University of Success Welcomes Class of 2030
The University of Scranton’s University of Success Class of 2030 recently began its participation in the four-year program, which provides mentorship and educational opportunities to help local students prepare for college and future careers. Founded in 1996, the University of Success is funded entirely by corporate and foundation grants, ensuring there is no cost to the participants and their families. Front row, from left: Dipika Basnet, Scranton; Rosalie Thorek, Dalton; Geraldine Donaciano, Scranton; and Margaret Loughney, University of Success director. Second row: Janella Jones, Scranton; and Kaylee Vasquez, Moosic. Third row: Edgar Nolasco Hernandez, Scranton; Noah Keiper, Scranton; Isabella Coffield, Avoca; and Jose Pomaquiza, Scranton. Fourth row: Rachel Garcia, Scranton; and Patty Chen, Milford. Fifth row: Kairav Shah, Scranton; Alisha Anderson, Old Forge; Emma Ziller, Gouldsboro; and Prayash Magar, Scranton. Sixth row: Omed Kibingwa, Scranton; and Jhonai Armstead, Olyphant. Seventh row: Ziannalys Lopez, Scranton; Erik Ayala Diaz, Scranton; Angus Finnegan, Old Forge; and Nasir Brown, Jr., Scranton.The University of Scranton’s University of Success welcomed 21 new members this past summer, beginning their developmental and educational journey through the program.
As part of their academic, cultural and social enrichment programming in July and August, students explored topics ranging from renewable energy and sustainability to physics and environmental science. Their hands-on activities included studying the cost effectiveness of the University’s solar panels, examining the energy-efficient and LEED Gold-certified Weiss Hall, building wind turbine prototypes and participating in science-focused programs at the Franklin Institute, Knoebel’s Amusement Park and the Lackawanna State Park.
The University of Success is a four-year, pre-college mentorship program that provides its participants — first-generation, college-bound high school students — with educational opportunities and support designed to help them gain admission to a college or university. It is funded entirely by corporate and foundation grants, and there is no charge to the participants or their families. The program launched in 1996 and graduated its first full class in 2001.
The most recent graduating University of Success class included 18 members, 16 of whom matriculated to colleges including The University of Scranton, Harrisburg University, Howard University, Lehigh University, Liberty University, Loyola University, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh.
The program was spotlighted in July as part of a WBRE news feature.
The University of Success’ Class of 2030 includes:
- Alisha Anderson, Old Forge
- Jhonai Armstead, Olyphant
- Erik Ayala Diaz, Scranton
- Dipika Basnet, Scranton
- Nasir Brown, Jr., Scranton
- Patty Chen, Milford
- Isabella Coffield, Avoca
- Geraldine Donaciano, Scranton
- Angus Finnegan, Old Forge
- Rachel Garcia, Scranton
- Janella Jones, Scranton
- Noah Keiper, Scranton
- Omed Kibingwa, Scranton
- Ziannalys Lopez, Scranton
- Prayash Magar, Scranton
- Edgar Nolasco Hernandez, Scranton
- Jose Pomaquiza, Scranton
- Kairav Shah, Scranton
- Rosalie Thorek, Dalton
- Kaylee Vasquez, Moosic
- Emma Ziller, Gouldsboro