professor Dr. Robert McKeage and the late Dr. Frank Corcione. They share a demanding Jesuit philosophical ideal, illustrated by the quote of St. Luke – ‘from whom much is given, much is expected,’” said John Dionne. “Dr. Corcione was demanding but cared, and motivated students to give it their all. Wall Street is awash with ‘Corcione products.’”

“Additionally, we are pleased to enhance the rapidly growing demand by students for semesters abroad by making them more affordable. We believe the program is a life-changing experience and an exciting complement to a University of Scranton Catholic and Jesuit education,” added Jackie Dionne. “Dr. McKeage is award-winning, dedicated faculty member, who always places student learning first.”

University Receives 1 Million Dollar Donation

A generous $1 million gift from John and Jacquelyn Dionne will be used to name and support two Kania School of Management honors programs.

Two Honors Programs Named After Professors image

Alumni

September 28, 2021

Supported by a generous gift from the Dionne family, The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management will name two programs of excellence after faculty who have had a significant impact on the lives of Kania students: the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

About the Professors Honored

The legendary Frank P. Corcione, Ph.D., professor emeritus, retired in 2009 after 28 years of distinguished service to The University of Scranton. A member of the department of Economics and Finance and professor emeritus at Scranton, he taught a wide range of courses within his field. A highly-regarded professor, he was an imposing presence in the classroom and demanded students give their best. Generations of students will attest to the nervousness they felt when enrolling in his classes. However, in return, Dr. Corcione had a huge impact on the lives of many of his students. He was demanding but cared, and motivated students to give it their all. He used his strong connections with alumni to help students secure internships and jobs. Wall Street is awash with “Corcione products.” During his nearly 30 years at The University of Scranton, Dr. Corcione was active with the faculty union. He also served as a consultant working on economics damages cases and was widely respected for his formidable skill in providing courtroom testimony. A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Dr. Corcione earned a bachelor’s degree from Moravian College. He earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Lehigh University. He proudly served in the U.S Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962. Sadly, he passed away in December 2020 and is survived by his widow Sandy, sons Christopher and Matthew, and grandson Michael.

A distinguished professor who has served as a faculty member at The University of Scranton since 1974, Robert L. McKeage, Ph.D. ’71, G’73, is the director of the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program and an associate professor of marketing and management in the Kania School of Management. Dr. McKeage played a key role in the development of Scranton’s Business Leadership Honors Program, which has graduated more than 200 elite students who have completed the prestigious two-year program. An award-winning, dedicated faculty member, who always places student learning first, Dr. McKeage’s numerous teaching accolades include the Alpha Sigma Nu’s Edward Gannon Award for Teaching, the Kania School of Management’s Student’s Choice Award for Teaching and the Provost’s Enhancement Award for Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. In 2011, he was awarded the University’s O’Hara Award, which is the highest honor bestowed jointly by the University and its Alumni Society. Most recently, he was named an Alperin Teaching Fellow. Dr. McKeage is an active volunteer in the greater Scranton area, serving on several regional non-profit boards. A native of Montrose, Pennsylvania, Dr. McKeage holds both a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Scranton. He also earned a Master’s of Science from Lehigh University and a Ph.D. from Temple University.

John D. Dionne ’86 and Jacquelyn Dionne ’89 said in the announcement of their gift of $1 million:

“We are grateful to honor two of the long-time icons of the Kania School in current Professor Dr. Robert McKeage and the late Dr. Frank Corcione. They share a demanding Jesuit philosophical ideal, illustrated by the quote of St. Luke – ‘from whom much is given, much is expected,’”

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, announced the gift at his Inauguration as Scranton’s 29^th president, thanking the Dionnes' for their “generosity and steadfast support. You are an example to our students and your fellow graduates and an inspiration to me.”

About the Programs of Excellence

The Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program are among the University’s five undergraduate programs of excellence. The Business Honors Program is a selective four-year program geared toward highly-motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing academic excellence in business who will pursue honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management. The Business Leadership Honors Program is a highly-selective program students enter in their junior year. Participants explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.

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Two Honors Programs Named After Professors

Gift to Kania School of Management to name two business honors programs for two professors.

South Side Restaurant Tour to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month image

Community

September 28, 2021

South Side Restaurant Tour to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Students can enjoy a sampling of Mexican and El Salvadoran cuisine while exploring Scranton’s Cedar Iron District in South Side.

The University of Scranton Names Six New Trustees image

Alumni

September 27, 2021

The University of Scranton named six individuals to its Board of Trustees: John Boken P’16, P’22; Rev. Thomas W. Neitzke, S.J.; Crystal E. Newby, Ed.D. ’04, G’08; Rev. Angelo J. (“A.J.”) Rizzo, S.J. ’03; Joseph L. Sorbera Jr. P’08, P’08; and Anthony J. Yanni, M.D. ’88, P’21, P’23.

Boken is a managing director in the turnaround and restructuring services practice at AlixPartners, an international consultancy firm. With more than 30 years of corporate turnaround and restructuring experience, he specializes in complex, high profile, national and cross-border cases, including NRG Energy (2004) and Flying J (2011). He has often been appointed to senior management positions in client engagements, including serving as CEO, COO, CFO, and Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO), helping companies address and resolve financial and operational distress. Recently, he served as Deputy CRO for Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) in its landmark Chapter 11 bankruptcy case in California. His experience spans a variety of industries, including energy, logistics, entertainment, homebuilding, industrial construction, manufacturing, retail, health care and agriculture.

Boken started his professional career at Arthur Andersen, ultimately becoming a principal and co-owner of a premier boutique restructuring advisory firm, Zolfo Cooper. In 2018, he and his partners merged their firm with AlixPartners, where he now serves in both a leadership capacity and continues as a senior client restructuring advisory practitioner. In addition, Boken serves on the board of directors for The Pasha Group.

Boken holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Santa Clara University. He resides in South Pasadena, California, with his wife, Susie. They are the parents of three children: Brendan ’16, Connell and Eryn ’22.

Father Neitzke, Ed.D., is the dean and executive director at Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago. Previously, he served as president of Creighton Preparatory School and was also an adjunct faculty member at Creighton University’s Graduate School. He has taught courses in strategic and political leadership, school law and foundations of education, and has supervised internships in elementary/secondary administration. He is also an adjunct faculty member for the Jesuit Worldwide Learning: Higher Education at the Margins.

Father Neitzke served as chairman of the board at Creighton Preparatory School before his term as president, and currently serves on the boards of Marquette University, Marquette University High School and the Jesuit Academy. Previously, he served on the boards of Georgetown Preparatory School, Loyola Academy, Seattle University, Brophy College Preparatory School and the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands.

Father Neitzke earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Loyola University in Chicago, a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Divinity degree from Santa Clara University and a doctorate from Creighton University focusing on educational leadership.

Dr. Newby recently accepted the role of senior director of strategic admission, access and diversity initiatives at the College Board. Previously, Dr. Newby served as the inaugural director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the National Association for College Admission Counseling, where she served for eight years. Earlier in her career, she worked in college admission offices at The University of Scranton, Montclair State University and Bloomsburg University.

Most recently, Dr. Newby joined the Advisory Council for the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable, a college access and completion network. In addition, she served as a selection committee member from 2015-2020 for the American School Counselor Association’s School Counselor of the Year award. In 2020, she interviewed Professor Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author of “How to be an Antiracist and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You,” co-authored by Jason Reynolds. In June 2021, Dr. Newby had an essay published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: I’m Speaking Now: Black Women Share Their Truth in 101 Stories of Love, Courage and Hope.”

Dr. Newby earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from The University of Scranton and a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. At her undergraduate commencement at Scranton, Dr. Newby received the Lawrence A. Mann Award, which recognizes leadership and service to the University community. As a student at Scranton, she was an active member of Performance Music, United Colors, Liva Arts Company and University Players. She also served as a resident assistant, orientation assistant and student teleworker.

Father Rizzo is a priest of the U.S.A. East Province of the Society of Jesus, who began serving as the president of Scranton Preparatory School in July 2021. Most recently, he served as director of mission and identity at Regis High School in New York City.

Fr. Rizzo taught English, religion and Latin at Scranton Prep from 2011 to 2014. An alumnus of St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, he previously ministered at several other Jesuit high schools on the east coast. He served at his alma mater as a volunteer teacher in the school’s Alumni Service Corps. He also served as the director of Christian service at Loyola Blakefield for three years. He entered the Society of Jesus in 2007 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2017. He served as assistant pastor at St. Ignatius Loyola parish in Baltimore, and earlier was a deacon at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Oakland, California.

Fr. Rizzo has served as a trustee of St. Ignatius High School, St. Elizabeth High School and Fairfield Preparatory School.

Father Rizzo earned bachelor’s degrees in both biology and philosophy from The University of Scranton, a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola University Maryland; a master’s degree in humanities from Fordham University, and a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. Fr. Rizzo was awarded a doctorate in Catholic educational leadership from the University of San Francisco.

Sorbera is the CEO and president of JLS Cost Management Systems, Inc., based in New York City. His firm manages finances, costs and strategies associated with major construction projects being conducted by businesses across the United States and Europe. He also serves as a long-standing member of the board of directors-executive management committee of Bideawee, a 118-year-old animal rescue and adoption organization.

Since 2004, Sorbera has served The University of Scranton in multiple capacities: first as an involved parent, then in a leadership position alongside then-President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., in the Pride, Passion and Promise Capital Campaign. He has served as an executive-in-residence for Kania School of Management and as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees from 2009-2015. He is currently a member of the President’s Business Council and was honored with the President’s Medal in 2018.

Sorbera earned his bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Phoenix. He and his late wife, Diane, have three children Christina, Diana ’08 and Joseph III ’08, and a granddaughter, Danielle Marie.

Dr. Yanni is senior vice president and head of patient centricity at Astellas, where he is responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s global patient centricity strategy across all functions of the organization. With a shared vision to better and more genuinely understand the patient journey in the real-world setting, along with the continued development of a patient-centered corporate culture worldwide, one area in which he is focused is on creating sustainable processes to address key areas that matter to patients and applying their unique insights to the entire product lifecycle – from early research to development and, ultimately, to utilization.

Previously, Dr. Yanni held multiple roles at Sanofi, most recently serving as head of patient insights, solutions and outcomes where he led a global team to create a first-in-industry process to integrate the patient and clinician perspective into research portfolio decision-making. Earlier in his career, Dr. Yanni spent nearly 15 years in clinical practice serving as a primary care physician, chief of internal medicine and chief medical officer for a health system in the Northeastern United States.

Dr. Yanni currently serves on the board of directors for Patient Focused Medical Development. He was selected as one of 2021’s 100 Most Inspiring People in the life-sciences industry by PharmaVoice Magazine.

Dr. Yanni earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, a MBA from the University of Massachusetts and a M.D. from Drexel University School of Medicine (formerly Hahnemann). He is married to Karen (Fagin) Yanni ’88, G’08, and they have four children: Patrick, Gina, Nicholas ’21 and Elisa ’23.

The University of Scranton Names Six New Trustees

The University of Scranton names six new members, including three alumni, to its Board of Trustees.

Scranton Celebrates Inauguration of 29th President image

Alumni

September 24, 2021

“A Fire That Kindles Other Fires,” the theme chosen for the Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as the 29th president of The University of Scranton, was evident throughout the address given by the new president at the ceremony. In his Inaugural Address, Father Marina referred to remarks of former Scranton presidents, words of Jesuit superior generals, the life of St. Ignatius and the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, alumni and others, to illustrate the influence one person can have on others.

“In his first inaugural address, Father Pilarz referred to our University as a miracle in the mountains. And that’s exactly what it is. But it didn’t take long for me to notice that Scranton is also a vineyard in the valley, a place where hard work, dedication, and an authentic commitment to the ideals and characteristics of Catholic and Jesuit higher education converge for the benefit of the students we serve,” said Father Marina. “This vineyard produces sweet and abundant grapes and our harvest is a harvest to be envied. … The credit goes to our wonderful students, our amazing faculty and staff, loyal trustees, alumni and benefactors who, year after year, have cultivated the soil of this vineyard to make it rich and nurturing.”

Father Marina said the term “a fire that kindles other fires,” from the second decree of the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus, “is a metaphor that every Jesuit work, and every member of that work, can take on in a personal and apostolic way. The University of Scranton is, without a doubt, a fire that kindles other fires – one that illuminates and warms rather than burns and destroys.”

Father Marina referred to the University’s sense of community as its greatest asset.

“The community that is Scranton is authentic, and you can feel it almost immediately when stepping onto our beautiful campus. We are a family,” said Father Marina. “Our community is not an insulated one. It is grounded in God’s love. Our university exists because of Jesus Christ. And our future will be stoked by the fire of the Holy Spirit for decades to come. This triune reality makes our community open to all, not despite their differences, but precisely because of them. We are made stronger by our diversity and by our love for one another.”

Father Marina closed his remarks citing advice he received from Scranton’s 23^rd president, Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., currently the president of Fordham University: “If you love The University of Scranton, if you truly love it, then marvelous things are bound to happen.”

Father Marina said that is “exactly” what he intends to do, and asked others to “please join me as we carry our mission forward, or, more rightly, may I join you? So that, together, we can cultivate this wonderful vineyard in the valley and be that fire that kindles other fires.”

The Inauguration occurred during the Ignatian Year, the 500^th anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

Nearly 1,500 members of the University community and invited guests attended the Inauguration, including representatives from more than 45 colleges and universities; Rev. Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J., provincial of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, who presented the Missioning of the President at the ceremony; Scranton’s Mayor Paige Cognetti, who provided greetings from the city; and Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, who provided the Invocation, among others. Recorded greetings were given by U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright and U.S. Senator Bob Casey, a Scranton native. The Inauguration also featured the performance of an original work composed for the Inauguration by David Lantz III, titled “To the Ends of the Earth.”

A recording of the ceremony is available for viewing. Photos from the event can be seen on the University’s Inauguration Flickr album.

In addition to the Inauguration Ceremony, an Inauguration Mass is planned for Saturday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. on campus. An Inauguration Concert is set for Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center. The events coincide with Family Weekend.

Read quick facts about the inauguration.

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Scranton Celebrates Inauguration of 29th President

The University of Scranton celebrated the Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as its 29th President.

Quick Facts on Inauguration of the 29th President image

Alumni

September 24, 2021

Quick Facts on Inauguration of the 29th President

Quick facts about the Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as The University of Scranton’s 29th President.

General

September 22, 2021

Livestream the Inauguration

The formal Inauguration Ceremony for Father Marina will take place on Friday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. at the Byron Recreation Complex for members of the University community and invited guests. The University will livestream the event.

General

September 22, 2021

Family Weekend is Almost Here

We are looking forward to welcoming families to Scranton on Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021.

Staff

September 22, 2021

Campus Flu Shot Clinic for Faculty and Staff

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.

Celebrating Fr. Marina’s Inauguration and Family Weekend image

General

September 22, 2021

Celebrating Fr. Marina’s Inauguration and Family Weekend

Here are some changes to this weekend's Mass schedule.

General

September 22, 2021

South Side Restaurant Tour Oct. 2

University of Scranton students are invited to Explore South Scranton and the Cedar Iron District and Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Student

September 22, 2021

Student: Campus Flu Shot Clinics-$10

Campus Flu Shot Clinics for students: Wednesday, Sept. 29 and Thursday, Sept 30.

General

September 22, 2021

Try Japanese Origami

Learn more about origami, the art of Japanese paper folding and try it for yourself with Japanese instructor Kentaro Fukube on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Kane Forum, Leahy 235.

Virtual Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar, Sept. 28 image

General

September 22, 2021

Virtual Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar, Sept. 28

Join us for the next Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar: The 2020 Pennsylvania Presidential Election Litigation.

Mother Daughter Retreat Oct. 9 and 10 image

Student

September 22, 2021

Mother Daughter Retreat Oct. 9 and 10

The Mother-Daughter Retreat will be held from Oct. 9 -10, 2021 at Chapman Lake Retreat Center.

Athletics

September 22, 2021

Royal Review - September 21, 2021

It was another full week for The University of Scranton Department of Athletics, capped off by every fall team collecting a victory on the road on both Saturday and Sunday in various competitions.

Resilient Royals Wins National Prize image

Student

September 22, 2021

Those of us who are older recall growing-up hearing the lyrics to the old 1936 song “pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.” The Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields song about endurance was used to encourage us to be resilient when we stumbled and fell.

Colleges today are composing new creations to encourage the same endurance to overcome hardships among their students and The University of Scranton’s innovative resiliency programming received a national accolade in being awarded the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ 2021 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Academic Partnership.

Scranton’s Resilient Royals initiative, developed by Student Life staff and faculty partners, includes signature events and peer education components, as well as resilience training embedded into the classroom curriculum. The programming is intended to address student needs related to their resilience and self-compassion based on data gathered from their participation in the National Collegiate Health Assessment.

“The Resilient Royals initiative seeks to normalize struggle and failure while helping students to understand the benefit of growth that can occur by overcoming challenges and for student to develop a greater awareness of resilience and self-compassion,” said Lauren Rivera, J.D., dean of students and assistant vice president for student life at The University of Scranton, who leads the initiative on campus.

Dean Rivera said national research suggests that the current generation of college students often struggles to view challenge or failure with a growth mindset. As a result, higher education professionals are helping students to develop a growth mindset as well as other healthy coping skills to successfully navigate academic and non-academic challenges of college life.

Scranton’s Resilient Royals programming included a 2019 Fail Forward panel discussion which was attended by 298 people. A survey conducted immediately following the program showed 98 percent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the Fail Forward Panel helped them to realize that encountering challenges and experiencing failure is a normal part of life, and 94 percent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the panel inspired them to reflect on how they have coped with and navigated setbacks and challenges in their own life. A survey conducted of attendees one month after the program showed 54 percent of respondents always or frequently viewed challenges, failures and setbacks in their life as opportunities to learn and grow, and 36 percent of respondents practiced self-compassion.

Resilient Royals programming also included interactive “Fail It Forward Boards,” which were created and displayed at various times and locations on campus. The boards invite students to write in six words or less of a recent struggle or failure. Students were invited to take a message of encouragement written on a sticky notepad or to leave a message of encouragement for another student.

“The boards helped students to recognize that they are not alone in experiencing struggle,” said Dean Rivera, who noted through the Fail It Forward Boards, the Center for Health and Wellness’s Peer Health Education team provided educational information to more than 1,000 students during the 2019-2020 academic year.

In addition to other programming and peer education components, the initiative provided training to faculty members to support their understanding of and ability to integrate resilience development into their courses. Pre- and post-test data of nine faculty members who included resiliency components in their courses show students began to engage in practices to help build their resilience (e.g., mindfulness, gratitude journaling) after talking about resilience in class. Also, pre-and post-test data suggests that students developed a growth mindset over the course of the semester, viewing challenges and failures as opportunities to learn and grow.

Dean Rivera said Resilient Royals was “a labor of love” involving the contribution of many members of the University community, including Stephanie Adamec, director of the University’s Center for Health Education and Wellness; Vince Rocco, faculty specialists for the Alperin Lab in the Kania School of Management; Tara Hamilton-Fay, faculty specialist in biology; Teresa Conte, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Nursing Department; Geri Barber, director of the Counselor Training Center of the Panuska College of Professionals Studies; and Sherry Dougherty counselor in the University’s Counseling Center, among others.

The success of the endurance lessons of Resilient Royals illustrate today what the 1936 lyrics say: “Don’t lose your confidence if you slip, be grateful for a pleasant trip, and pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.”

Resilient Royals Wins National Prize

University’s Resilient Royals initiative wins the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ 2021 Ignatian Medal.

Scranton Named Among Top Colleges in America image

Alumni

September 22, 2021

Forbes ranked The University of Scranton among “America’s Top Colleges” for the 13^thyear. Scranton is the only college in Northeast Pennsylvania to be named among the 600 elite colleges listed in the 2021 ranking, which was published online on Sept. 8. Scranton, ranked No. 425, was among just 35 colleges in Pennsylvania that Forbes selected as “America’s Top Colleges.”

The ranking by Forbes analyzed “outputs” of a college education, weighting alumni salaries at one to four years and 10 years after graduation the most at 20 percent of their overall score. The methodology used by Forbes also looked at graduation rates (15 percent), student debt (15 percent) and the number of alumni making the Forbes “American Leaders” lists (15 percent), such as its “Forbes 400” and “Richest Self-Made Women” lists, as well as alumni who won national and international awards or positions, such as winners of the Nobel Prize and graduates who are members of the Supreme Court. Forbes also rated retention rate (10 percent), academic success (10 percent), as measured by alumni winning prestigious academic scholarships, such as Fulbright and Truman scholarships, and a “return on investment” measurement (15 percent), which calculates the time it takes for students to pay their college debt based on the “post-enrollment earnings boost students get compared their typical salary of a high school graduate in their state.”

Also in September, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton No. 5 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North” in the 2022 edition of their “Best Colleges” guidebook, marking the 28^th consecutive year that U.S. News ranked Scranton among the top 10 universities in its category. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category in its “Best Undergraduate Teaching” listing of the top colleges in the nation expressing “a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching;” No. 45 as a “Best Value Regional University in the North;” and No. 138 in its category in “Top Performers on Social Mobility.” In national rankings, U.S. News ranked Scranton No. 166 among America’s “Best Undergraduate Business Programs;” No. 185 among “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs;” and No. 148 among the nation’s “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs.”

Scranton Named Among Top Colleges in America

Forbes counted The University of Scranton among “America’s Top Colleges” for 13th time.

Upcoming Family Weekend 2021 to Focus on Scranton image

Community

September 21, 2021

Family Weekend returns this year on Friday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 26. This year’s weekend-long event has a new format and modifications in light of the continuing pandemic but is still focused on bringing the families of University students to Scranton to both visit with their son or daughter and to explore the Scranton area.

This year’s event has a Scranton focus, encouraging families to go out with their son or daughter into the greater Scranton area to explore the city’s rich historical heritage, beautiful natural settings, small businesses, and entertainment and cultural attractions. Families seeking things to do with their students have a wide array of options to enjoy.

Downtown Scranton

During Family Weekend 2021, families can enjoy dinner downtown at a range of restaurants with varying cuisines and offerings, including Italian, Japanese, Thai, American, vegan, soul food, seafood, Mediterranean and more. Downtown Scranton has something for everyone. Many downtown businesses will also be offering 10% off to students and their families with a valid Royal Card. To learn more about downtown restaurants, visit this information page.

Special Festivals

Scranton is often busy with special festivals that highlight culture, community, arts, and foods. During this upcoming weekend, families can take advantage of the special foods offered at the annual Greek Food Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Scranton Sept., 21-25 and the Lebanese Heritage Festival at St. Ann Maronite Church on Sept. 26 in West Scranton. In addition, the Scranton Fringe Festival will be hosting “Fringe Under Glass,” live socially distant theatre in venues throughout downtown Scranton.

Natural Beauty

As Scranton area residents know, Scranton comes alive in the fall. With its close proximity to many nature areas, families that enjoy the great outdoors can get a first look at fall and the soon-to-be changing foliage around the city. Families can visit Nay Aug Park, located just up the hill from campus on the top of Mulberry Street, including walking trails, playgrounds, and an accessible treehouse.

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail offers a great opportunity for runners, walkers and bikers. Trailheads are easily accessible from campus including an entry at the University’s Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. Athletics Campus. Lake Scranton Walking Trail, a short drive (or run, if you are up for an energetic one!), and Lackawanna State Park, just a short drive from campus in North Abington Township, offer two more recreational opportunities.

Rich History

There are several sites and museums to consider to explore Scranton’s rich history. The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour provides participants with a chance to step back in time to see what going down 300 feet beneath the earth through an anthracite coal mine is really like. Steamtown National Historic Site, a short walk from campus is a National Park created to further public understanding of the role steam railroading played in U.S. development. Founded in 1908, the Everhart Museum is one of the oldest museums in Northeastern Pennsylvania and features both a permanent collection and special exhibitions, including “Every Stitch Counts: Works from the Social Justice Sewing Academy.”

Fall Fun

Lackawanna County offers some of NEPA’s most iconic fall activity venues. From end-of-season baseball to pumpkin picking, Scranton is the place to enjoy this great season. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will be at home against the Syracuse Mets at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept 24, Saturday, Sept 25 at 4:00 p.m. or Sunday, Sept 26 at 1:00 p.m. Lakeland Orchard and Cidery in Scott Twp. offers live music, food, games, apple picking and more, including on September 25 and 26 an Apple harvest festival and Halloween light show from 8-10 p.m. Roba Farms in N. Abington Township offers pumpkin, picking maze navigating, apple cider donuts and onsite campfire spaces onsite.

Click here to view a listing of local attractions. Follow the Office of Community Relations on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.

Upcoming Family Weekend 2021 to Focus on Scranton

This year’s Family Weekend offers University students and their families an opportunity to explore the Scranton area.

Family Weekend Concert Celebrates Inauguration image

Community

September 20, 2021

On Saturday, Sept. 25, Performance Music at The University of Scranton’s Family Weekend President’s Concert will celebrate the Inauguration of Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as the University’s 29^th President.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. inside the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.

The concert is open to invited guests, parents and family members visiting campus for Family Weekend and all members of the University community. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. All audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.

The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir will both perform at the concert, which is in commemoration of Father Marina’s Inauguration. The performance will include the second performance of a new work for combined band and soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB) choir commissioned for Father Marina’s inauguration, entitled “To The Ends Of The Earth,” composed by David Lantz III with a text inspired by themes from the 35^thGeneral Congregation of The Society of Jesus. The work will receive its premiere at the Inauguration Ceremony on Sept. 24, the day before the concert, and the composer will be conducting the work at both the Inauguration Ceremony and the concert.

The concert will also include a short four-part choral work that was written as a gift to the University by Dr. Wycliffe Gordon H. ’06, “We Give In To Your Will”, which has become an Inauguration tradition at Scranton.

In addition, surprise guest performances with a “family” theme will be part of the event, according to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga. Guest artists for the evening include the composer’s wife Marti Lantz (who will serve as pianist for the performance), Boga’s son Joseph (trumpeter with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks and The Louis Armstrong Eternity Band) and his girlfriend Kako Miura (acclaimed solo and chamber music violinist).

For more information on the Family Weekend Concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music.

Family Weekend Concert Celebrates Inauguration

Performance Music to celebrate Inauguration of the 29th President of The University of Scranton at Family Weekend Concert.

Student

September 16, 2021

Twenty-three University of Scranton education majors are serving as student teachers during the fall semester at 10 local schools in the following ten school districts: Blue Ridge, Commonwealth Charter, Dunmore, Lakeland, Mid Valley, Pittston Area, Valley View, Wayne Highlands, Western Wayne and Wilkes-Barre Area.

The following is a list of undergraduate students who are serving as student teachers and the schools to which they have been assigned during the fall semester.

Delany Adams of White House Station, New Jersey, is teaching at Blue Ridge Elementary School;

Amanda Benko of Allentown is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;

Arianna Boelens of Hackettstown, New Jersey, is teaching at Mayfield Elementary School;

Alexandra Colecchia of Freehold, New Jersey, is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;

Halle Conklin of Point Lookout, New York, is teaching at Bear Creek Community Charter School;

Adrianna Creighton of Farmingdale, New Jersey, is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;

Bridget Fry of East Windsor, New Jersey, is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;

Angela Grissinger of Moscow is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;

Stephanie Hoffmann of Staten Island, New York, is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;

Caroline Hudson of Ramsey, New Jersey, is teaching at Pittston Intermediate School;

Samuel Krompinger of Holbrook, New York, is teaching at Evergreen Elementary School;

Jillian Lambdin of Plainview, New York, is teaching at Blue Ridge Elementary School;

Reilly Medzadourian of Township Washington, New Jersey, is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;

Thomas Nagle of Berwyn is teaching at Mid Valley Elementary Center;

Erin Pepe of Edison, New Jersey, is teaching at Pittston Intermediate School;

Jennifer Relovsky of Marlton, New Jersey, is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;

Theresa Scarola of Glen Head, New York, is teaching at Lakeside Elementary School;

Chloe Schubert of Jackson, New Jersey, is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;

Natalie Sottile of Taylor is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;

Katie Tubridy of Manor, New York, is teaching at Bear Creek Community Charter School;

Alexa Untener of Stoney Point, New York, is teaching at Lakeside Elementary School;

Kierston Van Fleet of Old Forge is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;

Grace Winterle of Havertown is teaching at Bear Creek Community Charter School.

University Student Teachers Begin at Area Schools

University undergraduate education majors have begun serving as student teachers at 10 local schools this semester.

More than 96 Percent Vaccinated at Scranton image

Community

September 15, 2021

The University of Scranton announced today that more than 96 percent of its students, faculty and staff who are on campus for the fall semester are fully vaccinated. The University implemented a vaccine requirement for the return of in-person classes and activities for the fall 2021 semester, which began on Monday, Aug. 30.

Vaccination rates above 90 percent were found to be important for resuming normal campus activity, according to a recently released study in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Students attending classes on campus were required to submit vaccine information through the school’s Student Health Services and employees were required to attest to their vaccination status through the Office of Human Resources. In accordance with Pennsylvania law, students and employees could request a waiver to the vaccine requirement for religious or medical reasons.

Students attending fully-online graduate courses were not required to submit vaccine information.

According to University records, nearly 96 percent of students and more than 97 percent of staff are fully vaccinated. The University expects these percentages to increase in the coming weeks as individuals with one dose of the vaccine receive their second dose.

Unvaccinated members of the University community who were granted a waiver to be on campus during the fall semester must participate in weekly PCR testing and wear a mask when indoors and when outdoors when social distancing is not possible, among other health and safety requirements as outlined in the University’s Royals Back Together plan.

Vaccinated individuals do not need to participate in COVID-19 surveillance testing.

Following CDC guidelines, the University will adjust indoor masking requirements for vaccinated individuals based on community spread. A Mask Status tile on the Royals Back Together webpage will indicate if masks are required indoors for vaccinated individuals, as well as other health and safety requirements. (Currently, the University is requiring all individuals to wear masks indoors through Oct. 4, and the access to the campus is limited to University community members, invited guests and others as outlined in its Royals Back Together plan. The University will update information on or before Oct. 4).

More than 96 Percent Vaccinated at Scranton

The University of Scranton announced more than 96 percent of its campus community is fully vaccinated.

Student

September 15, 2021

The Royal Ride is Back In Service

Need a ride around campus and the local area? Text the Royal Ride.

Emergency Notification System Test on Sept. 16 image

Staff

September 15, 2021

Emergency Notification System Test on Sept. 16

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

Athletics

September 15, 2021

Royal Review - September 14, 2021

It was another busy week for The University of Scranton Department of Athletics, highlighted by the return of the men's golf team, a win over a nationally-ranked opponent for men's soccer, and a slew of other victories and honors for several Royals programs.

Constitution and Citizenship Day 2021 and Upcoming Elections image

Community

September 15, 2021

Sept. 17, 2021, marks Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, commemorating the 234^th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution and recognizing all those who have become U.S. citizens.

The day is an annual opportunity to reflect on the importance of active citizenship, including the right to vote. The Constitution, as originally written, did not establish specifically who could or could not vote; this was left for the states to determine. It was decades after 1787 that the right to vote was protected for all Americans, including African Americans and women. The 15th amendment, ratified in 1870 prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, and the 19th amendment, ratified in 1920 gave women the right to vote. 2021 marks the 50^th anniversary of the 26th amendment, lowering the universal voting age from 21 to 18 years, providing greater access to voting for young Americans, including college students.

Events: Last week, the University’s Schemel Forum hosted Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science from Yale University, to discuss his book, "The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840," in which Amar revives U.S. constitutional history for a 21st century nation, confronting the founders’ failures and successes. The event can be viewed online here. On Thursday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. (noon CST), Dr. Jean Harris, Professor in the Political Science Department, will be part of a virtual panel discussion, “Constitutional Politics in a Pandemic Era,” together with her fellow authors of "American Democracy Now." Further details and registration info are available here.

Local & State Election Information: Whether it is presidential, national, or local, each vote counts toward deciding an election. This year, Lackawanna County is hosting its Municipal Elections on Nov. 2(mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m.). The ballot will include city, school board, judicial, and state-level candidates. Oct. 18 is the last day to register before the November election and Oct. 26 is the last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot. Students who are registered to vote in Lackawanna County, and who vote, can play a role in influencing how elected officials in Scranton and Lackawanna County will spend resources and shape local policies. The University’s Royals Vote non-partisan voter engagement initiative has compiled resources to help navigate the process, including information on voter registration, common voting terms and definitions, and how voting connects to Ignatian spirituality.

Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS) Activities: In October, the University’s new Center will have a formal launch event and will be hosting local candidate forums in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County, including: Oct. 13 (Lackawanna Court of Common Pleas and 113th Legislative State House District Special Election), Oct. 14 (Scranton Mayor and Scranton City Council), and Oct. 19 (Scranton School Board). For more information about those events and the work of CEEPS, contact co-directors Dr. Jean Harris or Dr. JoyAnna Hopper in the Political Science Department at ceeps@scranton.edu.

Constitution and Citizenship Day 2021 and Upcoming Elections

Sept. 17, 2021, marks Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, commemorating the 234th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution and recognizing all those who have become U.S. citizens.

TIAA and Transamerica Individual Retirement Counseling image

Staff

September 15, 2021

TIAA and Transamerica Individual Retirement Counseling

Representatives from TIAA and Transamerica be hosting virtual individual retirement counseling sessions.

Inauguration Celebrates Jesuit Mission of University image

Community

September 14, 2021

The Ignatian mission of The University of Scranton will take a preeminent role in the Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as the 29th president of The University of Scranton. The Inauguration will occur as the Society of Jesus celebrates an Ignatian Year, commemorating the 500^th anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

The Inauguration theme, “A Fire that Kindles Other Fires,” is quoted from Decree 2 of the 35^th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus.

The Decree reads: “Legend has it that Saint Ignatius, when he sent Saint Francis Xavier to the East, told him: ‘go, set the world alight.’ With the birth of the Society of Jesus, a new fire was lit in a changing world. A novel form of religious life came about, not through human enterprise but as a divine initiative. The fire that was set alight then continues to burn in our Jesuit life today, as was said about Saint Alberto Hurtado, ‘a fire that kindles other fires.’ With it, we are called to set all things alight with the love of God.”

The formal Inauguration Ceremony for Father Marina will take place on Friday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. on campus for members of the University community and invited guests. The University will livestream the event. A luncheon will immediately follow the ceremony.

In addition to the Inauguration Ceremony, an Inauguration Mass is planned for Saturday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. on campus. An Inauguration Concert, set for Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, will feature an original work composed for the Inauguration by David Lantz III, titled “To the Ends of the Earth.”

The events coincide with Family Weekend. Parents and family members visiting campus for the weekend are welcome to attend the Inauguration events.

Thomas MacKinnon, vice president for university advancement, and Gretchen Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, are serving as co-chairs for the Inauguration Celebration.

Additional information is available on The Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., website.

Inauguration Celebrates Jesuit Mission of University

Ignatian mission to take center stage for the Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as The University of Scranton’s 29th President.

Performance Music Starts Fall Concerts Saturday image

Community

September 14, 2021

The stunningly cross-genre combo Port Mande Quartet will kick off Performance Music at The University of Scranton’s fall 2021 concert season on Saturday, Sept. 18.

The concert, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, will begin at 7:30 p.m. inside the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton.

Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis for invited guests of Performance Music and all members of the University community.

Port Mande is a collaborative partnership between clarinetist Mark Dover of Imani Winds and pianist/producer Jeremy Ajani Jordan. For this performance, they will be joined by Johannes Felscher, bass, and Jimmy Macbride, drums.

A play on a “portmanteau” – a word blending the sounds and combining the meanings of two words – Port Mande appropriately blends Dover and Jordan’s vast musical influences and work within the classical, jazz, hip hop, gospel, pop, electronic and world music genres. The duo’s overriding mission is to bring all cultures of people together by embracing music of all types, and in July 2020 they released their self-produced debut EP, “Is This Loss?”

Individually, Dover and Jordan have collaborated and performed with numerous marquee artists, among them Yo Yo Ma, Anthony McGill, Gil Kalish, Imani Winds, Vulfpeck, Edward Simon, Brian Blade, Scott Colley, David Binney, Cyrille Aimee, Charles Yang and the Temptations.

Recently, Port Mande has performed original music at National Sawdust as part of Chris Gryme’s Open G Series, as well at National Sawdust live on Chicago’s WFMT and New York City’s WKCR, premiering Jonathan Ragonese’s “Non-Poem 4” as part of the Live at National Sawdust Series and Relevant Tones. In addition, they have played Emerald City Music in Seattle, Lyrica Music in New Jersey and other New York venues including DROM, Spectrum and Rockwood Music Hall.

Dover is a member of the award-winning Imani Winds, and serves on the faculty of The Curtis Institute of Music, Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts and the Aaron Copland School of Music at CCNY Queens.

A winner of The Steinway Concerto Competition, Jordan has appeared as a soloist and with chamber ensembles and orchestras throughout the world.

All audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.

For more information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more on Port Mande, visit: markdovermusic.com/port-mande.

Performance Music Starts Fall Concerts Saturday

Eclectic Port Mande Quartet will kick off Performance Music’s fall 2021 concert schedule on Saturday, Sept. 18.

Psychology Professor Receives Conservation Award image

Faculty

September 14, 2021

Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology and director of the Environmental Studies Concentration at The University of Scranton, received a 2021 Women in Conservation Award from PennFuture, an independent, nonpartisan environmental advocacy organization. Dr. Nolan received the award for Woman of Environmental Education.

Dr. Nolan joined the faculty at Scranton in 2008. She teaches Environmental and Conservation Psychology and Social Psychology, among other courses, and runs the Conservation Psychology Lab at the University. The Conservation Psychology Lab studies the human impact on the environment and uses the tools and methods of psychology to understand and solve environmental problems. Her research focuses on the application of psychological tools and principles to understand and solve environmental problems. She has studied the effects of normative social influence on various environmental behaviors, including energy conservation and household recycling. Dr. Nolan has published more than a dozen articles on environmental behavior in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has presented her research at numerous professional conferences.

In her role as director of the Environmental Studies Concentration, Dr. Nolan has partnered with local environmental groups such as Friends of Lackawanna, Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation and the Lackawanna River Conservation Association to sponsor more than a dozen co-curricular events for students and the local community.

In 2018, Dr. Nolan received the University’s Excellence in Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum Award. This award is given to a faculty member who strives for excellence in teaching about sustainability and makes extraordinary efforts to introduce concepts of sustainability into the curriculum.

Dr. Nolan is also the founder of Green Drinks Scranton, an informal networking group that provides a forum for area residents interested in environmental issues to connect and learn from one another.

Dr. Nolan earned her bachelor’s degree at Cornell University, her master’s degree at California State University and her Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas.

Psychology Professor Receives Conservation Award

Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, received a 2021 Women in Conservation Award from PennFuture.

Mass of the Holy Spirit: A Spirit-filled Day image

Student

September 14, 2021

Mass of the Holy Spirit: A Spirit-filled Day

The University community gathered last week for the opening school liturgy, the Mass of the Holy Spirit.

PBC Opts for Virtual Celebration Honoring Jack Brennan image

Alumni

September 14, 2021

PBC Opts for Virtual Celebration Honoring Jack Brennan

The University of Scranton President’s Business Council cancels 2021 Annual Award Dinner and announces a virtual celebration.

General

September 14, 2021

Note: Access to the campus is currently limited to members of the University community, invited guests, spectators at athletic events and others as listed in the Royals Back Together plan. Campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.

Sept. 14 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Arguing at the Supreme Court in a Time of Conflict” presented by Neal Katyal, partner at Hogan Lovells and the Paul and Patricia Saunders Professor of National Security Law at Georgetown University Law Center. Remote presentation. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Sept. 18 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring Port Mande Quartet, Mark Dover, clarinet and Jeremy Ajani Jordan, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Sept. 20 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Biden and the World” by presented by Trudy Rubin, Worldview columnist, The Philadelphia Inquirer. Remote presentation. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Sept. 24 11 a.m. The Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as the 29^th President of The University of Scranton. Dionne Campus Green. Invited guests and University community members only. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@Scranton.edu.

Sept. 25 4 p.m. Inauguration Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Invited guests, University community members and Family Weekend guests only. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@Scranton.edu.

Sept. 25 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Family Weekend President’s Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir with surprise guest artists. Houlihan-McLean Center. Invited guests, University community members and Family Weekend guests only. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Sept. 28 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “The 2020 Pennsylvania Presidential Election Litigation” presented by Dan Brier and Donna Walsh, partners, Myers, Brier and Kelly, LLP. Remote presentation. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Oct. 1 3 p.m. Lecture: “Muslims and the Making of America” by author Amir Hussain, Ph.D., professor of theological studies at Loyola Marymount University. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

Oct. 4 7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values In Action Lecture by author Yohuru Williams, Ph.D., G’93, as part of the Royal Reads program 2021-2022 book “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin. Byron Recreation Complex. First-Year students only. Lecture will be live streamed for others University community members and guests in LSC 133, BRB 228 and TDC 401. Call 570-941-7520 or email linda.walsh@scranton.edu.

Oct. 7 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Jane Jacobs’ First City: What Comes Next?” presented by Paige Cognetti, mayor, City of Scranton. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Oct. 14 8:30 a.m. 20th Annual U.S. Conference on disABILITY “Exploring Autism Across the Spectrum: Building Inclusive Communities. Year III.” This virtual conference will include daylong live events as well as pre-recorded session offerings. Free. Registration opens mid-September. Call 570-941-7819 or visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference.

Oct. 15 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Democracy in America? An Outsider’s View” presented by Fintan O’Toole, columnist for The Irish Times and the Leonard L. Milberg Lecturer in Irish Letters, Princeton. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Oct. 15 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Alexander Pattavina, organ. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 20 4:30 p.m. Asian Studies Lecture: “Moral Psychology of Confucian Shame: Shame of Shamelessness” presented by Bongrae Seok, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, Alvernia University. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. No registration required. Free. Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.

Oct. 23 7:45 a.m. Schemel Forum bus trip “Back to Gotham! NYC!” $150. Registration required to reserve a spot by Oct. 1 as spaces are limited. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Oct. 24 9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Oct. 24 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Bach for Humanity” featuring Mark Kosower, cello. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 26 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “The Holocaust and Jewish-Christian Relations” presented by Dr. Carol Rittner, RSM, distinguished professor emerita of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman Professor Emerita of Holocaust Studies at Stockton University, New Jersey. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu

Oct. 30 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra with guest artist John-Morgan Bush, horn. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Nov. 4 Noon. Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “This Community’s Medical College: How advances in pedagogy and technology, and the pandemic, have shaped medical education in the 21^st century” presented by Steven Scheinman, M.D., president and dean, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; executive vice president and chief academic officer, Geisinger. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Nov. 7 9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Nov. 9 5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Beethoven’s Deafness: Psychological Crises and Artistic Triumph” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Reception to follow. Scranton Cultural Center at Masonic Temple. Registration required. $30. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Nov. 12 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” The University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble with guest artist Benny Benack III, voice and trumpet. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Nov. 18-20 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “The Addams Family” presented by Liva Arts Company. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. $7. Call 570-941-7401 or email joelle.cote@scranton.edu.

Nov. 20 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Dec. 4 8 p.m. (Prelude begins at 7:05 p.m.) Performance Music: “54^th Annual Noel Night” featuring The University of Scranton Singers, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, and pianist Ron Stabinsky. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu

Dec. 12 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Recital.” Performance music student musicians perform solo, duet, trio, and small group renditions of a variety of Christmas favorites. Houlihan-McLean Center. Admission: one new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items, or a monetary donation. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Schemel Forum Courses

Wednesdays: Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3, 10 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “Social and Moral Issues in Information Technology” presented by Kevin Nordberg, Ph.D., professor emeritus, philosophy and Latin American studies, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Fall Semester Events Planned at University

The following is a list of University of Scranton events planned for the fall semester of 2021.

U.S. News Ranks Scranton No. 5 in 2022 Guidebook image

Alumni

September 13, 2021

U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton No. 5 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North” in the 2022 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook, which became available online today. U.S. News has ranked Scranton among the top 10 universities in its category for 28 consecutive years.

U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category in its “Best Undergraduate Teaching” listing of the top colleges in the nation expressing “a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.”

In addition, Scranton was ranked No. 45 as a “Best Value Regional University in the North,” which compares academic quality of programs to cost of attendance. This is the ninth consecutive year U.S. News has recognized Scranton as a “Best Value” school. Scranton was ranked No. 138 in its category in “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” which looks at schools that enroll and graduate “large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants.”

In national rankings, as opposed to listings by category, U.S. News included Scranton among America’s “Best Undergraduate Business Programs,” ranking Scranton at No. 166 in the U.S., “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” at No. 185 (where doctorate is not offered); and among the nation’s “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs,” ranking Scranton No. 148 in the nation.

3384-col_uscranton_bc03-regionaluniversities-north-2022-2.png Undergraduate Business

U.S. News uses data on 17 measures of academic quality to rank 1,466 bachelor’s degree colleges in the America. For its rankings, U.S. News considers a range of quality indicators that include an “outcomes” measurement” (40 percent), which assesses graduation rates; freshman retention; a social mobility score; graduate indebtedness; and graduation performance rates, which compares a school’s actual graduation rates with predicted graduation rates based on characteristics of the incoming class. U.S. News ranking analysis also includes a peer assessment of academic excellence (20 percent); faculty resources (20 percent), which includes class size and regional cost-of-living adjustments to faculty pay and benefits; student excellence (7 percent), as measured by SAT or ACT scores and high school ranking of students in the top 25 percent of their class; financial resources (10 percent); and alumni giving (3 percent).

U.S. News categorizes colleges for their rankings based on the official Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification of universities.

The 2022 U.S. News “Best Colleges” rankings became available online Sept. 13. The printed edition of the guidebook will be available in bookstores Nov. 2.

To read more about all the accolades the University has received visit our Outcomes & National Recognition page.

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U.S. News Ranks Scranton No. 5 in 2022 Guidebook

U.S. News ranked Scranton No. 5, marking the 28th consecutive year the University ranked in the top 10 Best Regional Universities in North.

University President Reflects on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 image

General

September 10, 2021

University of Scranton President, Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., sent the following reflection about the 20th anniversary of 9/11 to the University and alumni community on Sept. 10, 2021.

In the Madonna della Strada Chapel, on a wall next to the main entrance, a plaque is dedicated in loving memory of members of the University family who lost their lives on September 11. In sacred space, this plaque quietly and profoundly reminds us of the direct tragic impact this day had on our community – an impact shared by countless other communities across the nation.

For many of our students, they learned of the day as they grew up. Others among us recall vividly where we were on that fateful morning in 2001, as we watched the unthinkable unfold before our eyes. Fear, shock, sadness and worry filled our hearts as we prayed for those caught in the World Trade Center and Pentagon and for the safety of brave first responders who placed themselves in harm’s way to save them. Later, we mourned the loss of airline passengers on a field in Shanksville, Pa., who sacrificed themselves to save others.

As the days unfolded, we discovered ways that each of us was touched directly or indirectly by the loss. The University community learned that five alumni perished on 9/11, as did dozens more with close family ties to our community.

In the months and years that followed, we searched for understanding and made efforts to remember loved ones lost. We built memorials to tell of the events that we vowed never to forget. And, we carried on with our lives, rebuilding as we remembered.

As we mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11, let us recall in memory and prayer our faithful alumni, family and friends who lost their lives on this tragic day. Let us pray for peace and understanding in a world still filled with unrest. Let us also pray for our students today and the faculty and staff who educate and serve them. May they may go into the world as a voice calling for peace and justice and change the world for the betterment of all.

Let me close by quoting from a September 2001 message by my predecessor, Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., the 23rd President of the University, who provided such capable and pastoral leadership through this crisis:

"As a community of faith, we also pray -- and pray fervently -- that God our Lord will strengthen us in this time of sorrow so that, guided by His wisdom, we will be able to build a world in which the reign of love overcomes hatred, suspicion and violence.”

University President Reflects on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

University of Scranton President, Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., sent the following reflection about the 20th anniversary of 9/11 to the University and alumni community on Sept. 10, 2021.

President Marina Op-Ed About Doubling Pell Grant image

Community

September 8, 2021

The Scranton Times-Tribune published the following editorial by University of Scranton President, Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., about doubling the Pell Grant.

Like the Class of 2025, I too am a newcomer to The University of Scranton, deeply grateful to serve as its 29th President. Over the summer, some of my first meetings involved joining with my fellow Jesuit college presidents in advocating for Congressional legislative proposals to further assist college students with financial need. Affordability and access are a priority for the University as I look ahead to the future of higher education in our country.

Throughout my career, which has involved several colleges and universities, I have been consistently impressed with the drive and determination of Pell Grant recipient students. The Pell Grant program, established in 1972 with bi-partisan support, provides a grant from the federal government to assist students with financial need complete their undergraduate degrees. Since the program started, increases in the grant have not kept pace. Nearly 50 years ago, Pell grants covered more than three-quarters of the cost of attending a four-year public college. Today, Pell covers just one-third

Now is the time to double the Pell grant to $13,000. We need to make an historic investment in Pell Grants, one that will help a new generation of students complete their undergraduate careers with less economic stress and immediately contribute to the American workforce. Doubling Pell will increase access to higher education for students, allowing them to choose the right school for them – public or private. This longstanding program assists students with the greatest need and reduces heavy borrowing – directing taxpayer dollars to those who need it most. Nearly 70 percent of Pell Grant dollars go to students with a family income at $30,000 or below, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education (for the 2018-2019 year)

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the network of private colleges and universities, including The University of Scranton, makes a big impact. Our sector educates 51% of all students and 44% of low-income students. These schools’ 6-year graduation rates among all students average 74%. At the University of Scranton, our graduation rates are as high as 84.4%, much higher than national averages.

At the University, Pell students make up 22% of our total student body. These students benefit from our Catholic, Jesuit education, steeped in the humanities, and can choose from a wide array of liberal arts, science, business, and professional degrees. At the same time, the entire University benefits from the experience and perspectives they bring to our campus. We are proud to have strong Pell graduation rates at 72%, also exceeding national averages and aligning very closely with our overall graduation rate.

Non-completion of college can be a life-altering event; doubling Pell is a time-tested strategy to boost degree completion.

As a leader of a Catholic, Jesuit institution, I support doubling the Pell Grant as a tool for greater equity and as a way to empower students while opening the doors of opportunity. At the University, we are also doing our part to address affordability and access – through scholarships and additional financial aid programs, a unique “Book and Supply” award, and financial counseling programs.

We also know that Pell offers a strong return on investment. College graduates consistently earn higher wages than individuals with only a high school diploma. And yet in Northeastern Pennsylvania, higher education attainment still lags from statewide and national averages. While 22.2% in Scranton have a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to 2019 U.S. Census Bureau reporting, in Pennsylvania overall that percentage is significantly higher at 31.4%.

Doubling Pell is one important way for the U.S. Congress to assist the students who need support the most and ensure that our country can be successful in the 21^st century. Right now, Congress is making decisions about how to spend resources next year. So please reach out to your members of Congress and visit www.doublepell.org to make your voice heard.

President Marina Op-Ed About Doubling Pell Grant

The Scranton Times-Tribune published an editorial by University of Scranton President, Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., about doubling the Pell Grant.

New Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology image

Community

September 8, 2021

The University of Scranton plans to offer a new Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology, which is one of the nation’s fastest growing occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for speech-language pathologists is expected to grow 25 percent between 2019-2025. The average annual salary for speech-language pathologists, which require a master’s degree and passing a national board examination for certification, was $80,480 for 2020.

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology at The University of Scranton is an applicant for candidacy by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Anticipated to begin in the fall of 2023, the graduate program will be offered in a blended format with online academic courses offered within a synchronous remote learning environment during the fall and spring semesters, an on-campus clinical rotation and in-person academic courses during the first summer session, and two in-person externship clinical training experiences in the student’s place of residence during year two. Students who are interested, may also elect a healthcare specialization in order to obtain advanced training in testing and therapy procedures commonly used by the speech-language pathologist in a medical setting. The program is designed to provide students with the specified knowledge and skill outcomes stipulated in the 2020 Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and the 2017 Standards for Accreditation of Graduate Education Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

“The vision of the graduate degree program is for the University to become a leader in speech-language pathology studies by providing exemplary well-rounded training with the opportunity for specialization in healthcare,” said Hope E. Baylow, D.A., assistant professor in the University’s Department of Health and Human Performance. “The University of Scranton’s undergraduate communication sciences and disorders and graduate speech-language pathology degree programs will positively impact the number of competent and qualified speech-language pathologists and audiologists who service not only the Scranton community and the state of Pennsylvania, but across the United States of America and beyond.”

The graduate degree program is designed to accommodate students from across the United States and beyond by providing a distance learning environment spanning two academic years from 21 to 24 months. The length of the degree program is determined by the student’s selection to complete the program either with or without an area of specialization. The student may choose to solely complete the 63- credit hour degree program of study or select the 73-credit hour degree program of study with specialization in healthcare. The healthcare specialization requires an additional 10 credit hours, which is dispersed over a 24-month timeframe.

“Through a diverse range of academic and clinical experiences, students will acquire advanced knowledge of basic human communication sciences and disorders by analyzing, interpreting, integrating and applying evidence-based theory to the clinical environment within a learner, knowledge and skill and assessment-centered blended learning atmosphere,” said Dr. Baylow. “This will be done in the context of a Jesuit Catholic education, which provides an inclusive and caring community, individual attention to students, and shows respect for the uniqueness of each member of the University community.”

“The three interrelated themes of Jesuit Catholic education – a focus on a diverse and open-minded education, moral reflection, and teaching for social justice – are embedded in the curriculum along with rigorous scholarship, teaching, service, and community partnerships.” said Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies. “Our emphasis is on developing critical thinking, communication skills and interpersonal competency that create a transformational experience and strengthen our professional practice in helping others. Our graduates, as well as our faculty and staff, are compassionate and ethical practitioners and mentors, committed to striving for excellence grounded in gratitude, lifelong learning and service to others in a global community.”

“As dean of PCPS, I have the utmost confidence that our future speech language pathologist will unite with PCPS alums who model the tenets of St. Ignatius of Loyola by being ‘men and women for and with others.’ They will strengthen our community through service to others by working on inter-professional teams. Our SLP graduates will be grounded in Jesuit ideals and Ignatian pedagogy that will enhance their knowledge and skills to make a difference in their communities by providing culturally relevant and sensitive care and by treating others with respect and dignity, and advocating for basic human communicative rights and safe medical care,” said Dean Pellegrino.

Applicants to this highly anticipated new graduate program must meet admission requirements. For more information, visit the program’s webpage or contact Dr. Baylow at hope.baylow@scranton.edu.

New Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The University of Scranton plans to offer a new Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology anticipated to begin in the fall of 2023.

Athletics

September 8, 2021

Royal Review - September 7, 2021

The University of Scranton opened its fall 2021 season this past week, with seven teams opening their respective seasons.

Faculty

September 8, 2021

Faculty and Staff: Student Attendance and Early Alert Application Announcement

After a successful pilot in the spring 2021 semester, the Student Success Attendance and Early Alert system has been implemented during the fall 2021 semester as a means to support student success.

General

September 8, 2021

Mass of the Holy Spirit, Sept. 9

The University community will gather on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 11:30 a.m. in the Byron for the opening school liturgy, the Mass of the Holy Spirit. All are welcome!

11th Annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt Winners Announced image

Community

September 8, 2021

On Sept. 2 through 3, The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations hosted its 11th Annual Scavenger Hunt in downtown Scranton, offering students an opportunity to explore the City of Scranton, including businesses, historical sites, landmarks, and murals. For many incoming University students, this event is their first chance to explore the downtown. This year it fell on First Friday and the first day of La Festa Italiana.

Over 30 participating locations from across the downtown hosted “Iggy” posters in their windows for students to find. Students could scan QR codes on the posters to receive a clue with more information about the next location; they could participate completely outdoors and at any time during the event.

In addition to the Scavenger Hunt, this year’s event also had two additional photo contests: one focusing on downtown landmarks and artistic murals and the other to mark the most creative photo overall. This year’s hunt also included a First Friday event with free Scavenger Hunt t-shirts for the first 100 registered students, with water ice and popcorn from Carolyns Corner Carnival, games, and an interactive exhibit where participants could pin either their hometown or the road that led them to Scranton.

“We had a beautiful two days in downtown Scranton and it was so exciting to see our University students engage with the city of Scranton in this special way. I hope that this event serves as an introduction to all the wonderful things that our city has to offer,” said Carolyn M. Bonacci, community and civic engagement coordinator at the University.

This year’s winners are as follows:

Scavenger Hunt Winners:

Grand Prize: Maggie Ho ’23 and Gwyn Cruz ‘24

Runners Up: Annika E. Stager ’24 and Brian White ‘25

Downtown Murals and Landmarks Photo Contest Winners:

Grand Prize: Chyenne Ward ’24 and Bridget Nucatola ‘25

Runner Up: Lindsay M. Csaszar ‘25

Creativity Photo Contest Winners:

Grand Prize: Veronica Romanek ’24 and Steve Holguin ‘25

Bonus Clue Winners:

Grand Prize: Arissa Chambers ’25 and Alexandra Shomali ‘25

There were 199 students registered for the event and 32 downtown businesses and cultural and city venues offered students a chance to experience different facets of the city.

This event was held in collaboration with The Center for Student Engagement, The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce & Metro Action, and Scranton Tomorrow.

Follow Community Relations on Facebook to view a full album of the winning photos.

Participating Businesses and Locations

Adezzo
Artworks Gallery & Studio
Backyard Ale House
Bartari
Boden Outlet
Citizens Savings Bank
City Hall
City Market and Café
Comics on the Green
Commonwealth Coffee House
Community Bank, N.A.
DaVinci Pizza
Downtown Deli
Eden-A Vegan Cafe
Electric City Bakehouse x
Freedlove
Lavish Body and Home
Northern Light Espresso Bar & Café
Paradise Soulfood & Sweets
Peculiar Kitchen
Peoples Security Bank & Trust
Pizza by Pappas
POSH @ The Scranton Club
Scoops on Spruce
Scranton Cultural Center
Scranton Public Library
Steamtown Hot Yoga & Barre
The Daisy Collective
The Garden Mediterranean Café
The Salad Shop
Tom Grudis Optical and The Bare Accessories
Yoga West

Photo Gallery

11th Annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt Winners Announced

University of Scranton students explored downtown Scranton last weekend during the 11th Annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt.

Professor Dan West, Ph.D., Receives Earl Award image

Faculty

September 8, 2021

Daniel J. West Jr., Ph.D., professor and chair the Health Administration and Human Resources Department at The University of Scranton, received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. The 2021 John L. Earl III Award was presented at the University’s annual Fall Convocation, which took place on campus on Sept. 3.

The award is given annually to a member of the University community who demonstrates the spirit of generosity and dedication that the late Dr. John Earl, a distinguished professor of history, exemplified during his years at Scranton from 1964 to 1996.

A well-respected teacher and scholar with specialization in international health care, globalization, multiculturalism and diversity management, Dr. West holds a professor in public health appointment at Trnava University, as well as a visiting professor appointment at the University of Matej Bel, Slovakia and affiliated faculty at Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. He previously served as a CEO for a hospital, medical practice and several health care businesses. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 1990.

Leonard G. Gougeon, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of English and Theatre at the University and the 2020 John L. Earl III Award recipient, in presenting the award to Dr. West, referred to him as a “quiet overachiever,” as he listed the impressive accomplishments and service Dr. West has generously given to the University over the past three decades.

“For nearly two decades, he has served as the chairperson of his department, overseeing two undergraduate and three graduate programs of study. He has planned and conducted dozens of study abroad tours for graduate students and faculty to countries as diverse as Bolivia, Slovakia, Haiti and China. He has served as faculty senator, but his most under-appreciated contributions have been made, in the spirit of Jack Earl, through his commitment to the Faculty Affairs Council,” said Dr. Gougeon.

Dr. West maintains a fellowship with the American College of Healthcare Executives, American College of Medical Practice Executives, American Academy of Medical Administrators, American College of Health Care Administrators, American Academy of Behavioral Medicine and Association of Behavioral Healthcare Management. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Health Care Management Forum of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Regents Advisory Council for Northeast Pennsylvania. His other board memberships include the Healthy Northeast Pennsylvania Initiative, Scranton Temple Residency Program, Medical Advisory Board of the International Brain Trauma Association, Scranton Temple Residency Program IRB and the Behavioral Health Research Institute.

A resident of Covington Township, Dr. West received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the Pennsylvania State University. In 2019, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Trnava University, Slovakia.

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Professor Dan West, Ph.D., Receives Earl Award

Health Administration and Human Resources Professor Daniel J. West Jr., Ph.D., received the University’s John L. Earl III Award.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminars Planned for Fall image

Community

September 3, 2021

This fall’s Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminars at The University of Scranton promise an array of thought-provoking, timely lectures, presented both in-person and remotely.

The series will feature eight highly accomplished speakers in all, with all luncheons taking place from noon to 1:30 p.m. With the exception of the second seminar, all events will take place in Brennan Hall’s Rose Room 509, with Zoom links provided to attendees who would prefer to attend remotely.

Admission is free for University students, faculty and staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the luncheons are $25 in-person and $10 remote only.

The series kicks off Friday, Sept. 10, with a lecture by Akhil Reed Amar, J.D., titled “The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840.” During the talk, Atty. Amar, the Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, will explore the theories found in his book, “The Words That Made Us,” which revives the constitutional history of the United States for a 21^st-century nation and confronts the founders’ failures and successes with admirable frankness. Signed copies of Atty. Amar’s book will be sold following the lecture.

Next, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, former acting solicitor of the United States Neal Katyal, J.D., will present “Arguing at the Supreme Court in a Time of Conflict.” During the talk, Atty. Katyal, who has conducted 44 oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court (more than any minority attorney in American history), will explain the Supreme Court’s role in times of conflict. A regular contributor to MSNBC, Atty. Katyal is currently a partner at Hogan Lovells and the Paul and Patricia Saunders Professor of National Security Law at Georgetown University Law Center.

This luncheon will take place in Edward Leahy Hall’s Kane Forum, with Atty. Katyal presenting his talk remotely.

On Monday, Sept. 20, Philadelphia Inquirer Worldview columnist Trudy Rubin will present “Biden and the World,” in which she’ll assess President Joe Biden’s handling of a number of complex foreign policy issues, including an increasingly aggressive China, a vengeful Russia and the lingering effects of conflicts in the Mideast and Afghanistan that occupied previous administrations.

On Tuesday, Sept. 28, local attorneys Dan Brier, J.D., and Donna Walsh, J.D., partners at Myers, Brier & Kelly, LLP, will present “The 2020 Pennsylvania Presidential Election Litigation,” a backstage tour of the court challenges that played out statewide in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti will present “Jane Jacobs’ First City: What Comes Next?” on Thursday, Oct. 7. During the talk, Cognetti will note Scranton’s reputation as a city during the 1930s as seen through the eyes of city native and iconic urbanist/activist Jane Jacobs, and then address present issues and her visions for the city’s future.

“In May of this year, our city celebrated the life and work of Jane Jacobs, a Scranton native who as a child observed the impact that city planning has on community, culture and life,” Cognetti said. “I’m excited to continue this conversation at the Schemel Forum this fall, sharing what we hope to accomplish in Scranton in the coming years and hearing from attendees about their ideas.”

On Friday, Oct. 15, Fintan O’Toole, columnist for The Irish Times and Leonard L. Milberg Lecturer in Irish Letters at Princeton University, will present “Democracy in America? An Outsider’s View.” The Irish writer will discuss his unique perspective on the American democratic experiment, the troubles it has faced in recent years and how those difficulties seem to go beyond immediate political events to raise more fundamental questions about systems, values and institutions. O’Toole will explore how deep this crisis goes, and whether the promise that America once held for the rest of the world can be restored.

Finally, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, Carol Rittner, RSM, D.Ed., distinguished professor emerita of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman Professor Emerita of Holocaust Studies at Stockton University, will present “The Holocaust and Jewish-Christian Relations,” which will look at how the Christian churches, especially the Roman Catholic Church, have re-evaluated their theology, religious education and prayers when it comes to Jews and Judaism in the decades since the Holocaust.

To register for the seminars, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. To pay by credit card over the phone, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816, or to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminars Planned for Fall

Schemel Forum to host eclectic World Affairs luncheon seminars throughout fall both in-person and online.

Scranton Makes Best College List for 20 Years image

General

September 1, 2021

The University of Scranton is once again counted among the best colleges in the nation according to The Princeton Review. Scranton is among the 14 percent of schools listed in the 2022 edition of the “Best 387 Colleges” guidebook, marking the 20^th consecutive year the University was selected by The Princeton Review to be among the top colleges in the country.

This year also marks the 30^th anniversary for the guidebook, which was published August 31. To mark the milestone, The Princeton Review put together 26 “Great Lists” to recognize schools with the most impressive history of being included in the guidebook’s annual “best of” lists. Scranton made the “Great List” for “Best Campus Food.” The Princeton Review did not publish their “best of” lists this year because of the pandemic. The “Best of” lists of the “Top 20” colleges in 62 categories are based entirely on surveys of students at colleges selected by The Princeton Review for inclusion in its guidebook.

“With most students attended college remotely this past year due to COVID, we knew it would be impossible to survey them about their on-campus experiences – from how they rated their college library to their campus food,” said Robert Franek, editor-in-chief at The Princeton Review.

In addition to consistently making the “Best Campus Food” listing, The Princeton Review has also included Scranton in its listing of the nation’s “Best Science Lab Facilities” for six consecutive years (No. 8 in the 2021 edition).

The 2022 edition of the guidebook includes detailed profiles of each of “The Best 387 Colleges.” Scranton’s profile mentions its “strong science programs, which result in a ‘high rate of students get- ting acceptance to medical schools.’” The Jesuit university’s professors were described as “awesome,” “caring” and “really supportive” and that “they really ‘want their students to excel’ and ‘care about their...success.’”

In addition to The Princeton Review, U.S. News has ranked Scranton among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 27 consecutive years, placing the University No. 6 in its 2020 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook. In addition, U.S. News ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category in a “Best Undergraduate Teaching” listing of the top colleges expressing “a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.”

Scranton Makes Best College List for 20 Years

Scranton listed among the nation’s Best 387 Colleges by The Princeton Review for 20th consecutive year.

General

September 1, 2021

Pet Therapy Returns, Sept. 28

Pet Therapy is back in person! Join us on the Dionne Green on Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. to pet all the dogs!

CHEW's Weekly Wellness Classes Begin image

General

September 1, 2021

CHEW's Weekly Wellness Classes Begin

CHEW is kicking off Weekly Wellness Classes this week.

ORSP Raffle Winner: Jason Graham, Ph.D. image

Faculty

September 1, 2021

ORSP Raffle Winner: Jason Graham, Ph.D.

The summer 2021 winner is Dr. Jason Graham, Faculty, Math Department.

Student

September 1, 2021

Royals Return to Campus

Despite the rain, students and their families enjoyed a successful Move-in Weekend on Aug. 28 and 29.

Summer Spotlight: Shelby Traver '24 image

Student

September 1, 2021

Shelby Traver '24 spent a week doing a virtual immersion with Christians for Peace in El Salvador through the Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ) this summer, which consisted of speakers and reflections. We asked her a few questions about her experience.

What do you enjoy most about service?

I enjoy participating in events like this because it is very enlightening and provides perspectives I would not have otherwise heard. It also helps us amplify the voices of people not often heard and, through this, we can become better advocates for them.

What are some of the skills you have learned?

I think this program made me a much better listener and made me more willing to question the narratives that may be given to us by the US media, something which may sanitize the reality of what goes on in the countries without the resources of Western Europe and North America.

What were your expectations of the project? Does it match the reality?

My expectations of the project were that I was going to hear about the policies and problems that currently plague El Salvador from advocates and professionals, giving me more of a broad knowledge of the issues there. I did expect to hear personal anecdotes but I figured it would be more based on the laws that impact Salvadorians, something which was similar to a previous immersion I participated in. While everyone who spoke were professionals, I did not expect to hear all of the stories were and how almost every single Salvadorian had been impacted. I remember specifically, on that Wednesday, we talked about violence against women in the nation, and one woman spoke with such brutal honesty and passion, which drove many of us to tears. In our reflection afterward, all of us were crying together trying to process it. It was not an experience I expected but one I would not trade.

How do you feel service has prepared you for the real world?

As someone who wants to work in the policy field, this event helped me to better understand issues around immigration and the situation in El Salvador and other South American countries. Many issues found there the US and other colonizing nations (and nations that supported revolutions) have a direct hand in and little has been done to correct this. This better understanding and the variety of personal narratives that I heard have made me want to advocate for accountability for the nations have that have caused turmoil in the affected nations.

Learn more about CSSJ, here.

Summer Spotlight: Shelby Traver '24

Shelby Traver '24 spent a week doing a virtual immersion with Christians for Peace in El Salvador through the Center for Service and Social Justice this summer, which consisted of speakers and reflections. We asked her a few questions about her experience.

Alumni

August 31, 2021

The University will hold the 2021 Medical Alumni Council (MAC) Symposium in the DeNaples Center’s Moskovitz Theater Oct. 2; in addition to the in-person gathering, the University will also offer a virtual attendance option. To register for the event, visit this link.

Although the day-long symposium is primarily designed for Scranton physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, retired physicians, medical school students and undergrad pre-professional students, attendance is also open to medical professionals and students not affiliated with the University. The event will feature presentations on a variety of CME topics from accomplished alumni*, including the following:

7:45 a.m. - Registration & Continental Breakfast - The DeNaples Center

8:30 a.m. - Welcome & Opening Remarks - April Troy, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P. '02
Executive Committee Chair, Medical Alumni Council
General Pediatrician, Pediatrics of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Assistant Clinical Professor, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

8:45 a.m. - Patrick Donnelly, D.M.D., Ph.D. '09

Cipriani Dental Associates; Newtown, PA
TOPIC: Treating the Whole Patient: Where Medicine & Dentistry Converge

9:40 a.m. - Scranton Short

9:50 a.m. - Kevin Brazill, D.O., F.A.P.A. '95

   Medical Director, John D Kelly Mental Health Clinic
   Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital; Finger Lakes Health; Penn Yan, New York
   TOPIC: Managing Anxiety in the Clinical Office Setting: Improving Comfort & Outcomes at   Routine Medical & Dental Visits

10:45 a.m. - Scranton Short

10:55 a.m. - Break

11:15 a.m. - Panel Discussion

Melissa Edwards, M.D., M.H.A. '20
MDvSystem Serviceline Director of Women's Health, PeaceHealth

Christopher Jones, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.H.P.M. '02
Palliative Medicine Specialist, Duke Health

Thomas Langan, Jr., D.M.D., M.S. '09
Periodontist, Perio Health and Dental Implants
President, Scranton District Dental Society

Joseph Mastroianni, V.M.D., '14
Veterinarian, Wallenpaupack Veterinary Clinic

Pamela Taffera-Deihl, D.O., M.B.A. '02
Hospitalist and System Medical Director, Patient Logistics and Transfer Center, WellSpan Health, York, PA
TOPIC: The US Healthcare Reemergence from COVID-19: Strategies from the Storm

12:45 p.m. – Lunch

1:45 p.m. - Scranton Short

1:55 p.m. - Scott Peslak, M.D., Ph.D. '06

Instructor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania
TOPIC: Novel Therapeutic Approaches & Patient-directed care in Sickle Cell Disease- Past, Present, & Future

2:50 p.m. - Scranton Short

3:00 p.m. - John Mercuri, M.D., M.A. Bioethics '07

Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction, Geisinger Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

TOPIC: Ethics, Policy, & Orthopedic Surgery

4:30 p.m. - Farewell - Joseph Butash, M.D. '07

Incoming Chair, Executive Committee, Medical Alumni Council
Emergency Medicine
St. Luke's University Health Network

*Schedule of activities is subject to change.

MAC Symposium Returns Oct. 2

Day-long event to feature alumni presentations on variety of CME topics.

Class Of 2025 Legacy Families Launch Students' Scranton Careers image

Alumni

August 31, 2021

Class Of 2025 Legacy Families Launch Students' Scranton Careers

Legacy Families meet to capture the moment.

Alumni

August 31, 2021

University To Continue Alumni Career Development Webinar Series Sept. 29

Learn how the Center for Career Development can help you achieve your goals.

Alumni

August 31, 2021

What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.

John “Jack” Lynch ’83, Bryn Mawr, was elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Hospital Association (AHA) for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2022. The Board of Trustees is the highest policymaking body of the AHA and has ultimate authority for the governance and management of its directions and finances.

Jennifer Donatelli ’95, Brooklyn Park, Maryland, has been writing correspondence on behalf of Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot's office since July 2021. She also has worked as a freelance web content producer for WJZ TV in Baltimore, Maryland.

Timothy M. Gallen ’96, Hatfield, was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling with their McClintick Service Award; the award recognizes a person who has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the profession and leadership to the association while planning to continue to work on behalf of students to ensure access to postsecondary education.

Brian Eltz ’02, G’05, Millersville, recently published his second children's book, "Perking Up Poe," as a follow-up to last year's "Shaking Up Shakespeare."

BIRTHS

A daughter, Quinn Kathleen, to Kerry and Paul Boye '09, West Orange, New Jersey

DEATHS

William P. Morris ’57, Old Forge
John P. Gower ’58, Rockville, Maryland
Richard J. Rembecki ’58, Scranton
Brian E. McHugh G’59, Kingston
Edward J. Manley, Sr. ’60, H’97, Scranton
James F. Kettrick, M.D.’67, Zion Crossroads, Virginia
William P. Lawler ’69, West Wyoming
Charles J. Pineno, Ph.D. ’69, Marco Island, Florida
Paul A. Ruddy ’69, Dunmore
Patrick G. McHale ’73, Carbondale
Lorraine C. Kevra ’77, Fair Haven, New Jersey
Karen Edwards Smith ’83, Matamoras
Robert J. Kleck, Jr. ’84, Harding
Sarah Farrell Hutchison ’08, Glenburn Township

FRIENDS' DEATHS

Michael G. Cappucci, husband of Rosemarie Clark Cappucci ’86, brother-in-law of Charlene Clark Laniewski ’88 and Marybeth Clark ’00
Carol Ann Clark, mother of Rosemarie Clark Cappucci ’86, Charlene Clark Laniewski ’88 and Marybeth Clark ’00
Eugene Demyan, brother of Phil Demyan ’76
Patricia Anne Gahagan, wife of Mike Gahagan ’00
Nicholas Huth, father of Peggy Huth Redmond '90

Alumni Class Notes, September 2021

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