Community Archive

U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 “Best Online Graduate Programs” ranked The University of Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 54 and its online MBA program at No. 102 in the nation. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 72 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”

This is the 12^th consecutive year that U.S. News ranked the University’s online programs among the best in the nation. The methodology used by U.S. News to determine the ranking has changed several times throughout the years.

For the 2023 Best Online Programs ranking, which published Jan. 24, U.S. News reviewed statistical information submitted by schools. The ranking criteria differed by category. The criteria used by U.S. News to rank online business and MBA programs included student engagement (30 percent), which looked at graduation rates, class size, one-year retention rates, and best practices such as accreditation by AACSB International, among other factors. The ranking criteria also included peer reputation score (25 percent); faculty credentials and training (15 percent); student excellence (15 percent); and student services and technology (15 percent).

In addition to offering distance education programs that incorporate coursework that is predominantly online, colleges and universities making the “Best Online Program for Veterans” list must have ranked in top half of 2023 Best Online Program rankings; be regionally accredited; be certified for the GI Bill and participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program; and enroll a “critical mass of veterans” as defined by U.S. News based on the size of the college.

Scranton offers online MBA degrees in general business, accounting, business analytics, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, human resources management, international business and operations management; master’s degrees in accountancy, applied behavior analysis, business analytics, cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity, finance, health administration, health informatics, human resources management and a dual MBA/MHA degree, in addition to graduate certificates. For technology, recruitment and marketing support, the University partners with Wiley for the online programs.

In other rankings published by U.S. News, Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 29 consecutive years. Scranton is ranked No. 5 in the 2023 edition of the guidebook. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 6 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” a selection of the top colleges in the nation that express a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.

This spring, The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will hold another semester’s worth of stimulating programming courtesy of its ever-diverse collection of courses, luncheons and collaborative programs geared around contemporary cultural and political issues.

There will be three courses this spring, with the first one beginning Thursday, Feb. 2. Taught by University faculty members, the courses are presented in six weekly sessions from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Weinberg Memorial Library.

The courses are free for University students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members, and $75 per individual and $125 per couple for non-members.

Joseph Kraus, Ph.D., professor in the University’s Department of English and Theatre, will present “Down These Mean Streets: An Ethics of Hardboiled, Noir Fiction,” on Monday evenings Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, and March 6 and 13.

During the course, Dr. Kraus and the class will examine the roots of noir fiction, beginning with its roots in the 1920s and moving all the way up to today’s contemporary practitioners of the form. The class will discuss a selection of stories and novels, as well as some of the classic films they inspired.

Most people hear the word “noir” and think of Humphrey Bogart in a fedora, Dr. Kraus said. That’s true -- but only partly, he stressed.

“For me, noir begins with the crisis of faith that (Ernest) Hemingway and others explored in the 1920s as Modernism developed in literature. Hemingway’s stories show us characters who have lost their faith in something larger – whether religion or some cultural system – and then he shows how they develop ‘codes’ for moving forward in their lives,” Dr. Kraus said. “The first full-blown successful hardboiled/noir writers, Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, move forward with that idea of characters who employ codes of conduct in contexts where faith has collapsed. Chandler gives us detectives who aspire to be modern-day knights but settle for being emotionally insulated men doing what they can to protect flawed clients. Hammett ironizes the whole situation, giving us characters who seem cut-throat but act from clear and sustained motives.”

“Put another way, I see noir as a form of ‘applied ethics,’” Dr. Kraus added. “It asks the question of how we should carry ourselves in a world where – as Nietzsche suggested and Hemingway echoed – we’ve lost the moral clarity of an inherited faith.”

Ann A. Pang-White, Ph.D., professor in the University’s Department of Philosophy and director of the Asian Studies program, will present “Philosophy East and West” Wednesdays March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 and April 5.

Why teach philosophy comparatively and cross-culturally? What are the benefits of thinking outside the box? Those are some of the questions Dr. Pang-White will explore in the class, reviewing the works of Western thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas and Kant and then thematically compare them to Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism on topics of self-and-other, virtue, government, gender and ecology.

The purpose of this comparative approach, according to Dr. Pang-White, is to broaden people’s mental horizons by considering alternative conceptual frameworks that can serve as useful resources for treatment of contemporary social, political and environmental problems.

“Oftentimes intercultural conflict arises from a lack of understanding of other cultures,” Dr. Pang-White said. “Because of my international heritage and background in philosophy, I thought it would be a great use of my knowledge and interest to bring Western philosophy into conversation with non-Western philosophy on key issues as a step toward peace-making, using a method that questions rigid binary thinking about self and others. I am excited to teach this course and hope that participants will find the class experience enjoyable and thought-provoking.”

Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., professor in the University’s Department of Philosophy, will present “The Anatomy of Contemporary Conservatism in the U.S.” Thursdays Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 and March 2 and 9.

The course, Meyer said, will explore “the different strands of conservatism that have emerged in recent years, from George Will’s defense of classic liberalism to Yoram Hazony’s turn to nationalism, and ask to what extent, if at all, these different strands are compatible with each other.”

This semester will be the final one for longtime Schemel Forum Director Sondra Myers, who is retiring.

“It has been a privilege for me to serve you with issues and ideas through all these years and get to know you all,” Myers said in remarks to the Schemel Forum community. “We’ll always be friends.”

To register for the courses, or for more information on the Schemel Forum, contact Brooke Leonard at 570-941-4740 or brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Or, to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

Additional Schemel Forum events can be found on the Schemel Forum’s webpage.

More than 1,600 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2022 fall semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and Panuska College of Professional Studies.

A list of students making the Dean’s List can be seen here.

The following students were added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester after publication of the list in June of 2022.

The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2022 spring semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies.

Students added to the spring 2022 Dean’s List are:

Jan. 28            8:30 a.m. Campaign School 2023. League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County's campaign training program, co-sponsored by the University's Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service. The program also includes a panel of elected local government officials offering helpful tips. Brennan Hall, Rose Room. Fees vary. Register at www.lwvlackawanna.org or email ceeps@scranton.edu.

Feb. 3 through Mar. 10         Art Exhibit: “A New Understanding: Paintings by Travis Prince.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Feb. 3   5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “A New Understanding: Paintings by Travis Prince” presented by Travis Prince, exhibiting artist. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Feb. 4    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring Tony Lustig Trio. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Feb. 5    3 p.m. Black History PBS Film Series “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom.” This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Black Scranton Project Center for Arts & Culture. Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email info@blackscranton.org.

Feb. 9    6 p.m. Asian New Year Celebration and Workshop. Brennan Hall, Rose Room. Free. Registration required at https://tinyurl.com/AsianNewYearUofS or email asianstudies@scranton.edu.

Feb. 9     6 p.m. Community-Based Learning Talk “Black History and Housing in Scranton” featuring Glynis Johns, CEO and founder of the Black Scranton Project. This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Registration required at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBL23BlackHistoryHousing Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Feb. 11            1 p.m. 21^th Annual Northeast PA Brain Bee sponsored by the Neuroscience Program at The University of Scranton. Snow date Feb. 18. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4324 or email robert.waldeck@scranton.edu.

Feb. 19            3 p.m. Black History PBS Film Series “Becoming Frederick Douglass.” This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Black Scranton Project Center for Arts & Culture. Free. Registration required by emailing info@blackscranton.org or call 570-941-4419.

Feb 19       7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band with guest soloist Matt Munisteri, guitar and voice. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu

Feb. 24-26 and Mar. 3-5                   8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Performance: “Little Women; the Broadway Musical” music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, book by Allan Knee presented by The University of Scranton Players. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu.

Feb. 26           3 p.m. Black History PBS Film Series “Jim Crow of the North.” This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Registration required by emailing info@blackscranton.org or call 570-941-4419.

Mar. 4      Talk Back immediately after the performance of “Little Women; the Broadway Musical” by The University of Scranton Players as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu.

Mar. 5    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Choir and The Scranton Brass Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Mar. 7     6 p.m. Salary Negotiations Workshop offered by The University of Scranton’s Career Development Office and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Room 405, The DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu.

Mar. 8     3 p.m. Women of Vision and Courage Award Presentation offered by The University of Scranton’s Jane Kopas Women’s Center as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu.

Mar. 13           noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The Courage to Care” presented by Carol Rittner, RSM, D.Ed., distinguished professor emerita of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman Professor Emerita of Holocaust Studies at Stockton University, New Jersey. The luncheon is part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Mar. 20 through Apr. 14                   Art Exhibit: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Mar. 23           11:45 a.m. Community-Based Learning Talk “Environmental Health” presented by Tonyehn Verkitus. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Mar. 24           5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District” presented by Darlene Miller-Lanning. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Mar. 25           9 a.m. Preview Day for accepted students to The University of Scranton’s class of 2027. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Mar. 28           noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “A Foreigner Called Picasso” presented by Annie Cohen-Solal, writer and social historian, distinguished professor at Bocconi University, Milan, Italy. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Mar. 29           5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Mozart: The Mind and Music of a Genius” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Sordoni Theater, WVIA Public Media Studies. Reception to follow. Registration required. $35 per person. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Mar. 29           7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring flute choir, percussion ensemble, steel drums and more. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Mar. 29           7:30 p.m. Office of Sustainability film and panel discussion “The Seeds of Vandana Shiva.” Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

Mar. 30           5 p.m. 26^th Annual ACHE Healthcare Symposium: “Bedside and Administration: A Strategic Alliance.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Includes dinner, presentation and panel discussion. Fees vary. Call 570-709-9892 or email scarlet.alexander@scranton.edu.

Apr. 1       9 a.m. Regional National History Day Competition for junior and senior high school students. The DeNaples Center. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4549 or email nhdparegion2@gmail.com.

Apr. 2        7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Mikaela Bennett, voice. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Apr. 14            4:30 p.m. Office of Sustainability Art Show Address featuring artist Stephanie Williams. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

Apr. 15            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and Saxophone Ensemble with guest baritone/bass saxophonist Leigh Pilzer. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Apr. 16-25       Environmental Art Show. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

Apr. 18            11 a.m. Earth Day Fair with interactive games, presentation and information related to the environment and sustainable practices. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

Apr. 20            8:30 a.m. Hayes Family Competition in physics and engineering for high school students. Byron Complex. Registration required. Call 570-941-7509 or email salisa.brown@scranton.edu.

Apr. 20            4 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “Where Does Wealth Come From?” presented by Sandra Black, Ph.D., Columbia University. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email john.ruddy@scranton.edu.

Apr. 20            5:30 p.m. Earth Day “Evening of Environmental Science” with University student-run interactive science experiments and exhibit of University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest submissions. Essay contest awards will be announced at the event. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email susan.falbo@scranton.edu.

Apr. 21            noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “How Stories Heal the World” presented by Colum McCann, author of seven novels and three collections of stories, recipient of many international honors including the National Book Award and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Collegiate Hall, Redington Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Apr. 23            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Singers and Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Apr. 24 through May 5         Art Exhibit: “The University of Scranton Student Exhibition Online.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call. 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu

Apr. 27            5 p.m. Campus Take Back the Night. Dionne Green. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email  brandice.ricciardi@scranton.edu.

Apr. 27-30                  8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Theatrical performance of “Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight” by The University of Scranton’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the English and Theatre Department as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Studio Theatre of the McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu.

Apr. 27            7 p.m. Schemel Forum with Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute at The University of Scranton Collaborative Program: “Only in America? Religion, State, and a Hasidic Town in Rural New York” presented by David N. Myers, Ph.D., distinguished professor of history, Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History and director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy, UCLA. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Registration required. $15 per person. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Apr. 28            noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The World after the Ukraine War” presented by Jill Dougherty, Russian expert, former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief, current CNN on-air contributor and professor, Georgetown University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Apr. 29-30      9 a.m. Saturday; Noon Sunday. Friends of the Library Book and Plant Sale. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

May 2      noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The Promise of American Democracy” presented by Fredrik Logevall, Ph.D., Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School and professor of history, Harvard University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

May 6      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “40^th Annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert” The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir featuring two new works by composer/conductor Philip J. Kuehn. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 9       noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Vocalising and Music in the Development of Speech Language and Consciousness” presented by Harmar Brereton, M.D., medical and radiation oncologist, Weill Cornell Medical School faculty and clinical professor of medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

May 12            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 20           TBA Commencement Baccalaureate Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 21            TBA Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

Schemel Forum Courses

Mondays: Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Mar. 6, 13    6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Down These Mean Streets: An Ethics of Hardboiled, Noir Fiction” presented by Joseph Kraus, Ph.D., professor, Department of English and Theatre, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. 

Wednesdays: Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & Apr. 5            6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Philosophy East and West” presented by Ann A. Pang-White, Ph.D., professor, Department of Philosophy and director, Asian Studies Program, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Thursdays: Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 & Mar. 2, 9                 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “The Anatomy of Contemporary Conservatism in the US” presented by Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., professor, Department of Philosophy, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to The University of Scranton to support the ongoing “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project.

“Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” explores the aspirational journey to fulfill our national ideals through the lens of Scranton, an iconic American city that has experienced many of the key elements of our nation’s experience, such as industrial era growth and decline, waves of immigration past and present and Black and Indigenous experiences. The ongoing two-year project is supported by a 2021 National Endowment for the Humanities grant. The project includes a number of programs in a variety of participatory formats and as well as story collection component that will engage a diverse group of Scrantonians, which the Scranton Area Community Foundation grant will help to support.

“The story collection project is rooted in the central place that diverse human stories play in the humanities, critical to the goal of sharing Scranton’s stories as archetypal of other stories representing the many American experiences,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for Community and Government Affairs and “Scranton Stories” project director, who also noted that University students majoring in communication have assisted in the recording of the stories through community-based-learning projects included in their courses.

Cohen said that the ongoing story collection includes a public engagement phase this fall that includes an “I am Scranton” social media campaign and collection process at public events inviting stories in different modes, formats and through an online submission form.

Community organizations collaborating on this project include Black Scranton Project, Center for the Living City, Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department, The Lackawanna Historical Society, Lackawanna County Immigration Inclusion Comm., Narrative 4, the Scranton Area Ministerium, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA and WVIA.

In collaboration with The Schemel Forum, The “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project, a National Endowment for the Humanities-funded initiative of The University of Scranton and community partner organizations, hosted “The Journey from ‘Immigrant’ to Citizen” recently on campus. This roundtable discussion was a part of the Scranton’s Story project’s “From ‘Immigrant’ to Citizen” theme and featured four local speakers sharing their stories. The speakers and the discussion highlighted the myriad ways in which people have come to be members of the Scranton community and “citizens” of the larger United States, and included sharing from those who trace their ancestry to the European immigration of the industrial era to more recent migration from across Latin America and global refugee resettlement.

Visit www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory for more details.

Pictured, from left: Jenny Gonzalez Monge, STARS program director, Marywood University; Ushu Mukelo, Congolese community of Scranton; Jack McGuigan, retired English teacher and poet; Stephanie Longo, author of regional Italian American history; and Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for community engagement and government affairs at The University of Scranton, co-moderator of the program.

Area residents, whose households earned $60,000 or less in 2022, can receive free assistance in completing and filing their federal, state and local tax returns from University of Scranton accounting students through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

University students have assisted residents with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns for more than 30 years.

Walk-in service in Brennan Hall on the University’s campus begins on Wednesday, Feb. 1. The VITA service is offered on a first-come, first served basis during scheduled hours. Appointments are not available at the University.

Residents can schedule appointments at other locations by contacting the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties by visiting www.uwlc.net or calling 211 or 1-855-567-5341.

Residents who qualify for the free VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; Social Security cards for all taxpayers and dependents; all W2 forms; last year’s tax returns; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); unemployment paperwork; Form 8332 for non-custodial parents; information related to income and expenses (business, rental properties, sale of stocks); a personal banking account check if direct deposit is desired; documentation related to health insurance for themselves and anyone on the tax return, such as Form 1095-A, -B or –C; and real estate tax receipts if you qualify for the rent/tax rebate.

Walk-in VITA service without an appointment is available in room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the University’s campus on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, from noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Service begins on Wednesday, Feb. 1, and continues to Wednesday, April. 5, except for the week of March 13 to March 17, when the University is closed for Spring Break. Service. The VITA office may also close due to inclement weather.

The University reserves the right to cap the number of walk-in residents they can serve within a single day.

Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.

On Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m., Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert by the Tony Lustig Trio. The 7:30 p.m. concert will take place in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Tony Lustig is a dynamic saxophonist hailing from Fraser, Michigan. His musical journey began under the mentorship of Detroit trumpeter Marcus Belgrave. Through Belgrave, Lustig had the opportunity to play with such greats as Jon Hendricks, Patti Austin and Gerald Wilson. He received his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University where he studied with Rodney Whitaker, Diego Rivera, Wes Anderson and others. From there he went on to earn his master’s degree at the illustrious Juilliard School, where he studied with baritone saxophone titan Joe Temperley.

Lustig spent a decade freelancing in New York City. He performed in and out of the jazz idiom with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, The Birdland Big Band – which he was a member of for nearly ten years - the house band of America’s Got Talent, Leslie Odom, Jr., Santino Fontana, Gloria Gaynor, Jon Batiste, Louis Cole, the 8-Bit Big Band, Thomas Rhett and others. His playing brought him all around the world and to such notable stages as the Kennedy Center, Madison Square Garden, Saturday Night Live and the CMT Music Awards. Lustig taught briefly at Connecticut College and now resides in Rhode Island where he has been the house composer for Providence Ballet Theatre for the past five years.

The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) from every major are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year, and a number of University faculty, staff and alumni perform with them.

Performance Music’s large ensembles include Concert/Symphonic Band, Concert Choir/Singers, String Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble (big band format). Smaller groups are made up of members from within the large ensembles, and include Steel Drum Band, Percussion Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble and Clarinet Ensemble, plus other small vocal and instrumental groups in various formats. Solo, duo and trio performance opportunities are available to members of the ensembles through general recitals each semester.

Other programs within the department, including guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, Nelhybel Collection and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers.

High school juniors and seniors who are considering applying to Scranton are encouraged to contact Performance Music to arrange to sit in on a rehearsal, meet the staff, attend a concert or tour the building.   

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season.

For more information on Tony Lustig’s music, please visit: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B01C3LSM9Y/tony-lustig-quintet.

The University of Scranton recognized students and their elementary or high school teachers, who they credit for contributing to their success, with Rose Kelly Awards at a recent ceremony held on campus.

The Rose Kelly Award was established by University of Scranton alumnus Joseph Wineburgh, Ph.D., to link the efforts of educators to the achievements of college students. The award is presented jointly to a student in each of the University’s colleges who has completed two years at Scranton and to the teacher whom he or she recognizes as having a great impact in his or her life. Students are selected based on exemplary achievement in both academics and general campus involvement.

Dominic Finan, Malvern, received the Rose Kelly Award for the College of Arts and Sciences. He honored Kathleen Crisi, his biology teacher at Great Valley High School, Malvern. Finan is a neuroscience and philosophy double major at Scranton with a minor in biochemistry and a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, Finan is a member of the international philosophy and the national chemistry and biology honor societies. He is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Kathryn Moore, Oyster Bay, New York, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Panuska College of Professional Studies. She honored Rebecca Lieberman, her guidance counselor at Oyster Bay High School. Moore is a counseling and human services major at Scranton enrolled in the University’s accelerated graduate program for clinical mental health counseling. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is a member of the national human services honor society and the international psychology honor society.

Madelyn Ronan, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Kania School of Management. She honored Leigh Ann Larkin, her honors and advanced chemistry teacher at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Pennsauken Township. Ronan is an accounting and finance double major at Scranton with a minor in business leadership. She is a member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is a member of the Women’s Business Honor Society.

In photo below, from left Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management, and Rose Kelly Award recipient Madelyn Ronan. Her high school teacher honored, Leigh Ann Larkin, was absent from the photo. Dominic Finan, who received the Rose Kelly Award for the College of Arts and Sciences, and the teacher he honored were also absent from the photo.

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The University of Scranton will light its four-story, Class of 2020 Gateway sign in memory of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Jan. 3, 4 and 5. The sign will display a white cross with a gold background.

White and gold are worn by the Pope during Christmas and Easter, symbolizing the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These colors are also worn during funerals because they symbolize life rather than mourning, according to an ABC News article about the meaning of the colors worn by the Pope.

“As a true pastor and scholar, his writings and teachings will continue to inspire theologians for generations to come. More than that, as a great pastoral leader, he called us all to a deeper relationship with God, one grounded in love and fidelity,” wrote Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of the University, in a statement on the passing of Pope Benedict XVI.

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Frank O’Hara medals were given to University of Scranton students with the highest grade-point averages in their first-, second- and third-year in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies for the 2021-22 academic year. The awards, named in honor of the late Frank O’Hara who served the University for 53 years in various administrative positions, were presented at a ceremony held recently on campus.

College of Arts and Sciences

Patrick DelBalso, Plains, received a medal for academic achievement for his freshman year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, he is currently a sophomore majoring in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and participates in the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, he is a member of the Health Professions Organization, and is an editor for Esprit, the University’s literary magazine.

Mary Krichbaum, Endicot, New York, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is a double majoring in mathematics and philosophy with a minor in chemistry. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she participates in the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. On campus, she is a lector for Campus Ministries. She is also mathematics tutor with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and is involved in research in the Chemistry Department.

Emily Amershek, New Ringgold, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is currently a junior majoring in philosophy with minors in theology and international studies and concentrations in legal studies and health humanities. She participates in the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is a member of the National Philosophy Honors Society and the National Theology Honors Society. At Scranton, she was awarded a Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities Fellowship and the President’s Fellowship for Summer Research, where she researches bail reform and originalism in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization opinion that overturned Roe v. Wade. She also was the recipient of the O’Hara Award in 2021. She is a tour guide, an orientation assistant, a Campus Ministries lector, a tutor for logic courses, a student conduct University Review Board member and a member of the Pre-Law Society. In the greater Scranton community, she volunteers with Men’s Clothesline project and works part-time as a legal assistant at a local law firm.

Kania School of Management

Samuel Hannah, Dunmore, received a medal for academic achievement for his freshman year. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, he is currently a sophomore majoring in accounting. On campus, he is a member of the Society of Accounting Students and The Institute of Management Accountants. He also serves in the Visitor’s Center of the Admissions Office.

Madalyne Buhler, Stony Point, New York, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a junior majoring in finance with a business leadership minor. She participates in the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. She is a member of the Women’s Business Honor Society. On campus, she is co-captain of the Women’s Golf Team and was awarded first-team all-conference honors for her sophomore season. She is a member of Scranton’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and serves as executive chair of the Kania School of Management’s Student Advisory Board, and co-president of PRISM, the University’s student investment club. She also participated in Wall Street Bootcamp. Buhler served as a summer intern for MetLife Investment Management and next summer will be a global markets summer analyst for RBC Capital Markets.

Alice Banks, Hazle Township, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. She is currently a junior majoring in finance and participates in the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program. She was also the recipient of the O’Hara Award in 2021. On campus, she is a Royal Start Ambassador for first-year students and a resident assistant for junior and senior housing. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is a member of the Women’s Business Honor Society, the United Cultures Organization, Praise and Worship and the University of Scranton Black Student Union.

Panuska College of Professional Studies

Priyal Patel, Mountaintop, received a medal for academic achievement for her freshman year. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a sophomore majoring in health administration with a minor in business. Off-campus, she volunteered with the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth Behling, Raritan, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a junior and is majoring in occupational therapy. On campus, she is a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), where she served as a delegate for the Class of 2024 on SOTA’s Executive Board and currently serves as the club’s vice president. She also serves as a teaching assistant for a second-year occupational therapy anatomy course, and served as a tutor for several anatomy courses.

Rosa Azzato, Harrisburg, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a senior majoring in occupational therapy with a minor in psychology and a concentration in lifespan development. She is a member of the Psychology Honors Society. On campus, she serves as vice president of AFYA: The Global Health Club, as secretary and social media representative of the Student Occupational Therapy Association, and as the social media representative for the Students for Life Club. She is a peer mentor and a teaching assistant for the occupation therapy Anatomy and Mechanics of Human Movement course. She also participates in the University’s Performance Music choir and steel drum band, and the University’s music ministries choir, and the Praise and Worship Club. Azzato volunteers with service programs offered through the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice. In the greater Scranton community, she volunteered at the Lackawanna Blind Association.

In photos below, from left: Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, and O’Hara Award recipients Elizabeth Behling, Priyal Patel and Rosa Azzato. From left: David Dzurec, Ph.D., interim dean for The University of Scranton’s College of Arts and Science; and O’Hara Award recipients Emily Amershek, Patrick DelBalso and Mary Krichbaum.

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Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, met with James K.J. Lee, director-general, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New York, and head of the United Nations Affairs Task Force in New York, and other TECO officials to discuss current and future programming opportunities. He also met with Hans Chunyu Chang, deputy director general of TECO, New York, and Min-Ling Yang, Ph.D., director of the Education Division of TECO, New York. Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and director of Asian Studies at Scranton, and Gerry Zaboski, senior vice president for the Office of the President at Scranton, also attended the meetings.

The University has a long-standing relationship with TECO which began in 2010. Most recently, the University and Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit university in Taiwan, entered into an articulation agreement for a 4+1 MBA degree partnership. The agreement allows qualified students at Fu Jen Catholic University’s College of Management to take graduate-level courses at Fu Jen during their senior year, which will be recognized at The University of Scranton and allow the students to earn an MBA from Scranton in as little as one year after completing their bachelor’s degree at Fu Jen.

Programming established through the University’s international partnership with the Education Division of TECO-New York and Taiwan Ministry of Education includes university-level faculty- and student-exchange programs with elite universities in Taiwan, such as Fu Jen Catholic University. With support from the “Chinese language-and-culture teacher from Taiwan” grant, Scranton hosts visiting instructors annually. In addition, more than 10 University of Scranton students have participated in “Huayu Language Immersion Scholarship” to study in Taiwan at a university-level language center.

Through the partnership with the Taiwan Ministry of Culture, the University has hosted numerous programs in Scranton, including performances by the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company, the Chai Found Music Workshop and the Taiyuan Puppet Theater, in addition to hosting several lectures and film festivals with meet the author and director discussions.

In 2014, the University was presented with replica of the Kinmen Peace Bell from Taiwan in honor of Scranton’s charter membership in the Taiwan Academy and its success with its Taiwanese cultural programming and Asian Studies program.

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A Statement from Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., President of The University of Scranton, on the Passing of Pope Benedict XVI

Today I join leaders throughout Catholic higher education in celebrating the life and legacy of Pope Benedict XVI. As a true pastor and scholar, his writings and teachings will continue to inspire theologians for generations to come. More than that, as a great pastoral leader, he called us all to a deeper relationship with God, one grounded in love and fidelity. As he said so well in his beautiful work, God is Love: Deus Caritas Est, “Love is the light—and in the end, the only light—that can always illuminate a world grown dim and give us the courage needed to keep living and working.”

I ask that we all pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict on his passing and for the enduring mission of the Church to which he devoted his life.

The University of Scranton welcomed a new cohort of students into its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. Classes for the program, which seeks to develop future executives to serve area nonprofit institutions, begin in January 2023.

The certificate program combines a rigorous academic component taught by Kania School of Management faculty with expertise in nonprofit organizations, a mentorship and experiential learning. The program includes capstone project that requires participants to form a comprehensive plan to solve a current issue faced by the nonprofit organization they represent.

Since beginning in 2017, 47 participants, representing 40 separate regional nonprofit organizations, have graduated from the program.

Members of the 2023 cohort of Scranton’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and the organizations they represent are:

Kathleen Barry, deputy COO, The Wright Center;

Tiffany Benedict, Susquehanna County program manager, Women's Resource Center;

Amy Benjamin, finance director, Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission;

Laura Boyle, founder/board president, Scranton Youth Arts Coalition;

Avianna Carilli, coordinator of domestic and international service programs, The University of Scranton;

Matthew Ceruti, vice president, resource development, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike counties;

Lori Chaffers, executive director, Outreach;

Andrew Chew, director of research, The Institute;

Lauren Cleveland, executive director of administration, Friendship House;

Arrah Fisher, executive director, The Cooperage;

Susan Jeffery, administrator, Hawk Family Foundation;

Glynis Johns, founder and CEO, Black Scranton Project;

Art Levandoski, coordinator of marketing and development, Jewish Family Services;

Amy Luyster, vice president, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce;

Josh Nespoli, deputy director, Community Strategies Group;

Jennifer Passaniti, executive director, Center for Health and Human Services Research and Action;

Joan Peterson, director, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Lackawanna County;

Shane Powers, COO, NeighborWorks;

Erica Rogler, executive director, Wyoming County Cultural Center/Dietrich Theater;

John Santa Barbara, regional philanthropy officer, American National Red Cross;

For additional information visit the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program webpage or call 570-941-4047.

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Faculty and staff of The University of Scranton Education Department gathered with education students and their school cooperating teachers to celebrate the ending of the students’ semester of student teaching.

The twenty Scranton graduate and undergraduate students served as student teachers during the fall semester at ten local schools in the following nine school districts: Carbondale, Dunmore, Mid Valley, Mountain View, Pittston, Riverside, Scranton, Valley View and Western Wayne.

Fall semester 2022 student teachers at Scranton and their cooperating teachers were:

Graduate student Khadiga AboBakr of Scranton and cooperating teacher Christine McDermott, Riverside Junior Senior High School;

Senior Blaire Adams of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, and cooperating teacher Laura Schultz Dunmore Elementary Center;

Senior Kelly Bierals of Mendham, New Jersey, and cooperating teacher Alyssa Bohenek, Valley View Elementary School;

Senior Cassandra Colozza of Old Forge and cooperating teacher Ashley Coviello, Mountain View Elementary School;

Senior Jordan Czap of Danbury, Connecticut, and cooperating teacher Casey Ehnot, Dunmore Elementary Center;

Senior Karen Degnan of Scotch Plains, New Jersey and cooperating teacher Josh Carpenter, Mountain View Elementary School;

Senior Andrea Filachek of Lagrangeville, New York, and cooperating teacher Tracey MacCallum, Mid Valley Elementary Center;

Senior Abigail Knobler of Norristown and cooperating teacher Lisa Gibbons, Mid Valley Elementary Center;

Senior Jack Lear of Coatesville and cooperating teacher Gina Grebas, Riverside East Elementary School;

Senior Emily Mac Millan of Clark, New Jersey, and cooperating teacher Katie Calvert, Carbondale Elementary School;

Senior Julia Mancuso of Dunmore and cooperating teacher Shelly Waibel, Neil Armstrong Elementary School;

Senior Sophia Marlow of Massapequa, New York, and cooperating teacher Mary Theresa Clister, Carbondale Elementary School;

Senior Kayla Masterson of Old Tappan, New Jersey, and cooperating teacher Paul Zaffuto, Pittston Intermediate Center;

Senior Sofia Muta of Greenfield Township and cooperating teacher Thomas Hornlein, Pittston Intermediate Center;

Senior Jennifer Noll of Paoli and cooperating teacher Sara Amendolaro, Dunmore Elementary Center;

Senior Jessica Notari of Thompson and cooperating teacher Summer Klikus, Evergreen Elementary School;

Senior Danielle Raffa of East Northport, New York, and cooperating teacher Mary Alice Raider, Valley View Elementary School;

Senior Laura Scanlon of Scranton and cooperating teacher Ann Marie Barhight, Carbondale Elementary School;

Senior Anna Trojan of Airmont, New York, and cooperating teacher Michele Walsh, Dunmore Elementary Center;

Senior Bridget Warren of Westfield, New Jersey, and cooperating teacher Justine Smith, Riverside East Elementary School.

The University of Scranton awarded 2023 faculty development intersession grants to four faculty members.

Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, received a grant to research “A facile, convenient, and affordable method to determine the authenticity of liquid chicken egg whites.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines and a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Oklahoma State University. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2021.

Christopher Hauser, Ph.D.  , assistant professor of philosophy, received a grant to research “Aristotle’s Epistemology of Essence.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and history from Dartmouth College and a doctorate in philosophy from Rutgers University. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2020.

Adam Pratt, Ph.D., associate professor of history, received a grant to research “The Noble and Indefatigable Auxiliary of the Republican Party: The Wide-Awake in Pennsylvania.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Louisiana State University. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2013.

Brian Snee, Ph.D., associate professor of communications and media, received a grant to research “The Scene of the Crime: Rhetorical Silences in Fetterman’s Gun Violence.” Dr. Snee earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from The University of Scranton. He earned a master’s degree and Ph.D.  in communication arts and science from Penn State University. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2020.

Read more about faculty research and awards on the Royal News Faculty Webpage.

Understanding how structures interact at the microscopic and even molecular scales has been studied for decades, with applications developed for numerous products ranging from pharmaceuticals and medical treatments to dry cleaning. In researching nanostructure interactions, certain approximations of structural properties that could not be precisely measured were commonly used.

New research by John Deák, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at The University of Scranton, combined two existing techniques for the first-time to test the approximations used for reverse micelle structural properties, which are often applied in studying microscopic interactions. The research, published in October in the Journal of Molecular Liquids, shows that assumptions of the shape of the structure at a certain scale range were incorrect.

“The research finding means a lot of text books will have to be updated,” joked Dr. Deák of the significance of his research, which will actually lead to more precise calculations of nano-level interactions that can be applied to drug delivery systems and other life-saving, or life-changing, applications.

Dr. Deák explained that approximations used for the reverse micelle structure assumed a spherical shape, which his research confirmed is correct in certain scale ranges. However, his research showed that the structure changes to an ellipsoidal or egg-like shape at another range of the scale. He said the research explains variations found in data collected in numerous other studies conducted over decades.

“There was speculation about the assumed shape of the reverse micelle structures, because data collected in studies didn’t always fall in the expected range of calculations, but we didn’t have the ability to determine the shape,” said Dr. Deák, who worked on this project for five years. He combined two existing research techniques to examine various shape considerations for the first time which revealed a decades-long misunderstanding about the structure.

“This shows that we cannot assume shapes of nanostructures. We must determine the shapes and develop techniques to enable us to do this,” said Dr. Deák.

His study is titled “Volumetric determination of reverse micelle structural properties and the validity of commonplace approximations.”

Dr. Deák’s research interests include the molecular dynamics of condensed phases and interfaces, energy transfer mechanisms over self-assembled liquid boundaries, and permeation enhancement of biological tissue. His research has been published in dozens of academic journals, including the prestigious journal Science. He is an inventor on more than two dozen patents.

A faculty member at Scranton since 2002, Dr. Deák earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo and his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Rochester. He completed post-doctoral studies at the University of Illinois, Champaign.

Read more about faculty research and awards on the Royal News Faculty Webpage.

University of Scranton students, faculty and staff participated annual Christmas gift giving programs organized by the Center for Service and Social Justice. Performance Music also provided gifts donated by area residents from its Empty Stocking Fund Concert. The gifts were given to Friends of the Poor/Catholic Social Services who will distribute the donated items to families in need.

In addition, the Center for Service and Social Justice organized the Adopt a Family program with the Catherine McAuley Center.

Cyrus P. Olsen III, D.Phil., associate professor of theology and religious studies at The University of Scranton, is part of an inter-disciplinary team of professors from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School awarded a Templeton Foundation Grant. The multi-year grant in the amount of $500,000 funds research on how “social networks” among Ugandans includes one’s ancestors and may influence health-seeking behavior in the context of brain health.

The project (Buffering, Porosity and Brain Health in Uganda) is co-directed by Dr. Olsen and Ian Corbin, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School Faculty and co-director of the Human Network Initiative (HNI), an interdisciplinary research center housed in the Neurology Department of Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The third member of the U.S. research team is Amar Dhand, M.D., D.Phil., associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and principal investigator at the Dhand Lab, a clinical neurology research center specializing in stroke health and social network analytics, where Drs. Olsen and Corbin are clinical observers. 

“The research is focused on brain health of people in Kampala, Masaka and Bwindi/Buhoma, three key locations made possible by Scranton’s twenty years of immersive education, created by Robin and Charles Pinches, named the Scranton-Uganda Partnership,” said Dr. Olsen. “It is to Dr. Pinches and his close collaborators, Scott Kellermann, M.D., and Emmanuel Katongole, Ph.D., that the relationship between Uganda and Scranton remains central to the University’s commitment to global education. The present grant is an outgrowth of that relationship.”

Dr. Olsen explained that the Dhand Lab and its subsidiary, HNI, extend social network analytics into the regions of medical anthropology, philosophy, sociology and religion. They are collaborating with the Dhand Lab and HNI to understand how cultural and spiritual factors impact health-seeking behavior.

“Dr. Dhand’s international research reputation with the National Institute for Health, among other grant organizations, remains essential to the project,” said Dr. Olsen.

The research project, titled “Buffering, Porosity and Brain Health in Uganda,” is for the 2022-2025 period. Through the research study, they will collect and analyze empirical data on patient behavior and social connections of 50 participants in Uganda to determine the various ways that “social networks” impact treatment-seeking actions. They will also approach the data collected from a theoretical perspective to develop a theory of the benefits and dangers of viewing humans as “porous,” or readily influenced by outside forces and actors, in the context of healthcare.

“The applied potential of this theory is to support the design of culturally and contextually appropriate brain health interventions,” according to the research grant proposal. Such interventions must be evidence-based and are part of the future of the project after this initial funding period.  Their Ugandan research council and collaborators throughout the country will guide the research and ensure local languages and customs are appropriately integrated into all design and project execution.

For this academic year, Dr. Olsen is on leave from Scranton, serving as the LoSchiavo Chair in Catholic Social Thought at the University of San Francisco and a visiting scholar at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley. He was named a fellow at the Lonergan Institute at Boston College for the summer of 2022.

At Scranton, he was named an inaugural fellow for the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities for the spring 2021 semester. In 2017, Dr. Olsen received the University’s Excellence in Advancing Interdisciplinary Study Award, which honors faculty members who cross boundaries between disciplines and departments to create innovative pedagogies that enhance students’ learning and prepare them for real-world challenges.

A faculty member at Scranton since 2006, Dr. Olsen has served on numerous committees and led multiple projects during his tenure at Scranton. Most recently, he served as co-director, Health Humanities Concentration. He has published articles in peer-reviewed academic journals and has presented at more than a dozen professional conferences, meetings and workshops, many of which were also peer-reviewed. Additionally, he is a peer reviewer for the National Endowment for the Humanities and a research partner with the Bethany Land Institute for an Esri Geo-information Systems grant to map land use and reforestation in Luweero, Uganda.

Dr. Olsen, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and both his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Oxford.

The University of Scranton and Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit university in Taiwan, entered into an articulation agreement for a 4+1 MBA degree partnership. The agreement allows qualified students at Fu Jen University’s College of Management to take graduate-level courses at Fu Jen during their senior year, which will be recognized at The University of Scranton and allow the students to earn an MBA from Scranton in as little as one year after completing their bachelor’s degree at Fu Jen.

“The articulation agreement already signed and other dual degree initiatives being further explored at this time, build upon our long-standing relationship with Fu Jen, other outstanding Taiwanese universities and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office,” said Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “We are especially grateful for the dedication and service of Dr. Ann Pang White, who has tirelessly led our Asian Studies program and encouraged our numerous connections with Taiwan.”

Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, serves as director of Asian Studies at Scranton.

The University’s partnership with Taiwan began in 2010 with several divisions in the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New York, including the Foreign Affairs Division, the Education Division (Ministry of Education), the Government Information Office and the Council for Cultural Affairs (now combined to form the new Ministry of Culture).

Programming established through the University’s international partnership with the Education Division of TECO-New York and Taiwan Ministry of Education includes university-level faculty- and student-exchange programs with elite universities in Taiwan, such as Fu Jen Catholic University. With support from the “Chinese language-and-culture teacher from Taiwan” grant, Scranton hosts visiting instructors annually. In addition, more than 10 University of Scranton students have participated in “Huayu Language Immersion Scholarship” to study in Taiwan at a university-level language center, including at Fu Jen.

Through the partnership with the Taiwan Ministry of Culture, the University has hosted numerous programs in Scranton, including performances by the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company, the Chai Found Music Workshop and the Taiyuan Puppet Theater, in addition to hosting several lectures and film festivals with meet the author and director discussions.

In 2014, the University became the only higher education institution in the world to receive a replica of the Kinmen Peace Bell. The gift was given as a gesture from Taiwan in honor of the University’s charter membership in the Taiwan Academy and its success with its Taiwanese cultural programming and Asian Studies program.

In addition, the University’s Slattery Center for the Humanities Global Ignatian Humanities Alliance includes student and faculty exchanges with Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan in addition to universities in Uganda; and Spain.

For additional information about the 4+1 MBA degree partnership with Fu Jen Catholic University, contact Dr. Pang-White at ann.pang-white@scranton.edu or 570-941-7643. 

Pictured below at a facilitating meeting at Fu Jen Catholic University are, from left: representing Fu Jen Catholic University Bell Chiu, secretary; Hsiao-Yun Huang, Ph.D., associate dean; and Bruce Lee, Ph.D., dean of Fu Jen’s College of Management; Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., director of Asian Studies, The University of Scranton; and representing Fu Jen Catholic University Chun-Chi Yang, Ph.D., dean, and Ming-Chieh Ma, Ph.D., associate dean, of Fu Jen’s Office of International Education. At the articulation agreement signing at The University of Scranton, from left: Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean of Scranton’s Kania School of Management; Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for The University of Scranton; and Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of Scranton’s Kania School of Management.

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A week after its beloved Noel Night, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will continue the holiday cheer at its annual Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert on Sunday, Dec. 11.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.  The event is open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. Attendees are asked to bring either a new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, comb/brush, etc.) or a cash donation. All donated items will directly benefit local families in need this holiday season.

At the concert, Performance Music student musicians will perform solo, duet, trio and small group renditions of a variety of classic Christmas songs, according to Assistant Director for Percussion Janelle Decker.

“Our students enjoy preparing for this concert – it means a lot to them to be able to use their talents to benefit families in need at Christmas time,” said Decker.

Empty Stocking’s origins go back to 1999, when Conductor and Director of Performance Music Cheryl Boga’s friend, Alan Drake, the former chairman of the music department at Georgia’s Augusta College, told her about a benefit Christmas concert held there. When Boga asked Drake if he would mind if she brought the idea back to Scranton, he responded, “Absolutely not.”

For that inaugural year, she and Drake decided to wage a friendly competition to see which concert could raise the most money. That year Scranton Performance Music’s audiences prevailed, and an annual tradition where nobody “loses” was born.

No question, the concert’s charitable mission lends it a special resonance, and Boga said it’s always extremely moving to see the generously donated items out on display the night of the concert.

Of course, the concert itself never fails to produce an abundance of yuletide cheer. Graduate accounting student Jimmy Greenfield, Scranton, says, “You can see the light of Christmas in the eyes of the audience members as they walk in the door carrying bags of toys.”

Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season.

For more information on the Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music

Parag Pathak, Ph.D., the Class of 1922 Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), presented “Still Worth the Trip? Modern-Era Busing and other Lessons from Urban School Reform” at The University of Scranton’s of 36^th Henry George Lecture in November on campus. The founder of MIT’s Blueprint Labs, Dr. Pathak’s work on market design and education was recognized with several awards including a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and the American Economic Association’s John Bates Clark Medal as the best American economist under age 40.

Considered the preeminent public lecture series on economics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Henry George Lecture Series is presented by the University’s Economics and Finance Department and the campus chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society for economics. Among the distinguished list of speakers who have spoken at previous lectures are ten winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics: Paul Romer (2018), Robert Shiller (2013), Tom Sargent (2011), Peter Diamond (2010), Paul Krugman (2008), Joseph Stiglitz (2001), George Akerlof (2001), Amartya Sen (1998), Robert Lucas (1995) and Robert Solow (1987). The lecture series is named in honor of the 19th century American economist and social reformer and is supported financially by a grant from the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation.

Below, Dr. Pathak, is shown with faculty of The University of Scranton’s Economics and Finance Department. From left: Jinghan Cai, Ph.D., associate professor of economics and finance; John Ruddy, D.P.S., associate professor of economics and finance; Dr. Pathak; Edward Scahill, Ph.D., associate professor of economics and finance; Pedro Monteiro, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics and finance; Iordanis Petsas, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Economics and Finance Department; and Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics and finance.

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The University of Scranton was honored to host Curtis Zunigha, an enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians (Oklahoma) and co-founder/co-director of the Lenape Center in New York, for a keynote lecture and three-day series of campus and community meetings and engagements. At the keynote lecture at the University, he discussed the “Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History and Homecoming.”

“Zunigha shared his experience and mission to heal the wounds of forced removal and colonization and his desire to restore the circle of friendship, respect and shared occupancy,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for community engagement and government affairs at the University.

Kat Bolus of WVIA interviewed Zunigha during his visit to Scranton.

The Lenape people are among the original inhabitants of the Scranton area.

The visit was part of the Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story project funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and was a collaboration with several University and community partners including the University’s History Department and Office of Equity and Diversity and community partners including the Black Scranton Project, Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Department, The Lackawanna Historical Society, Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area, Scranton Public Library, and WVIA.

Visit www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory for more information.

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Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhtar was the recipient of the 2022 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award from The University of Scranton’s Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The reception and dinner took place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center in November.  Prior to the reception, a book signing took place. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, which supports special gifts for the Weinberg Library collections and services.

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The University of Scranton’s Asian Studies Program hosted two events that examined transnational migration in Taiwan and its cultural impact on the country’s literature and cinema. Hsin-Chin (Evelyn) Hsieh, Ph.D., presented “Bringing the World to Taiwan: Border Crossing and Transnational Cultural Flow in Contemporary Taiwan” and a screening of the award-winning film “The Good Daughter” and Q and A with the director Yu-Ying (Sally) Wu took place in October in Brennan Hall. The lecture and film screening and Q and A were sponsored by the University’s Asian Studies Program and its College of Arts and Sciences, and the Taipei Cultural Center in New York of the Taiwan Ministry of Culture.

The “living wage income” required for a family of four in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties increased by 39 percent since 2019, according to findings of a 2022 Update of the NEPA Living Wage Report, which was presented to NEPA community leaders at The University of Scranton on Nov. 29.

The Living Wage Report for NEPA, first issued in 2016, defines a “living wage” as the wage rate at which a worker, employed on a full-time basis, can reach a standard of living that meets essential basic needs and allows the individual or family to live a modest but dignified life. The report outlines the living wage threshold for various family compositions in NEPA, such as a family of three, or a family of four. The report reflects principles of Catholic Social Teaching in regard to poverty, just wages and economic justice.

“While our region continues to make many gains and improvements, the study shows that too many of our neighbors experience economic hardship,” wrote Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, in a message in the 2022 update. “I am especially struck by how the median income for both counties now falls short of a living wage for all households with children. Costs are rising for food and other essential needs, while wages and supports are not keeping up, and there is a serious shortage of affordable housing.”

The 2022 report compares current and previous data, details the increases in costs of living, explains some of the major challenges facing those who fall below the living wage threshold, and proposes solutions to address these challenges. The 2022 report highlights mitigating factors – in particular, racial disparities and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related policies on economic security.

 “The most recent data points to an acute need for affordable housing that calls for new policies and approaches,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for community engagement and government affairs. “The report also provides a new focus on racial disparities, with Black and Hispanic households having lower rates of homeownership and lower median incomes than white populations.” 

Other key findings of the 2022 report show the continued gap between minimum wage and living wage; the poverty rate in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties remains high and the need for services has increased; and costs for basic needs continue to rise.

“The study found the living wage amounts have increased across the board. It’s taking more funds for families to thrive in 2022 than in the previous 2016 and 2019 reports. Rising prices of food and housing are key factors driving this trend, with rental prices having increased significantly since the start of the pandemic,” said Andrew Chew, director of research at The Institute (formerly named the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development).

The 2022 update shows the living wage income for a family of two adults (one working) and two children in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties increased from $42,910 in 2019 to $59,717 in 2022 – a significant 39 percent increase.

“The findings of this year’s Living Wage Report emphasize the importance of continued community and government action to ensure that individuals and families in NEPA are able to live a modest but dignified life,” said JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science and co-director of the University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service, in her remarks.

To achieve greater economic security for families in NEPA, the report recommends a multi-pronged approach is required that involves public policy changes, economic and workforce development efforts, government programs and private charitable activities.

Recommendations presented in the report include, expanding support for housing assistance and housing affordability; promoting practices to foster equity and inclusivity; advocating for increased wages; supporting cash assistance for low-income families and expanding food and basic necessities assistance; expanding access to existing social safety net programs and supporting programs and policies that help workers to obtain and keep jobs with family-sustaining wages.

The 2022 Update to the Living Wage Report is a project of The Institute and The University of Scranton. The full report is available on the University’s Living Wage webpage.

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Performance Music at The University of Scranton will kick off the holiday season with its 55th annual Noel Night concert on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Beginning at 8 p.m. in the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, the concert will feature The University of Scranton Singers and Chamber Ensembles. Doors open at 7 p.m., with a prelude beginning at 7:05 p.m. Admission to the concert is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

The University’s Christmas gift to the community, Noel Night has been a beloved holiday tradition for numerous Scranton-area residents since its beginnings more than a half-century ago when it was founded by Rev. Edward Gannon, S.J.

This year’s concert will feature music by composers J.S. Bach, Randall Alan Bass, Vaclav Nelhybel, Mark Sirett and others, according to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga. Pianist and harpsichordist for the evening is Ron Stabinsky and organist is Christopher Johnson. Performance Music’s fully restored Steinway grand piano and Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ will be heard on the program, and the evening will feature the debut of the department’s newly donated and restored Zuckerman harpsichord. Remarks and readings will be offered by Rev. James Duffy, S.J., M.D., superior for the Scranton Jesuit Community; Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D., vice president for University advancement; Leonard Gougeon, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Department of English and Theatre; Hal Baillie, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Philosophy Department; and senior student members of the ensemble.

Outdoor instrumental caroling by members of the University Bands will greet audience members as they arrive, and the University’s Chamber Orchestra, Flute Quartet and organist Christopher Johnson will perform the prelude.     

The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. Because there is no music major at the University, all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year.

Performance Music’s large ensembles include Concert/Symphonic Band, Concert Choir/Singers, String Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble (big band format). Smaller groups are made up of members from within the large ensembles, and include Steel Drum Band, String Quartet, Flute Ensemble, Brass Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, Jazz Combo and Percussion Ensemble, plus small vocal groups. Solo, duo and trio performance opportunities are available to members of the ensembles through general recitals each semester.

Other programs within the department, including guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, the Nelhybel Collection and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers.

Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season.

For more information on Noel Night, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music.

Five University of Scranton students were selected as 2022 Sanofi US Excellence in STEM Scholars, which provided support for the students’ summer independent research projects.

The University students named 2022 Sanofi US Excellence in STEM Scholars are: Angela Hudock ’23, Sayre; Michael Quinnan ’23, Shavertown; James Russo ’23, Franklin Square, New York; Olivia Sander ’23, Macungie; and Nathaniel Smith ’23, Wilkes-Barre.

The grant received from Sanofi, which totaled $20,000, supported research and professional development of the five undergraduate students involved in STEM programs. In addition, the support provided stipends to help the students purchase consumables, such as chemicals, specialized software or disposable laboratory supplies, needed in carrying out their summer research.

Studies have shown that students who engage in an independent research project are more likely to complete their STEM majors, graduate, and develop a path to achieve their academic and career goals.

Hudock, a Presidential Scholar at Scranton, is a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major and a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. She is working with her faculty mentors, Michael Fennie, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, and Katherine Stumpo, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, on her research project entitled: “Chemical, Physiological, and Behavioral Assessment of Zebrafish Embryo Exposure to Neonicotinoid Pesticide Clothianidin.”

Quinnan, a Presidential Scholar at Scranton, is a biomathematics major and a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. On campus, he is a work study student for the Office of Sustainability. He is also working with his faculty mentor, Murong Xu, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics, on his research project entitled: “Network Analysis on the spread of COVID-19.”

Russo is a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. He is working with his faculty mentor, Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on his research project entitled: “Dependence of Prosthecomicrobium hirschii Prosthecate Morphotype on Nutrient Levels.”

Sander is majoring in neuroscience at Scranton. She is working with her faculty mentor, Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on her research project entitled: “The Telencephalon’s Influence on the Startle Response of Goldfish.”

Smith is a neuroscience major and member of the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program and its Magis Honors Program in STEM. He received the University’s O’Hara Award medal for outstanding academic achievement during his freshman year. On campus, he is a work study student for the Office of Sustainability. He is working with his faculty mentor, Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on his research project entitled: “Navigational Failures in Ants Due to Agonists/Antagonists of Serotonin.”

Faculty members at Scranton often include undergraduate students in their academic projects. The University’s Faculty Student Research Program also supports undergraduate student participation in research. In addition, students participating in the University’s Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM work with faculty mentors on research projects.

Sanofi is a global pharmaceutical company that is involved in the research, development, marketing and manufacturing of various medicines and vaccines. Every year, Sanofi offers multiple grants to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that are working to advance participation in STEM fields.

University of Scranton students volunteered to pack and deliver 150 food baskets to area families in need as part of its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive organized by the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice. The food baskets included turkeys as well as other food items needed to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

The students gathered at the Friends of the Poor warehouse in South Scranton on Nov. 20 to prepare the food baskets, which they later delivered to families at Valley View Terrace, Bangor Heights and Hilltop Manor in Scranton.

Fox-56 covered this year’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive in a news story.

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Author and historian Elizabeth Hinton, Ph.D., presented “Riot or Rebellion?: The Meaning of Violent Protest from the 1960s to George Floyd” at this year’s Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities’ Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellow Lecture last month. Dr. Hinton is an associate professor in the Department of History and the Department of African American Studies at Yale University, with a secondary appointment as professor of law at Yale Law School. Her research focuses on the persistence of poverty, racial inequality and urban violence in the 20th century United States.

The annual lecture is named after community leaders Sondra and Morey Myers.

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Sondra Myers (left), director of the Schemel Forum at The University of Scranton, was interviewed by Erika Funke (right) at WVIA about the Wienberg Memorial Library’s 2022 Distinguished Author Award dinner. The Nov. 18 dinner will honor Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhta. The event begins at 6 p.m. in McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center at the University. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, which supports special gifts for the Weinberg Library collections and services.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Distinguished Author Award reception and dinner, visit scranton.edu/authaward or contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

The Princeton Review recognized The University of Scranton among just 455 colleges in the world, for having “strong commitments to the environment in their campus policies, programs and practices” by inclusion in the 2023 edition of “The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges.” Most of the schools selected for the guide, which was published online in October, are in the U.S., with 26 in Canada, two in Taiwan and one (each) in Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Ireland, Mexico and Morocco.

This is the fourth year that Scranton has made this list.

The Princeton Review analyzed more than 25 data points to determine the final selection of colleges for the guide based on information from surveys of nearly 713 schools. The criteria broadly covered the schools’ academic offerings and initiatives, campus policies and practices to determine “whether students have a campus quality of life that is both healthy and sustainable; how well a school is preparing students for employment in the clean-energy economy of the 21st century, as well as for citizenship in a world now defined by environmental concerns and opportunities; and how environmentally responsible a school’s policies are.”

Scranton’s long-established sustainability efforts include academics, facilities and community education and outreach. Scranton has infused issues of sustainability in courses across the curriculum, ranging from theology, to business, to the natural sciences, to education, as well as other disciplines. Scranton uses numerous “green” procedures in building maintenance practices, as well as in building design and construction. Scranton currently has three Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings: Leahy Hall, the Loyola Science Center and the DeNaples Center, which became the city’s first LEED certified structure in 2008. Further inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical titled “On Care for Our Common Home,” the University also conducts multiple community educational programs organized through its Office of Sustainability, which include Bike Scranton, a community garden, an Earth Day Essay Contest, an Earth Day Fair and an Evening of Environmental Science program for area children and families.

In addition, the Sustainability Office began a Work Study Program that engages work-study students in service-learning opportunities to help them grow in knowledge practical applications of sustainability concepts taught in their classes.

In addition to its “Guide to Green Colleges,” The Princeton Review has listed Scranton in its “Best Colleges” guidebooks for 21 consecutive years, also ranking Scranton in its 2023 edition among the nation’s “Best Science Lab Facilities” (No. 7) and “Best Campus Food” (No. 25).

The University of Scranton and Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish new academic relationships and engage in other collaborative programs. Supplemental agreements create opportunities that each school can offer to new undergraduate students enrolling in the fall of 2023.  

The memorandum of understanding will allow the Jesuit schools to collaborate in ways that leverage academic strengths, faculty expertise, resources and technology to enhance further the quality and breadth of programs offered to students. The agreement also encourages the exchange of faculty members, research scholars and students, and facilitates jointly organized conferences and other programs, among other items. 

Under the innovative agreements, Scranton can enroll up to five qualified students for direct entry into Le Moyne’s Physician Assistant (PA) program after graduation, and Le Moyne can likewise enroll up to five qualified students with a guaranteed seat in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Scranton. 

“The Memorandum of Understanding prudently leverages the existing resources and strengths of two sister Jesuit institutions that share a common mission of Catholic higher education,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “The supplemental agreements already signed will provide access for our respective students to highly competitive, established programs in much-needed health professions. This is a win-win for our schools, our students and for the patients they will compassionately and competently care for in the future.”  

“This relationship will serve our students well and strengthen the work of both Le Moyne College and The University of Scranton in developing health care professionals who are so in need today,” said Linda LeMura, Ph.D., president of Le Moyne College. “I'm proud to be working collaboratively with Scranton on this and look forward to how this initiative will be mutually beneficial to both institutions.”

The direct entry pathway for the PA program at Le Moyne is open to up to five incoming University of Scranton students accepted into its class of 2027 who will major in biology, biochemistry, kinesiology, physiology neuroscience or biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. High school applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 92 and have completed specific high school course requirements. They must also have 50 hours of documented shadowing or patient contact, among other requirements. During their matriculation at Scranton, students admitted to the PA Program pathway must maintain a minimum overall G.P.A., and an overall cumulative science G.P.A. of 3.4 or higher; complete an additional minimum of 700 quality patient contact hours; remain in good moral and ethical standing, and meet other program requirements.  

The pathway for the guaranteed seat in the DPT program at The University of Scranton is open to up to five incoming Le Moyne students accepted into its class of 2027 who will major in biology, biochemistry, or similar major that allows for completion of required prerequisite courses. High school applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 92 and have completed specific high school course requirements. During their matriculation at Le Moyne, the students admitted to the DPT Program pathway must maintain a minimum overall G.P.A., and an overall cumulative science G.P.A. of 3.2 or higher; and have verified 30 hours of direct observation of physical therapy patient care; remain in good moral and ethical standing, and meet other program requirements.  

Le Moyne’s PA program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and the Education Department of the State of New York. 

Scranton’s DPT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 

For additional information about the direct entry pathway program for the PA program at Le Moyne for Scranton students, contact Joseph Roback, associate vice president for admissions and enrollment, 570-941-4385, joseph.roback@scranton.edu. For additional information about the pathway program for a guaranteed seat in the DPT program at The University of Scranton for Le Moyne students, contact Le Moyne’s Office of Admission at admission@lemoyne.edu or 315-445-4300.

From left: Mary Collins, Ph.D., associate provost, Le Moyne College; James Hannan, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, Le Moyne College; Linda LeMura, Ph.D., president, Le Moyne College; Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president, The University of Scranton; Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president, The University of Scranton; and Gerry Zaboski, senior vice president for the Office of the President, The University of Scranton. In another photo, the presidents exchange school pins.

Six members of The University of Scranton’s ROTC class of 2023 have earned Distinguished Military Graduate status by the U.S. Army, which designates placement in the top 20 percent of Army ROTC graduates in the nation for this academic year. Their distinction is based on their placement in the Order of Merit List, which ranks graduating ROTC cadets from across the country. The designation requires a superior grade-point average, strong performance in the Army Combat Fitness Test, and proven experience as an exceptional leader in college ROTC training.

“These cadets represent the next generation of our military leaders. They are ambitious, talented, intelligent and enthusiastic. The future of the U.S. Army is in good hands,” said Lt. Col. Jason Wenger, professor of military science who heads Scranton’s Army ROTC battalion. “Scranton’s ROTC program continually places in the top 25 percent in the country because of cadets like these.”

One Scranton cadet, Emma Coar of Dunmore, placed No. 9 in the nation on the Order of Merit list.

“Emma is an exceptional leader and excellent at planning and organization. She continually looks for opportunities to learn and improve herself even more. She has studied foreign languages and has taken on duties as battalion operations officer, which is one of the most competitive leadership positions in our program,” said Lt. Col. Wenger of Coar, who is majoring international studies.

Coar’s classmates who were also named as Distinguished Military Graduates are: Steven Gasperini, an international studies major from Denville, New Jersey; Sarah Kern, a nursing major from Monroe, New York; Declan Maurer, an accounting major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program from Whitehouse Station, New Jersey; Josephine Middleton, a biology major from Sugarloaf, and Zachary Turnitza, a nursing major from Cumbola.

Together, the group of six Distinguished Military Graduates know nine languages, including Mandarin Chinese, Arabic and Russian. They have won military awards and participated in ROTC enrichment programs, in addition to maintaining stellar G.P.A.s in their academic courses at Scranton. Each cadet is a Dean’s List student at Scranton.

“Scranton’s ROTC program is smaller, which has given us greater opportunities to participate in the leadership and development initiatives available to cadets,” said Middleton. “All six of us have had military (ROTC) internships.”

In fact, together, the group of six have had a total of 16 internships:

Coar: (3) Cadet Troop Leadership Training, Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington; Cadet Summer Training 2022; U.S. Army Airborne School;

Gasperini: (3) Cadet Troop Leadership Training, Joint Base Lewis McCord; Cadet Summer Training 2022; US Army Air Assault School;

Kern: (2) Nurse Summer Training Program- Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii; Cadet Summer Training 2022;

Maurer: (3) Cadet Troop Leadership Training, Fort Sill; Opposition Forces Support, Cadet Summer Training 2021; Cadet Summer Training 2022;

Middleton: (2) Army Medical at Joint Base Lewis McCord; Cadet Summer Training 2022;

Turnitza: (3) Nurse Summer Training Program- Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii; Cadet Summer Training 2022; US Army Air Assault School.

Through these internships, the students not only gained experience in different aspects of military service and enhanced their leadership skills, but they also gained experience in their chosen professions. Nursing majors Kern and Turnitza and Middleton, who will pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, gained clinical experiences in military hospital environments that are not common in traditional rotations.

And, there are other benefits of the ROTC program. Maurer credits the fitness regimen for his loss of 60 pounds in his three years of college.

“The ROTC program has developed my communication skills, not only in public speaking or in leading a group of cadets, but also with the more difficult conversations I will have to have with patients as a nurse,” said Turnitza.

“I learned that there is much more to being a leader in the Army than what is shown rallying troops to battle in the movies,” said Gasperini. “There are a lot of different leaderships styles in the military and all are needed. The amalgamation of the different leaders is what makes us strong.”

Additional information about the impressive accomplishments of Scranton’s ROTC class of 2023 Distinguished Military Graduates can be seen here.

But, you had better put on some shades before reading. As you’ll see, the future of the U.S. Army is bright.

 

The University of Scranton economics professors have published an analysis of the Wyoming Valley of Northeast Pennsylvania’s job and housing market, as well as a look at the cost of living impact inflation has had on household purchasing power in the region.

The analysis, called the Brennan Barometer and completed by Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D, associate professor of economics, finance and international business, and Satyajit Ghosh, Ph.D., professor of economics, finance and international business, is the second of a series of reports published by the faculty members of the Kania School of Management that look specifically at the economy of NEPA’s Wyoming Valley. The professors plan to publish two comprehensive reports in January and July and two shorter updates: one in fall and one in spring.

“The intent of the series of reports is to make a detailed analysis of economic data specific to NEPA available to area business professionals who might be able to use the information in their industries and organizations,” said Dr. Ghosh, who is frequently quoted about trends in the regional economy in area newspapers and publications.

Data in the most recent Brennan Barometer, published Nov. 8, indicate the unemployment in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming counties remained relatively unchanged in the period of April to August, 2022, which is the most recent month for which official data is available. The unemployment rate for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazelton metropolitan statistical area stood at 5.7 percent in April and has fallen to 5.2 percent for July and August, following national and Pennsylvania trends.

The professors noted that the total labor force and the total number of employed workers has continued to increase, while the total number of unemployed workers has declined. Charts published in the report show the total number employed rising from 257,000 in April, 2022, to 260,800 in August and those unemployed decreasing from 15,200 in April to 14,200 in August. They noted the employment growth was in the private sector with service-providing industries in the “Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities sub-sector” adding about 42 percent of the new private service-sector jobs. 

“What is important to note is that in August 2022, the Health Services sub-sector that includes Health Care, Social Assistance, and Hospitals, reported a modest (200) gain of jobs. Normally, this should not be viewed as a significant event. However, historically, this sub-sector has been a very significant source of jobs in the region,” wrote the professors in the report.

Their analysis of the housing market indicated the “tightening of the housing market in Scranton has occurred at faster pace than in the US. Between August 2021 and August 2022, Scranton has shed roughly 25 percent of its housing inventory, while in the United States, this number has declined by only 6.4 percent.” They also noted that “housing prices in the Scranton area outpaced growth of housing prices in Philadelphia and the U.S.” However, the average price of a house in the Scranton area “is much lower than the national average and the Philadelphia market. In August 2022, the value of a typical home in the Scranton area was $178,169, around half as much as it was in Philadelphia ($338,343) or the United States ($354,986).”

In looking at the impact of inflation, the professors reviewed the Cost of Living (or purchasing power) of the average household in Scranton, as compared to the Cost of Living for Brooklyn and Manhattan.

“For example, to have the same standard of living afforded by Scranton’s median household income of $41,687, a household in Queens, New York, would require $64,456, indicating a 55 percent higher cost of living. Similarly, a household income of $103,477 would be needed in Manhattan, New York, to maintain the same standard of living afforded by the median household income of $40,505 of Wilkes-Barre, indicating a 155 percent higher cost of living in Manhattan.”

The professors also noted that “it may not be much of a consolation that the costs of living in the region may be much lower than other big cities in the area if income in the MSA fails to keep up with inflation.”

The full report is available on the University’s website.

The Human Resources Foundation in Honesdale awarded a $5,000 grant to The University of Scranton’s Autism Collaborative Center of Excellence to support enhanced advocacy and socialization programming for students with disabilities.

The Autism Collaborative Center of Excellence has collaborated with the University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and Student Health to enhance and develop programing for students with disabilities to learn advocacy skills, connect and socialize with other students, and become successful leaders in our region.

The grant will support a new Game Night Advocacy Program on campus, which will create socialization opportunities through fun games in an environment that provides tools and skills to enhance student learning. The program, designed to support students with autism and other disabilities, will use popular board games in a safe environment for individuals to practice social skills and learn how to advocate for themselves and others.

The Human Resources Foundation provides financial support to the programs and services of the Human Resources Center (HRC), a nonprofit organization that provides support and services to individuals with disabilities in Wayne, Pike, Carbon, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Susquehanna counties. The Human Resources Foundation also awards public grants to nonprofit and charitable organizations in NEPA to support similar initiatives as that of the HRC.

The University of Scranton is one of five Autism Collaborative Center of Excellence hubs that serve 13 counties in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Curtis Zunigha, an enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians (Oklahoma) and co-founder/co-director of the Lenape Center in New York City, will share the story, experiences, music and legacy of the Lenape at a series of events on Thursday, Nov. 17, and Friday, Nov. 18.

Zunigha will present “Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History and Homecoming” at a Keynote Lecture Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on the University’s campus. The talk is free and open to the public. Zunigha will share his experience and mission to heal the wounds of forced removal and colonization and his desire to restore the circle of friendship, respect and shared occupancy. This lecture is part of the Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story initiative funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and supported by a Diversity Initiatives Grant through the University’s Office of Equity and Diversity.

On Friday, Nov. 18, a noon Diversity and Inclusion Lunch and Learn for University faculty and staff will feature a special presentation and musical performance by Zunigha. He will share his traditions and the present-day culture of the Lenape people. Reservations are required to attend the luncheon hosted by the Office of Equity and Diversity in the Kane Forum. Faculty and staff may contact diversity@scranton.edu or call 570-941-6645 with questions and to register.

During his visit to Scranton, Zunigha will also speak to students at Northeast Intermediate School, in addition to meetings with local government officials and University and community stakeholders. The intent of the events and meetings is to foster deeper learning and engagement in ways that honor Indigenous peoples and cultures, and the history and ongoing legacy and impact of colonialism.

An expert on Delaware/Lenape culture, language and traditional practices, Zunigha has more than 35 years of experience in tribal government and administration, community development, telecommunications and cultural preservation. He is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

The Lenape Center promotes the history and culture of people through the arts, environmental activism, social justice and agricultural practices. The Lenape Center’s work represents the return of the original Indigenous people to their original homeland of Lenapehoking, which includes areas of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

“Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” seeks to capture the unique narrative of Scranton and relate it to the history of the United States prior to the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The ongoing, two-year project incorporates eight themes, including how Scranton has been portrayed in the popular imagination, its industrial era growth, Indigenous history, religious tapestry, diverse immigrant populations – past and present – and the role it played in the Underground Railroad and Black history.

The University of Scranton has appointed 21 new full-time faculty members for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Wesam Alramadeen, Ph.D. cand., was named as an instructor in the Operations and Analytics Department. He joined the University faculty as a lecturer in 2021. Previously, he worked internationally for more than two decades as a business development and strategy partner, telecommunications commissioner, consultant and senior engineer, among other positions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering-telecommunication from Mutah University in Jordan, an MBA from German Jordanian University in Jordan, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering at Binghamton University.

 Ran An, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Health and Human Performance Department. She comes to Scranton from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she was a course instructor of fluency and voice disorders. Previously, she was an associate and assistant professor at Dalian Ocean University in China, where she also was director of two English undergraduate programs and vice dean of the English Department. She also was an instructor at Dongbei University of Finance and has published extensively on the subject of stuttering as well as on several linguistics topics. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and international business and her Master of Arts in foreign language studies and applied language studies at Dongbei University of Finance and Economics. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Uzoamaka Anyiwo, Ph.D., was named associate professor in the History Department. Most recently a professor of politics and history at Curry College and before that the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, she is an award-winning, innovative teacher and researcher who specializes in using historical methods to explore racial and gender stereotypes. Other research specialties include contemporary, Colonial and antebellum U.S. history, film history, the history of the vampire and popular culture/film. She has an extensive presentation and paper history on the subject of vampires, pop culture and black womanhood. She earned her bachelor’s degree in American studies and politics and her Ph.D. at the University of Wales Swansea, where her dissertation analyzed the dominant stereotypes of African-American women from the 16^th century to present.

Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Psychology Department. The founder and chief executive officer of ABLE Research LLC in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Dr. Betancourt brings back to Scranton expertise in the subjects of bullying, scientific racism, learning disabilities and economic inequality. He has taught at the City College of New York and won a coveted fellowship at the City University of New York teaching undergraduate psychology. He conducted research on socio-emotional and motivational variables that influence students’ preparedness for higher education and/or the workplace. Dr. Betancourt earned his Bachelor of Science in psychology at The University of Scranton, his Master of Arts in general theoretical psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and both his Master of Philosophy and his Ph.D. in educational psychology at the City University of New York.

Michele Boland was named lecturer in the Nursing Department. She previously served on the nursing faculty for the for the Practical Nursing Program of the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County and joins the University after serving as adjunct faculty and a clinical instructor. Boland has had a lengthy hospital career, including tenures as a registered home health care and hospice nurse, home hospice nurse, charge nurse in intensive care, clinical resource manager and nursing supervisor. Boland earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Delaware and Master of Science degree in nursing education at the University of Phoenix. She is certified as a CPR instructor and in oncology/chemotherapy.

Joe Brague, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Biology Department. An accomplished researcher, writer and lecturer, he most recently studied dopamine-mediated synaptic plasticity in the context of Parkinson’s disease and has published prolific research on how hormones influence behavior in the Syrian hamster. He is currently pursuing how biological sex contributes to Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Brague was most recently a post-doctoral scholar and adjunct professor in neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience and biology at The University of Scranton and his Ph.D. in integrative biology: neuroscience track, at Lehigh University.

Laura Skoronski Chavez, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Nursing Department. Dr. Chavez brings to the University clinical expertise in emergency nursing and nurse education and educational expertise in nurse educator preparation, curriculum development, educational administration, simulation development, preparation and administration, nursing research and online course preparation. She was formerly on the nursing faculty at Wilkes University and an adjunct faculty member at the University. Chavez earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at The University of Scranton, her master’s degree in nursing education at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and her Ph.D. in nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Kate Cummings was named assistant professor and research and instruction librarian for the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library. She was previously library director and an electronic resources librarian at Luzerne County Community College. She has held two elected positions on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Library Association and is a member of the American Library Association. She is an accomplished presenter whose topics have included diversity, equity and inclusion in libraries, and outcomes and assessment. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration (accounting) at the University of Maine, a Master of Business Administration at Wilkes University and a Master of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina. 

Stephanie DeNaples was named faculty specialist in the Occupational Therapy Department. She currently works with Neighborworks NEPA and previously served as an occupational therapist at Lehigh Valley Health Network and has been an adjunct instructor in occupational therapy at the University. She also served as an occupational therapist for Coordinated Health, Therapy Unlimited, the Geisinger Health System and St. Luke’s University Health System. She is the founder of We Ride NEPA, an organization that promotes occupational independence in leisure by modifying motorized ride-on vehicles for children. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in health sciences and Master of Science in occupational therapy at The University of Scranton. She is completing a post-professional clinical doctorate at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah.

Kenneth Dudeck was named visiting assistant professor in the Physics and Engineering Department. He was previously an associate professor at Pennsylvania State University in Hazleton and works as an electrical engineering consultant for local manufacturing industries. An accomplished researcher with a notable publication history, he also spent 10 years as a consultant for the Naval Air Warfare Center at Patuxent River, Maryland., and has been a research fellow at the Naval Air Development Center in Warminster. His career also included the titles of microwave and controls engineer at Damaskos Inc. in Chadds Ford, electromagnetic interference and compatibility engineer at General Electric, and electrical engineer at Gould Ocean Systems Division in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering at Pennsylvania State University and his master’s degree in electrical engineering at Villanova University.

Daniel Jackowitz was named visiting assistant professor in the Computing Sciences Department. He comes to the University from SeatGeek in New York City, where he solved interesting data problems in the ticketing. Before that he was a senior software engineer for Datadog and Tumblr, both in New York City, and a software engineer for The New York Times. He has served as adjunct faculty in computing sciences at the University, where he designed and taught a graduate special topics course titled “Introduction to Big Data Platforms.” He was a teaching fellow in operating system engineering at Yale University. Jackowitz earned his Bachelor of Science in computer science and his Master of Science in software engineering at The University of Scranton and his Master of Science in computer science at Yale University.

Riddhiman Medhi, Ph.D., was named assistant professor of inorganic chemistry in the Chemistry Department. A committed teacher and researcher as well as a collaborative scientist, Dr. Medhi brings a broad background in materials chemistry and joins the University after serving as a post-doctoral associate at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he worked to develop anti-fouling surface coatings and anti-toxin fabrics. He has applied for two U.S. patents, has published and presented on numerous occasions, and is a member of the American Chemical Society. He earned both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in chemistry from Gauhati University in Guwahati, India, and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Houston, where he was a graduate research assistant, and served as a teaching assistant. At Houston, his research on optical nanomaterials earned him the Graduate Student Research Award, and the prestigious Dan E. Wells Outstanding Dissertation Award.

Pedro Monteiro, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Economics/Finance Department. A chartered financial analyst (C.F.A.) since 2018, he worked in the financial sector prior to pursuing Ph.D. studies. He served in a multitude of roles, including fixed income analyst, structurer of derivatives products, and private wealth manager. Dr. Monteiro has published and working papers covering different aspects of finance, including hedge funds, corporate short-termism, international markets and entrepreneurial finance. He has taught Principles of Financial Management, Financial Institutions and Advanced Managerial Finance courses at the College of Business at Florida Atlantic University, where he received the singular 2021 Excellence in Ph.D. Student Teaching Award. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in business at Pontifical Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro. He earned his Master of Science in finance and Ph.D. in finance at Florida Atlantic University.

Julie Murphy, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Nursing Department. She previously served as an assistant professor at Wilkes University and assistant professor and director of the RN to BS in Nursing Program at King’s College. She also served on the faculty of the practical nursing program at the Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center, where she was the lead instructor for medical surgical courses. Dr. Murphy has been a registered nurse in the local area for many years and has presented at local and national conferences on heart failure, end-of-life care and advance care planning. She earned an Associate of Applied Science in nursing at Luzerne County Community College, a Bachelor of Science in nursing at Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science in nursing at Misericordia University, a Master of Science in nursing with nurse educator and faculty roles specialization at Drexel University, and a Ph.D. in nursing at Pennsylvania State University. She has recently received a post-master’s degree certificate as a primary mental health care nurse practitioner at Wilkes University.

Michael Nytz, Ph.D., cand., was named lecturer in the Counseling and Human Services Department. A licensed professional counselor (L.P.C.), he was most recently a certified school guidance counselor at Lower Macungie Middle School and teaching assistant at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Prior to that, he was a clinical case manager at Wordsworth Academy and a residential counselor at Woods School. Nytz also was a military officer for 13 years and served three years on active duty. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, Florida, a master’s degree in counseling at Trenton State College in Trenton, New Jersey., and is a Ph.D. candidate in counselor education at the University of the Cumberlands. He also earned an elementary guidance certificate at Kutztown University, a cognitive behavioral therapy certificate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and a trauma certificate of advanced graduate studies at Chestnut Hill College. He has a secondary guidance certificate from the University.

Jason Phillips was named faculty specialist in the Nursing Department. He was most recently a certified registered nurse practitioner at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia and previously worked for the Einstein Healthcare Network, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies at Wright State University in Dayton, then an Associate’s of Applied Science in nursing at Luzerne County Community College, a Bachelor of Science in nursing at Pennsylvania State University Worthington Scranton, and Master of Science in nursing in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Timothy Powers was named lecturer in the Counseling and Human Services Department. He has been an adjunct instructor of social sciences at the State University of New York at Orange and at Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh, New York. He also worked as a private-practice mental health counselor in Middletown and New York, New York, taught religious studies at Xavier High School in New York, New York., and served in assignments in the Bronx, Wilmington, Delaware, and Silver Spring, Maryland, while a Franciscan Friar. He also was director of campus ministries at John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and religious studies and Master of Science in counseling at The University of Scranton, a graduate certificate in theological studies at Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C., and a Master of Social Work at New York University.

Mojib Saei, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Physics and Engineering Department. He comes to the University from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he was a visiting professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He also has been a faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College. He served as a researcher in the Scalable Micro Nano Manufacturing Laboratory as well as the Center for Materials Processing and Tribology at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He has published several peer-reviewed journal articles about nanomaterials, multi-layer composites, 3D printing, laser processing and flexible electronics, amassing a total of 23 journal publications and filing one U.S. patent. He earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees, one in materials engineering and another one in industrial engineering, a master’s degree in materials engineering and a Ph.D. in industrial engineering-manufacturing at Purdue University.

Rebecca Sullivan, Ph.D. cand., was named lecturer in the Education Department. She was most recently adjunct faculty in philosophy at Fordham University and has been a course assistant at the Steinhardt School of Education at New York University and a teaching assistant at both Barnard College and Teachers College of Columbia University. She also has been adjunct faculty at the State University of New York at New Paltz and Queens College of the City University of New York. Sullivan has numerous publication and presentation credits and worked as an academic publishing associate and editor at EdLab, Teachers College Record, at Columbia University, was a writing coach, and worked as an educational program leader for the Brox Educational Foundation. She earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and English literature and a master’s degree in philosophy and education at the University of Notre Dame and a master’s in philosophy and education at Columbia University, where she is a Ph.D. candidate.

Elizabeth Vento, Ph.D., was named visiting assistant professor in the Psychology Department. She has provided clinical care in hospital and community-based clinics and has also provided clinical research support for SAMHSA's national epidemiology studies of psychological disorders. Before starting her Ph.D. studies, she was a public-school teacher in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vento earned a Bachelor of Arts dual degree in literature and creative writing at the State University of New York, Purchase College; a Master of Arts in clinical psychology at St. John's University; a post-baccalaureate certificate in psychology at Columbia University; and a Master of Science in education at the College of New Rochelle. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at St. John’s University.

Laura Zagacki, D.H.S. cand., was named assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy Department. She was most recently therapy manager at Good Shepherd Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem, where she previously worked as a pediatric occupational therapist. She has been a pediatrics occupational therapist, an early intervention occupational therapist, and a school occupational therapist in the Hatboro-Horsham and Wissahickon school districts. She held occupational therapist positions at Moss Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia and Elkins Park and served on the Research Committee Task Force in the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Network. She has an extensive teaching, research, publications and presentation background. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in behavioral neuroscience at Lafayette College, where she was a Phi Beta Kappa Society member, and a Master of Science in occupational therapy at Thomas Jefferson University. She is a candidate for a Doctorate of Health Sciences in rehabilitation sciences at Drexel University.

A team from BBC World News broadcasted live reports on the upcoming U.S. election from the balcony of the Rose Room of Brennan Hall on the campus of The University of Scranton. Scranton alumnus Ted Tait ’86, chief engineer for BBC, Washington, D.C., Bureau, was among the BBC team who broadcasted live reports and interviews about the election throughout the day on Oct. 31.

University of Scranton Political Science Professor Jean Harris, Ph.D., was among those interviewed by BBC World News America anchor Laura Trevelyan during the broadcast.

University of Scranton students Alexander Nunez, Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Kelly Nee, Hopatcong, New Jersey, both journalism and electronic media majors, served as student ambassadors during the visit. Nee also serves as editor of The Aquinas, Scranton’s student newspaper. The University’s Public Relations Intern, Edward Fargis, an English major from Ho Ho Kus, New Jersey, was also on hand. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of the University, visited the BBC team during a break in the broadcast.

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The University of Scranton’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program seeks to develop future executives who will serve at Northeast Pennsylvania nonprofit institutions. Since beginning in 2017, 47 participants, representing 40 separate regional nonprofit organizations, have graduated from the program.

 “The Nonprofit Leadership Certificate is a unique credential that can help graduates advance to executive leadership positions at nonprofit organizations,” said Ryanne Jennings, president and CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation and a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program graduate.

“The coursework in not hypothetical. Participants can apply concepts learned in class immediately. That is very powerful and inspiring. The experience in this program was well worth the investment.”

“The courses were very thorough in educating participants in all the aspects involved in managing a nonprofit, from financial best-practices to board cultivation and grant writing and everything in between. The program provided a depth of knowledge that was extremely beneficial to me and the other students,” said Ron Prislupski, president of NativityMiguel School of Scranton and graduate of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program.

Prislupski and Jennings valued greatly the colleagues and mentors they met through the program.

“I moved here from Philadelphia,” said Jennings. “The program allowed me learn about the landscape of fundraising in NEPA and to develop a cohort of peers locally who have been a great source for discussing challenges and successes. They have served as sounding boards for ideas and as professional references.”

“The instructors are absolutely wonderful and, three years later, I still keep in touch with them on a regular basis,” said Prislupski. “Also, the 15 members of my cohort share the same career paths. Through this program, you connect with individuals who have their hearts in the nonprofit sector.”

The certificate program combines a rigorous academic component taught by Kania School of Management faculty with expertise in nonprofit organizations, a mentorship and experiential learning. The program includes capstone project that requires participants to form a comprehensive plan to solve a current issue faced by the nonprofit organization they represent.

“My project was to create an annual fundraising plan, which, subsequently, I also developed and implemented at NativityMiguel,” said Prislupski. “What I learned in the program, specifically through the capstone project, has helped a local nonprofit organization develop a stabilized financial plan.”

The University of Scranton is accepting applications for the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program for the 2022-2023 academic year. The deadline to apply is Nov. 11 for classes that begin in January 2023.

For additional information, visit the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program webpage or call 570-941-4047.

Homeboy Industries “live and breathe their mission” according to Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program student Emma Boyle.

Jesuit values seamlessly permeate every aspect of the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. Only the Latin phrases like “cura personalis” or “magis,” so familiar with Scranton students, do not appear anywhere at their facilities or in their marketing materials.

Members of the University’s McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program may help to change that.

The group of elite business students at Scranton have adopted a comprehensive set of projects involving branding, new revenue opportunities, and program replication for Homeboy as part of their Business Leadership Consulting Theory and Practice course taught by Douglas Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department.

Two students along with Dr. Boyle and Ashley Stampone, D.B.A., assistant professor of accounting, visited Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles in September to begin the project. The students and faculty members met with Homeboy’s founder Rev. Gregory Boyle, S.J., CEO Tom Vozzo and other key leaders at the nonprofit organization.

Initially looking at the website for Homeboy, the in-person visit and review and additional meetings with Homeboy leaders has broadened the scope of the project. Robert McKeage, Ph.D., associate professor of management, marketing and entrepreneurship and long-time director of the Business Leadership Honors Program that bears his name, expects the project will take about two years to complete and envisions will involve of members of the Business Leadership Honors Program for the classes of 2023 and 2024.

According to Drs. Stampone and McKeage, the students will now consult with Homeboy on a range of potential opportunities, including community and youth program outreach, grant and donor relation development and possible marketing and expansion of educational programming, as well as identifying growth possibilities for nearly dozen individual enterprises run by Homeboys, such as the tattoo removal service.

The students who visited Homeboy have already been impacted by the organization and the project.

Emma Boyle called the Homeboy Art Academy a “sanctuary for the children.” The students and faculty members were also impressed by the breath of educational programs offered through homeboys, ranging from parenting classes to workforce development courses that incorporated teaching “soft skills,” as well as job training.

“I am really grateful for this opportunity. It will provide real experience consulting with a major company, said Matthew Earley, Perkasie, a senior finance major, member of the McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program and Presidential Scholarship recipient. “I’ve gotten a hands-on look at the process of consulting and a look at the skills that are needed in that field. It was also an eye-opening experience to hear so many tremendous stories of how people turned their lives around that I now have a new perspective in that regard.”

 “The visit to Homeboy has given me a new perspective on my career and the career path I want to take to utilize my skills to help others in any way I can,” said Emma Boyle, an accounting major from Peckville.

Other students participating with this project through the McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program Consulting Theory and Practice course are:

Owen P. Ascher, Garden City, New York, an accounting and finance major;

Thomas J. Csehovics, Fair Lawn, New Jersey, a finance major;

Joshua T. DeMarco, Hillsdale, New Jersey, a business analytics major;

Jillian D. Heier, Mickleton, New Jersey, an accounting major;

Jessica M. Hook, Barto, a marketing major;

Jordyn S. Lieber, Edison, New Jersey, a business administration major;

Francis J. Lynch, Richboro, an electrical engineering major;

Aiden P. Messett, Throop, a finance major;

Kayleigh S. Olszewski, Conshohocken, an accounting and finance double major;

Claudia Pitts ’22, Scranton, who is pursuing a master of accountancy;

Jennifer R. Rossiter, Jenkintown, a finance major;

Thomas A. Yager, Randolph, New Jersey, an accounting major.

The University of Scranton’s McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in this highly-selective program explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.

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AllOne Charities has awarded a $25,000 grant to The University of Scranton to support free physical therapy services offered by Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to vulnerable populations in the region.

The University’s Physical Therapy Community-Based Outreach Program seeks to improve women’s health access in the refugee community. This is done through evidence-based preventive health education, risk assessment for disease, and health promotion wellness services, particularly for those who are unlikely to access the University’s free, campus-based Physical Therapy Clinic.

The grant will support the equipment and supplies, translation services and transportation needed for DPT students to conduct faculty-supervised physical therapy and health education clinics for uninsured and underinsured members of our community, particularly refugee or resettled women and families, in their own neighborhoods or community spaces.

The Physical Therapy Community-Based Outreach Program will focus on: reducing maternal mortality and morbidity; improving cognitive, mental and physical health outcomes; and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among our region’s vulnerable populations.

AllOne Charities supports local and regional non-profit organizations, whose initiatives help to address some of Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania’s most pressing health challenges.

Scranton’s graduate-level, three-year, 111-credit Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

University of Scranton Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students participated with the city of Scranton’s “Wellness at Your Doorstep” program, which provides health screening and community resource information at Scranton residencies and community organizations. At a recent “Wellness” event at Adams High-Rise Apartments, DPT students conducted the fall risk assessments and took health screenings of participants.

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Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times best-selling author, Annette Gordon-Reed, J.D., discussed her book “On Juneteenth” at The University of Scranton’s Values In Action Lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The lecture was part of the University’s annual Royal Reads program, which introduces incoming students to Ignatian values through a shared reading experience of a selected book in addition to courses and extra-curricular activities. From left: Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology; Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theatre; David Marx, Ph.D., associate provost of academic affairs; guest speaker Gordon-Reed; David Dzurec, Ph.D, interim dean of college of arts and sciences; Michelle Maldonado, interim provost and senior president for academic affairs.

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Members of the Wienberg Memorial Library’s 2022 Distinguished Author Committee are planning a Nov. 18 dinner to honor Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhta. At the event, which will be held in McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center at The University of Scranton, Akhta will receive the 2022 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award from the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, which supports special gifts for the Weinberg Library collections and services.

Gretchen Welby, Pharm.D., is chair of the 2022 Distinguished Author Committee, whose members include George J. Aulisio, dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library and Marian Farrell, Ph.D., president of Friends of the Weinberg Library and professor of nursing at the University.

Current and retired University employees, as well as members of the greater Scranton area community make up the rest of the committee. Other committee members are: Geri Botyrius, Diana Collins, Deputy Title IX and Equal Employment Opportunity coordinator/investigator, Office of Equity and Diversity; Roy Domenico, Ph.D., professor and chair of the History Department; Donald Drasba, manager of the University bookstore; Kym Fetsko, administrative assistant for the library; Erika Funke, WVIA; Annettte Kalwaytis; John McInerney, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Department of English and theatre; Lisa Mekilo, course materials manager for Follett; Sondra Myers, director of the Schemel Forum; Jennifer Pennington, administrative assistant for the Office of Equity and Diversity and enrollment management; Adam Pratt, Ph.D., associate professor of history; Sheli Pratt-McHugh, associate professor and chair of Weinberg Memorial Library; Phyllis Reinhardt; Rosemary Shaver, Ed.D.; Kara Stone, Ph.D.; Bonnie Strohl; and Narda Tafuri, professor emeritus, library.

Akhtar was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2013 for his play “Disgraced,” which also received a Tony Award nomination. The play examines the role of religion, politics and identity in post-9/11 America. His play “Junk,” about junk bonds and Wall Street culture of the 1980s, won the 2018 Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History. His work has been published and performed in over two dozen languages.

Named in honor of the late Rev. Royden B. Davis, S.J., who served in many roles at the University and as rector of the Jesuit Community, the Distinguished Author Award was established in 1997. The Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library envisioned the series as a way to honor notable fiction and non-fiction authors, and to give them the opportunity to share their literary pursuits and impressions with Northeastern Pennsylvanians. Past recipients of the award have included best-selling authors Madeline Miller, Lorene Cary, Colum McCann, Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Jay Parini, Steve Berry, William Berhardt, Mary Gordon, Phillip Margolin, James Grippando, Linda Fairstein, Lisa Scottoline, Mary Higgins Clark, Carol Higgins Clark, Malachy McCourt, Jack Palance and Scranton native Stephen Karam.

Prior to the reception, a book signing with the author will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the DeNaples Center. The book signing is free of charge and open to the public. A selection of Akhtar’s books will be available for sale at the event.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Distinguished Author Award reception and dinner, visit scranton.edu/authaward or contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Fifteen elite members of The University of Scranton’s incoming class of 2026 entered its Magis Honors Program in STEM. The 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 is one of the University’s five programs of excellence.

The Magis Honors Program offers talented students a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Courses taken over four years at Scranton include a special first-year seminar on writing science and a series of seminars on STEM and society. 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.

The following members of Scranton’s class of 2026 entered the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Matthew J. Almonte, East Stroudsburg, is majoring in mathematics.

Jordan L. Badman, Sunbury, is majoring in biology.

Connor P. Brophy, Macungie, is majoring in biochemistry, cell, molecular biology.

Alyssa M. Cosklo, Fell Township, is majoring in biology.

Joseph T. Dolan, Conshohocken, is majoring in computer science.

Emily Alexa C. Gotiangco, Staten Island, New York, is majoring in computer science.

Grace L. Lloyd, Yardley, is majoring in neuroscience.

Allison M. Magee, Harleysville, is majoring in mathematical sciences.

Alexa R. Martinez, Walden, New York, is majoring in biology.

Sheldon S. Myers, Blue Bell, has not yet declared a major.

Brian M. Oconnor, Sussex, New Jersey, is majoring in mechanical engineering.

Hailey C. Patts, Harding, is majoring in biochemistry.

Michael L. Redmond, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, is majoring in biophysics.

Daniella M. Scanlon, Goshen, New York, is majoring in neuroscience.

Matthew F. Schade, Haddon Heights, New Jersey, is majoring in mathematical sciences.

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

Twenty-seven elite members of The University of Scranton’s incoming class of 2026 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 is a list of the class of 2026 Corcione Business Honors Program participants and their majors:

Luca J. Baratta, Richboro, is majoring in finance.

Logan H. Campbell, Chalfont, is majoring in business analytics.

Karleigh A. Capobianco, Long Beach, New York, is majoring in business analytics.

Zachary Cruz, Philadelphia, is majoring in business administration.

Sean H. Davis, Morristown, New Jersey, is majoring in business administration.

Alice M. Dierkes, West Chester, is majoring in accounting.

Dean J. Finan, Malvern, is majoring in finance.

Michael P. Finley, New Milford, New Jersey, is majoring in business analytics.

Molly F. Gaffney, South Abington Township, is majoring in accounting.

Cinthia K. Garcia, Clarks Summit, is majoring in business administration.

Aidan M. Garrison, Montgomery, New York, is majoring in finance.

Patrick A. George, Endicott, New York, is majoring in business administration.

Sinead A. Gilmartin, Pearl River, New York, is majoring in accounting.

Derek T. Halligan, Staten Island, New York, is majoring in accounting.

Javier Illescas-Peralta, Paterson, New Jersey, is majoring in business administration.

Jeremiah J. King, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, is majoring in accounting.

Jerry T. Klein, Blackwood, New Jersey, is majoring in business administration.

Joseph J. Mazich, Sparta, New Jersey, is majoring in business analytics.

Christian G. Messana, Staten Island, New York, is majoring in finance.

Olivia N. Miller, Phoenixville, is majoring in operations management.

Logan E. Muniz, Ringwood, New Jersey, is majoring in finance.

Michael R. Nicotera, Mountain Top, is majoring in economics.

Camille C. Schwabe, Harleysville, is majoring in business administration.

MacLean L. Thuermer, Manchester Center, Vermont, is majoring in business administration.

Nicholas S. Tollefsen, Rockville Centre, New York, has not yet declared a major.

Elizabeth G. Vander Neut, Exton, has not yet declared a major.

Angelina R. Veve, Bayville, New Jersey, is majoring in business administration.

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

Leigh Magnotta Fennie ’11 ’G19, business consultant for The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC), was honored at America’s SBDC 2022 Conference in San Diego as one of the inaugural America’s SBDC 40 Under 40.

According to America’s SBDC, the network is filled with talented young professionals who make significant contributions to their SBDC mission and local communities. To celebrate these achievements, they launched Top 40 Under 40 Young Professionals Award, a recognition of SBDC staff from across the national network who demonstrate innovation, leadership and commitment to the SBDC mission.

Fennie joined the SBDC in June 2015. She provides business consulting to start-up and existing small businesses across the SBDC’s 8-county service area, with a focus on Monroe and Wayne Counties. She stepped up in 2020 to serve as a CARES Act Business Consultant, assisting existing small businesses impacted by the pandemic, including helping them obtain almost $5,000,000 in disaster financing and grants. She also developed and delivered a number of educational programs and worked with many entrepreneurs to rethink their business models.

She earned her MBA from The University of Scranton in 2019, and her bachelor’s degree in international business from the University in 2011.

Scranton’s SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

“Still Worth the Trip? Modern-Era Busing and other Lessons from Urban School Reform” will be discussed at The University of Scranton’s 36^th Henry George Lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 8^. The lecture, presented by Parag Pathak, Ph.D., the Class of 1922 Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. The lecture is free of charge and open to the public.

“What I sometimes find frustrating in conversations about student achievement is they often get sidetracked from the issue of school quality,” said Dr. Pathak in a 2018 Wall Street Journal interview about his research. “At least for disadvantaged children, we see that what helps is what you might expect: smaller class sizes, longer school days, an environment that emphasizes mathematics and reading. They are schools that are attuned to data – they use assessments to see where they’re at.”

Dr. Pathak’s work on market design and education was recognized with several awards including a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and the American Economic Association’s John Bates Clark Medal as the best American economist under age 40.

Dr. Pathak is the founder of MIT’s Blueprint Labs and the found­ing co-director of the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) Working Group on Market Design. Blueprint Labs is a research laboratory which uses tools from market design and research to produce evidence that helps decision-makers design and implement social policy. Dr. Pathak has contributed to the design of school choice systems in several cities including New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

Dr. Pathak has authored leading studies on charter schools, high school reform, exam schools, vouchers, affirmative action and school choice.

Recently, together with Tayfun Sönmez, M. Utku Ünver, and M. Bumin Yenmez, Dr. Pathak has been working on a program that applies ideas from market design to the rationing of vital medical resources, such as ICU beds, ventilators, anti-viral drugs, convalescent plasma and vaccines. This has introduced the concept of a reserve priority system for the allocation of vital medical resources, a concept that is now part of several allocation frameworks in the field. 

Dr. Pathak has served as an associate editor at the American Economic Review, Journal of Political Economy and Econometrica. He was on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Institute for Innovation in Public School Choice from 2007-2019.  He is a co-founder of Avela Education. 

Considered the preeminent public lecture series on economics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Henry George Lecture Series is presented by the University’s Economics and Finance Department and the campus chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society for economics. Among the distinguished list of speakers who have spoken at previous lectures are ten winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics: Paul Romer (2018), Robert Shiller (2013), Tom Sargent (2011), Peter Diamond (2010), Paul Krugman (2008), Joseph Stiglitz (2001), George Akerlof (2001), Amartya Sen (1998), Robert Lucas (1995) and Robert Solow (1987). The lecture series is named in honor of the 19th century American economist and social reformer and is supported financially by a grant from the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation.

For more information about the Henry George Lecture, call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and acclaimed drummer Carmen Intorre Jr. on Saturday, Oct. 29. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Performance Music Conductor and Co-Director Philip J. Kuehn says, “Carmen is one of the first musicians I met when I moved to New York. He is a great human and musician, who has worked with a ‘who’s who’ of musicians. It is always a joy to work with him.”

According to Cheryl Y. Boga, Conductor and Director of Performance Music, “I first got to know Carmen in 2001 when he was 18 and a member of the very first class admitted into The Juilliard Jazz Studies program. He impressed me from our first meeting with not only his musicianship but also the way he exudes happiness when making music, cheerfully perseveres when undertaking hard work, and supports and champions his peers.”

A drummer since the age of 5, Intorre has performed and recorded with numerous musical luminaries such as George Benson, Larry Coryell, Wynton Marsalis, Monty Alexander, George Coleman, Eric Alexander, George Cables, Benny Golson, Richie Cole, Joe Locke, Lew Tabackin, Bobby Watson, Ira Sullivan and Bucky Pizzarelli. He currently serves as the drummer for legendary jazz guitarist Pat Martino, touring extensively throughout the world with the guitarist’s trio and quintet.

A 2011 Grammy nominee for co-producing the late Joey DeFrancesco’s critically acclaimed album, “Never Can Say Goodbye: The Music of Michael Jackson,” Intorre also performed alongside DeFrancesco and Dr. Lonnie Smith on the PBS show “Legends of Jazz,” hosted by Ramsey Lewis.

Receiving both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, Intorre has always been eager to uncover and share new approaches to drumming.

“This is my job. I have to give back what I was given a chance to do,” he says in a statement on his website. “Music is an opportunity for me to give up my soul, while in the process connecting with the audiences’ souls as well. I want the musicians on the bandstand and the members of the audience to feel uplifted after a performance, to feel great about themselves through the experience that they encountered.”

Intorre proudly endorses Craviotto, DW, Sabian, ProMark, Evans and LP products.

The University of Scranton Jazz Band is made up of 24 students and alumni from majors throughout the curriculum – none of them majoring in music - all brought together by their love of music making. The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles, there is no major in music at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University Bands, University Performance Choirs, University String Orchestra and Ensembles and Steel Drum Ensemble. A number of members of the faculty and staff, as well as alumni from the region, also perform with the groups. Each year, hundreds of students participate in the ensembles.

Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season.

For additional information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Intorre, visit carmenintorrejr.com.

On Sunday, Oct. 23, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a recital by critically and popularly acclaimed award-winning pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Conductor and Director of Performance Music Cheryl Y. Boga says, “I first became of aware of Llewellyn and his incredible talent when my son (Joseph) would text me from his classes at Juilliard to tell me about this amazing 13-year-old who was already enrolled in pursuit of his undergraduate degree and – according to Joseph – ‘played piano like craaaazy!’ Now, at age 25, he is already one of the most virtuosic, vibrant and socially committed musicians of his generation.”

Described as “a gifted virtuoso” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Sanchez-Werner has been performing with orchestras since the age of 6. The California native has played internationally with the Royal Concertgebouw in the Netherlands, CultureSummit Abu Dhabi, the Louvre and Grenoble Museums in France, Smetana Hall in the Czech Republic, State Philharmonic Hall in Slovakia, Verbier Festival in Switzerland, Ashford Castle in Ireland and the Gijon International Piano Festival in Spain. In the United States, he has performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center and National Sawdust in New York City, Mary B. Galvin Hall in Chicago, Richardson Auditorium at Princeton University, Paramount Theater in Oakland, and the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Art Museum and Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.

In addition, Sanchez-Werner has performed at the Kennedy Center and the White House for former President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden, for President Peña Nieto of Mexico, Prime Minister Peres of Israel and President Kagame of Rwanda. Committed to public service, he received the Atlantic Council Young Global Citizen Award recognizing his dedication to social action through music in such countries as Iraq, Rwanda, France, Canada and the U.S.

An active chamber musician, Sanchez-Werner has collaborated with Renée Fleming, Eric Owens, Marina Poplavskaya, Richard O’Neill and Cynthia Phelps. He partnered with the Gershwin family on a concert and biographical tribute to the Gershwin brothers, and performed “Hallelujah Junction” for John Adams at his 70th birthday celebration in New York.

Sanchez-Werner earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, where he was awarded the Kovner Fellowship, won the concerto competition and was the youngest admittee to each program at ages 14 and 18, respectively. Juilliard was Sanchez-Werner’s second college experience - he became a full-time student at Ventura College at age five, where he completed 170 college credits toward degrees in music and international relations. Sanchez-Werner also earned an Artist Diploma from the Yale School of Music, where he was awarded the Charles S. Miller Prize.

Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season.

For further information on the recital, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Sanchez-Werner, visit llewellynsanchezwerner.com.

Author and historian Elizabeth Hinton, Ph.D., will discuss “Riot or Rebellion?: The Meaning of Violent Protest from the 1960s to George Floyd” at this year’s Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities presentation of the Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellow Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 20. The lecture, presented free of charge and open to the public, will begin at 5 p.m. in the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center.

Dr. Hinton is an associate professor in the Department of History and the Department of African American Studies at Yale University, with a secondary appointment as professor of law at Yale Law School. Her research focuses on the persistence of poverty, racial inequality and urban violence in the 20th century United States. She is considered one of the nation’s leading experts on criminalization and policing. Her books include “From the War on Poverty to the War on Crime: The Making of Mass Incarceration in America” and “America on Fire: The Untold History of Police Violence and Black Rebellion Since the 1960s.”

At the Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellow Lecture, Dr. Hinton will discuss “a troubling journey from Detroit in 1967 and Miami in 1980 to Los Angeles in 1992 and beyond to chart the persistence of structural racism and one of its primary consequences, the so-called urban riot.” Her discussion “will present a new framework for understanding our nation’s enduring racial strife.”

Dr. Hinton’s articles and op-eds can be found in the pages of the Journal of American History, the Journal of Urban History, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Boston Review, The Nation and Time. She also coedited “The New Black History: Revisiting the Second Reconstruction” with the late historian Manning Marable.

Dr. Hinton earned her bachelor’s degree from New York University and her master’s degree and doctorate from Columbia University. Her many academic awards include being named a Ford Foundation and Carnegie Corporation Fellow.

The Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellowship Lecture, presented by The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Humanities, is named in honor of esteemed community leaders Sondra and Morey Myers, J.D. Sondra Myers serves as director of the Schemel Forum at The University of Scranton.

Immediately following the lecture, a cocktail reception will be held for faculty and staff.

Through Nov. 18                   Art Exhibit: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” photographs by Byron Maldonado. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Nov. 6     9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Nov. 8 7:30 p.m.    The 36^th annual Henry George Lecture: “Still Worth the Trip? Modern-Era Busing and other Lessons from Urban School Reform” presented by Parag Pathak, Ph.D., professor of economics, MIT. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

Nov. 10           Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “On Democracy, Inequality and Jazz Improvisation” presented by Wayne Winborne, Ph.D., executive director, Institute of Jazz Studies, assistant professor arts culture and media, Rutgers University-Newark. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Nov. 12           7:30 a.m. Schemel Forum bus trip to New York, New York, to August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” $150. Registration required before Sept. 30. Spaces are limited. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Nov. 12           7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Nov. 17           7 p.m. Lecture: “Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History and Homecoming” presented by Curtis Zunigha, enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and co-founder/co-director of the Lenape Center. The event is part of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a project supported by a NEH grant led by The University of Scranton and community partners.  McIlhenny Ballroom, The DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Nov. 17-19                  8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “Rent” presented by Liva Arts Company. The Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. $5. Call 570-941-7401 or email livaartscompany@gmail.com.

Nov. 18           6 p.m. Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library and Schemel Forum Collaborative Program: The Royden B. Davis, S.J. Distinguished Author Award Event honoring Ayad Akhtar, Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter. McIlhenny Ballroom, The DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Nov. 18           7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Dec. 2      Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley World Affairs Luncheon Series: “How Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine Changed the World” presented by Trudy Rubin, Worldview columnist, The Philadelphia Inquirer. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Dec. 3      8 p.m. Performance Music: “54^th Annual Noel Night” featuring The University of Scranton Singers and Chamber Ensembles. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Dec. 5      5 p.m. Community Relations Roundtable: “The Journey from ‘Immigrant’ to Citizen” featuring local resource speakers from a range of backgrounds, in collaboration with the Schemel Forum. The event is part of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a project supported by a NEH grant led by The University of Scranton and community partners. PNC Board Room, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Dec. 9      Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Process of Peace, Palermo: An Experience, a Model” presented by Leoluca Orlando, professor, former mayor of Palermo, honorary mayor of Palermo Huila Columbia and cofounder of Global Parliament of Mayors. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Dec. 11            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert.” Performance Music student musicians perform solo, duet, trio and small group renditions of a variety of Christmas favorites. Houlihan-McLean Center. Admission: one new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items or a monetary donation. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

 

Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhtar will receive the 2022 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award from The University of Scranton’s Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library on Friday, Nov. 18. The award will be presented at a reception and dinner in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. Reservations and tickets are required for the dinner and award presentation, which begins at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, which supports special gifts for the Weinberg Library collections and services.

Akhtar was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2013 for his play “Disgraced,” which also received a Tony Award nomination. The play examines the role of religion, politics and identity in post-9/11 America. His play “Junk,” about junk bonds and Wall Street culture of the 1980s, won the 2018 Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History. His work has been published and performed in over two dozen languages.

Akhtar is the author of “Homeland Elegies,” which The Washington Post called “a tour de force” and The New York Times called “a beautiful novel…that had echoes of ‘The Great Gatsby’ and that circles, with pointed intellect, the possibilities and limitations of American life.” His first novel, “American Dervish,” was published in over 20 languages. In addition to “Junk” and “Disgraced,” his plays include “The Who & The What” and “The Invisible Hand,” which received the Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle John Gassner Award and Olivier, among other accolades.

Among other honors, Akhtar is the recipient of the Edith Wharton Citation of Merit for Fiction, an Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Steinberg Playwrighting Award, the Nestroy Award and the Erwin Piscator Award, as well as fellowships from the American Academy in Rome, MacDowell, the Sundance Institute and Yaddo, where he serves as a board director. Additionally, Akhtar is a board trustee at New York Theatre Workshop and PEN America, where he serves as president. In 2021, he was named the New York State Author, succeeding Colson Whitehead, by the New York State Writers Institute.

Named in honor of the late Rev. Royden B. Davis, S.J., who served in many roles at the University and as rector of the Jesuit Community, the Distinguished Author Award was established in 1997. The Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library envisioned the series as a way to honor notable fiction and non-fiction authors, and to give them the opportunity to share their literary pursuits and impressions with Northeastern Pennsylvanians. Past recipients of the award have included best-selling authors Madeline Miller, Lorene Cary, Colum McCann, Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Jay Parini, Steve Berry, William Berhardt, Mary Gordon, Phillip Margolin, James Grippando, Linda Fairstein, Lisa Scottoline, Mary Higgins Clark, Carol Higgins Clark, Malachy McCourt, Jack Palance and Scranton native Stephen Karam.

Prior to the reception, a book signing with the author will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the DeNaples Center. The book signing is free of charge and open to the public. A selection of Akhtar’s books will be available for sale at the event.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Distinguished Author Award reception and dinner, visit scranton.edu/authaward or contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton held a kick-off event to launch a year-round celebration of the its 50-year anniversary of becoming co-educational. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of the University, and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, spoke at the event, which also included refreshments and a commemorative T-shirt giveaway to students.

Banners marking the celebration adorn the campus walkways.

In addition, to mark the beginning of the celebration, the University showed a tribute to the 50^th anniversary celebration on its Class of 2020 Gateway sign.

Veronica Romanek’s interests are as vast as the universe.

A member of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023, she is a double major in physics and Spanish and participates in Scranton’s undergraduate Honors Program. She has presented her physics research project at several conferences including those hosted by the American Geophysical Union, CEDAR, HamSCI, SARA, the National Science Foundation, and others.  As part of another project, she built an atmospheric sensing device that was launched into space through NASA’s RockOn project. Aside from physics, she is a certified Physical Fitness Zumba instructor and offers weekly Zumba classes on campus. She is also a peer health educator for the University’s Center for Health Education and Wellness and an active amateur (ham) radio operator, the latter of which helped her earn a highly-competitive national Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) scholarship.

Romanek is among just 20 recipients of the $25,000 scholarship awarded for the 2022-2023 academic year by the ARRL National Association for Amateur Radio. Recipients must hold an amateur radio license and maintain an exceptional GPA in their coursework, in addition to demonstrating active ham radio participation and meet other requirements.

Romanek began at Scranton with an undeclared major. She had an interest in physics and foreign languages but wasn’t sure whether she wanted to pursue either as a major.

“I joined a lot of clubs and asked a lot of questions,” said Romanek, who recalled a meeting with Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and electrical engineering at The University of Scranton, that led her to pursue physics as a major.

“I stopped by his office at the time he was beginning to install radio equipment in the Loyola Science Center. He invited me to help with some of the installation of the impressive equipment as he answered my questions and I was hooked,” said Romanek.

By supplementing her coursework and getting involved in the University’s ham radio club, Romanek was among a group of Scranton students who participated in NASA’s 2021 RockOn Workshop through which students were sent kits to build atmospheric sensing devices. The devices were built and tested on campus, then sent to the RockOn program headquartered in Colorado. Romanek’s device was among the 28 chosen to be launched into space on June 24, 2021, from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility on a two-stage Terrier-Orion rocket.

Romanek said her participation with the RockOn Workshop was one of her best experiences at Scranton and gave her a “taste of what working on a scientific team is like.”  She worked with fellow physics majors, computer scientists, engineers as well as with students from other disciplines. She is also the current and founding president of the W3USR University Amateur Radio Club.

In the summer of 2022, Romanek presented “HF Doppler Observations of Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances in a WWV Signal Received with a Network of Low Cost HamSCI Personal Space Weather Stations” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop. She also presented “Traveling Ionospheric Disturbance Observations with the Grape Personal Space Weather Station” at the 2022 Dayton Hamvention. She also attended the Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) Summer Workshop where she got to run an experiment on the antennas located at the MIT Haystack Observatory. In addition, Romanek participated in the national Youth on the Air (YOTA) Camp, which is a week-long camp that took place at the Voice of America Museum near Cincinnati, Ohio, for young people from across the country to meet and learn more about amateur radio.

After graduation, Romanek plans to pursue a Ph.D. in either plasma physics or astrophysics. As she looks back at her time at Scranton, she treasures most the friendships made on campus. She also appreciated the breath of liberal arts classes she took that included courses from outside her majors including geography, philosophy, and history which allowed her to continue to explore her vast interests. Romanek was awarded membership to a number of honor societies at the University of Scranton, including: Physics Honor Society, Engineering Honor Society and World Language Honor Society.

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Dru Johnson, Ph.D., director of Center for Hebraic Thought and associate professor of biblical and theological studies at The King’s College in New York City, will present “Does the Hebrew Bible have a Unique Philosophy?” at The University of Scranton’s Judaic Studies Institute Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall. The lecture is free of charge and open to the public.

Dr. Johnson teaches Biblical literature, theology and biblical interpretation at The King’s College. He is an editor for the Routledge Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Biblical Criticism series, an associate director for the Jewish Philosophical Theology Project at The Herzl Institute in Israel and a co-host for the OnScript Podcast.

Dr. Johnson has held research fellowships at the University of Saint Andrews, Scotland, the Shalem Institute for Advanced Studies, Jerusalem, and the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He currently serves on the steering committee of the Scripture and Church Seminar in the Institute for Biblical Research and was formerly the chair and co-founder of the Hebrew Bible and Philosophy Program in the Society for Biblical Literature. He has taught in Western Kenya, Brazil and the United Kingdom.

Dr. Johnson is ordained as a minister in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, a Master’s in Divinity  degree from the Covenant Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in theology from the University of St. Andrews – Scotland.

The Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute was created in 1979 through an endowment funded by the local Jewish community. The Institute fosters a better understanding and appreciation of Judaism, Israel and their histories. It supports visits to the University by Jewish scholars and writers and supports library acquisitions, publications, faculty research, travel and other scholarly endeavors. The work of the Institute was further enhanced by a $1 million gift from Harry Weinberg in 1990.

For further information, contact Marc Shapiro, Ph.D., professor of theology/religious studies and the Weinberg Chair of Judaic Studies at The University of Scranton, at 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a solo recital featuring acclaimed modern and historical performance viola and violincello da spalla player Andrew Gonzalez on Saturday, Oct. 15. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music, “Andrew has performed at Scranton many times with our student string orchestra and his own quartets and trios. We are very excited to welcome him back to present a solo recital – our hall loves his sound.”

Passionate about historical performance, Gonzalez frequently performs on baroque viola and the violoncello da spalla. A student of Cynthia Roberts from the Juilliard 415 program, he has performed in festivals and series such as the Washington Bach Consort, Valley of the Moon Music Festival, American Bach Soloists, the Boston Early Music Festival, Helicon and many others. Gonzalez is one of the few people in the world who plays the violoncello da spalla, a five stringed mini cello that is played on the shoulder.

Hailed by the Strad Magazine for his ‘warm hearted playing and mellow tone’, Gonzalez enjoys a full career as both a soloist and chamber musician, performing in prestigious venues throughout the United States, as well as halls throughout Asia and Europe. As a sought-after chamber musician, his playing has allowed him to collaborate with respected ensembles such as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the Sejong Soloists, as well as members of the Guarneri, Juilliard, Tokyo, Orion, Borromeo and Vermeer quartets. In the fall of 2020, he became the new violist of the Jasper String Quartet.

Also an accomplished teacher, Gonzalez served as a fellow of Carnegie Hall’s ‘Ensemble Connect’ from 2016-2018 and teaches chamber music in the Heifetz Institute’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted.

Originally from Chesapeake Virginia, Gonzalez attended the Governor’s School where he was introduced to chamber music and symphonic music. This led to his affiliation with the Hampton Roads Chamber Players, an ensemble that he has since performed with and offered masterclasses for, as well as a concerto appearance with the Virginia Symphony. An avid orchestral player, Gonzalez performs frequently with the New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, Orchestra of Saint Luke’s, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, New York Classical Players and Novus NY.

A graduate of The Juilliard School, Gonzalez holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree under the direction of renown violists and pedagogues Michael Tree, Heidi Castleman, Steve Tenenbom and Hsin-Yun Huang. He performs on a 1930 Frederick Haenel viola modeled after a Gaspar da Salo.

Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season.

For additional information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Gonzalez, visit andrewgonzalezviolist.com.

The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS), in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County, will host debates for PA House and Pennsylvania Senate candidates in October. All debates are presented free of charge and will take place in the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center on  the University’s campus.

The dates and times of the debates and the candidates (listed alphabetically) are listed below.

The 112th Pennsylvania House seat: Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m.; Kyle Mullins (D) and William Torbeck (R).

The 114th Pennsylvania House seat: Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m.; David Burgerhoff (R) and Bridget Kosierowski (D).

The 118th state House seat: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at 8 p.m.; James Haddock (D) and James May (R).

The 22nd state Senate seat: Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.; Thomas Bassett (R) and Martin Flynn (D).

For more information, email ceeps@scranton.edu.

A virtual lecture series in October will examine career opportunities in the changing workplace, ways of embedding Equity Diversity Inclusion and Accessibility in an organization to promote the success of the business, employees and the surrounding communities, and the resources available through the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE). The Edward R. Leahy, Jr., Virtual Speaker Series, presented by The University of Scranton’s Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment, is free of charge. Registration is required to participate and can be made by visiting the lecture series website.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. (E.S.T.) Kathy West-Evans, director of business relations at National Employment Team (NET), will lead a panel discussion of business partners from the private and public sector to discuss current trends shaping the workplace and ways their companies are working together with the Vocational Rehabilitation NET to ensure that their talent pipeline includes candidates with disabilities as well as supporting employees with disabilities throughout their employment life cycle.

Panelists are Andrea Eselunas, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for UnitedHealth Group; Ethan Idzior, software developer, for Dell Technologies; and Duronne Walker, Ph.D., departmental selective placement program manager for the U.S. Department of Transportation. Panel moderator, West-Evans, who leads the NET is a certified rehabilitation counselor. A sought-after consultant and presenter on topic areas related to serving individuals with disabilities and business through a dual-customer approach, West-Evans first started in the field of rehabilitation in 1978.

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m., Hattie McCarter, CEO/founder of McCarter’s Equitable and Distinctive (M.E.N.D) Consulting Solutions, L.L.C., and Stephanie Perry, a licensed social worker with a diverse educational and professional background, will discuss a human centered Equity Diversity Inclusion and Accessibility approach that creates a safe space for individuals to be authentic and perform to their full potential. McCarter is a Certified DEI Professional, with more than 13 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as well as more than seven years in recruitment and retention. Her company, MEND, specializes in DEI program development, employee resource groups, diversity recruitment and how to have BRAVE conversations. With more than 20 years of experience, Perry is completing the last year for a doctorate in social work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in behavioral counseling from Drexel University and a Master of Social Service Management degree from Bryn Mawr College.

On Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. Catherine Anderson, Ph.D., director of research for the University of Wisconsin-Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute and researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) and Dr. Emily A. Brinck, Ph.D., also a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the WCER, will discuss the array of resources and training available through VRTAC-QE, as well as the types of technical assistance offered. The presenters will highlight specific examples of innovative and effective practices, opportunities to learn more and tools that can be implemented in practice.

Dr. Anderson has more than 25 years of leadership experience with numerous research, demonstration and systems-change grants. Her research interests include: understanding and improving employment, career and financial post-secondary outcomes for youth with disabilities; transition-age youth and families; interagency collaboration between education and vocational rehabilitation; cultural responsiveness with low-income and marginalized disability populations; and use of evidence-based practices within vocational rehabilitation. Dr. Brinck’s research interests include: interagency collaboration between schools, vocational rehabilitation, and employers; transition-age youth with disabilities towards successful postsecondary outcomes; and overcoming barriers to employment for people with disabilities.

Registration and additional information is available online or by contacting Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Ph.D., director of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, at rebecca.dalgin@scranton.edu; or Lori Bruch, Ed.D., chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department, at lori.bruch@scranton.edu. The University’s annual U.S. Conference on DISABILITY will return next year on Oct. 4, 2023.

Representatives from NASA met with high school and University of Scranton students, as well as local business owners and manufacturers, to discuss career paths, space technology and ways companies and individuals can support Artemis, a robotic and human Moon exploration program led by NASA.

Campus events, which spanned two days, included a panel discussion on NASA careers with Niki Werkheiser, director for Technology Maturation, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters; Jason L. Kessler, program executive, Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters; and Stephanie Yeldell, education integration lead, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters. University of Scranton physics professor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., moderated the panel discussion on Sept. 22. Earlier that day, Werkheiser met with Scranton students at an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) meeting.

On Sept. 23, NASA hosted the NASA Northeast Pennsylvania Industry Day, a networking event focused on collaboration opportunities with local businesses. The event at the University’s DeNaples Center included national and local speakers, presentations, and networking opportunities in collaboration with the Keystone Space Collaborative, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, and Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Center. Local business owners, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and university representatives attended the free event. U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright also participated in the event.

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The University of Scranton’s President’s Business Council (PBC) presented Patti Byrnes Clarke ’86, P’17,’19, global chief talent officer, Havas Group; and Tom O’Brien ’86, P’19, senior managing director, SumRidge Partners, a Raymond James company; with the President’s Medals at its 21st Annual Award Dinner on Sept. 29 at Gotham Hall in New York City. Proceeds from the gala, which raised more than $1.1 million, support the University’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund.

“Our University has been blessed to be able to honor so many extraordinary individuals over the years and this year is no different. We are privileged to count among them our alumni Patricia Byrnes Clarke and Tom P. O’Brien of the class of 1986,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton in his remarks.

The President’s Medal recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others, representing lifetime achievements that reflect the University’s mission of Catholic and Jesuit excellence and service.

“Patti and Tom are highly successful professionals who have had a tremendous impact on generations of alumni,” said Frank Pearn ’83, global chief compliance officer, JPMorgan Chase and Co., and chair of the President’s Business Council, in his remarks at the dinner. “They truly embody everything that the PBC aims to represent and, given the way that they share their talents, gifts and insights, they are wonderful examples of St. Ignatius’s quote that ‘Love is shown more in deeds than in words.’”

Through its past celebrations, the PBC has generated more than $19 million for the University’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. Presidential Scholarships are four-year, full-tuition scholarships awarded to incoming freshmen at Scranton with both outstanding records in high school and notable community involvement.

Class of 2023 Presidential Scholar Dominic Finan ’23, Malvern, a neuroscience and philosophy double major in the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, spoke at the award dinner on behalf of the Presidential Scholars.

Other Presidential Scholars of the University’s class of 2023 are: Emily Amershek, New Ringgold, a philosophy major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; Lauren Cawley, Duryea, a secondary education – mathematics and mathematics double major; Matthew Earley, Perkasie, a finance major and member of the University’s Business Honors Program and the Business Leadership Honors Program; Michael Edwards, Wadsworth, Ohio, a mathematics and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; Jared Fernandez, Tunkhannock, a nursing major; Timothy Gallagher, River Vale, New Jersey, a computer science and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; Angela Hudock, Sayer, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM; Amanda Lamphere, Sellersville, a mathematics and computer science double major; James Lanning, Mountain Top, a chemistry major; Sarah Liskowicz, Wilkes-Barre, a neuroscience and biomathematics double major and member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program; Molly Neeson, Pottstown, an environmental science major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; Michael Quinnan, Shavertown, a biomathematics major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM; Muhammad Shaaf Sarwar, Qazalbash Chowk, Pakistan, a physics and mathematical sciences double major; Cameron Shedlock, White Haven, a neuroscience major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM; Claire Sunday, South Abington Township, a theology and religious studies and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and undergraduate Honors Program; Kathleen Wallace, Bowie, Maryland, a philosophy and theology and religious studies double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; and Daniel Zych, Waverly, a mathematics major.

“Collectively, the 18 of us (from the class of 2023) have 28 majors, 18 minors, and 5 concentrations. … These academic pursuits, research opportunities and moments of profound growth would not be possible without the contributions of everyone in this room. So, for that I say thank you. Thank you for empowering our unique gifts, talents, and interests; and thank you, most importantly, for helping us call The University of Scranton our home. You have changed our lives, and our family’s lives, for the better,” said. Finan. “The generosity of the President’s Business Council cleared a path for us to become future lawyers, doctors, actuaries, educators, researchers, and business executives alike. We promise to use the spark you ignited in us to ‘go forth and set the world on fire.’”

In accepting their awards, Byrnes Clarke and O’Brien talked about why they became involved with the PBC and in giving back to the University.

“I got involved with the PBC because I wanted to try to give back to students and help with mentoring and job placement,” said O’Briem. “Early in my career, a fellow Scranton alumnus who I did not know helped me. … I need to do this because someone a long time ago helped me.”

“The exposure to Scranton and its students and its alumni challenged me to take on my own journey to do more and to do better as a person, a family member, a leader and a friend,” said Byrnes Clarke. “It’s true that as Scranton students we are exposed to the Ignatian values, but aren’t always mature enough to overtly put them into practice in our lives. But, with a Scranton education, that Ignaitan foundation is always there. And when you choose to be engaged, and get involved and give back to Scranton, you get this very special opportunity to explore those Ignaitan roots.”

For more information on the PBC, contact Executive Director Timothy J. Pryle ’89 at 570-941-5837 or pbc@scranton.edu, or visit scranton.edu/pbc.

About Patti Byrnes Clarke

During her time at the Havas Group, which is one of the world’s largest global communications groups and part of the Vivendi Group, Patti Byrnes Clarke has built a talent management approach that includes initiatives on network mobility, high-potential leadership development, women’s leadership advancement, global employee engagement, employer branding, global diversity, equity and inclusion and wellness. As the global chief talent officer, she is responsible for leading the talent and cultural strategy for the group’s 20,000 plus employees in more than 100 countries.

Byrnes Clarke earned her bachelor’s degree in management from the University in 1986. She is a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees and a former member of the Kania School of Management Advisory Board and the University’s Parents’ Executive Council (PEC). She is also a former chair of the PBC and created the PBC/Kania School of Management Career Coaches Program, in which she remains a mentor to current University students. She and her husband, David, reside in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, and have five children.

About Tom O’Brien

Prior to the acquisition of SumRidge Partners, LLC, by Raymond James in July 2022, Tom O’Brien was a co-founder, chief executive officer and president of SumRidge Partners, L.LC., which formed in 2010. SumRidge Partners is a top-ranked electronic fixed income market maker specializing in high-yield, investment-grade corporate bonds, municipal bonds, institutional preferred securities, and emerging market bonds. Prior to launching SumRidge Partners, O’Brien was co-head of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Capital Markets division and was also a member of the firm’s management and risk committees.

O’Brien earned his bachelor’s degree of economics/finance from the University in 1986 and a master of business administration from Fordham University. He is a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees, where he served as vice chair, and was a former chair of the PBC. Today, he acts as a mentor to current University students and frequently teaches in the fixed income securities and markets course, which he co-developed with the late Frank Corcione, Ph.D., and Murli Rajan, Ph.D., G’84. He resides in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, with his wife, Denise, and their three sons.

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The University of Scranton has awarded 15 students from its class of 2026 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.

Matthew J. Almonte, East Stroudsburg, graduated from East Stroudsburg High School South. A member of National Honor Society, he received the Bausch + Lomb Science Award. He was a member the Scholastic Scrimmage Team, and the varsity soccer team, serving as honorary captain during his senior year. He also received recognition as a Lehigh Valley Soccer Scholar. Almonte volunteered with the Emanuel Church media team, worship team (drummer) and was a group leader at Vacation Bible School. He also volunteered at Salvation Army Food Drive and as a running buddy for Girls on the Run. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Almonte will major in mathematics. He is the son of Juan and Lisa Almonte.

Luca Baratta, Richboro, graduated from Perkiomen School in Pennsburg. He was a member of National Honor Society, the National English Honors Society and the Latin Honors Society. A member of the varsity basketball team, he received the Most Improved Player Award at Perkiomen for his senior year and at Council Rock South High School, Holland, as a junior. He will be a member of the Royals men’s basketball team. In high school, he also participated in track and field, golf, the Latin Club and Future Business Leaders of America. Baratta volunteered as at Camp PALS, the CYO Basketball Camp and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, as well as other service programs. A member of the University’s Business Honors Program, Baratta will major in finance. He is the son of Anthony and Patricia Baratta.

Riley P. Clarke, Scranton, graduated as salutatorian of Scranton High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in the Ski Club. Clarke volunteered at Friends of the Poor. He will major in computer science. He is the son of Kevin and Jessica Clarke.

Alyssa M. Cosklo, Carbondale, graduated as valedictorian from Carbondale Area High School. She was a member of the National Junior Honor Society and vice president of the National Honor Society. She received multiple first place awards at regional and state Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competitions. She also received awards at Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) regional and state competitions and was the winner of the 2019 VFW essay contest. Cosklo was captain of the varsity cheerleading squad and a member of the girls’ varsity soccer and track and field teams. She was class president and vice president for Student Council; vice president for FBLA Region 22; treasurer for the school chapter of FBLA; president of the Future Teachers Club; and vice president of Students Against Destructive Decisions. She participated in the Spanish Club, Science and Technology Club, Mock Trial, Yearbook Club and Future Medical Careers Club, among other student organizations. Cosklo volunteered with the Carbondale Area High School Tutoring Club. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Cosklo will major in biology on the premed track. She is the daughter of David and Kimberly Cosklo.

Rebecca R. Doyle, Massapequa, New York, graduated from Kellenberg Memorial High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She was also a member of the A team of Science Olympiad Club. She participated in all three of her high school’s choirs, through which she sang at masses, funerals and at a 9/11 memorial service at Point Lookout. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Doyle will major in neuroscience on the premed track. She is the daughter of Michael and Janet Doyle.

Dean J. Finan, Malvern, graduated from Great Valley High School. A National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction, he received Pennsylvania’s Certificate of Merit for outstanding performance on the SAT and received a Silver Medal and Certificate of Honorable Merit for Outstanding Performance in the National Latin Examination. Finan was a member of the National Honor Society, the Latin Honor Society, the America Club, the Junior Classical League and served as secretary of the Finance Club. He was captain of his high school soccer team and participated in track and field. He is a member of the University’s soccer team. He co-founded and organized a soccer equipment drive that collected and donated cleats, kits, socks and other items to underprivileged children in his community. A member of the University’s Business Honors Program, Finan will major in finance. He is the son of Donald and Deborah Finan.

Matthew George, Avoca, graduated from Scranton Preparatory School. He was a member of the National Honor Society. He participated in the Book Club, the Spanish Club and the Service Club. He volunteered at Allied Services nursing home in Wilkes-Barre. George has not yet declared a major. He is the son of Gene and Helene George, who received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton in 1996 and her master’s degree in 1999.

Emily Alexa C. Gotiangco, Staten Island, New York, graduated from St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School as a full-scholarship recipient of their honors program. A National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor, she achieved perfect score on the National Latin Exam. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She was a member of her school’s archery team that won the New York state tournament. She was also a member of the Viking Voices choir and was senior vice president of the Ladies of Charity. Gotiangco volunteered as a tutor for mathematics, science and English and helped serve Thanksgiving meals to the homeless. She was also an altar server at St. Sylvester Parish in Staten Island. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Gotiangco will major in computer science. She is the daughter of Jose and Mildred Gotiangco.

Allison M. Magee, Harleysville, graduated from Souderton Area High School. An AP Scholar with Distinction, she was treasurer of the National Honor Society. She was captain of the girls’ varsity tennis team. She was also treasurer for the Future Business Leaders of America, vice president of Recycle The Cycle and participated in Student Government and Link Crew. A member of University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM, Magee will major in mathematical sciences. She is the daughter of Dave and Carolyn Magee.

Joseph T. Maguire, Islip, New York, graduated from Saint John the Baptist Diocesan High School. A National Merit Commended Scholar, he was a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the science, English, Rho Kappa social studies, Spanish, math and Tri- M music honor societies. He was captain of the men’s varsity volleyball team and both the fall and winter varsity crew teams.  He was named one of long island presses top scholar athletes and received the New York State Board of education scholarship for academic excellence. He was also a member of Student Council and the Good Samaritan Hospital WE CARE program. Maguire volunteered as a as a counselor at Saint Patrick’s of Bayshore faith camp. He also served as a peer tutor, wrote book reviews for a library and participated in local beach clean ups. Maguire will major in biochemistry cell and molecular biology on the pre-med track. He is the son of Robert and Kathleen Maguire.

Michael L. Redmond, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, graduated from Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington, New Jersey. An AP Scholar with Distinction, he was a member of the National Honor Society and earned a seal of bi-literacy for Spanish. He was captain of the varsity hockey team. Redmond volunteered at the Flemington Food Pantry. During the COVID quarantine, he hosted neighborhood food drives. He also raised more than $1,700 for the Patrick’s Pals Foundation through his high school’s annual water wars tournament. A member of University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Redmond will major in biophysics. He is the son of Michael, who is a 1993 graduate of The University of Scranton, and Ann-Marie Redmond.

Matthew C. Saita, Scranton, graduated as valedictorian of Scranton High School. He was president of the National Honor Society. He was named a Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar, an NEIU Scholar of the Year and received a P.I.A.A. District II Scholar-Athlete Award. He was a four-year member of the school’s baseball team. He was also a Senior Class Officer. He participated in the Coaches vs. Cancer program and volunteered at Christmas to deliver poinsettias to shut-ins at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scranton. He will major in business administration. He is the son of Carmine and Linda Saita.

Matthew F. Schade, Haddon Heights, New Jersey, graduated from St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia. An AP Scholar with Distinction, he was a member of the National Honor Society. He was a member of the varsity soccer team and captain of Ultimate Frisbee team. He was a member of the Travis Manion Leadership Academy. Schade participated in a service trip to Sacred Heart Church in Richmond, Virgina. He also volunteered at St. Rose of Lima vacation bible school and at various community cleanups and food donation programs. A member of University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Schade will major in mathematical sciences. He is the son of Bill and Jackie Schade.

Rachel E. Tuman, Lake Ariel, graduated as valedictorian frim Western Wayne High School. A 2022 Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar and a NEIU Scholar of the Year, she was president of the National Honor Society. She received a Bishop’s Youth Award from the Diocese of Scranton and a Daughters of the American Revolution “Good Citizen” Award. She was captain of the girls’ varsity tennis team and participated in the varsity softball team and basketball cheerleading squad. She was senior class vice president for Student Council; president of St. Thomas More Youth Group; vice president of the Scholastic Scrimmage team; and Operations Manager for the Western Wayne School Store, among other activities. She was also senior vice-president for Future Business Leaders of America and was a national competitor in several categories and placed in state and regional competitions. She volunteered at “Tree for New Life” and was an alter server at St. Thomas More/St. Mary Parish in Lake Ariel. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Tuman will major in business administration on the pre-law track. She is the daughter of Michael and Ellen Tuman.

Ashlyn Urbanski, Pittston Township, graduated as valedictorian from Scranton Preparatory School. An AP Scholar with Distinction, she is a member of the National Honor Society. She was named a 2022 Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar and NEIU Scholar of the Year. She was awarded a gold medal on National Latin Exam and a bronze medal on National Spanish Exam. She also received a Bishop’s Youth Award from the Diocese of Scranton. She won the Paderewski Gold Medal for 10 years of National Guild piano auditions and was also a Carnegie Hall Winner for piano. Urbanski participated on the lacrosse, cross country and swimming teams and was a member of Student Council, Books for Bedtime Club and secretary for the Technology Student Association. She volunteered as a peer tutor for StudyHard NEPA and was co-founder for Queen of the Apostles Youth Group, among other activities. Urbanski has not yet declared a major. She is the daughter of Chris and Tammy Urbanski.

The University of Scranton, a nationally recognized Jesuit university in northeast Pennsylvania, will host two Open House events for prospective students and their families on Sunday, Oct. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 6.

“Best 388 Colleges,” “Best Buys in College Education,” “America’s Best Colleges,” “A Focus on Student Success,” “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” “Best Catholic Colleges” – these are just a few of the ways that the nation’s leading college rankings and guidebooks consistently refer to The University of Scranton. For 29 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Scranton among the 10 top Master’s Universities in the North. The Princeton Review included Scranton in its list “Best Colleges” for 21 consecutive years and in its ranking of the nation’s “Best Science Labs” (No. 7) for six years, among other rankings.

At the Open House, participants can learn about Scranton’s 69 undergraduate majors, meet with faculty, students, admissions counselors and financial aid representatives. Student-led campus tours 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 programs of excellence, such as the undergraduate Honors Program, Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Magis Honors Program in STEM, Business Honors Program and Business Leadership Honors Program, will also be available.

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

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The University of Scranton ranked No. 47 among the 603 master’s universities in the nation included in a 2022 listing by Washington Monthly that seeks to rate colleges based on their contribution to the public good. Published in the September/October issue of the magazine and online, Washington Monthly analyzed numerous data sets to determine an overall rank based on what “schools do for the country.” According to the publication, they rank “four-year schools (national universities, liberal arts colleges, baccalaureate colleges, and master’s universities) based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and providing opportunities for public service.”

Washington Monthly also ranked the colleges in categories for “research,” “community and national service” and “social mobility.” Scranton ranked No. 39, No. 52 and No. 124, respectively, in these categories among master’s universities.

Washington Monthly weighted equally the colleges’ scores for research, social mobility and service to calculate the overall ranking. The research score is based on each school’s research expenditure and the number of alumni earning Ph.D.s, relative to the size of the college. The social mobility score is based on actual and predicted graduation rates; student loan repayment rates; the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants; and the school’s average net price for full-time, in-state students with family incomes below $75,000 per year over the past three years, among other factors. The service score, also adjusted for the size of the school, is based on the size of the ROTC program; the number of alumni serving in the Peace Corps; and the percentage of federal work study grant money spent on community service projects and voter engagement, among other factors.

This is the 13^th consecutive year Washington Monthly has included Scranton in its college rankings.

In other national rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton No. 5 among regional universities in the north in its 2023 guidebook, marking the 29^th consecutive year that Scranton ranked in the top 10. The Princeton Review included Scranton in its list of “Best Colleges” for 21 consecutive years, and ranked the University No. 7 in the nation for “Best Science Lab Facilities” in its latest edition of the guidebook.

A rich burst of color shines in the predominately black and white image of Rose Cuy, highlighting the beauty of Mayan traditional dress that is all-too-quickly fading from the town of San Lucas Tolimán in Guatemala.

Byron Maldonado hopes his photographs of elderly women of his village who still wear traditional Mayan clothes will help remind people in his town, and inform people the greater community, of the richness of Mayan culture. 

“I hope to remind people of the importance of traditions that are being lost,” said Maldonado of the images he took in 2012 which will be part of the art exhibition “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala,” to be displayed in The University of Scranton’s Hope Horn Gallery from Friday, Oct. 7, through Friday, Nov. 18.

Maldonado, a native of San Lucas Tolimán, has been taking photos of his village and its people since the time when, as a boy, he found a camera discarded by a visiting tourist in the garbage. 

One day, a priest who ran a Roman Catholic Church Mission in the village saw one of his photos and bought it. The priest, Father Gregory Schaffer, then asked him to begin documenting the work of the San Lucas Mission. 

“My passion for photography was born and my career as a documentary photographer began” wrote Maldonado on his website.

Maldonado recalls that Father Gregory instructed him to only take images of the people, not the way they live, telling him to always keep intact the dignity of the people he photographed.

It is a lesson Maldonado keeps to this very day, saying the faces of those in the photo tell their story – each wrinkle, the texture of their skin, tells about their lives.

Among the photos to be included in the upcoming exhibition is one of Laso Diaz.

“His eyes mean something different to everyone who sees the photo. Some see happiness, others see curiosity. Some see sadness,” said Maldonado. “I remember that he was just so happy to have his photo taken. His big, bright eyes remain with me to this day. In his eyes, I see a sense of hope.”

Maldonado moved to the U.S. in 2006 and further developed his skill as a photographer. 

He returns to San Lucas Tolimán annually. He continues to support the work of the Friends of San Lucas Mission and to keep in touch with those he photographed a decade ago.

Maldonado said that if he were to take a portrait photo of himself it would show two images where his heart lives. One would be of him working with the people of San Lucas Tolimán. The other would be of him with his family. It would document the artist, like his art, preserving the past while looking toward the future.

Maldonado will discuss his exhibition at a public lecture at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall. A gallery reception will immediately follow at the Hope Horn Gallery as part of the City of Scranton’s First Friday events. The exhibition can be seen during gallery hours through Nov. 18. The lecture and exhibition are free of charge and open to the public.

This exhibition is produced through the Hope Horn Gallery in cooperation with the Office of Community Affairs and the Multicultural Center at The University of Scranton. It is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project, made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. (Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.) Funding for the show and its related programming has also been provided by a University of Scranton Diversity Initiatives Grant and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

For additional information, call the Hope Horn Gallery at 570-941-7624, or email Darlene Miller-Lanning, director of the Hope Horn Gallery, at darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

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More than 50 non-profit organizations met with students at The University of Scranton’s annual Volunteer Fair held on campus Sept. 13.

The fair allows students and student-led clubs interested in service projects and community-based learning sites a chance to meet representatives from nonprofit organizations in need of volunteers. Adopt a Boxer Rescue, Arc of NEPA, Big Brother Big Sister, Catholic Social Services, Friends of the Poor, Neighbor Works of NEPA, Taylor Community Library and the Gino Merli Veterans Center were among the participating organizations.

The annual fair is organized by the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice.

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Forbes ranked The University of Scranton among “America’s Top Colleges” for the 14^th year. Scranton is the only college in Northeast Pennsylvania to be named among the just 498 elite colleges in the nation listed in the 2022 ranking, which was published online last month. Scranton, ranked No. 414, was among just 33 colleges in Pennsylvania that Forbes selected as “America’s Top Colleges.”

The ranking by Forbes analyzed “outputs” of a college education, weighting alumni salaries at one to six years and 10 years after enrollment and after graduation the most, representing 20 percent of the overall score. The methodology used by Forbes also looked at graduation rates (15 percent), student debt (15 percent) and the number of alumni making the Forbes “American Leaders” lists (15 percent), such as its “Forbes 400” and “Richest Self-Made Women” lists, as well as alumni who won national and international awards or positions, such as winners of the Nobel Prize. Forbes also rated retention rate (10 percent), academic success (10 percent), as measured by alumni winning prestigious academic scholarships, such as Fulbright and Truman scholarships, and a “return on investment” measurement (15 percent), which calculates the time it takes for students to pay their college debt based on the “post-enrollment earnings boost students get compared their typical salary of a high school graduate in their state.”

In other national rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton No. 5 among regional universities in the north in its 2023 guidebook. This is the 29^th consecutive year that Scranton ranked in the top 10. The Princeton Review included Scranton in its list of “Best Colleges” for 21 consecutive years, and ranked the University No. 7 in the nation for “Best Science Lab Facilities” in the 2023 edition of the guidebook.

The University of Scranton recently hosted a Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) “On the Road” College Election Roundtable to discuss the highly contested Pennsylvania Governor and U.S. Senate races. Panelists for the event, co-sponsored by the University of Scranton’s Political Science Department, were JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., director of The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service; Jeff Brauer, professor of social and behavioral sciences at Keystone College and University of Scranton alumnus; and Borys Krawczeniuk, investigative reporter for the Scranton Times-Tribune. Francine Schertzer, senior vice president and chief content officer for PCN, moderated the discussion.

Several questions posed to the panel sought to determine what salient issues will likely motivate citizens to vote, and how specific candidate attributes will affect the election outcomes.

Prof. Brauer highlighted the struggling economy as an important factor that will drive people to vote. Dr. Hopper agreed, but expanded, noting that some polls find the issue of abortion, a topic of intense conversation since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade with the Dobbs v. Jackson decision in June 2022, to be of larger importance to voters than the economy and inflation. She also referenced Kansas voters’ rejection of a referendum that would have restricted abortion rights as evidence that this issue may bring more women and independents to the polls in favor of Democrats.

Other questions examined if the panel expected the Pennsylvania midterms to defy typical midterm election expectations. For example, after successful primaries, candidates usually shift their rhetoric more to the center of the political spectrum to attract more voters. The party opposite of the president also tends to win more seats in midterm elections. Krawczeniuk responded, explaining that Fetterman, Oz (candidates for the U.S. Senate), and Shapiro (Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Governor) have all moved their positions closer to the middle, but Doug Mastriano, the Republican candidate for Governor, has not. Dr. Hopper attributed this to a recent trend in which candidates are being “rewarded for being on the extremes.” Krawczeniuk also pointed out that although early data pointed to voters favoring Republican candidates, the Democratic candidates have since taken the lead in the polls. However, Krawczeniuk expects the polls to tighten as they usually do after Labor Day.

Dr. Hopper said that the relevance and influence of a former president (Donald Trump) this long after the conclusion of their term is not typical, but will likely have an effect on the midterm results. Prof. Brauer noted that although midterm elections typically act as a referendum on the president’s party, this election still seems to focus on, in a way, the choice between two presidential candidates – a notion exemplified recently as both President Biden and former President Trump visited Northeast Pennsylvania. Dr. Hopper underscores that the state garners so much attention because “Pennsylvania, I think, it is really truly split.”

The panelists also fielded questions about the importance of debates, social media and endorsements and discussed each of the candidates more specifically.

The panelists concluded the event with advice on how to identify legitimate polls, highlighting the importance of poll timing, poll sample-size, the poll’s margin of error, the poll’s potential partisan leaning and the importance of referencing several different sources. The panelists also noted that polls tend to become more accurate the closer to the election.

The panel discussion can be viewed on PCN’s website.

 

The University of Scranton’s Asian Studies Program will host two events that examine transnational migration in Taiwan and its cultural impact on the country’s literature and cinema.

Hsin-Chin Evelyn Hsieh, Ph.D., will present “Bringing the World to Taiwan: Border Crossing and Transnational Cultural Flow in Contemporary Taiwan” at a public lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 5, in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and the lecture beginning at 6 p.m.

A screening of the award-winning film “The Good Daughter” and Q and A with the director Yu-Ying (Sally) Wu will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall. The event also begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., and the film presentation beginning at 6 p.m. immediately followed by a Q and A with the film’s director.

Both events are free of charge and open to the public.

Dr. Hsieh is an associate professor of the Graduate Institute of Taiwan Literature at National Taiwan University. She formerly taught at Wesleyan University and was a visiting scholar at University of Tubingen, Germany. At the Oct. 5 lecture, she will discuss how Southeast Asian migrants and their experiences have reshaped the cultural landscape of Taiwan. Dr. Hsieh’s research interests include contemporary Taiwan literature, film and documentary and migration studies, particularly related to the contemporary cultural production and the inbound and outbound migration of Taiwan.

Director Wu has collaborated with David Sutherland on his FRONTLINE series and other films that aired on PBS. Her debut feature documentary, “The Good Daughter,” won Best Documentary and Best Editing at the 2020 Taipei Film Festival. The film looks at the complicated marriage of a disabled Taiwanese man and his Vietnamese wife, portraying her struggle to balance her family obligation to support her relatives in Vietnam with her duties as a mother and wife to her impoverished family in Taiwan.

The lecture and film screening and Q and A are sponsored by the University’s Asian Studies Program and its College of Arts and Sciences, and the Taipei Cultural Center in New York of the Taiwan Ministry of Culture.

For more information or questions about the events, contact Ann A. Pang-White, Ph.D., director of Asian Studies and professor of philosophy at the University, at ann.pang-white@scranton.edu or 570-941-7643

The University of Scranton President’s Business Council (PBC) will host its first in-person President’s Business Council (PBC) Award Dinner since 2019. The PBC 21^st Annual Award Dinner will take place at Gotham Hall in New York City on Thursday, Sept. 29, and will honor this year’s recipients of the President’s Medal: Patti Byrnes Clarke ’86, P’17,’19, global chief talent officer, Havas Group; and Tom O’Brien ’86, P’19, senior managing director, SumRidge Partners, a Raymond James company. Proceeds from the dinner go directly to the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund.

During her time at the Havas Group, which is one of the world’s largest global communications groups and part of the Vivendi Group, Byrnes Clarke has built a talent management approach that includes initiatives on network mobility, high-potential leadership development, women’s leadership advancement, global employee engagement, employer branding, global diversity, equity and inclusion and wellness. As the global chief talent officer, she is responsible for leading the talent and cultural strategy for the group’s 20,000 plus employees in more than 100 countries.

Byrnes Clarke earned her bachelor’s degree in management from the University in 1986. She is a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees and a former member of the Kania School of Management Advisory Board and the University’s Parents’ Executive Council (PEC). She is also a former chair of the PBC and created the PBC/Kania School of Management Career Coaches Program, in which she remains a mentor to current University students. She and her husband, David, reside in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, and have five children.

Prior to the acquisition of SumRidge Partners, LLC, by Raymond James in July 2022, O’Brien was a co-founder, chief executive officer and president of SumRidge Partners, L.LC., which formed in 2010. SumRidge Partners is a top-ranked electronic fixed income market maker specializing in high-yield, investment-grade corporate bonds, municipal bonds, institutional preferred securities, and emerging market bonds. Prior to launching SumRidge Partners, O’Brien was co-head of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Capital Markets division and was also a member of the firm’s management and risk committees.

O’Brien earned his bachelor’s degree of economics/finance from the University in 1986 and a master of business administration from Fordham University. He is a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees, where he served as vice chair, and was a former chair of the PBC. Today, he acts as a mentor to current University students and frequently teaches in the fixed income securities and markets course, which he co-developed with the late Frank Corcione, Ph.D., and Murli Rajan, Ph.D., G’84. He resides in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, with his wife, Denise, and their three sons.

Byrnes Clarke and O’Brien will be honored with the President’s Medal not only for their career successes, but also for their commitment to the University’s mission and its students.

The PBC was formed in 2001 by the University and a prominent group of alumni and friends with the purpose of advancing the mission of the University. The PBC is committed to strengthening the Scranton network in the business sectors and to providing mentoring, internships and career support for current students and meaningful engagement opportunities for alumni, parents and friends. At the PBC’s Annual Award Dinner, an honoree is presented with the University’s President’s Medal, which recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others. Proceeds from the dinner go directly to the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. Presidential Scholarships are four-year, full-tuition scholarships awarded to the University’s incoming first-year students with outstanding records in high school and notable community involvement.

Additional details regarding this year’s dinner, including the live stream link, are available on the PBC Award Dinner webpage or by contacting Tim Pryle ’89, executive director of the PBC, at 570-941-5837 or pbc@scranton.edu.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D., has been named vice president for University advancement, effective Sept. 19, 2022. Dr. Davis previously served as the vice president for student life at Scranton. In his new position, he will continue responsibility for Athletics and for managing the University’s food service and bookstore partnerships. He will also continue to serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

“I know, from my own experience of working closely with Bobby over the last year that he is a senior leader who grounds his service in a genuine devotion to our mission,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., in the campus announcement about Dr. Davis’s new position. Father Marina added that, as vice president for student life, Dr. Davis “provided dedicated and visionary leadership for the division, championing students and the student experience at every turn. I am particularly grateful for the exceptional work that he and his team accomplished throughout the pandemic.” 

A graduate of The University of Scranton, Dr. Davis joined the staff at Scranton in 2006 and has served in several capacities, including as area coordinator and assistant director for housing operations in the Office of Residence Life; director of the University’s historic Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign, which was the largest capital campaign in the University’s history, raising more than $129 million to support the University’s mission, endowment and development. He also served as interim vice president for development and alumni relations and as chief of staff in the President’s Office at Scranton, prior to his tenure as vice president for student life.

He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Scranton Preparatory School.

Dr. Davis earned his bachelor’s, master’s and MBA degrees from The University of Scranton and his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.

The University of Scranton named seven individuals to its Board of Trustees: William Canny ’77, H’07; Joseph Collins ’90; Mary Collins, Ph.D.; Matthew Cooper, M.D. ’90; Lisa DeNaples, D.M.D.; Rev. Keith Maczkiewicz, S.J.; and Rev. Adam Rosinski, S.J. ’07.

William Canny

William Canny, executive director of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS), has more than 30 years of service to the Catholic Church and to refugees and migrants through his current position, as well as previous positions held at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the International Catholic Migration Commission.

Canny joined USCCB/MRS in 2015. He previously served as CRS in several positions during the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. He served as director of emergency operations at CRS from 2010 to 2012, leading the emergency department in global prevention, preparedness, protection and response operations. Canny directed CRS’ initial response to the Haiti earthquake of 2010. From 1998 to 2004, Canny served as secretary general for the International Catholic Migration Commission. He also served as the chief operations officer of the Papal Foundation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Canny has demonstrated commitment to – and has provided a wealth of experience in – providing service to migrants, refugees and others in need. He has lived and worked in Niger, Djibouti, Burkina Faso, India, Switzerland and Haiti.

Canny received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from The University of Scranton at the New Student Assembly in 2007. He earned a bachelor’s degree in human services in 1977 from

Scranton and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Pittsburgh. He lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife Patricia and his twin sons Alex and Roan.

Joseph Collins

Joseph Collins, vice president, Medical Intelligence, Patient Insights and Solutions at Astellas Pharmaceuticals, has spent his career in the pharmaceutical industry. At Astellas, a global Life Sciences organization, Collins manages teams tasked with ensuring the perspective and insights of patients and healthcare providers are considered in all phases of drug development and commercialization. Prior to joining Astellas, he worked at Sanofi and Roche Pharmaceuticals.

Collins is active in several organizations including serving on the board of Times Shamrock Communications. He is a member of the President’s Business Council at The University of Scranton and serves as a mentor to undergraduates in the Kania School of Management. He has served on the Devon Preparatory School Alumni Board, Keystone College Board of Trustees and the Greater Scranton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Collins graduated from The University of Scranton in 1990 with dual bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history and received his master’s in business administration from Villanova University in 2007. He lives in Scranton with his wife Mauri Haggerty Collins and their five daughters Clare, Catie, Cecelia, Rita and Elizabeth.

Mary Collins, Ph.D.

Dr. Mary Collins, associate provost and as a resident Chaplain at Le Moyne College, has 40 years of experience in Jesuit Catholic higher education. During her time at Le Moyne College, Dr. Collins has served as associate provost for twelve years, as resident Chaplain for ten years, as the inaugural dean of management for several years, as the department chair of accounting for multiple terms, and as Faculty Senate president three times. As a faculty member, Dr. Collins, who is also a licensed certified public accountant in New York, has taught upper-division courses in financial accounting and auditing, pursued her research interest on budgets and organizational behavior and served on numerous committees primarily in academic affairs and finance. She received two awards for teaching excellence.

During her distinguished career, Dr. Collins has served on numerous boards, including the Institute of Internal Auditors of Central New York Chapter, Peace Action of Central New York, VNA Systems, Inc., among others. She served on numerous committees of professional organizations and

local initiatives including the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, vice-chair of Mayor’s Commission on Living Wage, New York State’s Assembly’s Task Force on University-Industry Cooperation and the American Accounting Association Auditing Section National Committee, to name a few.

Dr. Collins earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Le Moyne College, and her master’s degree in accounting and Ph.D., focusing on accounting and organization behavior, change and development, from Syracuse University.

Matthew Cooper, M.D.

Dr. Matthew Cooper is a professor of surgery at Georgetown School of Medicine, and director of kidney and pancreas transplantation and director for quality at the Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute (MGTI). He is involved in transplantation activities both in the U.S. and around the world. He is the current United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network president. He is a member of the National and D.C. Board of Directors for the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and a member of the NKF’s National Transplant Task Force. He has served as a councillor for the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. He is a current board member for the National Kidney Registry, the American Foundation for Donation and Transplantation, the International Pancreas and Islet Cell Transplant Association and Donate Life America. Dr. Cooper has served as chair of the American Transplant Congress.

Dr. Cooper seeks new opportunities for living donation through innovation and by removing the disincentives for those considering donation while promoting the safety and long-term care of live organ donors. His clinical interests include kidney and pancreas transplantation; particularly the use of marginal organs. He has authored over 220 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 300 abstracts and 12 book chapters. He is regularly invited to speak on a variety of transplant-related topics both nationally and internationally.

Prior to his current role at Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute, which he began in 2012, Dr. Cooper directed the kidney transplant and clinical research program the University of Maryland (2005-2012). He joined the transplant faculty at the Johns Hopkins Hospital upon completion of his training and was appointed surgical director of kidney transplantation and clinical research in 2003.

Dr. Cooper graduated from The University of Scranton in 1990, earning his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. He earned his medical degree from the Georgetown University School of Medicine.

He completed his general surgery training at the Medical College of Wisconsin followed by a fellowship in multi-organ abdominal transplantation at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

Dr. Cooper and his wife, Alicia, reside in Columbia, Maryland. They are the parents of 3 children: Julia’ 19, Emily and Matthew.

Lisa DeNaples, D.M.D.

Dr. Lisa DeNaples, is owner and managing trustee at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, a premier resort in the Poconos with nearly 300 rooms, a spa and salon and five restaurants. Mount Airy was the first AAA Four Diamond casino resort in Pennsylvania.

When a hand injury forced Dr. DeNaples to reduce some of her dental work, she became co-owner and vice president of a Harley Davidson Dealership located in Williamsport. She attended Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California, for one and a half years, where she had an externship in the City District Attorney’s Office. While attending law school, she was asked by her father to lead the Mount Airy Project where she currently serves as owner and managing trustee.

Dr. DeNaples is a current board member of Highmark Blue Cross. She is a former board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Scranton, Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, The University of Scranton, Scranton Council on Literacy Advance (SCOLA) and Mercy Hospital (Scranton Regional Hospital).

A graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, Dr. DeNaples earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Marywood University. She earned her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School with a focus on General Family Dentistry.

Rev. Keith Maczkiewicz, S.J.

Rev. Keith Maczkiewicz, S.J., is the director of campus ministry and university Chaplain at Fairfield University, where he has served since July 2021. A native of Long Island, New York, he joined the East Coast Province Jesuits in the summer of 2008. He has served mainly in campus ministry at the college and high school level, in retreat work, and in faith formation. He has also served as the director of religious education at a diverse parish in Oakland, California.

Father Maczkiewicz was ordained a priest in June 2018 and has worked in campus ministry at Georgetown University, the College of the Holy Cross and The University of Scranton, where he lived in Hafey Hall as a resident minister from 2006 to 2008.

Father Maczkiewicz earned his bachelor’s degree in history/American studies/education from Fairfield University and his master’s degree in secondary education from Providence College. After entering the Society of Jesus, he completed his philosophy studies and earned a master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and his completed theology studies earning a M.Div., Th.M., S.T.L. at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California. He is currently a student in the Executive Doctor of Higher Education program at Boston College, in its inaugural cohort.

Rev. Adam Rosinski, S.J.

Rev. Adam Rosinski, S.J., a priest of the USA East Jesuit Province, currently serves as the Socius and assistant director of novices at the St. Andrew Hall Jesuit Novitiate in Syracuse, New York. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2019, he previously served as associate pastor at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, and as the assistant director and promoter of vocations for the Jesuits’ USA East Province.

Father Rosinski serves as a trustee of St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia.

Father Rosinski earned his bachelor’s degree in theology and counseling and human services from The University of Scranton in 2007. He entered the Society of Jesus in 2009 and, during his Jesuit formation, he earned his master’s degree in social philosophy from Loyola University Chicago, served as a teacher and campus minister at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, and went on to earn Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will present two eclectic Collaborative Programs this fall.

On Thursday, Oct. 13, Julie Byerley, M.D., dean of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM), president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences and executive vice president and chief academic officer, Geisinger, will present “Threats to Equity: The Influence of Social Determinants on Human Behaviors that Promote Well-being.” Co-sponsored by GCSOM, the program will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Brennan Hall’s Rose Room, and will also be streamed remotely.

A pediatrician by training, Byerley’s former clinical practice was focused on the care of adolescents with fatigue, chronic pain, anxiety and depression. Combining her interest in health habits that help combat these conditions with a drive to enhance overall health equity, she’ll examine how social determinants influence behaviors that improve well-being. Attendees will be encouraged to consider how daily habits influence the health of individuals and communities alike.

Admission to the program is free for University students, faculty and staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the fee is $25 per individual and $50 per couple for in-person, and $10 per individual and $20 per couple for remote-only. To register, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Or, to pay online, visit www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

Then, on Friday, Nov.18, the Schemel Forum will partner with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library to present the Royden B. Davis, S.J. Distinguished Author Award Event honoring Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhtar. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the DeNaples Center’s McIlhenny Ballroom. Reservations are required to attend, and ticket prices vary.

Akhtar is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Edith Wharton Citation of Merit for Fiction, and an Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He is the author of “Homeland Elegies,” which The Washington Post called “a tour de force” and The New York Times called “a beautiful novel…that had echoes of ‘The Great Gatsby’ and that circles, with pointed intellect, the possibilities and limitations of American life.” His first novel, “American Dervish,” was published in over 20 languages. His plays include “Junk,” “Disgraced,” “The Who & The What” and “The Invisible Hand.”

For more information on the Distinguished Author Award Event, visit scranton.edu/authaward or contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.

Representatives from NASA will be at The University of Scranton on Thursday, Sept. 22, to discuss space technology and Artemis, a robotic and human Moon exploration program led by NASA. At a 7 p.m. panel discussion and reception, area high school and college students and their families, can also learn about career paths at NASA and how students can become involved with the Artemis Generation.

The event, titled “We Are Going: Artemis and the Role of Space Technology,” will begin with a panel discussion at 7 p.m. in PNC Auditorium of University’s Loyola Science Center. Panelists will discuss how technology drives exploration. They will discuss how, through Artemis, NASA will return to the Moon and test the technologies needed to take the next giant leap: sending astronauts to Mars. Panelists will discuss how NASA’s investments in research and development contribute to science and human exploration missions, and support opportunities and advancements on Earth. They will also discuss how the agency’s work benefits communities across the country, and how individuals can join the Artemis Generation.

A reception will immediately follow the panel discussion in the Atrium of Loyola Science Center. The event is free of charge.

Panelists are: Niki Werkheiser, director for Technology Maturation, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters; Jason L. Kessler, program executive, Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters; and Stephanie Yeldell, education integration lead, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters.

Earlier in the day, Werkheiser will speak to University of Scranton students at an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) meeting on campus.

On Sept. 23, NASA will offer an industry day and networking event focused on collaboration opportunities with local businesses at the University’s DeNaples Center. NASA Northeast Pennsylvania Industry Day will begin at 9 a.m. and will include national and local speakers, presentations, and networking opportunities in collaboration with the Keystone Space Collaborative, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, and Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Center. Local business owners, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and university representatives are encouraged to attend the free event. Registration is required and can be made on the event’s website.

The Sept. 22 NASA panel discussion and reception, titled “We Are Going: Artemis and the Role of Space Technology,” is free of charge and does not require reservations.

For more information about the NASA event on Sept. 22, contact the University’s Office of Community and Government Relations at community@scranton.edu or 570-941-4419.

Oct. 1       9 a.m. Scranton’s Ready to Run Northeast Pennsylvania Program: “Wanted: More Women Like You in Politics.” Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6326 or email sharon.olechna@scranton.edu.

Oct. 5       6 p.m. Asian Studies Public Lecture and Meet the Award-winning Author “Life on the Move: Transnational Migration and Cross-Cultural Imagination in Taiwan Literature and Film,” Part 1. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.

Oct. 6       6 p.m. Asian Studies Film Screening and Meet the Award-winning Director of “The Good Daughter.” “Life on the Move: Transnational Migration and Cross-Cultural Imagination in Taiwan Literature and Film,” Part 2. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free, Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.

Oct. 7 through Nov. 18         Art Exhibit: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” photographs by Byron Maldonado. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 7       5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” presented by Byron Maldonado. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 12            1 p.m. The Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Virtual Speaker Series: “Career Opportunities in the Changing Workplace” with panel moderator Kathleen West-Evans, MPA, CRC. Presented by the J. A. Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment. Free. Visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference. Call 570-941-7401.

Oct. 12            7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values in Action Lecture: “On Juneteenth” presented by Annette Gordon-Reed, Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times best-selling author. Byron Recreation Complex. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Oct. 13            Noon. Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Threats to Equity: The Influence of Social Determinants on Human Behaviors that Promote Well-being” presented Julie Byerley, MD, president and dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Oct. 15            2 p.m. Art Gallery: “Walking Tour: Scranton Lace Company/Lace Village Site.” Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu

Oct. 15            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Andrew Gonzalez, viola and violincello da spalla. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 19            1 p.m. The Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Virtual Speaker Series: “Embedding Deia: A Cultural-Shift for Business, Communities, and You!” Speakers Hattie McCarter, MS, CRC; CEO of M.E.N.D. Consulting Solutions and certified DEI professional and Stephanie Perry, MSW, LSW DEI consultant. Presented by the J. A. Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment. Free. Visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference. Call 570-941-7401.

Oct. 21-23 and 28-30      8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “Almost, Maine” presented by The University Players. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu.

Oct. 23            9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Oct. 23            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 26            1 p.m. The Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Virtual Speaker Series: “A Framework for Community Engagement: A Pathway to Employment” with speakers Cayte Anderson, Ph.D., and Emily Brinck, Ph.D., both are researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, VRTAC-QE. Presented by the J. A. Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment. Free. Visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference. Call 570-941-7401.

Oct. 29            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and guest drummer Carmen Intorre Jr. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

 

Margarete L. Zalon, Ph.D., professor of nursing, received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. The 2022 John L. Earl III Award was presented at the University’s annual Fall Convocation, which took place on campus on Sept. 2.

The award is given annually to a member of the University community who demonstrates the spirit of generosity and dedication that the late Dr. John Earl, a distinguished professor of history, exemplified during his years at Scranton from 1964 to 1996.

Daniel J. West Jr., Ph.D., professor and chair the Health Administration and Human Resources Department at The University of Scranton and the 2021 John L. Earl III Award recipient, announced Dr. Zalon as the 2022 recipient at the Convocation. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, presented the award to Dr. Zalon.

During her more than three decades of service at the University, Dr. Zalon has served on numerous committees, including in leadership roles on the Faculty Senate and FAC. As director of the University’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics Program, Dr. Zalon has played a pivotal role in the program’s success. In 2021, the graduate program received accreditation from the prestigious Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Dr. Zalon, who has been a member of Scranton’s faculty since 1988, was inducted as an American Academy of Nursing Fellow in 2010 in part for her positive influence on health care policy and delivery. Her leadership legacy includes grassroots advocacy, progressive program design, execution and outcomes in state and national nursing organizations focused on establishing practice and education policy, and building research funding capacity.

Dr. Zalon is a past chair of the American Nurses Foundation, a former board member of the American Nurses Association and a past president of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association.

Dr. Zalon’s research focuses on vulnerable elders. She has authored book chapters, as well as articles published in numerous scholarly journals and other professional publications. She has also made research and health policy presentations at the local, state, national and international levels. She is the co-author of the book “Nurses Making Policy: From Bedside to Boardroom” with Rebecca M. Patton, MSN and Ruth Ludwick, Ph.D.

Dr. Zalon is a recipient of the Duke University School of Nursing Distinguished Alumna Award, the PSNA Distinguished Nurse Award and a Leahy Fellowship at The University of Scranton. She also received the University’s Excellence in Advancing Interdisciplinary Study Award in 2020.

Dr. Zalon earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees from New York University.

“The Office” cast member and New York Times best-selling author Brian Baumgartner will visit The University of Scranton on Thursday, Sept. 15, for an exclusive Q and A with students, faculty and staff, followed by book signing just for members of the University community. The event comes two-days after publication of his latest book, “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook.”

Baumgartner was on campus in November 2021 for a student Q and A and book signing for his then just published book “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office,” which became a New York Times best-seller.

Baumgartner will be on campus as part of a tour to promote his second book, “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook.” In real life, Baumgartner is “a true chili master and aficionado,” who is “just as serious as his fictional counterpart about making the most perfect pot of chili.” His first cookbook features 177 chili recipes hand-picked by Baumgartner. Written in a humorous and friendly tone, the book showcases specific styles of chili, including Texas chili, Cincinnati chili, vegetarian chili, black bean chili and home-style chili, as well as other regional and international variations and a bonus recipe of the official “Kevin’s Famous Chili” recipe from The Office. The book is also peppered with fun chili facts.

Baumgartner played Kevin Malone on The Office, which originally aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013, was among the most popular shows on Netflix and 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.”

Called “The definitive history of The Office” by E! News, “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin,” co-authored with Ben Silverman, the executive producer of The Office, is based on hundreds of hours of exclusive interviews with the actors, creators, writers, producers, directors, network executives and crew members of The Office, who share their favorite stories of the making of what became the most-watched series in the world.

Pre-registration is required to attend the Q & A, which begins on Sept. 15 at 4:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. A book signing immediately follows at 5:30 p.m. Both events require Royal cards for access.

 “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook,” published by Fox Chapel, can be pre-ordered at the University’s book store or its webpage, with copies available prior to the book signing.

Two public book-signing events are planned for area residents with Baumgartner the following day, Sept. 16. He will be at a book signing at Books-A-Million at the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Baumgartner will also be at a book signing at PNC Field on the Geisinger Plaza (inside the main entrance) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Friday evening event will also feature a Backyard BBQ with chili and fireworks.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton No. 5 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North” in the 2023 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook, which became available online today. U.S. News has ranked Scranton among the top 10 universities in its category for 29 consecutive years.

U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 6 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” a selection of the top colleges in the nation that express a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.

“Our students and their parents, our faculty and staff, and our alumni know well and value greatly the quality of the Jesuit education offered at Scranton. However, it is also very gratifying for Scranton to receive such consistently high-marks and recognition from more impartial sources like U.S. News and other national rankings,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “We are delighted U.S. News once again ranked Scranton No. 5 in its latest guidebook.”

Several of Scranton’s programs were also included in national rankings, as opposed to listings by category. U.S. News ranked Scranton among the nation’s “Best Undergraduate Programs in Accounting” at No. 44 in the U.S.; among the “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs” at No. 135; and among “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” at No. 185 (where doctorate is not offered). Scranton’s was also listed among the 537 “Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs” in the nation. Scranton also ranked No. 219 among America’s “Best Undergraduate Business Programs,” which listed just 516 schools that hold accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

For these program listings, U.S. News only ranked schools holding the highest recognized national accreditations in their fields. The rankings were based solely on dean and senior faculty recommendations from peer institutions.

In addition, U.S. News ranked Scranton No. 54 as a “Best Value Regional University in the North,” which compares academic quality of programs to cost of attendance. This is the tenth consecutive year U.S. News has recognized Scranton as a “Best Value” school. Scranton was ranked No. 145 in its category in “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” which looks at the success of schools that enroll and graduate students who were awarded with Pell Grants.

U.S. News uses data on 17 measures of academic quality to rank bachelor’s degree colleges in the America. For its rankings, U.S. News considers a range of quality indicators that include a peer assessment of academic excellence (20 percent); faculty resources (20 percent), which includes class size and regional cost-of-living adjustments to faculty pay and benefits; graduation rates (17.6 percent); freshman retention (4.4 percent); graduation performance rates (8 percent), which compares a school’s actual graduation rates with predicted graduation rates based on characteristics of the incoming class; financial resources (10 percent); a social mobility score (5 percent); graduate indebtedness (5 percent); and alumni giving (3 percent). U.S. News ranking analysis also includes student selectivity (7 percent), as measured by SAT or ACT scores and high school ranking of students in the top 25 percent of their class.

U.S. News categorizes colleges for their rankings based on the official Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification of universities.

The 2023 U.S. News “Best Colleges” rankings became available online Sept. 12.

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“Once in office, compared to male colleagues, women sponsor more legislation in the U.S. Congress, bring back nine percent more federal funding to their districts, and are more responsive to their constituents back home. In both Congress and state legislatures, women are more likely to collaborate with other legislators,” wrote JoyAnna S. Hopper, Ph.D., director of the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service and Assistant Professor of Political Science at The University of Scranton, in an editorial in the Scranton Times-Tribune, published Sept. 11.

In the editorial, Dr. Hopper spoke of the need for more women to serve in elected office and highlighted a training program, Ready to Run Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA), that encourages and trains women who are interested in becoming more involved in government. The Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service at Scranton, in collaboration with the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, offers the non-partisan, campaign training programs that target women in in Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

The next Ready to Run NEPA program is set for Saturday, Oct. 1, at The University of Scranton. Participants will gain insight into establishing themselves as credible and viable candidates as well as inspiration to launch a campaign. Topics covered include presentation and messaging skills; what makes women qualified candidates; and how to get started with your campaign. Participants will also gain an understanding of what the underrepresentation of women in Pennsylvania's state and local governments means for women, their families and our communities.

The session begins with check-in/registration at 9 a.m. on the fifth floor of Brennan Hall on the University’s campus and ends at 2 p.m. Refreshments, lunch and materials are included with the registration fee. The event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County. WNEP is the media partner.

Registration is $30 for the general public or $10 for students with ID. A limited number of partial scholarships are also available. Registration is required to attend and can be completed online. (https://www.scranton.edu/academics/ready-to-run/registration.shtml).

For additional information visit the University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service website or contact Sharon Olechna, administrative assistant for the Political Science Department, at 570-941-6326 or sharon.olechna@scranton.edu or readytorun@scranton.edu.

Update: Due to a situation beyond his control, Vincent Grana will be unable to perform in recital Saturday evening. Carlos Avila will instead be joined by recent Grammy-nominee cellist Michael Nicolas.

Performance Music at The University of Scranton will welcome pianist Carlos Avila and bass vocalist Vincent Grana for a recital scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17.  The recital begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.  Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, Avila has been a favorite performer at the University for the last decade, having appeared here both as a soloist, as well as with a variety of ensembles. Boga said, “As he serves as pianist for a number of renowned and ‘rising star’ operatic voices, I asked him to select the vocalist for this performance from among his favorite young artists on the national scene, and he is looking forward to introducing our Scranton audience to Vincent Grana.”

One of the most in-demand pianists on the classical music scene, the New York City-based Avila has played concerts across North and South America, Europe and Asia. He has performed at festivals such as Schleswig-Holstein, Tanglewood, Sarasota, Aspen, Banff, Music Academy of the West, Pianofest, Holland, ChamberFest Dubuque, Lake George and the Carnegie Hall Workshops.

An avid collaborator, Avila has maintained a 20-year partnership with acclaimed violinist Jay Oh, with whom he has given over 80 recitals across Asia and the United States. He has played at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s All-Access Chamber series and the New York Philharmonic’s Leonard Bernstein salon series, and has been showcased on New York’s WQXR, where he gave an all-transcription recital broadcast as one of the winners of The Juilliard School’s prestigious Gina Bachauer Piano Competition.

Avila serves on the collaborative piano faculty at the Heifetz Institute, and is a highly in-demand studio pianist at conservatories throughout the NYC area. A proud Filipino American, Avila is a graduate of Juilliard, where he studied with Jerome Lowenthal.

Based in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Grana debuted at Dayton Opera performing the role of Zuniga in their production of Bizet’s Carmen. He has performed with the Castleton Festival under the baton of Maestro Lorin Maazel, covering such roles as Alcindoro and Benoit (“La Boheme”), Simone (“Gianni Schicchi”) and Escamillo in a concert performance of “Carmen.” In addition, he has performed in the Crested Butte Music Festival’s production of “L’elisir d’amore” and has worked with such renowned artists as Samuel Ramey.

A Philadelphia District winner at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Grana has sung with Sarasota Opera as an apprentice artist and performed the role of Simone in Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi” with Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance program in the summer of 2017. Some of his more recent roles include Gardiner in Opera San Jose’s production of “Moby Dick,” Il Priore in Bellini’s “La Straniera” and Podestà in Rossini’s “La Gazza Ladr,” both with Teatro Nuovo, and Rafael and Adam in Haydn’s “The Creation and Colline in La Boheme” at the Dayton Opera.

Grana received his bachelor’s degree in music education and master’s degree in vocal performance from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. 

Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season.

For further information on the recital, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on the performers, visit vincentgrana.com and artsglobal.org.

The Royal Experience Summer Internship Program provided six University of Scranton students, selected from a competitive pool, a stipend of up to $4,000 to support their participation in a meaningful unpaid internship for the summer of 2022. The program was started in 2016 through funding by the University’s Parents’ Executive Council and the donations of alumni and friends of the University.

Students receiving support write about their internship experiences in a blog published on the University’s Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development webpage.

The following is a list of students who participated in the 2022 Royal Experience Summer Internship program.

Sydney Gero ’23, a criminal justice major from Somerset, New Jersey, participated in the New Jersey State Parole Board (NJSPB) Internship Program at the Community Programs Division of NJSPB in Trenton, New Jersey.

Nicole Gomber ’23, a counseling and human services major from New Providence, New Jersey, interned at Good Grief in Morristown, New Jersey.

Julia Loury ’23, an entrepreneurship major from Scranton, was the coordinating project officer and operations assistant intern at Aardvark Amusements in Sayreville, New Jersey.

Clare Maguire ’23, a criminal justice major from Oreland, participated in the 2022 Summer Internship Program at the Montgomery County Detective Bureau in Norristown.

Simal Sami ’24, an information technology major from Jessup, was an intern for The University of Scranton’s IT Department.

Michael Walton ’23, a marketing major from Gloucester City, New Jersey, was a public relations and marketing intern for The Borgen Project, Tacoma, Washington.

University of Scranton alumnus and former University trustee, Rev. James F. Duffy, S.J., M.D., will serve as the new superior for the Scranton Jesuit Community. His position became effective July 31. He replaced Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., who stepped down from that position, which he has held since 2015.

A 1988 graduate of The University of Scranton, Father Duffy served as a trustee at his alma mater from 2007 to 2016. He received the University’s Frank J. O'Hara Distinguished Alumni award in 2013, which is the highest award bestowed jointly by the University and our Alumni Society.

A board-certified internist, Father Duffy earned his medical degree from Georgetown University in 1992. He served as an undersea medical officer for the U.S. Navy in Sardegna, Italy, onboard the USS Simon Lake (AS-33), from 1993-1996. When he returned to the U.S. after four years of service, he entered the Society of Jesus as a novice in 1996 and was first missioned to complete his residency training in Internal Medicine at Georgetown University Hospital from 1998-2000. During his philosophy studies, he earned his master’s in health care ethics from Loyola University of Chicago and during his theological studies, he completed his M.Div. from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. Following ordination in 2006, Father Duffy served as associate cean of clinical education at Georgetown University School of Medicine from 2006 to 2016, before joining the Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 2017 in the same role.

Consistent with the Universal Apostolic Preferences, Father Duffy has continued to practice in Spanish-speaking, underserved medical clinics throughout his Jesuit formation and medical career.

The Princeton Review selected The University of Scranton once again among the best colleges in the nation. Scranton is among just 14 percent of schools listed in the 2023 edition of the “Best 388 Colleges” guidebook, marking the 21st consecutive year the University was selected and recommended by The Princeton Review as one of the top colleges in the country.

In addition, for the sixth year, The Princeton Review ranked Scranton among the nation’s “Best Science Lab Facilities” (No. 7) and “Best Campus Food” (No. 25). Scranton also ranked among the “Most Religious Students” (No. 24) in the latest edition of the guidebook.

The Princeton Review wrote “some students refer to The University of Scranton as ‘Disney World in PA’ because ‘everyone is so friendly and helpful,’” in its profile of Scranton, which also included boasts about the University’s accessible and caring faculty, outstanding facilities, a network of supportive alumni, and a Jesuit mission and curriculum firmly grounded in ethics.

“We salute The University of Scranton for its outstanding academics, and its many other impressive offerings. We are delighted to recommend it as an ideal choice for students searching for their ‘best fit’ college,” said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s editor –in-chief and lead author of “The Best 388 Colleges,” in a news release.

The Princeton Review does not include an overall ranking of the schools selected as the best in the country, however they do publish rankings of schools in 50 categories based on results of their surveys of 160,000 students at the 388 colleges included in the book. Information from the surveys is also used in the profiles included about each school in the publication.

In addition to The Princeton Review, U.S. News has ranked Scranton among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 28 consecutive years, placing the University No. 5 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North” its 2022 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook.

The University of Scranton held a capping ceremony for members of its 2024 graduate nurse anesthetist program. The students completed the rigorous first-year academic course requirements of the three-year program and now will begin the clinical rotation portion of the master’s degree program.

Nurse anesthetist students capped at the ceremony were:

Deborah Antwih, Towson, Maryland;

Toni Baran, Sugarloaf;

William Bianco, Long Beach, New York;

Gabriel Bigatel, Old Forge;

Graham Bigsby, Endwell, New York;

Kevin Constantinescu, Scranton;

Aaron Crowell, Plains

Vincent David, Scranton;

Kelsey Davis, Bloomsburg;

Elijah Emmons, Chattanooga, Tennessee;

Rolando Flores, Sunnyside, New York;

Umid Iskhakov, Brooklyn, New York;

Starr Jackson, Staten Island, New York;

Boris Lukatskiy, Rego Park, New York; 

Raza Mian, Staten Island, New York;

Calvin Ngo, Brooklyn, New York;

Tess Nidetch, Sayre;

Adam Nugdalla, Coram, New York;

Isaac Osei-Wusu, Newark, New Jersey;

Nelson Ramos, New York, New York;

Erik Steffens, Scranton;

Samantha Valle, Holbrook, New York;

Meghan Visalli, Scranton;

Jeff Yalun, Congers, New York.

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will offer three stimulating evening courses as part of its fall programming.

Taught by University faculty members, the courses will be presented in six weekly sessions from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Weinberg Memorial Library. The courses are free for University students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the fee is $75 per individual and $125 per couple.

Billie Tadros, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and theatre, will present “Crossing the Line(s): Reading and Writing Contemporary Poetry” on Monday evenings Sept. 19 and 26 and Oct. 3, 17, 24 and 31.

During the sessions, Tadros will help students develop a vocabulary for the shared practice of close-reading forms of poetry, from the traditional (e.g., the sonnet, the villanelle, the sestina, the pantoum) to the newer forms invented by living poets (e.g., the Golden Shovel, the duplex, the pecha kucha).

Participants will be invited (though not required) to write their own poems, and there will be time for sharing and discussion during each course meeting.

“I aim to provide participants with the confidence and the vocabulary to read and to talk about contemporary poems,” Tadros said. “I’ll invite participants to experiment with poetry themselves and to consider what poetry can do for them in their own lives as readers and writers. In a 1994 interview, award-winning poet Adrienne Rich described poetry as ‘a portable art,’ saying that ‘it travels.’ In my course, I hope to provide participants with something portable, both something they can carry with them and something to help carry them forward.”

Roy Domenico, Ph.D., professor of history, will present “What is Fascism?” on Wednesday evenings Sept. 21 and 28 and Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26.

For decades, historians have struggled to define fascism – has the word become so unwieldy that it has lost its meaning, or does it still convey something that informs us about our world? With those questions in mind, Domenico will use the course to examine fascism, or something that resembles it, starting with its French and Italian roots and its Nazi variations, and concluding with the global populist and mass-surveillance phenomena.

“Has there ever been a clear definition of fascism?” Domenico said. “We'll explore the various angles of fascism, something that went away in 1945 ... or not?”

Stephen Whittaker, Ph.D., professor in the University’s Department of English and Theatre, will present “How a Masterpiece of Medieval Irish Art Bridged the Classical & Christian Worlds” on Tuesday evenings Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25 and Nov. 1 and 8.

In this look at the origins and legacy of the Monogram Page of “The Book of Kells,” commonly known as “the chief relic of the Western world,” Whittaker will examine how an Irish treasure from the year 800 unified science, religion and art.

“During the golden age of classical Greece, Plato articulated a unity of scientific, theological and artistic perspectives. This coherence of ways of thinking about human experience lay obscured for a millennium, but it surfaced again in the Chi Rho page of ‘The Book of Kells,’” Whittaker said. “This medieval Irish masterpiece embodies and transmits to us a vision of the deep unity of sacred, natural and artistic modes of human experience.”

To register for the courses, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Or, to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum. For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.

Additional Schemel Forum events scheduled for the fall semester include luncheon seminars collaborative events and a bus trip. Myers talks about the fall programming in an interview with Erika Funke for WVIA. The full schedule events can be found on the Schemel Forum’s webpage.

More than twenty members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2022 arrived on campus Aug. 25 to participate in the Royals of Color Kickoff (ROCK). Now in its second year, ROCK was developed based on feedback from students of color at Scranton. The program allows students meet each other, meet returning students who will serve as mentors, tour downtown Scranton and learn more about University resources prior to Fall Welcome programming that began on Aug. 27 when their classmates arrived on campus.

The program included a meet and greet with Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J. president of The University of Scranton, a welcome from Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University, a tour of downtown Scranton and a returning student panel discussion, among other events.

University students participating in the panel discussion were: Nickalia Beckford, a psychology major from Mount Vernon, New York; Zitha Igbokwe, an accounting major from Gauteng, South Africa; Serena Martin, a political science major from Bronx, New York; Ayana McCalla, a sociology major from North Baldwin, New York; Ashley Moronta, a forensic chemistry major from Hazleton; Anthony Torres, a biochemistry major in the premed program from New Milford; Michael Trought, a kinesiology major from New Rochelle, New York; and Luis Vasquez, a counseling and human services major from Hazleton.

The University of Scranton welcomed one of its largest and the most diverse class in the history of the school the weekend of Aug. 27. Two-hundred and eighty-five members of its class of 2026 identified as a student of color, which represents nearly 27 percent of the incoming class of more than 1,060.

Photos of students participating in ROCK and fall welcome activities, can be seen on the University’s Flickr page.

Fall semester classes on campus began Monday, Aug. 29.

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Forty-two members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2026 arrived on campus on Aug. 22 to participate in FIRST (Freshmen Involved in Reflective Service Together), a reflective service immersion program at Scranton.

The students spent the week volunteering at area nonprofit organizations during the day and reflecting on their service experiences and getting to know each other in the evenings spent at the University’s Conference and Retreat Center at Chapman Lake.

Students volunteered with Neighborworks, the Belleview Center, Telespond and Friends of the Poor. FOX-56 News interviewed students participating in FIRST at the Friends of the Poor warehouse in south Scranton.

Performance Music at The University of Scranton will kick off its fall season Friday, Sept. 2, with a concert by the Matt Marantz Quartet. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, Marantz is a friend and longtime colleague of Scranton’s new Co-Director of Performance Music Phil Kuehn.

A Texas native, Marantz grew up in a musical family and, during the early years of his saxophone studies, became an admirer of the music of Charlie Parker, Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderly.

While a student at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Marantz nurtured his love of playing in different types of ensembles under the tutelage of his father and then-director of the jazz bands, Bart Marantz. There, he also learned about the jazz greats who served as his musical foundation, among them Keith Jarrett, John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins. Some of Marantz:s peers at the school, most notably pianists Sam Harris and Frank LoCrasto, additionally had a big impact on his playing and composing.

In 2004, Marantz moved to New York City, beginning a musical journey that has taken him as far away as the Middle East, Europe and Asia for tours. Along the way, he has had the chance to perform live with Herbie Hancock, Michael Bublé, Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard and Jason Moran. His 2010 album, “Offering,” received three and a half stars in Downbeat, while his self-released title “Aura” is available on Bandcamp.

Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Marantz, visit mattmarantz.com.

The University of Scranton will welcome the most diverse class in the history of the school this weekend with 285 members of its class of 2026 identifying as a student of color, representing nearly 27 percent of the incoming class. Scranton will also welcome its largest degree seeking, graduate international student cohort in the last 15 years, with more than 60 new graduate degree-seeking international students starting this fall.

Incoming University students include more than 1,060 members of its undergraduate class of 2026, which is one of the largest in Scranton’s history, in addition to nearly 50 transfer students and nearly 275 graduate students, both on-campus and online.

The University’s undergraduate class of 2026, selected from a pool of more than 9,525 applicants, is the most diverse in its history, with nearly 27 percent of incoming students identifying as a person of color. More than 30 percent of the incoming class identify as first generation college students. The class represents more than 500 high schools, has an average SAT score of 1,240 and includes seven valedictorians and eight salutatorians. Members of the class of 2026 represent five countries, including Ukraine, and 14 states, including Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Texas. Nearly 25 percent of the class is from Northeast Pennsylvania. The most common majors chosen by members of the incoming class are nursing, biology, occupational therapy, kinesiology, business administration and psychology.

The class of 2026 also includes 74 legacy children whose parents are University of Scranton alumni.

In addition to the undergraduate class of 2026, the University’s incoming graduate students represent several states and foreign countries, including the Czech Republic, India, Ethiopia, Ghana, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

The University’s Fall Welcome events on August 27 and 28 include a Mass, a class legacy reception and photo, residence hall and commuter meetings and other events and activities. The University will display a special tribute to returning students on its Class of 2020 Gateway, which will run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Photos of fall welcome activities, as well as images from students participating in FIRST (Freshmen Involved in Reflective Service Together) and ROCK (Royals of Color Kickoff) can be seen on the University’s Flickr page.

Fall semester classes on campus begin Monday, Aug. 29.

Forty-two members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2026 arrived on Aug. 22 to participate in FIRST (Freshmen Involved in Reflective Service Together), a reflective service immersion program at Scranton.

Serhii Kuzmin Jr. completed his high school studies in Ukraine in 2021 and spent a gap year searching for a school in the United States to fulfill his dream of attending college in America. He found a fit to cultivate his love of philosophy grounded within a Catholic tradition at The University of Scranton.

Then, he was awakened by loud noises in the early morning hours of February 24. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had begun and everything else stopped.

For three days, he and his parents sheltered in his home in Kharkiv, deciding it was too dangerous to try to escape their city as it was being attacked by Russian forces. On the fourth night, he and his parents packed what they could fit into their car and drove with a small group of close relatives to a village in central Ukraine away from the invading forces. There they began to make arrangements to escape to Germany.

He and his parents stayed there for three weeks, as they secured documents verifying Serhii’s exemption from military service and other permissions needed to leave Ukraine and attain refugee status in Germany. Serhii and his parents were able to safely cross the border by car to Germany, where they were given lodging in a one-room World War II bomb shelter.

With access to the internet again and encouragement from his parents, Serhii renewed his plans to pursue his dream of attending college in the United States. He regained contact with Stacey Urgento, assistant director of graduate admissions at The University of Scranton, who was able to confirm his admittance to Scranton’s class of 2026 and that the University would be able to provide financial assistance to cover his education expenses.

Although he was moving ahead with his dream, his thoughts and concern for his family and friends in Ukraine engulfed him. Russians had advanced to his grandparents’ village and he was worried about their safety.

“The Russian soldiers who occupied my grandparents’ town cut off all humanitarian aid,” said Serhii. His grandparents survived the occupation eating potatoes and other foods they were able to store before the town was invaded. His grandparents were spared the further atrocities committed by Russian occupiers that occurred in Bucha and other towns.

Serhii sees his effort in the war as one of communication. He wants to share the awful truth about what is happening in his country, saying accounts by media and on the internet are not accurate.

It is a battle for which he is well suited.

Serhii studied English in public school since the 1^st grade. He noticed, however, that when he was in 8^th grade, his friends’ skills in English were out pacing his.

“I decided to change all of my electronic devices to English in order to force myself to learn the language,” said Serhii. It worked. He is now fluent in English.

His mother, a teacher who is highly educated with a master’s degree, introduced and encouraged his interest in philosophy. That interest, and his Orthodox Christian religion, in turn led him to look at Catholic, Jesuit schools in America, eventually finding The University of Scranton. His mother also preferred Scranton to colleges located in larger cities.

Although she is glad he will attend The University of Scranton, she and her husband will miss Serhii greatly. They are trying to find a sponsor in the United States or Canada so that they can move closer to him.

Serhii’s Mission

Intelligent, self-motivated and resilient, Serhii, who will major in computer science at Scranton, continues to move forward with his life and his mission to tell others of the awful realities of the senseless destruction of the war in Ukraine.

The school Serhii attended in Kharkiv was hit multiple times by missiles.

“The front section of the school is completely gone. The two sides of the building are badly damaged. Basically, the school is destroyed,” said Serhii, who said homes, theaters, malls, museums, schools and universities were devastated in the attack.

“The only reason my parents and I could think of for bombing schools and museums would be to try to completely wipe out a culture,” said Serhii. “Homes could be rebuilt, but it is much more difficult to rebuild a museum, or a school, or a university. You need the community to do that.”

The village where his grandparents live is now protected by Ukraine forces. Yet he has other family members and friends in Russian occupied territories of Ukraine where communication is completely cut off.

“I hope that by talking about how this war destroyed villages and towns, and killed, hurt and damaged the lives of so many people, maybe in the future, people will be more reasonable and peaceful and others will not have to go through what we experienced” said Serhii.

Serhii’s contribution to Ukraine’s fight has begun on Ukraine’s Independence Day.

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The University of Scranton announced Campus Health and Safety protocols related to the pandemic for the fall semester. The plan, informed by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance released on August 11, is intended to minimize the impact of COVID-19. 

The University’s Campus Health and Safety protocols follow the latest guidance concerning isolation and exposure, as well as contact tracing and vaccine recommendations.

Other aspects of the University’s plan were unchanged from the summer months. Masks will remain optional in all campus buildings regardless of vaccination status, unless otherwise instructed. The campus remains open to the general public.

The full update for the fall semester is available on the University’s Campus Health and Safety webpage.

Sept. 2-30       Art Exhibit: “Time and Lace: A History of the Scranton Lace Company.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Sept. 2    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring Matt Marantz Quartet. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Sept. 7    3 p.m. PCN 2022 Pennsylvania Election Panel Discussion. Pennsylvania Cable Network panel discussion on Pennsylvania’s Governor and U.S. Senate races. Panelists include JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., co-director of The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service, and Borys Krawczeniuk, investigative reporter for the Scranton Times-Tribune. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

Sept. 7      3:45 p.m. Public Meeting for The University of Scranton’s Department of Health and Human Performance – Speech-Language Pathology program with the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Kane Forum, Leahy Hall. Free. Call 570-941-6305 or email info@scranton.edu.

Sept. 8      5:30 p.m. Lecture: “The 1902 Anthracite Strike: Causes and Consequences, A 120th Anniversary Evaluation” presented by Bob Wolensky, Ph.D., sociologist and anthracite historian with panel respondents. The event is part of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a project supported by a NEH grant led by The University of Scranton and community partners.  Lackawanna County Courthouse, 200 N. Washington Avenue. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Sept. 12           Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Covering the White House: Challenges and Opportunities” presented by Ashley Parker, White House Bureau Chief for the Washington Post and NBC/MSNBC senior political analyst. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Sept. 13     11 a.m. Volunteer Fair for area nonprofit agencies offering volunteer opportunities for students. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-7429 or email ellen.judge@scranton.edu.

Sept. 15           4:30 p.m. Q and A with Brian Baumgartner, The Office cast member and author of “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook” and “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office.” Exclusive event for University students, faculty and staff. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Registration required. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

Sept. 15           5:30 p.m. Book signing with Brian Baumgartner, The Office cast member and author of “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook” and “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office.” Exclusive event for University students, faculty and staff. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Royal card ID required. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

Sept. 16           5 p.m. Art Gallery Curator’s Lecture: “Time and Lace: A History of the Scranton Lace Company.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Sept. 17           7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Carlos Avila, piano, and Vincent Grana, bass voice. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Sept. 19           Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Higher Education’s Indispensable Role in Preserving and Advancing Democracy” presented by Ira Harkavy, Ph.D., founding director, Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships, University of Pennsylvania. Kane Forum, Edward Leahy Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Sept. 21           7:00 p.m.  “A Shop on Every Corner: Memories of the Garment Industry Film Screening and Discussion” presented by Ken Wolensky, Ph.D., historian and Maureen McGuigan, filmmaker. The event is part of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a project supported by a NEH grant led by The University of Scranton and community partners.  Ritz Theater and Performing Arts Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Sept. 22          7 p.m. NASA event for college and high school students and the general public about future space missions and related careers. PNC Auditorium and Atrium of Loyola Science Center. Free Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

Sept. 23          9 a.m. NASA Northeast Pennsylvania Industry Day, a networking event focused on collaboration opportunities with local businesses. Fourth Floor, DeNaples Center. Free with reservations required to attend. (reservation link if needed: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nasa-industry-day-and-small-business-networking-event-tickets-383703245737). Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

Sept. 23-25     The University of Scranton Family Weekend 2022. Various campus locations. Call 570-941-4222 or email familyweekend@scranton.edu

Sept. 24          7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert: Family Weekend” featuring Joseph Boga and the Scranton Ramblers with an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. 

Sept. 28          Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Managing Today and Envisioning Tomorrow: Leading the City of Scranton” presented by Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, mayor, City of Scranton. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Sept. 29          6:30 p.m. President’s Business Council 21^st Annual Award Dinner honoring Patricia A. Byrnes Clark ’86, global chief talent officer, Havas Group, and Thomas P. O’Brien ’86, CEO and president, SumRidge Partners, LLC, at Gotham Hall, New York City. Proceeds from the dinner support the University’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. Tickets required. Call 570-941-5837, visit www.scranton.edu/PBCdinner or email timothy.pryle@scranton.edu.

Oct. 1  9 a.m. Scranton’s Ready to Run Northeast Pennsylvania Program: “Wanted: More Women Like You in Politics.” Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6326 or email sharon.olechna@scranton.edu.

Oct. 5  6 p.m. Asian Studies Public Lecture and Meet the Award-winning Author “Life on the Move: Transnational Migration and Cross-Cultural Imagination in Taiwan Literature and Film,” Part 1. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.

Oct. 6  6 p.m. Asian Studies Film Screening and Meet the Award-winning Director of “The Good Daughter.” “Life on the Move: Transnational Migration and Cross-Cultural Imagination in Taiwan Literature and Film,” Part 2. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free, Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.

Oct. 7 through Nov. 18         Art Exhibit: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” photographs by Byron Maldonado. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 7       5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” presented by Byron Maldonado. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 12            7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values in Action Lecture: “On Juneteenth” presented by Annette Gordon-Reed, Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times best-selling author. Byron Recreation Complex. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Oct. 13            Noon. Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Threats to Equity: The Influence of Social Determinants on Human Behaviors that Promote Well-being” presented Julie Byerley, MD, president and dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Oct. 15            2 p.m. Art Gallery: “Walking Tour: Scranton Lace Company/Lace Village Site.” Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 15            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Andrew Gonzalez, viola and violincello da spalla. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 21-23 and 28-30       8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “Almost, Maine” presented by The University Players. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu

Oct. 23            9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Oct. 23            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 29            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and guest drummer Carmen Intorre Jr. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Nov. 6        9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Nov. 8       7:30 p.m. 36^th annual Henry George Lecture: “Still Worth the Trip? Modern-Era Busing and other Lessons from Urban School Reform” presented by Parag Pathak, Ph.D., professor of economics, MIT. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

Nov. 10           Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “On Democracy, Inequality and Jazz Improvisation” presented by Wayne Winborne, Ph.D., executive director, Institute of Jazz Studies, assistant professor arts culture and media, Rutgers University-Newark. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Nov. 12           7:30 a.m. Schemel Forum bus trip to New York, New York, to August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” $150. Registration required before Sept. 30. Spaces are limited. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Nov. 12           7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Nov. 17           7 p.m. Lecture featuring Curtis Zunigha, enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and co-founder/co-director of the Lenape Center. The event is part of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a project supported by a NEH grant led by The University of Scranton and community partners.  McIlhenny Ballroom, The DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Nov. 17-19                  8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “Rent” presented by Liva Arts Company. The Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. $5. Call 570-941-7401 or email livaartscompany@gmail.com

Nov. 18           Time: 6 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Collaborative Program: The Royden B. Davis, S.J. Distinguished Author Award Event honoring Ayad Akhtar, Pulitzer Prize winning and Tony Award nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter. McIlhenny Ballroom, The DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Nov. 18           7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Dec. 2         Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley World Affairs Luncheon Series: “How Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine Changed the World” presented by Trudy Rubin, Worldview columnist, The Philadelphia Inquirer. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Dec. 3        8 p.m. Performance Music: “54^th Annual Noel Night” featuring The University of Scranton Singers and Chamber Ensembles. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Dec. 5         5 p.m. Community Relations Roundtable: “The Journey from ‘Immigrant’ to Citizen” featuring local resource speakers from a range of backgrounds, in collaboration with the Schemel Forum. The event is part of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a project supported by a NEH grant led by The University of Scranton and community partners. PNC Board Room, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Dec. 9         Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Process of Peace, Palermo: An Experience, a Model” presented by Leoluca Orlando, professor, former mayor of Palermo, honorary mayor of Palermo Huila Columbia and cofounder of Global Parliament of Mayors. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Dec. 11            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert.” Performance Music student musicians perform solo, duet, trio and small group renditions of a variety of Christmas favorites. Houlihan-McLean Center. Admission: one new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items or a monetary donation. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Schemel Courses:

Mondays: Sept. 19, 26 and Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31          6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “Crossing the Line(s): Reading and Writing Contemporary Poetry” presented by Billie Tadros, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and theatre, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Wednesdays: Sept. 21, 28 and Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26    6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “What is Fascism?” presented by Roy Domenico, Ph.D., professor of history, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Tuesdays: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1, 8  6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “How a Masterpiece of Medieval Irish Art Bridged the Classical and Christian Worlds” presented by Stephen Whittaker, Ph.D., professor of English and theatre, The University of Scranton. Room 305 Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

 

Once again, the annual Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminars at The University of Scranton will feature an array of thoughtful discussions geared around critically important global issues.

Six highly accomplished thinkers will be featured at the fall luncheons, which will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Brennan Hall’s Rose Room 509 (with the exception of the second event). In addition, a Zoom link is available for those who wish to attend remotely.

The series begins Monday, Sept. 12, with “Covering the White House: Challenges and Opportunities,” presented by Washington Post White House bureau chief Ashley Parker. At the talk, Parker will share stories and lessons from her life on the campaign trail and covering two presidents. Parker covered the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaigns, and currently serves as an NBC/MSNBC senior political analyst.

Next, on Monday, Sept. 19, Ira Harkavy, Ph.D., founding director of the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania, will present “Higher Education’s Indispensable Role in Preserving and Advancing Democracy.” At the talk, which will take place in Edward Leahy Hall’s Kane Forum 235, Harkavy will examine the current threats to democracy around the world and higher education’s role in helping to meet the threat.

“I would like to have the audience appreciate higher education’s indispensable role in preserving and advancing democracy, particularly at this time with the rise of autocracy and authoritarianism,” Harkavy said. “I would also like to discuss how a democratic mission has been at the core of U.S. colleges and universities through much of their history, as well as how that mission might be best achieved in 2022.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 28, Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti will return to the Schemel Forum to present “Managing Today and Envisioning Tomorrow: Leading the City of Scranton.” Cognetti will provide a glimpse into her average day and discuss the unique responsibilities that come with running a city of Scranton’s size.

“Shedding the past while charting a course for the future is a challenge, especially for public entities,” said Cognetti, who added running a city “requires teams of thoughtful people who don’t always agree, creativity, positive thinking and good local coffee.”

On Thursday, Nov. 10, Wayne Winborne, executive director for the Institute of Jazz Studies and assistant professor of arts culture and media at Rutgers University-Newark, will present “On Democracy, Inequality, and Jazz Improvisation.” During the talk, Winborne will explore the state of our current democracy, the cause and corrosive effect of deepening inequality, and the utility of jazz improvisation as both a metaphor and actual strategy for rebuilding society, community and human relations, both domestically and abroad.

“I hope to talk about our particular form of democracy and how the challenges we face today will require us to be like great jazz musicians in their ability to improvise collectively and individually,” Winborne said. “I also hope to start a conversation about forward-thinking problem solving at the community level based on these ideas.”

On Friday, Dec. 2, Trudy Rubin, WorldView Columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, will present “How Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine Changed the World.” Rubin will look at how the West must confront a new era in which despotic rulers seek to expand their territory by force, now that the rules-based order of the post-World War II world is over.

Finally, on Friday, Dec. 9, the series will conclude with “Process of Peace, Palermo: An Experience, a Model,” presented by Leoluca Orlando, former Mayor of Palermo, Sicily, honorary Mayor of Palermo Huila Colombia and cofounder of the Global Parliament of Mayors. Now a university professor, Orlando will discuss his experiences courageously combatting the Mafia during his many years as mayor of Palermo.

Admission is free for University students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the seminars are $25 in-person (buffet lunch included) and $10 for remote access.  A live-stream link will be emailed prior to the event.

To register for the seminars, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Or, to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

Additional Schemel Forum events scheduled for the fall semester include courses, collaborative events and a bus trip. The full schedule events can be found on the Schemel Forum’s webpage.

For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu. Myers talks about the fall programming in an interview with Erika Funke for WVIA. 

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced that NASA will offer an industry day and networking event focused on collaboration opportunities with local businesses at the DeNaples Center at The University of Scranton.

The NASA Northeast Pennsylvania Industry Day will be held Friday, Sept. 23, beginning at 9 a.m. on the fourth floor of the University’s DeNaples Center. The regional business-building event will include national and local speakers, presentations, and networking opportunities in collaboration with the Keystone Space Collaborative, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, and Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Local business owners, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and university representatives are encouraged to attend the free event. Registration is required. 

“Northeastern Pennsylvania has a proud industrial heritage, and I’m looking forward to helping our local businesses work with NASA on advancing America’s world-leading space exploration program,” said Rep. Cartwright, who chairs the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds NASA. “I thank NASA for their valued effort to form successful partnerships with local businesses that will generate a strong economic impact in our community.” 

During the event’s one-on-one networking sessions, participants will be paired with multiple “buyers” from government and industry relevant to their company’s offerings. The meetings will also provide attendees government contract advice and guidance on how to work with NASA and other aerospace contractors.

“Collaboration with businesses is a cornerstone of NASA’s technology development and exploration work,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “We look forward to connecting with the innovators of northeast Pennsylvania and sharing information about opportunities to work with NASA.”

“The University of Scranton is pleased to be able to provide a venue for NASA representatives to explore opportunities with local business representatives and is grateful to Congressman Cartwright for facilitating these connections. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students as well as for members of the greater Scranton community,” said Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at The University of Scranton.

“We are very pleased to be supporting this event to show Northeastern Pennsylvania is open for business and our manufacturers are ready for the opportunity to hear from NASA speakers, and to be part of the matchmaking portion of the day,” said Jeffrey Box, president and CEO of the NEPA Alliance PTAC. “This would not be happening without the support of Congressman Cartwright and his staff, and we thank him for making this event a reality.”

In April of 2022, University students met with Retired Col. Douglas H. Wheelock, a NASA astronaut, who spoke to students about the Launch America Program and plans for the U.S. mission to return to the moon. Also in 2022 and in 2021, Scranton undergraduates participated in NASA’s RockOn! Program through which a device built by the students was launched into space.

For more information or to register for the event, please click here.

The University of Scranton’s Department of Health and Human Performance – Speech-Language Pathology program invites you to a public meeting with the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The CAA is a nationally recognized accrediting agency. As part of the CAA’s recognition by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), the agency is encouraged to develop a method for allowing public input about the accreditation process and about graduate education programs prior to final decision by the CAA. Accordingly, individuals who wish to provide input about a program seeking candidacy (pre-accreditation) may do so in two ways: (1) submitting written comments prior to the accreditation site visit in accordance with the procedures specified below or (2) attending and providing comments at a public meeting during the program’s scheduled site visit. All comments provided must:

• relate to a program’s compliance with the published Standards for Accreditation of Graduate Education Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (Standards) in effect at the time comments are submitted, and
• identify the specific program seeking candidacy, initial accreditation, or reaccreditation with the CAA.

Public Meeting  

Date: Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Time: 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: The University of Scranton - Edward Leahy Hall – Kane Forum - 235

If you are unable to attend, you are invited to submit written comments. Please see below for the Policy on Written Comments. A copy of the Standards for Accreditation and/or the CAA’s Policy on Public Comment may be obtained by contacting the Accreditation Office at ASHA, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, calling ASHA’s Action Center at 1-800-498-2071, or accessing the documents online at https://caa.asha.org/.

Comments Submitted Prior to the Site Visit

The CAA publishes on its website the list of programs that have submitted applications for candidacy, initial accreditation, and reaccreditation during that calendar year for which the CAA is seeking public comment as part of its current accreditation review of the published programs. The listing will include the dates of the scheduled site visit for each program. Individuals who wish to submit written testimony about any of the programs scheduled for a site visit must adhere to the following procedures.

• All comments about education programs are due in the Accreditation Office no later than 15 days before the first day of the scheduled site visit. Comments received after this time will not be forwarded to the site visit team for consideration during the accreditation review.
• All written testimony—including comments faxed or submitted as e-mail attachments--must include the commenter’s name, address and telephone contact information and the commenter’s relationship to the program in order for Accreditation staff to verify the source of the testimony. All comments must be signed. Comments should be submitted to:

Accreditation Public Comment

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

2200 Research Boulevard, #310 Rockville, MD 20850

accreditation@asha.org Fax: 301-296-8570.

Four University of Scranton students and a physics and engineering faculty member presented their research at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop in Austin, Texas, in June and the 2022 Dayton Hamvention, which is the world’s largest ham radio gathering that was held in Xenia, Ohio, in May.

Veronica Romanek ’23, a physics major from Hampton, New Jersey, presented “HF Doppler Observations of Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances in a WWV Signal Received with a Network of Low Cost HamSCI Personal Space Weather Stations” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop. Romanek also presented “Traveling Ionospheric Disturbance Observations with the Grape Personal Space Weather Station” at the 2022 Dayton Hamvention. In addition, Romanek participated in the national Youth on the Air (YOTA) Camp in July. The week-long camp, which took place at the Voice of America Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio, allows young people from across the country to meet and learn more about amateur radio.

Cuong Nguyen ’23, an electrical engineering major from Ashley, presented “An Algorithm for Determining the Timing of Components within the HamSCI-WWV/WWVH Scientific Test Signal” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop and at the 2022 Dayton Hamvention.

Simal Sami ’24, an information technology major from Jessup, presented “Ionosondes of Opportunity Observed with GNU Chirpsounder2 from a HamSCI PSWS Prototype Station in Spring Brook, Pennsylvania” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop.

Francis Tholley, ’21, G’23, a current software engineering graduate student from Darby, who earned his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Scranton, presented “Porting the MUSIC Algorithm to the SuperDARN pyDARN Library for the Study of Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop.

At the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop, Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and electrical engineering at The University of Scranton, presented “Recent Advances in Observing Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Using Amateur Radio Techniques” and “HamSCI Observations for Ionospheric Measurement.” He also presented “First Observations of Large Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Using Automated Amateur Radio Receiving Network” at the 2022 Dayton Hamvention and “HamSCI Plans for the Study of the 2023 & 2024 Solar Eclipse Impacts on Radio and the Ionosphere” at both events. Dr. Frissell will lead a National Science Foundation grant-supported collaborative research project that will collect and analyze data on the ionospheric variability during the 2023 and 2023 solar eclipses.

Dr. Frissell served as the research advisor for these students and was also the keynote speaker at the national Youth on the Air Camp. In addition to working with Dr. Frissell, these students work with collaborators from other institutions and from around the world. Many of these collaborators are volunteers from the HamSCI Citizen Science project with years of professional experience and advanced academic training. These collaborations provide a unique a community-based research experience that is enriching to both the students and the volunteers.

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A comprehensive analysis of the return on investment (ROI) of college degrees at more than 4,500 colleges in the United States shows the value gains of liberal arts education during the lifetime of a career. The analysis also ranks the ROI of a degree from The University of Scranton among the top 6.1 percent of colleges in the country after 40 years, among the top 7 percent after 30 years and among the top 11 percent after 20 years.

The analysis by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce calculated the 40-year net present value of a University of Scranton degree is $1.133 million, which ranked No. 276 of 4,500 colleges in the nation (top 6.1 percent). The 30-year net present value for a Scranton degree was calculated at $842,000, which ranked at No. 310 in the nation (top 7 percent); and the 20-year net present value of a degree was $488,000, which ranked at No. 489 in the country (top 11 percent).

The Center ranked 4,500 colleges based on the net value of the degrees at 10, 20, 30 and 40 years after enrollment using data from the expanded College Scorecard. The analysis, published online in the spring of 2022, looked at the net cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, books and supplies, and living expenses, minus aid received from all sources. The Center then calculated the net present value of a degree, which is “a metric that includes costs, future earnings and the length of time it would take to invest and earn a certain amount of money over a fixed horizon.”

The analysis found that “bachelor’s degrees from private colleges, on average, have higher ROI than degrees from public colleges 40 years after enrollment. Community colleges and many certificate programs have the highest returns in the short term, 10 years after enrollment, though returns from bachelor’s degrees eventually overtake those of most two-year credentials.”

In addition, the analysis showed “the median ROI of liberal arts colleges is nearly $200,000 higher than the median for all colleges. Further, the 40-year median ROI of liberal arts institutions ($918,000) is close to those of four-year engineering and technology-related schools ($917,000), and four-year business and management schools ($913,000).”

Scranton has been recognized for its value in other national rankings such as U.S. News & World Report and The Economist. Most recently, Money magazine ranked the University at No. 268 among its selection of just 623 of the nation’s best values for a college education.

For the second year in a row, a device built by University of Scranton undergraduates was among approximately 60 devices build by college students from across the U.S. and launched into space by NASA in a rocket. The devices were built as part of a special NASA program called the RockOn! through which students were sent kits to build atmospheric sensing devices, called payloads. The devices were built and tested on campus then sent to the RockOn! program headquartered in Colorado. NASA launched into space about 60 devices build by undergraduate students on June 24.

The University students who participated were: Cuong Nguyen ’23, Ashley, an electrical engineering major; Gerard Piccini ’25, Monroe Township, New Jersey, an electrical engineering major; Ellie Rosentel ’22, Kingston, who earned her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in May from the University; and Mergim Berisha ’22, Wilkes-Barre, who earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in May from the University.

Following the launches, the devices with the data collected will be returned to the University for the students to then study further.

“This unique project provides an opportunity for students to obtain hands-on experience in developing space-flight experiments, which is vital in developing future scientists and engineers,” said Giovanni Rosanova, chief of the NASA Sounding Rockets Program Office at NASA’s Wallops Island Flight Facility, who noted this is the 14th year that “the NASA Sounding Rocket Program has provided a suborbital rocket flight for undergraduate university students to fly their experiments into space.”

Support for this project was provided through the NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, of which The University of Scranton is now an affiliate. The PA Space Grant is part of the national Space Grant mission to expand opportunities for U.S. citizens to learn about and participate in NASA’s aeronautics and space programs by supporting and enhancing science and engineering education, research, and outreach programs. Additional NASA Space Grant activity at the University of Scranton includes a project by mathematics professor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D. entitled, “Phase Transitions in Two-dimensional Foams,” and an upcoming project led by physics and engineering professor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D. entitled, “Development of a Low-Cost Low-Power Ionosonde.”

Eleven University of Scranton faculty members were honored with Faculty Enhancement awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship or service. The Office of the Provost and the Provost Advisory Group selected the recipients from a pool of candidates nominated by academic deans and department chairs.

Darla Germeroth, Ph.D., and Margarete Lieb Zalon, Ph.D., received the Excellence for University Service and Leadership Award, which recognizes faculty members who have contributed service to the University community, particularly those who demonstrate academic leadership by effectively mentoring their junior colleagues. Dr. Germeroth, professor of communication and media, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1989. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Denver. A member of Scranton’s faculty since 1988, Dr. Zalon, professor of nursing and director of the online Master of Science in Health Informatics Program, earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees from New York University.

Renee Hakim, Ph.D., and Roberrt McKeage, Ph.D., received the Faculty Senate Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates dedication to teaching graduate students in a manner that creates an encouraging and intellectually stimulating environment that promotes critical thinking and learning. Dr. Hakim, professor and chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1996. She earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her Ph.D. from Temple University. Dr. McKeage, associate professor of management, marketing and entrepreneurship and director of the Business Leadership Honors Program, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1974. He earned his bachelor’s and MBA degrees from The University of Scranton, his master’s degree from Lehigh University and his Ph.D. from Temple University.

Jennifer Kaschak, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Advancing Interdisciplinary Study Award, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates noteworthy academic leadership in promoting and strengthening cross-disciplinary or interdepartmental teaching and learning endeavors. Dr. Kaschak, associate professor of education, joined Scranton’s faculty in 2010. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her Ph.D. from Columbia University.

Bonnie Markowski received the Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, presented to faculty members who make extraordinary efforts to enhance student learning and who practice teaching as a form of scholarship. Professor Markowski, a faculty specialist in the English and Theatre Department, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2007. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and her master’s degree from The University of Scranton. 

Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Integrating Diversity in Learning Award, which recognizes a faculty member whose efforts to integrate diversity in the curriculum have enriched the students’ learning experiences. Dr. Nolan, professor of psychology and director of the environmental studies concentration, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2008. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, her master’s degree from California State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas.

Ismail Onat, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award, presented to faculty members who have attained distinction in scholarship or creative activity. Dr. Onat, assistant professor of sociology, criminal justice and criminology, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2016. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Turkish National Police Academy and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Rutgers University.

Matthew Reavy, Ph.D., posthumously received the Magis Award for Excellence in Adapting Classic Principles of Jesuit Pedagogy into the Curriculum. This award is intended to recognize a faculty member who makes specific, sustained, and creative efforts to adapt classic principles of Jesuit Pedagogy in his or her own courses. Dr. Reavy, associate professor in the Department of Communication and Media, who passed away Feb. 2 of this year, joined the faculty at the University in 1998. During his nearly 25-year tenure at Scranton, he served on numerous committees and governance bodies, as department chair and as the faculty adviser to The Aquinas. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Scranton and his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri.

In addition, Barbara Bossi, adjunct professor of health administration, and Eric Hosie, adjunct professor of marketing, management and entrepreneurship, were honored with the Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Professor Bossi, senior director of network management and development at UPMC Health Plan, has taught as an adjunct professor in the Panuska College of Professional Studies since 2016. A Fellow of American College of Healthcare Executives, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Marywood University and her master’s degree from The University of Scranton. Professor Hosie, a certified financial planner and  vice president at M and T Securities, Inc., has taught as an adjunct faculty member in the Kania School of Management since 2008. A graduate of The University of Scranton, he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1988 and his MBA in 1993 from Scranton.

The Center for Service and Social Justice at The University of Scranton will hold its annual Volunteer Fair for local nonprofits from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, on campus.

The fair offers University students and student-led clubs interested in service projects and community-based learning sites a chance to meet representatives from nonprofit organizations in need of volunteers.

To register a nonprofit organization for the event, email ellen.judge@scranton.edu or call 570-941-7429. The deadline to register for the fair is Sept. 8.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., has been named vice president for mission and ministry, effective July 18, 2022. He will also serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

“Through his education at Jesuit universities and his experience in higher education at Catholic schools, Dr. Cosacchi understands well and values greatly the important role Catholic and Jesuit education plays in the formation of our students,” said Father Marina in a campus announcement. “He always places students first in his efforts and holds them in high regard, as he challenges and encourages them to discover their calling and reach their full potential in service to the needs of this world. His efforts to engage students in reflection and service extend beyond the classroom and beyond the campus.”

As vice president for mission and ministry, Dr. Cosacchi is responsible for articulating, enhancing and promoting the University's Catholic and Jesuit identity across all constituencies. He will provide leadership and direction for the departments of Campus Ministries, the Jesuit Center, and the Center for Service and Social Justice, while overseeing mission and ministry initiatives for the University community including students, staff and faculty. 


Dr. Cosacchi previously served as assistant professor of religious studies at Marywood University. In addition to teaching core and elective courses in theology and religious studies, he was the College of Arts and Sciences representative on the Mission Integration Committee and director of the Justice and Peace Studies Program. He also served as Marywood’s representative to the Synod on Synodality and served on several other committees.

Dr. Cosacchi is co-author/editor of the book “The Berrigan Letters: Personal Correspondence Between Daniel and Philip Berrigan,” and has published articles in the Journal of Jesuit Studies, among other journals.

Prior to joining the faculty at Marywood University, Dr. Cosacchi taught at Fairfield University and was a Canisius Postdoctoral Fellow there from 2016-2019. He served as faculty moderator for the Canisius Academy, planning and hosting prominent events centered on social justice and the Catholic intellectual heritage and moderating mini-lectures on Catholic topics. He also served as a mentor for Ignatian Residential College there.

Dr. Cosacchi earned his bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, his master’s degree from Boston College and his Ph.D. from Loyola University of Chicago.

Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and electrical engineering at The University of Scranton, will lead a $399,211 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant-supported collaborative research project entitled “Measuring Daily Ionospheric Variability and the 2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipse Ionospheric Impacts Using HamSCI HF Doppler Shift Receivers.” As the lead principal investigator, Dr. Frissell will work with students at the University of Scranton, collaborators at Case Western Reserve University, and volunteers across the nation to study how dawn, dusk, and solar eclipses affect the electrified portion of the upper atmosphere known as the ionosphere. This will be done using a network of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stabilized/synchronized high frequency (HF) receivers (known as Grapes), which were developed as part of the $1.3 million NSF-funded HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station (PSWS) project he was awarded in 2019.

An annular solar eclipse will take place on Oct. 14, 2023 and a total solar eclipse will take place on April 8, 2024.

 “These are the last solar eclipses to traverse the continental United States until 2044, and are therefore important, time-sensitive, information rich opportunities for running unique and ‘controlled’ ionospheric experiments,” said Dr. Frissell. “This project takes advantage of the unprecedented opportunity to study the ionospheric impacts of the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses and the daily ionospheric variability associated with dawn/dusk transitions.”

A better understanding of the impact of ionospheric disturbances is imperative, because these changes can affect crucial navigation and communications systems.

According to Dr. Frissell, this new NSF grant will fund an additional 30 Grape receivers that will be deployed throughout North America. Volunteers from the HamSCI amateur radio community will be able to fund and field additional stations. All stations will run continuously from deployment through at least the end of the project in 2025, and will capture the 2023 and 2024 eclipses. The grant will also support master’s and Ph.D. level student participation in the research data collection and analysis.

“This project will also establish a new network of measurement instruments that, due to its low- cost and operation by volunteers, has the potential to provide measurements for years to come,” said Dr. Frissell, who also noted that results of the project “will be shared widely with the amateur radio community through presentations at amateur radio conventions, local clubs, and publication in amateur radio magazines and journals.”

In a news release announcing NSF funding received by The University of Scranton and Marywood University, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright said, “(t)he bright and talented STEM students trained by Marywood today become the Dr. Frissells of tomorrow, conducting cutting edge scientific research, but whether in the classroom or in the field, scientists and professors need funding to do their important work. As the chair of the Commerce-Justice-Science subcommittee that funds the National Science Foundation, I am proud to support this essential investment in education and research.”

In addition, Dr. Frissell was awarded a highly-competitive, five-year $616,054 NSF CAREER grant in 2020 to apply sophisticated, physics-based atmospheric/ionospheric models to extensive data sets collected through the international network of ham radio operators.

Dr. Frissell joined the faculty at Scranton in the fall of 2019. He earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, and a bachelor’s degree in physics and music education from Montclair State University in New Jersey. He is the founder and lead organizer of the international citizen science space physics research collective known as the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI.org). HamSCI is recognized as an official NASA Citizen Science Project.

Five students from The University of Scranton Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter were selected as one of the final-four teams for the national IMA Case Competition held in Austin, Texas in June. Marissa Angelo ’22 of Dickson City; Matthew Earley ’23 of Perkasie; Andrew Faulkner ’23 of Randolph, New Jersey; Claudia Pitts ’22 of Scranton; and Russell Young ’22 of Charleston, South Carolina; presented in front of a live audience during the IMA Annual Meeting. The team offered their strategic recommendations on how to maximize customer value for a fictitious indoor futsal facility based on various economic, financial, cultural and industry factors.

For the competition, student teams from around the country submitted their analysis in early February, and after multiple rounds of a blind submission and judging process, the final-four teams were selected in late April. At the final four competition, The University of Scranton student team presented against three student teams from The University of Nevada—Las Vegas, with one of those being named the winner. Just for making it to the finals, the University of Scranton team received a cash prize of $2,000 and their trip was sponsored by the IMA.

This is the first time that a student team from Scranton was selected to present at the annual meeting since the student chapter’s inception in 2017. Last year, a Scranton case competition team made it to the elite-eight in the judging process. In addition, The University of Scranton’s student chapter was named as one of just five IMA Outstanding Student Chapters for three consecutive years. Ashley Stampone, D.B.A. ’10, G’11, DBA’ 20, assistant professor of accounting, served as the faculty advisor for the final-four team and the student IMA chapter at the University.

Angelo graduated this past May earning her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She was a member of both the Business Leadership Honors Program and the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program. At commencement, she received the Outstanding Senior Award in Accounting and Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence, which is given to students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges. She also among the just 253 students in the nation selected to receive a 2021-2022 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) scholarship. Angelo is currently completing an assurance internship with E&Y in their Philadelphia office. She will pursue her Master of Accountancy at The University of Scranton this fall.

Earley is a rising senior majoring in finance with business leadership and computer science minors. He is a member of both the Business Leadership Honors Program and the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program. He is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. He is currently a corporate development intern with Dorman Products in their Colmar office.

Faulkner is a senior majoring in accounting. He is a member of the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program and he will begin pursuing his Master of Accountancy at The University of Scranton in the spring.

Pitts graduated this past May earning her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She was a member of both the Business Leadership Honors Program and the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program. She is currently completing an assurance internship with E&Y in their Iselin, New Jersey, office. She will pursue her Master of Accountancy at The University of Scranton this fall.

Young also graduated this past May earning his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with a minor in business analytics. He was a member of the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program. He will pursue his Master of Accountancy at the University of South Carolina this fall.

Money magazine ranked The University of Scranton among its list of the nation’s best values for a college education. The 2022 ranking is based on the magazine’s analysis of dozens of data points to evaluate educational quality, affordability and alumni success. Money ranked Scranton at No. 268 among its selection of just 623 “Best Colleges in America,” a ranking of “schools that combine quality and affordability, while admitting at least 20 percent of applicants.”

This is the seventh consecutive time that Money included Scranton in its published list of America’s best values in college education. Scranton was the highest ranked school in Northeastern Pennsylvania listed.

Scranton ranked in the top 15 percent of schools listed for “outcomes.” The factors Money used to assess “outcomes” included the average salaries of students ten years after enrollment based on data from U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard as well as salaries of graduates adjusted by major. In addition to other factors, the “outcomes” criteria looked at socio-economic mobility data from Third Way that measures a college’s share of students from low- and moderate-income backgrounds as well as the cost and payoff of a degree for those students.

The factors Money analyzed to determine a colleges’ “academic quality” included the six-year graduation rate, the standardized test scores of incoming students, the student-faculty ratio and the graduation rate of Pell Grant recipients, among other factors. The analysis also included “value” assessments that looked at a school’s predicted graduation rates based on the academic and economic profile of its student body versus its actual graduation rates.

The criteria used to assess “affordability” included an estimate of the “net price of a degree,” which assessed tuition, the time it takes for students to graduate, and the school’s average financial aid offered to students. The “affordability” criteria also looked at student debt, student loan default rates, and student loan default rates adjusted for the economic and academic profile of a school’s student body, in addition to other factors.

Colleges with graduation rates below the national median, that were in financial difficulty, or that had fewer than 500 undergraduates, were not included in Money’s ranking. A separate ranking was done for schools that accept fewer than 20 percent of applicants.

Scranton has been recognized for its value in other national rankings such as U.S. News & World Report and The Economist, among others.

Intelligent.com ranked The University of Scranton’s Master of Accountancy Degree No. 3 in the nation for “Best Online Master’s in Accounting” and No. 13 in the country for “Best MBA in Healthcare Management.” The 2022 ranking of accredited, nonprofit schools by the online education source is based on an assessment of student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third-party evaluations of the programs, including an assessment of consistent performance in other national rankings such as U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News has ranked Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 28 consecutive years. Scranton is ranked No. 5 in the 2022 edition of the guidebook. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching.” Earlier this year, U.S. News ranked Scranton’s MBA Specialty in accounting No. 14 in the nation, tying with Harvard University, Arizona State University and Ohio State University in its full-time MBA program ranking. U.S. News also ranked Scranton’s MBA specialty programs in business analytics No. 29 and finance No. 34 in America. In addition, U.S. News ranked Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 55; and its online MBA program at No. 98 in the nation in its “Best Online Programs” guide.

The University of Scranton will join Jesuit colleges and universities across the world to mark the close of “The Ignatian Year,” a year-long, worldwide celebration of the 500^thanniversary of the transformation of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

The University will light its Class of 2020 gateway sign with a white cross and purple background the evenings of July 28 to July 31, the Feast Day of St. Ignatius and the official closing date of The Ignatian Year.

The University’s Jesuit Center will host a Spirituality Luncheon for staff and faculty to commemorate the Feast of St. Ignatius and the end of The Ignatian Year on Thursday, July 26. The University will also host a ice cream social for faculty and staff on Friday, July 29, hosted by Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president, and Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for Mission and Ministry at the University.

In a message to the University community about the Feast Day of St. Ignatuis, Father Marina referenced a quote about The Ignatian Year by Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus:

“It is good to remind ourselves that the wound Ignatius suffered in Pamplona was not so much a happy ending, but rather a happy beginning. Conversion consists sometimes of great moments of change, but it is also a never-ending process. We need to put Christ in the center every time, again and again.”

“At Scranton, … (m)ay the Ignatius 500 celebration remind us of the many ways in which we continue the work of St. Ignatius through the transformative education we provide to our students. May we continue to place God at the center of our work, our mission and our lives. May Peace be with you and all who we encounter during our journey,” said Father Marina in his message.

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Twenty rising high school students entered The University of Scranton’s University of Success program. The four-year, pre-college mentorship program began for the new participants with a two-week summer institute, which took place on the University’s campus in July.

The University of Success is an academic and enrichment program designed to provide academic, social, and cultural enrichment to area high school students. The program’s ultimate goal is to assist participating students to successfully complete high school and gain entrance into a college or university. Students enter the program at the completion of the eighth grade and continue through their high school years.

The summer institute provides learning experiences designed to engage the students in creative thinking, problem solving and communication through activities that expose students to concepts in various academic disciples.

The summer program featured presentations by University faculty, staff and students as well as counselors from Lackawanna County Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. At the institute, students learned about alternate renewable energy sources, sustainability, climate change, physics, biology and chemistry, among other topics. The institute included field trips to Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Pike County and the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The students also volunteered for a cleanup project at the Children’s Advocacy Center.         

Following the summer institute, the students meet monthly throughout their four years in high school.

The University of Success, offered free of charge to participants, is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants. Donors to the program include Dime Bank, Fidelity Bank, Carl and JoAnne Kuehner, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Inc., Overlook Foundation, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PPL Foundation, Lisa C. Thomas, M.D., and Waste Management.

Students entering the University of Success program are as follows:

Royli Jesus Ayala, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Isidora Berrios, Moscow, who attended North Pocono Intermediate School;

Makenna Boozer, Dickson City, who attended Mid Valley Secondary Center;

Anthony Campbell, Dickson City, who attended Mid Valley Secondary Center;

Sophia Chen, Milford, who attended Delaware Valley Middle School;

Trent Coffield, Moosic, who attended Riverside Junior Senior High School;

Corey Condon, Dunmore, who attended Dunmore School District School;

Luis Angel Espino, Scranton, who attended North East Intermediate School;

Vishwa Gandhi, Moosic, who attended Riverside Junior Senior High School;

Lucianna Gonzalez, Clarks Summit, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;

Joshua Miranda, Clarks Summit, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;

Eleany Sarai Nunez-Pazos, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Engel Ovalles, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

K’lea Palukonis, Clarks Summit, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;

Yadhira Panamo, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;

Juan Ramos, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;

Elias Rios, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;

Brandon Sanchez, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;

Nmesoma Clare Udoye, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Laylah Weeks, Clarkes Green, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;

For additional information, visit the University of Success web site.

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Nearly 60 members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2022 participated in the Jesuit school’s Donning of the Stole Ceremony. The annual ceremony celebrates and honors the accomplishments of members of its class of 2022 from underrepresented identities who received their undergraduate degrees. The purpose of the ceremony, which was a student-led initiative, was to highlight the students’ success in overcoming the particular barriers and obstacles faced by students from these groups, particularly students of color, in attaining a higher education.

 More than 70 percent of Scranton’s class of 2022 Stole recipients made the Dean’s List at Scranton. The students honored include a Fulbright scholar, outstanding academic and leadership achievement award recipients, future physicians, physical therapists, engineers and many other highly-successful members of the University’s graduating class.

The ceremony, organized by the student committee members and Jose Sanchez, assistant director of the University’s Cross Cultural Centers, took place on campus in May as part of Scranton’s commencement activities and events.

Members of Scranton’s class of 2022 honored at the event were:

Tiannah N. Adams, New York, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Sophia V. Alderman, Oreland, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Kayla A. Alvero, Yonkers, New York, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in strategic communication;

Kyla L. Avant, Bridgeton, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Ariana I. Baldwin, Far Rockaway, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

Jill M. Bautista, Philadelphia, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health administration;

Allysa A. Belches, Dumont, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology;

Alexander M. Belotte, Elmont, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international business;

Taysha V. Campana, North Bergen, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business analytics;

Destiny R. Carpitella, Brooklyn, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in early and primary teacher education;

Claire J. Carrera, North Bergen, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Noemi Carreto, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry;

Colleen R. Chan, East Brunswick, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Hunter E. Chin, Northport, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration;

Alison M. D’Mello, East Brunswick, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social media strategies;

Koebe S. Diaz, Dumont, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Christopher D. Gentles-Steele, New Rochelle, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration;

Sophia Li Gonzalez, Mount Pocono, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Vincent Gonzalez, Bedminster, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising/public relations;

Nadia T. Green, Philadelphia, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration;

Branden Gual, New York, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Caitlin G. Hariprasad, Tobyhanna, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Felicia K. Harris, Orem, Utah, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Zeruiah I. Harris, Saylorsburg, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic chemistry;

Steve Holguin, Bethlehem, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering;

Natalie J. Intrieri, North Salem, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services;

Bianca J. Jimenez, Bronx, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science;

Ryan J. Lebron, East Stroudsburg, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics;

Abril Lopez, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice andphilosophy;

Ximena G. Maldonado Aguilar, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising/public relations;

Julissa Mercedes, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Myriam A. Moise, Warwick, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Patricia Denille Gonzales Nicolas, Middlesex, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Crysta A. O’Donnell, Riegelsville, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international studies andHispanic studies;

AnnMarie N. Onwuka, Newburgh, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Bansariben Patel, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Riya A. Patel, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Sinal Y. Patel, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology;

Vrunda A. Patel, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Brianna M. Phillips, Manchester, Connecticut, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Tianna S. Popstein, Port Jervis, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Katia Ramirez, Forest Park, Georgia, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history andHispanic studies;

Laura Rebolledo, Branchburg, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Ysobelle F. Reyes, Somerville, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Katherine A. Rodrigo, South Plainfield, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting andphilosophy;

Joshua Jose I. Romero, Newark, Delaware, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science;

Amanda Grace M. Ruiz, Whippany, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Paola V. Santa Rosario, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology;

Krista M. Segreti, Danbury, Connecticut, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Alex O. Sophabmixay, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Myles T. Spencer, Brooklyn, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems;

Danielle E. Taglucop, Berlin, Connecticut, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Aman-Preet Talawan, Carteret, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Ethan O. Techitong, Koror, Palau, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English;

Haylle B. Thomas, Stanhope, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Catherine I. Torres, Hazleton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Miguel Augusto G. Valencia, Farmingdale, New York, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social media strategies.

Additional information about each Stole recipient can be seen on their Merit page. The full ceremony can be seen here.

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The University of Scranton received an $11,000 Community Needs grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support a program that helps teens and young adults who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Northeastern Pennsylvania achieve their employment aspirations.

The free program, called the Job Club, will be offered each semester on campus by the University’s Rehabilitation Counseling faculty and graduate students.

Through the program, motivated teens, who are age 16 or older, and young adults with ASD will develop the necessary technical and soft skills to prepare them to secure meaningful employment. Learning modules include skill development in a variety of related topics and activities, such as setting employment goals, creating resumes, employment soft skills, completing applications, practicing interviewing skills, understanding/starting the job-hunting process and what to expect on your first day of work. The program will be customized to participants to meet their individual needs.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) community foundation with assets of more than $57 million and more than 260 charitable funds. Visit www.safdn.org to learn more.

The University of Scranton’s Board of Trustees have approved the change of the doctoral business administration degree to a Ph.D. in Accounting degree beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year. The curriculum and degree requirements will remain the same. This is the first Ph.D. degree to be offered at Scranton.

The business doctoral degree, which the University began in 2017 and graduated its first cohort of students in 2021, has already been internationally recognized when in 2019 the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) listed the program among the “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States.” The program was recognized for providing a non-traditional research doctoral degree in accounting that “promotes diversity and practice relevance by providing a flexible path for experienced practitioners to gain the knowledge and credentials required to succeed in tenure-track positions at AACSB-accredited institutions.”

“The doctoral program was developed in direct response to calls made by the Pathways Commission to transform experienced accounting professionals into exceptional academics and teachers capable of producing original-practice relevant research grounded in the ethical foundation of Scranton’s Jesuit identity,” said Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., C.P.A., C.M.A., professor and chair of the University’s Accounting Department and Ph.D. program director

“As co-chair of the Implementation Phase of Pathways, the Accounting Ph.D. at The University of Scranton is exactly what we hope institutions would strive to create,” said Mark Higgins, Ph.D., Dean of the Kania School of Management. “We wanted institutions to create terminal degrees that align with an institutions mission and this program does that by incorporating Jesuit values and producing graduates that are capable of publishing in relevant practiced based research in quality journals.”

The first and second cohorts of doctoral graduates and faculty have already co-authored and published more than 20 manuscripts in internationally recognized refereed journals with six of the publications winning awards from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), including two Lybrand Competition Medals and the Curtis C. Verschoor Ethics Article of the Year. Gregory Kogan ’22 and Joy Chacko ’21 were awarded the Institute of Internal Auditors Michael J. Barrett Doctoral Dissertation Award for their respective years.

Scranton’s accounting professors in the program have received numerous awards for teaching and have also been recognized internationally for their research. The 2021 Brigham Young University Accounting Report Update, which annually ranks accounting programs and faculty throughout the world based on their success in publishing in top-tier accounting journals, placed the Accounting Department at The University of Scranton as the fourth most prolific department in the world for accounting education research (excluding cases) over the most recent six-year period. The department was also ranked internationally for all methods, audit and experimental accounting research.

With respect to authorships of individual accounting faculty in the area of accounting education reported in the 2021 Update: Dr. Douglas Boyle, was ranked No. 7; and James F. Boyle, D.B.A., C.P.A., associate professor and director of the MAcc program, and Brian W. Carpenter, Ph.D., professor, ranked No. 18 (tied).

The doctoral program, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, also engages renowned scholars from other institutions to advise and serve on dissertation committees. These esteemed faculty members include George W. Krull, Jr., Ph.D., external global strategic advisor for the doctoral program, Dr. Krull served as a partner in the executive office of Grant Thornton LLP and was the firm’s chief learning officer. He has served as an executive-in-residence and professor of accounting at Bradley University where he was awarded emeritus status in 2011. During his distinguished career, Dr. Krull has served with the American Accounting Association (AAA), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pathways Commission. He was a member of the AACSB International’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Accreditation Quality and has served four terms on the AACSB’s Accounting Accreditation Committee. In 2014, Dr. Krull was recognized as one of one hundred distinguished graduates of Spears School at Oklahoma State during its centennial anniversary celebration, and in 2015 he was inducted into the Spears School Hall of Fame. In 2016, he received the American Accounting Association Outstanding Service Award.

Students currently enrolled in the program and students entering the program for fall 2023 will receive a Ph.D. degree.

For additional information about Scranton’s first Ph.D. program, visit the program’s webpage or contact the Accounting Department at the University at 570-941-4047 or Caitlyn Hollingshead,

Sarah Kenehan, Ph.D., a University of Scranton alumna and former professor of philosophy at Marywood University, was named executive director of the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities, effective July 5.

Since joining the faculty at Marywood University in 2009, Dr. Kenehan has taught courses in business, environmental and animal ethics, and global, climate and food justice. She served as the chair of Marywood’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, director of their Women’s Studies Program, and was the co-founder and co-chair of Pacers for Justice and Peace. She also served on dozens of other committees, including the Rank and Tenure Committee and Student Evaluation of Teaching Task Force.

As a scholar, Dr. Kenehan has studied extensively the works of John Bordley Rawls, an American moral and political philosopher in the liberal tradition, and has published three books on climate justice: “Climate Justice and Feasibility: Normative Theorizing, Feasibility Constraints, and Climate Action” (Rowman Littlefield International, 2021); “Climate Justice and Feasibility: Principles of Justice and Real-World Climate Politics” (Rowman Littlefield International, 2021); and “Food, Environment, and Climate: Justice at the Intersections” (Rowman Littlefield International, 2018). She has published numerous articles on academic journals, contributed to book chapters, and presented at more than 30 international, national and regional conferences and meetings.

Dr. Kenehan earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and philosophy from Scranton in 2002 as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. She was a member of the Women’s Cross Country Team at Scranton. She also earned her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, and her Ph.D. from the University of Graz in Austria.

University of Scranton student, Alex Chan ’23, Wilkes-Barre, was awarded a 2022 Huayu Enrichment Chinese Language Immersion Scholarship from the Education Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York. The scholarship will allow him to study at Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit university in Taipei, Taiwan, during the summer.

The scholarship was established in 2005 by Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to encourage international students and individuals to study the Mandarin Chinese language in Taiwan.

A dean’s list student at Scranton, Chan is a neuroscience major with a concentration in Asian studies and a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program. He was inducted to the University’s Asian Studies Honor Society.

Chan is a graduate of Holy Redeemer High School.

Chan is the second Scranton student to be awarded the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship since 2020.  Mary-Katherine Cotter ’22, Massapequa, New York, received the scholarship in 2021.

With support from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, the University has strengthened its Chinese language program and hosted numerous events that showcase and educate members of the University and greater Scranton community about Taiwanese culture. During the past decade, the University has hosted a Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company performance of an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice;” the Taiwanese Film and Cultural Festival; and performances by the Taiyuan Puppet Theatre Company and the Chai Found Music Workshop, among other enrichment and educational events.

In 2012, the University was formally presented with the Kinmen Peace Bell Replica by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York in recognition of the cordial relationship and collaboration between the University and the various government agencies and universities of Taiwan. The Peace Bell, engraved with the word “peace” in more than 100 languages, can be seen in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center.

The Broadway Green Alliance, an industry-wide initiative founded in 2008 to educate and encourage the theatre community to implement environmentally friendlier practices, featured The University of Scranton Players in its community spotlight in the spring semester.

The sustainability efforts of the University Players were highlighted through the Broadway Green Alliance social media network, which includes Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The post included a quote from University student Samantha Burton, a theatre major from Jamesville, New York, and the University’s student Green Captain for the Alliance, which provides Captains at colleges and universities with resources for greening collegiate theatre productions.

“The theatre program at The University of Scranton has incorporated sustainable practices even before the current trend. Faculty, guest artists and students have long been encouraged to reuse scenic elements and incorporate a ‘trash into treasure’ philosophy of scenic, costume and prop décor, and have tried to institute sustainable best practices in all production areas,” said Burton in the social media post.

The University Players have incorporated green initiatives into their productions for more than two decades. Early sustainable theatre examples include the program’s inventive reuse of cardboard carpet tubing and discarded carpet to create life-like trees for the setting of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” production in 2002. The “trees” were subsequently “harvested” to create a log fishing cabin for the Player’s 2002 production of “The Foreigner.” Rich Larsen, who had served as director of the Theatre Program at Scranton for many years, received the University’s Provost’s Award in 2007 for Excellence in Integrating Sustainability in the Curriculum in recognition of the Theatre Program’s many green initiatives.

Sustainability efforts continue at the University today. Scranton is among just 100 colleges with an active College Green Captain Program.

The University of Scranton Players is an academic Theatre Program that brings exceptional theatre to Northeastern Pennsylvania every season. The Players’ productions feature University of Scranton students in a mix of classical and contemporary works under the direction and mentorship of award-winning faculty and guest artists.

More than 1,700 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2022 spring semester. In addition, students were added to the Dean’s List for the 2021 fall semester after the list was published in January.

The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and Panuska College of Professional Studies.

Michael Bermudez, Ed.D., assistant professor of occupational therapy at The University of Scranton, received the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program teaching and research award to Uganda for 2022-2023. Dr. Bermudez will spend six months working with faculty of the Special Needs and Rehabilitation Department at Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda, teaching undergraduate students studying in the occupational therapy and educational technology fields, as he researches “Educational Technology for Inclusive Learning in Uganda.”

Dr. Bermudez will study perceptions of college students regarding the use of educational technology before and after introducing student learning experiences with 3-D Printer and simple circuit technologies.

“I am hoping this research project will lead to a better understanding of ways to overcome barriers regarding the use and application of educational technologies that can open the doors for women and minority student populations and lead to the creation and application of education technology tools that will improve learning for people with disabilities in Uganda and other countries,” said Dr. Bermudez, who explained that many women and minority students in the US tend to be more hesitant in using technology. “Overcoming barriers of perception can release untapped potential for new applications that can then improve the lives and learning of so many others. The impact can be exponential.”

Dr. Bermudez is optimistic about the potential based on a pilot study he completed last Spring of 2022 at Scranton, through which occupational therapy students participated in small groups to use circuit boards to create their own adaptive educational tools for people with disabilities, such as communication boards.

Dr. Bermudez said some of the students at Scranton were at first apprehensive about using the technology, but their perceptions and enthusiasm towards its use changed after their classroom experience. He is hopeful he will see similar results with undergraduate students in Uganda. He will also let these students design assistive devices for children with disabilities to be produced in a 3D printer which he will bring to Uganda,

In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Bermudez will serve in Ugandan communities to help assess the abilities of children with disabilities to participate in more inclusive education..

“Children everywhere deserve the ability to play and learn. Occupational therapy and educational technology can help them better achieve these basic human needs,” said Dr. Bermudez. “I hope to help develop ‘occupational justice’ mindsets; that is, to help ensure a person’s right to engage in activities—including participation in school or participating in activities of daily living.”

Dr. Bermudez, who joined the faculty at Scranton in 2019 after practicing in the field for nearly 20 years, said he is grateful for the support he received from the University throughout the competitive Fulbright application process.

“Despite the arduous process, I would encourage faculty to apply to this program. The Provost’s Office, the Panuska College of Professional Studies Dean’s Office, fellow faculty, staff members and my students – everyone at Scranton was helpful and encouraging throughout the process,” said Dr. Bermudez, who credits his students for recommending he look at Uganda as a location for his research.

“Some of my students knew of my interest to expand my research in educational technology beyond the United States, and suggested I consider Uganda after they returned from a service trip there,” said Dr. Bermudez.

At Kyambogo University, Dr. Bermudez will work with Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, Ph.D., vice-chancellor; Lawrence Eron, Ph.D., dean of the Department of Special Needs and Rehabilitation; Stackus Okwaput, Ph.D. research fellow and head of the Department of Special Needs; and James Bulenzibuto, head of International Relations.

Dr. Bermudez earned his bachelor’s degrees from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines and the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, and his master’s degree and doctorate from New Jersey City University.

Widely considered to be the premier international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, the Fulbright program awards grants to faculty and professionals as well as to student scholars. Since 1972, a total of 127 University students have been awarded Fulbrights.

Ten members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2022 have committed to post-graduation long-term service projects with nonprofit organizations and underserved populations. Their service begins this summer at programs run by the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and other organizations.

The following is a list of members of the University’s class of 2022 who committed to long-term service projects and their places of service.

Marino D. Angeloni, Jessup, will serve as a high school teacher and assist with campus ministry at Yap Caholic High School in Micronesia. Angeloni earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services.

Victoria T. Chiulli, Scarsdale, New York, will serve as an activities coordinator as part of the Mercy Volunteer Corps at the Adult Day Program at Georgia Infirmary in Savannah, Georgia. Chiulli earned a Master of Science degree in occupational therapy.

Isaiah J. Livelsberger, Hanover, will serve with advocacy work and legal services at Casa Nazaret with the KINO Border Initiative. Livelsberger earned a Bachelor of Science degree as a double major in international studies and philosophy. He also was a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program.

Abril Lopez, Scranton, will teach at Holy Name School in Camden, New Jersey, as an ACE Teaching Fellow with St. Joseph’ s University. Lopez earned a Bachelor of Science as a double major in criminal justice and philosophy.

Margaret R. McGrath, Drexel Hill, will serve at Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly in Chicago, Illinois, as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. McGrath earned a Bachelor of Science degree as a double major in biology and philosophy. She was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, its undergraduate Honors Program and its Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Emma M. Reed, Stratford, Connecticut, will serve as a high school English teacher in Baltimore, Maryland, with Operation Teach. Reed earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education – English.

Molly H. Skinner, Reading, Massachusetts, will serve in learning support as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Northwest, at St. Therese Catholic Academy in Seattle, Washington. Skinner earned a Master of Science in special education.

Olivia R. Stemkowski, Highland Mills, New York, will serve as an adult services coordinator at the University of Alaska at the Kuskokwim Consortium Library in Fairfax, Alaska, as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Northwest. Stemkowski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

Lauren P. Usaitis, Du Bois, will serve as an after school and teen programs coordinator at Girls in the Game in Chicago, Illinois, as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Usaitis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

Sarah V. White, Brooklyn, New York, will serve with eco-justice initiatives at the St. Joseph Justice Center Ministry in Orange County, California, for the Sisters of St. Joseph Volunteers. White earned a Bachelor of Science degree as a double major in biology and philosophy. She was a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and its Magis Honors Program in STEM. She was also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Nationally recognized for its commitment to service, The University of Scranton was among just 29 elite colleges in the nation selected to the Catholic Volunteer Network’s 2020 “Top Schools for Service.” was among just 361 colleges in the nation to earn the highly-respected Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Community Engagement Classification and was among the higher education institutions named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Each year, more than 2,800 Scranton students volunteer for more than 175,000 hours of service.

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2021 median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $102, 270. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Science Education predicts that “the aging of the baby-boom population will likely drive demand for biophysicists involved in biomedical research.”

The University of Scranton’s Bachelor of Science in biophysics provides students with an interdisciplinary education aimed learning how to develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed in this complex field of work. University departments that frequently collaborate with students in this program include chemistry, biology, psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing.

With small class sizes capped at 25 to 30 students, faculty work with students on an individual basis to ensure their unique goals are being met, especially regarding research opportunities. Through optional faculty-mentored research opportunities, students can work on a variety of research topics that are of interest to them. Previous student work covered topics including haptic research, heart rate variability, biophysics of hearing and transdermal drug delivery. Previous students have also attained paid summer research experiences at Purdue University of South Florida and Rutgers University.

An undergraduate degree in biophysics prepares students to pursue advanced degrees in fields like biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, medical physics medicine, or optometry. Examples of graduate schools that have accepted recent Scranton graduates include Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon University, John Hopkins University, and The University of Pennsylvania.

While most Scranton’s biophysics majors choose to pursue additional graduate education, there are career opportunities available in the industry immediately after graduation as well.

 

University of Scranton President, Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., quoted from St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, in his welcome to the students and their families of the class of 2026.

“‘Strive after the goal to which you are called with all your might. Know that God has already supplied you with the means to achieve it. And, remember that love must always manifest itself in deeds rather than words.’ Those words are nearly five centuries old, and yet they are still relevant today as they were when St. Ignatius wrote them,” said Fr. Marina at the start of the orientation sessions for the 1,000-plus members of Scranton’s class of 2026. The University will conduct four two-day sessions for the members of its incoming class and their parents and guardians on June 21-22, 23-24, 27-28 and June 30-July 1.

Scranton’s summer orientation is designed to introduce new students and their families to the University’s procedures, facilities and support services, and to provide them with the opportunity to meet with faculty, administrators and staff, as well as each other.

Follow Scranton’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media channels for additional photos from the Orientation sessions.

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More than 1,700 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2022 spring semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and Panuska College of Professional Studies.

A list of students making the Dean’s List can be seen here.

The following students were added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the fall 2021 semester after publication of the list in January of 2022.

The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2021 fall semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies.

Students added to the fall 2021 Dean’s List are:

Summer orientation sessions for students, parents and guardians of The University of Scranton’s class of 2026 will begin next week. The University will conduct four two-day sessions for the 1,000-plus members of its incoming class and their parents on June 21-22, 23-24, 27-28 and June 30-July 1.

Scranton’s summer orientation is designed to introduce new students and their families to the University’s procedures, facilities and support services, and to provide them with the opportunity to meet with faculty, administrators and staff, as well as each other.

Student orientation team leaders Kathryn Olafson ’24 from Malvern, a secondary education –citizenship/history major and member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program; David Reese ’24 from Lebanon, New Jersey, a computer science major; and Margaret Swiderski ’23 from Farmingville, New York, a biology major, will join with University administrators, staff, faculty and nearly 60 student orientation assistants to help acquaint members of the incoming class to Scranton.

Sessions for students include information about academic life, the successful transition to college, Scranton’s inclusive community, campus life and mission and ministry, as well as smaller sessions for students to get to know each. Sessions for parents include information about academics, financial aid services, career development, mission and ministry, campus life and strategies for success. The University will also display a tribute to the class of 2026 on its four-story, Class of 2020 Gateway lighted sign on the evenings of orientation.

Fall welcome weekend for incoming students is set for Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28. Classes for the University’s fall semester will begin on campus on Monday, August 29.

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The University of Scranton’s Cybercrime and Homeland Security program, with support from Jacobs, the global defense and security consulting firm, will offer a free Royal’s Cyber Investigation Camp for area high school students July 12-15. Through hands-on active learning experiences and lessons by University professors and professionals working in the field of cyber intelligence and cybersecurity, participants will have a unique opportunity to explore possible career paths in the emerging, dynamic and in-demand sector.

Students in the camp will learn about cybercriminal profiling, cybersecurity countermeasures, cyber law and digital forensics through classes taught in the University’s Cyber Forensics and Cybersecurity lab. In addition to Scranton faculty, Jacobs staff members will also participate as instructors. Jacobs will also host the high school students at their office in the Washington, D.C., area on the final day of the camp.

Participation is open to students who will be in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in fall 2022. There is no fee for students attending this camp. The priority application deadline is June 24, 2022, after which new applications will continue to be considered until spots are filled. Interested students can apply for the camp here.

The University of Scranton began to offer a bachelor’s degree in cybercrime and homeland security in the fall of 2020 and will begin to offer a master’s degree program in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity beginning in the fall 2022. Students participating in these programs have access to hands-on programming and research opportunities offered through the University’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime.

In May, the University announced a partnership with Jacobs through which the global company will offer advice on the fast-changing field to support and keep current the University’s cyber-related undergraduate and graduate curriculum. In addition to supporting the summer Royal Cyber Investigation Camp, Jacobs will also be a source of internships for University students and a source of job placement for University graduates.

For more information or questions about the Royal Cyber Investigation Camp, please contact Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Criminology, at Michael.Jenkins@scranton.edu or 570-941-6170.

Twenty-one high school students completed The University of Scranton’s University of Success program, a multi-year, an academic and enrichment program that is designed for high school students to develop the skills needed to successfully gain acceptance to college. All of the graduates have plan to continue their education post-secondary schools, with 19 already committing to colleges, universities and trade schools.

The University of Success, offered free of charge to participants, is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants. Donors to the program include Dime Bank, Fidelity Bank, Carl and JoAnne Kuehner, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Inc., Overlook Foundation, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PPL Foundation, Lisa C. Thomas, M.D., and Waste Management.

Students enter the University of Success at the completion of the eighth grade and continue through their four years of high school. The program offers enrichment courses in study skills, SAT prep, public speaking, math, science, art and cultural activities, as well as financial aid and wellness seminars.

The following is a list of 2022 University of Success graduates, the high school they attended, and their post-high school plans.

Rebecca Coldwell of Taylor, who graduated from Riverside Junior/Senior High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in physiology in the pre-medical and pre-health professions program.

Elisha De Souza of Blakely, who graduated from Valley View High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and will pursue a major in business.

Anthony Diaz of Scranton, who graduated from West Scranton High School, plans to attend Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio and major in biology in the pre-veterinary program.

Shane Frank of Taylor, who graduated from Riverside Junior/Senior High School, plans to attend Juniata College and major in physics.

Adriana Gentle of Tunkhannock, who graduated from Tunkhannock Area High School, plans to attend Pennsylvania State University, Wilkes-Barre. She has not yet declared a major.

Caillou Kaneski of Tunkhannock, who graduated from Tunkhannock Area High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in mathematics and computer science.

Emily Kogan of Moscow, who graduated from North Pocono High School, plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh and major in chemistry.

Samuel Anthony Loukopoulos of Scranton, who graduated from Scranton High School, plans to attend Lackawanna College. He has not yet declared a major.

Logan Matone of Throop, who graduated from Mid Valley Secondary Center, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in electrical or mechanical engineering.

Mikayla Mendez of Taylor, who graduated from Riverside Junior/Senior High School, plans to attend Georgia State University and major in early and primary education.

Liam Misko of Carbondale, who graduated from Carbondale Area Junior Senior High School, plans to attend Kentucky Welding Institute for pipeline fabrication.

Andrea Murphy of Milford, who graduated from Delaware Valley High School, plans to attend an online university to study real estate.

Corey Ortiz of Bushkill, who graduated from Norte Dame High School, plans to attend Pennsylvania State University, main campus, and major in computer science.

Yeraiza Pena of Scranton, who graduated from Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in international business.

Ritu Regmi of Scranton, who graduated from Scranton High School, plans to attend Marywood University in the pre-physician assistant program.

Mahnoor Sami of Jessup, who graduated from Valley View High School, plans to attend Marywood University in the pre-physician assistant program.

Victoria Scarpati of Lake Ariel, who graduated from Western Wayne High School, plans to attend the University of New Haven. She has not yet declared a major.

Jordan Traver of Friendville, who graduated from Montrose Area Junior Senior High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in nursing.

Mayra Suely Varela of Taylor, who graduated from Riverside Junior/Senior High School, plans to attend Marywood University and major in nursing.

John Edgardo Velazguez of Scranton, who graduated from West Scranton High School, plans to attend Kutztown University and major in physics/astronomy.

Pavel Vorozilchak of Blakely, who graduated from Valley View High School, has not yet committed to a college or university. He is interested in studying political science, Spanish or business.

Additional information about the program can be found on the  University of Success web site.

The University of Scranton awarded faculty development summer grants for 2022 to 11 faculty members.

Roxana A. Curiel, Ph.D., assistant professor of world languages and cultures, received a grant to research “De muxe a muxe: Mueidad and the Third Gender in Zapotec Culture.” She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (2012) from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and a Ph.D. (2016) in Peninsular and Mexican Literature and Cultures from the University of California, Riverside. Dr. Curiel has worked for the University since 2020.

Roy Domenico, Ph.D., professor and chair of the History Department, received a grant to research “Two Worlds: Italo-American Cultural Relations and the Cold War.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University. Dr. Domenico has worked for the University since 1997.

Christopher Fremaux, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy, received a grant to research “Crusisu’s Guide to Living Rationally: A Translation Report.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, a master’s degree from Boston College and a Ph.D. from the State University of New York, Stony Brook. Dr. Fremaux has worked for the University since 2020.

Madeline B. Gangnes, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and theatre, received a grant to research “Young Folks and Victorian Illustrated Periodicals.” She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puget Sound, a master’s degree from the University of Dundee in Scotland and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Dr. Gangnes has worked for the University since 2020.

Emily Hopkins, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, received a grant to research “Shared storybook reading as an educational tool in early childhood.” She earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Dr. Hopkins has worked for the University since 2018.

JoyAnna S. Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science and co-director of the University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service, received a grant to research “Environmental Condition and State Environmental Agency Approval.” She earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. Dr. Hopper has worked for the University since 2020.

David Ingber, Ph.D., faculty specialist in the Biology Department, received a grant to research “Effects of Corn Herbivory-Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs) on Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugpiderda Smith) Oviposition Choice.” He earned a a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York, Oswego, a master’s degree in entomology from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware. Dr. Ingber has worked for the University since 2019.

Michael Knies, professor, Weinberg Memorial Library, received a grant to research “The Impact of Linotype Technology on the British Typefounding Industry, 1896-1910. ‘The lino is killing us.’” He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree from Rutgers University. He has worked for the University since 1996.

Declan Mulhall, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering, received a grant to research “NMR Detector with electronic frequency control.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Dr. Mulhall has worked for the University since 2004.

Paul Sampson, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, received a grant to research “Ventilating the Empire: Environmental Machines in Britain 1700-1850.” He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas, a master’s degree from Marquette University, and his Ph.D., from Rutgers University. Dr. Sampson has worked for the University since 2020.

Matthew Shea, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy, received a grant to research “God and Happiness.” He received a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a Ph.D. from Boston College. Dr. Shea has worked for the University since 2020.

The University of Scranton SBDC offers educational programs and guidance as part of a microgrant program for new small business in the City of Scranton located in low-moderate-income demographic areas. The first businesses were granted funds through this program recently: Electric City Cuts and Fades and Pilgers’ Pastrie.

The funds are awarded to the city through the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program from the Housing and Urban Development Administration (HUD).

The CDBG Small Business Micro-Grant Program for new or early-stage businesses located in Scranton’s low-moderate-income demographic areas (LMA) will supply funds ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 per business through 2022 to assist with start-up costs, thus contributing to their initial success and continued revitalization of our community. Final applications for the microgrants must include a referral form from the SBDC, available after completing the required educational program series and/or business consulting and demonstrating appropriate business planning in accordance with program guidelines.

Qualifying businesses can find an application on the City of Scranton website.

Lisa Hall Zielinski, director of the SBDC at The University of Scranton, joined Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti, at an event to announce the recipients of two microgrants awarded through the program.

The SBDC at The University of Scranton is housed in the Kania School of Management.

Author Nicole Eustace, Ph.D., the winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in History for her book “Covered with Night,” spoke at The University of Scranton in May, as part of National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) supported “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” Project. She drew from the central themes of her award-winning book in her presentation titled “Murder and Mercy: A Colonial Encounter in the Susquehanna Valley.” The talk by Dr. Eustace, a professor of history at New York University, was related to the “Scranton’s Story” project’s third theme: “The Indigenous History of Northeast Pennsylvania.”

The lecture, and a second talk titled “Removal and the Right to Remain in the United States,” by Samantha Seeley, Ph.D., associate professor of history at the University of Richmond, at which took place in May the Albright Memorial Library, were sponsored by the University’s Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, History Department and Office of Community Relations; and community partners the Black Scranton Project, Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department, Lackawanna Historical Society, Scranton Public Library, and WVIA.

“Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” seeks to capture the unique narrative of Scranton and relate it to the history of the United States prior to the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The project will incorporate eight themes over a two-year period, including how Scranton has been portrayed in the popular imagination, its industrial era growth, Indigenous history, religious tapestry, diverse immigrant populations – past and present – and the role it played in the Underground Railroad and Black history. Both lectures in May relate to the project’s third theme: “The Indigenous History of Northeast Pennsylvania.”

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More than 300 students in grades five to 12 from Northeast Pennsylvania, New York and Singapore participated in The University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest this year. Awards were announced at the University’s Evening of Environmental Science Event on campus in April.

“Some teachers are very connected with doing projects related to sustainability and the environment. They pass this along to their students and put a lot of work into ensuring that the essays submitted by their students are done very well,” said Mark Murphy, director of the Office of Sustainability at the University, about the quality of the record number of essays received this year for the contest.

University students who work in the Jesuit school’s Office of Sustainability reviewed the essays submitted, in addition to organizing the award ceremony. University students participating in the ceremony and helping with the event were: Nathaniel Smith, Wilkes-Barre, a neuroscience major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, who served as MC for the award presentation; Emily Burgers, an environmental science major from Woodland Park, New Jersey; Meghan Caffrey, an English major from Wilkes-Barre; Angela Hudock, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Sayre; Matthew Kinback, a 2021 graduate of The University of Scranton and current graduate student at the University from Factoryville; Sam Marranca, a history major from Pittston and member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program; Michael Quinnan, a biomathematics major from Shavertown and a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM; Karla Shaffer, a political science major from Doylestown; and Emma Warras, an environmental science major from Kinnelon, New Jersey.

This year’s essay theme was “We Are All Connected.”

Three of the four fifth-grade essay contest winners were from Dallas Intermediate High School in Luzerne County. Carley Knorr won first place, Callie Comstock won second place, and Ryan Ricardo, who tied for third place with Alec G. from All Saints Academy in Scranton.

The sixth-grade essay contest winners were Emma DeSanto, first place, from Holy Rosary in Duryea; Nicholas Ardolino, second place, from Bay Academy in Brooklyn, New York; and Devin Rong, also from Bay Academy, tied for third place with Alex Rosencrance from Holy Rosary.

The seventh-grade essay contest winners were: Maggie Butler from St. Clare/St. Paul’s in Scranton, who tied with Maeve Judge from Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School in Scranton for first place; Edie Hann from Northeast Intermediate School who tied with Cole G. from All Saints Academy, Scranton, for second place, and Matthew Cohen from Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School who tied with Edwin Camacho from West Scranton Intermediate School for third place.

The eighth-grade essay contest winners were: Mckayla White, first place, Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School, and Justin Gao and Briana Huang, tied for second place, both from Bay Academy. Both third place winners, Kayla V. and Cleo D., were from All Saints Academy.

The ninth-10^th grade essay contest winners were: Brooke Bilski, first place, Holy Cross High School, Dunmore; Archer Jones, second place, West Scranton High School; and Ella Cohen, third place, Scranton Preparatory School.

The 11^th-12^th grade essay contest winners were: Norah Kennedy, first place, Holy Cross High School,; Dante Warhola, second place, Holy Cross High School; and Hannah Burke, third place, Blue Mountain High School, Schuylkill Haven.

Information about next year’s essay contest will be posted to the University’s Sustainability webpage in January 2023.

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The University of Scranton hosted panel discussion about the Jesuit university’s Prison Education Initiative on campus during the spring semester.

Inspired by the work of Gregory Boyle, S.J., the founder of Homeboy Industries, The University of Scranton’s Prison Education Initiative seeks to provide inmates in Northeastern Pennsylvania with an Associate of Arts degree in just over three years. The program, directed by Chris Haw, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology/religious studies at Scranton, hopes to build foundations upon which inmates can continue their education.

Panelists Dr. Haw and Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology, discussed their experience teaching at the State Correctional Institution, SCI-Dallas, in Luzerne County; and Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., then provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Scranton, spoke on the subject of mass incarceration. Darryl Byers-Robinson, an alumnus of the Bard Prison Initiative, who starred in “College Behind Bars,” also participated in the discussion as a guest-speaker.

Pictured below are several professors at The University of Scranton who have taught at the State Correctional Institution, SCI—Dallas in Luzerne County through the Jesuit university’s Prison Education Initiative. From left are some of the professors who have participated in the Prison Education Initiative: Declan Mulhall, Ph.D., professor of physics and electrical engineering; Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology; Darryl Byers-Robinson, Alumnus of Bard Prison Initiative, guest speaker at a panel discussion about the initiative; and Will Cohen, Ph.D., professor of theology/religious studies.

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Ryan Sheehan, J.D., has been named executive director of the Jesuit Center at The University of Scranton, effective June 1, 2022.

Sheehan joined The University of Scranton in 2012 as assistant director of The Jesuit Center. During his time at Scranton, he has led numerous retreats and seminars for staff and faculty members to learn, experience and explore Ignatian spirituality. He has also served as interim executive director in 2017. Among the programs he led was the “Footsteps of Ignatius Pilgrimage,” which begins with a nine-month on-campus Ignatian Leadership Program and culminates with a summer trip to Spain and Italy to visit the important sites in the life of St. Ignatius and other prominent Jesuits.

Sheehan also serves as an adjunct professor in several departments at Scranton, including political science, philosophy, English and history.

In addition, Sheehan leads immersion trips for the Kino Border Initiative for the Ignatian Colleagues Program, which is a national program of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities designed to educate and form administrators and faculty more deeply in the Jesuit and Catholic tradition of higher education.

Prior to joining the University, Sheehan worked and lived with Native Americans in Arizona and New Mexico, serving as a teacher and coach at St. Michael Indian School, a Catholic school on the Navajo Reservation.

Sheehan earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, his master’s degree from Western New Mexico University and his juris doctor degree from Arizona State University.

The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service held its inaugural conference on campus in April. Craig Wheeland, Ph.D., the senior vice provost for academics, and professor of public administration at Villanova University, served as keynote speaker. In addition, panelists discussed current political topics including the ethics of legislative pay and per diems, the best grant writing practices, the ethics boards and codes of local governments. University students Clara Downey, Easthampton, Massachusetts; Ana Rahman, Pearl River, New York; and Conor Nealon, Duryea; presented on ways to increase voting among young adults.

The Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS) was instituted in the fall of 2021. Programs offered seek to develop ethical and capable public officials in Northeastern Pennsylvania in order to govern in ways that are just and effective for all community members. CEEPS also hopes to develop an engaged and civically informed community through education, training and public service opportunities. JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, and Jean Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science, serve as co-directors of CEEPS.

Pictured below, from left, are: Megan J. Schurra, Easton, University student intern for CEEPS; JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science and CEEPS co-director; Craig Wheeland, Ph.D., keynote speaker, senior vice provost for academics and professor of public administration, Villanova University; Jean Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science and CEEPS co-director; and Caroline Ries, Tunkhannock, University student intern for CEEPS.

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The University of Scranton hosted a lecture by Michael Mann, Ph.D., on his latest book, “The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet.” Dr. Mann’s presentation, part of Scranton’s Earth Day programming, explored the intricacies of the struggle to conquer the disinformation campaigns of the fossil fuel industry. Following his assessment of the current political barriers to climate change policy, Dr. Mann discussed inadequate solutions as well as the responses to the climate crisis he deems best.

The author of five books on climate change, Dr. Mann’s research has been published in more than 200 peer-reviewed and edited publications. He was a lead author on the Observed Climate Variability and Change chapter of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Third Scientific Assessment Report in 2001 and was organizing committee chair for the National Academy of Sciences Frontiers of Science in 2003. He contributed, with other IPCC authors, to the award of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

Dr. Mann is a Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science and the director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Geosciences and the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute and has received countless awards over the past two decades for his work.

Thirty-Three members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2022 graduated from its undergraduate Honors Program, which is one of the Jesuit university’s programs of excellence. Students in the Honors Program pursue a rigorous education that stresses independent work through close engagement with professors and other honors students, including the preparation, presentation and defense of a research or creative project during their senior year.

The following is a list of the class of 2022 undergraduate Honors Program graduates, their faculty mentors and their research projects.

Tiannah N. Adams, New York, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a psychology major. Adams worked with faculty advisor Patrick T. Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "The Effects of Apparent Race and Resume Strength on Company Response Rates."

Sophia V. Alderman, Oreland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Alderman worked with faculty advisor Emily J. Hopkins, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "Individual differences and a hierarchy of learning: How children learn from educational television." Alderman was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Christina F. Alfano, Red Bank, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. Alfano worked with faculty advisor Kathleen G. Dwyer, Ph.D., Department of Biology, on a thesis titled "Generation of CRISPR Construct pCA1g61370CR2 Targeting the Arabidopsis thaliana At1g61370 Receptor Like Kinase (RLK) Gene and Restriction Site Loss Analysis of pGSMFSCRL26CR2 Knockout Transgenic Plants."

Emily L. Allen, Scott Township, graduated as a biology and Hispanic studies double major. Allen worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Effect of Age on Cellular Respiration in Camponotus floridanus Ants."

Stephanie R. Alvarez, South Setauket, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and criminal justice double major. Alvarez worked with faculty advisor Michael E. Allison, Ph.D., professor of political science, on a thesis titled "The Future of US-Cuba Relations."

MaKenna L. Bryant, Dallas, graduated, magna cum laude, as a physiology major. Bryant worked with faculty advisor Christopher Howey, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Effects of Ambient Light at Night on the Metabolic Rates of Anolis carolinensis."

Claire J. Carrera, North Bergen, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a psychology major. Carrera worked with faculty advisor Christie P. Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "Student Perceptions of Microaggressions by Authorities & Peers."

Lauren E. Cleary, Lynbrook, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Cleary worked with faculty advisor Jill A. Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "The Effects of Rhythmic Priming on Word Learning."

Mary-Katherine J. Cotter, Massapequa, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a history and political science double major.         Cotter worked with faculty advisor Michael E. Allison, Ph.D., professor of political science, on a thesis titled "United States-Chinese Relations: The Prevention of Violence."

Patrick Dawid, Exeter, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Dawid worked with faculty advisor Christie P. Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "Predicting Treatment Stigma Using Constructs Associated with Self-Reliance." Dawid was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and was the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton.

Koebe S. Diaz, Dumont, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a psychology major. Diaz worked with faculty advisor Jessica M. Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "Crisis at the Southern Boarder: A Scenario Study."

Mia K. Gianello, Old Forge, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and biomathematics double major. Gianello worked with faculty advisor Steven T. Dougherty, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled "Distances in Graphs of Permutations."

Sarah C. Hickey, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a history major. Hickey worked with faculty advisor Susan L. Poulson, Ph.D., professor of history, on a thesis titled "False Memories: A History of Racism in the Women's Suffrage Movement and its Historiography."

Megan G. Johannesen, Rocky Point, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major. Johannesen worked with faculty advisor Jean W. Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science, on a thesis titled "The Americans with Disabilities Act - Title I: Employment." Johannesen was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Isaiah J. Livelsberger, Hanover, graduated, summa cum laude, as an international studies and philosophy double major. Livelsberger worked with faculty advisor Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, on a thesis titled "Transitioning into Justice and Peace: A Comparative Study of Elites and Civil Society in Post-Genocide Rwanda and Guatemala."

Nia N. Long, East Stroudsburg, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Long worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Effects of Synthetic Hydraulic Fracturing Solution on Locomotion and Brian Morphology in Camponotus floridanus." Long was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Ryan J. Maguire, Chester Springs, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry major. Maguire worked with faculty advisor David A. Rusak, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled "Effect of Sewer Treatment on Nitrate and Phosphate Levels in the Lackawanna River."

Serena M. Mancini, Wayne, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a criminal justice and counseling and human services double major. Mancini worked with faculty advisor Loreen Wolfer, Ph.D., professor of sociology, criminal justice and criminology, on a thesis titled "The Media's Influence on the Public's Perception of Mass Murder and its Implications."

Samuel L. Marranca, Pittston, graduated, summa cum laude, as a history major. Marranca worked with faculty advisor Sean Brennan, Ph.D., professor of history, on a thesis titled "Coping with the Nazi Legacy: An Examination of Denazification and Post-War Divided Memory in West Germany, 1945-1965."

Allison M. McGee, Peckville, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. McGee worked with faculty advisor Christopher Howey, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Latex Balloon Degradation Differs Based on Environment."

Margaret R. McGrath, Drexel Hill, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. McGrath worked with faculty advisor Christopher Howey, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Effects of Ambient Light at Night on the Stress Response in Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis)." McGrath was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Laura E. Miller, White Haven, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and biology double major. Miller worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Bacteriophage Transfer in Camponotus floridanus through Trophallaxis."

Ashley E. Mullan, Hunntington, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as an applied mathematics and philosophy double major. Mullan worked with faculty advisor Murong Xu, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled "Musical Feature Classification: Using Techniques of Machine Learning to Detect Genre." Mullan was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and was the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton.

Shane D. Power, Bronx, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Power worked with faculty advisor Cara A. Krieg, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Effects of Environmental Quality on House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) Reproductive Success."

Natalie G. Pullows Tetuan , Saint James, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a criminal justice major. Pullows Tetuan worked with faculty advisor Loreen Wolfer, Ph.D., professor of sociology, criminal justice and criminology, on a thesis titled "Examining the Perception of Recreational Marijuana and Non-Prescription Adderall use amongst College Students."

Catherine R. Renton, Ringwood, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an environmental science major. Renton worked with faculty advisor Vincent R. Farallo, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Soil Microhabitat Differences Between Two Microendemic Salamanders."

Krista M. Segreti, Danbury, Connecticut, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Segreti worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Nestmate Presence Reduces Isolation Induced Digestive Impairments in the Ant Camponotus floridanus."

Amanda L. Serafin, Mechanicsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting and business analytics double major. Serafin worked with faculty advisor Ashley L. Stampone, D.B.A., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled "Integrating ESG into the Accounting Curriculum: Insights from Accounting Educators."

Elias J. Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Shomali worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Effects of Serotonergic Manipulation on Ant Feeding Behavior." Shomali was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and was the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton.

Cameron J. Shedlock, White Haven, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Shedlock worked with faculty advisor Katherine A. Stumpo, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled "Characterizing Pancreatic Xenograft Tumor Response to Gemcitabine Treatment with Imaging Mass Spectrometry." Shedlock was also a member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Alex O. Sophabmixay, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Sophabmixay worked with faculty advisor Bryan R. Crable, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Analysis of Transport Influences."

Fatima A. Torres, Scranton, graduated, cum laude, as a criminal justice major. Torres worked with faculty advisor Ismail Onat, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology, criminal justice and criminology, on a thesis titled "A Turning Point: The Relationship Between Employment and Recidivism."

Anna E. Wengyn, Chalfont, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry major. Wengyn worked with faculty advisor Billie R. Tadros, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and theatre, on a thesis titled "With the PCOS stuff, I'm like 'Am I not good enough?': Lived Experiences and Understandings of Femininity in the Narratives of Women Ages 18-24 with PCOS." Wengyn was the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton.

Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, and Jill A. Warker, associate professor of psychology, serve as co-directors of the undergraduate Honors Program.

Twenty-nine members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2022 graduated from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA), which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in SJLA pursue a rigorous education designed to develop enhanced writing, oral and critical-thinking skills through specially designed courses in philosophy, theology and literature.

The following is a list of the class of 2022 SJLA Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Sophia V .Alderman, Oreland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major.  She was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program.

Megan T. Bertrand, East Windsor, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English and philosophy double major.

Jacob T. Breighner, Hanover, graduated, magna cum laude, as an international studies and philosophy double major.

Peter Burke, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a theology and religious studies, history and philosophy triple major.

Caroline P. Cirella, Randolph, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major.

Sean Patrick Robert Connolly, Danbury, Connecticut, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business analytics and philosophy double major. He was also the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton.

Charles M. Csaszar, Hopewell Junction, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting and philosophy double major. He was also a member of the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program.

Patrick Dawid, Exeter, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. He was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program. He was also the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton.

Elizabeth B. Dern, Doylestown, graduated, cum laude, as an exercise science and philosophy double major.

Michael R. Deutsch, East Northport, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major.

Eric W. Dittmar, Stroudsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as a computer science and philosophy double major. He was also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Amanda K. Gerenza, Stroudsburg, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.

Sarah M. Grosso, Newtown Square, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English and philosophy double major.

Caroline R. Hagen, Skaneateles, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a neuroscience major.

Megan G. Johannesen, Rocky Point, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major. She was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program.

Nia N. Long, East Stroudsburg, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Long was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program.

Samantha M. Matamoros-Patrick, Archbald, graduated, cum laude, as a neuroscience major.

Margaret R. McGrath, Drexel Hill, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. She was also a member of the University's  undergraduate Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Ashley E. Mullan, Huntington, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as an applied mathematics and philosophy double major. She was a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program. She was also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Katelyn R. O’Connor, Sussex, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English and philosophy double major.

Jenna M. O’Malley, Scranton, graduated, cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. 

Ellyn C. Prusinowski, Clay, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major.

Sultana Rahman, Pearl River, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a political science major.

Katherine A. Rodrigo, South Plainfield, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting and philosophy double major.

Elias J. Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.  was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program. He was the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Adrianna O. Smith, Covington Township, graduated, cum laude, as a philosophy and theology and religious studies double major.

Kristina J. Thomas, Archbald, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry and philosophy double major.

Sarah V. White, Brooklyn, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.  She was a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. She was also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Kolton T. Zaffuto, Plymouth, Massachusetts, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry and philosophy double major.

Daniel Haggerty, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Philosophy Department, serves as the director of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Fifteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2022 graduated from its Business Leadership Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in this highly-selective program explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.

The following is a list of the class of 2022 Business Leadership Honors Program graduates and their majors:

Marissa E. Angelo, Dickson City, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Angelo was also a member of the University’s Business Honors Program.

Alexandra C. Benadon, Hillsborough, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a human resource studies major.            

Philip J. Cocco III, Pittston, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Cocco was also a member of the University’s Business Honors Program.

Charles M. Csaszar, Hopewell Junction, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major.    Csaszar was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Collin E. Ennis, Pleasant Mount, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major. Ennis was also a member of the University’s Business Honors Program.

Austin J. Glidewell, Clarks Summit, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance and economics double major. Glidewell was also a member of the University’s Business Honors Program.

Hanna P. Guarnuccio, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an economics and accounting double major. Guarnuccio was also a member of the University’s Business Honors Program.

Dillon C. Heinz, Leonardo, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major.       

Jacqueline J. Heraty, New York, New York, graduated, as a neuroscience major.  

Rebecca A. Johnson, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major.            

Benjamin C. Koshinski, Mountain Top, graduated, summa cum laude, as a management and accounting double major.          

Carolina R. Murphy, Jenkintown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance and Hispanic studies double major. Murphy was also a member of the University’s Business Honors Program.

Christina F. Piscitelli, New City, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.   

Claudia D. Pitts, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.        Pitts was also a member of the University’s Business Honors Program.

Caitlin S. Schreiber, Clarence Centre, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business administration major. Schreiber was also a member of the University’s Business Honors Program.

Robert McKeage, Ph.D., associate professor of management, marketing and entrepreneurship, serves as director of the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program.

Five members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2022 graduated from its Magis Honors Program in STEM. The program, which began as a pilot program in the fall of 2017, combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programing to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society. The University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM was officially approved as the University’s fifth honors program in 2019.

The Magis Honors Program 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.

The following members of Scranton’s class of 2022 graduated as members of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Justine E. Duva, Glenmoore, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Duva worked with faculty member Maria Squire, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The Effect of acetaminophen on the tibiae of C57/BL6 male mice.”

Michael W. Laabs, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Laabsworked with faculty member Marc Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Effects of nicotine on recruitment time and recruitment response in the ant Pheidole dentata.”

Margaret R. McGrath, Drexel Hill, graduate, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program and the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. McGrath worked with faculty member Chris Howey, assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The effects of ambient light at night on the stress response in green anoles (Anolis carolinensis).”

Cameron J. Shedlock, White Haven, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major and member of the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program. Shedlock worked with faculty member Katherine Stumpo, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Characterizing pancreatic xenograft tumor response to gemcitabine treatment with imaging mass spectrometry.”

Sarah V. White, Brooklyn, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. White worked with faculty member Anne Royer, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Quantifying geographic variation and color variation in populations of Mimulus ringens with divergent life histories.” White was also the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton.

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

Twenty members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2022 graduated from its 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 is a list of the class of 2022 Business Honors Program graduates and their majors:

Peter A. Amicucci, Poughquag, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as an operations management major. Amicucci also won a Fulbright-Lappeeranta University of Technology Graduate Award to Finland.

Marissa E. Angelo, Dickson City, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Angelo was also a member of the University's Business Leadership Honors Program.

Christopher J. Bauer, Cresco, graduated, cum laude, as an accounting major.

Claudia V. Bennett, Parsippany, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.

Philip J. Cocco, Pittston, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Cocco was also a member of the University's Business Leadership Honors Program.

Christopher R. Coico, South Hempstead, New York, graduated, cum laude, as an accounting major.

Jake H. Croston, Mount Sinai, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a management major.

Collin E. Ennis, Pleasant Mount, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major. Ennis was also a member of the University's Business Leadership Honors Program.

Austin J. Glidewell, Clarks Summit, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance and economics double major. Glidewell was also a member of the University's Business Leadership Honors Program.

Hanna P. Guarnuccio, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an economics and accounting double major. Guarnuccio was also a member of the University's Business Leadership Honors Program.

Ryan S. Hammer, Wayne, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major.

Jacob E. Heaton, Medford Lakes , New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.

Alyssa Lamparelli, Palmerton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a marketing major.

Holly L. McCarthy, Wall Township, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major.

Carolina R. Murphy, Jenkintown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance and Hispanic studies double major. Murphy was also a member of the University's Business Leadership Honors Program.

ClaudiaD.Pitts, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Pitts was also a member of the University's Business Leadership Honors Program.

Caitlin S. Schreiber, Clarence Centre, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business administration major. Schreiber was also a member of the University's Business Leadership Honors Program.

Alexander K. Schwabe, Doylestown, graduated, cum laude, as a finance major.

Erin M. Wilson, Collegeville, graduated, summa cum laude, as an economics major.

Russell A. Young, Charleston, South Carolina, graduated as an accounting major.

Rose Sebastianelli, Ph.D., professor of operations and analytics, serves as director of the University’s Business Honors Program.

The annual median pay for a career in data analytics can range from $82,000 to $114,000. Additionally, market-related analytics is one of the fastest growing fields with Forbes estimating a growth rate of “67% over the past year, and 136% over the past three years” and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting employment growth of up to 27% from 2016 to 2026.

The University of Scranton’s Bachelor of Science in business analytics is designed to help students learn the variety of skill sets needed to be successful in this interdisciplinary field, where they will be asked to conduct, analyze and evaluate data in order to make better business decisions. Potential job titles one can pursue with this degree include management consultant, data analyst, operations research analyst, and more.

As part of the Kania School of Management (KSOM), Scranton’s business programs are accredited by the rigorous standards of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is an elite accolade that fewer than five percent of business schools worldwide hold.

Scranton’s business analytics program includes courses from data mining, database management systems, and simulation as well as the communication, managerial and decision-making skills needed to Students will be introduced to tools like structured query language (SQL) and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) as related to the use of analytics in decision making.

Scranton also offers a master’s degree in business analytics in an online or on-campus format, as well as a business analytics certificate.

The University of Scranton honored 62 members of its undergraduate class of 2022 for academic excellence, service or both at a Class Night ceremony on campus May 20.

Students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges were presented Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence, a memorial to the late administrator who served the University for 53 years.

Class of 2022 O’Hara Award recipients were: Marissa Emily Angelo, Dickson City, for the Kania School of Management; Stephanie Michele Hoffmann, Staten Island, New York, for the Panuska College of Professional Studies; and Sarah Veronica White, Brooklyn, New York, for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Also recognized at the ceremony were two members of the class of 2022 who received prestigious student Fulbright Awards. Peter Anthony Amicucci, Poughquag, New York, won a Fulbright-Lappeeranta University of Technology Graduate Award to Finland, and Crysta O’Donnell, Riegelsville, won an English Teaching Assistantship to Andorra.

In addition, students were honored for outstanding academic achievement in their fields of study and leadership and service.

The students honored and the awards received are as follows:

Tiannah Nicole Adams, New York, New York, received the Lawrence Lennon Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in Psychology and The Alumni Loyalty and Service Award;

Sophia Victoria Alderman, Oreland, received the Excellence in Psychology (ex-aequo) Award;

Sabrina M. Alvarez, Moosic, received the Excellence in Information Technology Award;

Amicucci also received the Excellence in Operations Management Award;

Angelo also received the Excellence in Accounting and the Edward J. Spitzer Scholarship awards;

Marino David Angeloni, Jessup, received the Jesuit Community Award;

Alexa Nyx Baldon, Langhorne, received the Excellence in Applied Computing Award;

Lauryn Elizabeth Beermann, Dalton, received the Excellence in Health Advocacy Award;

Alexandra C. Benadon, Hillsborough, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Human Resource Studies Award;

Shannon Malloy Broderick, New Fairfield, Connecticut, received the Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing Award;

MaKenna Lynn Bryant, Dallas, received the Excellence in Physiology Award;

Mary Elizabeth Bunone, Ramsey, New Jersey, received the Lawrence Mann Award;

Peter Aloysius Burke, Scranton, received the Prof. Frank C. Brown Award for Excellence in History and the Excellence in Theology/Religious Studies Award;

Philip Joseph Cocco III, Pittston, received the PA Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Award;

Sean Patrick Robert Connolly, Danbury, Connecticut, received the Excellence in Business Analytics Award;

Alexander K. Curtis, Waymart, received the Excellence in Chemistry Award;

Koebe Soleil Diaz, Dumont, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Psychology (ex-aequo) Award;

Eric W. Dittmar, Stroudsburg, received the Excellence in Computer Science Award;

Charles Dominick, Langhorne, received the Excellence in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Award;

Laura Gale Ellwood, Mount Holly Springs, received the Excellence in Environmental Science Award;

Mia Kathryn Gianello, Old Forge, received the Excellence in Biomathematics Award;

Hanna Patricia Guarnuccio, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Economics Award;

Zeruiah Imani Harris, Saylorsburg, received the Excellence in Forensic Chemistry Award;

Hoffmann also received the Excellence in Middle Level Education Award;

Natalie Jade Intrieri, North Salem, New York, received the Excellence in Counseling and Human Services Award;

Madison Rylie Jashembowski, Middletown, New York, received the Excellence in Finance Award;

Emily Christine Kale, Mount Arlington, New Jersey, received the Academic Excellence in Nursing Award;

Benjamin C. Koshinski, Mountain Top, received the Excellence in Management Award;

Claudia Rose Kovaleski, Lake Ariel, received the Prof. Bernard J. McGurl Award for Excellence in Communication;

Brian Kroll, Laflin, received the Dr. A.J. Cawley Award for Excellence in Electrical Engineering;

James John Leonard, Interlaken, New Jersey, received the J. Harold Brislin Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism;

Isaiah J. Livelsberger, Hanover, received the Excellence in International Studies Award;

Abril Lopez, Scranton, received the Lawrence Mann Award;

Ryan James Maguire, Chester Springs, received the Excellence in Biochemistry Award;

Serena Martine Mancini, Wayne, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Criminal Justice Award;

Caitlyn Reilly Maurer, White House Station, New Jersey, received The Military Science Leadership Award;

Ashley Elana Mullan, Huntington, New York, received the Excellence in Applied Mathematics Award;

Carolina Rose Murphy, Jenkintown, received the Prof. Joseph G. Brunner Award for Excellence in Foreign Languages;

Katelyn Rose O’Connor, Sussex, New Jersey, received the Prof. Joseph B. Cullather Award for Excellence in English;

Caitlin M. O’Dowd, Congers, New York, received the Excellence in Health Administration Award;

Erin M. Palermo, Midland Park, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Health Promotion Award;

Simon John Peter, Jr., Wilkes Barre, received the Prof. Timothy H. Scully Award for Excellence in Political Science;

Kevin Glenn Phiefer, Hamburg, New Jersey, received the Prof. Joseph P. Harper Award for Excellence in Physics;

Noslairi Rodriguez Mesa, Philadelphia, received the Excellence in International Business Award;

Caitlin S. Schreiber, Clarence Center, New York, received the Excellence in Business Administration Award;

John W. Shaughnessy, Florida, New York, received the Excellence in Chemistry-Business Award;

David Richard Shea, South Gibson, received the American Chemical Society Award;

Elias Jacob Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, received the J. Timothy Cannon Award for Excellence in Neuroscience;

Adrianna Olga Smith, Covington Township, received the Student Life Award;

Alex Oudomsack Sophabmixay, Scranton, received the Excellence in Biology Award and The J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award;

Kimberly Ann Stossel, East Stroudsburg, received the Excellence in Marketing Award;

Kayla B. Stubits, Lehighton, received the Excellence in Sociology Award;

Michael M. Taylor, Union Dale, received the Excellence in Economics Award;

Tiffany Catherine Toth, Meshoppen, received the Excellence in Kinesiology Award;

Maura Elizabeth Turi, Scranton, received the Excellence in Mathematical Sciences Award;

Alexa Scott Untener, Stony Point, New York, received the Excellence in Early and Primary Education Award;

Matthew T. Valunas, Dunmore, received the Excellence in Theatre Award;

Anna Camille Van Wert, South Abington Township, received the Mary E. Quinn Award for Excellence in Secondary Education;

Lyndsey Charlotte Weitzel, Newtown, received the Excellence in Occupational Therapy Award;

White also received the Excellence in Philosophy and Student Life awards;

Zeba Naz Zafar, Scranton, received the Excellence in Mathematics Award. $content.getChild('content').textValue

The University of Scranton recognized outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its graduate commencement events the weekend of May 20-22. At the graduate commencement ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, the University conferred post-baccalaureate degrees to more than 500 graduates who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2021, as well as January and May of 2022.

Graduates represented 34 states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington, among others. Students also represented Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, India, Mexico and France. An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen here.

The following graduate students were honored for achievement in their academic area.

Chelsey C. Gill, Binghamton, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nurse Anesthesia;

Jennifer Ann Kalinowski, Spring Brook Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Doctor of Nursing Practice;

Ashley L. Stampone, Old Forge, received the Outstanding Student Award for Doctor of Business Administration;

Fahad Saeed Alrefaei, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Management Info Systems;

Juliet A. Baldassarri, Baldwin, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Occupational Therapy;

Hinkish Dhakal, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry;

Courtney Erwin, New York, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management;

Megan E. Fabian, West Seneca, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Theology;

Hillary Beatrice Grove, York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Administration;

John Hakim, Dallas, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Jeffrey William Heilbrunn, Inkerman, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Katheryn Dolores Hickey, South Huntington, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Special Education;

Christian Tyler Huckfeldt, Ambler, received the Outstanding Student Award for Doctor of Physical Therapy;

Zaid Yahya Iskandarani, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Kathie Haaheo Kaopuiki-Nestrick, Exeter, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Mental Health Counseling;

Caroline Bernice Kropp, Shavertown, received the Outstanding Student Award for Rehabilitation Counseling;

Thomas P. Maccari, Emmaus, received the Outstanding Student Award for Software Engineering;

Joseph A. Macus, Allentown, received the Outstanding Student Award for Human Resources;

Leyna Christine Magdon, Stephens City, Virginia, received the Outstanding Student Award for Enterprise Resource Planning;

James P. McGuire, Cedar Grove, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting Analytics;

Matthew Ian Morrow, Bethlehem, received the Outstanding Student Award for General Business Administration;

Robert Mullen, Jr., Parkesburg, received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management;

Matthew Daniel Pinto, Massapequa Park, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting;

Calvin M. Ralph, Hillsdale, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Secondary Education;

Julia M. Rostron, Harleysville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Sarah Rusch, Graham, North Carolina, received the Outstanding Student Award for Master of Business Administration/Master of Healthcare Management;

Jennifer Lynn Thomas, Susquehanna, received the Outstanding Student Award for Family Nurse Practitioner;

Angelica Torres, El Paso, Texas, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Informatics;

Shelby E. Valvano, Meshoppen, received the Outstanding Student Award for School Counseling;

Kelly A. Williams, Jessup, received the Outstanding Student Award for Marketing;

Yue Xie, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance.

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Eight members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2022 were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during a ceremony held in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall on campus on May 21.

The University of Scranton ROTC graduates who were commissioned at the ceremony are:

2^nd Lt. Ryan M. Ginder of Wharton, New Jersey;

2^nd Lt. Caitlyn Reilly Maurer of White House Station, New Jersey;

2^nd Lt. Andrea Susana McDarby of Clarks Summit;

2^nd Lt. Zachary N. Raico of Sykesville, Maryland;

2^nd Lt. Maximilian James Sharkey of Carlisle;

2^nd Lt. John W. Shaughnessy of Florida, New York;

2^nd Lt. Brenna C. Tracy of Lavallette, New Jersey;

2^nd Lt. Katelyn Elizabeth Weisz of Littlestown.

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The University of Scranton will offer a new Master’s Degree in Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity in a fully online format that will focus on the criminological aspects of the much-in-demand field.

In addition, the graduate degree program is aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, which consists of standards, guidelines and best practices to manage cybersecurity risk. The program, which will be offered starting in the fall of 2022, will help prepare students for various professional certifications by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, such as Certified Ethical Hacker and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator.

“The field of cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity is growing rapidly as malicious attacks to information systems at the local, regional, national and international level become more frequent and detrimental to individuals and organizations who have become increasingly dependent upon the use of technology,” said Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology at The University of Scranton. “Many new and existing higher education programs in this field focus heavily on the computer science discipline, however, to prevent cyber threats today, we also need professionals who fully understand cybercriminal’s motivations, goals, behaviors, methods of intrusions and manipulations.”

The University’s new 30-credit Master’s Degree in Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity program courses include Cyber Criminology and Criminal Justice, Digital Forensics Investigation, Mobile Forensics, Cyber Defense and Cyber Risk Assessment and Management, among others. The program will leverage the University’s partnership with Jacobs, through which the international defense and security firm will advise Scranton on the fast-changing field to support and keep current the cyber-related undergraduate and graduate curriculum. Jacobs will also be a source of job placement for University graduates.

Dr. Jenkins said graduates of the program can work for small or large businesses, as well as for government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Positions in this field include cybercrime investigator, digital forensic examiner or cybersecurity specialist.

“Job reports continue to project a national and worldwide shortage of cyber-related workers. With the cyber-related global workforce expected to rise to 6 million professionals by 2030, a 1.5 million shortfall is predicted for this workforce,” said Dr. Jenkins.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics employment for cybersecurity analysts will increase by 28 percent between 2016 and 2026, and employment for digital forensic analysts is expected to increase by 32 percent between 2018 and 2028. Both rates are higher than the average growth rate for all other professionals.

According to PayScale.com, information security officers, a position for which master’s degrees are often preferred or required, earn an annual median salary of $92,000.

The new master’s degree program will be housed in the University’s Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology.

The University began offering a Bachelor of Science in Cybercrime and Homeland Security in the fall of 2020. Both undergraduate and graduate students in these programs have access to hands-on programming and research opportunities offered through the University’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime.

For additional information, email Dr. Jenkins at Michael.jenkins@scranton.edu.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians to “grow 30 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations,” reasoning that “businesses will need these workers to analyze the increasing volume of digital and electronic data.”

The University of Scranton’s Bachelor of Science in mathematical sciences bridges the interdisciplinary nature of studying mathematics at an undergraduate level with students individual career goals by offering five academic tracks including actuarial science, biological sciences, computer and information science, data science or physical sciences. Although all students are required to take courses in calculus and linear algebra, additional upper-level mathematics courses are chosen with students’ individual goals in mind.

With career opportunities in STEM disciplines, business and the social sciences, this program is focused on developing the skill sets students need to succeed in a wide variety of professions. Courses are taught with the intention of developing students’ problem-solving skills, critical thinking, logical reasoning and collaboration. With small class sizes of approximately 10 to 20 students, faculty can get to know students on an individual basis and provide academic support that is tailored to each students’ needs. As part of their undergraduate education, students are also encouraged to pursue internships and co-ops.

Job titles of Scranton biomathematics and applied mathematics program graduates, include actuarial analyst, data scientist, operations analyst, software consultant and compensation analyst. Scranton graduates can be found working at HP Hood, Penn Life Mutual Insurance, Voya Financial and Central Square Technologies. Graduates who chose to pursue additional education have been accepted at schools such as Cornell University, Texas A and M, University of Pittsburgh, Drexel University and the University of Massachusetts.

 

 

Billie R. Tadros, Ph.D., assistant professor in the English and Theatre Department, was named Teacher of the Year by The University of Scranton’s class of 2022. The award was presented at the Class Night event on May 20.

The award honors a faculty member who maintains high standards of academic excellence and fairness, and through enthusiasm and dedication, inspires the interest of students in a field of education. The University’s Faculty Senate Academic Support Committee instituted the award in 1996.

Dr. Tadros joined the faculty at Scranton in 2018. She serves as the faculty moderator for Scranton’s Mu Omicron chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. She is also an associate faculty member in the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. She directs the Health Humanities Concentration. The courses she teaches include Introduction to Poetry, Contemporary American Poetry, Perspectives in Literature about Illness, “Bodybuilding” Narratives of Health and Ability, Composition and Poetry Writing.

Dr. Tadros is the author of three books of poems, “Graft Fixation” (Gold Wake Press, 2020), “Was Body” (Indolent Books, 2020) and “The Tree We Planted and Buried You In” (Otis Books, 2018). She also authored three chapbooks, “Am/Are I” (Francis House, 2020), “inter: burial places” (Porkbelly Press, 2016) and “Containers” (Dancing Girl Press, 2014). Her poems have appeared in numerous journals including, Bone Bouquet, Black Warrior Review, Crab Fat Magazine, Entropy, Lavender Review and Tupelo Quarterly, and in anthologies including, “The Queer South” and “Women Write Resistance: Poets Resist Gender Violence.” She is currently working on a narrative research project exploring the gendered implications of traumatic injuries to self-identified women runners.

Dr. Tadros also serves as a poetry editor for the journal Gigantic Sequins and as an assistant poetry editor for the journal Fairy Tale Review.

Dr. Tadros earned her bachelor’s degrees in creative writing and music from Susquehanna University and a master’s in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She earned her doctorate in English and creative writing from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Two members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2022 have been awarded 2022-2023 Fulbright grants, the prestigious international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government that awards competitive, merit-based scholarships for recipients to spend a year conducting research or teaching abroad.

Through the 2022-2023 Fulbright U.S. Student Program, Peter Amicucci ’22 won a Fulbright-Lappeeranta University of Technology Graduate Award to Finland, and Crysta O’Donnell ’22 won an English Teaching Assistantship to Andorra.

Widely considered to be the premier international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, the Fulbright program awards grants based on the recipients’ records of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.

“Both graduates will benefit greatly from their Fulbright experience. Crysta’s aptitude for languages and appreciation of different cultures make her well-suited for a career in foreign service. Peter will absorb and learn sustainable supply chain management practices from a world-renowned institution and put that knowledge into practice throughout his career,” said Susan Trussler, Ph.D., associate professor of economics and finance and The University of Scranton’s Fulbright Program Advisor.

Since 1972, a total of 127 University students have been awarded Fulbrights.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is funded through an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the program, which operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.

Peter Amicucci, Poughquag, New York

Growing up in the scenic Hudson Valley, Peter Amicucci has always been in awe of nature.

“I enjoy hiking and just being in nature. Mount Beacon is a favorite spot that I go to throughout the year with my family and friends. The views are beautiful,” said Amicucci. “Being near the Hudson River also made me aware of the damage pollution can have on the environment, as well as the positive impact of clean-up initiatives. That’s where my interest in sustainability began.”

Amicucci studied sustainable practices in his coursework at Scranton. His class in Quality Management included the study of environmental management systems.

As a Fulbright student, he plans to learn even more about sustainable practices.

Amicucci will pursue a two-year Master of Science degree in economics and business administration with a concentration in supply management at Lappeeranta University of Technology in Finland. Dr. Anni-Kaisa Kankonen, vice dean of academic affairs and professor of supply management at Lappeeranta University will serve as his mentor.

“Lappeeranta University of Technology is known for its expertise in supply chain management and Finland is one of the most sustainable countries in the world,” said Amicucci.

The focus of his research will be on sustainable supply chains specifically for the tourism industry. He will look for ways to make ecofriendly improvements throughout the supply chain of the service sector. His planned courses include “Green Logistics” and a project course on “Sustainable Business.” He will also take courses on Finnish language and culture.

His ultimate goal is to create a consulting firm that specializes in helping businesses in the tourism industry, such as hotels, theme parks and commercial transportation companies, develop and support their sustainability efforts in the procurement, manufacturing and delivery of their goods and services.

In addition to course studies, Amicucci plans to immerse himself in the local Finnish community through his love of music and sports. He has played the trumpet since the fourth grade and was a member of the University’s Performance Music Concert Band and Strings Ensemble. He was also a member of Scranton’s varsity wrestling team. In Finland, he plans to join a music ensemble and a wrestling club.

Amicucci earned a bachelor’s degree in operations management, summa cum laude, from Scranton with minors in mathematics and business analytics. He is also a member of the Business Honors Program, one of the University’s five programs of excellence. At Class Night, he received the University’s Excellence in Operations Management Award.

A Dean’s List student at Scranton, Amicucci was inducted into Omicron Delta Epsilon, (international economics honor society), and Alpha Sigma Nu (national Jesuit honor society), where he served as vice president. In the 2021, he came in sixth place in both Future Business Executive and Organizational Behavior and Leadership at the Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference, and came in first place for Future Business Executive and second place for Organizational Behavior and Leadership at the 2021 Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference Qualifier. He was the president and founder of Scranton’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter. He was also a member of the Business Club, PRISM (Portfolio of Responsible Investment Under Student Management), Business Honors Club and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

His semester studying abroad at Fordham University London Centre was cut short in 2020 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the summer of 2021, he participated with about 200 college students from across the country in a leadership development internship at Hershey Park.

In the greater Scranton community, he volunteered with Big Friends, Little Friends.

Crysta O’Donnell, Riegelsville, Pennsylvania

Crysta O’Donnell was born in Nicaragua in a multi-ethnic home where French and Spanish were spoken daily.

As a Fulbright Teaching Assistant, O’Donnell will travel to Andorra, a small country that borders Spain and France, where both Spanish and French are dominant languages. She will teach English and American culture at an Andorran School.

“Andorra’s official language is Catalan,” said O’Donnell, who looks forward to learning yet another language. “As a Fulbright student, I will also have the opportunity to learn and practice Catalan.”

Languages come easily to O’Donnell, who learned English at a very young age at a prestigious elementary school she attended. She is fluent in Spanish and English and advanced in French. She also has a natural love and interest in learning about different cultures.

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship award will also allow her to develop her other passions: teaching and diplomacy.

O’Donnell enjoyed teaching her younger sisters the languages she mastered. While serving as an English as a Second Language tutor at Scranton, she developed creative approaches to helping students learn English.

“I used images, art and songs by popular artists to help students understand the words, meanings and culture,” said O’Donnell. “I plan to do the same with my students in Andorra.”

O’Donnell’s interest in a future career as a diplomat began when she and her mother and sisters emigrated to the United States. She saw first-hand the challenges and barriers faced by those entering the country, as well as the importance of the resources and assistance others can provide. O’Donnell wants to be a resource to others in the future.

As a Fulbright student, O’Donnell will also volunteer to coach youth soccer. In addition, she will research how the cultural and linguistic diversity of Andorra’s people relates to their allegiance and engagement with the sport of soccer.

O’Donnell earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies and Hispanic studies, summa cum laude, from Scranton with a minor in French and a concentration in Latin American studies.

A Dean’s List student, O’Donnell was inducted into Alpha Mu Gamma (national foreign language honor society), Phi Alpha Theta (international history honor society) and Pi Sigma Alpha (national political science honor society).  At Scranton, she was president of the Spanish Cultural Society and a member of the Mountain Sports Club, the Archery Club and the Fencing Club. She also volunteered the University’s Leahy Clinic, serving as an interpreter for migrant families.

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The University of Scranton conferred more than 500 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony on May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre. Degrees were conferred to graduates who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2021, as well as January and May of 2022.

At the ceremony, the University conferred doctor of business administration degrees, doctor of nursing practice degrees and doctor of physical therapy degrees, in addition to master’s degrees in various disciplines. Graduates represented 34 states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington, among others. Students also represented Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, India, Mexico and France. The programs with the most graduates were the master of business administration, master of health administration, master of accountancy, master of occupational therapy and doctor of physical therapy.

Degrees were conferred by Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, upon candidates presented by  Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Michael Mensah, Ph.D., interim dean of the Kania School of Management. Also speaking at the ceremony was Joseph L. Sorbera, III ’08, president of the University’s Alumni Society, and Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Margarete Zalon, Ph.D., professor of nursing, provided the Benediction and Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation.

An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen here.

The University of Scranton conferred more than 850 bachelor’s degrees at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre. Degrees were conferred to graduates who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2021, as well as January and May of 2022.

Members of the University’s undergraduate class of 2022 represent 14 states, including Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Undergraduate majors with the most graduates are nursing, biology, occupational therapy, finance and psychology.

Margaret Mary Fitzpatrick S.C., Congregational Leader for the Sisters of Charity, Halifax, Canada; and Lawrence R. Lynch, former chair of The University of Scranton Board of Trustees and recently retired assurance partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP; received honorary degrees from the University of Scranton at the ceremony. Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry at Scranton, served as the principal speaker. Father Keller received an honorary doctoral degree from the University in 2006.

“Your superior college education is a gift given, but given for a purpose, given with an obligation: to give back to those with whom you journey in this life,” said Father Keller in his remarks. “Your journey continues now, and you’re not the same as when you began your journey here four years ago. You are not the same because of the ways that you have connected with others; what you have come to know about yourself, this world, your family, your friends, and your God. You leave this arena today to continue your journey on this planet and you do so with changed hearts because your hearts have connected with others. And if you are open to this world and God’s grace, that change in your hearts will continue.”

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, addressed the graduates at the ceremony and conferred degrees upon candidates presented by Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Michael Mensah, Ph.D., interim dean of the Kania School of Management.

Avianna Antoinette Carilli ’22 spoke on behalf of the class of 2022. Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation and University Trustee Jacquelyn Dionne provided the Benediction. Also speaking at the ceremony were Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Joseph L. Sorbera, III ’08, president of the University’s Alumni Society.

An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen here.

Undergraduate Commencement: Saturday, May 21 - Mohegan Sun Arena, Wilkes-Barre.
Principal Speaker: Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry at Scranton.

Honorary Degree Recipients: Margaret Mary Fitzpatrick S.C., Congregational Leader for the Sisters of Charity, Halifax, Canada; and Lawrence R. Lynch, former chair of The University of Scranton Board of Trustees and recently retired assurance partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. 

Master’s and Doctoral Degree Commencement: Saturday, May 21 - Mohegan Sun Arena, Wilkes-Barre.

Total graduates: more than 1,350 

            Total doctoral degrees: more than 65 (DPT, DNP, DBA)
            Total master’s degrees: more than 440

            Total bachelor’s degrees: more than 850

Prestigious scholarships won by class of 2022 undergraduates: Fulbright scholarships (the U.S. government’s premier scholarship program for overseas graduate study, research and teaching).

States represented by undergraduates: 14

States represented by post-baccalaureate graduates: 34

Top undergraduate programs of study: nursing, biology, occupational therapy, finance and psychology.

Top graduate programs of study: master of business administration, master of health administration, master of accountancy, master of occupational therapy and doctor of physical therapy.

The University of Scranton will partner with the international defense and security company, Jacobs, to prepare students and professionals for careers in cyber intelligence, law enforcement and cybersecurity. Through the partnership, initiated by U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, Jacobs will offer advice on the fast-changing field to support and keep current the University’s cyber-related undergraduate and graduate curriculum in cybercrime investigation, homeland security and cybersecurity. Jacobs will also be a source of internships for University students and a source of job placement for University graduates. In addition, Jacobs will engage-in and support the University’s summer Cyber Investigation Camp for local high school students.

“It was my privilege to play a role in establishing a partnership between The University of Scranton and Jacobs. This strategic partnership has great potential to raise the profile of educational and professional training opportunities in the region as well as affording good-paying job opportunities.” said Rep. Cartwright. “Nearly every aspect of our lives is online and, sadly, cybercrime and cyberterrorism are real threats in this day and age. That is why this training is so important for this growing industry when it comes to defending personal information, public institutions and the nation.”

Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector. Their services range from intelligence to infrastructure, sustainability, cybersecurity and space exploration. They work with government entities, corporations and law enforcement agencies globally. In the United States, Jacobs supports 12 of the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies for cyber threat hunting, cybersecurity operations and solutions, cyber intelligence analysis and cyber-offensive and defensive training development.

“For years at Jacobs, we’ve started every meeting with a Culture of Caring moment – a daily reminder of ways to keep ourselves and our communities safe including mental health, emotional wellbeing, professional development, inclusion, and diversity. We look to this partnership as a way to mentor and enlighten the cyber professionals of tomorrow,” said Retired General Bruce Crawford, Jacobs Senior Vice President for Strategic Development and Critical Mission Solutions.

“Collaboration between academia and industry is key to addressing the pressing global challenges – cyber threats and cyber defense – that face our society,” said Dr. Sinchul Back, assistant professor/director of cybercrime and cybersecurity for Scranton’s Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Criminology.

Jacobs will also support the University’s second annual Royal Cyber Investigation Camp for local high school students planned for July 12 to July 15 this summer. In addition to funding support for the camp, which is offered free of charge, Jacobs staff members will participate as instructors. Jacobs will also host the high school students at their office in the Washington, D.C., area on the final day of the camp.

The University of Scranton began to offer a bachelor’s degree in cybercrime and homeland security in the fall of 2020 and will begin to offer a master’s degree program in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity beginning in the fall 2022. Students participating in these programs have access to hands-on programming and research opportunities offered through the University’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime.

“Well-prepared cyber intelligence and cybersecurity professionals are needed locally and across the country. To fill this gap, University’s like ours need to partner with industry leaders like Jacobs. Our shared culture of caring for individuals at the University and at Jacobs, ensures that this partnership will result in substantial benefit to our students and community,” said Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Criminology at The University of Scranton.

University of Scranton President Joseph G. Marina, S.J., sent “A Message on Buffalo and Other Recent Acts of Violence” to the University community.

Dear Friends, 

Over the weekend, our nation learned of three tragic acts of violence – a mass shooting at a flea market in Houston, Texas, a church in Laguna Woods, California, and a third at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. 

While all three tragedies were senseless and outrageous attacks on the dignity of human life, for the shooting at the Tops Market in Buffalo, the motive now seems clear. As a nation, we must continue to face the evil and arrogance of racism and white supremacy. In this, we join our sister Jesuit institution, Canisius College in Buffalo, in standing in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the Black community of Buffalo, Scranton and across the country. As a Catholic and Jesuit university, we must be a beacon of love and healing as well as a voice against injustice, intolerance and hatred in all its forms.  

Please pray today and in the days ahead for all who were killed, injured and traumatized and for those who care for and support them. Let us also pray and work for a society built on peace and justice with a genuine concern for human dignity and all of creation. 

“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness” (1 John 2:9). 

Yours faithfully,

Joseph G. Marina, S.J. 

President  

The University’s Prison Education Program at the State Correctional Institution at Dallas “provides an opportunity for the cultivation of human dignity at the heart of a Jesuit education,” according to program director Christopher Haw, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology and religious studies.  

Through the program, inmates can take general education college-credit courses to earn an Associate of Arts degree from the University, which Haw hopes will one day grow into a bachelor’s program. The courses are taught by University professors on-site at the correctional facility. Currently, 14 inmates are enrolled in the program, which began in the fall 2021 semester.  

Participants can earn 60 credits for an associate’s degree in just two and a half years. Inmates had to apply for admission and be interviewed and accepted to participate in the program. The program is currently running another round of admissions to increase the cohort to 28 students. 

 “The courses have the same rigor as those taught on campus, with the same outcome expectations, only the approach to the material is adapted to the learners,” said Haw.  

Will Cohen, Ph.D., a professor of theology at Scranton, taught one of two introductory theology courses at the prison this past semester.  

“I've loved teaching the students in this program,” he said. “Each class, because we meet just once a week, goes for three hours, and each time I'm amazed at how fast it goes. I always leave freshly reminded that human beings are made for contemplation, for deep reflection and dialogue. At least when it's oriented toward the good, the true and the beautiful for which we all yearn, it's intrinsically joyful. I feel this very powerfully from my students at the Dallas prison.”  

The Prison Education Program was highlighted at a panel discussion on campus in April featuring Cohen, Haw and other University faculty members who taught in the program. It also featured special guest Darryl Byers-Robinson, an alumnus of the Bard Prison Initiative who was featured in the documentary “College Behind Bars.”

One hundred twenty-seven students mentored by 50 faculty members presented 64 projects at the Celebration of Student Scholars, held on campus April 27. The annual event, held in the Loyola Science Center, provides a forum for students to present their work conducted in collaboration with faculty.

Poster presentations included:

“Cyber Espionage: Who is it Targeting?” by cybercrime and homeland security major Emily McAlarney, Staten Island, New York, with faculty mentor Sinchul Back, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology, criminal justice and criminology;

“Exploring the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Brand Equity: an Empirical Study” by Business Honors Program members Phillip Cocco, an accounting major from Pittston, and Caitlin Schreiber, business administration major from Clarence Center, New York, with faculty mentor Rose Sebastianelli, Ph.D., professor of operations and analytics;

“Loneliness in Older Adults with Visual Impairment” by occupational therapy majors Kelly Corcoran, Pittstown, New Jersey; Crisel Divinagracia, West Nyack, New York; Emily Erickson, Floral Park, New York; Rachel Fernandez, Tunkhannock; Jadriane Hernandez, Staten Island, New York; Daniel Shuck, Bethlehem; and Kate Wisner, Hanover; with faculty mentor Julie Nastasi, O.T.D., Sc.D., assistant professor of occupational therapy;

“Navigational Failures in Ants due to Agonists/Antagonists of Serotonin” by Magis Honors Program in STEM member Nathaniel Smith, a neuroscience major from Wilkes-Barre, with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology.

“Catholicism and the New Sciences: Descartes’ Break with Aristotle” by Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program member Adrianna Smith, a philosophy and theology double major from Covington Township, with faculty mentor Christopher Fremaux, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy;

“Seasonal difference in leukocyte counts in Gray Catbirds” by biology major Maggie Kowalewski, Forest City, with faculty mentor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology;

“Parasite Load in Breeding Gray Catbirds with Respect to Age and Weather” by Katie Nebzydoski, Pleasant Mount, with faculty mentor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology;

“The Effect of Ambient Light at Night on Melanophores in Anole Lizards” by Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program member Mary Cabassa, a biology and philosophy double major fromMountain Lakes, New Jersey, and biology major Kaylie Levinsky, Moscow, with faculty mentor Gary Kwiecinski, Ph.D., professor of biology;

“Zinc sulfate as a neurotoxin: The role of the medial habenula in regulating anosmia-induced anxiety-like behavior” by neuroscience major Jillian Haller, Williston Park, New York, with faculty mentor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology

Fields of research presented at the Celebration of Student Scholars included biology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, criminal justice, cybercrime and homeland security, electrical engineering, history, marketing management, neuroscience, occupational therapy, philosophy, physical therapy, physics and theology, among others.

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According to Teach.com, “Regardless of temporary economic conditions, hiring practices, budget cuts or any other factors that impact the education system, the need for teachers is timeless and universal. Society will always need educators, and in that respect, teaching is one career in which you can be confident you will always have a purpose.”

The U.S. News and World Report reports that the average median salary for high school teachers is $56,310.

At The University of Scranton, students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education with a dual degree in a specific content area. Content area focuses offered are biology, chemistry, citizenship with history or political science, communication, English, French, general science, German, Latin, mathematics, physics, and Spanish.

Secondary education coursework explores educational psychology, assessment, methods of instruction and teaching diverse learners. Taught by experienced faculty in small class sizes, these courses give students the opportunity to develop important professional relationships with peers and professors.

With hands-on teaching experiences beginning as early as the first year of study, students can take advantage of Scranton’s mutually beneficial partnerships with private/Catholic schools in the area.

Recent Scranton graduates can be found working for a variety of school districts including Abington Height School District, Quakertown, Pennsylvania School District and Teach for America. 

The University will host numerous events honoring members of its graduating class of 2022 on Friday, May 20, Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22.

Friday evening events include the Donning of the Stole Ceremony in the Moskovitz Theatre, DeNaples 401, beginning at 4 p.m. A reception will follow on the DeNaples Patio. The Panuska College of Professional Studies (PCPS) Outstanding Graduate Awards Ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall. At 6 p.m., the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Cohort II Graduation Reception will be held in Brennan Hall on the fifth floor.

Also on Friday evening, undergraduates will be recognized for academic achievement, leadership and service at Class Night, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

On Saturday, May 21, at 8 a.m., the University will conduct a pinning ceremony for nursing graduates in the Byron Recreation Complex. At 12 p.m., the University will hold the Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduation Awards Ceremony in the DeNaples McIlhenny Ballroom (room 407).

Also at 12 p.m., the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will take place in the Mohegan Sun Arena. Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry, will serve as the commencement speaker. Margaret Mary Fitzpatrick S.C., Congregational Leader for the Sisters of Charity, Halifax, Canada; and Lawrence R. Lynch, former chair of The University of Scranton Board of Trustees and recently retired assurance partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP; will receive honorary degrees from the University at the ceremony.

At 5 p.m. on Saturday, ROTC Army cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during a ceremony in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall.

The University will hold its Graduate Commencement Ceremony at 5 p.m. in the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Saturday evening, at 8 p.m., the University will host the President’s Reception for Graduates and Parents in the Byron Recreation Complex. Tickets are required to attend this event.  

On Sunday, May 22, the University will hold its Baccalaureate Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex. The President’s Picnic will take place on the DeNaples Patio and Dionne Campus Green immediately following the Mass. Guests planning to attend the picnic are asked to RSVP here.

Guests attending the events at the Mohegan Sun Arena can review their security procedures, which include a clear bag policy and security checkpoints, to assist with alleviating the time required for entry to the commencement ceremonies. Tickets are not required for the undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.

The University will live video stream several of the commencement events. For additional information about the University’s 2022 commencement events, including live stream of events, visit scranton.edu/commencement. Also, post on social media using #Royals2022 for a chance to be featured on the University’s commencement page.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., will serve as dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies (PCPS), effective immediately. Dean Castellanos has served as the interim dean of PCPS since January 2022. She served as the associate dean of PCPS since 2012, when she joined The University of Scranton community.

“Her professionalism, dedication and leadership, in addition to her caring insightfulness, have greatly benefited the University and PCPS, and I look forward to continuing to work with her as dean,” said Father Marina in an announcement to the University community.

At Scranton, Dean Castellanos oversaw the PCPS undergraduate and graduate curriculum review process, the T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. professional development program and other PCPS projects and programs. She was also the college shepherd for the construction of Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall. She has served on numerous committees at the University, including the Provost’s Committee on Academic Policy Compliance, the Strategic Enrollment Committee and the Faculty Handbook Committee, among many others. 

Prior to her work at Scranton, Dean Castellanos served in a number of positions at Florida International University (FIU) from 1996 to 2012, including as the associate dean of the University Graduate School, the Ph.D. program director and the undergraduate didactic program director for the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition. She was also an associate professor of dietetics and nutrition at FIU.

Dean Castellanos has published dozens of articles about her research in the area of dietetics and has contributed several academic book chapters, in addition to presenting on her research at numerous conferences. During her career, she was awarded multiple U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services grants totally more than $850,000.

Dean Castellanos’ board memberships include Individual Abilities in Motion, The Arc of North Eastern Pennsylvania and The Arc of NEPA Foundation. Her professional memberships include the Dietitian’s Council on Quality Nursing Home Care, the American Society for Nutrition and the American Dietetic Association.

Dean Castellanos earned her bachelor’s degree from Montana State University and her master’s degree and Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of California. She completed a National Institutes of Health postdoctoral fellowship at Pennsylvania State University.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Mark Higgins, Ph.D., will serve as the Dean of the Kania School of Management beginning July 1. Dr. Higgins currently serves as a professor of accounting at St. Louis University (SLU), a sister Jesuit university in Missouri.

“I know from my conversations with him, along with the endorsements of his peers, that Dr. Higgins is deeply committed to our Catholic and Jesuit mission. We are fortunate as well to have someone of his exceptional experience and expertise,” said Father Marina in an announcement to the University community.

From 2015 to 2019, Dr. Higgins served as the Edward Jones Dean and Professor of Accounting at SLU’s Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business. During his tenure at SLU, he has worked with deans and faculty to repurpose facilities into a multipurpose data analytics lab for finance and a behavioral lab space for marketing; and has worked with faculty to revise SLU’s one-year, full-time MBA program to focus on data analytics and ethical leadership. He also helped to revise faculty support models at SLU to encourage publication in top-tier business journals, among other accomplishments. 

Dr. Higgins has extensive experience with AACBS accreditation, widely considered the gold-standard of business school accreditations. The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management holds AACBS accreditation. In 2016, he chaired SLU’s successful re-affirmation of AACSB accreditation for the undergraduate and graduate business programs and worked with the department chair and the accounting faculty to achieve initial accreditation for undergraduate and graduate accounting programs. He currently serves as chair of the AACSB Accounting Accreditation Policy Committee and is a member of the AACSB Business Accreditation Policy Committee. His professional memberships include the American Accounting Association, the American Taxation Association and the Missouri State Society of CPA’s. He received the American Accounting Association Service Award in 2015 and the American Taxation Association Lifetime Service Award in 2009.

Dr. Higgins earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina and his Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Tennessee.

For the third year in a row, student members of The University of Scranton’s Business Club selected Ashley L. Stampone ’10, G’11, DBA’22, assistant professor in the Accounting Department as the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year. The announcement was made at a virtual event on May 10. Prof. Stampone, who will graduate with her third degree from Scranton – a Doctor of Business Administration – next week, was also selected as KSOM Professor of the Year in 2020 and 2021.

In addition to Prof. Stampone, the business club students presented awards to several other faculty members. Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics, received the Economics and Finance Department Teacher of the Year Award. Greg O’Connell, J.D., faculty specialist, received the Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship Department Teacher of the Year Award. Richard O’Hara, faculty specialist, received the Accounting Department Teacher of the Year Award. Vincent Rocco, faculty specialists, received the Operations and Analytics Department Teacher of the Year Award.

An award-winning teacher, Prof. Stampone became a faculty member at her alma mater in 2016. In 2019, she was also honored with the Faculty Leadership Award from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The national award recognizes one faculty member annually who has demonstrated significant leadership activities at the national, regional, and/or local levels of IMA and has made additional contributions to IMA. In 2021, she won IMA’s Ursel K. Albers IMA Campus Advocate of the Year Award, which recognizes a campus advocate/student chapter advisor who has made significant contributions to the IMA overall and the IMA student members in particular. Prof. Stampone serves as the faculty advisor for the University’s IMA student chapter, which has been recognized as one of IMA five Outstanding Student Chapters in the nation for the past three consecutive years.

Also in 2021, Prof. Stampone received the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Young Leaders Award, which recognizes members under the age of 40 who demonstrate a commitment to the accounting profession through active PICPA or community volunteer activities. She was also recognized by Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal in her selection to the area’s Top 20 Under 40, which is NEPA Business Journal’s “salute to the best and brightest young business stars in the region.”

Earlier in her career, Prof. Stampone worked as an internal auditor for QVC, Inc., as a senior financial systems analyst for Bridon American Corporation, as an inventory accountant for International Salt Company and as a staff accountant for ParenteBeard, LLC.

A resident of Old Forge, Prof. Stampone received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from The University of Scranton. She will graduate with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Scranton at the 2022 graduate commencement ceremony on May 21.

Dr. Balagyozyan joined the faculty at Scranton in 2011. He received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia, and a doctorate in financial economics from the City University of New York.

Atty. O’Connell became a faculty specialist at Scranton in 2019. He previously served as an adjunct faculty member at the University since 1992. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania and juris doctorate from John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

Prof. O’Hara, also became a faculty specialist at Scranton in 2019. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA in finance from the Stern School of Business at New York University.

Prof. Rocco became a faculty specialist at Scranton in 2016. He also previously served as an adjunct instructor in the University’s Kania School of Management. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from Saint Joseph’s University and an MBA from Wilkes University.

Author Nicole Eustace, Ph.D., the winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in History for her book “Covered with Night,” will speak at The University of Scranton on Wednesday, May 11, as part of National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) supported “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” Project. She will draw from the central themes of her award-winning book when she presents “Murder and Mercy: A Colonial Encounter in the Susquehanna Valley,” at 5 p.m. in the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center on campus.

At the lecture, Dr. Eustace, a professor of history at New York University, will explore the complex layers of everyday life as colonists encountered and interacted with Native people in Eastern Pennsylvania. A discussion will follow the lecture.

A second lecture on Wednesday, May 18, titled “Removal and the Right to Remain in the United States,” will also explore the Indigenous History of Northeast Pennsylvania. The talk by Samantha Seeley, Ph.D., associate professor of history at the University of Richmond, will be held at 5 p.m. on May 18, in the Henkelman Room at the Albright Memorial Library. She will discuss her book, “Race, Removal, and the Right to Remain: Migration and the Making of the Early United States.” A discussion will follow the lecture.

Both lectures are offered free of charge to members of the greater Scranton community. Registration is required to attend and can be made at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MurderMercy2022 and/or https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RemovalRight2022. Please email community@scranton.edu or call 570-941-4419 with any questions.

The lectures are sponsored by the University’s Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, History Department and Office of Community Relations; and community partners the Black Scranton Project, Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department, Lackawanna Historical Society, Scranton Public Library, and WVIA. 

“Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” seeks to capture the unique narrative of Scranton and relate it to the history of the United States prior to the commemoration of the 250^th anniversary of the United States. The project will incorporate eight themes over a two-year period, including how Scranton has been portrayed in the popular imagination, its industrial era growth, Indigenous history, religious tapestry, diverse immigrant populations – past and present – and the role it played in the Underground Railroad and Black history. Both lectures in May relate to the project’s third theme: “The Indigenous History of Northeast Pennsylvania.”

According to The University of Scranton’s First Destination survey for the Class of 2020, the average starting salary of Scranton history graduates 12 months after graduating was $40,600.

History degrees remain in demand due to the various transferable skills emphasized in the program including, writing, verbal and interpersonal communication, research, analysis and critical thinking.

A degree in history provides the foundation for a wide range of career opportunities ranging from law to medicine and more. Examples of successful individuals who have earned degrees in history include Conan O’Brian, Chris Hughes and the 46^th President of the United States, Joe Biden.

Scranton’s Bachelor of Arts degree in history prepares students for various post-graduate opportunities including higher education, teaching assistantships, public service work or employment in both the public and private sectors. Scranton’s department of history has produced five Fulbright Scholars in the past decade.

With proximity to various Lackawanna County historical organizations, including the Lackawanna Historical Society and Steamtown National Historic Site, students can get hands-on learning experiences and immerse themselves in the region’s role in American history.

Additional opportunities for independent research are built into the program. Undergraduate student research is frequently submitted for publication or presented at conferences.

Those interested in traveling will find multiple travel abroad courses within the department to places like Italy, Germany, England and the Navajo Nation in Arizona. Students looking to study abroad can do so within the department as well.

Recent Scranton graduates have been admitted to prestigious schools such as Boston College, Cornell University, Georgetown University, a Yale University. Organizations that employ Scranton history graduates include ABC News, Chase Manhattan Bank, the Office of the Attorney General, Paine Weber and the U.S. Military.

Students have been inducted into national honor societies represented at The University of Scranton throughout the 2022 spring semester. Lists of students inducted into some of the University’s honor societies can be seen below.

 

Thirty-Six University of Scranton students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities for 2022. The Scranton chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu was founded in 1943 and is the oldest honor society at the University. Juniors, seniors and graduate students, including students in doctoral level degree programs, who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

The following undergraduate and graduate students at Scranton were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu:

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Carl Hurst will serve as associate vice president for information technology and Chief Information Officer, effective immediately.  

“Mr. Hurst, who will also serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet, possess significant knowledge of IT operations and infrastructure, as well as network and data security,” said Father Marina in an announcement to the campus community.

Hurst joined the staff at the University in 2017 as the associate Chief Information Officer. During his time at Scranton, he played a leading role in the development and coordination of comprehensive technical and IT operational plans. He assisted the CIO with facilitating an IT governance strategy, researched emerging technologies and helped to evaluate and assess the University’s current technology and operations to guide future decisions. He also managed IT security, IT security audits and performed vendor security assessments, among other duties. 

Prior to joining the University, Hurst was the director of technical infrastructure at TMG Health. Previously, he was the manager of network and desktop infrastructure at Blue Cross NEPA and manager of Windows and desktop server systems at Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises.

Hurst earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Wilkes University.

Margaret Mary Fitzpatrick S.C., Congregational Leader for the Sisters of Charity, Halifax, Canada; and Lawrence R. Lynch, former chair of The University of Scranton Board of Trustees and recently retired assurance partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP; will receive honorary degrees from The University of Scranton at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 21.

Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry at The University of Scranton, will serve as the principal speaker. Father Keller received an honorary doctoral degree from the University in 2006.

Sister Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., was elected the Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity Halifax in October of 2020, serving her Sisters and advancing the charism of charity throughout the world. She also serves as a board member of DePaul University and St. John’s University.

A nationally recognized leader in higher education, Sister Fitzpatrick served as president and CEO of St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York, for 25 years before retiring from that position in June of 2020. During her tenure, she placed sustainability at the forefront of the college’s efforts, incorporating sustainability into the curriculum and daily operations of the college and creating the Global Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility as a hub of these efforts. She also led the way for the college to join the Catholic Climate Covenant, a pledge to educate students, employees and community members on climate change.

From 1981 to 1995, Sister Fitzpatrick served at St. John’s University, holding a number of positions there, including senior vice president and vice president and assistant to the president. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston State College and a master’s degree from Fordham University, a master’s degree in education and her doctorate from Columbia University.

Until his recent retirement, Lynch was assurance partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, serving in the financial services sector. He previously served as a trustee of Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, Friends of Saint Joseph’s Passionist Church of Paris, International Insurance Foundation, chairman of the board of trustees for the Marymount International School in Paris, as a board member of the French American Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia chapter, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Social Services.

Lynch has supported many University initiatives, including fundraisers and recruitment for students. Lynch serve three consecutive terms on the University’s Board of Trustees (2009-2018) and served as its chair from 2014-2018. He also served as president of the Scranton Club of Philadelphia; and as a member of the Alumni Society’s Board of Governor, the Kania School of Management’s Accounting Department Professional Alumni Council and the President’s Business Council. With his wife, Keli, they established the Joseph F. Lynch Memorial Scholarship in honor of Lynch’s father, Joseph, to provide need-based aid for students.

A certified public accountant, Lynch earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Scranton in 1981.

The University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at noon on May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

MAY 9 UPDATE: The debate originally planned for 7 p.m. for the Republican Primary candidates for the 118th PA House District has been cancelled. The debate for the 113^th District Democratic Primary candidates is still set for this evening. Original release follows.

The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS), in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County, will host two debates for PA House Primary candidates on Monday, May 9.

Republican Primary candidates for the 118^th PA House District, John Lombardo and James May, will participate in a debate beginning at 7 p.m. in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall on Madison Avenue. Immediately following, Democratic Primary candidates for the 113th PA House District, Kyle Donahue and Patrick Flynn, will participate in a debate, which is set to begin at 8 p.m. in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall.

The debates are offered free of charge.

For more information, email ceeps@scranton.edu.

Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a recital by the father-son duo of organist John A. Romeri and flautist John Romeri on Saturday, May 7.

The recital will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.

Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

A church musician for nearly 50 years, John A. Romeri has served in Catholic churches and cathedrals across the country. Most recently, he served as the first director of music for the newest American cathedral, Christ Cathedral in Orange County, California. While there, he established the Cathedral choirs, Diocesan Choir and Diocesan Children’s Choir. In addition, he served as the host of “Music from the Tower,” a weekly radio program focused on sacred and classical music.

 “We are very excited to welcome this dynamic father-son duo, and to introduce them for the first time to our concert hall and its mighty Austin,” said Cheryl Y. Boga, director of Performance Music at The University of Scranton.

John A. Romeri’s choirs have toured the United States, Europe and Canada, and he has served in leadership positions with the American Guild of Organists, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians and Pueri Cantores.  Through the years, he has received a number of awards, including the Westminster Choir College Alumni Merit Award and the Paul Creston Award from St. Malachy, the Actor’s Chapel in New York City.

Meanwhile, his son, John Romeri, is the co-founder and artistic director of the Broadway Chamber Players, a group of Broadway pit musicians who play chamber music concerts in New York’s Theater District. In addition, he maintains an active teaching and performance schedule throughout the Northeast, often performing with the Stamford, Delaware, Harrisburg and Lancaster symphonies, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and Philadelphia Virtuosi and Black Pearl Chamber orchestras, as well as at St. Paul's Chapel of Trinity Wall Street and Central Park’s Shakespeare in the Park.

For many years, the younger Romeri has been a sought-after musician for numerous Broadway shows, among them “Carousel,” “Wicked,” “Miss Saigon,” “Sunset Boulevard,” “My Fair Lady,” “The King and I,” “She Loves Me,” “An American in Paris,” “On the Town,” “Les Misérables” and “Beauty and the Beast.” He has also performed music for such television shows as “Mildred Pierce,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Sound of Music Live!” and “Peter Pan Live!”

The Houlihan-McLean Center’s Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ was built in 1910 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut, for Scranton’s Immanuel Baptist Church. Restored and re-dedicated by the University in 2005, the organ is one of the few rare surviving original examples of early 20th-century organ building, possessing a total of 3,178 pipes, 45 ranks and four manuals. The instrument is maintained by artist/technicians from Emery Brothers/Dieffenbach organs.

For the performance, audience members are required to wear a higher-grade mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or double masking) at all times. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for the most current information on additional required audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).

For further information on the recital, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on John A. Romeri, visit johnromeri.com. For more on John Romeri, visit www.broadwaychamberplayers.org/about.

After serving almost a decade as CNN’s Moscow Bureau Chief, Schemel Forum guest speaker Jill Dougherty was living and working in Moscow in February 2022 when tensions between Russia and Ukraine were rising, witnessing firsthand the tactics used by various media organizations to promote a single narrative.

After discussing the role American media played in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Dougherty began to explain how Russian media presented the same situation. By placing Russian weapons and troops in the geographically significant separatist territories of the People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, Putin effectively had the country of Ukraine surrounded. According to Dougherty, the narrative Russian media presented was that Putin’s intentions for doing this were those of self-defense against a supposed genocide of these people. Dougherty recognized that “what they were doing is what the old Soviet Union used to do with kind of weird little places they would recognize, and then say we have to protect them and then they would put their forces in to ‘protect’ them.’” Dougherty said, “at that moment it was so obvious that they had been setting this up for weeks.”

Other media tactics employed by some Russian media companies that Dougherty explored in her lecture include: presenting prerecorded statements as live ones; selectively recording attacks in certain areas while ignoring others; and including persuasive rhetoric like referring to people as “traitors.”

Ultimately, Russian media sanctions against independent media outlets forced many journalists, including Dougherty, out of the country in fear of potential retaliation for statements made on air. However, Dougherty noted that this is not the only recent change that will impact the country and the world in the years to come.

“The implications for Ukraine are dire, but the implications for Russia, militarily, and their society in many ways are dire too. There’s no other word because both countries will be transformed by what is going on,” said Dougherty.

Dougherty presented “Russia and the Post-Truth Society” at a Spring Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar held on The University of Scranton’s campus in April.

Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry at The University of Scranton, will serve as the principal speaker at the University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21. The ceremony will begin at noon at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

“Father Keller has dedicated his life to strengthening, furthering and bettering Catholic and Jesuit education. His congenial warmth and keen sense of humor make him beloved by all who meet him. He is an exceptional teacher, leader and speaker, and I am sure our students and guests will enjoy his message at commencement,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton.

Father Keller, who serves as the rector of the Scranton Jesuit Community, will step down as vice president for Mission and Ministry at the University at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. Previously, he served as interim president at Scranton for the 2017-2018 academic year and also as special assistant to the president. He received an honorary doctoral degree from the University in 2006.

At the conclusion of the academic year, Fr. Keller will return Scranton Preparatory School as a teacher and pastoral minister. Father Keller served as president of Scranton Prep for 18 years and is the longest-serving president in the Jesuit school’s history.

Father Keller entered the Jesuit novitiate in Wernersville in 1969. In 1975, he received a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy from Fordham University. He earned a master’s degree with distinction from Weston School of Theology in Boston and a professional diploma in secondary school administration from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education.

He was ordained a priest in 1981 and has served in Jesuit secondary education for 35 years. Father Keller was named principal of Scranton Prep in 1983 and served in that capacity for eight years. From 1991 to 1997, he was named principal of his alma mater, Saint Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, and also served as rector of the Jesuit Community.

In 2016, Father Keller served as a delegate from the Maryland Province for the Society of Jesus' General Congregation 36. In addition to servicing 17 years on The University of Scranton’s board across several terms, he is a past trustee of Fairfield University and Saint Joseph’s University, as well as Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School and Gonzaga College High School.

Read the announcement of the commencement speaker in The Aquinas.

The University of Scranton announced plans to open its campus again to the general public at the start of the summer semester on May 24. The University is currently open to members of the University community and invited guests, which includes family members and friends attending Scranton’s various graduation ceremonies and other events on campus. Currently, higher-grade masks are optional for individuals indoors, regardless of vaccine status.

The University also announced COVID vaccine requirements for students and employees for the fall semester. The University will require all students attending in-person classes or accessing campus for other reasons in the fall 2022 semester to provide proof of being fully vaccinated by August 1. All employees are required to provide an attestation that they are fully vaccinated. Students and employees can apply for medical or religious exemptions to the vaccine requirements.

Regarding boosters, the University strongly recommends, but does not require, that students and employees stay “up to date” with COVID-19 vaccinations.

The University has based its health and safety plan on recommendations by the CDC and other health organizations. The University continues to monitor the situation and will update its plan as needed.

The full update for the summer and fall is available on the University’s Royals Back Together webpage

More than 100 area students participated in The University of Scranton’s annual Hayes Family Science Competition for High School Physics and Engineering Students. The academic competition tested the high school students’ knowledge of physics and engineering through a series of quizzes and hands-on challenges. Students competed individually and in teams.

Noah Beckish from North Pocono High School came in first place in the individual competition, based on a quiz given to all participants and placement in a Jeopardy game of those with highest quiz scores. Matthew Pelleschi, from Wyoming Area High School, came in second place. Anderson Zou from West Scranton High School came in third place.

In the team competition, Berwick High School team one placed first. Members of that team were: John Ebert, Jaida Geiser, Sophia Guerriero, Gabe Hook, Jeff Lin, Brendan Torowski, and Sadie Zehner. Matt Shrader was their coach. Wallenpaupack Area High School came in second. Members of the Wallenpaupack team were: Adam Basile, Andrew Bromberger, Xin Chen, Alec Crouthamel, Lucas Macdonough, Lucas Ryan, Jack Smith and Matt Tavalsky. Ryan Neenan was their coach. Wyoming Area team one placed third. Members of the third-place finishing team were: Sean Burke,  Richard Kashuba, Zachary Kostik, Hunter Lawall, Hailey Patts and Matthew Pelleschi (who came in second place in the individual competition). coach David Pizano was their coach.

For each game, prizes were also awarded. In the game titled “Chopped,” North Pocono team four won the Ingenuity Award. In the game titled “The Chase,” Scranton High won the Ingenuity Award. Forest City Regional’s team received the Ingenuity Award for the game titled “The Price is Right.” And West Scranton’s team took home the Ingenuity Award for the “American Ninja Warrior Media Event.”

The competition was organized by the University’s Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering to encourage more students to pursue careers in physics and engineering.

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A record number of middle and high school students participated in The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest, which was one of several Earth Day events hosted in April.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical titled “On Care for Our Common Home,” The University of Scranton’s Sustainability Office selected the theme “We Are All Connected” for their 2022 Spring Earth Day sustainability initiative.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, referenced a Universal Apostolic Preference of the Society of Jesus in his Earth Day message to the campus community.

“As you know, the fourth Universal Apostolic Preference (UAP) of the Society of Jesus, prescribed to all Jesuit institutions around the world by Superior General Fr. Arturo Sosa in 2019, addresses the problem of ecological degradation and destruction. As Fr. Sosa has said, ‘creation today is crying out as never before, labouring to be set free (Romans 8). Today’s environmental crisis is impacting in a particular way on the poor and vulnerable. Action is needed urgently by Christians and by all people of good will. Whole nations and peoples need an ecological conversion if we are to be honest custodians of this wonderful planet,’” wrote Father Marina in the message sent April 1.

More than 350 students in grades 5-12 participates in the University’s Earth Day Essay Contest. Most participants were from NEPA, but students in New York and Texas also submitted essays. The winners of the essay contest were announced at the Evening of Environmental event that took place in the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center on April 20. The event featured interactive science experiments run by University students and included a display of the essays submitted.

On April 21, the University hosted a lecture by renowned American climatologist and geophysicist Michael Mann, Ph.D., author of “The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet.” Dr. Mann is the author of five books on climate change, as well as more than 200 peer-reviewed and edited publications, numerous op-eds and commentaries. is the Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Pennsylvania State University, with joint appointments in the Department of Geosciences and the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute. He is also director of the Penn State Earth System Science Center.

Other Earth Day events included an Environmental Art Show, an Earth Day Fair, an Environmentally-Friendly Tie-Dye event, and a screening of “The Human Element,” a film in which photographer James Balog uses his camera to document and uncover how environmental change affects the lives of Americans each day.

The final Earth Day event for the month of April will be an art show address on April 25 by Laura Kern, an artist from rural Pennsylvania who uses her sculptures to emphasize the connection between humans and the environment, as well as to highlight prominent environmental and societal issues. Kern will present her address in the lobby of the Loyola Science Center.

The events were sponsored by the University’s Sustainability Office with the support of the Jesuit Center, the Kania School of Management, the Multicultural Center, the environmental studies concentration and major, the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Society for Sustainability and Conservation student organization.

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The University of Scranton was ranked among Fortune’s “Best Online MBA Programs” listing, placing at No. 62 in the nation. This is the second year of the ranking by Fortune and is also the second year Fortune included Scranton among America’s “Best Online MBA Programs.”

For the ranking, Fortune looked at the quality of the online MBA program at the colleges as measured by their students’ average undergraduate GPA and GMAT score, the number of students enrolled, the colleges’ first-year retention rate and its graduation rate, which accounted for 62.5 percent of the overall ranking score. Fortune partnered with Ipsos to survey 2,500 business professionals and hiring managers to produce a measurement of the “brand appeal” of the college, or “how much a group of people want to recruit from the university” (20 percent). Fortune also counted the number of Fortune 1000 executives who earned an MBA from the college (17.5 percent).

Fortune’s “Best Online MBA Programs” ranking was published online on April 6.

Scranton was also ranked at No. 55 in the nation in Fortune’s 2021-2022 listing of the “Best Part-time MBA Programs.”

Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 55; and its online MBA program at No. 98 in the nation in its “Best Online Programs” guide. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 65 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”

Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of The University of Scranton’s Accounting Department and director of its nationally recognized DBA program, was selected as the 2022 Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Research Foundation Distinguished Scholar.

The prestigious national award, based on peer recommendations, recognizes the recipient’s body of research and its relevance to the mission of IMA Research Foundation, as well as the awardee’s contribution to the management accounting body of knowledge and demonstrated practical value to accounting and financial professionals. The IMA Distinguished Scholar Award, which will be formally presented at the American Accounting Association’s annual meeting in San Diego in August, was previously known as the IMA Research Foundation Siegel Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Boyle has received numerous accolades for his research. The Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings, which internationally recognizes and ranks accounting faculty members based on their research publication success in top-tier, peer-reviewed accounting journals, placed Dr. Boyle No. 7 in the world in 2021 and 2020 reports for accounting education research. An article published by Dr. Boyle and Scranton accounting professors James Boyle, D.B.A., and Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D., won the IMA’s Lybrand Gold Medal as the “outstanding article of the year” for 2019; and an article published by Dr. Boyle, Dr. Mahoney and University Accounting Professor Brian Carpenter, Ph.D., received the 2016 Lybrand Gold Medal. His articles with Scranton professors and DBA students also won Lybrand Silver Medals in 2021, 2020, and 2015 and Lybrand Bronze Medals in 2020 and 2014, in addition to other awards.

Dr. Boyle’s research has been published in numerous academic and refereed journals, such as The Journal of Accounting and Public Policy (JAPP), Accounting Horizons, Current Issues in Auditing, The Journal of Accounting Education, The Accounting Educators’ Journal, The Journal of Accountancy, Strategic Finance, Fraud Magazine, Internal Auditor, Management Accounting Quarterly, The CPA Journal, Internal Auditing, The Journal of Applied Business Research and The Journal of Business and Behavioral Sciences.

A Certified Public Accountant as well as a Certified Management Accountant, Dr. Boyle has more than 30 years of industry experience. He has served in executive roles in startup, middle market and Fortune 500 companies where he has held the positions of chief executive officer, president, chief operations officer and chief financial officer.

An award-winning teacher, Dr. Boyle was profiled for the past three years as one of just six “Professors to Know in Business Programs Based in the Northeast” selected by Bschools.org, an online resource for entrepreneurs.

At Scranton, Dr. Boyle was named the Kania School of Management’s (KSOM) Alperin Teaching Fellow for 2015 to 2018 and received the KSOM Advisory Board’s Award for Curriculum Innovation for 2017-2018. He has twice earned the KSOM Teacher of the Year award and earned the Provost Excellence Awards for the Scholarship of Teaching in 2014 and for Scholarly Publication in 2012 and the Faculty Senate’s Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award in 2019. He was awarded the Outstanding Accounting Educator of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 2015 and an Outstanding Lecturer Award from the Cultural Mission of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in 2012. He is also the founder and director of the University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program.

Scranton’s DBA program has received international recognition when the prestigious accrediting body, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), listed the program in 2019 among the “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States.” Two DBA students have received the prestigious Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Michael J. Barrett Doctoral Dissertation Award.

Dr. Boyle earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, an MBA from Columbia University and a doctorate from Kennesaw State University.

During the spring semester, the Schemel Forum at The University of Scranton will explore the extraordinary life and influence of Rev. George Schemel, S.J., who served on Scranton’s faculty and inspired his friends and colleagues to found the Schemel Forum 16 years ago.

On Monday, April 25, in collaboration with Scranton’s Jesuit Center, the University will present “A Schemel Legacy: The Engineer and the Monk.” The program will be conducted by Fr. Schemel’s two nephews, whom he most profoundly inspired: Christopher F. Schemel, Ph.D., president of Delta Q Consultants, Inc., and courtesy professor of chemical engineering at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa; and Brother Mario Joseph Schemel, a Trappist monk at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit near Conyers, Georgia.

Dr. Schemel is a leading expert in fire and explosion dynamics and chemical process safety. Before joining the monastery in 2010, Br. Mario, spent 15 years in industry and 15 years in academia. The brothers will describe the influence that Father George had on them in their respective callings.

The Schemel Forum was founded at the University in July 2006 through generous gifts to the Rev. George Schemel, S.J., Fund, created by friends of the beloved campus Jesuit. The program aims to provide people of all ages with the opportunity to explore the intellectual and cultural wonders of the world via a range of lectures and courses.

“A Schemel Legacy: The Engineer and the Monk” will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall, followed by a reception. Admission is free for University students, faculty and staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the fee is $25.

To register, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. To pay by credit card over the phone, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816, or to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.

The median annual wage for human resources specialists and compensation/benefits specialists was $60,350 and $119,120, respectively, in May 2017. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth in this field to nearly double, from five to nine percent, between 2016 and 2026.

Professionals working in human resources are responsible for a wide variety of jobs in corporate settings including recruitment, employee relations, payroll, benefits, training and administration of human resources policies. Examples of potential careers include compensation and benefits managers, human resources managers, and training and development managers.

The University of Scranton’s bachelor of science program in human resources studies is an interdisciplinary major that incorporates courses from the social and behavioral sciences, business and liberal arts. With flexibility in the curriculum, students have the chance to pursue a minor in business administration, psychology or other related fields.

Coursework is designed to actively engage students in applying theory to real-world scenarios and emphasize the development of decision-making, interpersonal, leadership, organizational and speaking skills. With small classes capped at around 25 to 30 students, Scranton human resources studies student get to know faculty and get individualized advice on their unique career aspirations from professionals who have worked in the field.

As part of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, students are required to complete at least 80 hours of service learning aimed at developing student engagement with their community. Additionally, human resources studies students complete 120 hours of internship experience their senior year in order to get hands-on experience outside of the classroom and under the supervision of human resources professionals. Recent internship sites include Nestle USA, Allied Services, Scranton Times-Tribune and Hilton Hotels-NY.

Outside of the classroom, students can get involved in the department by joining the student chapter of the Society for Human Resources Management, related clubs and honor societies.

Scranton graduates can be found working in companies like Goldman Sachs, Lockheed Martin, L’Oréal NY and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

 

Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at The University of Scranton, received a $1.158 million National Science Foundation funded Noyce Scholars grant that will support future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) high school teachers in high-need school districts.

The grant, which will be allocated over a five-year period beginning (this summer) (in the 2022-2023 academic year), will provide a scholarships and educational training support to 21 STEM students with a major or minor in secondary education.

“There are many areas in the United States that are in need of great high school science and mathematics teachers in Pennsylvania – really across the country. We have advanced technologies in the U.S., yet many of our students lag behind those in other countries, especially with skills related to the sciences and mathematics. As educators, we are trying to train and build the workforce of the future, and their high school exposure to the sciences and math is a key element to their – and our – future,” said Dr. Dumancas, a widely published analytical chemist, who considers himself to be “a teacher first.”

Dr. Dumancas’s research on the development and application of novel spectroscopic and computational tools applied to chemical analysis of food and biomedical products has been published in multiple top-tier, peer-reviewed academic journals. Since coming to The University of Scranton, he has published four research articles and submitted four book chapters.

“It takes a great deal of support to make a good science or mathematics teacher,” said Dr. Dumancas.

The NSF grant provides a financial stipend to participants selected to become Noyce Scholars, in addition to affording them early field teaching experience and mentoring opportunities with practicing teachers in partner schools. Noyce Scholars will also participate in special courses to expose them to computational science methods, among other educational opportunities in the sciences.

“The grant is geared to provide documented support to students to make them successful as high school STEM teachers,” said Dr. Dumancas, who said the success of the scholars is monitored and is part of the research collected through the grant. Programs that prove to be successful can receive additional support in the future.

Mid Valley School District and Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) are partner schools for the grant. Students at these schools will have the opportunity to participate in special programming in the STEM fields at the University supported by the University faculty and Noyce Scholars.

University students in their senior or junior year of studies, majoring or minoring in secondary education in the STEM field and meeting other academic and program requirements can apply to become a Noyce Scholar for the fall 2022 semester. LCCC students continuing their education at Scranton who meet the program requirements can also apply to the program for their junior and senior years. Students selected to the program are required to teach in a high-need school district anywhere in the United States for two years for each year of their participation as a Noyce Scholar.

Applications for the program will become available in the coming weeks, but anyone interested could contact Dr. Dumancas by email at gerard.dumancas@scranton.edu.

Dr. Dumancas joined the faculty at Scranton in the spring of 2022. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines and his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Oklahoma State University. During his career, Dr. Dumancas has generated more than $2 million in external research grants and has published more than 40 manuscripts in peer-reviewed academic journals.

Note: Campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.

May 9-13        Art Exhibit: “The University of Scranton Student Exhibition.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

May 7-8          8 a.m. National History Day State Competition for qualifying students from Pennsylvania. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4549 or email nhdparegion2@gmail.com.

May 7       7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring John Romeri, organist and John Romeri, flautist. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 14            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra with special guests. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 21            Noon Undergraduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 21            5 p.m. Graduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 22           10:30 a.m. Commencement Baccalaureate Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

Continuing its commitment to presenting world class musical talent, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will spotlight the work of guest composer/conductor Javier Nero at its 39th annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert on Saturday, April 30. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

At the concert, The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir will premiere two brand-new commissioned works by Nero written specifically for the University’s student ensembles, entitled The Return (for concert band) and One Day (for six part choir), according to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga.

An internationally award-winning jazz trombonist, composer, arranger and educator, Nero recently won the position of lead trombone in the prestigious U. S. Army Blues, the big band jazz element of The U. S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington, D.C. His compositions have been described by Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Brian Lynch as “modern, sophisticated yet accessible, pleasing the player and listener alike.”

In addition to his career with the Army Blues, Nero also performs in the D.C. and N.Y.C. areas with two of his ensembles, the Javier Nero Septet and the Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra. With the Septet, he released his first album, “Freedom” and his big band album will be released later this year.  He has also been a member of the award-winning Haitian band Klass, which has toured the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, South America and France.

Nero’s compositions and arrangements have earned him awards from Downbeat magazine, as well as participation in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program and the Banff Centre’s international workshop in jazz and creative music, and his works have been performed by the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra, Frost Symphony Orchestra, Studio Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Vocal 1, Extensions, the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra and the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra.

As a trombonist, Nero has won first place in four international jazz solo competitions, including the 2011 International Trombone Association’s Carl Fontana Competition, the ITA’s 2013 JJ Johnson Competition, the 2014 American Trombone Workshop National Jazz Solo Competition and the 2015 Texas State Trombone Symposium Jazz Trombone Competition. He was also a finalist in the Detroit Jazz Festival’s Curtis Fuller National Solo Competition, and he recently won and placed as finalist for two consecutive years in the Ithaca College Jazz Composer Contest.

Nero received his Bachelor of Music from the Juilliard School, a Master of Music in studio/jazz writing from the University of Miami, and a Doctor of Musical Arts with a minor in classical trombone performance from Miami’s Frost School of Music.

All audience members are required to wear a higher-grade mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or double masking) at all times. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for the most current information on additional required audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Nero, visit www.javiernero.com.

Sursum Corda Awards were presented to four staff members, and University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., delivered his first State of the University address at the Spring Convocation, which took place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on April 5. In addition, new staff members who joined the University between Jan. 31, 2020 through April 1, 2022, were recognized.

Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Awards recognize members of the University’s professional/paraprofessional staff, clerical/technical staff and maintenance/public safety staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University. This year’s recipients were: Cindy Hricko, business applications analyst and manager of enterprise application for Information Technology; Kristi Klien, administrative assistant for the Center for Career Development; Maria Marinucci, director of the Cross Cultural Centers; and Pete Sakowski, network resources technician.

In his remarks, Father Marina thanked the award recipients for their service to the University and said the Sursum Corda, Lift Up Your Hearts, is “an award so fitting for Kristi, Pete, Cindy and Maria, and all those who have received this award before you.”

In his address, he referred to the state of universities in the nation as being “the best of times and the worst of times,” referencing the famous opening words of the Charles Dickens novel “A Tale of Two Cities.”

He outlined a number of challenges facing colleges and universities, then acknowledged the many in-roads The University of Scranton has already begun to address these issues and to advance Scranton’s mission as a Catholic and Jesuit university. These include renovations made to Hyland Hall to support the new mechanical engineering major and the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan that was formed through input from constituencies from all over the University, among other initiatives.

“At the last meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Board unanimously approved the creation of the Opening Doors Scholarship Fund to meet the unmet need of students seeking to enroll at Scranton who have graduated from Cristo Rey High Schools, Arrupe College and other institutions with similar missions,” said Father Marina. “Our Trustees are contributing to this fund from their own personal resources and already, after just a couple of months, there is more than $400,000 in this new fund, which will advance our goals for both access and affordability and increasing the diversity of our student body.”

In closing, Father Marina referred again to the Charles Dickens quote.

“In higher education, the present days can be considered as the best of times and the worst of times because of both the opportunities as well as the great challenges that currently exist. Yet, if we meet these challenges together, as friends and colleagues in mission, we can turn them into opportunities. If we are able to do that, then the worst of times will dissipate and only the best will remain,” said Father Marina.

The University of Scranton held a political dialogue titled, “Freedom and Our Founding: What do they mean for us today?” In small mediated groups, students discussed the concept of freedom, the founding of the United States, and the role of citizens in democracy. Students then shared their experiences and listened to the perspectives of others.

Front row from left: Jenny Gonzalez, local advocate; Lia Richards-Palmiter, Ph.D., director of the Office of Diversity Efforts at Marywood University; Alejandra Marroquin, Scranton Immigrant Inclusion Committee co-chair; Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., associate professor and director of First-Year Seminars; and Julie Cohen, assistant vice president for Community Engagement and Government Affairs. Back row front left: Carolyn M. Bonacci, Community and Civic Engagement Coordinator of External Affairs; Chris Norton, chief content officer, WVIA; and Gus Fahey, president of Valley in Motion.

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For the seventh annual presentation in the Jay Nathan, Ph.D. Visiting Scholar Lecture Series, The University of Scranton hosted Her Excellency, Ambassador Bergdís Ellertsdóttir of Iceland. She presented a lecture titled, “Iceland: History, Culture, Environment.” After the presentation and panel discussion, Eva Ingolfsdóttir, a classical Icelandic violinist, gave a performance to demonstrate Icelandic culture through music. From left: Eva Ingolfsdottir, classical violinist; Jay Nathan, Ph.D.; Iceland Ambassador Bergdis Ellertsdottir; Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton; Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the University's College of Arts and Sciences; and George J. Aulisio, dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library at the University.

The lecture was sponsored by the Weinberg Memorial Library.

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The University of Scranton hosted alumnus Neal Thompson ’87 for a discussion and book signing for his latest book, “The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of An American Dynasty.” The book details the Kennedy family’s flight from the Ireland potato famine and their later actualization of the American Dream.

The event was cosponsored by The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities and the History Department.

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Recognized globally as a leading expert on climate change, climatologist and geophysicist Michael E. Mann, Ph.D., will discuss his new book “The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet” at The University of Scranton on April 21. The lecture, offered free of charge, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

The author of five books on climate change, Dr. Mann’s research has been published in more than 200 peer-reviewed and edited publications. He was a lead author on the Observed Climate Variability and Change chapter of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Third Scientific Assessment Report in 2001 and was organizing committee chair for the National Academy of Sciences Frontiers of Science in 2003. He contributed, with other IPCC authors, to the award of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. He was named to the Bloomberg News list of 50 Most Influential People in 2013, Academic’s Ten Most Influential Earth Scientists list in 2020, and, in 2002, was named by Scientific American as one of 50 leading visionaries in science and technology, among dozens of other honors and awards.

Dr. Mann is the Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Pennsylvania State University, with joint appointments in the Department of Geosciences and the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute. He is also director of the Penn State Earth System Science Center. He is the co-founder of the award-winning website RealClimate.org.

Dr. Mann’s latest book, “The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet,” was nominated among the 15 Best Science and Environment Books of 2021 by The Times (UK) and nominated for the Business Book of the Year 2021 by Financial Times (runner-up). His book explores the intricacies of the struggle to conquer the disinformation campaigns of the fossil fuel industry and their intentional division of modern climate advocates. Dr. Mann demonstrates that these tactical efforts by fossil fuel producers currently render the work of climate advocates ineffective and divert attention from necessary sweeping environmental policy actions. Along with these topics, Dr. Mann will discuss inadequate solutions as well as the responses to the climate crisis he deems best.

Dr. Mann earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and applied mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley; and his master’s degree in physics and Ph.D. in geology and geophysics from Yale University.

Dr. Mann’s research and presentation echo the Jesuit teaching and commitment to care for our common home. Pope Francis broadcasts the same message, highlighting in his encyclical that “the Creator does not abandon us” and that, as humans, we have a duty to protect the planet because “humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home” (Laudato Si’ 13).

Presented as part of The University of Scranton’s Earth Day events this year, the lecture and other related events focus on the theme “we are all connected,” inspired by Pope Francis’ famous encyclical On Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si’).

The lecture is presented by the University’s Jesuit Center and Office of Sustainability. Health and safety protocols that are in effect on April 21 as outlined in the Royals Back Together plan must be followed by those in attendance.

For more information about the lecture, email mark.murphy@scranton.edu or call call 570-941-6267.

 Andrew Schotter, professor of economics at New York University and the director of the Center for Experimental Social Science, will be the speaker at the 2022 Spring Henry George Seminar on April 20 from 4 to 5:15 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. Schotter, whose areas of research interests include economic theory, game theory, and especially experimental economics, will give a talk entitled, “Social Learning and the Evolution of Conventions of Behavior.” The lecture is free of charge to University students, faculty and staff and members of the greater Scranton community.

Dr. Schotter has published four books: “The Foundations of Positive and Normative Economics: A Handbook,” “Microeconomics: A Modern Approach,” “The Economic Theory of Social Institutions” and “Free Market Economics: A Critical Appraisal,” and more than 90 articles in leading economics journals including the European Economic Review, Economic Inquiry, Games and Economic Behavior, the Journal of Public Economic, and the American Economic Review.

He has been a consultant for the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), AT&T and the New York Stock Exchange, an economic theory fellow with the Society for Advancement of Economic Theory and a visiting scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation. He received the Kenan Enterprise Award from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Considered the preeminent public lecture series on economics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Henry George Lecture Series is presented by the University’s Economics and Finance Department and the campus chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society for economics. The lecture series is named in honor of the 19^th-century American economist and social reformer and is supported financially by a grant from the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation.

The University of Scranton health and safety protocols in place on April 20 outlined in the Royals Back Together plan must be followed by conference attendees.

For more information about the Henry George Spring Seminar, call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

As a result of the commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students demonstrated through The University of Scranton’s THR1VE programming, Scranton was selected to join the national 2022-23 First-gen Forward cohort. The cohort is sponsored by The Center for First-generation Student Success, which is an initiative of the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation.

Colleges selected to the First-gen Forward program receive professional development, community-building experiences and have access to research and other resources of the Center to further improve programming for first-generation college students.

“Through the application process, it was evident that The University of Scranton is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, assistant vice president, Center for First-generation Student Success. “First-gen Forward now recognizes and supports nearly 300 diverse institutions across four cohorts, all of which continue to lead the nation through their commitment to first-generation student success.”

First-generation (first-gen) college students are the first in their family to attend a four-year college or university. At Scranton, first-gen students make up 22 percent of the undergraduate student population. In 2019, the University launched the THR1VE program in an effort to meet the diverse needs of first-gen students and foster their success at Scranton.

According to Shannon Fennie Murphy, assistant dean of students who oversees the University’s first-gen programming, THR1VE focuses on three pillars: understanding and celebrating the first-generation identity; connecting students to resources; and celebrating students’ successes. Programming was initially based on a first-generation needs assessment conducted in late 2018 and is further guided by current needs identified through a student advisory council.

THR1VE programming begins at orientation and continues throughout matriculation. Programming includes the GU1DE peer mentoring program, which pairs first-year first-gen students with upper division first-generation volunteer mentors; a community awareness component that identifies staff and faculty members who were also first-gen college students; and participation in the National First-Generation College Student Day, among numerous other initiatives.

“The THR1VE monthly newsletter scaffolds student resources based on the time of the academic year and the class year of the student,” said Murphy Fennie. “For example, the October newsletters focus on tutoring services, imposter syndrome, and wellness resources for first-year and sophomore students, and on career development, internships and financial wellness for juniors and seniors. We find providing students with appropriate resources just prior to them needing the information reduces stress and allows students to navigate the systems independently.”

Murphy Fennie noted there are also many opportunities for involvement in THR1VE for faculty and staff who are first generation college students themselves or want to be advocates for current first generation students at Scranton. Faculty and staff members interested in becoming involved with the THR1VE program can complete this online survey.

Murphy Fennie wrote an article about THR1VE programming in the January 2022 issue Connections, published by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

The Center for First-generation Student Success is the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students. Based in Washington, DC, the Center offers an outlet for sharing cutting-edge research and current media conversations, opportunities for engagement through online learning, conferences and events, as well as access to numerous programs and services intended to improve first-generation initiatives across higher education.

The Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, formerly called the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), is a network of 15,000 professionals and 1,200 institutions across the globe.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Shannon A. Zottola has been named vice president for enrollment management, effective July 1, 2022.  Zottola currently serves as vice president and dean for enrollment management and marketing at Ursinus College. At Ursinus, she serves on several institutional committees and task forces, and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

“Ms. Zottola has over seventeen years of leadership experience in enrollment management. She is strongly committed to Catholic and Jesuit education that is grounded in the liberal arts and centered around students,” said Father Marina in an announcement to the University community regarding the position. “Since beginning her service at Ursinus in 2018, she led the school’s effort to successfully recruit three of the largest, most diverse and academically talented classes in the school’s 152-year history. Ms. Zottola also created a strategic enrollment management plan that is now considered a ‘best practice’ among her peers in higher education.”

The vice president of enrollment management is a member of the President’s Cabinet and serves as Scranton’s chief enrollment officer. The vice president will contribute to a well-established division and strong foundation by providing strategic and innovative leadership, in alignment with the University’s mission and strategic priorities, for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral admissions, as well as financial aid, while serving as a resource for academic program planning and participating in the University’s strategic financial and enrollment planning processes, among other responsibilities.

Zottola’s work in admissions and marketing has won numerous Council for Advancement and Support of Education and College and University Public Relations Association of Pennsylvania awards. In addition, she has presented at both the national and regional level on various topics regarding admission, enrollment and leadership.

Prior to her service at Ursinus, which began in 2018, Zottola held several positions in admissions at Cabrini University (College) from 2011 to 2018, including serving as the assistant vice president for enrollment management and director of undergraduate admissions. From 2005 to 2013, she served at Marywood University in several capacities, including as the assistant director of retention and advising. She also served as a faculty fellow at Cabrini and as an instructor at Marywood.

Zottola is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

A native of Scranton, Zottola earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.

Several of The University of Scranton’s graduate programs ranked among the best in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 edition of “Best Graduate Schools.”

Scranton’s MBA Specialty in accounting ranked No. 14 in the nation, tying with Harvard University, Arizona State University and Ohio State University in the U.S. News full-time MBA program ranking. Scranton’s MBA specialty programs in business analytics ranked No. 29 and finance ranked No. 34 in America in the ranking published by U.S. News online March 29.

In addition to the program specialty rankings, Scranton’s graduate program in nursing ranked No. 95 and its part-time MBA program ranked No. 100 out of all such programs nationally.

For the graduate school rankings, U.S. News uses data gathered by surveys of college faculty and administrators, and for nursing programs, from professionals working in health care, to assess the quality of programs. U.S. News also uses statistical data such as faculty student ratios and student test scores. The U.S. News ranking of the Best Graduate Schools Ranking by MBA Specialties is based solely on ratings by business school deans and directors of AACSB-accredited MBA programs.

The University’s graduate-level business programs include a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Master of Science in Finance (MSF). Master of Science in Business Analytics and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in general management or with a specialization in accounting, business analytics, finance, healthcare management, international business, management information systems, marketing and operations management. The University also offers combined/accelerated bachelor’s and master’s level programs including accounting BS/MBA, operations management BS/MBA, finance BS/MBA, management BS/MBA, and College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor’s/MBA, and other programs.

Graduate nursing degrees offered by Scranton include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and post-master’s certificate; Executive Nursing Leadership, M.S.N; and Nurse Anesthesia, DNP, and an accelerated MSN degree program.

All of the University’s graduate programs hold the highest national accreditation within each discipline, including accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) for business and accreditation by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for nursing and Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) for nurse anesthesia.

Earlier this year, U.S. News’ “Best Online Programs” publication ranked the University’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 55 and its online MBA program at No. 98 in the nation. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 65 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”

In other rankings published by U.S. News, Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 28 consecutive years. Scranton is ranked No. 5 in the 2022 edition of the guidebook. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching.”

Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical titled “On Care for Our Common Home,” The University of Scranton’s Sustainability Office has selected the theme “We Are All Connected” for their Spring sustainability initiative. To celebrate this theme, especially as Earth Day approaches, the Sustainability Office will host several events for students, faculty and staff as well as guests from the greater Scranton community.

Area students in grades 5-12 may participate in the University’s Earth Day Essay Contest. Submissions will be accepted through April 4. This year’s theme is “We Are All Connected.” For submission rules and details, visit: https://www.scranton.edu/sustainability/docs/earth-week-2022/earthday-2022-essay-rules.pdf.

Winners of the essay contest will be announced at the Evening of Environmental on Wednesday, April 20, in the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center on campus. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and features interactive science experiments run by University students. The event will also include a display of the essays submitted. Finalists will receive Earth Day medals and certificates at a ceremony.

On the following day, April 21, the University will host a lecture by renowned American climatologist and geophysicist Michael Mann, Ph.D., author of “The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet.” Dr. Mann is the Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Pennsylvania State University, with joint appointments in the Department of Geosciences and the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute. He is also director of the Penn State Earth System Science Center. He is the author of five books on climate change, as well as more than 200 peer-reviewed and edited publications, numerous op-eds and commentaries. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on campus.

The final Earth Day event for the month of April will be an art show address on April 25 by Laura Kern, an artist from rural Pennsylvania who uses her sculptures to emphasize the connection between humans and the environment, as well as to highlight prominent environmental and societal issues. Kern will present her address in tthe Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Other events open to University students, faculty and staff include an Environmental Art Show on the fifth floor of the Weinberg Memorial Library from April 19 to April 26; an Earth Day Fair in the lobby of the Loyola Science Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 19; an Environmentally-Friendly Tie-Dye event, taking place on the Dionne Campus Green at 5 p.m. on April 20; and a kayaking trip on the Susquehanna River on May 7.

Several related events also took place in March, including a screening of “The Human Element,” a film in which photographer James Balog uses his camera to document and uncover how environmental change affects the lives of Americans each day. The University also hosted a celebration of World Water Day on March 22.

All of these events are sponsored by the University’s Sustainability Office with the support of the Jesuit Center, the Kania School of Management, the Multicultural Center, the environmental studies concentration and major, the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Society for Sustainability and Conservation student organization.

The University of Scranton will host the Inaugural Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service for public officials, leaders of nonprofit organizations and students on April 9 on campus. The half-day, in-person conference begins at 8 a.m. with registration and refreshments and will take place on the fifth floor of Brennan Hall.

The annual conference is a key initiative of the University’s recently launched Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS) with the goal of helping to provide a foundation for ethical governance in Northeastern Pennsylvania by developing and nurturing a community of scholars, public officials and citizens dedicated to improving and protecting democracy at the state and local level.

“We expect that the conference will help connect state and local governing officials to one another and make them aware of the opportunities and training offered by the Center,” said JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science and co-director of CEEPS. “Additionally, we expect that the Conference will offer scholars interested in promoting and protecting democracy through the study of ethics at the state- and local-level an opportunity to present and share research. That research can be disseminated through the Center and shared with community members and state and local governments.”

Dr. Hopper also sees the conference as a way to introduce University students to issues concerning ethics and government effectiveness and further engage them in career opportunities in the public and government service sector. University students will participate in a panel discussion about their efforts in 2020 to increase voter registration among young adults.

Additional topics covered in panel discussions at the conference include “Local Government Ethics Boards and Codes;” “Grant writing: Best Practices for Local Governments;” and “Legislative Pay, Per Diems, and Ethics.”

The conference will conclude with a luncheon keynote address by author Craig Wheeland, Ph.D., a noted scholar in the area of public administration and senior vice president for academics and professor of public administration at Villanova University. Dr. Wheeland has published numerous articles and has also published two books on the topics of local government and urban politics. His research on city management has received external funding from organizations such as the American Political Science Association.

Additional information and a schedule of speakers can be seen on the Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service webpage.

Registration is required to attend and fees vary for the conference. Reservations and additional information is also available online. A $15 registration fee includes all meals and materials for the day.  If you are unable to pay the $15 registration fee, there is an option on the registration form that will allow you to register and attend without paying the fee. The conference is free for students.

The University of Scranton health and safety protocols in place on April 9 outlined in the Royals Back Together plan must be followed by conference attendees.

For additional information, email ceeps@scranton.edu or contact Sharon Olechna, administrative assistant for the Political Science Department, at 570-941-6326 or by email at sharon.olechna@scranton.edu.

Legendary musician and composer Dr. Wycliffe Gordon, H ’06, will return to The University of Scranton for two upcoming concerts presented by Performance Music.

On Wednesday, April 6, Gordon will perform with The University of Scranton Singers and Scranton Brass Orchestra at the 14^th Annual Gene Yevich Memorial Concert. Then, the following night, Thursday, April 7, Gordon will perform a second concert with The University of Scranton Jazz Band. Both performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.

Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. All audience members are required to wear a higher-grade mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or double masking) at all times. Please check Performance Music’s website within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on additional required audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).

At the concerts, Gordon and the ensembles will perform a wide variety of selections. Programming on the April 6 concert will feature Gordon as a soloist on trombone, trumpet and singing with the choir and brass orchestra, and will include music ranging from  popular selections from The Great American Songbook and spirituals to O Fortuna from Orff’s “Carmina Burana” and Va Pensiero from Verdi’s “Nabucco.”

Programming on the April 7^th concert with the Jazz Band will feature Gordon again both playing and singing, and a number of the works performed will be Gordon’s own acclaimed big band compositions, according to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga.

The recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University and commencement speaker in 2006, Gordon’s long friendship with Boga has also become a close relationship with the University. He’s performed and taught at the University on many occasions with almost every one of the student wind and choral ensembles, and has composed a number of new works for the university ensembles.

“Wycliffe Gordon is my single favorite musician – he’s my musical hero,” Boga said. “He’s bigger than life. It’s like what Itzhak Perlman is to violin and Pavarotti was to voice, Wycliffe is to trombone. And I don’t know any musician in the world as generous with their time and talent. To me, he’s the closest thing we have to Louis Armstrong still with us.”

A genuine virtuoso on the trombone, Gordon was recently named “Trombonist of the Year” for the 14th time by the Jazz Journalists Association, while the Downbeat Critics Poll has named him “Best Trombone” on six occasions.

A former member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Gordon has received numerous other accolades, including the Louie Award for his dedication and commitment to the music of Louis Armstrong; the International Trombone Association Award; the Satchmo Award from the Sarasota Jazz Club; the Louis Armstrong Memorial Prize from the Swing Jazz Culture Foundation; Artist of the Year from the Augusta Arts Council; and the ASCAP Foundation’s Vanguard Award, among many, many others.

Gordon’s compositions have been performed throughout the world, he has been a featured guest artist on television, film, and every other broadcast medium, is one of the nation’s most in-demand music educators, and also serves as director of Jazz Studies at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia.

Sponsored by former Scranton Mayor David Wenzel and his wife, Janet, the April 6^th Yevich Memorial Concert is a celebration of the life of former Scranton Fire Chief Gene Yevich, Boga’s late father. Besides his career as a fireman, Yevich, who passed away in 2005, was also a highly accomplished local musician. A multi-instrumentalist known for his virtuosity on the accordion, he was a longtime member of the bands the Novelaires and the Mediterranean Sounds, who were regulars at Italian festivals in the Scranton area and New York City.

Yevich was married for almost 50 years to the former Julia Pucher, with whom he had three children, Boga and University graduates Michael Yevich and Cynthia Yevich. His grandchildren are Joseph Boga, trumpeter with the legendary band Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks, who often performs and leads clinics and masterclasses at the University, and Magdalyn Boga, who earned a master’s degree from the University and is a member of its history faculty, and is also an operatic soprano.

For further information on the concerts, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more information on Gordon, visit wycliffegordon.com.

The University of Scranton held a Byzantine Catholic prayer service for Ukraine in the Byzantine Rite Chapel in Ciszek Hall on campus just prior to spring break. Rev. Dr. Eduard Shestak, a native of Ukraine and Byzantine Catholic priest and theology instructor at the University, led the Molében to the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.

Since Feb. 26, The University has lit the Ukraine flag in its three-story, Class of 2020 Gateway sign to show support for the people of Ukraine. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, also addressed the crisis happening in the Ukraine in an Ash Wednesday message sent to the University community on March 2.

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Performance Music at The University of Scranton will welcome back acclaimed violinist Kako Miura for a recital on Saturday, April 2. The recital will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.

Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. All audience members are required to wear a higher-grade mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or double masking) at all times. Please check Performance Music’s website within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on additional required audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).

Originally from Tokyo and currently based in New York City, Miura has performed internationally as a soloist with orchestras in Asia, Australia and the United States. Her solo and chamber music performances have taken her to a number of high-profile venues, including Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Weill and Zankel Halls at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

According to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, “The stunning virtuosity of Ms. Miura’s performances mesmerizes our audiences and students every time she is here. We are delighted to welcome her back to our hall along with two of her colleagues.”

The recipient of numerous accolades, Miura took first prize in the Nagano International Music Festival Violin Competition, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young Artists Competition, and Sound Symphony Orchestra’s Solo Competition. She also received the National YoungArts Foundation Award.

Long committed to community engagement and music education, Miura has worked extensively with the Music Advancement Program of The Juilliard School’s Preparatory Division, teaching violin and courses on historical performance and curricular studies. In 2019, as part of Juilliard’s Young People’s Concerts series, she conceived, directed and performed “A Day in the Life of a King,” an original interactive concert centered around Baroque music, for elementary school students in New York City.

Miura earned a Bachelor of Music from Juilliard, where she also attended the Pre-College Program, and a Master of Music from The Colburn School. She’s now pursuing another graduate degree in historical performance at Juilliard under the guidance of Cynthia Roberts, Elizabeth Blumenstock and Robert Mealy. She’s also studied under Robert Lipsett and Masao Kawasaki.

Miura will be joined at the recital by cellist Cullen O’Neil, whose performances have brought her to venues such as Alice Tully Hall, the Kennedy Center, Mariinsky II in St. Petersburg, Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms, the Helsinki Musiikkitalo and the Philharmonie de Paris alongside Les Arts Florissants. Also performing will be pianist/harpsichordist Elliot Figg, an active member of several New York-based early music and contemporary ensembles, whose recent engagements include as conductor and harpsichordist for the U.S. premiere of Chevalier de St-Georges’ L’Amant Anonyme with Little Opera Theatre of New York, assistant conductor and harpsichordist for Vivaldi’s Farnace, and for Cavalli’s Veremonda, both with Spoleto Festival USA, and assistant conductor and harpsichordist for Dido and Aeneas with L.A. Opera.

For further information on the recital, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Miura, visit www.colburnschool.edu/calendar/season-overview/kako-miura.

Fifty University of Scranton students participated in four domestic service trips, organized by the Center for Service and Social Justice, over spring break. Students helped with disaster relief efforts, refugee assistance and with tutoring and mentoring children. They worked with persons with disabilities and former gang members and helped out at soup kitchens and food pantries

During spring break, the students volunteered at the Christian Appalachian Project/Workfest in Appalachia, Kentucky; The McKenna Center in Washington, D.C.; and the Romero Center in Camden, New Jersey. Students also participated in the Electric City Experience, through which they volunteered in the Scranton region at Neighbor Works, St. Francis Soup Kitchen, Nativity Miguel School, St. Joseph’s Center and other Scranton-area projects.

The following students served at Christian Appalachian Project/Workfest:

Tabatha Berger, Cresco;

Stephen Butler, Telford;

Brandon DaGrosa, Hazle Township;

Laura Echausse, Mineola, New York;

Fione Evans, Scranton;

Kaitlyn Franceschelli, Spring Brook Township;

Lauren McGuire, Pearl River, New York;

Cole Miller, Levittown;

Hailey Monaghan, Langhorne;

Thomas Pisano, Staten Island, New York;

Fanny Rodriguez, Sheppton;

Peter Sims, Yardley;

Maria Stephen, Huntingdon Valley;

Lauren Usaitis, Du Bois;

Miguel Valencia, Farmingdale, New York;

Sarah White, Brooklyn, New York, who also served as a peer facilitator.

Sean Brennan, professor of history; Rose Merritt, office manager, Counseling Center; and Jason Schwass, senior director of student success, Kania School of Management, served as chaperones.

University students serving with Christian Appalachian Project were highlighted in this Lexington, Kentucky WKYT news story.

The following students participated in the Electric City Experience:

Kayla Abcede, Garwood, New Jersey;

Abigail Casal, South Abington Township;

Victoria Chiulli, Scarsdale, New York;

Robert Correas-Rivera, Reading;

Caitlin Czyzewski, Philadelphia;

Rachael Gallagher, Havertown, who also served as a peer facilitator;

Angelina Guido, Merrimack, New Hampshire;

Jenna Kotlar, Branchburg, New Jersey;

Kristen LeFebvre, Ridgefield, Connecticut;

Kayla Maas, Barryville, New York;

Kate Malloy, Bethlehem;

Margaret McGrath, Drexel Hill;

Bailey McLaughlin, Allentown, New Jersey, who also served as a peer facilitator;

Brooke McNabola, Wallingford, Connecticut;

Emily Nowak, Hackettstown, New Jersey;

Marina Nunziato, Cranford, New Jersey;

David Pennino, Smithtown, New York;

Laura Petrera, Butler, New Jersey;

Cayman Webber, Buckeye, Arizona;

Brian White, Brooklyn, New York.

Lynn Gavin, coordinator of local service and community outreach for the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice, served as chaperone.

The following students served at The McKenna Center:

Marino Angeloni, Jessup, who also served as a peer facilitator;

Mary Bunone, Ramsey, New Jersey;

Matthew Duffy, Plainview, New York;

Nicole Gomber, Province, New Jersey;

Daniella Gomes, Staten Island, New York;

Kyle Kennelly, Huntington, New York;

Sophia McMullan, Cranford, New Jersey;

Michael Meyer, Paramus, New Jersey.

Melissa Eckenrode, administrative assistant, Department of English and Theatre, and Alec Hufford, a Jesuit novice assigned to the University’s Office of Campus Ministries and the Center for Service and Social Justice, served as chaperones.                  

The following students served at the Romero Center:

Erin Grell, Wood Ridge, New Jersey;

Isaiah Livelsberger, Hanover; 

Jennifer Noll, Paoli;    

Mia Sandy, Scranton;

Julia Turnak, Hingham, Massachusetts;

Kathleen Wallace, Bowie, Maryland.

Shannon Everton, Sykesville, Maryland, graduate occupational therapy student and graduate assistant in the Center of Service and Social Justice, served as chaperone.

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Two upcoming Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminars at The University of Scranton will explore topics related to Russia.

Fredrik Logevall, Ph.D., Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs at Harvard University, changed his planned topic in light of the invasion of Ukraine. On Thursday, March 24, Dr. Logevall will now present “A New Cold War? How to Think about the Struggle in Ukraine.” The noon luncheon seminar will take place in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall on campus. A remote option is also available for participation.

On Friday, April 22. Russian expert Jill Dougherty, who formerly served as CNN’s Moscow Bureau Chief for nearly a decade, will discuss “Russia and the Post-Truth Society.”

“During the Cold War, the USSR tried to convince the world that communism was the future of humankind,” said Dougherty, a CNN on-air contributor. “The U.S. tried to convince the world that democracy and capitalism gave people a better life. Today, propagandists still try to convince but, more and more, try to confuse and to overwhelm their target audiences with a firehose of mis- and dis-information.”

Dougherty, who is currently teaching a course titled “Information Wars” at Georgetown University, will explore the new paradigm, what it means for Russia, and what it could mean for America. The noon luncheon seminar will take place in the Kane Forum of Edward Leahy Hall and will also be offered in a remote format.

Admission is free for University students, faculty and staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the luncheons are $25 in person and $10 remotely. To register for the seminars, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. To pay by credit card over the phone, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816, or to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.

University of Scranton students, faculty and staff learned about the ways in which different Asian cultures and traditions celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Asian New Year Festival and Workshop held on campus in the spring semester. The program included hands-on lessons on Chinese calligraphy and Japanese origami related to the Year of the Tiger and a chopstick competition.

According to Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., director of Asian Studies and professor of philosophy at The University of Scranton, many Asian cultures celebrate the New Year differently, however, there is more consensus around the meaning of the tiger in the Chinese zodiac.

The event also included presentations about Asia’s chopstick culture and the meaning of chopsticks, how new year is celebrated in Japan, and how it is celebrated in China and Taiwan. Instructors and students from the Japanese and Chinese classes at Scranton assisted with the hands-on portion of the workshop.

WBRE/WYOU News reporter Madonna Mantione covered the workshop.

The workshop was co-sponsored by the departments of Asian Studies and World Languages and Cultures.

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The University of Scranton hosted a lecture by the author of “The Future of Catholic Higher Education: The Open Circle,” Rev. James L. Heft, in honor of the Jesuit school’s participation in Ignatius 500, a worldwide celebration marking the 500th anniversary of St. Igantius of Loyola’s conversion. The University’s College of Arts and Sciences and Jesuit Center co-sponsored the talk by Father Heft, the Alton M. Brooks Professor of Religion and founding president of the Institute for the Advancement of Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California. From left: David Dzurec, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Ryan Sheehan, J.D., assistant director of the Jesuit Center; and Father Heft.

For the seventh annual presentation in the Jay Nathan, Ph.D. Visiting Scholar Lecture Series, The University of Scranton will host Her Excellency, Ambassador Bergdís Ellertsdóttir of Iceland. Ambassador Ellertsdóttir will present a lecture titled, “Iceland: History, Culture, Environment” on Tuesday, March 29, at 4 p.m.

Ambassador Ellertsdóttir’s presentation will explore the intricacies of Iceland, its government, economic system, history and culture. A panel discussion will accompany the presentation. Following the panel discussion, there will be a demonstration of Icelandic culture in a performance by the classical violinist Eva Ingolfsdóttir. At the conclusion of the event, a reception will be held for all those in attendance.

Ambassador Ellertsdóttir began to serve as Iceland’s ambassador to the United States on Sept. 16, 2019. Prior to this appointment, she held positions at Iceland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Icelandic Embassy in Germany and the European Free Trade Association. Ambassador Ellertsdóttir has also previously served as ambassador of Iceland to Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Switzerland and San Marino. She received her education at the University of Freiburg in Germany, studying German, political science, English and history. Then, at the University of Iceland she continued studying political science and English. She earned her master’s in European studies from the University of Essex in Britain.

Ingolfsdóttir is a classical violinist, animator and composer with her first album of compositions in the works. She started to play the violin at a young age and has studied broadly in Europe, beginning her training at the Conservatory of Reykjavík, and traveling to conservatories in Brussels, Geneva, and Amsterdam. She has played solo recitals around the globe, including stages in Iceland, Japan, the United States, Russia and Europe.

This lecture is sponsored by the Weinberg Memorial Library and will take place on March 29 in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center. The event is free of charge and open guests from the greater Scranton community through the generous support of Dr. Nathan. Reservations are encouraged and can be made on the Jay Nathan, Ph.D. Visiting Scholar Lecture Series webpage or by calling Kym Balthazar Fetsko at 570-941-7816.

Health and safety protocols that are in effect on March 29 as outlined in the Royals Back Together plan must be followed by those in attendance.

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) awarded University of Scranton Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) student Gregory Kogan the Michael J. Barrett Doctoral Dissertation Award for his DBA program dissertation study entitled “RPA in Accounting Risk and Internal Control Governance: Insights from RPA Program Managers.” The IIA’s dissertation award is typically given to one dissertation a year under the oversight of the Committee of Research and Education Advisors.

Kogan is the second Scranton DBA student to receive this prestigious award in that past three years. In 2020, then DBA student Joy Chacko received the award for his DBA program dissertation study.

 “In the history of IIA’s dissertation award, which began in 2004, only two other institutions have had two students received this award – Case Western University and the University of Texas at Austin. Now, Scranton joins that elite list of schools,” said Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, Accounting Department chair and DBA program director.

The IIA’s Committee of Research and Education Advisors is comprised of both academicians and practitioners actively involved in the profession of internal auditing. The selection process is competitive and includes the following criteria: relevance of the topic to internal auditing; soundness of methodology; coherent organization and clarity of presentation; and quality of data (where applicable). With an international membership of more than 200,000 members, the IIA is among the largest and most respected professional organizations for accountants.

“The Scranton DBA program faculty were very caring and provided rigorous course work while also emphasizing key avenues toward success with research and publication,” said Kogan, who in 2021 co-authored the text book “Self-Service Data Analytics and Governance for Managers.”

A certified public accountant (CPA), Kogan, Manalapan, New Jersey, is an assistant professor of practice in accounting at Virginia Tech University. He previously taught accounting practice at Long Island University. He has experience as an auditor at Ernst & Young and as a controller at Tiger Management. He earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and his MBA in accounting from Rutgers University. He is a member of the third cohort of DBA students at Scranton and will graduate from the program in 2022.

Members of Kogan’s dissertation committee include Dr. Boyle, dissertation committee chair, and Jeff Cohen, Ph.D., professor of accounting at Boston College.

Housed in the Kania School of Management, the University’s DBA program began in the fall semester of 2017. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) recognized Scranton’s DBA program for “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States” in 2019. The program was developed with a concentration in accounting, to provide experienced practitioners with a practical pathway to an academic career. The program offers participants flexibility, while still providing for the development of the knowledge and skill set necessary to become a “scholarly academic” – one who is qualified to teach at a school of business that possesses or is seeking formal accreditation by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

A book translated by Ann Pang-White, Ph. D., professor of philosophy and director of the Asian Studies Program at The University of Scranton, was selected to be featured in a philosophy digital campaign for Oxford University Press called “Philosophy in Focus.”

Dr. Pang-White’s translation of the book “The Confucian Four Books for Women: A New Translation of the Nü Sishu and the Commentary of Wang Xiang” is included in the recommended reading section of the Oxford University Press campaign’s website and in its social media for March, which focused on the theme of feminism in recognition of Women History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8).

The philosophy digital campaign by Oxford University Press hosts a selection of “high-quality, thought provoking free content around a particular theme” each month with aim of expanding the reach, engagement and awareness of featured books within in the philosophy community.

“The Confucian Four Books for Women,” published by Oxford University Press in 2018 and translated with introductions, annotations and notes by Dr. Pang-White, is the first complete English translation of the Nü Shishu and the commentary of Wang Xiang. The 16^th century book is a female counterpart to the Sishu (Four Books) compiled by Zhu Xi. It includes four books by five women authors over a span of 1,600 years and provides a look at the history and evolution of Chinese women’s writing, education, identity and philosophical discourse.

Dr. Pang-White joined the faculty at Scranton in 1997. She received the University’s 2010 and 2017 Provost Award for Excellence in Advancing Global Learning. In 2011, she guided the Asian Studies Program in receiving the Bringing the World to Pennsylvania: K-16 Collaborative Award from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Council for International Education.

Dr. Pang-White’s has published numerous articles in scholarly journals related to her research interests in interdisciplinary aspects of Chinese philosophy and Western theories on metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy and women. Her book “The Bloomsbury Research Handbook of Chinese Philosophy and Gender” was published in 2016.

Dr. Pang-White earned her bachelor’s degree from Tung-Hai University in Taiwan, her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina–Columbia and her doctorate from Marquette University.

The University of Scranton’s Weinberg Memorial Library will hold its annual Book Sale on Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 1, from noon until 4 p.m. in the Scranton Heritage Room on the fifth floor of the library. Book prices begin at 50 cents and the large assortment of used hardcover and paperback books available for sale include children’s books, cookbooks, fiction and non-fiction.

A special preview sale will be held on Friday, April 29, for current Friends’ members and Schemel Forum members.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Endowment, which supports library collections and services.

The Weinberg Memorial Library is accepting paperback and hardcover books in good condition, such as children's books, young adult books, cookbooks, fiction, and non-fiction books. Appointments to donate books are needed. The library is also seeking volunteers to help work the book sale. Volunteer shifts are flexible. To schedule an appointment to donate books, obtain clarification on accepted books, or to volunteer, please reach out to Melisa Gallo at melisa.gallo@scranton.edu or by phone at 570-941-6195.

The University of Scranton health and safety protocols in place on April 30 and May 1 outlined in the Royals Back Together plan must be followed by volunteers and guests.

 The University of Scranton’s pre-law advisory program guides undergraduate students of various majors through the process of fulfilling the requirements for law school.

Pre-law advisor and professor in the Department of Philosophy, Matthew Meyer Ph.D., begins working with students in their first year, offering course selection guidance and personalized advice based on individual student interests.

The American Bar Association refrains from stating a major best suited for law school preparation, but rather suggests that undergraduate education should enhance students’ problem solving, critical reading and writing, oral communication and listening. Working closely with Scranton alumni and the University’s legal studies concentration, students in the pre-law program are encouraged to develop a wide range of skills both inside and outside of the classroom.

Additionally, leadership opportunities are available on campus through the student-run Pre-Law Society and Mock Trial Team, which all pre-law students are encouraged to join upon entry into the program.

Scranton also has several 3+3 affiliation agreements with law schools, such as Boston College Law School and Villanova University School of Law, allowing the possibility for students to complete their bachelor’s and law degrees in six years rather than seven years.

Additional information about the University’s pre-law programs is available on Scranton’s website.

Women in northeastern and central Pennsylvania who are interested in becoming more involved in government can attend the Ready to Run Northeastern Pennsylvania Program at The University of Scranton on Saturday, April 2. The day-long, nonpartisan training session, titled “Wanted: More Women Like You in Politics and Government,” is directed towards women in Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

The session begins with check-in/registration at 9 a.m. on the fifth floor of Brennan Hall on the University’s campus and ends at 4:30 p.m. Continental breakfast, lunch and a binder with information materials are included with the registration fee.

The Ready to Run NEPA Program, offered by the University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS), trains women to run for office, work on campaigns and get more politically engaged in their community. Participants will gain insight into establishing themselves as credible and viable candidates as well as inspiration to launch a campaign. Topics covered include presentation and messaging skills; fundraising; and how to get started with your campaign. Participants will also gain an understanding of what the underrepresentation of women in Pennsylvania's state and local governments means for women, their families and our communities.

According to Jean Wahl Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science at Scranton and co-director of CEEPS, research shows women govern differently than do men and they bring different priorities and solutions to policy-making process. 

“Women public officials work to make government more transparent to their constituents and more accessible to the diversity of people, voices, and concerns in their communities,” said Dr. Harris.

The event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County. WNEP is the media partner.

Registration is $50 for the general public or $15 for students with ID. A limited number of partial scholarships are also available. Registration is required to attend and can be completed at Scranton.edu/readytorun.

For additional information visit Scranton.edu/readytorun, or contact Sharon Olechna, administrative assistant for the Political Science Department, at 570-941-632 or sharon.olechna@scranton.edu or readytorun@scranton.edu.

Note: Access to the campus is currently limited to members of the University community, invited guests and others as listed in the Royals Back Together plan. Campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.

Through Apr. 29        Art Exhibit: “Shinnecock Sites and Portraits: Photographs by Jeremy Dennis.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Apr. 2             9 a.m. Ready to Run Northeastern Pennsylvania Campaign School offered in collaboration with the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service. Fifth floor of Brennan Hall. Fees vary. Registration required. Register at scranton.edu/readytorun. Call 570-941-6326 or mail sharon.olechna@scranton.edu or readytorun@scranton.edu.

Apr. 2      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Kako Miura, violinist and friends. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Apr. 6      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “14^th Annual Gene Yevich Memorial Concert” featuring Dr. Wycliffe A. Gordon with The University of Scranton Singers and Scranton Brass Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Apr. 7      8:30 a.m. Hayes Family Competition in physics and engineering for invited high school students. Byron Complex. Registration required. Call 570-941-6296 or email declan.mulhall@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 7      4 p.m. 2022 Annual ACHE Healthcare Symposium: “HEALTH’y Employees Lead to HEALTH’y Patients: Strategies to Support the Well-Being of Healthcare Professionals.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Includes dinner, presentation and panel discussion. Fees vary. Call 484-632-6605 or email brooke.devers@scranton.edu.

Apr. 7      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring Dr. Wycliffe A. Gordon with The University of Scranton Jazz Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Apr. 7-9          8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “Drowsy Chaperone” presented by The Liva Arts Company. The Royal Theater, McDade Literary and Performing Arts Center. $7 admission. Visit https://livaartscompany.ludus.com or email joelle.cote@scranton.edu. 

April 9             8 a.m. Inaugural Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service for public officials, leaders of nonprofit organizations and students. Fifth floor of Brennan Hall. Fees vary. Registration required. Email ceeps@scranton.edu or call 570-941-7401.

Apr. 9-10         2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Pysanka workshops to teach the art of decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs with traditional folk designs using a wax-resist method. Smurfit Arts Center. $25 fee will be donated to humanitarian aid in Ukraine via World Central Kitchen. Registration required at surveymonkey.com/r/PysankaApril2022. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Apr. 19-26       Environmental Art Show. Fifth floor Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-6267 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

April 19           11 a.m. Earth Day Fair. Atrium of Loyola Science Center. Free. . Call 570-941-6267 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu

Apr. 20            4 p.m. Henry George Spring Lecture: “Evolution of Conventions of Behavior” presented by Andrew Schotter, Ph.D., professor of economics, New York University. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

April 20           5 p.m. Environmentally-Friendly Tie-Dye event. Dionne Campus Green. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

Apr. 20            6 p.m. Earth Day “Evening of Environmental Science” with University student-run interactive science experiments and exhibit of University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest submissions. Essay contest awards will be announced at the event. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email info@scranton.edu.

Apr. 21            7:30 p.m. Lecture by renowned American climatologist and geophysicist Michael Mann, Ph.D., author of “The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

Apr. 22            noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Russia and the Post-Truth Society” presented by Jill Dougherty, former CNN’s Moscow bureau chief for almost a decade, Russian expert, adjunct professor at Georgetown University and a CNN on-air contributor. Kane Forum, Edward Leahy Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Apr. 25            5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum Collaborative Program with the Jesuit Center, The University of Scranton: “A Schemel Legacy: The Engineer and the Monk” presented by Christopher F. Schemel, Ph.D., president Delta Q Consultants, Inc. and courtesy professor of chemical engineering, University of South Florida, and Brother Mario Joseph, Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, Georgia. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall or remote, reception follows. $25 fee. Registration required. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Apr. 25            5:30 p.m. Art show address by environmental artist Laura Kern. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

Apr. 27            1 p.m. “19th Annual Celebration of Student Scholars.” Displays and presentations of undergraduate and graduate student research and scholarly projects. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6353 or email tabbi.miller-scandle@scranton.edu.

Apr. 28            5 p.m. Take Back the Night. Event includes a pre-rally with information booths and the Clothesline Project display from 5 to 7 p.m.; followed by a march at 7 p.m. and a speak out at 7:15 p.m. Dionne Campus Green. Free. Call 570-941-7902 or email maria.marinucci@scranton.edu.

Apr. 30-May 1            9 a.m. Saturday; noon Sunday. Friends of the Library Book and Plant Sale. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

Apr. 30            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “39^th Annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir premiering two new commissioned works by guest composer/conductor Javier Nero. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton has named George Aulisio as of Dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library, effective immediately. Dean Aulisio has been serving as the interim dean of the library since July 1, 2021.

 “Since Dean Aulisio joined the University community in 2009, he has been actively involved in multiple aspects of campus life. His internal service is wide-reaching, having served on 40 Library departmental committees and programs, as well as with nearly 40 broader University service projects and committees,” said Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, in an announcement to the University community.

The dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library provides leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of library services to the University, contributing to the Library’s campus-wide focus on transformative teaching and learning in the Ignatian tradition. The dean oversees the library and plays a creative role in fostering a climate conducive to supporting the teaching, learning and scholarship of students, faculty and staff.

At Scranton, Dean Aulisio currently serves on Library Advisory Committee, Friends of the Library Board, Faculty Handbook Committee, the Graduate Programs Council, the Information Security Advisory Council, the Provost’s Committee on Academic Policy and Compliance, the Faculty Personnel Committee and the Strategic Enrollment Council, among others. He previously served on the Hiring for Diversity Working Group and the Faculty Affairs Council Executive Committee, among numerous other committees.

As a research and instruction librarian, Dean Aulisio works closely with students in research consultations and the Information Literacy program. His library scholarship focuses on sustainability and green libraries, open access initiatives, library orientation and instruction, and professional ethics and copyright law. He recently published a book on philosophy collection development for an imprint of the American Library Association, and he has been the editor of the Library Materials and Pricing Index since 2018.

His professional service includes holding elected officer positions on the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Northeast Chapter and the College and Research Division. He also serves in an appointed officer position for the American Library Association. 

Dean Aulisio also regularly teaches philosophy courses and independent studies courses at Scranton. His philosophy scholarship focuses on the philosophy of mind, Descartes’s scientific endeavors and comparative ethics.

Dean Aulisio earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Bloomsburg University. He earned a Master of Science in library and information science from Drexel University and a Master of Liberal Arts in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in philosophy at Temple University.

Neal Thompson, a 1987 University of Scranton graduate, will return to campus to discuss his new book, “The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of An American Dynasty,” on March 30 at 5 p.m. lecture. The book is the story of the first Kennedys escaped the potato famine of Ireland and came to America in the mid-1800s.

Bridget Murphy and Patrick Kennedy arrived in America penniless, hungry and hopeful, like many thousands of mid-1800s immigrants. They met, married, and had five children together, losing their first-born son as an infant. Three years later, Patrick became ill and died of consumption. This left Bridget – JFK’s tenacious great-grandmother – to raise four children single-handedly in the slums of East Boston.

“I wanted to find a story that told many stories. I wanted to explore the origins of the Kennedy family in America. I wanted to understand Irish immigration in America. I wanted to understand life for Irish immigrants in the 1800s, which was when Bridget (Murphy Kennedy) came here,” said Thompson about his book during a recent interview published by the JFK Library.

In “The First Kennedys,” Thompson highlights Bridget’s ability to overcome both discrimination and poverty to maintain her family and clear a path for her only son P.J. to become the first of many Kennedys elected to public office.

The grandson of an Irish immigrant couple, also named Bridget and Patrick, Thompson is the author of five highly acclaimed books, including “A Curious Man,” “Driving with the Devil” and “Kickflip Boys.” A former newspaper reporter, Thompson has written for The New York Times, Washington Post, Outside, Esquire, Backpacker, Vanity Fair and The Wall Street Journal.

Thompson will sign copies of his book prior to his talk, from 4:30 to 5 p.m. on the 4^th floor of the DeNaples Center, and immediately following his discussion, which begins at 5 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater in the DeNaples Center.

The event is cosponsored by The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities and the History Department, and is free to University students, faculty, staff and guests from the greater Scranton community. Health and safety protocols that are in effect on March 30 as outlined in the Royals Back Together plan must be followed by those in attendance.

For more information about the lecture of book signing, email david.dzurec@scranton.edu or call 570-941-7561.

Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at The University of Scranton, has been named the 22^nd president of St. Bonaventure University.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Gingerich on this fitting recognition of the leadership, innovation and devotion to mission that we have come to appreciate during his tenure at Scranton,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, president of The University of Scranton in a message to the University community about the announcement. “On a personal level, I cannot thank Jeff enough for his wise counsel, steadfast support and friendship throughout my own transition and during this first year with you. … I look forward to remaining colleagues in Catholic higher education and wish him and St. Bonaventure every success in the coming years.”

St. Bonaventure announced the appointment to their campus at noon today. Dr. Gingerich will continue to serve at Scranton through June 1, 2022. He will assume duties as the president of St. Bonaventure on June 20.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity I’ve been given to join the Bonaventure community,” said Dr. Gingerich. “I have always had such deep respect and admiration for the Franciscans. Their humility, reflection and sense of community are fundamental in the way I strive to live my life.”

“Seldom in life do you see so many points of interest intersect on one conclusion, but in this case, all facets of the university community converged on a singular belief – that Jeff should be our next president,” said John Sheehan, chair of St. Bonaventure’s board of trustees, in a press release announcing the appointment.

St. Bonaventure Trustee Deb Henretta, who co-chaired the search committee, said, “Jeff is mission-driven, he’s student-centered and he’s a caring, empowering leader.”

Dr. Gingerich joined Scranton as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs in 2018. He served as Scranton’s acting president for four months after the death of the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., who passed away March 10, 2021.

During the pandemic, Dr. Gingerich helped guide the University through unprecedented transitions to online and hybrid formats before returning to fully in-person instruction. A consistent voice for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Dr. Gingerich advanced new initiatives and programs at Scranton related to faculty hiring and development, staff and administrator training, curricular improvements and student support and engagement. He also led Scranton’s most recent accreditation review by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and led the University’s planning efforts, which culminated in a new Strategic Plan. His tenure included a renewed focus on securing federal support for research and sponsored programs. An avid supporter of student-centered program growth, Dr. Gingerich led the University’s strategic enrollment planning and worked with faculty to develop successful new undergraduate and graduate programs.

Prior to his role as provost at Scranton, Dr. Gingerich spent nearly 20 years at Cabrini University in suburban Philadelphia, teaching in the Department of Sociology and Criminology and serving as their provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Dr. Gingerich earned master’s and doctoral degrees in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Mennonite College.

Additional information can be seen in St. Bonaventure’s press release announcing Dr. Gingerich’s appointment.

Father Marina’s video congratulations to Dr. Gingerich can be seen here.

Whether your future career aspirations lie in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, optometry or other doctoral health professions, The University of Scranton’s pre-medical and pre-health professions programshave an established tradition of success in guiding students through the complex application process and preparing them for the rigorous curriculum of doctoral health programs.

Of the more than 1,200 applicants to doctoral health professions schools over the past 20 years, nearly 80% of Scranton students were accepted to schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, optometry and pharmacy, which is well-above the national acceptance rate. In addition, well over half of Scranton’s successful applicants in the past 10 years have received more than one acceptance.

Resources in place at Scranton help inform and guide students through their undergraduate years in preparation for the medical school application process. Resources include the student-run Health Professions Organization, where guest speakers and alumni present on topics such as medical ethics and navigating the professional school application process. Additionally, students can seek out advice and assistance from Scranton alumni through the University’s Medical Alumni Council at any of its various events, including the Medical Alumni Symposium that pre-health professional students can attend for free.

With Faculty-Student Research and Teaching Mentorship programs, service through the Edward Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured and tutoring opportunities through the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Scranton pre-professional students also have plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience beyond a classroom setting.

As one of seven undergraduate institutions participating in the nationally recognized Jefferson Medical College Physician Shortage Area Program, Scranton’s program works to recruit students interested in practicing medicine in underserved rural areas as well.

Additional information about the University’s pre-medical and pre-health professions programs is available on Scranton’s website.

 

Area students in grades five to 12 can participate in The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest 2022. The contest is offered free of charge and this year’s essay theme is “We Are All Connected.” Topics students can write about include conservation, recycling, healthy eating, agriculture, renewable energy, eliminating single use containers, bees, gardening or transportation, among other subjects.

Essays for students in grades five and six must be between 200 to 400 words. Essays for students in grades seven and eight must be between 300 to 500 words. Essays for students in grades nine to 12 must be between 500 to 700 words. Electronic submissions must be sent to susan.falbo@scranton.edu on or before Monday, April 4. Mail-in entries must be postmarked on or by April 1 to be considered and can be sent to: The University of Scranton, Office of Sustainability, Smurfit Arts Center, 445 Madison Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510, Attn: Earth Day Essay Contest.

Visit the University’s Sustainability website for complete submission rules and details.

Winners of the Earth Day Essay Contest will be announced by the University’s Sustainability Office and student Sustainability and Conservation Society at an Evening of Environmental Science program for participants and their families and teachers on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, beginning at 6 p.m., in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center on campus.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton addressed the crisis happening in the Ukraine in an Ash Wednesday message sent to the University community on March 2.

“Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last week, we have watched with anguish and deep concern as violence and turmoil unfold in eastern Europe. On this Ash Wednesday, I ask the entire University community to answer the call of Pope Francis to devote ourselves to prayer and fasting for peace today. May we also heed his powerful words: ‘May the weapons fall silent. God is with the peacemakers, not with those who use violence. ... It is the people who are the real victims, who pay for the folly of war with their own skin.’ Let us pray for the Ukrainian people, especially those trapped in the midst of violence and those who are now refugees seeking shelter abroad. Let us be inspired by the courage of Ukrainians as they seek to preserve their freedom and fledgling democracy, and by Russians risking their safety to protest against the war,” wrote Father Marina in the message. He also mentioned the Russian invasion of Ukraine in a Women’s History Month reflection sent to the University community on March 1.

Since Feb. 26, the Ukraine flag has been lit on the University’s three-story, Class of 2020 Gateway sign to “show our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people, as we join with others across the world to pray peace and freedom are restored to their country and their people once again,” the University said in a statement.

In addition, University professors have discussed the ongoing situation with news reporters, including this WNEP-TV story featuring interviews with Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor and acting chair of the Political Science Department, and Sean Brennan, Ph.D., professor of history; and this WNEP-TV interview with Konstantin Lyavdansky, who teaches Russian at the University’s World Languages and Cultures Department. 

Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor and acting chair of the Political Science Department at The University of Scranton, was recently selected to serve as a member on both the Lilly Fellows Program National Network Board and the Friendship House Board of Directors.

Dr. Van Dyke will undertake her second four-year term on the Lilly Fellows Program National Network Board beginning this April. The organization seeks to enhance the character of church-related institutions of learning through the promotion of Christian leadership, teaching, scholarship, and interaction with similar institutions. The University of Scranton first became a member of the Lilly Network in 1996, and Dr. Van Dyke has served as the University’s faculty representative to the Lilly Fellows Program since 2000. The University also hosted the Lilly Fellows Program National Conference in 2013, at which Dr. Van Dyke served as the conference chair. From 2016-2019, she served as a mentor for the 9^th cohort of the Lilly’s Graduate Fellows Program.

Dr. Van Dyke began her three-year term on the Friendship House Board of Directors in January 2021. Founded by a local group of women in 1871, the organization originally sought to care for the poor and “friendless” women and children of Scranton. It has since expanded, now serving adults with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, as well as families and their children with autism, emotional difficulties, behavioral difficulties, and/or trauma. As a board member, Dr. Van Dyke will apply her knowledge in the areas of social justice and humanitarianism to assist those with such needs within the Scranton and surrounding communities. 

Dr. Van Dyke also recently received a Provost award from the University. Her award, the “Excellence in Advancing Global Learning Award,” recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated remarkable academic leadership in integrating international issues and perspectives into the curriculum. In 2013 she was recognized with a Provost Award for “Excellence in Integrating Mission and Justice into the Curriculum.”

Dr. Van Dyke joined the political science faculty at Scranton in 1994. In addition to teaching courses related to international relations and American government, she has also taught and developed courses that address contemporary questions of war and peace, social justice and humanitarianism.

Dr. Van Dyke earned her bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Washington D.C. Later, following three years of work in the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill, she completed her master’s degree and Ph.D. in foreign affairs at the University of Virginia.

Each week, University of Scranton students will use the two kitchens of a newly dedicated Rev. Pedro Arrupe, S.J., House on Clay Avenue to prepare 100 meals for area residents in need. In another room, students will crochet hats and blankets, many of which will be given to the homeless in our area.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, blessed the house at a ceremony that will be used for some of the many student volunteer programs offered by the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice that allow students to put their faith into action each day.

“Since day one, my first day here on campus last June, I have been marveling at the great work these students do,” said Father Marina at the March 1^st dedication. “We know how challenging going to college can be, especially these days. In addition to that, to find not only the time, but to find it in your heart to give of so much time, energy and passion to keep this Center going and to feed so many and to affect so many people for the good is just a marvelous thing.”

The house was dedicated in honor of Father Arrupe, the 28th Superior General of the Society of Jesus (1963 to 1983), who is now in the process toward beatification and canonization by the Roman Catholic Church. His profound belief in justice informed his understanding of the goal of Jesuit education, saying “our prime educational objective must be to form men and women for others; men and women who will live not for themselves but for God and his Christ.”

In his remarks at the dedication ceremony, Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry, said Father Arrupe “was a man of great spiritual depth who made it his life’s work to educate women and men to serve others – an ideal that now guides Jesuit institutions across the world. Considered by many as the “second founder” of the Society of Jesus, Father Arrupe revolutionized the Society’s mission towards a service of faith that requires the promotion of justice … May the Arrupe House be a reminder to us every day on this campus of our obligation to be men and women for others.”

The Arrupe House will provide space for the We Care Meal program, for which students prepare 100 meals weekly. The meals include a main course, side, drink, dessert and handmade card. Students volunteer to make, package and deliver the meals to the Community Intervention Center, Friends of the Poor, as well as to families living in low income housing developments such as Valley View Terrace, Bangor Heights, Hilltop and Jackson Terrace. The house also provides space for the Craft for a Cause program through which students make cards, crochet items, jewelry and other crafts that are donated to the Catherine McAuley Center and Friends of the Poor. The building also houses EFFORT, which is a program that collects non-perishable food items, and the Royal Restore Food Pantry that can be accessed by students or University community members in need. The Arrupe House also has additional group meeting spaces for students working with other Center for Service and Social Justice programs.

Also speaking at the dedication ceremony were: Patricia Vaccaro, director of the Center for Service and Social Justice; Shannon Everton, a 2021 graduate of the University from Sykesville, Maryland, who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in occupational therapy and is the graduate assistant for The Center for Service and Social Justice; and Brandon Dagrosa, a health administration major from Hazle Township and a work study student for The Center for Service and Social Justice.

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Note: Access to the campus is currently limited to members of the University community, invited guests and others as listed in the Royals Back Together plan. Campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.

Mar. 1 5 p.m. Lecture with Q&A via Zoom - “Freedom and Our Founding: What do they mean for us today?” The event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project’s second theme, “The U.S. Citizen and the American Founding.” Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Mar. 3 noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Linneaus’ Legacy: Corrupting Color to Serve Discrimination and Exploitation” presented by Kathy Johnson Bowles, executive director of the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Mar. 3       4:30 p.m. Lecture on “The Future of Catholic Education: Challenges and Opportunities” by author Fr. James L. Heft, founding president of the Institute for the Advancement of Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California. Presented in honor of the Ignatian year, the lecture is hosted the Jesuit Center and the College of Arts and Sciences. Moskovitz Theater. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu

Mar. 4-6          8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “A Good Farmer” by Sharyn Rothstein presented by The University Players, co-produced by The Jesuit Center. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4353 or email players@scranton.edu.   

Mar. 14           noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “A Remarkable Tale of Law, Politics, and Religion: The Making of Kiryas Joel, a Hasidic Town in Upstate New York” presented David N. Myers, Ph.D., Sady and Ludwig Kahn professor of Jewish history at UCLA and director of the UCLA Luskin Center for History and Policy, and Nomi Stolzenberg, founder and co-director of the USC Center for Law, History and Culture. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Mar. 21 through Apr. 29       Art Exhibit: “Shinnecock Sites and Portraits: Photographs by Jeremy Dennis.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Mar. 22           7 p.m. Public Dialogue on “Freedom and Our Founding: What do they mean for us today?” The event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project’s second theme, “The U.S. Citizen and the American Founding.” Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 23           7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring The University of Scranton Performance Music students in solo, duo, trio and small ensemble performances. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Mar. 24           noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Window Into the Presidency: The White House Tapes and Their Meaning” presented by Fredrik Logevall, Ph.D., Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Harvard University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

Mar. 26           9 a.m. Preview Day for accepted students to The University of Scranton’s class of 2026. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Mar. 29           4 p.m. Jay Nathan Lecture Series: “Iceland: History, Culture, Environment” presented by Her Excellency, Ambassador Bergdís Ellertsdóttir of Iceland. Cultural performance and reception to follow. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Reservations encouraged. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. 

Mar. 30           5 p.m. Lecture by Neal Thompson, author of “The First Kennedys.” Book signing immediately follows lecture. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7561 or email david.dzurec@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton will relax masking requirements for students, faculty and staff on Monday, Feb. 28, the same date a vaccine booster requirement for those eligible becomes effective.

The University announced as of Feb. 28, higher-grade masks are optional indoors for fully-vaccinated and boosted members of the University community with the following exceptions: classrooms, laboratories, shared offices and campus liturgies. There, higher-grade masks (N-95, KN-95) or double masking is still required.

Members of the community who are unvaccinated or eligible but not boosted must wear higher-grade masks indoors throughout campus, as must invited guests who are on campus, regardless of their vaccination status. The University remains open only to students, faculty and staff and invited guests.

The University also announced proof of vaccination is no longer required for visitors to attend athletic events.

The full announcement can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.

Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti announced the opening of applications for small business microgrants in the City of Scranton through an initiative for new businesses located in low-moderate-income demographic areas. The initiative includes educational programs and guidance offered by the Small Business Development Center at The University of Scranton.

These funds are awarded to the city through the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program from the Housing and Urban Development Administration (HUD).

The CDBG Small Business Micro-Grant Program for new or early-stage businesses located in Scranton’s low-moderate-income demographic areas (LMA) will supply funds ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 per business through the 2022 year to assist with start-up costs, thus contributing to their initial success and continued revitalization of our community. New and newly established businesses are defined as businesses that opened within the last 12 months or are planning to open within nine months of application.

“We are pleased to be able to assist small businesses in the City of Scranton in partnership with the Small Business Development Center at The University of Scranton through the awarding of these microgrants. Small businesses are the heart and soul of our city, and the City of Scranton is grateful to be able to assist them,” said Mayor Cognetti at the news conference announcing opening for applications for the microgrants.

Final applications for the microgrants must include a referral form from the SBDC, available after completing the required educational program series and/or business consulting and demonstrating appropriate business planning in accordance with program guidelines.

Lisa Hall Zielinski, director of the SBDC at The University of Scranton, said the SBDC is pleased to be able to partner with the City of Scranton “on impactful programs like this one, focused on providing microgrants to newer small businesses in the low-moderate-income demographic areas of the City. … Furthermore, as part of our Catholic and Jesuit mission at the University, we devote ourselves to service to others and working with underserved populations is an important part of how we give back to the community, so this program is meaningful to us on many levels.”

The SBDC’s role in this microgrant program will be to walk entrepreneurs through all of the criteria as it pertains to their business, gather required documents, assemble financials, and prepare their applications for submission to the City. The SBDC will do this through a combination of one-on-one meetings and/or educational programming based on the individual’s needs.

The awarded grants can be used for inventory costs, procurement of machinery, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and Defined working/operating capital such as utilities, rent, business services (accounting, IT, website development).

Qualifying businesses can find an application on the City of Scranton website.

The SBDC at The University of Scranton is housed in the Kania School of Management.

University of Scranton students, faculty and staff can learn about the ways in which different Asian cultures and traditions celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Asian New Year Festival and Workshop on Feb. 24. The program will include a chopstick competition and hands-on lessons on Chinese calligraphy and Japanese origami related to the Year of the Tiger. The workshop begins at 6 p.m. in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall.

Many Asian cultures celebrate the New Year differently, however, there is more consensus around the meaning of the tiger in the Chinese zodiac.

“The tiger is a symbol of courage and fortitude that wards off all evils,” said Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., director of Asian Studies and professor of philosophy at the University.

The evening event will include three presentations about Asia’s chopstick culture and the meaning of chopsticks, how new year is celebrated in Japan, and how it is celebrated in China and Taiwan. Instructors and students from the Japanese and Chinese classes will also assist with the hands-on portion of the workshop.

Seating is limited and registration is required to attend the event. University community members can register for the workshop here.

The workshop is co-sponsored by the departments of Asian Studies and World Languages and Cultures.

For additional information, contact Dr. Pang-White at ann.pang-white@scranton.edu or 570-941-6312. $content.getChild('content').textValue

The University of Scranton held a COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic for students, faculty and staff in the Byron Recreation Complex on Feb. 17.  The clinic was organized by the University’s Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW), who partnered with Hometown Health Care of NEPA to administer the vaccines. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccine boosters were available.

In addition to staff members of CHEW, 62 students, faculty and staff volunteered at the clinic, including 24 students enrolled in the University’s nursing program who helped to administer the vaccinations to nearly 350 University community members at the clinic.

The University initiated a vaccine requirement for students and employees who are on campus for the fall semester and approximately 97 percent of the University’s students, faculty and staff are already fully vaccinated. A booster requirement for those eligible goes into effect on Feb. 28. In accordance with Pennsylvania law, the University has granted waivers for the vaccine requirements to students and employees for religious or medical reasons. University community members who were granted a waiver participate in weekly PCR testing and follow other health and safety guidelines.

 

The University of Scranton’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting program provides students with a nationally-recognized education and prestigious job opportunities after graduation with all Big Four accounting firms actively recruiting on campus.

Companies that have recently hired Scranton accounting graduates include: Deloitte, EY LLC, Grant Thornton, J.P. Morgan, PwC, KPMG and more.

More than 90% of Scranton accounting graduates obtain full-time employment in their field.

According to The University of Scranton’s First Destination survey for the Class of 2020, the average salary of a Scranton accounting graduate was $53,206.

Douglas Boyle, DBA, CPA, CMA, Doctorate Program Director, Department Chair and Associate Professor says, “In our close campus community, we know students on a first-name basis. Our faculty, staff and distinguished alumni work together for the success of our students.”

Every year, over 80% of Scranton accounting students participate in internships, including a unique experience at PwC where Scranton alum Linda McGowan ’80 built a nationwide internship program for Scranton students.

Entry-level career paths that graduates pursue with this degree are accounting manager, asset manager, auditor, budget analyst, controller and treasurer.

 

Seventeen University of Scranton education majors are serving as student teachers during the spring semester at nine local schools in the following seven school districts: Dunmore, Lackawanna Trail, Mid Valley, Mountain View, Riverside, Valley View, and Western Wayne.

The following is a list of undergraduate and graduate students who are serving as student teachers and the schools to which they have been assigned during the spring semester.

Abigail Allen of New Milford, Connecticut, will teach at Mid Valley Secondary Center;

Kayleigh Basovsky of Hillsdale, New Jersey, will teach at Dunmore Elementary Center;

Meghan Bode of Sparta, New Jersey, will teach at Evergreen Elementary School;

Destiny Carpitella of Brooklyn, New York, will teach at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center;

Corinne Estes of Ivyland will teach at Dunmore Elementary Center;

Gillian Groom of Wantagh, New York, will teach at Evergreen Elementary School;

Shaelynn Guilfoyle of West Nyack, New York, will teach at Riverside Elementary School West;

Katheryn Hickey of South Huntington, New York, will teach at Valley View Intermediate;

Abigail Hoban of Scranton will teach at Mountain View Elementary School;

Margaret Kiess of Glen Rock, New Jersey, will teach at Riverside Jr./Sr. High School;

Jillian Odonnell of Levittown will teach at Riverside Jr./Sr. High School;

Calvin Ralph of Hillsdale, New Jersey, will teach at Mid Valley Secondary Center;

Emma Reed of Stratford, Connecticut, will teach at Riverside Jr./Sr. High School;

Christina Rombousek of Milford, will teach at Mid Valley Elementary Center;

Katherine Roughan of Oceanside, New York, will teach at Mid Valley Elementary Center;

Molly Skinner of Reading, Massachusetts, will teach at Dunmore Elementary Center;

Anna Van Wert of South Abington Township will teach at Riverside Jr./Sr. High School.

The University of Scranton’s University of Success, a four-year pre-college mentorship program, is now accepting applications for the upcoming 2022 academic year that begins this summer.

The University of Success is an academic and enrichment program funded entirely by corporate and foundations grants, so there is no charge to students and their families. The program's goal is to assist first generation bound students to successfully complete high school and gain entrance into a college or university.

Students who are currently in the eighth grade are eligible to apply.

Accepted students will begin the program with a two-week residential summer academy which will be held on the campus of The University of Scranton from July 10, to July 22. Upon completion of the summer program, the students will continue to meet for enrichment sessions during their high school career.

The deadline for submission of applications is Friday, April 1, 2022.

Applications may be obtained by emailing Margaret Loughney, University of Success program director, at margaret.loughney@scranton.edu. Applications may also be obtained online the University of Success web site.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for financial managers and financial analysts in 2020 was $131,180 and $83,660, respectively.

Housed in The University of Scranton’s AACSB-International accredited Kania School of Management, this Bachelor of Science degree prepares students for employment in the financial services industry with opportunities to participate in prestigious internships, faculty-mentored research and the CFA Investment Research Challenge. Career opportunities in this field include collateral analysts, fixed income analysts, traders and securities brokers.

Companies where students have interned include AXA Equitable, Bloomberg LP, the Federal Reserve Board and Morgan Stanley.

Scranton graduates have gone on to work with companies that include Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, AXA Financial and Bank of America, among others. Among the graduate schools that have admitted Scranton graduates are Cornell School of Law, University of California at Berkley and the Wharton School of Business at Penn.

On Thursday, February 10, an audience of University students, staff and invited guests joined guest lecturer, Roosevelt Montás, Ph.D., in the Moskovitz Theater at The DeNaples Center for the Sondra and Morey Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in the Humanities and Civic Engagement Lecture. Sponsored by The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities, the lecture, entitled “Liberal Education for Human Freedom,” addressed Dr. Montás’ view on the importance of a liberal arts education.

Dr. Montás is a senior lecturer in American Studies and English at Columbia University and author of “Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed My Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation.”

After a brief introduction from Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Jeff P. Gingerich Ph.D., and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Michelle Maldonado Ph.D., Dr. Montás began his lecture by directly addressing students in the audience.

“Liberal education is the portion of your education that is due to you from us by virtue of your humanity,” said Dr. Montás.

He went on to structure the lecture by elaborating on key terms in the title: human, liberal education, and freedom.

Beginning with a brief evolutionary overview of how humans as a species grew to be the dominant creature on earth, Dr. Montás stressed the idea that as we continue to progress technologically, it is becoming increasingly important that we are all well-versed in how to make ethical decisions that will impact our species for years to come.

When discussing the term liberal education, the topic of his book, Dr. Montás prefaced his explanation by stating that it has nothing to do with political ideologies. Here, he uses the term liberal as it pertains to the concept of freedom. In contrast to a technical, applied or servile education, a liberal education is an all-encompassing education that goes beyond utilitarian instruction and encourages students to explore concepts outside of their chosen career areas. Dr. Montás advocates for such an education by exploring its fundamental role in a functioning democratic society.

“There is no area of human understanding and human learning that lies outside of what this individual, who is being prepared for a life of citizenship and for a life of self-governance, needs to know,” he said.

In order to ensure that students are adequately prepared to experience true freedom, his final term, Dr. Montás quoted Frederick Douglass to draw a connection between the withholding of literacy as a means to control slaves. He alludes to the concept of modern “wage slavery” where individuals are so busy trying to earn enough money to make ends meet, that they do not get to live beyond merely trying to survive.

Dr. Montás concluded his talk with the statement that, “although we can’t change society in one fell swoop, the university’s mission must include looking beyond the materialist ethos of our time and educating ourselves to be free rather than enslaved to our desire for power, wealth and security.”

Forty local law enforcement officers participated in a free workshop on de-escalation strategies presented by The University of Scranton Police Department and supported by an innovative impact grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

The half-day workshop was developed and presented by trained University of Scranton Police officers, who shared their knowledge and expertise on de-escalation strategies with local college police and security personnel and municipal officers.

Many of the situations encountered by police officers, especially those who work in a college setting or in small municipalities, are emergency or personal crisis situations that require a specific set of interpersonal skills. Police officers are expected to be able to recognize the characteristics of individuals in crisis and respond appropriately, employing strategies that can defuse and de-escalate a tense situation to provide an effective and helpful resolution, while reducing liability and risk of injury.

The workshop presented techniques to safely and effectively recognize and respond to situations involving persons in crisis including training in effective communication and active listening skills which can reduce injury and the need for using physical force.

David Kostiak, policy and compliance manager and crime prevention coordinator, University of Scranton Police, and Joe Laguzzi, sergeant and de-escalation trainer, University of Scranton Police, developed and presented the de-escalation strategies workshop.

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected employment of market research analysts to grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, and the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2018 survey listed marketing as one of the “top bachelor’s degrees in demand, by major.”

A Bachelor of Science degree in marketing at The University of Scranton provides a solid foundation for work in any industry where marketing professionals are increasingly needed. Career paths in this field include advertising, public relations, market analysis, purchasing and sales management.

Housed in Scranton’s AACSB International accredited Kania School of Management, this undergraduate program is taught by highly capable professors including former Fulbright fellows, field experts and professional consultants.

Recent marketing graduates from Scranton have completed internships with Harper Collins Publishers, Merrill Lynch, Bloomberg LP, UBS Financial Services and other companies.

Scranton graduates have gone on to work for employers such as A.C. Nielsen Co., Bank of America, Kellogg’s, Johnson and Johnson, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and Ralph Lauren, among others.

Scranton’s Professor of Marketing, Abhijit Roy, D.B.A., said that “faculty members strive to prepare students for the corporate world and to be leaders in creating a more just and human society with a broader understanding of the global environment, including marketing strategies that can be used to enhance public policy and improve consumer well-being.”

The Accounting Department of The University of Scranton ranked No. 4 in the world for accounting education research published in the most recent six-years in a listing considered to be the gold standard in accounting disciplines. The recently released 2021 Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings also recognized several accounting faculty members individually for their research publication success.

The Brigham Young University report ranks accounting programs and faculty throughout the world based on their success in publishing in 12 top-tier, peer-reviewed accounting journals. The report is updated annually and includes ranks for specific categories of research and for specific time periods. The 2021 update ranks Scranton’s Accounting Department at as the fourth most prolific department in the world for accounting education research over the most recent six-year period, following Brigham Young University (first), Texas Tech University (second) and Kennesaw State University (third), and preceding Indiana University – Indianapolis (fifth). The department was also ranked internationally for all methods, audit, managerial, experimental and archival accounting research.

With respect to authorships of individual accounting faculty in the area of accounting education, three Scranton faculty members were ranked internationally. Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., associate professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the DBA program, was ranked No. 7. James F. Boyle, D.B.A., assistant professor of accounting and director of the MAcc program, and Brian W. Carpenter, Ph.D., professor of accounting, ranked No. 18 (tied). Additionally, Dr. Douglas Boyle was ranked for all methods, auditing and experimental research; Dr. Carpenter was ranked for all methods; and Jeh-Hyun Cho, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting, was ranked for all methods, managerial and archival.

“The University of Scranton’s listing near the top of the 2021 Brigham Young University Accounting Education Research rankings and the very high rankings of many of its individual faculty in a variety of sub-disciplines bear testimony to the Accounting department’s commitment to excellence in both teaching and research. I am very proud of the faculty’s research productivity and their skillful use of scholarship to inform and nourish teaching. This greatly benefits students in our many outstanding programs, but especially in our ground-breaking, research-focused DBA program,” said Michael Mensah, Ph.D., interim dean of the University’s Kania School of Management and professor of accounting.

This is the second consecutive year that the University’s Accounting Department was ranked No. 4 in the world for research success in the prestigious Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings. The Accounting Department and the prolific research of its faculty were also recognized by two academic journals in 2019 and 2020, including an article in Issues in Accounting Education that ranked Scranton No. 1 in the nation for accounting programs and faculty based on the number of publications in the leading five accounting practitioner journals.

The University of Scranton Players will present “A Good Farmer” by Sharyn Rothstein, directed by West Scranton native Bob E. Gasper. A timely drama that deftly approaches multiple perspectives of issues regarding immigration and social justice in America, the play will run February 25-27 and March 4-6 in the Royal Theatre of the McDade Center for the Literary and Performing Arts on the University’s campus. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., and the Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m.

“A Good Farmer” is the story of two women – a farm owner and her unlikely best friend, an undocumented Mexican immigrant – fighting to survive in a small town divided by America’s immigration battle. The play “brings the much-needed sense of humanity to the issue of immigration and addresses many of the moral questions we face …This is an important piece of theatre,” according to a 2018 review by Broadway World. The play, laced with humor, is about love, friendship and finding the power to face what divides us.

The cast features: Seraphina Stager, Lincoln, Rhode Island; Ariana Flores, Springfield, New Jersey; Nick Baranosky, Stevensville, Maryland; Keenan Beveridge, Warminster; Samantha Gurn, Brackney; and Olivia Raineri, Shirley, New York; in addition to Bridget Fry, Allentown, New Jersey; and Matt Valunas, Scranton; who are also assistant stage managers for the production. Also assisting with the production are Samantha Burton, Jamesville, New York, stage manager; Zainab Shah, Hellertown, assistant stage manager; Gillian Williams-Mayers, Scranton, assistant director and props coordinator; Kelsey Bennet, Orangeville, costume coordinator; Kit Karpiak, Scranton, sound counsel operator; and Isabelle Oister, Pottstown, lighting console operator.

The University’s production of “A Good Farmer” is being co-produced by The Jesuit Center.

For tickets, contact the University Players box office at 570-941-4318 or visit thescrantonplayers.com. (or did you want to use 570-941-4353 or email players@scranton.edu) Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for senior citizens, students and University of Scranton faculty and staff. Second weekend performances are free for first-year students at the University.

Audience members are required to follow the University’s health and safety guidelines, which currently include wearing higher-grade masks (N95, KN95, KF94 or double masking) indoors. The University’s health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.

For more information, contact players@scranton.edu or visit the University Players on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

On Sunday, Feb. 20, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a recital by nationally acclaimed solo and orchestral concert pianist and Peckville native John Wilson. The recital will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.

Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. All audience members are required to wear a higher-grade mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or double masking) at all times. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on additional required audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).

Wilson, a graduate of Valley View High School who holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, will perform Aaron Copland’s Piano Sonata, Upon Further Reflection by Michael Tilson Thomas and Seven Virtuoso Études after Gershwin.

According to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, “it has been an amazing experience to have a front row seat to the artistic development and achievement of this young man from his middle school and high school years performing at local schools and music festivals to his current command of national and international stages as a soloist and with major orchestras.”

Proclaimed a “marvelous musical mad scientist” by the Music Critics Association of North America, Wilson has distinguished himself with a deep repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary. He has performed extensively throughout North America at high-profile venues such as New York City’s Merkin Hall, Miami’s New World Symphony Center and San Francisco’s Louis M. Davies Hall. As a soloist, he has performed with the New World Symphony, Napa Valley Symphony Orchestra and both the New Amsterdam Symphony and Orchestra Camerata Notturn in New York.

Meanwhile, Wilson has become a sought-after collaborator for some of the world’s most prolific composers, performing on the U.S and world premieres of solo piano works by Michael Tilson Thomas, duo works by Timo Andres and Judith Lang Zaimont, and ensemble works by Steve Reich, Reinbert de Leeuw, HK Gruber and Bernd Deutsch.

The top prize winner in a number of international piano competitions, Wilson took first prize in the 2019 International Respighi Competition, resulting in an invitation to perform as soloist with the Chamber Orchestra of New York. In addition, he won first place in the American Prize Foundation 2019 Competition and Best Performance of an American Work at the 2017 Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition.

Wilson also is an in-demand chamber musician and collaborator, appearing in chamber ensembles with musicians from the San Francisco Symphony, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and San Diego Symphony. In addition, he has performed recitals with violinist Joshua Bell, cellist Johannes Moser, violinist Anthony Marwood and soprano Audra McDonald. He has recorded for MSR Classics, and his performances can be heard on Medici.tv and WQXR.

For further information on the recital, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more information on Wilson, visit johnwilsonpiano.com.

As technology continues to advance, so does cyber-related crime. Homeland security, private business and individual security are among places that need individuals trained to investigate these cyber offenses. Career paths in this growing field include computer forensic investigator, cyber threat intelligence analyst, law enforcement agent, military officer or legislative assistant.

The University of Scranton offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Cybercrime and Homeland Security. Housed in the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology, this degree is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to the evolving world of cybercrime law and the tools used to enforce it.

As part of Scranton’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime, the University’s new cyber-forensics and cyber security lab, students can gain vital hands-on experience with digital forensics tools that are used by professionals in the field.

Some key topics covered in this program’s curriculum include cyber intelligence, digital forensics investigation, ethical hacking and terrorism and homeland security.

Scranton’s Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Criminology is one of just a handful of undergraduate criminal justice programs in the United States that has been certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice in the last 10 years.

During the spring semester, the Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Seminars at The University of Scranton will explore insightful topics with timely perspectives and historical undertones.

Six experts in their fields will lead discussions via a remote format as well as in-person when luncheons return to the campus. Each event will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Admission is free for University students, faculty and staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the luncheons $25 in person and $10 remotely.

The series opens on Thursday, Feb. 10, with “Our Common Home: Vatican and Multifaith Engagement on Environment and Climate Justice,” presented by Rabbi Daniel Swartz of Temple Hesed in Scranton. He also serves as the executive director of the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL), based in Washington, D.C. Rabbi Swartz joined 40 global religious leaders, 10 scientists and social scientists, and Pope Francis at the Vatican in October 2021 to take part in an ongoing multi-faith effort to address climate change. He will share highlights of that work and discuss the role of faith traditions to protect the environment and promote the common good.

“The science of climate change has been clear for a while, but a combination of denial and disinformation, especially in the U.S., has delayed an appropriate response to the looming global crisis,” said Rabbi Swartz, who was invited because of his efforts to articulate the moral urgency of climate change and because those efforts are “on the ground” rather than administrative. One of only five participants from the U.S., he played a prominent role in writing the document presented a few weeks later at the 2021 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland.

“At the Vatican, in the interest of social justice, we prepared a shared vision of how wealthy countries can come together to mitigate the even-harsher effects of climate change on poorer regions,” said Rabbi Swartz. “Hope is the belief that if you work hard enough, any situation can improve; and that’s something all faiths have carried since the origin of religion. This initiative is different from previous planning, because we made a commitment to continue the discussion locally and reconvene periodically to assess our progress and plan action steps based on those assessments.” The seminar will take place in remote format only.  A remote link will be emailed to those registered.

On Friday, Feb. 18, Elzbieta Matynia, Ph.D., professor of sociology and liberal studies and director of the Transregional Center for Democratic Studies at the New School for Social Research, will present “Is Liberal Democracy Already History?” Dr. Matynia will explore the state of democracy today, at home and abroad and the evolution of illiberal democracies, particularly in eastern European countries. She will discuss the factors that made possible the societal hope that took root, the factors that facilitated unprecedented setbacks, and the factors that now sustain the promise of reclaiming democracy while addressing the issues of broader social justice. The seminar will take place in the Kane Forum of Edward Leahy Hall, and a remote link will be emailed to those registered.

 “Linneaus’ Legacy: Corrupting Color to Serve Discrimination and Exploitation” will be presented on Thursday, March 3 by Kathy Johnson Bowles, executive director of Scranton’s Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art. Swedish botanist, zoologist and taxonomist Carl Linneaus (1707-1778) formalized a system of naming organisms still used today.

“Linneaus’ theories have been expanded upon by several influential thinkers over the years,” said Bowles. “Reinforcing the notion that skin color, head shape and other physical characteristics determine the value of a group or individual is clearly discriminatory and racist.” Bowles will raise eyebrows by connecting those dots to the seemingly innocent naming of crayon colors and other ways that we inadvertently further these antiquated and harmful notions. The seminar will take place in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall, and a remote link will be emailed to those registered.

Two prominent scholars from Los Angeles will team up on Monday, March 14 to present “Remarkable Tale of Law, Politics, and Religion: The Making of Kiryas Joel, a Hasidic town in Upstate New York.” David N. Myers, Ph.D., a Scranton native, is the Sady and Ludwig Kahn Professor of Jewish History at UCLA, where he serves as the director of the UCLA Luskin Center for History and Policy. He will join his wife and co-author Nomi Stolzenberg, founder and co-director of the USC Center for Law, History and Culture. This talk will explore the fascinating story of Kiryas Joel, a legally recognized municipality in New York made up entirely of strictly Orthodox Hasidic Jews. The seminar will take place in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall, and a remote link will be emailed to those registered. Copies of the book by Dr. Stolzenberg and Dr. Myers, “American Shtetl: The Making of Kiryas Joel, a Hasidic Village in Upstate New York,” will be on sale.

On Thursday, March 24, Fredrik Logevall, Ph.D., Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs at Harvard University, will present “Window Into the Presidency: The White House Tapes and Their Meaning.” For a brief eleven-year period, from 1962 to 1973, three American presidents secretly recorded high-level White House deliberations concerning top policy issues. Dr. Logevall will play some of these extraordinary recordings and discuss what they reveal about the affairs of state during a tumultuous period of American history. The seminar will take place in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall, and a remote link will be emailed to those registered.

The series will conclude on Friday, April 22. “Russia and the Post-Truth Society” will be presented by Jill Dougherty, who formerly served as CNN’s Moscow Bureau Chief for almost a decade. An expert on Russia, she is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and a CNN on-air contributor.

“During the Cold War, the USSR tried to convince the world that communism was the future of humankind,” said Dougherty. “The U.S. tried to convince the world that democracy and capitalism gave people a better life. Today, propagandists still try to convince but, more and more, try to confuse and to overwhelm their target audiences with a firehose of mis- and dis-information.”

Dougherty, who is currently teaching a course titled “Information Wars” at Georgetown University, will explore the new paradigm, what it means for Russia, and what it could mean for America. The semiar will take place in the Kane Forum of Edward Leahy Hall; and a remote link will be emailed to those registered.

To register for the seminars, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. To pay by credit card over the phone, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816, or to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.

University of Scranton Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) student Gregory Kogan co-authored the text book “Self-Service Data Analytics and Governance for Managers,” which was published in 2021 by Wiley.

“The Scranton DBA program provided me with incredible research support and the professors were very involved in assisting with research and publications,” said Kogan, Manalapan, New Jersey. “It felt great to be in such an inclusive and encouraging environment that promoted collaboration between professors and DBA students. Dr. Doug Boyle, the DBA program director at Scranton, was both a coach and mentor to me. I hope to continue to collaborate with him and others at Scranton after graduation.

Kogan said he and other DBA students say Scranton’s program is “the best in the country.”

“The Scranton DBA program faculty were very caring and provided rigorous course work while also emphasizing key avenues toward success with research and publication. Furthermore, the connections that I made with other DBA students are invaluable and I am looking forward to keeping in touch with the Scranton University network in the future,” said Kogan.

A certified public accountant (CPA), Kogan is currently an assistant professor of practice in accounting at Virginia Tech University. He previously taught accounting practice at Long Island University. He has experience as an auditor at Ernst & Young and as a controller at Tiger Management. He earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and his MBA in accounting from Rutgers University. He is a member of the third cohort of DBA students at Scranton and will graduate from the program in 2022.

Housed in the Kania School of Management, the University’s DBA program began in the fall semester of 2017. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) recognized Scranton’s DBA program for “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States” in 2019. The program was developed with a concentration in accounting, to provide experienced practitioners with a practical pathway to an academic career. The program offers participants flexibility, while still providing for the development of the knowledge and skill set necessary to become a “scholarly academic” – one who is qualified to teach at a school of business that possesses or is seeking formal accreditation by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, professed his final vows as a Jesuit in the presence of members of The University of Scranton community at a Mass in the Madonna della Strada Chapel on campus on January 30.

Members of the Society of Jesus take their final vows after completing the last stage of formation called “Tertianship,” which includes a 30-day retreat to reengage the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, as well as a year-long refection on their life and service as a Jesuit.

Father Marina invited the University community to share with him the formal conclusion of his Jesuit formation, which he began 18 years ago. Father Marina entered the Society of Jesus in 2004 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2012. He became the 29^th President of The University of Scranton in June of 2021.

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Roosevelt Montás, Ph.D., author and senior lecturer in American studies and English at Columbia University, will present “Liberal Education for Human Freedom” at the Sondra and Morey Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in the Humanities and Civic Engagement Lecture on Thursday, Feb. 10, at The University of Scranton. The lecture, sponsored by The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities, will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Moskovitz Theater DeNaples Center.

At Columbia University, Dr. Montás teaches “Introduction to Contemporary Civilization in the West,” a year-long course on primary texts in moral and political thought, as well as seminars in American Studies including “Freedom and Citizenship in the United States.” He served as the director of the Center for the Core Curriculum at Columbia College from 2008 to 2018. He is also the director of the Center for American Studies’ Freedom and Citizenship Program in collaboration with the Double Discovery Center.

Dr. Montás speaks and writes on the history, meaning and future of liberal education and is the author of “Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed My Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation” (Princeton University Press, 2021).

“‘The West’ as a category is, of course, itself problematic … the banners of “Western civilization” and “Western culture” have been used to give cover to imperialist, racist and colonialist agendas and to justify the subjugation and exploitation of “non-Western” people. But the term is also used to describe something more legitimate: a large and porous cultural configuration around the Mediterranean Sea, with strong Greco-Roman roots, that served as the historical seedbed for the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Scientific Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and much of what is called ‘modernity,’” wrote Dr. Montás in an opinion piece published by The Chronicle of Higher Education on Nov. 16, 2021. “While the European continent figures prominently, the tradition incorporates defining elements from non-European sources like the Arab world, ancient Egypt and North Africa, and even the East. It is a tradition rife with fissures, where overturning the past is preferred to venerating it. Loose and fractured as this tradition of contest and debate is, key aspects of the modern world emerge from it. The tradition matters not because it is Western, but because of its contribution to human questions of the highest order.”

Dr. Montás earned his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Columbia University. His research specializes in Antebellum American literature and culture, with a particular interest in American citizenship.

For the lecture, the University will follow current health and safety guidelines as outlined in the Royals Back Together plan, which include the wearing higher grade masks (e.g. N95, KN95 or KF94) or double masking (e.g. a cloth mask worn over a surgical mask) in indoor spaces on campus.

For more information about the lecture, contact Matthew Meyer, Ph.D, professor of philosophy and faculty director of the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities, at matthew.meyer@scranton.edu.

Accounting students from The University of Scranton will follow an adjusted contactless process to assist local residents with filing their federal, state and local tax returns as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The process for this year has been adjusted to because of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

The free service is available to residents of Lackawanna and Wayne counties with household incomes of $57,000 or less for 2021. 

Qualified clients can provide the information needed to complete tax forms (see below) in a secure “drop-off box” located in the University Police Department, 820 Mulberry Street, beginning Feb. 7. Forms will be processed remotely by University student volunteers. Clients will be contacted by phone or email with any questions and when their tax forms have been filed electronically. The documents provided, or copies of documents if originals were needed for filing, will be then returned to participants.

• Documents need for filing tax forms include: 
• name, email and phone number;
• a copy of the taxpayer’s driver’s license (and spouse’s if applicable);
• a copy of Social Security cards for the taxpayer, the spouse, and any dependents;
• all Wage and earning statements, including, but not limited to:
  • Form W-2 (employees);
  • W-2G (gambling winnings);
  • 1099-R (retirement withdrawals);
  • 1099-Misc, 1099-NEC(miscellaneous income) and any related expenses;
  • 1099-G (unemployment income);
  • 1099-SA (Social Security statement);
  • 1099-B (sales of stock);
• interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV);
• a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available;
• a voided check for proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit;
• forms 1095-A, B and C, health coverage statements;
• any information pertinent to deductions and credits the taxpayer may be eligible for, such as:
  • 1098-T for anyone on the tax return who attended a higher education institution during 2020;
  • totals paid to daycare providers and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number, name, and address;
• for those who qualify for a property tax or rent rebate (age 65 and older, a widow/widower, disabled, and within certain income limits), copies of property tax receipts for any property taxes paid during the 2020 tax year;
• list of charitable donations;
• also note if you received the economic impact payment? (late 2020 or early 2021) $600/ taxpayer-spouse and each qualifying child.

Residents can include information above in an envelope and place it in the “drop-off box” in the University Police Department, 820 Mulberry Street, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., beginning Monday, Feb. 7. The program will end when the capacity to process tax forms received has been met.

Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.

University students have participated in the VITA program for more than 30 years.

On Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m., Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a Valentine’s Day Eve Concert featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and special guest Arnt Arntzen. The 3 p.m. concert will take place in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.

The concert is open to invited guests and all members of the University community. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. All audience members are required to wear a higher-grade mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or double masking) at all times. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).

The concert will feature a variety of songs about love and heartbreak, according to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga. Arntzen and the band will combine to perform a number of songs together, there will be several solo pieces during the concert featuring only Arntzen, and two pieces will feature the band alone. 

A very talented banjoist, guitarist and singer, Arntzen plays regularly with Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, as well as the Louis Armstrong Eternity Band at Birdland. He is a traditional jazz specialist who has performed with the Three Generations of Jazz band with his grandfather Lloyd, parents Georgina and Tom, brother Evan and a number of other family members and has also co-led the Brothers Arntzen with his brother Evan.

In addition, Arntzen has collaborated with numerous other ensembles in New York and Vancouver, including Baby Soda Jazz Band, Gordon Webster Swing Band, Avalon Jazz Band and many more. Though mostly a sideman, he also leads small groups exploring obscure parts of the American jazz lexicon from the early part of the 20th century.

The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) from every major are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year, and a number of University faculty, staff and alumni perform with them.

Performance Music’s large ensembles include Concert/Symphonic Band, Concert Choir/Singers, String Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble (big band format). Smaller groups are made up of members from within the large ensembles, and include Steel Drum Band, Percussion Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble and Clarinet Ensemble, plus other small vocal and instrumental groups in various formats. Solo, duo and trio performance opportunities are available to members of the ensembles through the general recitals held each semester.

Other programs within the department, including guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, Nelhybel Collection and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers.

High school juniors and seniors who are considering applying to Scranton are encouraged to contact Performance Music to arrange to sit in on a rehearsal, meet the staff, attend a concert or tour the building.  

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Arntzen, visit arntmusic.com.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers in May 2017 was $98,350.

The University of Scranton’s Bachelor of Science degree in health administration affords students the opportunity to choose a concentration between a health administration generalist program or a long-term administration program. The former aims to provide students with a broad base knowledge of employment opportunities in various facilities, while the latter focuses on preparation for job opportunities within long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Scranton’s program holds full undergraduate membership in the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) and is one of just 11 programs nationwide to be approved for its long-term care administration curriculum by the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).

Experiential learning is emphasized in the health administration program where students complete a three-credit, 120-hour internship and 80 hours of community-based learning in their four years. Past internship sites include AseraCare Hospice, Clarks Summit Senior Living, Jefferson Health System, Lebanon Valley Advanced Care Center and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Recent graduates have been employed by various health care providers in the eastern U.S. such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, Geisinger Health System, Lehigh Valley Health Care System and Allied Services.

Scranton graduates who choose to pursue graduate-level education in health administration-related programs have been accepted at schools such as Columbia University and New York University, as well as The University of Scranton, which also offers a master’s degree in health administration.

The University of Scranton awarded faculty development intersession grants for 2022 to eight faculty members.

Hope Baylow, D.A., assistant professor of health and human performance, received a grant to research “Voice Problems and Quality of Life in Individuals with Marfan Syndrome.” She earned her bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University, her master’s degree from Long Island University and her doctoral degree from Adelphia University. She has worked for the University since 2020.

Hengameh Hosseini, Ph.D., assistant professor of health administration and human resources, received a grant to research the “Development of a new Undergraduate Minor in Public Health.” She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tehran, her master’s degree from King’s College and her doctoral degree from Marywood University. She has worked for the University since 2018.

Joseph Pellegrino, Ph.D., assistant professor of health and human performance, received a grant to research the “Quantification of the Physical Load and Physiological Strain on Division III Women’s Basketball Players.” He earned his bachelor’s degree from Cook College, his master’s degree from the University of Montana and his doctoral degree from Rutgers University. He has worked for the University since 2019.

Abhijit Roy, D.B.A., professor of management, marketing and entrepreneurship, received a grant to research “A Hierarchical Model of Social Justice Initiatives by the Jesuits: Embeddedness of Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation.” He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Allahabad, his master’s and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Arizona and his doctoral degree from Boston University. He has worked for the University since 2006.

Janette Scardillo, D.P.T., faculty specialist for the Physical Therapy Department, received a grant to research “Utilizing Best Practice to Implement Simulation-based Experiences in the DPT Curriculum.” She earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from The University of Scranton. She has worked for the University since 2017.

Yamile Silva Gualteros, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures, received a grant to research “A Critical Edition of Dominican Writer Abigail Meja’s Transatlantic Journalism.” She earned her bachelor’s degree from Los Andes University, and her master’s degree and doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She has worked for the University since 2009.

Brian Snee, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication and media, received a grant to research “Columbus Uncancelled: Reflective Rhetoric in the Third and Fourth Personae.” He earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, and his master’s degree and doctoral degree from the Pennsylvania State University. He has worked for the University since 2020.

Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theatre, received a grant to research “The Wyoming Option: Will Arbery, Rod Dreher and Conservative Catholicism.” He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa, and his master’s degree and doctoral degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has worked for the University since 2009.

During the spring semester, University of Scranton professors will share their passion and expertise at three different Schemel Forum courses that run in six weekly sessions from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in-person at the University’s Weinberg Memorial Library, or remotely via a zoom link.

Sean Brennan, Ph.D., professor of history at the University, will present “James Bond and the Cold War” on the following Tuesdays: February 1, 8, 15 and 22; and March 1 and 8.

One of the most famous fictional characters to come out of the British Isles, Ian Fleming’s superspy James Bond has been a constant presence in books, films, video games and merchandise for almost seventy years. This course will put Bond back into the context of the Cold War from the 1950s to the 1980s. It will begin with an examination of Fleming’s novels and how they connect to his own background in espionage and then move to the films from the Connery to Dalton eras, ranging from “Dr. No” to “The Living Daylights.”

Christopher E. Fremaux, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy at the University, will present “Moral Citizenship: The Enlightenment Vision of the Ethical Community” on the following Thursdays: February 3, 10, 17 and 24; and March 3 and 10.

“Among the plethora of issues that mark our contemporary political discourse is a growing skepticism of the practicality, and perhaps even the value, of democratic institutions,” said Dr. Fremaux. “Helping to fuel this skepticism is disagreement over a perennial issue in political philosophy: the relation between the individual and the community.” The course will examine this topic by exploring a vision of society first articulated in the Enlightenment: the vision of an ethical community, i.e., a political community structured according to moral principles

Dr. Fremaux added, “We will focus upon the ideas of four philosophers in particular: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant, Johann Fichte and Georg Hegel. Taken collectively, these philosophers put forward the clearest articulation of the ethical community. By exploring their ideas, we will develop a moral conception of citizenship in view of which we are obligated to work for the sake of the common, not simply the individual, good.”

“Police as Guardians in a Time of War” will be taught by Michael J. Jenkins, Ph.D., associate professor and chair the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology, and executive director of the Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime (CAPoC) at the Univeristy. The course will meet on the following Wednesdays: February 9, 16 and 23; and March 2, 9 and 23.

This course will first discuss the Anglo-Peelian roots of police as maintainers of order. Findings from key court cases and commissions on policing will serve as an overview of the modern history of policing in the United States. The course will conclude with present controversies in policing and debate ideas for aligning the need for maintaining orderly communities with the mandate of ensuring justice.

The courses are free for University students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the in-person fee is $75 per individual and $125 per couple, and $60 for remote-only.

To register for the courses, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. To pay by credit card over the phone, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816, or to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.

More than 1,650 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2021 fall semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and Panuska College of Professional Studies.

A list of students making the Dean’s List can be seen here.

The following students were added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the spring 2021 semester after publication of the list in June of 2021.

The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2021 spring semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies.

Students added to the spring 2021 Dean’s List are:

U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “Best Online Graduate Programs” ranked The University of Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 55 and its online MBA program at No. 98 in the nation. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 65 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”

This is the 11^th consecutive year that U.S. News ranked the University’s online programs among the best in the nation. The methodology used by U.S. News to determine the ranking has changed several times throughout the years.

For the 2022 Best Online Programs ranking, which published January 25, U.S. News reviewed statistical information submitted by schools. The ranking criteria differed by category. The criteria used by U.S. News to rank online business and MBA programs included student engagement (30 percent), which looked at graduation rates, class size, one-year retention rates, and best practices such as accreditation by AACSB International, among other factors. The ranking criteria also included peer reputation score (25 percent); faculty credentials and training (15 percent); admission selectivity (15 percent); and student services and technology (15 percent).

In addition to offering distance education programs that incorporate coursework that is predominantly online, colleges and universities making the “Best Online Program for Veterans” list must have ranked in top half of 2022 Best Online Program rankings; be regionally accredited; be certified for the GI Bill and participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program; and enroll a “critical mass of veterans” as defined by U.S. News based on the size of the college.

Scranton offers online MBA degrees in general business, accounting, business analytics, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, human resources, international business and operations management; master’s degrees in accountancy, business analytics, finance, health administration, health informatics and human resources and a dual MBA/MHA degree, in addition to graduate certificates. For technology, recruitment and marketing support, the University partners with Wiley for the online programs.

In other rankings published by U.S. News, Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 28 consecutive years. Scranton is ranked No. 5 in the 2022 edition of the guidebook. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching.” U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category in its “Best Undergraduate Teaching” listing of the top colleges in the nation expressing “a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching,” among other rankings.

The University of Scranton recognized students and their elementary and high school teachers, who they credit for contributing to their success, with Rose Kelly Awards at a recent virtual ceremony.

The Rose Kelly Award was established by University of Scranton alumnus Joseph Wineburgh, Ph.D., to link the efforts of educators to the achievements of college students. The award is presented jointly to a student in each of the University’s colleges who has completed two years at Scranton and to the teacher whom he or she recognizes as having a great impact in his or her life. Students are selected based on exemplary achievement in both academics and general campus involvement.

Emma Boyle, Peckville, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Kania School of Management. She honored Dana Marion, her kindergarten teacher at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center. Boyle is an accounting major at Scranton.

Alexander Luancing, Easton, received the Rose Kelly Award for the College of Arts and Sciences. He honored Gina Rakos, his AP biology teacher at Nazareth Area High School. Luancing is a biology major at Scranton.

Anne Murphy, Flemington, New Jersey, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Panuska College of Professional Studies. She honored Chelsea D’Antonio her teacher at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. Murphy is a counseling and human services major at Scranton.

The University of Scranton ranked No. 84 among the 616 master’s universities in the nation included in a 2021 listing by Washington Monthly that seeks to rate colleges based on their contribution to the public good. Published in the September/October issue of the magazine and online, Washington Monthly analyzed numerous data sets to determine an overall rank, as well as a score and rank of colleges for “research,” “social mobility” and “community and national service.” Scranton ranked No. 34, No. 187 and No. 115, respectively, in these categories among master’s universities.

Washington Monthly weighted equally the colleges’ scores for research, social mobility and service to calculate the overall ranking. The research score is based on each school’s research expenditure and the number of alumni earning Ph.D.s, relative to the size of the college. The social mobility score is based on actual and predicted graduation rates; student loan repayment rates; the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants; and the school’s average net price for full-time, in-state students with family incomes below $75,000 per year over the past three years, among other factors. The service score, also adjusted for the size of the school, is based on the size of the ROTC program; the number of alumni serving in the Peace Corps; and the percentage of federal work study grant money spent on community service projects and voter engagement, among other factors.

This is the 12^th consecutive year Washington Monthly has included Scranton in its college rankings.

In other national rankings, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Scranton among the 10 top Regional Universities in the North for 28 consecutive years, and as a “Best Value” school for nine consecutive years. The Princeton Review included Scranton in its list “Best Colleges” for 20 consecutive years.

For the third time, a University of Scranton accounting student was selected for the Institute of Management Accountants’ (IMA) “Jimmie Smith” Student Leadership Experience. This highly-selective program includes only five students from the around the world.

Emma Boyle of Peckville, will participate in a series of virtual meetings from January to May, 2022, focused on governance and volunteerism. The program will conclude in June with her attending the IMA’s Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas. Throughout the program, Boyle will be assigned a IMA’s Global Board of Director mentor to learn more about the IMA’s Global Board and explore future IMA volunteer leadership opportunities.

The other four students selected to participate are from Christ University in India, American University of Beirut in Lebanon, and Dixie State University in Nevada.

The IMA Selection Committee only chooses students from IMA Higher Education Endorsement Program member schools to attend this experience. The University of Scranton received its endorsement in November 2017. Just 62 colleges in the U.S. are currently endorsed by the IMA, and 40 colleges are endorsed internationally.

This is not the first year a University of Scranton student has attended the IMA Student Leadership Experience. Nicholas Varriano ’17, ‘G18, attended in 2018, and Nhu Nguyen ’19, attended in 2019. 

Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) program, continuing education, networking and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. IMA has a global network of more than 140,000 members in 140 countries and over 300 professional and student chapters.

At Scranton Boyle is pursuing a major in accounting with a triple-minor in business analytics, business leadership and forensic accounting. On campus, she is a tour guide and Royal Ambassador. She currently serves as president for the University’s IMA Student Chapter, Beta Alpha Psi honor society, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Student Chapter.

Boyle previously interned with Neumentum, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and the University’s Career Development Office. She is currently completing an audit internship with Deloitte in the Philadelphia office. Upon graduation, Boyle plans to complete her Master of Accountancy at The University of Scranton with a concentration in accounting analytics.

The University of Scranton and community partners hosted three events recently as part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The purpose of the two-year project is to explore the aspirational journey to fulfill our national ideals through the lens of Scranton, as an iconic “All American City” that has experienced many of the key elements of our nation’s experience: industrial era growth and decline, waves of immigration past and present, Black and Indigenous experiences, and a rich religious and neighborhood tapestry that is integral to Scranton’s community and resilience. Eight themes will involve a range of events, including lectures, dialogues, community workshops and story collection.

The recent events comprised the theme, “Portrait of Scranton, Portrait of a Nation,” and included a keynote address by Scranton-born author Jay Parini and local panelists on “Scranton in the Popular Imagination,” a Lackawanna Avenue “Jane Jacobs” walk to consider “what Scranton is, has been, and can be,” and a roundtable discussion on “Scranton and the Nation: Who are we and who do we aspire to be?”.

Upcoming events in winter of 2022 will focus on the U.S. Citizen and the American Founding and will include a book discussion (Feb. 3), lecture with guest scholars (March 1) and public dialogue (March 22) focused around the question: “Freedom and Our Founding – What do they mean for us today?” Spring 2022 events will focus on the Indigenous History of NEPA. For more information visit scranton.edu/scrantonstory.

Note: Access to the campus is currently limited to members of the University community, invited guests and others as listed in the Royals Back Together plan. Campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.

Feb. 3 5 p.m. Book Discussion: “Freedom: An Unruly History” led by Matt Meyers, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, University of Scranton. The event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project’s second theme, “The U.S. Citizen and the American Founding.” Offered in-person or in a virtual format. Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Feb. 4 through Mar. 4                       Art Exhibit: “Beneath the Surface, Behind the Horizon: Sculptures and Drawings by Cynthia Myron.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Feb. 10            noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Our Common Home: Vatican and Multifaith Engagement on Environment and Climate Justice” presented by Rabbi Daniel Swartz, spiritual leader, Temple Hesed and executive director, Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.