Meet the Staff: Brian Loughney ’07, G’09, Human Resources Manager, earns ‘Man of the Year’ award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The younger Loughney shared a positive update about his father.

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

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

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

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

How long has your father been cancer free? 

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

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

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

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

Get To Know ... Brian Loughney