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The University of Scranton's Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program is now designated by the federal government as a STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) program, effective at the start of the 2026-27 academic year. The designation falls under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security CIP Code 52.1399.

James Boyle, DBA, MAcc program director and associate professor of accounting, said most required MAcc courses will include analytics used specifically by accounting and financial professionals. Two new MAcc courses with STEM content have been added. STEM content has also been incorporated into several existing MAcc courses.

For example, a new MAcc course, ACC 571 — Accounting Analytics, has been developed by Ashley L. Stampone, Ph.D '10, G'11, Ph.D., associate professor of accounting, with the following course catalog description: "This course will provide an overview and exposure to descriptive, prescriptive, diagnostic and predictive analytics. It will combine the study of theoretical concepts with hands-on exercises in data extraction, data transformation, data analysis, data visualization and presentation and other analytical tools utilized in the accounting profession." 

The STEM designation will enhance MAcc graduates’ ability to apply analytic technology used by accounting and financial professionals, which is being demanded within the current marketplace for areas such as financial reporting and analysis, auditing and taxation.

Additionally, the University's MAcc program now offers a series of three intermediate accounting courses for students who want to earn an MAcc degree but did not major in accounting for their undergraduate degrees.

These students usually have completed one or more basic financial accounting courses as part of their non-accounting business degree. Therefore, to build a “bridge” for the more comprehensive accounting coursework, they will take three intermediate accounting courses (ACC 505, ACC 506 and ACC 507) as part of their 36- or 39-credit MAcc program study plan.

The MAcc bridge courses appeal to students who want to become Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and/or transition into an accounting or financial professional career but lack an undergraduate accounting degree. Other students may currently be working as an accounting or financial professional, but their lack of an undergraduate accounting degree may be a barrier to advancement and promotion.

“Our provisional students are highly motivated professionals who consistently excel in their studies while earning a master’s degree in accounting," Dr. Boyle said.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Boyle at james.boyle@scranton.edu or call 570-941-6594.

The University of Scranton’s Order of Pro Deo recently honored employees who have achieved 20 years of service at the University.

Sixteen employees were formally recognized at an induction ceremony held Friday, Sept. 18, at the Pearn Auditorium inside Brennan Hall. Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., presented the inductees with their awards while also offering a blessing and remarks.

The Order of Pro Deo at The University of Scranton was established in 1961 by Rev. John J. Long, S.J., University president from 1953-1963. Since its creation, 797 individuals have been honored with induction.

Pro Deo 20-Year Recipients

• Michael E. Allison

• Janet M. Bernick

• Paul T. Colaiezzi '86

• Robert W. Davis Jr. '06, G'09, G'19

• Ivo T. Geshev

• Edward Hanis

• Caitlyn M. Hollingshead '06, G'09, G'19

• Erik R. Johnson

• Barbara H. King

• Jonathan D. Kirby G'09

• Thomas C. Leong

• Susan C. Mendez

• Shannon L. Murphy Fennie '99

• Sheila M. Strickland G'11

• Alex Wasalinko '24

• Jason A. Wimmer G'11

The University of Scranton welcomed internationally known Jesuit priest, author and speaker Rev. James Martin, S.J. H'17, as the featured presenter at its annual Ignatian Values in Action Lecture, held Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Byron Recreation Complex.

Father Martin participated in a discussion and question-and-answer session hosted by Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., associate professor of English and Theatre and president of Faculty Senate.

Drawing from his acclaimed book, “Searching for God at Ground Zero,” Father Martin discussed how individuals can encounter God’s presence amid suffering and uncertainty. He shared stories of resilience and faith and encouraged audience members to recognize that grace, healing and spiritual growth can reveal themselves even in life’s most difficult moments.

In addition to speaking and signing books at the Ignatian Values in Action Lecture, Father Martin, while on campus, participated in a community breakfast and presented at a Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon, among other activities.

Through his books, media appearances and pastoral ministry, Father Martin has become of the most recognizable Catholic voices in the U.S., similar to other past speakers at the Ignatian Values in Action lecture, a signature event at The University of Scranton. Last year’s speaker was Rev. Gregory Boyle, S.J., founder of the gang intervention program Homeboy Industries.

The University of Scranton’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund, which sponsors one of the University’s most ambitious and prestigious scholarship initiatives, is now fully endowed with permanent support.

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, made the announcement Thursday at the 25th annual President’s Medal Gala at Pier Sixty in Manhattan. The total amount of gifts and pledges comes to $30.2 million, Father Marina said. The event was first held in 2002 to establish and fully fund the endowment, among other goals.

The University’s Presidential Scholars Program awards four-year, full-tuition scholarships to incoming first-year students with outstanding high school records and notable community involvement.

“At its core, the Presidential Scholars Program is about expanding access to education,” Father Marina said. “Consistent with our Catholic and Jesuit mission, we believe that gifted and motivated students should have the opportunity to pursue an outstanding education regardless of their financial means. By securing a full endowment of this program, the University and its benefactors have invested in future generations whose young men and women will continue to have access to a life-changing education that forms the whole person.”

The milestone was achieved through the collective generosity of thousands of donors over the past 24 years. Since its inception, the program has supported hundreds of students.

“Each of the nine Presidential Scholars in the Class of 2027 came to Scranton with their own interests, goals and dreams,” Jillian DelBalso ’27 said at Thursday’s gala on behalf of the Class of 2027 Presidential Scholars. “Our experiences may not have all looked the same, but we share something important. Someone believed in what we could become before we even had the chance to fully discover it for ourselves. That is what the Presidential Scholarship does. It doesn’t just invest in a student’s education. It invests in their future.”

The President's Medal, presented at the gala to individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields while demonstrating extraordinary compassion for others, was awarded to Robert S. '68 and Marilyn A. Weiss. The Weisses' lifetime of philanthropy has included significant gifts that helped construct Weiss Hall, Weiss Field and the creation of the Robert and Marilyn Weiss Pediatric Low Vision Research and Training Suite.

The University of Scranton named four new members to its Board of Trustees: Ellen Boyle, Esq. ’84, John Douthit ’90, Mary Dwyer-Cassis ’81 and Thom Spoto ’91.

Ellen Boyle, Esq. ’84

Boyle is a former deputy general counsel, Commercial Insurance Products, for American International Group, Inc. (AIG), a leading global insurance organization. She spent more than 30 years of her career at AIG, primarily in global legal, compliance and regulatory positions, but also in positions in claims and reinsurance. In her immediate past position, she led the legal team supporting AIG’s commercial insurance products, including all aspects of underwriting operations and distribution, directly overseeing legal support for North America while collaborating closely with legal, regulatory and compliance colleagues globally.

Dedicated to civic engagement, Boyle served on the AIG Pro Bono Steering Committee and was AIG’s liaison with the New York State Mentoring Program, organizing a program in which AIG employees mentor at-risk elementary and high school students.

Prior to joining AIG, Boyle was a litigator in New York City.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of Scranton, a Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law and an L.L.M., Taxation from New York University School of Law.

Boyle serves on the Executive Committee of the University’s President’s Business Council and received the Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024.

She resides on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.

John Douthit ’90

Douthit currently serves as president and CEO of John S. Burke Catholic High School and Academy in Goshen, New York. His tenure at Burke Catholic spans more than a decade, during which he has held progressive leadership roles including director of Alumni Relations, director of Development, director of Admissions and Advancement, principal and chief operations officer.

A graduate of Burke Catholic himself, Douthit is a product of 18 years of Catholic education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of Scranton and a master’s degree in public administration from the College of New Rochelle. Prior to his career in education, he spent 22 years in the financial services industry, gaining extensive experience in various leadership positions across New York, London and Chicago.

Deeply committed to Catholic education and institutional advancement, Douthit serves as executive director of the John S. Burke Catholic High School Foundation. He is president of the New York Metropolitan Catholic High School Presidents’ Association and a member of the Executive Committee of the Catholic Schools Administrators Association of New York State (CSAANYS).

While a student at Scranton, Douthit was a four-year member of the University’s baseball team. As an alumnus, he has been active with the University’s Parents Executive Council. He and his wife, Beth, reside in Monroe, New York, and are the parents of two sons, Patrick and Brendan, a graduate of the University’s Class of 2024.

Mary Dwyer-Cassis ’81

Dwyer-Cassis’ accomplished career has spanned more than 30 years of leadership roles and general management responsibilities at Waters Corporation, a provider of analytical instruments and software used by life sciences, materials and food industries. She joined the Waters Division of Millipore Corporation as a life science applications chemist and leveraged her laboratory experience to support product development and marketing initiatives before transitioning into sales. Throughout her career, she focused on supporting and collaborating with pharmaceutical, life science and industrial chemical researchers across the northeastern United States.

More recently, Dwyer-Cassis has been sharing her decades of experience, devoting her time to coaching and advising students and early-career professionals as they transition from academia and laboratory science into business and finance. She has also mentored students pursuing graduate education and research opportunities in the life sciences. 

Born and raised in Scranton, she attended Scranton Preparatory School and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from The University of Scranton. She pursued graduate studies at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, earning a master’s degree and Ph.D. in analytical chemistry.

She and her husband, Eugene, currently reside in St. Petersburg, Florida. The couple has two children.

Thom Spoto ’91

Spoto is a distinguished leader in the financial services industry. He is a partner in the External Investing Group (XIG) within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where he is a member of the Secondaries Investment Team (Vintage Platform). Additionally, he is chair of the XIG Vintage Credit Strategies Committee and is a member of the XIG Vintage Funds and XIG Private Co-Investment Strategies Committees.

Earlier in his career, Spoto was a vice president in Leveraged Finance and Corporate Finance within the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs. He initially joined Goldman Sachs in 1998 as an associate, rejoined the firm in 2015 as a managing director and was named partner in 2024.

Prior to rejoining Goldman Sachs, he was a managing director at AlpInvest Partners, where he was the head of US Equity Co-Investments, head of Mezzanine Investments and also a member of the firm’s Global Investment Committee. Previously, he worked at Salomon Brothers in the Investment Banking Division.

Spoto earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance, magna cum laude, from The University of Scranton and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to the National University of Singapore.

Spoto is a member of the Executive Committee of the University’s President’s Business Council. He resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

By Cassidy Lowman ’27, Student Correspondent

Keith Williams G’09 knows exactly what it means to live up to the Ignatian mission of being “men and women for others.” He’s dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to public service — advocating for people with disabilities and promoting justice in his community.

For a quarter century, Williams has seen firsthand how The University of Scranton’s U.S. Conference on Disability has grown from a local event to a nationally recognized forum on inclusion. Williams was one of the conference’s earliest supporters, attending all but one conference since it began in 2002. As someone with a physical disability who has also worked for over 35 years in disability advocacy and outreach, Williams reflects on the significant advancements made in accessibility and looks to the road ahead in areas where barriers remain and progress is still needed.

Echoing this year’s theme, “25 Years of Progress: Honoring the Legacy of Edward R. Leahy, Jr.,” Williams highlights the tremendous advancements made to make public areas more accessible to people with disabilities, especially in his Scranton community.

“I’ve seen a lot of positive changes. There are now curb cuts on sidewalks, accessible facilities within buildings and visual and audio street signals for those who have a visual or hearing impairment,” he said. “All of these are examples of barriers that have been removed.”

While celebrating these improvements, it’s important to acknowledge that there is still more work to be done.

Williams, who is the manager at the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Grant and Advocacy at My Center for Independent Living (MyCIL) in Scranton, says equal access to employment remains one of the biggest hurdles on the path to inclusion for people with disabilities.

People with disabilities continue to experience disproportionately high unemployment rates despite greater access to education and workforce training. It's rather ironic, Williams noted, that a direct result of progress — those with disabilities today have more access to education and training than those in the past — also comes with unemployment rates that don’t reflect the institutional improvements.

The University’s U.S. Conference on Disability brings advocates, educators and community members together to learn from one another and advance disability inclusion.

In addition to numerous lectures and panels spanning business, education, healthcare and entertainment, the event also features an awards presentation. At the 2025 conference, Williams was presented with the Edward R. Leahy, Jr., Award for Excellence in Leadership and Advocacy because of his lifelong commitment to public service.

"One of the things I admire about them is that they understand these issues from a personal level,” he said of the event's founders, Edward '68, H'01 and Patricia Leahy. “They were able to apply their experiences and familiarity with disability issues and make a world class conference from that. They’re passionate about equal access under the law, and particularly access to education and employment.”

When attending conferences such as this, Williams, because of his work and his own life experiences, is uniquely qualified to assess how a conference assesses inclusion from multiple perspectives.

"It’s always interesting to see if the message that is getting across applies to both populations, rather than one more than another. And at The University of Scranton, it does,” Williams said. “It does because many of the themes that the conference has presented over the years are all about empowerment; helping to empower people with disabilities, planning their careers and their goals and the steps they can take to achieve these goals.”

Significant progress had been made in promoting inclusion of the disability community since the Conference’s first forum in 2002. Although the fight for inclusion continues, the University is a leading institution spearheading these initiatives.

With more resources now than ever before, there are many different avenues one can take to educate themselves on disability inclusion and work toward a more equitable society.

“Whether it’s in a formal setting, like the University’s Conference, or a few people having an informal meeting, we have to get the word out about disability legislation and the laws that are out there,” Williams said. “We really need to reshape the way that people think, and that comes from constant education. Educate, educate, educate.”

By Cassidy Lowman ’27, Student Correspondent

The University of Scranton will host its annual Open House with events for prospective students and their families on Sunday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the John J. Long, S.J. Center. Find more information or register for Open House. 

Following a welcome from Enrollment leadership and University President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., visitors will be encouraged to explore the campus in new ways to see all the University has to offer. The Academic Fair, a new addition to this year’s Open House, is set to be a highlight in the day’s schedule. It is a structured time for students and families to connect with Scranton faculty and representatives from their areas of academic interest.

“The Academic Fair encourages visitors to explore more of campus, as each college’s fair is hosted in a different location. This not only helps guests engage more deeply with our academic offerings, but it also provides a broader sense of the campus environment and student experience,” Hugh Doyle Jr., director of undergraduate admissions at The University of Scranton, said.

NEW THIS YEAR: 'Come See Our Space' Experiences

Doyle notes the decisions made to revamp the Open House experience aim to make the event more organized and less overwhelming for prospective students and families. These changes include the addition of set times to engage with Student Life, Support Services and the Programs for Excellence, along with the opportunity to explore campus with the “Come See Our Space” experiences.

“The result is a more structured visit that helps families make the most of their time on campus while still allowing them the flexibility to explore the areas that interest them most,” Doyle said.

Choosing a school is a weighty decision, and attending an Open House provides students with opportunities to connect with the University in ways they can’t through a traditional campus tour.

“While many students and families enjoy seeing a campus in an 'unscripted' way during an unofficial visit, it can be challenging to get a true feel for a place you are unfamiliar with. It can be overwhelming,” Doyle said. “And you may miss opportunities or information that are important to your college decision.”

But for students visiting during an Open House, it’s necessary to imagine the University as their future home, rather than as a place where they will pursue a degree. By creating additional opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the campus culture, such as attending Mass, sharing a meal in the DeNaples Center and participating in other special programming, prospective students can be a part of what makes Scranton so unique, he said.

“These experiences help students envision themselves as members of our community and better understand the values, traditions, and sense of belonging that are central to a Scranton education,” Doyle said. “Ultimately, Open House helps students move beyond learning about the University to actually experiencing what makes Scranton such a special place to live, learn and grow.”

Interested in Attending?

Find more information or register for Open House. 

The September "Campus Catch-Up," which features a collection of news items from the past month, led with a story about The University of Scranton's placement in The Princeton Review's annual list of best colleges.

We are back this month with more good, familiar news, courtesy of two additional major publications, and other headlines from the early fall at Scranton.

Scranton a "Best College," According to U.S. News, TIME Magazine

The University of Scranton marked a significant institutional advancement with the release of this year's U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges" list. For the first time, Scranton is classified as a National University. Scranton made a strong debut in what is widely regarded as the premier grouping of American colleges and universities, ranking No. 137, in addition to achieving several top-100 placements in subcategories. The University also earned a spot on TIME Magazine's "America's Best Colleges" report.

Weiss Hall Earns Prestigious LEED Gold Certification

The nation's leading organization for sustainable building practices recently awarded one of its highest ratings — LEED Gold certification — to the University's newest facility, Weiss Hall. Built with mass timber construction, solar power, natural light design, energy-saving climate systems and water conservation fixtures, the building joins the Loyola Science Center as Scranton's second LEED Gold facility.

Mechanical Engineering Program Expands at Hyland Hall

Due to an influx of students and upgraded equipment, the University's mechanical engineering program has grown to include two new student design and research spaces on the fourth floor of Hyland Hall. The community gathered for an official opening and blessing event, where students and faculty provided tours of the newly renovated workspaces.

University of Scranton Welcomes New Faculty Members

The University added 20 new, full-time faculty members prior to the start of the 2026-27 academic year. Follow this link to learn more about the University's newest instructors.

Pet Therapy on the Dionne Green

Hundreds of students and dozens of dogs came together for the biannual tradition, Pet Therapy: Canines on Campus, sponsored by the University's Center for Service and Social Justice.

Additionally, the University hosted both a Career Expo and a Volunteer and Service Fair. The Mass of the Holy Spirit was held, as was a Sept. 11 Memorial Mass.

The University also announced this year's presenter at the 40th Henry George Lecture and shared that the second annual Confronting the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence conference will return in 2027.

In addition to the regular Wednesday email newsletter, The University of Scranton's Royal News website is updated continuously throughout the year with new stories, features and announcements. Readers may visit at any time to find the latest news from across the University.

By Cassidy Lowman '27, Student Correspondent

The University of Scranton community has always known its university was among the best, but a new classification and publication confirmed this campus pride.

The third Tuesday in September felt more like Christmas morning for those who gathered at Robert S. ’68 and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall for an historic reveal. The grand lobby was brimming with Royals whose gleaming faces watched the activities and speeches from the lobby stairs and second-floor banister.

Student government vice president, Connor Farrington ’27, a business analytics and accounting double major from Washington, New Jersey, introduced Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president. Father Marina was met with booming applause from the students, faculty, staff and community members present for the reveal.

The anticipation behind the reveal was prompted by the University’s new classification as a National University in U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings. 

“And so now we get to play with the big fish: Harvard, Princeton, Duke, Georgetown and all these famous global universities that we hold in such reverence and in such high esteem,” Father Marina said. “We are now within that group.” 

Along with announcing that the University is tied for No. 137 among over 420 peers, Father Marina unveiled four additional rankings: No. 47, graduate earnings; No. 71, best private colleges and universities; No. 73, earnings by major; No. 89, graduation rates.

As Father Marina spoke about the additional rankings, he gestured to a row of large placards propped up on displays. Marcus Smith ’27, an English and theater double major from Schuylkill Haven, who has always believed that Scranton belonged in the highest echelon of national colleges and universities, proudly flipped each placard as the achievement was announced.

“To receive those accolades means that we will hopefully be seen by more people across the world for the quality of education that we provide,” Smith said. “The faculty are very compassionate, caring about their students, and very engaged with what the students do. And I’m hoping that will be highlighted and remain important as we transition into this next phase of the University’s success.”

The transition is already underway. Earlier this year, Scranton shed its regional categorization when the Carnegie Classification system determined that Scranton now qualifies as a National University. This change comes after 32 years during which Scranton was a top 10 college in the North, according to U.S. News, which uses the Carnegie system when composing its annual lists. 

Purple and white balloons swayed during the reception as University mascot Iggy greeted community members with high-fives. Gracie, Father Marina’s “Royal Pup,” opted to lie down by Farrington and let everyone come to her by the refreshment table. On the table were cupcakes decorated with University flags and a cake shaped like the continental United States with a purple “S” in the middle — symbolizing the University’s advancement into the national category. 

As Farrington spoke with administrators, shook hands with professors and cracked jokes with peers, he said every member of the Scranton community has a reason to be proud of this achievement.

“It goes to show just how resilient, strong, and how great the University is. This is my fourth year, and I’ve been able to not only see myself grow, but also see the University grow,” Farrington said. “This is monumental and it speaks volumes to what happens here at the University that now is being recognized on the national level.”

As the lobby slowly emptied, Father Marina’s words left attendees walking back to their classrooms and offices with their heads a bit higher.

It’s a great day to celebrate, he said, and a great day to be a Royal.

Cassidy Lowman ‘27, Dauphin, is a communications major with a political science minor at Scranton.

The University of Scranton’s U.S. Conference on Disability will celebrate a major milestone on Wednesday, Oct. 7, commemorating a quarter-century of advocacy, education and leadership dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

This year’s conference theme, “25 Years of Progress: Honoring the Legacy of Edward R. Leahy, Jr.,” will focus on disability inclusion and careers, as well as transforming barriers into opportunities.

Founded through the generosity and vision of Edward Leahy ’68, H’01, and Patricia Leahy and inspired by their son, Edward R. Leahy, Jr., the conference has become one of the nation’s longest-running university-based forums on disability issues. The conference has created a space where educators, health care professionals, policymakers, students, families and advocates can share ideas and research to better the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Among those who will speak at the event, hosted on campus at the DeNaples Center, are:

• 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. — Former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, who currently serves The University of Scranton as its Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service.

• 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. — Mason Ameri, Ph.D., professor of professional practice at Rutgers University.

• 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. — Kerry Magro, Ed.D., bestselling author and speaker.

• 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Kathy West-Evans and John Evans, founders of Abilities United Consulting.

•  3 to 4:30 p.m. — Rebecca Alexander, award-winning author and disability rights advocate.

The daylong event begins with registration and a continental breakfast from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. and concludes at about 4:30 p.m. It is presented by The University of Scranton, the Leahy College of Health Sciences and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment.

For more information, visit the conference’s webpage.

The Bianca Beck Memorial Foundation recently donated $5,000 to The University of Scranton’s Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Degree Program in the Leahy College of Health Sciences.

The donation will support educational initiatives and enrich learning opportunities for students preparing for speech-language pathology careers.

Representatives of the foundation visited campus to meet with faculty and staff and learn more about the program’s efforts to prepare future practitioners through innovative academic and clinical experiences.

The Bianca Beck Memorial Foundation was established in 2020. Please visit the foundation’s website for more information.

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

The University of Scranton has boldly entered the U.S. News and World Report rankings of the best colleges in the entire United States, further validating an historic Carnegie reclassification last year as a National University.

“Scranton has enjoyed an impressive run in the U.S. News Regional Universities in the North Rankings. This year, Scranton has moved up to the National Universities U.S. News category, directly competing with Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Notre Dame, Duke and Georgetown, and the country’s other most-distinguished academic universities,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, at a campus celebration of Scranton’s new category and this year’s U.S. News rankings.

In the 2027 U.S. News “Best Colleges” ranking, Scranton tied for No. 137 in the National Universities category. The National Universities category is widely regarded as the premier grouping of American universities and includes more than 420 institutions.

While no single statistic determines an institution’s position in the rankings, which were released Tuesday, Sept. 22, Scranton performed exceptionally well in several indicators tied to educational quality and value as measured by student success.

• With 91% of Scranton graduates earning more than a typical high school graduate, the University ranks No. 47 in the graduate earnings category;

• The University ranks 73rd in earnings by major, a new category that evaluates graduates’ earnings four years after graduation and measures the value added by their degree;

• A 10.77-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio ranks No. 62;

• Holding a 73% predicted graduation rate and 82% six-year graduation rate, Scranton ranks No. 89 in the category measuring graduation rates.

• Named a “Best Value School (No. 148 nationally),” Scranton’s exceptional return on investment is reflected in its combination of academic quality, affordability and strong student outcomes.

Long recognized as one the best Regional Universities in the nation — ranking top 10 in the North for 32 consecutive years — Scranton’s evolving academic and research profile in recent years has aligned more closely with institutions in the National category. The University’s position among National Universities was confirmed earlier this year when the Carnegie Classification system, the widely used benchmark that evaluates and compares institutions, recognized it as such.

“We have always taken justifiable pride in the success of our students and the Catholic and Jesuit learning and living experience we offer to nurture their achievements,” Father Marina said. “I am delighted that this same commitment to helping our students achieve their dreams is now enjoying even greater national attention.”

U.S. News rankings are based on the previously listed data, as well as other criteria including peer assessments, faculty salaries, standardized test performance and Pell Grant student graduation rates and performance.

While The University of Scranton is tied for 137th among all national universities, it is tied for 71st among private colleges and universities on the list.

The University’s accounting program is tied for 33rd in the nation, furthering its reputation as a premier destination for the field. Last year, the accounting program ranked 40th. It joins other undergraduate programs also listed on the national rankings: nursing, business, engineering and computer science. 

Founded in 1888, The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university with 70 majors and more than 40 graduate programs housed in its three colleges (the Kania School of Management, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Leahy College of Health Sciences). Scranton has recently been recognized in national rankings from TIME Magazine and The Princeton Review, the latter of which ranked Scranton top 25 nationally in multiple categories measuring student satisfaction beyond the classroom.

The most recent  First Destination Survey by the Roche Family Center for Career Development revealed success rates of 99% and 100% for Scranton's undergraduate and graduate members of the Class of 2024.

The Rev. Bernard R. McIlhenny Ballroom bustled with activity as approximately 700 students attended the University of Scranton’s annual Volunteer and Service Fair held Sept. 15 in the DeNaples Student Center.

The fair, organized by The Center for Service and Social Justice, connects Scranton students with local nonprofit organizations seeking volunteers to support an array of meaningful causes. This year’s event featured more than 60 community partners in service areas including healthcare and hospice, youth and education, social justice initiatives, food and housing insecurity and more.

Students carried bags and information pamphlets tied to a variety of organizations and projects. The fair’s popularity reflects Scranton’s Jesuit foundations and commitment to graduating “men and women for others.” Scranton students volunteer tens of thousands of hours per year toward community service.

For some organizations, the Royals community is crucial to maintaining and expanding helpful programs.

Lauren Chapin, community outreach administrative officer for the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, searched for potential tech tutors for a program run by Age Friendly Lackawanna. The initiative provides assistance to individuals 60 and older with smartphones, laptops and a range of other devices.

“We’re always looking for the helpers, and I think the U is a great place to start,” Chapin said. “They really build a good foundation.”

Jonathan Smath, a first-year student majoring in business communication, spoke to multiple organizations aligned with his passions for physical activity and older adult services. He explained that frequent visits to a relative under nursing care helped inspire him to uplift others.

“Me, personally, I would like to have someone to be able to talk to, and I like listening to people and helping them whatever way I can,” said Smath, a member of the Scranton men’s track and field team from Westchester County, New York. “The smallest gesture I can do is be a listener.”

The Volunteer and Service Fair also allows students the chance to network and gain valuable experience in their fields of study.

Isabella Almeida, a first-year student majoring in biochemistry, is interested in a career in pediatric oncology and eager to make connections with medical professionals.

“The one thing I really like is how involved Scranton is in the community and getting the students to engage,” Almeida, of Hazleton, said. 

The University’s optimal location is ideal for organizations based in downtown Scranton, leading to consistent student engagement. This is particularly true for the Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen of the Diocese of Scranton, located within walking distance from campus at 500 Penn Avenue.

“We’ve been fortunate because of our proximity, and the students can come down when they are able to,” Ellen Farrell, clothing operations manager and volunteer coordinator for St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, explained. “It really energizes us, and you can it’s really heartfelt, too.”

Those interested in learning about upcoming service opportunities on and off campus should contact Ellen Judge, outreach program coordinator and administrative assistant, at Ellen.Judge@scranton.edu to be added to the CSSJ’s weekly email.

Across academics, business, healthcare, law and policy and countless other fields, there is a desire to better understand artificial intelligence and its applications.

The response to The University of Scranton’s inaugural AI-themed interdisciplinary conference, Confronting the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, proved as much, according to George Aulisio, Ph.D.

“Last year’s conference demonstrated that there is a real appetite for serious, interdisciplinary conversation about the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Aulisio, dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library and conference co-planner. “We welcomed more than 100 participants from across the United States and internationally, representing an extraordinary range of disciplines and professions.”

Hoping to build on last year’s strong showing, in which attendees represented about 50 organizations from 18 states and Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom, the conference will return in 2027.

The second Confronting the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence conference will be held Thursday, April 29, through Saturday, May 1, 2027. A mixer and keynote lecture will kick things off on Thursday; followed by a full day of presentations, a second keynote lecture and a banquet on Friday; and a half day of presentations and plenary session on Saturday.

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping our schools, our hospitals, our legal systems, our entire lives,” said Daniel R. Marenda, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and conference co-planner. “But at its core, this technology is a reflection of the humans who build it and of the society we live in.

“How do we ensure these tools serve human dignity rather than diminish it? Last year’s conference took on this question directly. Our speakers spanned topics from healthcare to self-actualization, philosophy to physics; from AI doctors, to AI actors, AI tutors and AI students. I’m looking forward to seeing what topics this year’s speakers confront and how our understanding of this ever-changing technology continues to evolve.”

Dr. Aulisio added that the conference strives to be “a space where scholars and professionals can engage these questions thoughtfully and across disciplinary boundaries.”

Registration is now open. Proposal submissions are welcome and will close on Nov. 6.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will host the Anderson Twins Sextet performing their acclaimed program “Swingin’ the Classics," which reimagines staples of the European classical repertoire into fresh swing era jazz. The Family Weekend Concert, which will also include an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir with the sextet, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free, the concert is open to the public, and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

“It is such a joy to welcome Will and Pete back to Scranton to continue to share their musicianship and creative approach to programming with our students, our campus and our community," said Janelle Decker, Performance Music executive director.

“Will and Pete first performed here with Loren Schoenberg and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars in 2008 and have returned to the university as guest artists and clinicians so many times — and with such a variety of terrific programs — that they truly feel like sons of Scranton," added Cheryl Y. Boga, artistic director of Performance Music.
 
Identical twins Peter and Will Anderson are two of the most extraordinary jazz woodwind players today. Hailed by The New York Times as “virtuosos on clarinet and saxophone," they were born and raised in the Washington, D.C., area and moved to New York City to attend The Juilliard School. They’ve performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Paquito D’Rivera, Wynton Marsalis, and with Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks, with whom they can be heard on the 2014 Grammy-winning soundtrack of HBO’s "Boardwalk Empire." They’ve headlined at Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, New Orleans Jazz Festival, Feinstein’s 54 Below, Blues Alley, Birdland, and live on Garrison Keillor’s "Prairie Home Companion" radio program, and have performed in over 40 U.S. states, throughout Brazil, Japan, the U.K., and six times in New York City’s famed "Highlights in Jazz " series.

The Andersons' screen credits include "Revolutionary Road," "Killers of the Flower Moon," "Boardwalk Empire" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." They performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center All-Stars in "After Midnight," which ran on Broadway from 2013-2014 and featured Vanessa Williams, KD Lang, Fantasia Barrino and Patti Labelle. In 2017, the Andersons directed “The Fabulous Dorsey Brothers” in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room, narrated by The Wire and Treme actor, Clarke Peters.

For further information on the performance, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on the Andersons, visit peterandwillanderson.com.

IF YOU GO:

What: “SWINGIN’ THE CLASSICS” featuring the Anderson Twins Sextet with an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton

When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton

Admission: FREE

When Royals return to The University of Scranton each academic year, the arrival is hope-filled, with mission at the forefront. Earlier this month, an alumnus from the Class of 1975 visited campus to continue a long-standing tradition in Jesuit education, calling upon the Holy Spirit for wisdom, guidance and inspiration in the year ahead. 

Archbishop Joseph Marino '75 rejoined the Scranton community on Sept. 10 as the principal celebrant and homilist for this year's Mass of the Holy Spirit with a timely reminder from the Scriptures.

"For sure that education that we receive from this outstanding University will prepare us academically and spiritually ... with courage and dedication, we will make our own contribution to making our times more and more in ... the vision of Christ our Lord," Archbishop Marino said.

"And it's worth hearing again to bring good news to the poor, liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, release to prisoners ... in other words, to do something visibly good."

Archbishop Marino served in the Vatican diplomatic service from 1988 to 2019 and then served as president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome from 2019 until 2023.

Following the liturgy in the Byron Recreation Complex, the University community gathered for a picnic lunch on the Dionne Green and DeNaples Center Patio. 

Performance Music at The University of Scranton will welcome violinist Aisslinn Nosky and cellist Caroline Nicolas on Friday, Sept. 18, when they present a recital entitled “Baroque or Bust!” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free. The concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Hailed as “superb” by The New York Times and “a fearsomely powerful musician” by The Toronto Star, Nosky has served as soloist and director with ensembles around the world, including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Holland Baroque, the Victoria Symphony, the Hamilton Philharmonic and the New World Symphony. In 2011, Nosky was appointed concertmaster of the Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society, founded in 1815 and one of the world’s longest continuously performing musical organizations. Nosky has recorded the complete Haydn and Mozart violin concerti with H and H on the CORO label. A passionate educator, Nosky has been on faculty at Amherst Early Music Festival, the International Baroque Institute of Longy, Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, Mount Holyoke College and The Banff Centre. She has given masterclasses, workshops and performances at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the New England Conservatory of Music, Codarts Rotterdam and The Juilliard School.

Canadian cellist and viol player Nicolas enjoys an international career performing repertoire spanning the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Acclaimed as “a bright new gamba star” by The Strad Magazine, she performs with leading ensembles across Europe and North America, including The English Concert, Philharmonia Baroque, Kammerorchester Basel, Ars Lyrica Houston, Pacific MusicWorks and New World Symphony. She recently completed her tenure as Music Director of New Baroque Orchestra and now serves as Artistic Director of Ars Poetica. A dedicated educator, she has taught at Yale University, the Peabody Conservatory, the University of Victoria and the University of Washington, and she has led workshops for organizations including the Viola da Gamba Society of America and the Port Townsend Early Music Workshop. Her students have gone on to study at leading conservatories across North America and Europe, and she has been featured in Early Music America for her work on historical bowing techniques.

For further information on the concert or related education events for student musicians and music educators, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Nosky, visit aisslinn.com and for more info on Nicolas, visit carolinenicolas.com.

IF YOU GO: 

What: IN RECITAL: 'BAROQUE OR BUST!' Aisslinn Nosky, violin, and Caroline Nicolas, cello

When: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton

Admission: Free

Nicholas Bloom, Ph.D., the William D. Eberle Professor of Economics at Stanford University, will deliver The University of Scranton's 40th Henry George Lecture on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. Dr. Bloom's lecture, “How Working from Home Reshaped America," will begin at 7:30 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Dr. Bloom is internationally recognized as one of the world's leading economists studying productivity, management practices, technological change, remote work and innovation. His research has transformed the understanding of how management quality influences firm performance and economic growth. It has provided influential evidence on the effects of hybrid and remote work on organizations and employees. His work has been widely cited by policymakers, business leaders and researchers around the world.

Dr. Bloom earned his Ph.D. in Economics from University College London and joined Stanford University's Department of Economics after faculty appointments at the London School of Economics and Stanford's Graduate School of Business. He is a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), a research associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), a fellow of the Econometric Society and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

His research has appeared in many of the profession's leading journals, including the American Economic Review, Quarterly Journal of Economics, Journal of Political Economy, Review of Economic Studies and Management Science. He has received numerous honors for his research contributions and is widely recognized for pioneering large-scale studies examining management practices across countries, as well as the economics of working from home.

Considered the preeminent public lecture series on economics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Henry George Lecture Series is presented by The University of Scranton's Department of Economics, Finance and International Business and the University's chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international honor society in economics. Previous Henry George lecturers include 13 Nobel Prize winners in Economics: Philippe Aghion (2025), Daron Acemoglu (2024), David Card (2021) Paul Romer (2018), Robert Shiller (2013), Tom Sargent (2011), Peter Diamond (2010), Paul Krugman (2008), Joseph Stiglitz (2001), George Akerlof (2001), Amartya Sen (1998), Robert Lucas (1995) and Robert Solow (1987). The lecture series is named in honor of 19th-century American economist and social reformer Henry George and is supported financially through a grant from the Progress and Poverty Institute.

For more information about the Henry George Lecture, call 570-941-4209 or email pamela.turbessi@scranton.edu.

By Cassidy Lowman '27, Student Correspondent 

Twenty-five years ago, former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, then Pennsylvania Auditor General, was sitting down for a meeting in Harrisburg when the devastating attacks happened in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001.

The former Senator has spent most of his life dedicated to public service. As the state Auditor General and later U.S. Senator, he saw firsthand how government policies, first responders, overall public safety and governmental trust were influenced by the attacks on the World Trade Center.

Casey reflected on the bravery and sacrifice demonstrated that day.

“As a citizen and as a public official, it gave me a much greater appreciation for those who put their lives at risk to protect the community and protect the nation,” said Casey, The University of Scranton’s Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service. “That kind of heroism and dedication to the lives of others is just incomparable, it’s incalculable, it’s immeasurable.”

Despite being a political figure, he knew just as little as every other American who was glued to their television that Tuesday morning. Casey first heard of the attacks while in a meeting. Someone in the meeting received a notification on their BlackBerry, stating a plane had crashed into the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. Casey initially thought it was a terrible mistake, until a second notification alerted that a second plane had hit the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.

Casey remembers driving home to Scranton that evening in fear, needing to be surrounded by family. The grief and anxiety weighed so heavily on the nation that day, Casey said, that it was unlike anything he ever experienced.

“It was violence to the state and violence directed at who we are, our values, our system,” Casey said. “And so, in my life, there was no other day like Sept. 11.”

The Scranton area is home to many who commute to New York City daily for work, and on Sept. 11, 2001, five University of Scranton alumni and 32 loved ones of students and graduates lost their lives. Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., H’04, the Superior for the Scranton Jesuit Community, was president of The University of Scranton at the time and became deeply involved with honoring those who lost their lives, by organizing Masses and attending numerous funerals and memorial services.

“Part of the core mission of Jesuit education is to be a person for others and to act on behalf of others even when it is difficult,” said Casey, who graduated from Jesuit institutions Scranton Preparatory School and the College of the Holy Cross. “Much of the Jesuit philosophy and what is in Jesuit teachings are directly connected to service and sacrificing on behalf of others.”

When asked what University of Scranton students should take away from the 25th anniversary of Sept.11, Casey stated that despite the grief felt nationwide, individuals should let the bravery of those who put their lives at risk propel us forward and challenge us to serve others and live up to the obligations we have to our communities.

“It is important for students to study what happened on 9/11, to remember those lost, to be cognizant of the evil that exists in our world, and to emulate the example of service and sacrifice of so many Americans on that awful day and thereafter,” Casey said.

When Casey’s father, Bob Casey Sr., gave his gubernatorial inauguration speech in 1991, he did so amid another anxious time when U.S. troops were readying for deployment to Iraq.

“We pray for them, but we also pray for ourselves, that we may be worthy of their valor,” Casey Sr. said.

Casey expanded on his father’s message, which has stayed with him for 35-plus years.

“If we’re going to be worthy of all that valor … we’ve got to prove it. You’ve got to prove it every day as a citizen,” Casey said.

Casey said that responsibility includes being a positive force within one’s community and family by voting, treating others with respect and doing good every day.

As the Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service, Casey strives to model the qualities he admired in those who lost their lives 25 years ago. It is the way, he said, one could prove worthy of their valor.

Cassidy Lowman ‘27, Dauphin, is a communications major with a political science minor at Scranton. 

The University of Scranton is one of America’s Best Colleges, according to an inaugural ranking produced by TIME Magazine in partnership with data research firm Statista.

TIME’s list consists of 500 colleges and universities that earned the highest final scores based on a model structured around three key pillars: Student Outcomes, Learning Environment and Attractiveness.

The rankings were weighted heavily toward Student Outcomes, which accounted for 75% of a college’s final grade. According to TIME, this category “assesses what students gain from attending an institution, measured after they leave it.” TIME used three data components — graduates’ earnings, graduation rate and return on education — to determine each college’s Student Outcomes value.

The University of Scranton had a strong performance in the Student Outcomes pillar, ranking No. 150 in the nation.

Overall, Scranton is No. 241, ranking ahead of in-state colleges and universities including Washington and Jefferson, Duquesne, Pitt and Temple, among others.

Follow this link to read more about the study’s methodology.

Founded in 1888, The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university with 70 majors and more than 40 graduate programs housed in its three colleges (the Kania School of Management, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Leahy College of Health Sciences). Scranton has recently been recognized in national rankings by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes and The Princeton Review. The most recent First Destination Survey by the Roche Family Center for Career Development  revealed success rates of 99% and 100% for Scranton's undergraduate and graduate members of the Class of 2024.

The nation’s leading organization for sustainable building practices recently awarded one of its highest ratings to The University of Scranton’s newest facility, as the U.S. Green Building Council recognized Robert S. ’68 and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall with LEED Gold certification.

Opened at the start of the 2025-26 academic year, Weiss Hall is Scranton’s fourth building to achieve LEED certification. The Loyola Science Center is also Gold, while Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall and the Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center are Silver.

According to James L. Caffrey, DBA, associate vice president for facilities management, Weiss Hall was initially targeted to achieve LEED Silver certification. He described the Gold designation as coming with both “a profound sense of pride and a deep sense of responsibility,” as the University is currently engaged in a seven-year process to become designated by the Vatican as a Laudato Si’ University. 

Among the major elements that helped Weiss Hall achieve LEED Gold certification are:

• Mass timber construction: Weiss Hall was built using a sustainable wood product that significantly reduces the building’s carbon footprint.

• Solar power: Rooftop solar panels generate clean electricity.

• Natural light design: Large glass windows and walls bring more daylight into the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

• Energy-saving climate systems: High-efficiency heating, cooling and ventilation systems automatically adjust temperatures to reduce energy use.

• Water conservation: Low-flow fixtures lessen demand on municipal water supplies. 

“Earning the LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council represents a major milestone for The University of Scranton,” Dr. Caffrey said. “It signifies that Weiss Hall exceeds industry standards for sustainable design, energy efficiency, reduced water use and environmentally conscious construction.”

Weiss Hall is a four-story, nearly 90,000 square-foot facility on Madison Avenue. It houses more than 30 offices/research spaces, 12 study rooms, 11 classrooms, six exam rooms, two large seminar rooms and two rooftop terraces. It was built to support both institutional and community excellence, serving as the home for the University’s Small Business Development Center, the University of Success, Student Health Services and the Center for Health, Education and Wellness, as well as the Departments of Cybercrime and Homeland Security and Psychology. Weiss Hall also has a first-floor IDEA Center, which is equipped with cutting-edge equipment for production of various means.

LEED certification stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and is recognized worldwide as a marker for achievement and leadership in sustainability.

The Hope Horn Gallery at The University of Scranton will present five exhibitions during its 2026-27 season, featuring works by acclaimed artists, educators and collectors while also hosting lectures, receptions and educational programs.

The season opens Sept. 8 with “Joy in the Process: Selections from a Regional Collection,” a curated exhibition highlighting artists who have helped shape Northeastern Pennsylvania’s arts scene. This curated exhibition features work by John Willard Raught, Graydon Mayer, Hope Cumming Horn, Predrag Djordjevic, Louis Pontone, Cliff Prokop, William Tersteeg and Karl Neuroth, among others. The curator’s lecture will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Brennan Hall’s Pearn Auditorium, followed by a public reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on the fourth floor of Hyland Hall. The exhibition will remain on display through Oct. 9.

The next exhibition is “Peter Hoffer: Reflections Five Decades of Art,” opening Oct. 19. Hoffer, professor emeritus at Marywood University, has worked for than 50 years as an artist and educator. The exhibition features paintings, watercolors, drawings, prints and collages he produced. The artist’s lecture will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Brennan Hall’s Pearn Auditorium, followed by a public reception on the fourth floor of Hyland Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition will remain on display through Nov. 20.

“Inscapes: Paintings by Leigh Pawling” is the next exhibition, which will open Feb. 1. Pawling, who maintains a studio in Kingston, is a painter who uses systems of mark-making to explore the symbolism of numbers, vertical lines, circles, the figure in motion and nature. Pawling’s artist’s lecture will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at Brennan Hall’s Pearn Auditorium, with a public reception on the fourth floor of Hyland Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition will remain on display through Feb. 26.

Next is “Meditations: Drawings by J.M. Dunn,” an artist and art historian and professor emerita at The University of Scranton. Dunn has spent a lifetime considering and creating relationships between words and images. Spontaneously produced with marker using an automatic drawing technique, this series is informed by Dunn’s study and understanding of Biblical narratives and Renaissance art. The artist’s lecture will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 12, at Brennan Hall’s Pearn Auditorium. A public reception will follow from 6 to 8 p.m. on the fourth floor of Hyland Hall. It will remain on display through March 24.

The final scheduled exhibition is “Jon Carsman: Painting and Place,” opening April 1. Carsman was born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Back Mountain region. He was a painter and printmaker known for his vibrant images of forest streams, village roads and urban neighborhoods. Included in the exhibition are acrylic and watercolor paintings representing Carsman’s work from the 1970s and 1980s. The artist’s lecture will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 2, at Brennan Hall’s Pearn Auditorium. A public reception will follow from 6 to 8 p.m. on the fourth floor of Hyland Hall. It will remain on display through May 14.

The Hope Horn Gallery is a facility devoted to fostering the arts in Northeastern Pennsylvania with exhibitions and programs designed to complement the University’s curricula, encouraging campus and community collaborations, supporting regional artists, providing arts in education opportunities and showing students’ work. All exhibitions, lectures and receptions are free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit the Hope Horn Gallery’s webpage.

A full day of collaboration, reflection and planning marked the latest milestone in The University of Scranton’s Middle States Self-Study. Self-study is a process of reflection and assessment undertaken by institutions accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) every eight years. The process invites institutions to evaluate their effectiveness, demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards, assess educational quality and success in meeting its mission and identify priorities for continuous improvement.

Approximately 60 faculty, staff and administrators gathered in August for a daylong retreat, convening the University’s steering committee and their working group members as they examine the University from all angles and discuss ways in which it can advance its Catholic and Jesuit mission.

“At a time when higher education is facing serious challenges, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to engage with an expansive group of people from across the University to kick off an intentional process of self-study,” said Michael J. Jenkins, Ph.D., co-chair of the Middle States Self-Study along with Sarah B. Kenehan, Ph.D. “Throughout this self-study, we will reflect on aspects of this institution that make this place special, while also answering important questions about what our institution needs to do to meet future challenges and continue serving our students and community.”

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president, opened the retreat with a prayer, followed by an address from WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Participants then reviewed progress, examined supporting evidence, shared findings from across their groups and collaborated on next steps to strengthen the self-study report.

The Middle States Self-Study is in Year 2 of a three-year process. It will continue throughout the academic year, with opportunities for University community members to engage in discussions and provide feedback that will help inform the final report.

For more information about the University's self-study process, please visit its page on the University website.

A diverse collective of University of Scranton faculty and staff recently gathered to discuss the increasing influence of artificial intelligence, with Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical letter as a focal point.

The Jesuit Center at the University led a reading group examining “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence” on Aug. 28. The encyclical, published in May 2026, is divided into five chapters and includes the pope’s appeal for accountability in the development process of AI.

According to Tim Dulle Jr., Ph.D., executive director of the Jesuit Center, 44 faculty and staff signed up for the reading with an additional waiting list. Because of the high demand, participants were split into separate discussion groups held simultaneously in Brennan Hall’s Casey Conference Room and the Slattery Center. Both groups will meet again on Sept. 14.

The encyclical and its contents were of particular interest to the Jesuit Center, whose mission is to assist the University “in keeping its Catholic and Jesuit character at the center of the educational enterprise.”

“There was so much energy around the first American pope, so, when they were releasing 'Magnifica humanitas,' I thought, ‘We have to do something on this. This is right in our wheelhouse,’” Dr. Dulle said. “We are dealing with what it means to be people in the age of AI. We are trying to teach students to be responsible in the age of AI.”

Members in attendance at Brennan Hall began by watching a short video accompanying the letter’s release, which encouraged viewers to “break the chains of digital slavery.” They reflected on the first three chapters of the document with the campus community in mind, pointing out students and faculty have expressed varying viewpoints on the applications and usefulness of AI.

Some emphasized the importance of critical thinking, and expressed concern the pope's outline didn't address its decline in greater detail. Others pondered whether further development of AI could take away the dignity of the individual and create wider technological divides within communities.

“I thought it was really useful to contextualize these current technological changes with Catholic social teaching, and how people and faculty at a Jesuit university should think about that and incorporate it into our everyday work,” said Adam Pratt, Ph.D., chair of the History Department.

Dr. Dulle ultimately characterizes the encyclical as a conversation starter more than a full-on critique or attack on AI, but it leaves plenty of room for debate and engagement. The letter includes multiple uses of words such as “criteria” and “foundations,” suggesting the pope is encouraging wider dialogue.

“The news headlines really framed this as the pope vs. big tech,” Dr. Dulle said. “And I think to frame it like that says more about what people think about big tech than it does about the encyclical.”

Visit the Jesuit Center homepage to learn more about its programs and upcoming events.

University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., announced an administrative reorganization on Wednesday, Sept. 2, designed to support the University’s strategic priorities and position the institution for continued success.

As part of the reorganization, Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D., ’03 G'10 G'13, will be appointed Executive Vice President, effective Sept. 4. In Dr. Davis’ new role, the following divisional leaders will report to him: Elizabeth M. Garcia, Esq., Associate Vice President for the Office of Institutional Compliance and Title IX; Stephen Hietsch, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration; and Patricia L. Tetreault ’93 G'00, Vice President for Human Resources. They will remain members of the President’s Cabinet. Dr. Davis, who has served since 2022 as Vice President for Advancement, will continue to lead Advancement and serve as the Athletics Direct Report.

“Over the past two decades, Bobby has brought dedication, imagination and a very impressive work ethic to every role in which he has served,” Fr. Marina said in a letter to the University community. “His experience leading our Student Life, Athletics and Advancement teams and serving as Chief of Staff for three presidents has given him a highly comprehensive understanding of the University. Along the way, he worked hard to improve his knowledge of higher education, earning a Doctor of Education Degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016.”

The following members of the President’s Cabinet will continue to report directly to Fr. Marina: Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., Vice President for Mission and Ministry; Robert B. Farrell, J.D., Ed.D., General Counsel; Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students; Gerald C. Zaboski ’87 G’95, Senior Vice President for the Office of the President; WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Shannon Zottola, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing.

“Making this change will allow me to focus even more time on ensuring the success of our Strategic Plan and Strategic Enrollment Management Plan,” Fr. Marina said. “It will free me up for more fundraising and for building community, both internally and externally.”

Having earned bachelor’s, master’s and MBA degrees from The University of Scranton, Dr. Davis brings more than 20 years of experience in student life, athletics, advancement and executive administration, along with a deep commitment to the University’s Catholic and Jesuit mission. As Vice President for Advancement, he provided overall leadership for “A Fire That Kindles Other Fires Campaign to Advance Mission, Access and Excellence,” the largest capital campaign in University history, which exceeded its goal by a wide margin and raised $155.7 million.

The new structure reflects the University’s commitment to advancing the goals of Strategic Plan 2030, announced earlier this year.