The University will hold a Presidential Reception in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 24.
Registration will open in Jan.
Join Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, and your fellow Royals in the City of Angels.
The University will hold several Christmas receptions during the 2024 holiday season:
December 18, 2024: Philadelphia Presidential Christmas Reception
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia
10 Avenue of the Arts
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Register Here
Celebrate the season with your Royal Family.
The Jesuit Center extends a warm invitation to all seeking spiritual solace and reflection this holiday season. During the season of Advent, the center encourages individuals to register for its Advent Daily Devotional emails, which offer a daily dose of inspiration and insight.
Experience the joy of daily reflection during the season of Advent with a series of profound essays crafted by our Jesuits, alumni, students, faculty and staff. Each day, engage in moments of introspection, prayer and learning while fostering a deeper connection to faith and self.
Embark on a journey of spiritual enrichment.
The University of Scranton will celebrate Reunion Weekend 2025 from June 6-8.
The “Planning to Attend” list for Reunion Weekend 2025 has officially opened. Visit this link to add your name to the list, and visit the Planning to Attend page to see which of your classmates is planning to attend the festivities. Registration will open in 2025. For more information, visit scranton.edu/reunion or email alumni@scranton.edu.
Together again at last.
The University will hold a Presidential Reception in Scottsdale, Arizona, Thursday, Jan. 23, from 6-8 p.m.
Registration will open in January.
Join Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, and your fellow Royals in Scottsdale.
The Scranton Club of Lehigh Valley will hold a Royal Happy Hour for Scranton alumni, parents and friends at Fegley's Bethlehem Brew Works Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The $10 admission fee includes beer, wine, soda and appetizers. Register for the Royal Happy Hour here.
After the happy hour, head over to Moravian University to watch the Scranton Royals battle the Moravian Greyhounds at 7 p.m. Game tickets will be available at the door.
Meet up with your Scranton friends at Fegley's Bethlehem Brew Works before the Scranton Royals battle the Moravian Greyhounds.
The University will hold the 2025 Carlesimo Golf Tournament and Award Dinner Monday, June 23, at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in Flourtown.
The annual Golf Tournament and Award Dinner serves as a fundraising event to support and enhance the student-athlete experience at The University of Scranton. All proceeds will directly benefit the Department of Athletics and the 550+ students it serves. Visit this link to view photos from the 2024 event.
The Philadelphia Cricket Club, the nation's oldest country club, is considered one of the finest full-service country clubs in America. The club recently hosted the 2024 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship and will host the PGA Tour's Truist Championship in May.
Additional information and registration will be available in the spring.
Fundraising event for Scranton Athletics to return to Philadelphia Cricket Club.
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Lt. Col., U.S. Army (Ret) Nick Camera ’71, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was again appointed the Community Service chairman for the state of South Carolina Veterans of Foreign Wars. Camera has held this position since 2017, when he achieved All State recognition as VFW Post Commander of Post 10804 in North Myrtle Beach.
Gregory Shahum, Ph.D. ’00, G’05, St. Paul, Minnesota, celebrated his one-year anniversary as administrator of a 220-bed skilled nursing facility in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Andrew Ponti ’10, Leonardtown, Maryland, received the Maryland Tourism Coalition’s “Ambassador of the Year” award in both 2023 and 2024. This award is given in recognition of a Maryland Tourism Coalition member who has worked to grow the membership of the organization and to promote the tourism and hospitality industry in their region and throughout the state of Maryland.
Luke Capper ’24, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, interned with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives in Harrisburg during the summer of 2024, where he gained hands-on experience in archival work. As part of his role, he digitized historical records, photographed artifacts, and conducted research on early 19th-century Pennsylvania legislators. Capper also had the unique opportunity to work alongside Jesse Teitelbaum G’98, Director of Archives, Harrisburg.
MARRIAGES
Katie Greene ’15 to Kevin Prendergast ’15
Angela Parry '15, DPT '18 to Adam Cassel
Rachel DiBisceglie ’18 to Cesar Andy Garcia ’18
DEATHS
John A. Kelly ’61, Moscow
Henry A. Turchanik, Jr. ’64, Hanover Township
Michael J. Culkin ’68, Mountain Top
Andrew P. Marko G’68, Harveys Lake
Louis A. Danzico ’69, Moscow
Alan J. Kosh ’69, Scranton
Kevin J. Kakareka ’76, Scranton
Elizabeth Wickkizer G’84, Macungie
Edward S. McHale G’92, Harford Township
Scott K. Nowak ’02, Houston, Texas
Michael J. Pucci, M.D. ’03, Philadelphia
FRIENDS/FAMILY DEATHS
Dorothy D. Karas, mother of Noelle D. Karas '97 and April (Fletcher) Karas '00
Patrick Twohig, father of Mary Twohig Novick '98
Share your story with your Royal Family.
On Dec. 3, a record-shattering 825 members of The University of Scranton family celebrated Giving Tuesday 2024 by raising more than $83,000 for campus programs and priorities in a wonderful start to the Christmas season.
"In true Ignatian fashion, your generosity has once again demonstrated your love for our wonderful University," said Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, in a "Thank You" video message to those who donated. "On behalf of all the members of the Scranton community, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done and continue to do for our beloved University." See Father Marina's video message here, and see the 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign video here.
In 2022, the University reached its previous high-water Giving Tuesday participation total when nearly 400 alumni, parents and friends of the University donated more than $65,000. In 2023, the University reached its record Giving Tuesday financial total when nearly 300 members of the Scranton community donated more than $115,000.
More than 800 alumni, parents and friends of the University raise more than $83,000 for campus programs and priorities.
By: Elizabeth Vander Neut ’26, student correspondent
Two men of faith at different stages in their Jesuit formation journeys recall distinct experiences from their undergraduate years at The University of Scranton that influence who they are today.
Rev. Mr. Douglas Jones, S.J. ’10 credits Scranton with his “vocational awakening.” Mr. Andrew Milewski, S.J. ’13 describes his role as a resident assistant as “formative.”
Still, both highly value one aspect: a strong sense of community on campus.
“It’s the people. My favorite part of being at Scranton has always been the community,” said Milewski, who, during the regency stage of formation, is teaching at St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia. “I met so many friends there, some of whom I am reconnecting with in Philly. Scranton is a place where you are always going to see someone you know and connect with, but that you can also always meet someone new.
“I loved the Cura Personalis community I was a part of for a number of years, the retreats and service opportunities I was able to do like Search and First. The people I met through The Aquinas and Esprit. Even though when I go back now and it feels different, I can still connect with old professors and have sushi with them downtown.”
Jones, who was recently one of eight Jesuits ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, said his favorite things about Scranton and the Jesuits are interchangeable.
“My favorite thing about Scranton was the strong sense of community on campus,” he said. “Performance Music ensembles and SJLA were two great communities within the broader University community. They helped me see how I could thrive when I had strong support, and sometimes saw more in me than I saw in myself! Interestingly, I find much the same thing in Jesuit life. I love that life as a Jesuit is lived in community.”
The University of Scranton alumni discuss how their experiences with community, mentorship and Ignatian spirituality influenced their vocational and Jesuit journeys. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Jones: “It took a while for me to realize my call to be a Jesuit and a priest, or at least it took a while for me to admit it to myself.
“The first time I recall thinking about life as a Jesuit was fairly early on in my time at Scranton, I think. I saw Fr. Cadigan coming out of the science building (RIP, old Loyola) wearing a clerical shirt and a lab coat, and I thought to myself ‘How great it is that a Jesuit can be a priest and engage in a totally different kind of profession at the same time?’
“I took a Special Jesuit Liberal Arts (SJLA) class called ‘Magis’ with Fr. Ron McKinney in which we learned more about Ignatian spirituality and the history of the Jesuits. I started to feel some attraction at that point, but I was a bit stubborn and wanted to follow the path I thought I wanted my life to take. It was only a few years later that I started to seriously discern a vocation as a Jesuit, and it quickly became clear that it was where God was calling me.”
Milewski: “Being a resident assistant was really formative during my time as an undergrad at Scranton. Before that, I was a commuter, so being on campus allowed me to get more involved in campus activities. I was involved with the Cura Personalis living-learning community at that time, as well. And with my residents, I would have weekly prayer services, justice education programs and service projects. We had a ton of fun in McCourt and were really a close community. It was great to be a part of that, and I knew that I wanted to give my life to something like that.
“But before I was ever a resident assistant or a work study, I worked in the cafeteria in the DeNaples center. I did this for my first year, and it really transformed my college experience. Although I did it because I needed money, it also allowed me to see a lot of my classmates, and I was in a position serving them. I think, at our best, Jesuits are about service, and I learned this from my time with the Fresh Food Company, too.”
Rev. Mr. Douglas Jones, S.J. ’10, shown at center, as an undergraduate at Scranton.
Jones: “Scranton played a really important role in my vocational awakening. As I mentioned, SJLA got me asking big questions while helping me come to a clearer understanding of what I think and believe, and it taught me more about the Jesuits and Ignatian spirituality.
“Most of my non-academic time was spent in Performance Music. In Cheryl Boga I found a mentor, friend and a passionate supporter of the Jesuit mission on campus. Boga knows and loves Jesuits, not in a romanticized or ideal way, but in a real way. And that includes holding Jesuits, and our University, to a high standard, especially when it comes to care for students, which she knows is indispensable to the Jesuit mission.
“Of course, I would be remiss not to mention the influence of Fr. Pilarz. I didn’t know him well, but I couldn’t help but admire the beautiful way he articulated Jesuit and Ignatian values. They weren’t some distant ideals, but things I saw being lived out at the University.”
Milewski: “It is hard to name some faculty without leaving others out. My first-year philosophy teacher was Dr. Ileana Szymanski, Ph.D., who passed away in 2019. I was able to leave the novitiate for a day and travel for her memorial Mass, and that was very special. I would like to think she would have appreciated my graduate thesis paper on Aristotle, but she probably would have preferred if I did it on Plato.
“My time as a work-study in the English department connected me to the life of the University. It instilled in me the courage to be an English Lit minor, and in my literature classes, I read many novels and works that expanded my mind. Working with Dr. Joe Kraus in creative nonfiction and John Hill, professor emeritus in poetry, I was able to really craft my language and introspection skills. Dr. Linda Ledford-Miller's Literature of American Minorities class also opened my eyes and made me think about justice issues from the perspective of those on the margins.
“I also worked with Dr. Jessica Nolan and Dr. Jill Warker in psychology labs looking at issues of intrinsic racism and language acquisition. This has no doubt spurred my interest in the cross-cultural social justice work that I have done.”
Rev. Mr. Douglas Jones, S.J. ’10, above, left, with participants in an Arab Christian youth gathering in 2019.
Jones: “In the eight years I’ve been a Jesuit, I’ve done some things I might have imagined myself doing, but many I would not have imagined. I have a Ph.D., so if you told me in 2016 that I would teach college students as a Jesuit, that wouldn't have been a shock. But if you told me I’d be accompanying student retreats, which I do at Boston College, I would have been surprised. I would have been even more surprised at the idea of preaching a weekend retreat at a Jesuit retreat house, which I got to do this past March in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“My Ph.D. is in Middle Eastern politics, so it probably would not have surprised me if you’d told me I’d spend time in that part of the world as a Jesuit. But I would not have seen myself working with Syrian refugees on the far eastern border of Lebanon, or with Filipino and Sri Lankan migrant workers in Beirut, and I definitely would not have seen myself spending a summer at a Jesuit cultural center in Alexandria, Egypt. I also would never have dreamed of teaching sixth graders about prayer, teaching high school seniors about medieval Islamic philosophers, or serving as a hospital chaplain.
“I’m glad I’ve allowed God, and the Society, to show me where and how I can best serve, rather than relying only on my own plans. God’s imagination is way better than my own!”
Milewski: “I think the most important thing is being able to name where God is present at any moment. Teaching in Brooklyn, for example, I was able to find God in both the positive as well as the challenging interactions I have had with students. I have been confirmed in my vocation as a teacher throughout my experiences, first teaching in Asia, and now working in the Ignatian School Network. I have been teaching my students about images of God, the notions or stereotypes that they bring into their thoughts about faith and religion. I would say that my image as God as a teacher is very much present to me these days.”
Jones: “I’ve gotten to know Jesuits from all over the United States, and from dozens of countries. As a Jesuit friend of mine likes to say, ‘We’re a diverse group of guys, but we all have the same best friend (Jesus, that is).’ I suppose that’s another way of saying we’re ‘friends in the Lord,’ which is a phrase Jesuits often use to describe ourselves.
“Much as my communities at Scranton supported me, pushed me and accompanied me in the good and bad moments, life with my brother Jesuits is full of faith, fellowship and laughter. There are certainly sacrifices in religious life, but it’s also a really joyful life. As I mentioned, it’s a life that’s also been full of surprises, but that has kept it from being boring!”
Jones: “Currently, I’m in the last year of my theology studies, the final stage of preparation for priesthood. I was ordained a deacon on September 14, and I’ll be ordained a priest in June of next year, God willing.
“Much of my week is spent in theology classes. I find studying theology helps me deepen my personal faith, but also helps me be a better pastoral minister. I often find class material will help me better accompany people by delving deeper into questions and issues that we all face in our complicated lives, or in some cases, getting practical experience, such as in administering the sacraments or engaging in spiritual counseling, also helps.
“Since my recent ordination, I serve as deacon at a nearby parish, and I’m already really enjoying that ministry. The most visible part of a deacon’s role is serving at Mass, so I’ve had to get used to wearing new vestments and getting to do things like proclaim the Gospel and preach. But equally rewarding are the less visible elements: the conversations with parishioners, the requests for prayer or blessings, the various parish groups I get work alongside. This week, I will preside at a committal (burial) ceremony in a cemetery, and then on Sunday, I’ll baptize three babies. It’s really a ministry of the whole spectrum of life! I’ve always thought of diaconate as a step on the way to priesthood, but getting involved in a parish, and now serving as a deacon, helps me see that it’s not only that: it’s a unique ministry of its own, and one that is already teaching me a great deal of things that complement what I’m learning in the classroom.”
Milewski: “I am currently teaching freshman religion, junior history and a senior English elective (at St. Joseph’s Prep). In these classes, I am happy to bring the skills and experiences I have learned from my time studying at Scranton and Loyola University Chicago, as well as my experiences living abroad and working in other Jesuit institutions. I am trying to be present at the school, but after I finish this stage of formation, called regency, I will move on to my theology studies for eventual ordination. I will most likely be ordained in about five years.”
Mr. Andrew Milewski, S.J. ’13, shown above right, teaching at St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia during the regency stage of formation.
University of Scranton alumni discuss how their experiences with community, mentorship and Ignatian spirituality influenced their vocational and Jesuit journeys.
By Rosemary Shaver, President of the Friends of the Library
Brandy Schillace, Ph.D., will be honored by The University of Scranton’s Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library with the Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award on Nov. 16, 2024. Schillace, an author, historian, and medical humanities scholar, self-identifies as autistic/neurodivergent. She includes autistic and neurodivergent representation in her work, such as the character Jo Jones, the protagonist in her novel, 'The Framed Women of Ardemore House.'
Scranton alumnus Christopher Banks, '86, G'98, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America, will serve as toastmaster at the Nov. 16 Distinguished Author Awards Dinner.
Banks remains engaged in the University’s mission by serving as Vice President for the Board of Directors for the Salvadoran Children of the Poor Education (S.C.O.P.E.) Foundation (www.scopefoundation.org), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by Rev. Brendan G. Lally, S.J., former rector of the Scranton Jesuit Community of the Maryland Province, and led by University alumni and partners.
Reflecting on representation in literature and art, Banks commented, “The Autism Society of America recognizes the importance of inclusion of the neurodivergent community, especially the autism community, in works of art that depict the experiences of the autistic individuals through lived experience.” He added, "Authors like Brandy … should be encouraged to bring their talents forward so that society sees these individuals and their contributions for who they are.”
As a student at the University, Banks recounted participating in Helping Hands, a student-led initiative that brought together university students with those in the intellectual developmental disability community from the Scranton area. “It was a great opportunity for us as students to recognize how fortunate we were, how blessed we were, and that for whom much is given, much is expected. That has carried through throughout my life.”
“Now, I am at the Autism Society of America where I get to use many of those experiences plus many of the things I’ve learned to help lead a not-for-profit that has a national focus with a local reach in the communities across the country like the Northeastern PA Autism Society,” he reflected.
In 1986, Banks was nominated by the graduating class and later won a national contest to become the symbolic one millionth Jesuit alumnus in the United States. After completing his undergraduate studies at The University of Scranton, Banks carried the Ignatian Spirituality International with him in his personal and professional life. He served for two years with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) on the island of Palau in Micronesia. Today, he continues that work through his service with the S.C.O.P.E. Foundation Board, which has a mission “to sustain and endow the operations of Santa Luisa Elementary School in San Salvador, El Salvador, which serves the poorest of the poor in the capital city.” Concepts of “cura personalis” and the “magis” continue to inspire him in his professional work.
“We know from scripture, to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given a tremendous amount. My life is rich and full and blessed. It is incumbent upon me to use all those gifts and talents for the good of others which is for the greater glory. That’s the impact that the Jesuit education has had on me when it comes to how I carry out my daily practice, my work, the decisions I have to make at the Autism Society or for the local community, or when I’m on Capitol Hill talking to members of our Senate or the House of Representatives about the importance of legislation such as the Autism Cares Act.” - Christopher Banks, '86, G'98
Banks is excited to visit the Weinberg Memorial Library when he returns to campus in November to participate in the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Distinguished Author Award event. His connection to the Weinberg Memorial Library goes back to its origin in 1989. “I was working at The University of Scranton as Father Punuska’s assistant when the university received the extraordinary gift from Harry Weinberg,” Banks recounted.
“Whenever I return to campus, I enjoy going to the Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room on the top floor of the Weinberg Library and seeing the quotes from Gerard Manly Hopkins and others as well as the artistic depiction of the Valley. Father Panuska took great pride, in the time he spent and the energy put forth, to pay homage to the local community with this wonderful space.”
Banks encourages current University students to, “immerse yourself in the fullness of the experience called The University of Scranton,” adding, “for me, all of those experiences, all of those encounters, all of those relationships that I had through college and in other engagements with the Society of Jesus have benefited me and have helped shape me to be the man I am today, almost 40 years out of the University.”
Tickets and sponsorship of the Distinguished Author Award program to benefit the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library may be purchased by visiting scranton.edu/author.
Scranton alumnus Christopher Banks, '86, G'98, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America, will serve as toastmaster at the Nov. 16 Distinguished Author Awards Dinner.
More than 70 alumni and students hit the links at Pine Hills Country Club Saturday, Sept. 28, for the third annual Alumni-Student Golf Outing. Kyle Dunn '24, Luke Merlan '26, Brendan O'Donoghue '24 and James O'Donoghue '26 won the tournament and were presented with the event's signature purple jackets in recognition of their accomplishment.
Members of foursome take home signature purple jackets.
The University of Scranton’s President's Business Council will hold a networking reception in New York City for alumni and current students on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sixty Pine Street in New York, New York. This complimentary event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow alumni and current students while enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Space is limited, so don't miss this chance to expand your network in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Visit this link to register.
Meet up with your fellow alumni and current students in the Big Apple.
The Scranton Club of New Jersey invites alumni, parents and friends to volunteer at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8:45 to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers will assemble at 31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, New Jersey, to help sort food, assemble boxes, pack pasta and prepare food for distribution to local network partners and community members in need. This is a meaningful way to give back and connect with fellow Scranton alumni and families. Register here today.
Pay it forward with your fellow Royals in the Hillside area.
Get ready to tee off for an afternoon of friendly competition and great company at Topgolf King of Prussia!
Join us Sunday, Oct. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. for an exciting two hours of gameplay, delicious food and refreshing soft drinks—all for just $50 per person. Whether you're a pro golfer or a first-timer, this event promises a fantastic time for all. But hurry, space is limited! Grab your spot and connect with fellow Royals for an unforgettable day on the green. Visit this link to register today.
Tee off with your fellow Royals in the Philadelphia area.
University of Scranton alumni and friends are invited to ScrantoberFest at Independence Beer Garden in Philadelphia Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The $30 admission fee includes a drink ticket, appetizers and a special Scranton giveaway. Reconnect with fellow alumni and enjoy a festive evening in the heart of the city!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/ScrantonoberFest.
Meet up with your fellow Royals in the Philadelphia area.
On Oct. 17, John O’Malley ’87, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Retired, will embark upon ROAR: The Ryan O’Malley Annual Ride for the sixth time by participating in the Arizona Trail Race 800, the longest single track mountain bike race in the world, in support of the Ryan T. O’Malley ’99 Memorial Scholarship.
This year, John will by vying for the "Triple Crown of Bikepacking," a distinction earned by completing all three of the classic dirt bikepacking routes in the United States: the Arizona Trail, the Tour Divide/Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, and the Colorado Trail. To date, only 42 people have earned this distinction.
After Ryan's passing in 2011, his family established the scholarship in his memory to enable Computer Science students of limited resources with an interest in fitness to attend The University of Scranton. Since that time, Ryan's family and friends have raised more than $160,000 for the scholarship, much of it through ROAR: The Ryan O'Malley Annual Race, a 5K fundraising event the family organized from 2013-2017. In 2018, John, Ryan’s brother, embarked upon the inaugural ROAR: The Ryan O’Malley Annual Ride by cycling the 500+ miles of The Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango in Ryan’s memory. While John rode The Colorado Trail again for ROAR in 2019 and 2020, he was sidelined by injuries and knee surgery in 2021.
While John embarked upon the Tour Divide in June of 2022, a life-threatening accident 125 miles from the 2,665.7-mile race's finish line landed him in an intensive care/trauma unit. Eighty-four days later, he returned to the scene of the accident and triumphantly finished the final leg of the race.
“I ride to remember and honor our brother, Ryan, with whom I shared a common love of adventure, sport and cycling,” he said. “I ride to give back in some way to the community who nurtured us. Through the ROAR and Ryan’s scholarship, we help to provide students with limited financial resources the opportunity to attend The University of Scranton. The purpose of the annual ride is to seek donations for the scholarship fund, to increase awareness of suicide prevention and to promote physical health and well-being. If I can inspire anyone to get outside and exercise, it’s a win.
"In a more philosophical sense, I take on such endeavors to expand my mind and my potential, to be more capable in all aspects of life. This is how I live my life. We are all capable of so much more."
A Lifelong Love
John’s love of cycling and adventure began when he was growing up in the Green Ridge section of Scranton.
“Bikes were a big deal back then, and if you had one, you were a lucky kid,” he said. “ For me, the bike became an instrument of exploration, discovery and freedom.”
As the oldest child of John J. O’Malley, Ph.D. ’64, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University, and his wife, Helene, John shared his love of cycling with his five siblings, especially Ryan, his youngest brother.
“As a kid, time and distance had little meaning,” he said of the hours they spent exploring the NEPA area together. “We’d just ride, inspired by the adventure and the natural beauty of the region.”
Upon graduating from the University, John began his military career in Ft. Carson, Colorado, where he started racing mountain bikes. Since then, he has continued to ride and race, competing in triathlons and adventure races throughout the country. When he and his family settled in Monument, Colorado, he became so inspired by the expanses and terrain he saw on two wheels that he proposed the idea of funding Ryan’s scholarship through an annual bike ride, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Arizona Trail Race 800
The Arizona Trail Race 800, like the Tour Divide and the Colorado Trail, is a solo, self-supported race where John will be carrying all his required gear and food. The longest single track mountain bike race in the world, the race traverses the Arizona National Scenic Trail, extending from the Mexican border to the Utah border with 70,107 feet of elevation gain from start to finish. Starting at the U.S.-Mexico border, the trail climbs and descends from one “sky island” mountain range to another, gaining and losing thousands of feet in elevation and traversing biomes ranging from desert to boreal forest.
"This will likely be the most challenging of the three triple crown events," John said, adding that the diverse terrain will demand plenty of technical riding and "hike-a-bike" action. Given the trail's remote nature, John believes it will be difficult to find water sources and places to replenish his necessary supplies. As an added challenge, after riding 700 miles, he will be required to disassemble his bike at the north rim of the Grand Canyon, put it on his back, and hike 21 miles to the south rim. Because of these conditions, John anticipates finishing the race in about 20 days while averaging 40-45 miles a day. In order to maintain that pace and to hike the 50 pounds of bike and gear he will have to carry, he plans to consume about 300-400 calories an hour. Throughout his journey, John will provide daily updates on his Facebook account. Interested parties can track the race and his progress at trackleaders.com once the race begins.
"Competing in the Arizona Trail Race 800 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said. "I am blessed to have the time, resources, health and support to take on such an endeavor. I’m going to give it my best shot and hope to inspire others get outside, stay healthy and live life to the fullest – just like Ryan would!
"No matter how hard things may get for me, I think about people who are struggling with depression or other mental or physical illness. I have it easy. I am merely the guy riding a bike."
An Attitude of Gratitude
John thanked Kathi, their daughters, Kaitlyn and Jenna, his entire family, and the greater Scranton community for supporting his endeavors.
"The University of Scranton has been instrumental in this support, especially Bridget Chomko and the Office of Annual Giving," he said. "Bridget has been with us since the very beginning and works tirelessly to help us attain success each year."
John attributes any success in cycling and life in general to his upbringing in Scranton and the long hard days on the gridiron and ball fields of his hometown.
"The work ethic, values and grit instilled in me at a young age have carried me through challenging times in the military and in sport and adventure," he said. "My experience at the U with long hours spent in the ROTC program and the weight room set me up for success in life.
"The people who raised, coached and nurtured me while growing up in Scranton are my greatest life heroes. The University of Scranton was truly our home away from home."
Visit this link to support ROAR and the Ryan T. O'Malley '99 Memorial Scholarship Fund.
John O'Malley '87, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Retired, to raise funds for The Ryan T. O'Malley '99 Memorial Scholarship while pursuing "Triple Crown of Bikepacking" by racing in the Arizona Trail Race 800.
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Gerard J. Walsh ’76, Hanover, and his wife, Irene, celebrated the births of their 30th and 31st grandchildren in 2024; additionally, they celebrated the release of their son Matt's hit movie "Am I Racist?" to theaters nationwide in September.
Joe Nazzaro ’81, Park Ridge, New Jersey, has just seen his 20th book (and his fifth Star Trek book) published. A biography of makeup legend Dick Smith is expected by the end of the year, and a collection of Harry Potter interviews in 2025.
Carol A. Peters ’82, Scranton, celebrated 42 years as vice president of Peters Design Group, Inc.
Ed Burnetta, M.D. ’84, Villanova, accompanied his son, Chris Burnetta, to Wrocław, Poland, for the European Men’s U20 Lacrosse championship this summer. Chris was the youngest player on the Ireland national team, which he qualified for by his mom being Irish-born. He led the team in scoring and made the all-tournament team as Ireland went 7-0 and defeated England in the final 10-7 to become the 2024 European champions. Chris will be a sophomore at the Haverford School this year.
John Littel '86, Virginia Beach, was recently appointed chief of staff to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. He previously served as Virginia's Secretary of Health and Human Resources.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael B. Lalor ’95, New Baltimore, Michigan, was promoted to major general during a ceremony on Aug. 27, 2024, at the U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal. As the commanding general of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), he oversees the command staff at TACOM’s Detroit Arsenal headquarters, as well as the Integrated Logistics Support Center, four depots, two arsenals, and the Army’s ground equipment supply chain, life cycle management and sustainment efforts supporting active-duty Army units around the world.
Lt. Col. John Chrampanis ’97, St. Louis, Missouri, has been officially retired from the United States Air Force after 22 years of service. Affectionately known as the "Party Guy" during his days at the University, he accumulated over 3,500 flight hours in the mighty C-130 “Hercules” aircraft during his career, including 200-plus combat missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn and Inherent Resolve. He has performed military operations in over 50 countries and has supported numerous humanitarian efforts globally, including the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. He has been stationed in Alabama, Japan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Illinois, and he served his final seven years in the Connecticut Air National Guard with the 118th Airlift Squadron and “Flying Yankees." He is set to continue his flying career as a pilot for Delta Air Lines.
David Simpkins G’08, Saint Augustine, Florida, has been promoted to Director for School Services at the St. Johns (FL) County School District.
Rev. Mr. Douglas Jones, S.J. ’10, Brighton, Massachusetts, was one of eight Jesuits ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. He will continue his studies for the priesthood at the Clough School for Theology and Ministry at Boston College and begins his new ministry as a deacon at St. Mary of the Assumption, Brookline, Massachusetts. Deacon Jones will be ordained a priest at Fordham University on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Samantha Falgout, Ph.D. ’24, Houma, Louisiana, is serving the second year of a two-year term as Member-at-Large on the Society of Louisiana CPAs’ (LCPA) 2024-25 Board of Directors. Dr. Falgout is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux and serves as Chapter President for the LCPA’s South Central Chapter. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting from The University of Scranton and holds both a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor's in Accounting from Nicholls State University.
MARRIAGES
Christina Rakowski '07 to Alex Marentis
Tiffany Cecere ’18, to Christopher O'Donnell
Morgan Rentzheimer '18 to Jarod Herman '21
Emily Carr '19 to Nicholas Peragine '18
BIRTHS
A son, Nolan, to Kerry and Paul Boye ’09, West Orange, New Jersey
DEATHS
Joseph J. Jankowski, M.D. ’57, Needham, Massachusetts
Arthur T. Myers ’57, Owego, New York
John G. Gulbin ’61, Old Forge
James A. Wilson ’67, G’76, Scranton
Dorothy M. Lenhart ’68, Archbald
John J. Lemoncelli, Ed.D ’71, G’73, Mechanicsburg
Marianne Cimino Lynch ’81, Scranton
Susan (Jill) Holczer ’93, Warrington, Virginia
Kristin Sanner Walker, Ph.D. G’98, Binghamton, New York
FRIENDS/FAMILY DEATHS
Michael C. Demyan Jr., brother of Philip J. Demyan '76
Romaine Biedlingmaier, mother of Mark Biedlingmaier ’80 and Paul Biedlingmaier ’76, widow of the late Paul P. Biedlingmaier, D.D.S. ’46
Richard Kapusta Sr., father of Beth Kapusta Welsh '99
Share your story with your Royal Family.
By: Elizabeth Vander Neut ’26, student correspondent
Two men of faith at different stages in their Jesuit formation journeys recall distinct experiences from their undergraduate years at The University of Scranton that influence who they are today.
Rev. Mr. Douglas Jones, S.J. ’10 credits Scranton with his “vocational awakening.” Mr. Andrew Milewski, S.J. ’13 describes his role as a resident assistant as “formative.”
Still, both highly value one aspect: a strong sense of community on campus.
“It’s the people. My favorite part of being at Scranton has always been the community,” said Milewski, who, during the regency stage of formation, is teaching at St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia. “I met so many friends there, some of whom I am reconnecting with in Philly. Scranton is a place where you are always going to see someone you know and connect with, but that you can also always meet someone new.
“I loved the Cura Personalis community I was a part of for a number of years, the retreats and service opportunities I was able to do like Search and First. The people I met through The Aquinas and Esprit. Even though when I go back now and it feels different, I can still connect with old professors and have sushi with them downtown.”
Jones, who was recently one of eight Jesuits ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, said his favorite things about Scranton and the Jesuits are interchangeable.
“My favorite thing about Scranton was the strong sense of community on campus,” he said. “Performance Music ensembles and SJLA were two great communities within the broader University community. They helped me see how I could thrive when I had strong support, and sometimes saw more in me than I saw in myself! Interestingly, I find much the same thing in Jesuit life. I love that life as a Jesuit is lived in community.”
The University of Scranton alumni discuss how their experiences with community, mentorship and Ignatian spirituality influenced their vocational and Jesuit journeys. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Jones: “It took a while for me to realize my call to be a Jesuit and a priest, or at least it took a while for me to admit it to myself.
“The first time I recall thinking about life as a Jesuit was fairly early on in my time at Scranton, I think. I saw Fr. Cadigan coming out of the science building (RIP, old Loyola) wearing a clerical shirt and a lab coat, and I thought to myself ‘How great it is that a Jesuit can be a priest and engage in a totally different kind of profession at the same time?’
“I took a Special Jesuit Liberal Arts (SJLA) class called ‘Magis’ with Fr. Ron McKinney in which we learned more about Ignatian spirituality and the history of the Jesuits. I started to feel some attraction at that point, but I was a bit stubborn and wanted to follow the path I thought I wanted my life to take. It was only a few years later that I started to seriously discern a vocation as a Jesuit, and it quickly became clear that it was where God was calling me.”
Milewski: “Being a resident assistant was really formative during my time as an undergrad at Scranton. Before that, I was a commuter, so being on campus allowed me to get more involved in campus activities. I was involved with the Cura Personalis living-learning community at that time, as well. And with my residents, I would have weekly prayer services, justice education programs and service projects. We had a ton of fun in McCourt and were really a close community. It was great to be a part of that, and I knew that I wanted to give my life to something like that.
“But before I was ever a resident assistant or a work study, I worked in the cafeteria in the DeNaples center. I did this for my first year, and it really transformed my college experience. Although I did it because I needed money, it also allowed me to see a lot of my classmates, and I was in a position serving them. I think, at our best, Jesuits are about service, and I learned this from my time with the Fresh Food Company, too.”
Rev. Mr. Douglas Jones, S.J. ’10, shown at center, as an undergraduate at Scranton.
Jones: “Scranton played a really important role in my vocational awakening. As I mentioned, SJLA got me asking big questions while helping me come to a clearer understanding of what I think and believe, and it taught me more about the Jesuits and Ignatian spirituality.
“Most of my non-academic time was spent in Performance Music. In Cheryl Boga I found a mentor, friend and a passionate supporter of the Jesuit mission on campus. Boga knows and loves Jesuits, not in a romanticized or ideal way, but in a real way. And that includes holding Jesuits, and our University, to a high standard, especially when it comes to care for students, which she knows is indispensable to the Jesuit mission.
“Of course, I would be remiss not to mention the influence of Fr. Pilarz. I didn’t know him well, but I couldn’t help but admire the beautiful way he articulated Jesuit and Ignatian values. They weren’t some distant ideals, but things I saw being lived out at the University.”
Milewski: “It is hard to name some faculty without leaving others out. My first-year philosophy teacher was Dr. Ileana Szymanski, Ph.D., who passed away in 2019. I was able to leave the novitiate for a day and travel for her memorial Mass, and that was very special. I would like to think she would have appreciated my graduate thesis paper on Aristotle, but she probably would have preferred if I did it on Plato.
“My time as a work-study in the English department connected me to the life of the University. It instilled in me the courage to be an English Lit minor, and in my literature classes, I read many novels and works that expanded my mind. Working with Dr. Joe Kraus in creative nonfiction and John Hill, professor emeritus in poetry, I was able to really craft my language and introspection skills. Dr. Linda Ledford-Miller's Literature of American Minorities class also opened my eyes and made me think about justice issues from the perspective of those on the margins.
“I also worked with Dr. Jessica Nolan and Dr. Jill Warker in psychology labs looking at issues of intrinsic racism and language acquisition. This has no doubt spurred my interest in the cross-cultural social justice work that I have done.”
Rev. Mr. Douglas Jones, S.J. ’10, above, left, with participants in an Arab Christian youth gathering in 2019.
Jones: “In the eight years I’ve been a Jesuit, I’ve done some things I might have imagined myself doing, but many I would not have imagined. I have a Ph.D., so if you told me in 2016 that I would teach college students as a Jesuit, that wouldn't have been a shock. But if you told me I’d be accompanying student retreats, which I do at Boston College, I would have been surprised. I would have been even more surprised at the idea of preaching a weekend retreat at a Jesuit retreat house, which I got to do this past March in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“My Ph.D. is in Middle Eastern politics, so it probably would not have surprised me if you’d told me I’d spend time in that part of the world as a Jesuit. But I would not have seen myself working with Syrian refugees on the far eastern border of Lebanon, or with Filipino and Sri Lankan migrant workers in Beirut, and I definitely would not have seen myself spending a summer at a Jesuit cultural center in Alexandria, Egypt. I also would never have dreamed of teaching sixth graders about prayer, teaching high school seniors about medieval Islamic philosophers, or serving as a hospital chaplain.
“I’m glad I’ve allowed God, and the Society, to show me where and how I can best serve, rather than relying only on my own plans. God’s imagination is way better than my own!”
Milewski: “I think the most important thing is being able to name where God is present at any moment. Teaching in Brooklyn, for example, I was able to find God in both the positive as well as the challenging interactions I have had with students. I have been confirmed in my vocation as a teacher throughout my experiences, first teaching in Asia, and now working in the Ignatian School Network. I have been teaching my students about images of God, the notions or stereotypes that they bring into their thoughts about faith and religion. I would say that my image of God as a teacher is very much present to me these days.”
Jones: “I’ve gotten to know Jesuits from all over the United States, and from dozens of countries. As a Jesuit friend of mine likes to say, ‘We’re a diverse group of guys, but we all have the same best friend (Jesus, that is).’ I suppose that’s another way of saying we’re ‘friends in the Lord,’ which is a phrase Jesuits often use to describe ourselves.
“Much as my communities at Scranton supported me, pushed me and accompanied me in the good and bad moments, life with my brother Jesuits is full of faith, fellowship and laughter. There are certainly sacrifices in religious life, but it’s also a really joyful life. As I mentioned, it’s a life that’s also been full of surprises, but that has kept it from being boring!”
Jones: “Currently, I’m in the last year of my theology studies, the final stage of preparation for priesthood. I was ordained a deacon on September 14, and I’ll be ordained a priest in June of next year, God willing.
“Much of my week is spent in theology classes. I find studying theology helps me deepen my personal faith, but also helps me be a better pastoral minister. I often find class material will help me better accompany people by delving deeper into questions and issues that we all face in our complicated lives, or in some cases, getting practical experience, such as in administering the sacraments or engaging in spiritual counseling, also helps.
“Since my recent ordination, I serve as deacon at a nearby parish, and I’m already really enjoying that ministry. The most visible part of a deacon’s role is serving at Mass, so I’ve had to get used to wearing new vestments and getting to do things like proclaim the Gospel and preach. But equally rewarding are the less visible elements: the conversations with parishioners, the requests for prayer or blessings, the various parish groups I get work alongside. This week, I will preside at a committal (burial) ceremony in a cemetery, and then on Sunday, I’ll baptize three babies. It’s really a ministry of the whole spectrum of life! I’ve always thought of diaconate as a step on the way to priesthood, but getting involved in a parish, and now serving as a deacon, helps me see that it’s not only that: it’s a unique ministry of its own, and one that is already teaching me a great deal of things that complement what I’m learning in the classroom.”
Milewski: “I am currently teaching freshman religion, junior history and a senior English elective (at St. Joseph’s Prep). In these classes, I am happy to bring the skills and experiences I have learned from my time studying at Scranton and Loyola University Chicago, as well as my experiences living abroad and working in other Jesuit institutions. I am trying to be present at the school, but after I finish this stage of formation, called regency, I will move on to my theology studies for eventual ordination. I will most likely be ordained in about five years.”
Mr. Andrew Milewski, S.J. ’13, shown above right, teaching at St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia during the regency stage of formation.
University of Scranton alumni discuss how their experiences with community, mentorship and Ignatian spirituality influenced their vocational and Jesuit journeys.
Incoming first-year students of University of Scranton alumni gathered together with their families and the Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, Aug. 24 for the Class of 2028 Legacy Families Reception and Photo at Brennan Hall.
Visit this link to see the photographs from this year's reception.
Over the years, the Legacy Families Reception and Photo has become a University tradition. Prior to Convocation each year, incoming legacy students and their families gather together for a photograph with the University's president to mark the outset of their collegiate odyssey. Four years later, prior to commencement, the same families gather together with the University's president to mark the beginning of their journey as men and women for and with others beyond Scranton's borders.
Alumni welcome their first-year students to their Royal Family.
The University of Scranton will hold Family Weekend 2024 Sept. 21-22. Register here to join your student(s) at their home away from home today.
Family Weekend at The University of Scranton provides our families with a special opportunity to connect with their students, explore the greater Scranton area, and experience the wonders of our vibrant campus community. Highlights from this year's schedule include:
While there is no charge for Family Weekend, we ask that you register for planning purposes. Food trucks and vendors will manage their own transactions.
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and see what makes Scranton so special. Visit this link to see a full schedule of activities.
Join your student(s) on campus for this Scranton tradition.
University of Scranton alumni and friends are invited to ScrantoberFest at Independence Beer Garden in Philadelphia Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The $30 admission fee includes a drink ticket, appetizers, and a special Scranton giveaway. Reconnect with fellow alumni and enjoy a festive evening in the heart of the city!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/ScrantonoberFest.
Celebrate all things fall with your fellow Royals in the Philadelphia area.
Alumni, parents and friends of The University of Scranton will gather at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C., on Friday, Sept. 27, to see the Washington Nationals take on the Philadelphia Phillies.
The $80 admission fee includes a ticket to the game in section 111 and a $20 food voucher. Visit this link to register today.
Meet up with your Scranton friends for a night of baseball.
Get ready to tee off for an afternoon of friendly competition and great company at Topgolf King of Prussia! Join us Sunday, Oct. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. for an exciting two hours of gameplay, delicious food and refreshing soft drinks—all for just $50 per person. Whether you're a pro golfer or a first-timer, this event promises a fantastic time for all. But hurry, space is limited! Grab your spot and connect with fellow Royals for an unforgettable day on the green. Visit this link to register today.
Tee off with your fellow Royals in the Philadelphia area.
The University of Scranton will present the President’s Medal to James M. Slattery ’86, H’23, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and head of North America for Rosebank Industries PLC, at The President’s Medal Gala Friday, Sept. 20, at Pier Sixty, Manhattan's largest waterfront event venue.
The black-tie gala promises to dazzle attendees with the sort of world-class cuisine and entertainment that has made New York the cultural capital of the world. The event is the largest annual fundraiser for the University, and proceeds from the dinner benefit the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund, which awards four-year, full-tuition scholarships to incoming first-year University students with outstanding high school records and notable community involvement. The University presents the President’s Medal to individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others. All alumni, parents and friends of the University are welcome and encouraged to register here for this year’s event.
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, recently recorded a waterfront-themed teaser video promoting the event that features a prominent splash. Visit this link to see the video.
A certified public accountant, Slattery is the head of North America for Rosebank Industries PLC, a company that buys, improves and sells companies. Prior to joining Rosebank Industries PLC, he was the chief operating officer at Melrose PLC. Previously, Slattery served as chief financial officer for McKechnie Aerospace, CFO for 180s, Struever Bros. Eccles and Rouse and DAP Products, Inc., and as controller for Wassall PLC. He began his career with Coopers and Lybrand.
Slattery earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from The University of Scranton and served as the chair of the University’s President’s Business Council Annual Award Dinner in 2013. He joined the University's Board of Trustees in 2015 and served as its chair from 2019-2022. He and his wife, Betsy, established the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, named in honor of his parents, who instilled in him a commitment to Catholic higher education. He and Betsy are the proud parents of three sons, Daniel, John Michael and Shane, and they reside in Peachtree City, Georgia.
For more information, contact Associate Vice President of Development Eric Eckenrode at eric.eckenrode@scranton.edu or Executive Director of Advancement for Campus Engagement Brad Troy ’02 at bradley.troy@scranton.edu. For information on complimentary, round-trip transportation from Scranton, contact Program Manager Meg Sweeney '20 at 570-941-5850.
University to honor James M. Slattery ’86, H’23 with the President’s Medal at Pier Sixty, Manhattan's largest waterfront event venue.
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Lawrence J. Moran Sr. ’74, Jermyn, of the law firm, The Moran Law Group, LLC, achieved recertification as both a civil trial and criminal trial law advocate, recognizing 30 years of certification of special competence in the fields of both civil and criminal trial law advocacy, by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA).
Frank R. DiMaio, M.D., M.B.A. ’84, Old Brookville, New York, has been appointed Chairman of the Musculoskeletal Service Line at Catholic Health in Long Island, New York.
Kristin Schmidt Larson G’13, Fargo, North Dakota, is the author of "Traveling Caravan: Growing Up Under The Big Top." Her books are available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark. She is also the founder of Simplekindness.co, a small business owner of Kind Skin, and the inventor of Koollips.com.
MARRIAGES
Brian Felkowski ’08, G’11 to Kaitlyn Kotlowski
Megan Etzel ’13 to Salvatore Grosso
DEATHS
Hugh G. Collins ’52, Mashpee, Massachusetts
William J. Golla ’58, Moosic
Robert E. Ghigiarelli G’67, Old Forge
Joseph F. Casagrande ’68, Round Rock, Texas
William T. Mickere ’73, Palm Desert, California
Giles Morgan ’73, Dickson City
Charles J. Lipinski, Ph.D. ’74 G’76, Clarks Summit
Gerard S. Field '77, Mountaintop
John J. Hartridge ’82, Dunmore
Joel Z. Krisanda ’86, Moosic Lakes
Irene S. Gaughan ’92, Scranton
Share your story with your Royal Family.
Grab your clubs and join us for an afternoon of golf and camaraderie at the third annual Alumni-Student Golf Outing at Pine Hills Country Club Saturday, Sept. 28! The fun begins with an exciting 18-hole scramble format starting at 1:30 p.m., followed by a barbecue dinner. For $70 per person, you'll enjoy golf, cart, dinner and a chance to win fantastic prizes. This event is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni and make new friends among the students. Don’t miss out—purchase your tickets today and be part of this memorable outing! Purchase your tickets here.
Who will win the coveted purple jacket? Register today to find out!
The University of Scranton will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the University's Physical Therapy program Sept. 27-28. Visit this link to register for the celebration.
Friday, Sept. 27
7-10 p.m.
Welcome Back Mixer at Backyard Ale House
Meet up with your fellow Royals at Backyard Ale House, downtown Scranton's premier craft beer bar and restaurant.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Noon-1 p.m.
PT Department Tour
Leahy Hall
Tour the University's Department of Physical Therapy with your fellow alumni and friends.
1-4 p.m.
"Managing Shoulder Impingement with Regional Interdependence: Going Beyond Scapular Punches and Sidelying ER," with John Salva, PT, MPT, OCS '98, MPT '99
Leahy Hall, Kane Forum
Cost: $10 donation toward program-specific service trips
This continuing education course will cover evaluation and treatment of shoulder impingement with considerations for regional interdependence. It includes concepts from the Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and Primal Foundations. Participants will learn how to identify and treat areas outside the shoulder that contribute to shoulder dysfunction. Exercise prescription will include global stabilization based on developmental milestones and archetypal postures.
4-5 p.m.
PT Department Tour
Leahy Hall
Tour the University's Department of Physical Therapy with your fellow alumni and friends.
6 p.m.
Cocktails & Dinner
The DeNaples Center, 4th Floor, McIlhenny Ballroom
Cost: $40 per person
Enjoy cocktails, dinner and a keynote address by Angela Stolfi PT '96, MPT '97, DPT '07.
Register today to experience this milestone with your fellow Royals.
The University of Scranton will present the President’s Medal to James M. Slattery ’86, H’23, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and head of North America for Rosebank Industries PLC, at The President’s Medal Gala Friday, Sept. 20, at Pier Sixty, Manhattan's largest waterfront event venue.
The event is the largest annual fundraiser for the University, and proceeds from the dinner benefit the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund, which awards four-year, full-tuition scholarships to incoming first-year University students with outstanding high school records and notable community involvement. The University presents the President’s Medal to individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others. All alumni, parents and friends of the University are welcome and encouraged to register here for this year’s event.
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, recently recorded a waterfront-themed teaser video promoting the event that features a prominent splash. Visit this link to see the video.
A certified public accountant, Slattery is the head of North America for Rosebank Industries PLC, a company that buys, improves and sells companies. Prior to joining Rosebank Industries PLC, he was the chief operating officer at Melrose PLC. Previously, Slattery served as chief financial officer for McKechnie Aerospace, CFO for 180s, Struever Bros. Eccles and Rouse and DAP Products, Inc., and as controller for Wassall PLC. He began his career with Coopers and Lybrand.
Slattery earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from The University of Scranton and served as the chair of the University’s President’s Business Council Annual Award Dinner in 2013. He joined the University's Board of Trustees in 2015 and served as its chair from 2019-2022. He and his wife, Betsy, established the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, named in honor of his parents, who instilled in him a commitment to Catholic higher education. He and Betsy are the proud parents of three sons, Daniel, John Michael and Shane, and they reside in Peachtree City, Georgia.
For more information, contact Associate Vice President of Development Eric Eckenrode at eric.eckenrode@scranton.edu or Executive Director of Advancement for Campus Engagement Brad Troy ’02 at bradley.troy@scranton.edu.
University to honor James M. Slattery ’86, H’23 with the President’s Medal at Pier Sixty in New York City.
Alumni, parents and friends of The University of Scranton will gather at Nationals Park, Washington D.C. on Friday, Sept. 27, to see the Washington Nationals take on the Philadelphia Phillies.
The $80 admission fee includes a ticket to the game in section 111 and a $20 food voucher. Visit this link to register today.
Meet up with your Scranton friends for a night of baseball.
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