Alumni News

The University of Scranton recently launched the 2025 Alumni Attitude Survey by emailing the survey to all undergraduate and graduate alumni.

Each alum has received a link via email to access the survey, which will help determine the course of alumni events, programming and communications for years to come. If you didn’t receive an email concerning the survey and are interested in taking it, check your spam and/or clutter folder for an email from alumni@scranton.edu. If you are unable to locate the email and would like to participate, contact us at alumni@scranton.edu to make sure we have your current email address on file.

The survey will close soon, and all participants will be entered in a drawing for the following items:

• $500 University of Scranton Bookstore gift card (can be redeemed in store or online)
  
  
• Apple Air Pods Pro 2
  
  
• 1 of 10 $50 Bookstore gift cards (can be redeemed in store or online)
  
  
• 10 vouchers for a free registration to an alumni event of your choice (up to $100 value, valid through May 31, 2026)

Take the survey today to help shape the future of Scranton.

The University of Scranton invites all alumni, parents and friends of the University in the greater Los Angeles area to gather at Dodger Stadium Tuesday, April 29, to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Miami Marlins.

Game time begins at 7:10 p.m. The $60 ticket fee includes a seat at the game and a $25 food voucher. Seats are located in section 150. Register here to reserve your ticket today as a limited number of tickets are available. 

The University of Scranton has recently released several named-giving opportunities in the soon-to-be completed Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall. The nearly 90,000 square-foot building is currently under construction on the 300 block of Madison Avenue on campus and is expected to open for the fall 2025 semester.

The four-story building will house a 10,000 sq. ft. innovation hub and the following University departments and organizations:

• The Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, and Sociology
• The Psychology Department
• The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center
• The University of Success
• Student Health Services
• The Center for Health Education and Wellness

Available named spaces include department suites, classrooms, study rooms, and more. Gifts to the University may honor or memorialize donors, individuals, or organizations, and may be structured over a period of five years.

To learn more about current naming opportunities, contact Eric Eckenrode, associate vice president of development, at eric.eckenrode@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton has opened registration for Reunion Weekend 2025.

Alumni from the Class of 1975 celebrating their 50-year reunion can register here; all other alumni can register here. 

The University will celebrate Reunion Weekend 2025 June 6-8. Visit the "Who's Coming List" to see which of your classmates is planning to attend the festivities. For more information, visit scranton.edu/reunion or email alumni@scranton.edu.

Make plans to join fellow Royals and friends in the spring as we unite in service to implement the values of a Jesuit education and make a meaningful impact in our communities.

Service sites have been set up in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., on April 12, April 26 and May 3. Visit https://bit.ly/DaysofService25 to register and to see the full list of confirmed sites and dates.

If you’re interested in coordinating a Day of Service site in your region or have ideas for volunteer opportunities near you, please reach out to Marge Gleason, P'14, '17 at margery.gleason@scranton.edu.

The University will host a Philadelphia Networking Reception for alumni and students Friday, April 4, at 5 p.m. 

The reception, sponsored by the Council of Alumni Lawyers (CAL) and the President's Business Council (PBC), will take place at Aramark Global Headquarters, seventh floor, 2400 Market St., Philadelphia, and it will provide a valuable opportunity for alumni to connect with their fellow Scranton grads and current students. The $20 registration fee includes cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Register for the reception here today.

The University of Scranton will celebrate 5.06.25, its 11th Annual Day of Giving, on May 6. Since its inception in 2015, 5.06 has evolved into a tradition of profound impact, creating a lasting legacy for current and future University students. Alumni, parents, friends, faculty, students and staff are invited to join together and celebrate 5.06 by supporting the campus programs and causes that ignite their passion for Scranton.

As part of the celebration, we invite all alumni, parents and friends of the University to show their love for Scranton by helping us reach our goal of 2,500 donors by May 6. This year, individuals who choose to make a gift of $30 or more by April 30 will receive a pair of special edition University of Scranton crew socks while supplies last. Additionally, all 5.06 gifts will double as contributions to “A Fire That Kindles Other Fires: The Campaign To Advance Mission, Access, & Excellence,” the University’s capital campaign that will officially end on May 31. Make your 5.06 gift here to secure your limited edition crew socks today.

What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.

Brian S. Hughes ’84, Scranton, news director of Audacy Radio Wilkes-Barre, received the award for Outstanding Local Radio Newscast from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for 2025.

John J. Luciani G’87, York, president of First Capital Engineering, Inc., was selected as one of the 2025 Icon Honors Recipients by the Central Penn Business Journal. Icon Honors recognizes business leaders over the age of 60 who have left an indelible mark in their fields and whose integrity, vision and selfless service have lifted up the Central Pennsylvania community.

Kathleen Duffy Bruder ’90, Camp Hill, shareholder at Saxton & Stump and chair of the firm’s Regulatory and Government Affairs Group, has been named to City & State PA’s prestigious “Above & Beyond: Women” list for 2025. City & State PA is a leading news organization dedicated to covering Pennsylvania’s state and local government, politics and public policy. The award recognizes influential and innovative women in Pennsylvania who demonstrate exceptional leadership and contribute significantly to their field and society.

Eric Brophy ’92 attended the Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade and ran into a group of recent Scranton alumni celebrating together.

Timothy J. Walsh ’92, Providence, Rhode Island, will be the next chair and chief executive officer at KPMG LLP.

Matthew L. Mendola '11, Forest Hills, New York, has been promoted to Surgical Technologist Level 3 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Christian A. Martinotti ’14, Cliffside Park, New Jersey, joined Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi (CSG Law) as an associate in the firm’s Litigation Group.

MARRIAGES

Lt. Brian R Kupchak, DMD, Ph.D., USN, '00, G'02 to Katherine J Norberg

Sarah (Dowzycki) Cormican '14 to Kevin Cormican '14

Eddie Ravert '14 to Kristin Addison

BIRTHS

A daughter, Madeline Irene Pomes, to Matthew and Margaret Pomes McCarthy ’10, Apalachin, New York

A daughter, Athena Ann, to Nicholas Joseph D'Andrea '14, G' 16 and Alesia Ann Walsh D'Andrea, DMD '11, Moosic, and a granddaughter of both Mary Elizabeth Driscoll D'Andrea '82 and Judith Andres Walsh '81

A son, Ollie Jay, to Eddie ’16 and Bryn Frankhouse Hannon '16, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

A son, Cameron William, to Rocco and Amy Wenrich Petriello ’16

DEATHS

Robert J. Luchi, M.D. ’48, Mission, Kansas

William P. Caisse ’56, Silver Spring, Maryland

Lt. Col. Thomas J. Faleskie, USMC, Ret. ’58, Spotsylvania, Virginia

Paul J. Payne ’60, Browndale

Keith A. Davis ’62, Auburn, New York

Robert C. Loughney ’62, Jenkintown

Thomas P. Glacken ’63, Kingston

Cornelius J. Ward ’63, Bradenton, Florida

Gregory T. Wolf ’65, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Girdon E. Buck G’67, Skaneateles, New York

John P. Anthony ’76, Bethlehem

Joseph A. Sohara, Ph.D. ’77, Northampton

Louis Santiso ’81, G’90, Lake Ariel

Richard R. Kucinski ’82, Falls Church Virginia

Laurence R. Cusack ’85, Bryn Mawr

James M. Dougher, Jr. ’95, Scranton

John P. Kelly ’05, Blue Bell

FRIENDS/FAMILY DEATHS

Regis E Biemer, wife of Thomas Biemer ’75

Robert E. Donatelli, father of Jennifer L. Donatelli ’95

The University will host a Philadelphia Networking Reception for alumni and students Friday, April 4, at 5 p.m. 

The reception, sponsored by the Council of Alumni Lawyers (CAL) and the President's Business Council (PBC), will take place at Aramark Global Headquarters, seventh floor, 2400 Market St., Philadelphia, and it will provide a valuable opportunity for alumni to connect with their fellow Scranton grads and current students. The $20 registration fee includes cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Register for the reception here today. 

The University will send out an Alumni Survey this spring. Check your email to participate and help shape the future of Scranton.

Whether you walked across the Commencement stage at the Wachovia Arena, Fitzpatrick Field, or behind the Estate, your opinion matters. Your response is important to us, and it will help craft future programs, activities and communications to better meet your needs and the needs of your fellow alumni.

The University will host a complimentary Lady Royals Pre-Game Reception Friday, March 7, at 5 p.m. in Room 405 of the DeNaples Center. 

The reception, which will take place before the No. 3 Lady Royals take on Mount St. Mary's (NY) in the first round of the NCAA 2025 Division III Women's Basketball Championship, will feature complimentary hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine and soda. Register here for the reception today. 

After the reception, head over to the John J. Long, S.J. Center to watch the game and cheer on the Lady Royals. Tickets for the game will be available at the door for $15 for adults and $10 for seniors (61 and over), students and children (ages 2 and up). NOTE: Tickets may only be purchased with cash. 

If you can't make it to the game, cheer on the Lady Royals from your living room by watching the game live at this link. 

Members of the Classes of 2021-2025 will celebrate the 15th annual Shamrockin' Eve in the Byron Recreation Complex March 7. 

Visit the Shamrockin' Eve Alumni Registration Page to register today, or visit scranton.edu/shamrockin to learn more about this year's festivities. Alumni and student online registration will close Thursday, March 6, at 8 p.m. Walk-in registration will be available for alumni March 7 on the first floor of the DeNaples Center beginning at 8 p.m. Walk-in registration will NOT be available for students. 

Make plans to join fellow Royals and friends in the spring as we unite in service to implement the values of a Jesuit education and make a meaningful impact in our communities.

Service sites have been set up in Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., on April 12, April 26 and May 3. Visit https://bit.ly/DaysofService25 to register and to see the full list of confirmed sites and dates.

If you’re interested in coordinating a Day of Service site in your region or have ideas for volunteer opportunities near you, please reach out to Marge Gleason, P'14, '17 at margery.gleason@scranton.edu.

What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.

Bill ’77 and Jackie Johnson Parker ’78, West Grove, have launched a new business as Santa and Mrs. Claus! After attending Santa School and earning their bachelors' in "Santa-ology," they're spreading holiday cheer through their venture. Friends can follow their festive journey on Facebook at Claus & Co. - Holiday Entertainers.

Hon. James A. Gibbons ’79, Dalton, was named Lackawanna County president judge.

Bernard J. Costello ’91, M.D., D.M.D., Pittsburgh, was promoted to senior vice president for Health Affairs, Distinguished Professor of Surgery at Wayne State University.

MARRIAGES

Alexa Tortorello '19, G '20 to Jonathan Zirnheld, M.D. '18

BIRTHS

A daughter, Maria Juliana, to Anthony and Kaylee Hatfield Santino ’13, Delran, New Jersey, was born on Oct. 8, 2024.

DEATHS

Thomas F. Race, M.D. ’58, Wilbraham, Massachusetts

Thomas P. Dempsey, Ph.D. ’60, Dunmore

John E. Sissick G’62, Weatherly

Thomas E. Dunn ’65, Allentown

Marie Rasimovicz Robine G’74, Larksville

Linda M. Johnson G’75, Beaumont

Michael Ziobro ’76, Plains Township

John E. Menichello ’84, Jefferson Township

Susan L. Vitez G’86, Bethlehem

Barbara Regan Chillemi ’88, Ridgewood, New Jersey

David S. Thomas ’88, Wilkes-Barre

Kristine Basciano Zingone ’89, Chatham, New Jersey

FRIENDS/FAMILY DEATHS

Dolores Zuder, wife of V. Rev. Myron G. Zuder, Ph.D. '58  

Mary Beth Feliu, wife of Otto Feliu '71, Syracuse, New York

The University of Scranton has opened registration for Reunion Weekend 2025.

Alumni from the Class of 1975 celebrating their 50-year reunion can register here; all other alumni can register here. 

The University will celebrate Reunion Weekend 2025 June 6-8. Visit this link to add your name to the "Planning to Attend" list, and visit the Planning to Attend page to see which of your classmates is planning to attend the festivities. For more information, visit scranton.edu/reunion or email alumni@scranton.edu.

The Alumni Society Advisory Board is currently seeking applications for membership from creative, diverse, dedicated and enthusiastic alumni with a true desire to support The University of Scranton.

Advisory Board membership is a rewarding way to stay involved and engaged with the life of the University. Members play an active role in guiding alumni engagement efforts by serving as strategic advisors to the Office of Alumni Engagement, as well as serving as regional and national ambassadors. Submit your application of interest here. 

The Alumni Society Advisory Board is comprised of 25 - 30 University of Scranton alumni volunteers. A non-governing board, this group of passionate Scranton grads partners with the Office of Alumni Engagement to promote and enhance engagement opportunities, foster camaraderie within the alumni network, and support current Scranton students.

Applications will be accepted by the Office of Alumni Engagement through March 24. Learn more about the role of an Alumni Board Member here, and read bios of the board's current members here. 

 

Members of the Classes of 2021-2025 will celebrate the 15th annual Shamrockin' Eve in the Byron Recreation Complex March 7. 

Visit the Shamrockin' Eve Alumni Registration Page to register today, or visit scranton.edu/shamrockin to learn more about this year's festivities.

Make plans to join fellow Royals and friends in the spring as we unite in service to implement the values of a Jesuit education and make a meaningful impact in our communities.

Service sites have been set up in Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., on April 12, April 26 and May 3. Visit https://bit.ly/DaysofService25 for the full list of confirmed sites and dates.

If you’re interested in coordinating a Day of Service site in your region or have ideas for volunteer opportunities near you, please reach out to Marge Gleason, P'14, '17 at margery.gleason@scranton.edu.

The University will hold several regional receptions in Feb. and March in a city near you:

Atlanta Reception: Feb. 27

Atlanta registration

Jupiter Reception: March 1

Fort Lauderdale Brunch: March 2

Naples Reception hosted by John A. '66 and Ellen Walsh: March 3

Jupiter, Ft. Lauderdale and Naples Registration

New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training Game in Clearwater: March 4

Florida Spring Training Registration

Watch your email for additional information, or visit scranton.edu/alumni.

The University will hold the Royals 2 Royals Networking Reception with current students Friday, Feb. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall, located on the fifth floor of 320 Madison Avenue in Scranton.

This engaging networking opportunity offers a platform for casual conversations between alumni and students. Our students are eager to learn from alumni about their post-Scranton careers and experiences. Refreshments will be served, creating a relaxed atmosphere conducive to meaningful interactions.

Following the reception, alumni are encouraged to join us at Backyard Ale House from 8 to 9 p.m. for additional socializing over drinks and appetizers. Register here to reserve your spot today.

The University of Scranton and the Alumni Society are seeking nominees for the 2025 Frank J. O'Hara Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2025 Frank J. O'Hara Recent Graduate Award. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, February 21. 

The Frank J. O'Hara Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest award bestowed jointly by the University and the Alumni Society. The award honors select alumni who embody Scranton's Catholic and Jesuit experience and who have achieved distinction in their professional or personal endeavors. Honorees are selected based on the nominees' commitment to Ignatian values and their pursuit of professional and personal excellence. 

The Frank J. O'Hara Recent Graduate Award is presented to an alumnus/na who has graduated within the past 10 years. The recipient(s) will have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service for others in their personal or professional achievements, which embody Scranton's Catholic, Jesuit values. 

Honorees will be recognized during Reunion Weekend June 6-8, 2025. Alumni in class years ending in "0" or "5" will be considered this year. 

Nominations for both awards will be accepted here or by emailing alumni@scranton.edu.

What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.

Gregory S. Shinn ’70, Tan Dag City, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, retired from his position in long-term care as an executive director in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He remarried and moved to Mindanao in the Philippines. Shinn furthered his education after graduating from The University of Scranton by earning a master’s degree in teaching from Colorado College and an MBA in Organizational Behavior from Regis University in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Robert Sintich, Ed.D. ’72, Hancock, New York, has just completed his three-year elected term as commissioner of the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN), which accredits more than 1,300 nursing programs in the United States and overseas. This organization accredits the largest group of nursing programs, from LPN to Doctoral nursing programs, at universities and community colleges throughout the United States. Dr. Sintich has recently been elected as vice president of Hancock Partners Inc., an economic development board 501(c)(3) organization. The Hancock Partners address the economic development of the greater Hancock, New York area to include northeast Wayne County Pennsylvania.

Joe Sharp ’78, Bensalem, is being honored by his alma mater, Holy Ghost Prep, for his lifelong dedication to the school and amateur sports. Sharp’s journey in athletic training began during his high school years and continued at The University of Scranton. Following graduation, he remained active in youth and senior sports, and he currently serves with the Bucks Adult Soccer League (BASC) as a coach and trainer. The announcement was made during a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Holy Ghost Prep’s state championship team, which included fellow Scranton alum Paul Miernicki '78. Joe’s induction ceremony is set for early 2026.

Julie Amarie ’87, Henrico, Virginia, is the owner of the Equal Justice Center, PLC in Virginia, an advocate and lobbyist for criminal reforms.

Michael Baumhardt G’13, Homestead, Florida, was promoted to senior director of orientation and commuter student involvement and divisional assessment efforts while maintaining his role within the Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement at The University of Miami. His portfolio has expanded to include additional responsibilities in assessment, data management and analytics reporting for more than 18 departments within the Division of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement.

MARRIAGES

Katherine Musto ’20 to Joseph Layaou ’21

DEATHS

Raymond C. Rinaldi Sr., Esq. ’60, Moosic

Paul V. Irzinski ’63, Hanover Township

Walter J. Kakareka ’68, Covington Township

John F. Thorne ’68, Oceanview, Delaware

Florence H. Sherwood G’79, Dallas

John J. Osborne ’81, Old Forge

Richard R. Kucinski ’82, Falls Church, Virginia

Jeanette Kassis ’95, Easton

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 the spring. For more information, visit scranton.edu/reunion or email alumni@scranton.edu.

What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.

Mary Jane K. DiMattio, Ph.D. ’89, Jefferson Township, was elected to serve as chairperson of the Department of Nursing at The University of Scranton. She began her term in June of 2024.

Thomas J. Spoto '91, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, West Palm Beach, Asset and Wealth Management, has been named Partner at Goldman Sachs effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Paul Collins, Ph.D. ’00, Amherst, Massachusetts, professor of Legal Studies and Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was recognized with both the 2024 C. Herman Pritchett Award from the American Political Science Association and the 2024 Choice Outstanding Academic Title Award from the American Library Association for his book, “Supreme Bias: Gender and Race in U.S. Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings” (Stanford University Press, 2023). “Supreme Bias” examines the subtle forms of bias that women and people of color face on their paths to the Supreme Court. In addition to revealing the disturbing extent to which race and gender bias exist even at the highest echelon of U.S. legal power, the book provides concrete suggestions for how that bias can be reduced in the future.

MARRIAGES

Vaughn DeWolfe G’82 to Beverly Jones

Jaclyn Potapchuk ’05 to James D. Vaughn ’09

Meagan Ackerman ’20 to Jack Peccerillo ’20

Grace Gallagher ’21 to Evan Karli ’20

BIRTHS

A daughter, Nora Elizabeth, to Leigh Magnotta Fennie '11, G'19 and William Fennie, Scranton

DEATHS

Andrew R. Hricko ’49, Lexington, Kentucky

Edward Hughes ’58, Archbald

John A. Kacergis ’58, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Frank G. Kost ’64, Harrisburg

Philip R. Daniel ’67, Lutz, Florida

John J. Elias ’68, Kingston

Brian Boylan ’69, Scranton

Anthony Summa ’70, Jefferson Township

Susan M. Ruland ’78, Clarks Summit

Joseph R. Shaver, M.D. ’85, Evans, Georgia

Thomas J. Donahue, DMD ’87, Dallas

Rev. Thomas J. Major ’87, Dushore

Karen A. Magnotta ’05, Dunmore

FRIENDS/FAMILY DEATHS

Carie C. Kelly, wife of Thomas C. Kelly ’97, sister-in-law to Matthew A. Kelly ’04 and Maura A. Kelly ’07

The University will hold several regional receptions in February and March in a city near you:

Atlanta Reception: Feb. 27

Jupiter Reception: March 1

Fort Lauderdale Brunch: March 2

Naples Reception hosted by John A. '66 and Ellen Walsh: March 3

New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training Game in Clearwater: March 4

Full details will follow in upcoming editions of Royal News. Watch your email for additional information, or visit scranton.edu/alumni. 

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.

All alumni are invited to the Royals 2 Royals Networking Reception with current students on Friday, Feb. 21. The event will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall, located on the fifth floor of 320 Madison Avenue in Scranton.

This engaging networking opportunity offers a platform for casual conversations between alumni and students. Our students are eager to learn from alumni about their post-Scranton careers and experiences. Refreshments will be served, creating a relaxed atmosphere conducive to meaningful interactions.

Following the reception, alumni are encouraged to join us at Backyard Ale House from 8 to 9 p.m. for additional socializing over drinks and appetizers. Register here to reserve your spot today.

Make plans to join fellow Royals and friends Saturday, April 12, as we unite in service to implement the values of a Jesuit education and make a meaningful impact in our communities.

If you’re interested in coordinating a service site or have ideas for volunteer opportunities near you, please reach out to Marge Gleason P'14,'17 at margery.gleason@scranton.edu by Friday, Feb. 7.

For a list of sites already confirmed, visit scranton.edu/dayofservice.

The University will hold a Presidential Reception with Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m.

Register here to join your fellow Royals in the City of Angels. 

The University will hold a Presidential Reception with Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m.

Register here to meet up with your fellow Royals in the Garden State.