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University of Scranton undergraduate students majoring in mathematics and computer science, along with faculty from the Mathematics Department, presented research at two multi-state regional conferences. The research was conducted with faculty advisor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics, during the summers of 2023 and 2024 and was supported by grants from NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways in Mathematical and Physical Sciences (LEAPS-MPS) grants.

Nicolas M. Hipolito, Scranton, a mathematics major, presented “A Crash Course in Quantum Tic-Tac-Toe” at the Eastern Pennsylvania/Delaware Section of the Mathematical Association of America’s Conference, hosted at Penn State Abington in November. The research presentation demonstrated core concepts of quantum mechanics, looking at “superposition, entanglement and measurement” through “an engaging game which can demonstrate these concepts for all ages,” according to the abstract.

Hipolito is a member of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national honor society for mathematics majors. He is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Ken Monks, Ph.D., professor of mathematics at the University, presented “Proof Verification with Lurch” at the Mathematical Association of America’s Sectional Conference as well.

Four University students presented at the 2024 New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania Section Conference of the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), which took place at Rochester Institute of Technology in early November.

Alexander G. Dolce, West Babylon, New York, a mathematical sciences major, presented “Gradient flow of Voronoi diagrams with repulsion.” He is a member of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national honor society for mathematics majors.

Ryan P. Lavelle, Belford, New Jersey, a computer science major, presented “Simulating T1 processes on Foams.”

Bernard M. Scott, West Chester, a computer science major, presented “Analysis of disordered polygonal networks.” He is a member of Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the only existing international honor society in the computing and information disciplines.

Ashlyn Urbanski, Pittston, a neuroscience and mathematical sciences double major presented “Turning function for regular polygons.” She is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Dr. Klobusicky also presented “Disorder in foams and other 2-d microstructures” at the SIAM conference.

University of Scranton graduate student, Elif Onat ’24, South Abington Township, who is currently pursing a master’s degree in business analytics, attended the conference. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematical sciences and computer science from the University in 2024, and presented research at the SIAM sectional conference in 2023.

Additional information about undergraduate programs in mathematics at The University of Scranton can be found on the department’s webpage.

By Amelia Farry '26, and Samantha Kosmark '26, Student Correspondents

University of Scranton representatives gathered recently at the 34th Annual Environmental Partnership Awards Dinner to celebrate sustainable initiatives and collaborative efforts to protect our planet. Award recipients were honored at an Evening for Northeast Pennsylvania’s Environment on Oct. 17 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort in Plains Township.

The dinner emphasizes partnership and environmental stewardship and the awards celebrate impactful environmental efforts and recognize passionate individuals and groups making a tangible difference.

At the event, local conservation groups and youth leaders were acknowledged and honored. Their diverse efforts demonstrate that everyone can contribute to environmental sustainability. The event had a strong showing of University of Scranton students, many of whom were inspired by the impressive achievements of the award recipients. Carolyn McNamara Barry, Ph.D. Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Terrence Sweeney, professor and physiology program director, and Mark Murphy, director of sustainability, were all present, actively engaging with attendees and contributing to the inspirational atmosphere of the event.

“The evening was a great experience! It introduced new ways to increase our environmental awareness. There were tables set up by local companies and we were able to talk to them about their mission. This opened up new opportunities for our students to get involved in local environmental efforts," said Rebekah J. Thompson, president of the Society for Sustainability and Conservation, The event also led to an opportunity for us to meet other passionate students from Wilkes University and Lackawanna College. Overall, this was a fantastic event for learning about different ways our local area is working to keep our environment sustainable and healthy.”

The dinner placed a strong emphasis on partnership, highlighting the significance of local organizations, businesses, and community members striving toward environmental activism. Tables were set up with informative displays where attendees could explore environmental projects, ask questions and learn about potential opportunities. These displays also featured information on internships, providing students the chance to explore future job opportunities within their field.

Attendees left with a strong message: Real environmental progress depends on collective action, community support, and ongoing education. Students and faculty from The University of Scranton attended alongside other local leaders and were inspired to elevate sustainability initiatives within their own community.

Groups and individuals honored at the 34th Annual Environmental Partnership:

• Anthracite Bicycle Coalition (Lackawanna County)
  
  
• Deborah Pike & the Dallas Intermediate School "Turtle Titans" (Luzerne County)
  
  
• Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team (Susquehanna County)
  
  
• Lacawac Sanctuary’s Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network (PLEON) (Wayne County)
  
  
• Lackawanna/Luzerne County Master Watershed Stewards (Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties)
  
  
• Susquehanna Brewing Company (Luzerne County)
  
  
• Michelena DeNaples received the 2024 Emerging Environmental Leader Award (Lackawanna County)
  
  
• Grant Genzlinger received the 30th Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award (Wayne County)
  
  

From left are officers of the University of Scranton's Society for Sustainability and Conservation the 2024-2025 academic year: Rebekah Thompson '26, president, Samantha Kosmark '26, chair of sustainability, and Mark Murphy, director of sustainability.

Twenty-three elite members of The University of Scranton’s incoming Class of 2028 enrolled in its Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in this program undergo four years of honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management, as well as a series of personal development extracurricular activities in the areas of service and career building.

The following students, listed with their majors, are members of the class of 2028 Corcione Business Honors Program.

Eyana E. Badio, Mount Juliet, Tennessee, is majoring in economics.

Johann Batista, New York, New York, is majoring in finance.

Eric H. Bois, Corning, New York, is majoring in finance.

Karis E. Calla, Halifax, is majoring in finance.

Christophe J. Carre, Downingtown, is majoring in accounting.

Marisa A. Francione, Devon, is majoring in business administration.

Evan J. Gothie, Malvern, is majoring in accounting.

Matthew P. Hirsch, Yorktown Heights, New York, is majoring in undeclared.

Madeline A. Kaplan, Mount Sinai, New York, is majoring in accounting.

Danielle Kramer, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, is majoring in undeclared.

Zachary J. Leonard, Ambler, is majoring in business analytics.

Luke J. Maier, Rockville Centre, New York, is majoring in business administration.

James N. Mayo, Avalon, New Jersey, is majoring in finance.

Mariella M. McCue, Dalton, is majoring in international business.

Jonathan C. Naumchik, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, is majoring in finance.

Ava K. Pizzo, Bensalem, is majoring in accounting.

Hailey A. Poskonka, Dover, New Jersey, is majoring in business analytics.

Christopher J. Powers, Lawrence Township, New Jersey, is majoring in accounting.

Owen T. Schultz, Jenkintown, is majoring in accounting.

Emma H. Sibbach, Palmyra, is majoring in accounting.

Kate L. Smith, Southampton, is majoring in undeclared.

Joseph F. Walas, West Islip, New York, is majoring in accounting.

Patrick M. Walsh, Emerson, New Jersey, is majoring in finance.

Aram R. Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, finance and international business, serves as director of the University’s Corcione Business Honors Program.

Eleven outstanding members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2028 entered its Magis Honors Program in STEM. One of Scranton’s five programs of excellence, the Magis Honors Program combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programing to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society.

The Magis Honors Program in STEM offers talented students a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Courses taken over four years at Scranton combine a series of seminars on STEM and society with humanities courses. With guidance by faculty mentors, the students in the program develop, present and defend a thesis based on their individual research projects. In addition, the program requires participation in annual community service projects as well as professional development programs. Prior to the start of the fall semester, the incoming Magis Honors Program students conducted a survey of aquatic plants in Lake Lacawac as part of their ongoing participation with Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network (PLEON).

The following members of Scranton’s class of 2028 began the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Dinello F. Capalongo, Scranton, is majoring in mechanical engineering.

Lainey A. Conway, Mountain Top, is majoring in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. She is also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Daniel P. Laabs, Roaring Brook Township, is majoring in biochemistry.

Caitlyn R. Mulcahy, Newfoundland, is majoring in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology.

Owen P. Murtha, Marlboro, New Jersey, is majoring in mechanical engineering.

Connor W. Peters, Jessup, is majoring in computer science. He is also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Samantha Roerig, Tunkhannock, is majoring in chemistry. She is also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Erin E. Ryan, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, is majoring in mechanical engineering.

Thomas A. Tuohy, Jersey City, New Jersey, is majoring in biochemistry.

Meghan C. Wong, Scranton, is majoring in neuroscience. She is also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Holly A. Zaluski, Greentown, is majoring in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology.

Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Biology Department, serves as the director of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

“The University of Scranton is a special place for me and the entire cast, crew, writers and creators of The Office,” said Brian Baumgartner, a New York Times bestselling author who played Kevin Malone on The Office. He recalled the enthusiastic welcome he and fellow cast members received at the University for the live broadcast of the Today Show that opened The Office Convention in 2007. Baumgartner said that was the first time the cast experienced that kind of excitement over the show, and they all still remember fondly that first visit to The University of Scranton.

On Nov. 6, Baumgartner returned campus for an exclusive Q and A and book-signing with Scranton students. The event took place one day after the publication of his latest book, “The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin.”

Michael Ritterbeck ’09, director of the University’s Center of Student Engagement, hosted the Q and A for which University students submitted questions.

The new book, “The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin,” is described by publisher HarperCollins as “the ultimate holiday gift for every fan of The Office” – a “hilarious and timeless illustrated retelling of the beloved poem, featuring a visit from Michael Scott as Santa and narrated by Kevin Malone (author Brian Baumgartner).” “The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin” is co-authored with Ben Silverman and illustrated by Maël Gourmelen.

See photos from the Q and A and Book Signing here.

This was Baumgartner third visit to the University for an exclusive student Q and A and book signing with students. He was at the University in September 2022 for the launch of his book “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook,” and in November 2021 for his first book “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office,” which became a New York Times best-seller.

The Office originally aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013 and later became one of the most popular shows on Netflix. Episodes can now be seen on Peacock. Baumgartner was among the cast members who visited the University for The Office Convention in 2007 and The Wrap Party in 2013. He was also on campus for the taping of his popular podcast on the history of The Office, which was the precursor to his first book, “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office.”

"Cultural Carefest is an inclusive event celebrating diverse cultural experiences and practices that shape health and well-being," says Dr. Krisy Elrod, LMFT, RPT-S, assistant professor in counseling and human services. 

The campus community is invited to attend the first Cultural Carefest Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Kane Forum, Leahy Hall 235.

This event is a research poster competition highlighting various populations’ unique challenges and strengths, including men's health, the Senegalese community, military personnel, neurodivergent individuals, Jewish populations and many more.  

"You will understand how culture influences empathy and resilience in healthcare settings through engaging posters and discussions," said Elrod.

The event welcomes many participants, including mental health professionals, students and individuals from the highlighted populations who want to share their stories and experiences.

By providing an opportunity for interdisciplinary healthcare students to connect and learn from one another, Cultural Carefest fosters a sense of community and mutual understanding.

Highlights include interactive poster sessions, during which participants can explore Jewish practices, hear firsthand accounts about redefining masculinity in mental health, and engage in activities that celebrate the creativity and strengths of neurodivergent individuals.

Refreshments will be provided. Attendees will be given stickers for participation. 

This event is sponsored by a Diversity Initiatives Grant through the Office of Equity and Diversity.

For more information, contact Dr. Krisy Elrod at krisy.elrod@scranton.edu. 

The University of Scranton has awarded eleven students from its class of 2028 four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships.

Presidential Scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students with outstanding records in high school and notable community involvement. The scholarship covers four years of full tuition provided that the student maintains at least a 3.25 grade point average.

Adrian Agnello, Waymart, graduated as valedictorian of Western Wayne High School. Named Scholar of the Year at his high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society, Scholastic Team, Future Business Leaders of America and the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. Agnello, who was named Athlete of the Year at Western Wayne, was captain and president of the men’s varsity soccer team, captain of the men’s swimming team and a member of the men’s tennis team. He was a member of the Student Ambassador Program at his high school and graduated from Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program. Agnello will major in biochemistry. His parents are Jessica and Joseph Agnello.

Rosalie Avalos, Massapequa, New York, graduated from Massapequa High School. An AP Scholar, she is a member of the National Honor Society. She received the College Board’s National Hispanic Achievement Award and is a New York Seal of Biliteracy recipient. She received the Peter J. Schmitt Memorial Scholarship and the Massapequa Hall of Fame Scholarship. At her high school, she was president and treasurer of the Chief’s Challenge community service club, treasurer of the National Art Honor Society, a founding member of the Varsity badminton team, and an ensemble member of school musicals. She served as a student teacher and was a volunteer at her local church. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Avalos will major in journalism with a concentration in legal studies. Her parents are George and Mary Avalos.

Paige Barnett, East Meadow, New York, graduated from East Meadow High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, ASL Honor Society and Social Studies Honor Society. A scholar athlete, she received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award as well as a certificate of recognition in the New York State High School Mock Trial Tournament from the New York Bar Foundation. Barnett was captain of the track and varsity cross country teams. In her community, she served as a Peer Division Youth Court volunteer and volunteered with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society. Barnett will major in mathematics. Her parents are Kim and Guy Barnett.

Lainey Conway, Mountaintop, graduated as valedictorian from Holy Redeemer High School. A member of the National Honor Society, she received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and the American Legion Auxiliary Youth Hero Award. She was student director of the Luzerne County Youth Advisory Committee. She was named a scholastic superstar by the Citizens’ Voice and  received the “Key to the City” from the City of Wilkes-Barre for her lifesaving efforts involving a bus and its driver. She was also an active member of the Geisinger Youth Volunteer Program. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Conway will major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. She is the daughter of Joseph and Stacy Conway.

Samantha Horsnall, Huntingdon Valley, graduated from Lower Moreland High School. A member of the National Honor Society, she was an AP Scholar with Distinction, received the PHEAA Certificate of Merit and was a National Merit Scholar finalist. In high school, she was a member of the varsity swimming team, debate club and chamber strings and section leader of the school orchestra. Within her community, she volunteered as an assistant dance teacher for students with disabilities, was a math and science tutor, and volunteered for the local public library. A member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Horsnall will major in psychology. Her parents are Cindy and Eric Horsnall.

Christopher Monda, Northport, New York, graduated magna cum laude from Northport High School. Monda was a thrower on his high school’s track and field teams and an active member of various club sports outside of school. A scholar athlete, he was a member of the National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society. An accomplished musician, he was a rank leader in the school’s Northport Tiger Marching Band. Monda was chief squire for the Columbian Squires in East Northport, working at breakfasts for children with cerebral palsy and cooking dinners to take to the local VA for veterans. He is an Eagle Scout from Troop 474 in East Northport and was an altar server at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Northport. Monda will major in kinesiology with a guaranteed seat in Scranton’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. He is the son of Maria and Robert Monda.

Juliana Monforte, Lenoxville, graduated from Scranton Preparatory School. An AP Scholar, she was active in several clubs at high school, including the German Club, Cancer Awareness Club and the Society of Influential Women. Monforte has been an active volunteer at her church and at a local cemetery, volunteered with Scranton Prep’s tutoring program and was a counselor at St. Xenia Camp. She will major in English. Her parents are Gregory and Christa Monforte.

Connor Peters, Jessup, graduated as valedictorian from Valley View High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society and Scholastic Team. An AP Scholar with Distinction, Peters received the College Board National Rural and Small-Town Award and was named NEIU-19 Scholar of the Year and a Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar. He received the PHEAA Certificate of Merit and graduated from Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program. Peters was captain of his high school’s varsity tennis team, and was a member of the Mock Trial Team, Yearbook Club, Student Council and Leo Club. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, he will major in computer science. His parents are Matthew Peters and Carrie Williams.

Samantha Roerig, Tunkhannock, graduated as valedictorian from Tunkhannock Area High School. A member of the National Honor Society, she received the College Board National Rural and Small-Town Award and was recognized as a scholastic superstar by the Citizens’ Voice. Roerig served as president of the Class of 2024 Steering Committee, was president and vice president of Student Council and captain of the swimming and diving team. She was a member of the track and field, cross country, tennis and swimming and diving teams at her high school, was a Quiz Bowl State champion and national qualifier and a member of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (the national honor society for Spanish and Portuguese). Active in her community, Roerig volunteered with Adopt a Family, Special Olympics and the CYC. A member of the Magis Honors Program in STEM at Scranton, she will major in chemistry. She is the daughter of Adam and Kelly Roerig.

Lucas Veneziale, Doylestown, graduated from Central Bucks East High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society, played high school soccer, and was a member of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Club, and the Ski and Snowboard Club. In his community, Veneziale was an instructor’s assistant for coaching young soccer players at Buckingham United Soccer Club. He will major in business analytics. His parents are John and Cathryn Veneziale.

Meghan Wong, Scranton, graduated as valedictorian from Scranton High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, received an AP Scholar award, attended the Pennsylvania Governor’s School and presented research at a scientific symposium. She was named a Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar. At her high school, Wong was Scholastic Bowl team captain, a member of the Creative Writing Club, Spanish Club and Pennsylvania Physician’s Program. She participated in PennSERVE, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Citizen Service responsible for the administration of AmeriCorps programs, and REACH-HEI (Regional Education Academy for Careers in Health). She also served as a peer tutor in the community. A member of the Magis Honors Program in STEM at Scranton, she will major in neuroscience. Her parents are Fery Wong and Lia Tjhin.

Nonpartisan voter registration drives, political dialogues, a prayer service and even election day coffee, donuts, cookies and transportation to Scranton’s polling site were among the efforts organized by the Royals Vote initiative to encourage student participation in this year’s Presidential Election.

In addition to the Royals Vote initiative and prior to election day, professors in Scranton’s Political Science Department spoke about the election in numerous news outlets, including Professor Jean Harris, Ph.D., who participated Pennsylvania Cable Network panel discussion hosted at the University, and, most recently, JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., who discussed early voting data with WNEP-TV reporter and Scranton graduate Joe Kohut ’12.

Also, continuing a long tradition at Scranton, the College Democrats and the College Republicans jointly held a watch party for the Presidential Debate. They also organized a debate between members of the two student clubs.

Scranton’s successful Royals Vote efforts, this year and in previous elections attracted the attention of national media outlets. Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for Community Engagement and Government Affairs at the University, discussed Scranton’s efforts in an Inside Higher Education article about student voting, and wrote about Royals Vote and other civic engagement efforts in the September/October issue of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities’ Connections.

Diana Lozinger '24, Cranberry Township, graduate assistant for the University’s Community Engagement Office, helped to organize A Prayer for the Nation on Election Eve on campus. Lozinger, who earned her bachelor’s degree from the University in 2024 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, spoke at the prayer service along with Maria Stephen, Huntington Valley, president of Student Government, who is majoring in political science. Lauren Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., vice president for Student Life and dean of students; Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for Mission and Ministry; Daysi Carreto '14, assistant director, community and civic engagement; Michael O’Malley, director of liturgy and music; and Gretchen Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science; also participated in the prayer service.

Fox 56 News reporter and Scranton graduate Samantha Durante ’24 covered the prayer service.

On election day, the Royal Vote initiative arranged for transportation from campus to the polling location at Scranton High School throughout the day and celebrated the students who voted with a picture booth, stickers and cookies.

Celebrating their vote are, from left, University students Robbie Walker ’24, Jersey City, New Jersey, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in clinical and mental health counseling; Chanel Delgado, Norwich, Connecticut, a criminal justice and sociology double major; Amelia Alfano, Budd Lake, New Jersey, a criminal justice major; Ben Burman, Clifford Township, a biochemistry major; and Grace Slaght, Big Flats, New York, a counseling and human services major. Also pictured are, from left: Kyle Kennelly Jr., Huntington, New York, a political science major; and Frank McCann IV, Glenside, a counseling and human services major.

The Royals Vote initiative is a coalition of University of Scranton offices, departments and student clubs including: The Office of Community and Government Relations, Political Science Department, Ellacuria Initiative, Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service, Student Life and Student Government. Additional partners included the College Democrats, College Republicans, Political Science Club and Philosophy Society as well as the Division of Mission and Ministry.

Sixteen University of Scranton ROTC cadets traveled throughout the United States and internationally as participants in military leadership programs offered during the summer months.

Project GO is a nationwide, highly-selective program open to all qualified ROTC students that offers fully-funded opportunities in critical language education, overseas study and cross-cultural experience. Through Project GO, future military officers develop linguistic and cross-cultural communication skills required for effective leadership for all services in the 21st century operational environment.

Scranton cadets participating in Project GO were: Caleb A. Grossman, an international studies major from Swoyersville, who studied Russian in Kyrgyzstan; Philip S. Huffman, a political science and history double major from Scranton, who studied Mandarin in Taiwan; Jacque A. Kakareka, a criminal justice major from Moscow, who studied Mandarin in Taiwan; and Evan M. Layland, a business analytics major from Covington Township, who studied Arabic at the University of North Georgia.

The highly-selective Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP) provides nursing student cadets the opportunity to experience life as an Army nurse at some of the most sophisticated military hospitals in the world.

Scranton cadets participating in the Nurse Summer Training Program were: Anthony D. Campola, a nursing major from New Hartford, New York, who went to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany; and Caroline G. Shaffern a nursing major from Scranton, who went to the Tripler Army Medical Center Honolulu, Hawaii.

The highly-selective Army JAG (Judge Advocate General) Corps Summer Intern Program allows cadets to work as temporary civil service employees performing a variety of legal assignments. Interns gain first-hand experience of life in the JAG Corps through complete integration in an Army legal office as valued team members.

Scranton cadet Taegan J. Mills, a political science and criminal justice double major from Montrose, participated in the Army JAG Corps Internship at U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command: Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The Army Cadet Summer Training Advanced Camp is a 35-day program designed to develop a Cadet’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, among other leadership qualifications. The camp took place in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Scranton cadets participating in the Cadet Summer Training Advanced Camp were: Prescila S. Bryan, a criminal justice major from Yonkers, New York; Timothy J. Davila, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Brooklyn, New York; Thomas R. Gibson, a history major from Great Bend; Kyle S. Kimler, a criminal justice major from Bethlehem; Xavier J. Long, a political science major from Germantown, Maryland; Conan J. O’Donnell, a history major from Elizabethtown, Kentucky; and Evan A. Rosa, an operations management major from Weehawken, New Jersey. Campola, Shaffern and Mills also participated in the Cadet Summer Training Advanced Camp in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

The Army Cadet Summer Training Basic Camp is a 32-day training program designed to introduce Cadets to the Army and to develop leadership skills. The camp also took place in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Scranton cadets participating in the Cadet Summer Training Basic Camp were: David R. McIntyre, a criminal justice major from Scranton; and Michael Reed, an international studies major from Scranton.

Four University of Scranton graduates returned to campus to discuss the wide range of careers available to students majoring in communication fields. The panel discussion was hosted by the Department of Communication and Media in late October.

Panelists were: Ron Babcock ’01, animation editor and comedian, Nickelodeon; Andrew Donet ’12, G’19, market CEO, Scion Health; Jenna Hastings, J.D. ’16, bureau chief special victims unit, Ulster County District Attorney’s Office; and Chris Savino ’20, co-founder and managing partner, Mundial Partners. Stacy Smulowitz, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication and Media, served as moderator for the panel discussion.

Prospective students and their families can learn about The University of Scranton’s academic majors, student activities and programs, and tour campus at an Open House event on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Student-led tours of the campus, located in Northeast Pennsylvania, will be conducted throughout the day and will include residence halls, dining halls, computer labs, science labs and academic facilities.

In addition, representatives of student organizations, athletic teams and Scranton’s Honors Programs, will be available.

During the day on campus, attendees will have opportunities to meet with faculty, students, admissions counselors and financial aid representatives, and to find out more about Scranton’s 69 undergraduate majors. Participants can also learn about Scranton’s five honors programs, pre-law, pre-medical and pre-health professions programs.

For additional information, contact Scranton’s Admissions Office at 1-888-SCRANTON or visit Scranton’s Open House webpage.

In the community and on campus in November, The University of Scranton honors veterans in word and deed.

On Veterans Day, University of Scranton student groups and their moderators will host an Interfaith Veterans Day Prayer Service to honor those who have dedicated their lives in service to their country. 

The University community is invited to attend on Monday, Nov. 11 at noon in the Veterans and ROTC Lounge, Hyland Hall, first floor. 

This annual collaboration with Campus Ministry, ROTC and the Student Veterans Organization celebrating veterans will feature a reflection from Dr. Mary Troy, Counseling and Human Services Faculty at Scranton. Afterward, all are invited for pizza and desserts. Contact barbara.king@scranton.edu with questions.

"The event on Nov. 11 is meant to honor all who have answered the call to defend freedom. This event brings community together to thank and pray for the people currently serving, who have served and that willing be joining the ranks," said sophomore Brianna Cahoon, an active member of the National Guard and part of the University's ROTC Program as a non-contracted cadet.

This past Saturday, Cahoon, a member of the Student Veterans Organization (SVO), helped organize volunteer efforts for a Nov. 2 initiative to prepare meals for veterans through the We Care program. Members of the University community spent the day assembling and delivering meals to local veterans of the St. Francis Commons and Community Intervention Center.

Organized through the University's Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ) and the Arrupe House, the We Care program regularly invites University students to prepare 100 meals weekly for donation to those most in need in the Scranton area.

Cahoon had participated as a volunteer previously, and was inspired to increased her level of involvement this year with a leadership role.

"I volunteered for the We Care Meals last year and was very impressed with how it helped the veterans of the community. I had always loved volunteering before coming to the University, so I knew I wanted to volunteer here," said Cahoon.

"As a member of the National Guard, I find it very important to honor those who have come before me in service, so this event stuck with me. I then became more comfortable with both ROTC and SVO programs, which inspired me to ask for a bigger role in leading this event," 

Cahoon organized communications for the Nov. 2 event, and enlisted volunteers to create greeting cards for the veterans and bake desserts to accompany the meals. Chloe Furlong '27 also led the event planning.

"ROTC cadets stepped up and baked desserts and crafted cards for the event. There was a lot of double checking to make sure all time slots for volunteering were filled. ROTC passed the sign-up sheets to its cadets, who happily volunteered to help!"

University of Scranton students prepared 60 meals for St. Francis Commons and the Community Intervention Center on Nov. 2 as volunteers with the We Care Meal Program. Shown are participants from the University's ROTC Program: Tim Davila '25, Connor Bender '28 and Xavier Long '25.

"When we were prepping meals, there was a sense of community, because we were all around a big table where conversation flowed easily and new volunteers were accepted. ... It made me realize that a service event can help in more than one way, by giving back to the community and by building ties in the community," said Cahoon.

"We were not only helping the veterans, but also helping the volunteers to build a sense of community."

PATRIOTISM IN VIEW 

• On campus next week, Scranton’s ROTC cadets will assemble a “Field of Flags” on Founders Green near the Commons Flag Terrace to honor our nation’s fallen veterans.
  
  
• The University will display the American flag on the Class of 2020 Gateway Sunday through Tuesday, Nov. 10, 11 and 12, in observance of Veterans Day.

“The Office” cast member and New York Times best-selling author Brian Baumgartner will visit The University of Scranton on Wednesday, Nov. 6, for an exclusive Q and A with students, faculty and staff, followed by book signing just for members of the University community. The event is one day after launch of his latest book, “The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin.”

Baumgartner was on campus for an exclusive student Q and A and book signing in September 2022 for the launch of his book “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook,” and in November 2021 for his first book “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office,” which became a New York Times best-seller.

The new book, “The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin,” is described by publisher HarperCollins as “the ultimate holiday gift for every fan of The Office” – an “hilarious and timeless illustrated retelling of the beloved poem, featuring a visit from Michael Scott as Santa and narrated by Kevin Malone (author Brian Baumgartner).”

“The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin,” co-authored with Ben Silverman and illustrated by Maël Gourmelen, will be available on Nov. 5 at the University book store and at stores nationwide. Copies of the book will also be available at the Q and A and book signing event on campus Nov. 6. The book cannot be pre-ordered at the University’s book store.

Pre-registration is required to attend the Q and A, which begins on Nov. 6 at 3:30 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theatre of the DeNaples Center. A book signing immediately follows at 4:15 p.m. Both events require Royal cards for access.

The first 50 students registering for the event will receive a free copy of “The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin.” Students can also submit questions for consideration for the Q and A when registering for the event.

Michael Ritterbeck ’09, director of the University’s Center of Student Engagement, will serve as host for the Q and A.

Baumgartner played Kevin Malone on The Office, which originally aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013, and was among the most popular shows on Netflix. Episodes can now be seen on Peacock. He was among the cast members who visited the University for The Office Convention in 2007 and The Wrap Party in 2013. He was also on campus for the taping of his popular podcast on the history of The Office, which was the precursor to his first book, “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office.”

A public book-signing event with Baumgartner for area residents is planned at Books-A-Million (BAM) at the Viewmont Mall, Nov. 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m.